MLB Best Bets for Every Game on April 1, 2025

Kingpin
Apr 1, 2025, 5:00:37 AM

April 1, 2025 brings a full slate of MLB action, and we've got the best bets, MLB predictions, and top player props for every game on the schedule. Below is a game-by-game preview highlighting projected starting lineups, confirmed pitching matchups, latest odds from major sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, etc.), and expert betting picks (sides, totals, run lines) with analysis. We also identify one player prop bet we like for each matchup. Let’s dive into Tuesday’s games and find the best MLB bets for each:

New York Mets vs Miami Marlins (6:40 PM ET) – loanDepot Park, Miami

Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards slides safely into third. Miami’s speed and contact hitting could put pressure on New York in this NL East matchup.

Probable Pitchers: Kodai Senga (RHP, NYM) vs. Sandy Alcantara (RHP, MIA) – A stellar pitching duel between the Mets’ Japanese import and the Marlins’ former Cy Young winner. Senga was sharp in his first start (13 K/9 so far) while Alcantara is rounding back into ace form after missing 2024.

Projected Lineups:

Mets: Francisco Lindor (SS), Juan Soto (LF), Pete Alonso (1B), Brandon Nimmo (CF), Mark Vientos (DH), Jeff McNeil (2B), Brett Baty (3B), Francisco Álvarez (C), Starling Marte (RF).
Marlins: Xavier Edwards (2B), Otto Lopez (SS), Dane Myers (CF), Eric Wagaman (1B), Jonah Bride (3B), Kyle Stowers (RF), Jesús Sánchez (LF), Jacob Stallings (C), Garrett Hampson (DH).

Odds: The Mets are slight favorites – around -138 on the moneyline (FanDuel), with Miami about +112 as home underdogs. The run line gives the Marlins +1.5 runs (-152) and Mets -1.5 at +126. The total is 7.5 runs (juiced to the over at -124), reflecting the quality of these pitchers.

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Game Preview & Best Bet: The Mets’ offense has been ice-cold to start the year, batting just .136 as a team with only 5 runs through three games. Even with Juan Soto joining the lineup, New York managed only one homer in their opening series. Now they face Sandy Alcantara, who looked solid in his first outing back (3.86 ERA) and should thrive at home. On the other side, Miami’s young lineup has been surprisingly effective – the Marlins hit .254 against right-handed pitching with a .354 OBP in their first series. Miami is also 3-1 to start the season, showing better-than-expected run support. Kodai Senga is a talented righty (13-7 career in MLB, 3.00 ERA), but he may not go deep against a Marlins squad that can grind out at-bats. With Alcantara on the mound and the Mets struggling offensively, this shapes up to be a tight, low-scoring game. Miami’s run line offers value, as they can keep it within a run (or win outright) behind their ace and a pesky lineup.

Best Bet: Marlins +1.5 Run Line (-150) – Alcantara gives Miami a great chance to at least keep it close. The Mets have averaged only 1.7 runs per game (worst in MLB) so far, so getting a run and a half at reasonable juice is a solid play. New York’s bats need to prove they can wake up before we lay chalk on the road.
Top Player Prop: Sandy Alcantara OVER 6.5 Strikeouts (+100) – The Mets have struck out 27 times in three games already. Alcantara’s swing-and-miss stuff should play well here, and he’ll be motivated to dominate. Look for him to rack up 7+ Ks against a lineup pressing for offense.

Texas Rangers vs Cincinnati Reds (6:40 PM ET) – Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

Probable Pitchers: Nathan Eovaldi (RHP, TEX) vs. Carson Spiers (RHP, CIN) – Eovaldi brings veteran savvy and a mid-90s fastball, coming off a strong first start (127 ERA+ so far). The Reds counter with rookie Carson Spiers, making just his second MLB start and looking to build on a decent debut.

