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MLB Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/27)

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The weather is getting warmer, and we're fully into the MLB season. Let's begin the week by looking at some players that can impact tonight's games.

Today's Best MLB Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Tampa Bay Rays (-144) at Chicago White Sox (+122) | O/U 7 (-122/+100)

We will look at a rematch from last week because it features two of the more exciting pitchers in the league.

The White Sox look like they'll struggle this season. They are riding a seven-game losing streak, and both their offense and pitching are ranked near the bottom. Dylan Cease has been their one bright light in the rotation, as he carries over his stellar 2022 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.

The Rays got off to one of the best starts in league history with the highest average and ERA. Shane McClanahan had a Cy Young-potential season early on in 2022, but an injury derailed it. He's on track to be in those talks again this year.

This is certainly an even pitching matchup, but you have to favor the Rays giving just enough run supports to pull them to a win.

Pick: Rays ML (-144)

New York Yankees (-158) at Texas Rangers (+134) | O/U 8 (-115/-105)

The Yankees have recently lost a few games, so of course it's overreaction time for the Bronx faithful. Coming off a series loss to the first-place Twins, this will be another challenging weekend against the also first-place Rangers. Having Gerrit Cole can help with any slump, as he's been the best pitcher in the league with a 0.79 ERA and WHIP.

The Rangers got off to a great start, but are limping after being swept in Cincinnati. Every aspect of the team was good in that series except for the bullpen, which allowed Cincy to score six runs in the eighth and two walk-offs. After a terrible first start to the season, Andrew Heaney has been lights out recently, allowing just two earned in his last 16 innings.

It's tough for any offense when you have Cole as your opposing pitcher, followed by a bullpen with the second-lowest ERA. The Rangers’ pitching has to be flawless, and we've seen the bullpen get worn out earlier this week.

Pick: Yankees -1.5 (+108)

Oakland Athletics (+290) at Los Angeles Angels (-360) | O/U 8.5 (-108/-112)

The Angels and Athletics will cap off this four-game series with LA hoping to grab their third consecutive win.

The Angels have dominated the last two games by scoring 16 runs. Shohei Ohtani will take the mound and he's been dominant this year. Three of his four outings were quality starts and the fourth was because he didn't return to the mound after a rain delay.

JP Spears is one of the better pitchers the Athletics have on the roster. He has excellent control of his pitches and a remarkable ability to have batters chase.

This will not be an offensively-dominant game like the first three, and I'm taking the under.

Pick: Under 8.5 (-122)

Check out the other best bets for Thursday:

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