MLB Betting Preview – Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Kingpin
Apr 2, 2025, 6:05:20 AM

MLB Betting Preview – Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Below we break down each of the 15 matchups on the April 2 schedule, including probable pitchers, projected team outlooks, latest odds (moneyline, run line, total), a game analysis, a best bet, and a player prop pick for each game. All odds are from top sportsbooks as of the morning of April 2, 2025.

Also Check Out:

Texas Rangers vs Cincinnati Reds (12:40 PM ET) – Jack Leiter vs Hunter Greene

Pitching Matchup: Rangers rookie Jack Leiter (1-0, 1.80 ERA) opposes Reds fireballer Hunter Greene (0-0, 3.60 ERA). Leiter won his MLB debut and has been viewed as a potential frontline starter, while Greene brings elite strikeout ability but is seeking his first decision of 2025.
Latest Odds: Cincinnati is a slight home favorite. Moneyline: CIN -130, TEX +110. Run Line: CIN -1.5 (+160), TEX +1.5 (-190). Total: 8.5 runs (Over -120, Under +100)
Projected Lineups: The Rangers’ offense is led by Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis García, a trio that can do damage in any given game. The Reds feature rising star Elly De La Cruz and 2B Jonathan India setting the table, though run production has been an issue (they were shut out 1-0 on Tuesday)
Game Preview: These teams have split the first two games of the series, with Texas winning 1-0 yesterday behind stellar pitching. The Rangers (4-2) have allowed only 1 run in the past 18 innings, showcasing a strong bullpen behind their starters. Cincinnati (2-3) is struggling offensively – they have scored just 3 runs in the series – and will lean on Greene to keep the game close. Greene’s high-velocity fastball could rack up strikeouts against a Rangers lineup that can swing and miss, but he’ll need run support. Leiter showed poise in his debut and faces a Reds lineup that hasn’t seen him before. If Leiter can navigate the heart of Cincinnati’s order (which includes veteran Joey Votto and the switch-hitting De La Cruz) his team has a good chance to steal a win as underdogs.
Best Bet: Under 8.5 Runs. Both teams have been in low-scoring games this series (total of 4 runs over two games). Greene’s strikeout prowess and Leiter’s unfamiliarity to Reds hitters point to a pitching duel. We’ll back the under 8.5 at -120 odds.
Prop Play: Hunter Greene Over 7.5 Strikeouts (-115). Greene struck out 8 batters in his first outing and averaged 11.5 K/9 last season. Facing a Rangers lineup that fanned 10 times last night, Greene should be able to rack up 8+ Ks in this afternoon matchup.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Tampa Bay Rays (1:10 PM ET) – Paul Skenes vs Ryan Pepiot

Pitching Matchup: Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes (0-0, 3.38 ERA) makes his second career start against Ryan Pepiot (0-0, 1.50 ERA) of the Rays. Skenes impressed in his debut with high-90s heat and a biting slider, while Pepiot, acquired by Tampa Bay in the offseason, looked sharp in a five-inning outing allowing just one run.
Latest Odds: Despite Tampa’s hot start, Pittsburgh is a slight favorite behind Skenes’ upside. Moneyline: PIT -125, TB +105. Run Line: PIT -1.5 (+145), TB +1.5 (-175). Total: 7.5 runs (Over +110, Under -130)
Projected Lineups: Pittsburgh (1-5) has struggled to score, managing 0 runs on just 4 hits in last night’s loss. Keep an eye on Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes to spark the Bucs’ offense. Tampa Bay (4-1) is off to a blistering start at the plate – Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco, and Isaac Paredes have all homered this week. The Rays will look to capitalize on any mistakes from the rookie Skenes.
Game Preview: The Rays shut out the Pirates 7-0 on Tuesday, and have outscored Pittsburgh 15-2 over the first two games of this series. Tampa’s bats are hot, and they’ll be facing a rookie pitcher in Skenes who, while talented, is still adapting to big-league hitters. The Pirates are reeling, hitting just .180 as a team so far. Pepiot’s changeup could play well against a righty-heavy Pittsburgh lineup. Skenes will need to keep his composure in a hostile environment at Tropicana Field. If he can locate his fastball and keep the ball in the park, he can give the Pirates a chance. However, the Rays have the edge in bullpen and lineup depth.
Best Bet: Rays Moneyline (+105). Tampa Bay as a home underdog offers value. The Rays have momentum and a more reliable offense, and Pepiot’s experience gives him an edge over the rookie Skenes. We’ll back the Rays to win outright at plus money.
Prop Play: Wander Franco Over 1.5 Total Bases (+120). Franco is batting over .400 to start the season and went 2-for-4 with a double last night. Against a power pitcher like Skenes, Franco’s quick bat should find a gap or two. Two total bases (via a couple of singles or an extra-base hit) is a reachable mark for the Rays’ young star.

Kansas City Royals vs Milwaukee Brewers (1:10 PM ET) – Cole Ragans vs Freddy Peralta

Pitching Matchup: Royals lefty Cole Ragans (0-0, 5.40 ERA) faces Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta (0-1, 3.60 ERA). Ragans showed promise late last season and features a mid-90s fastball and improved cutter. Peralta is Milwaukee’s #3 starter and is looking to rebound from a loss despite a solid 6 K, 2 ER outing in his debut.
Latest Odds: Milwaukee is favored at home but only slightly, as both teams have scuffled early. Moneyline: MIL -115, KC +105. Run Line: MIL -1.5 (+165), KC +1.5 (-200). Total: 7.5 runs (Over -110, Under -110)
Projected Lineups: Kansas City (2-4) was blanked 5-0 yesterdayand has scored only 8 runs in their last four games. Bobby Witt Jr. (1 HR, 2 SB) and Salvador Perez will be key for any Royals offensive surge. Milwaukee (2-4) broke out with a 5-0 win last nightafter a slow start. Willy Adames and Christian Yelich anchor the Brewers lineup, and exciting rookie Jackson Chourio (projected to lead off in left field) could provide a spark.
Game Preview: The Brewers finally got in the win column Tuesday behind a combined shutout, and they’ll aim to keep that momentum. Freddy Peralta looked sharp in his first start (6 strikeouts, no walks) and now faces a Royals lineup that is hitting just .220. Milwaukee’s bullpen is rested and formidable if Peralta can hand over a lead. On the other side, Cole Ragans will need to navigate a Milwaukee order that is mixing veterans and young talent. Ragans must particularly be careful with Milwaukee’s middle of the order – last night Yelich and DH Jesse Winker each reached base multiple times. In a low-total game (7.5 runs), every baserunner will count. The Brewers are just 1-4 at home, but with their ace-level arm on the mound against a struggling offense, they have a clear edge.
Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers Moneyline (-115). We like the Brewers to back up yesterday’s win with another. Peralta is the more established pitcher and should contain Kansas City’s hitters. Milwaukee at home, with the better starter and bullpen, is worth the modest juice.
Prop Play: Bobby Witt Jr. Over 0.5 Stolen Bases (+200). Witt’s speed is a constant threat – he stole 49 bags in 2024. If he reaches base against Peralta (who can be slow to the plate), look for Witt to take off. At 2-to-1 odds, a stolen base prop on one of MLB’s fastest players has good value.

Los Angeles Angels vs St. Louis Cardinals (1:15 PM ET) – Yusei Kikuchi vs Sonny Gray