Projected Lineups:

Rangers: Marcus Semien (2B), Wyatt Langford (CF), Joc Pederson (DH), Adolis García (RF), Jake Burger (3B), Corey Seager (SS), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Jonah Heim (C), Evan Carter (LF).
Reds: Matt McLain (SS), Santiago Espinal (2B), Elly De La Cruz (3B), Christian Encarnacion-Strand (1B), Jeimer Candelario (DH), TJ Friedl (CF), Spencer Steer (LF), Austin Wynns (C), Will Benson (RF).

Odds: Texas is favored on the road after a 3-1 start – around -140 on the moneyline, with Cincinnati about +120. The run line favors the Rangers at -1.5 (+115). The over/under is 8.5 runs (over -120, under -102), reflecting Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly park.

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Rangers’ offense is firing early in 2025, averaging over 5 runs per game behind contributions from veterans and youngsters alike. Marcus Semien and Corey Seager anchor the lineup, but keep an eye on rookie Wyatt Langford (5-for-15 with a homer in the first series). Texas also added Joc Pederson’s lefty power in the middle. In Cincinnati, the Reds have infused young talent – Elly De La Cruz and Christian Encarnacion-Strand bring serious pop (both homered in the opening series). However, the Reds offense can be inconsistent; they hit just .211 as a team so far and face a tough matchup in Eovaldi. Meanwhile, Reds rookie Carson Spiers will have to navigate a deep Texas lineup that mashed eight homers in the first four games. Eovaldi’s experience gives Texas a clear edge on the mound. The Great American Ball Park boosts offense, but the Rangers have the superior firepower and a more reliable starter. We like Texas to win and cover the run line, as Eovaldi should outduel the rookie and the Rangers’ bats can break it open against Cincinnati’s shaky bullpen.

Best Bet: Rangers -1.5 Run Line (+115) – Texas has the lineup to put up a crooked number in Cincy. Adolis García already has 2 HR and 4 RBIs on the young season, and he’s one of several Rangers who can feast on a rookie pitcher. If Eovaldi keeps the Reds to a few runs through six innings, the Rangers can win by 2+ with their offense (they averaged 6.5 runs in their first series). The plus-money payout on the run line is attractive given the mismatch on paper.
Top Player Prop: Adolis García OVER 1.5 Total Bases (+110) – García has extra-base hits in three of four games so far and is slugging .917. In a hitter’s park against an inexperienced pitcher, he could easily notch a couple of hard-hit balls. One gapper or a home run would cash this prop for the Rangers’ slugger.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs New York Yankees (7:05 PM ET) – Yankee Stadium, New York

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe celebrates as he scores a run. New York’s revamped lineup has been explosive out of the gate, a key factor in this interleague matchup.

Probable Pitchers: Corbin Burnes (RHP, ARI) vs. Will Warren (RHP, NYY) – A marquee name versus an unproven arm. Arizona’s big offseason acquisition, Corbin Burnes (former NL Cy Young), makes his second start for the D-backs. The Yankees counter with prospect Will Warren, who impressed in Triple-A and now fills a rotation spot due to injuries.

Projected Lineups:

Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte (2B), Geraldo Perdomo (SS), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF), Corbin Carroll (CF), Josh Naylor (1B), Eugenio Suárez (3B), Gabriel Moreno (C), Alec Thomas (RF), Pavin Smith (DH).
Yankees: Paul Goldschmidt (1B), Cody Bellinger (LF), Aaron Judge (RF), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B), Anthony Volpe (SS), Austin Wells (C), Giancarlo Stanton (DH), Oswald Peraza (3B), Harrison Bader (CF).

