Top MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/4)
Let's dive into our top MLB bets. There is a good slate of games to choose from, and we'll look at some to play for this Thursday, April 4.
Thursday's MLB Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pittsburgh Pirates (-135) @ Washington Nationals (+114) | O/U 9 (+100/-120)
The Nationals won yesterday and can take the series in the rubber match. However, it won't be easy with Josiah Gray on the mound. Gray has struggled to find success, and his expected ERA was in the 19th percentile last year. He was shelved in his first start against the Reds and allowed seven earned runs in four innings.
The Pirates dropped their first game of the year last night, but this team is clicking on offense. They are second in the league in OBP and sixth in OPS after starting 5-1. Martin Perez is coming off an awful season with the Rangers, where he had a 4.45 ERA and a 0.8 WAR. His debut for the Pirates went well, as he allowed just one earned run in 4.1 innings.
That start was against an awful Marlins lineup, but the Nationals' offense has been good to start the season. It is above average in most offensive categories, including ninth in slugging. Nine is a high total, but with both offenses starting hot and a bad pitching matchup, the over with plus-odds looks great.
Pick: Over 9 (+100)
Miami Marlins (+124) @ St. Louis Cardinals (-148) | O/U 8.5 (-115/-105)
The Cardinals started the season on a West Coast trip against the Dodgers and Padres. Going 3-4 isn't bad, and although they've had a couple of offense bursts, they sit in the 10 ten in average, OBP and SLG. Lance Lynn will get the ball. As his career comes full circle, we saw the vintage Lynn that made him successful at the start of his career by going four scoreless in his last start.
Of the 28 teams that have played at least five games, the Marlins are the only ones that have yet to grab a victory. This roster looks bad, as they are last in loss advancement. Ryan Weather gets the ball, and while his velocity has increased yearly, the command continues to trouble him, as he allows over three walks per nine.
While the Cardinals' walk rate is near the bottom this year, they finished seventh last year. The pitching matchup heavily favors St. Louis, so they should keep the Marlins winless.
Pick: Cardinals Moneyline (-148)
Cleveland Guardians (+130) @ Minnesota Twins (-155) | O/U 7.5 (-105/-115)
Although the Twins ran away with the American League Central last year, they made many changes to the team. The lineup has several new faces, but some things remain the same; their average stinks as they are 21st, and they strike out a lot with the highest K rate in the league. The pitching will keep this team a contender, and with Sonny Gray gone, tonight's pitcher, Pablo Lopez, is their ace.
The Guardians were in contention for a while in the AL Central last year. However, they struggled in the second half, allowing Minnesota to pull away. A 10-game road trip is not an easy way to start the season. Yet, they are 5-2 and playing very well. They've also scored five or more runs in each of those wins. Tanner Bibee’s first start of the season was not memorable against a bad Athletics lineup. He allowed three earned runs but walked an abysmal five batters.
Bibee should fare better against a Twins lineup that won't look for the walk, but Lopez should also be effective enough. Look to take the under.
Pick: Under 7.5 (-115)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: