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MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (4/9)

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We’ve got plenty of baseball on the horizon today.

The Tampa Bay Rays are still the only undefeated team in the MLB. It’s been quite the run for a team with such a small payroll. Will that be the case after today?

I have a couple of best bets I’ll be wagering on. One includes the Rays game.

Let’s get after it!

Check out MLB Home Run Odds for all players in today's games >>

Today’s Best MLB Bets

All wagers are 1 unit
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have had a favorable schedule to begin the year. A series against Oakland never hurt anyone. They’ll face James Kaprielian, one of the worst starters on the MLB slate today.

Kaprielian finished his season debut with a 9.00 ERA against the Guardians. He struck out five in five innings but allowed seven hits and two walks to Cleveland. Since last year, Kaprielian has had a 5.75 xFIP with 17.1% of strikeouts and 10.1% of walks. He rarely earns ground balls and gives up plenty of hard contact.

The Rays don’t have the most incredible lineup on paper, but this team has plenty of power against righties, including Luke Raley, who has a .210 ISO in 73 plate appearances against righties.

On the other hand, Drew Rasmussen will get the start for the Rays. His xFIP is below 4.00 using this year’s and last year’s stats. He’s struck out nearly 22% of batters and has walked just above 5%. The Athletics have combined for a wOBA of .287, with their projected lineup dating back to last season. That’s just not going to get it done. Not against a Rays offense that is peaking right now.

Back the Rays at -1.5.

Bet: Rays -1.5 (-145)

Texas Rangers vs. Chicago Cubs

Let’s be honest. Neither offense has been consistent dating back to last season.

The Rangers will take on Jameson Taillon. They hit a .286 wOBA as a group using 2022 and 2023 stats. Only Nate Lowe has a higher wOBA than .332 against righties in the projected lineup.

Taillon isn’t a high-strikeout pitcher. He’s earned under 20% of strikeouts dating back to last season. But he’s also limited wOBA against both sides of the plate to .310 or lower.

On the other hand, Jon Gray will get the start for the Rangers. He’s likely going to out-pitch Taillon. Over last year and his first start this year, he’s got a 4.01 xFIP with nearly 26% of strikeouts. He’s facing a Cubs lineup with just Ian Happ earning a wOBA of above .323 against righties dating back to last season.

I will rely on both pitchers to help keep this game Under the total.

Bet: Under 8 (-135)

Check out our other top picks for Sunday:

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