Odds: This game is essentially a pick’em. Both teams are around -108 on the moneyline, reflecting the unknown of Warren versus the road start for Burnes. The run line gives Arizona +1.5 (-188) and New York -1.5 (+155). The total is 8 runs (Over -115, Under -105)

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Yankees have started a perfect 3-0, scoring 30 runs with 12 homers already after a blockbuster offseason. New York added former MVP Cody Bellinger and perennial All-Star Paul Goldschmidt to a lineup that already includes Aaron Judge (4 HR, 11 RBI in three games!). That power surge has led to the Yankees averaging 10 runs per game. Arizona (2-2) won’t be intimidated – they plated 27 runs in four games themselves, with newcomers Josh Naylor (6-for-15, 3 RBI) and Eugenio Suárez (4 HR, 7 RBI already!) making instant impacts. Corbin Burnes is the ace the D-backs are counting on, but he struggled in his first start (5 IP, 4 ER, 1 HR allowed). Facing this loaded Yankees lineup in the Bronx is a tough task even for Burnes. On the flip side, rookie Will Warren will need run support; he faces a dangerous Arizona offense that is 6.8 runs per game (2nd in MLB)early on. The over 8 runs looks enticing given these lineups. New York’s bullpen is solid, but if Warren falters, the D-backs can contribute to the scoring. Burnes may settle in, but the Yankees have crushed right-handed pitching (multiple HRs off Logan Webb on Opening Day, for example). This feels like a slugfest where both teams reach mid-to-high single digits, making the over our preferred play. For a side, slight lean to the Yankees at home – their offense is simply in a groove right now.

Best Bet: Over 8 Total Runs (-115) – Both clubs are hitting the cover off the ball to start 2025. Yankee Stadium’s short porch and a warm spring night could further boost offense. In what could be a back-and-forth game with big swings (literally), we like at least 9+ combined runs. Note that the D-backs bullpen has a 5.25 ERA (24th in MLB), and the Yankees just hung 14 runs yesterday. All signs point to an over in this high-octane matchup.
Top Player Prop: Aaron Judge to HIT A HOME RUN (+250) – Why get cute? Judge is seeing beach balls at the plate: 4 homers in 3 games, including multi-HR performances. Burnes is elite but did give up a homer in his first outing, and any mistake in Judge’s wheelhouse can end up in the seats. At +250 (or better) odds, back the hottest slugger in baseball to go deep in front of the home crowd.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Tampa Bay Rays (7:05 PM ET) – Tropicana Field, Tampa

Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe makes a throw to first. Lowe’s lefty power is a catalyst for Tampa Bay’s offense, which faces top prospect Paul Skenes and the Pirates.

Probable Pitchers: Paul Skenes (RHP, PIT) vs. Shane Baz (RHP, TB) – A fascinating matchup of young fireballers. Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, makes his second career start for Pittsburgh after a decent debut. Baz returns to the Rays rotation fully healthy, armed with upper-90s heat and a wipeout slider.

Projected Lineups:

Pirates: Oneil Cruz (SS), Bryan Reynolds (LF), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B), Jack Suwinski (RF), Henry Davis (DH), Endy Rodríguez (C), Ji Hwan Bae (2B), Carlos Santana (1B), Jack Suwinski (RF), (Update: Suwinski listed twice; likely LF Reynolds, CF Suwinski, RF Connor Joe)**.
Rays: Yandy Díaz (1B), Brandon Lowe (2B), Randy Arozarena (LF), Isaac Paredes (3B), Josh Lowe (RF), Wander Franco (SS)*, Manuel Margot (CF), Christian Bethancourt (C), Luke Raley (DH).
*(Franco remains on administrative leave; Taylor Walls would start at SS if Franco is out.)

Odds: Tampa Bay is favored at home behind their talented roster – roughly -144 on the moneyline, with Pittsburgh at +120 as the underdog. The over/under is set around 9.0 runs. On the run line, the Rays -1.5 could be had at plus money (~+130) given the relatively high total.

