Guy Boston recommended confidently playing Taijuan Walker's over 3.5 strikeouts prop at -113 odds against the Braves. Walker cleared this line already this season in his first start, recording 4 strikeouts versus Colorado. While not known historically as a high strikeout pitcher (only 6.7 Ks per 9 innings last year), Walker met this strikeout line in 60% of his starts in the previous season, averaging 3.67 Ks per game. Importantly, the Braves have been striking out at an extremely high rate—ranking bottom 10 last season at nearly 24%, and worsening significantly now down to second-worst (29th overall in MLB) at an alarming 28.3% strikeout rate versus right-handed pitching over their last 30 games. Atlanta also ranks bottom five in MLB for total strikeouts per game this season at 9.6 per game. Given these matchup stats, Boston identified Walker's modest 3.5 strikeouts line as excellent value.

Dana Lane advised betting against Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker despite Walker starting 2025 with no earned runs allowed. Lane emphasized Walker's significant struggles historically in Philadelphia, pointing out a disappointing 3-7 record and an ERA over 7.00 in the previous season, contrasted against a good yet possibly fluky first outing against the Rockies. Lane stated he would need to see sustained success against stronger competition before backing Walker, noting Atlanta is significantly better than Colorado offensively, especially with the return of star catcher Sean Murphy. Lane also mentioned the Braves' recent acquisitions, particularly Raphael Montero bolstering their bullpen, making Walker's matchup tougher.

Drew Martin recommended backing the Phillies at plus-money (+110) over the Braves. He pointed out Phillies starter Taijuan Walker impressively throwing six scoreless innings against the Rockies in his first start, with his velocity notably sitting two mph faster than in 2024, indicating improved form. Braves' starter Grant Holmes struggled with four hits and four walks in just four innings against the Dodgers during his first start. Additionally, Drew emphasized that the Phillies currently possess the better lineup, especially effective against right-handed pitching early this season, though he cautioned potential bullpen volatility late in the game.

Just A Bet Outside highlighted Taijuan Walker's declining production, calling him 'batting practice' and specifically noting his vulnerability due to his lack of swing-and-miss capability. Considering Walker's declining profile and propensity to surrender hard contact, fading him in betting and DFS scenarios offers potentially optimal leverage.

Greg Peterson recommends a moneyline wager on Atlanta Braves (-120) against Taijuan Walker and the Phillies. Peterson highlights Walker as one of MLB's worst starters in 2024, posting a problematic 7.10 ERA, 6.94 FIP, and allowing 2.6 HR/9 over 19 appearances. Peterson dismisses Walker’s recent successful start (six scoreless innings vs Rockies) as misleading given his consistent past issues. On the other hand, Atlanta pitcher Grant Holmes projects well, maintaining solid stats (3.80 ERA and impressive underlying 3.39 FIP with strong 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings and a low walk rate of 2.3) since 2024. Given the stark contrast in starter reliability, Peterson prices Atlanta's line closer to -147, clearly favoring the Braves at the available price.

Greg Peterson recommends betting against Taijuan Walker and the Phillies based on Walker's dismal recent performance. Walker suffered through one of MLB's worst pitching seasons in recent memory in 2024, recording a disastrous 7.10 ERA, a 6.94 FIP, and allowing a staggering 2.6 home runs per 9 innings (HR/9) across 19 appearances. Facing the Rockies, Greg suggests that the poor form makes the Rockies an attractive underdog at +195, compared to his projected fair line of +164.

Scott Reichel is strongly fading Taijuan Walker by backing Colorado Rockies' first five money line as an underdog. Reichel stresses Walker should not be priced as high as -200 or -210 given his current skill level, believing Walker is severely overvalued in betting markets. Scott acknowledges the risk given Colorado's atrocious bullpen issues but isolates the first five innings specifically to ensure the Rockies' mediocre bullpen is out of the equation. He considers this the safest way to exploit Walker's vulnerability, aiming to cash in as long as the Rockies can stay competitive early in the contest.

Scott Reichel sees a high-value betting angle backing the Rockies on the first five-inning money line as an underdog against Taijuan Walker. Reichel clearly views Walker as a pitcher undeserving of strong market confidence, noting Walker consistently allows heavy contact and is vulnerable to early-game struggles. Reichel favored isolating this bet for the first five innings specifically to ensure the Rockies capitalize against Walker before their league-worst bullpen inevitably takes the mound. He argues the Rockies' offense, despite the team's overall issues, is competent enough early on against subpar pitching like Walker, providing appealing betting value.

Scott Reichel strongly opposes Taijuan Walker and finds it unjustifiable that Walker is priced as a -230 favorite against the Rockies. He views Walker as a pitcher who gives up heavy contact and is simply not good enough to warrant such heavy juice in the marketplace. Reichel notes Antonio Senzatela's encouraging first start this year against Tampa Bay and believes that Colorado, despite overall struggling, can generate enough offense early on against a weak pitcher like Walker. His recommendation is specifically Rockies first five innings, highlighting their better opportunity to capitalize on Walker before Colorado's dreadful bullpen (league-worst 10.80 ERA) enters the picture.