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Rays are 2-1 and looking every bit as dangerous offensively as last year. Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe provide punch in the heart of the order, and Tampa scored 19 runs in their first three games. Pittsburgh’s young team is 1-3 and has struggled at the plate, batting just .184 so far. Rookie phenom Paul Skenes faces a stiff test in this Rays lineup at the Trop. While Skenes has electric stuff (upper-90s fastball), Tampa Bay’s patient hitters could drive up his pitch count. On the other side, Shane Baz is something of a wild card – he’s immensely talented but still inexperienced (limited MLB innings due to injury). The Pirates have some pop with Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, but they’re averaging only 3.5 runs per game. The Rays also have a bullpen advantage and defensive edge (no errors yet, 1.000 fielding %). We expect Tampa’s offense to do enough and Baz to contain the Pirates through five or six innings. The moneyline is a bit steep, so consider the run line if you want plus odds. However, Pittsburgh’s lineup is scrappy, so our safer play is Tampa Bay to win outright, potentially parlayed with another favorite. For the total, 9 feels high – a 5-3 or 6-2 type game is likely.

Best Bet: Rays Moneyline (-144) – We’ll back Tampa Bay to win behind their superior lineup and the home-field advantage. The Rays have the edge in almost every facet: hitting, bullpen, and recent form. Pittsburgh is 0-3 in its last three games at Tropicana Field (dating to previous seasons), and the Rays are traditionally strong at home. It’s a chalky pick, but Tampa is the better team and should show it. (If you’re looking for more value, Rays -1.5 at +130 is worth a sprinkle, as Pittsburgh’s offense may not keep up.)
Top Player Prop: Randy Arozarena OVER 1.5 Total Bases (+105) – Arozarena has started the season with authority, batting .333 with multiple extra-base hits. He’s a tough matchup for a rookie pitcher like Skenes who relies on power – Arozarena can turn around a fastball for a double or homer. In the controlled environment of the Trop, look for Randy to rip at least a couple of bases’ worth of hits. One well-struck gapper could cash this over.

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Washington Nationals vs Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET) – Rogers Centre, Toronto

Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk unloads on a pitch. Toronto’s balanced lineup will look to tee off against a struggling Nationals pitching staff.

Probable Pitchers: Trevor Williams (RHP, WSH) vs. José Berríos (RHP, TOR) – Williams is a contact-oriented veteran (5.79 ERA so far), while Berríos is a former All-Star who is looking to bounce back from an uneven 2024. Berríos has swing-and-miss ability but can be inconsistent; at home, he tends to pitch better.

Projected Lineups:

Nationals: CJ Abrams (SS), Dylan Crews (CF), Joey Meneses (1B), Keibert Ruiz (C), Lane Thomas (RF), James Wood (LF), Brady House (3B), Luis García (2B), Dominic Smith (DH).
Blue Jays: George Springer (RF), Bo Bichette (SS), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Daulton Varsho (CF), Alejandro Kirk (C), Matt Chapman (3B), Whit Merrifield (2B), Cavan Biggio (DH), Kevin Kiermaier (LF).

Odds: The Blue Jays are favored at home, priced around -122 on the moneyline with Washington at +102. Toronto -1.5 runs would pay plus odds, and the total is 9.0 runs (standard juice both ways).

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Nationals (1-2) are in rebuild mode and have allowed 19 runs in three games (team ERA 5.79). Their bullpen has been shaky, and now they send Trevor Williams to the mound – Williams is a pitch-to-contact arm who could be in trouble against Toronto’s lineup. The Blue Jays (2-2) are off to a modest start offensively (4.5 runs/game, 11th in MLB)but have plenty of firepower. Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette anchor a group hitting .258 as a team. Notably, Toronto’s patience (they’ve drawn 12 walks already) could exploit Williams’ mediocre stuff. On the flip side, Washington’s young hitters like CJ Abrams and top prospect Dylan Crews make for an intriguing lineup, but facing José Berríos in Toronto is tough. Berríos can be enigmatic, but against a Nationals team that strikes out a lot (39 Ks in three games), he could thrive. The Blue Jays hold clear advantages in starting pitching, lineup depth, and bullpen (Toronto’s pen has a 100% save rate so far). Look for Toronto to take care of business at home. The moneyline isn’t too expensive, but we might even take the run line given the matchup.

Best Bet: Blue Jays -1.5 Run Line (+140) – This is a spot where Toronto can win by margin. The Nationals’ pitching staff has a WHIP of 1.71 (one of the worst in MLB early on), which spells trouble against the Jays’ potent bats in a hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. If Berríos gives a solid outing (6+ innings, 2-3 runs), the Jays’ offense should get to Williams and the Nats’ bullpen enough to win by 2 or more. With Vlad Jr. and Bichette in mid-season form, a 6-3 or 7-4 Toronto win feels plausible, making the run line a worthwhile play at plus money.
Top Player Prop: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. OVER 1.5 Total Bases (-110) – Vlad is off to a hot start (.400 AVG) and has the matchup to continue raking. Williams doesn’t miss many bats, and Guerrero’s elite power/contact combo should produce some hard-hit balls. Whether it’s a couple of singles, a double, or a big fly, Guerrero can reach two total bases. In fact, facing a righty who doesn’t overpower, Vlad might even clear this with one swing via an extra-base hit.

Kansas City Royals vs Milwaukee Brewers (7:40 PM ET) – American Family Field, Milwaukee

Probable Pitchers: Michael Lorenzen (RHP, KC) vs. Freddy Peralta (RHP, MIL) – Lorenzen joined the Royals in the offseason and is a steady mid-rotation arm (career 4.14 ERA). Peralta is the Brewers’ strikeout artist who had 13 K in his first start and is looking like an early-season ace.

Projected Lineups:

Royals: Bobby Witt Jr. (SS), Maikel Garcia (3B), Vinnie Pasquantino (DH), Salvador Perez (C), MJ Melendez (LF), Drew Waters (CF), Nick Pratto (1B), Kyle Isbel (RF), Michael Massey (2B).
Brewers: Christian Yelich (LF), William Contreras (DH), Willy Adames (SS), Sal Frelick (CF), Rowdy Tellez (1B), Brice Turang (2B), Joey Wiemer (RF), Brian Anderson (3B), Victor Caratini (C).

Odds: Despite an 0-3 start, the Royals are surprisingly favored here (possibly reflecting an opener or pitching change) at around -130 to -140. That line could adjust with Milwaukee at home – in reality, expect Milwaukee to be favored once bets come in (the Brewers were +220 underdogs in the early line, which seems off). The total is 8.0 runs. Check for updated odds, but Milwaukee with Peralta likely ends up around -130 favorite.

Game Preview & Best Bet: This lines up as a pitcher’s duel if Freddy Peralta is on his game. The Royals have struggled offensively (3.3 runs/game)and are hitting just .218 as a team. Bobby Witt Jr. has yet to get going, and aside from a couple of Salvador Perez long balls, KC hasn’t generated much power (only 2 HR as a team). The Brewers, oddly 0-3 to start, have also scuffled at the plate – Christian Yelich and company have scored only 6 runs total in three games. However, Milwaukee’s lineup still features good on-base ability and the addition of rookie Sal Frelick (hitting .300 early on) brings energy. On the mound, Michael Lorenzen is serviceable, but Freddy Peralta has the edge: he struck out 10 batters in his first outing and faces a Royals lineup that has fanned 20 times in three games. Peralta’s ability to miss bats should be the difference-maker. Milwaukee’s bullpen is also a strength (Devin Williams lurks for the 9th inning). In a low-scoring tilt, we lean Brewers to notch their first win. Given the confusing initial odds, it might be wise to grab Milwaukee as an underdog if you can. The under on the total is also appealing.

Best Bet: Brewers Moneyline (EVEN) – We’re banking on Freddy Peralta’s dominance here. The Royals were shut out twice in their opening series and have the 23rd-ranked team OPS in MLB so far. If Peralta can handle Witt Jr. and Perez carefully, he can throw up zeros. The Brewers’ offense isn’t lighting it up either, but Lorenzen doesn’t overpower – a few runs might be enough. Look for Milwaukee to scratch out a 4-2 type win at home. Grabbing them at even money (or plus odds if it flips) is a steal given the starting pitching matchup.
Top Player Prop: Freddy Peralta OVER 7.5 Strikeouts (+110) – Peralta is in swing-and-miss mode. He generated 21 swings-and-misses in his first start and tallied 13 Ks (including spring, he’s been on fire). The Royals, as noted, have been strikeout-prone and are facing him in a pitcher-friendly park under the roof. It’s a high strikeout line, but Peralta fanning 8+ is very feasible – he did it often last year when healthy. We’ll take the plus money on him to continue mowing down hitters.

Minnesota Twins vs Chicago White Sox (7:40 PM ET) – Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago

Probable Pitchers: Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP, MIN) vs. Sean Burke (RHP, CWS) – A battle of young arms. Woods Richardson, one of the Twins’ top prospects, is getting a shot in the rotation (6.38 team ERA for MIN indicates he’s needed). Burke is a White Sox prospect making an early-season spot start; he features a mid-90s fastball but is untested in the majors.

Projected Lineups:

Twins: Edouard Julien (2B), Carlos Correa (SS), Byron Buxton (DH), Max Kepler (RF), Trevor Larnach (LF), Jose Miranda (3B), Alex Kirilloff (1B), Ryan Jeffers (C), Michael A. Taylor (CF).
White Sox: Luis Robert Jr. (CF), Andrew Benintendi (LF), Andrew Vaughn (1B), Eloy Jiménez (DH), Yoán Moncada (3B), Oscar Colás (RF), Tim Anderson (SS), Yasmani Grandal (C), Elvis Andrus (2B).

Odds: The White Sox are slight favorites at home at -128 on the moneyline, with Minnesota around +106. The total is 8.5 runs. Chicago -1.5 carries plus odds, reflecting a fairly even matchup on paper.

Game Preview & Best Bet: Neither team has started well – the Twins are 0-3 (last in AL Central), and the White Sox are 1-2. Minnesota’s offense has been anemic, averaging just 2.0 runs per game (26th in MLB). They’ll look to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton to wake up and provide some thump against a young pitcher. Chicago’s lineup, on the other hand, has some bright spots: Luis Robert Jr. has already gone deep twice, and Andrew Vaughn has been hitting the ball hard (White Sox hitting .257 as a team). The Twins are turning to Simeon Woods Richardson, but their staff has a bloated 6.38 ERA– not a good sign. Meanwhile, Chicago’s pitching hasn’t been much better (White Sox team ERA 5.40). With two rookies on the mound, this game could see more offense than expected. The weather in Chicago is mild, and the ballpark is known to favor hitters when the wind is out. We like the over 8.5 runs, as both bullpens also rank in the bottom third in ERA early on. For a side, the slight nod goes to the White Sox at home – they have a bit more experience in the lineup and are facing a Twins team that’s looked lost offensively. But the bet we feel strongest about is the run total.

Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-110) – Expect some fireworks on the South Side. The Twins’ bats should finally show life against a rookie (Sean Burke), and the White Sox have enough firepower (Robert, Jiménez, Moncada) to do damage against Woods Richardson and a Twins bullpen that has 0 holds and a 0% save rate so far. Each team could easily put up 4+ runs given the inexperience on the mound. A 6-5 type of game would cash this over.
Top Player Prop: Andrew Vaughn OVER 1.5 Total Bases (+120) – Vaughn has quietly been a catalyst in the Sox lineup, hitting .300 with a couple of doubles in the opening series. He’ll be hitting in the friendly confines of Guaranteed Rate Field against an unproven righty. Vaughn’s ability to drive the ball (and perhaps an extra at-bat if the score is high) gives value to this over. A double or two singles would do the trick – we like Vaughn’s chances to deliver in the cleanup spot.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals (7:45 PM ET) – Busch Stadium, St. Louis

Probable Pitchers: Kyle Hendricks (RHP, LAA) vs. Matthew Liberatore (LHP, STL) – The Angels acquired veteran Kyle Hendricks to stabilize their rotation. Hendricks is a control specialist who can induce weak contact. The Cardinals send young lefty Matthew Liberatore, a former top prospect, who is trying to cement his spot (he was sharp in spring and has electric curveball but has a career 5.97 ERA in limited action).

Projected Lineups:

Angels: Mike Trout (CF), Taylor Ward (RF), Nolan Schanuel (1B), Brandon Drury (3B), Logan O’Hoppe (C), Mickey Moniak (LF), Luis Rengifo (2B), Zach Neto (SS), Jo Adell (DH).
Cardinals: Tommy Edman (CF), Brendan Donovan (2B), Nolan Arenado (3B), Nolan Gorman (DH), Jordan Walker (RF), Lars Nootbaar (LF), Willson Contreras (C), Juan Yepez (1B), Masyn Winn (SS).

Odds: St. Louis is a moderate favorite at home, listed around -145 on the moneylinewith the Angels +125. The total is 9.0 runs. The Cards -1.5 run line is roughly +130.

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Cardinals are flying high at 3-0, averaging 7.3 runs per game. Even after trading Paul Goldschmidt, their offense hasn’t missed a beat – Nolan Gorman leads the team with 3 HR and 6 RBI already (he’s been crushing righties). Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker add youthful pop, and newcomer Willson Contreras has fit in nicely. The Angels are 2-1 but haven’t hit much (just 5 total runs and a .202 team average). Mike Trout has been quiet by his standards, and L.A. sorely misses the injured Shohei Ohtani’s bat. With Kyle Hendricks making his Angels debut, there’s uncertainty – he’s crafty but doesn’t overpower (and the Cardinals feast on finesse pitchers in Busch). Matthew Liberatore will have to navigate Trout and Co., but as a lefty he neutralizes some of L.A.’s threats (Trout actually hits righties better, and no Ohtani means fewer lefty killers in the Angels lineup). St. Louis also boasts a strong defense and home crowd advantage. The Cardinals have won 12 of their last 15 interleague games at Busch, and they look poised to extend that trend. We like St. Louis to win a game that could end up fairly high scoring if both pitchers struggle first time through the order.

Best Bet: Cardinals Moneyline (-145) – St. Louis at home is the play. The Angels’ offense hasn’t proven it can support Trout enough – they’re putting up only 1.7 runs per game (29th in MLB). Meanwhile, the Cards’ lineup depth (even batting phenom Masyn Winn 9th) should put pressure on Hendricks. Look for Nolan Arenado and Nolan Gorman to do damage; Gorman especially has been red-hot and loves facing right-handers. The odds aren’t cheap, but the Cardinals are the more complete team right now.
Top Player Prop: Nolan Gorman OVER 0.5 HOME RUNS (+300) – Feeling bold? Gorman is locked in and already has 3 homers in three games. He’s a lefty slugger facing a soft-tossing righty (Hendricks allowed 1.2 HR/9 last season). In the friendly dimensions of Busch Stadium and likely batting cleanup, Gorman has a great shot to go yard again. At 3-to-1 odds or better, it’s a fun value prop to sprinkle on given his current power surge.

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San Francisco Giants vs Houston Astros (8:10 PM ET) – Minute Maid Park, Houston

Probable Pitchers: Logan Webb (RHP, SF) vs. Hunter Brown (RHP, HOU) – Logan Webb, the Giants’ ace, is on the mound after a tough-luck Opening Day loss (7 IP, 2 ER, but L). Houston starts Hunter Brown, a young pitcher often compared to Justin Verlander in delivery – Brown has big potential but can be wild (5 walks in first start).

Projected Lineups:

Giants: Thairo Estrada (2B), Mitch Haniger (LF), Michael Conforto (RF), Wilmer Flores (3B), LaMonte Wade Jr. (1B), J.D. Davis (DH), Brandon Crawford (SS), Patrick Bailey (C), Luis Matos (CF).
Astros: Jose Altuve (2B), Jeremy Peña (SS), Yordan Alvarez (DH), Alex Bregman (3B), Kyle Tucker (RF), José Abreu (1B), Chas McCormick (CF), Yainer Diaz (C), Mauricio Dubón (LF).

Odds: The Astros opened as about -130 favorites (home field and lineup depth). The Giants are around +110 underdogs. The total is 8.0 runs. (Latest odds may have Houston around -125 ML with the run line at +160 for -1.5).

Game Preview & Best Bet: The Giants (1-1) and Astros (2-1) meet in an interleague clash that feels like a potential playoff preview. Houston’s offense is humming – they’ve scored 5+ runs in each game so far, with Yordan Alvarez launching 3 homers and driving in 8 runs already. Kyle Tucker has also homered twice. Logan Webb will need to be at his best to contain this Astros lineup at Minute Maid. Webb is a groundball specialist (career 3.19 ERA) and could neutralize some of Houston’s power if he keeps the ball down. Meanwhile, the Giants offense has been average – they rely on veterans like Conforto and Flores, but strikeouts have been an issue (they fanned 13 times against Houston pitching on Monday). Hunter Brown’s command is a question; if he issues free passes, San Francisco can capitalize. The Astros, however, usually give Brown strong run support and their bullpen is lights-out (0.00 ERA with 2 saves so far). This game might be tighter than some expect – Webb can go toe-to-toe with Houston’s bats. In a close matchup, the value might lie with the underdog Giants at plus money, especially considering Webb’s ace pedigree. We’ll lean that way for a slight upset pick, recognizing Houston is formidable at home. The under (8) is also a decent look with Webb on the mound and if the Giants struggle to solve Brown’s stuff.

Best Bet: Giants Moneyline (+110) – This is a gut play on Logan Webb. San Francisco is 5-2 in Webb’s last 7 road starts as an underdog, showing he often rises to the occasion. If he can keep Yordan and Tucker in the yard, the Giants can squeak out a win. Houston’s Hunter Brown is talented but still learning – a savvy lineup like the Giants might scratch out a few runs via walks, steals, and timely hits. It’s certainly an upset call, but with Webb’s reliability and plus odds, San Francisco is a live dog here.
Top Player Prop: Yordan Alvarez OVER 1.5 Total Bases (-115) – Even against Webb, it’s hard to fade Yordan right now. The Astros’ slugger is slugging 1.083 with 3 homers in 9 at-bats (!), a video game start. Webb induces grounders, but Alvarez can elevate even sinkers. Whether it’s a double in the gap or a long ball over the short porch in left, Alvarez has a great chance to accumulate 2+ bases. He might only need one swing to cash this, and even Webb can make one mistake – Yordan will likely make him pay.

Chicago Cubs vs Oakland Athletics (10:05 PM ET) – Oakland Coliseum, Oakland

Probable Pitchers: Justin Steele (LHP, CHC) vs. Luis Severino (RHP, OAK) – Steele is the Cubs’ young southpaw who had a breakout 2024. He’s 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA so far this year and brings a nasty cutter. The Athletics surprisingly signed former Yankee Luis Severino; he’s making his Oakland debut after an injury-plagued year but reportedly looked strong in rehab (velocity back in upper 90s).

Projected Lineups:

Cubs: Nico Hoerner (2B), Dansby Swanson (SS), Ian Happ (LF), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Cody Bellinger (CF), Patrick Wisdom (3B), Trey Mancini (DH), Eric Hosmer (1B), Yan Gomes (C).
Athletics: Esteury Ruiz (CF), Zack Gelof (2B), Brent Rooker (DH), Seth Brown (1B), Shea Langeliers (C), JJ Bleday (LF), Lawrence Butler (RF), Aledmys Díaz (3B), Nick Allen (SS).

Odds: The Cubs are slight underdogs here at about +120, while Oakland is favored around -140 behind Severino. The total is 8.5 runs. (This odds positioning might shift; given the Cubs’ roster strength, don’t be su