Pitching Matchup: Angels veteran Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 4.50 ERA) goes up against newly-signed Cardinals ace Sonny Gray (1-0, 3.60 ERA). Kikuchi, now in the Angels’ rotation, is a lefty with swing-and-miss stuff but prone to the long ball. Gray, making his home debut for St. Louis, is coming off a quality start in which he struck out 7 over 6 innings.
Latest Odds: St. Louis is a solid favorite at home. Moneyline: STL -150, LAA +130. Run Line: STL -1.5 (+140), LAA +1.5 (-165). Total: 8.5 runs (Over -105, Under -115)
Projected Lineups: Los Angeles (4-1) is swinging hot bats – they plated 9 runs in an extra-inning win last night. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani (both homered in yesterday’s game) anchor the Angels offense, and newcomer Hunter Renfroe has added power depth. St. Louis (3-3) can mash as well; Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado are a formidable 3-4 combo, and rookie Jordan Walker has hit safely in five of his first six games. Expect plenty of right-handed hitters in the Cardinals lineup to face Kikuchi.
Game Preview: The Angels took a wild 11-inning game 9-7 last night, and fatigue could be a factor for both bullpens. That puts pressure on the starters to go deep. Sonny Gray has been everything St. Louis hoped for, and he’ll look to contain an Angels lineup averaging 6.2 runs per game. Notably, Gray held Trout and Ohtani to a combined 1-for-6 when he faced the Halos last season. Kikuchi, meanwhile, will have to deal with a Cardinals lineup that’s lethal against left-handed pitching. St. Louis led the NL in OPS vs lefties in 2024, and they’ve added even more right-handed pop (rookie Masyn Winn and a healthy Tyler O’Neill). If Kikuchi falls behind in counts, the Cards could make him pay with extra-base hits. This game has the potential for plenty of offense given the star power in both batting orders.
Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-105). Both teams are coming off a high-scoring affair and face lineups that match up well against the opposing pitchers. The over has hit in 4 of the Angels’ 5 games so far. With two potent offenses and some bullpen weariness from last night, over 8.5 is an attractive play.
Prop Play: Nolan Arenado Over 1.5 Total Bases (+100). Arenado is batting .320 to start the year and historically crushes lefties. A 2-for-4 or a double off Kikuchi is very plausible. Even if he only gets one hit, Arenado has the power to make it an extra-base knock and cash this prop.

Minnesota Twins vs Chicago White Sox (2:10 PM ET) – Pablo Lopez vs Sean Burke

Pitching Matchup: Twins ace Pablo Lopez (0-1, 3.60 ERA) takes the hill against unheralded Sean Burke (1-0, 0.00 ERA) for Chicago. Lopez is coming off a strong 7-inning start (3.60 ERA, 8 Ks) but took a hard-luck loss due to poor run support. Burke, a rookie right-hander, dazzled in his debut (5 scoreless innings) and has yet to allow an earned run in the majors.
Latest Odds: Minnesota is a sizable road favorite. Moneyline: MIN -185, CWS +155. Run Line: MIN -1.5 (-115), CWS +1.5 (-105). Total: 7.5 runs (Over +110, Under -130)
Projected Lineups: Minnesota’s bats woke up in an 8-3 win last night. Power hitters like Carlos Correa and Joey Gallo homered in that game, and the Twins (2-4) will hope for more fireworks against the rookie. Chicago (2-4) has gotten good production from Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Benintendi, but overall the White Sox offense has been inconsistent. With Tim Anderson sidelined (IL), look for Yoán Moncada to take on a bigger role in the lineup.
Game Preview: After starting 0-4, the Twins have won two straight over the White Sox, including an 8-3 victory on Tuesday where they tallied 12 hits. Minnesota’s offense seems to have found its groove, and now they send Pablo Lopez to the mound. Lopez was the Twins’ Opening Day starter for good reason – he commands a nasty changeup and was one of the AL strikeout leaders last year. The White Sox are unfamiliar with Lopez after his move to the AL, which could play to his advantage. On the flip side, Sean Burke provided a shock boost for Chicago in his first start, but the Twins now have a book on him. Burke will face a balanced Twins lineup that features patience and pop (Max Kepler and Trevor Larnach from the left side, Correa and Byron Buxton from the right). Given the pitching matchup, Minnesota has a clear edge. The White Sox may need to scratch out runs early and often to avoid letting Lopez settle into a rhythm.
Best Bet: Twins -1.5 Run Line (-115). Minnesota’s offense is heating up, and Lopez should be able to stifle the Sox for 6+ innings. With the White Sox reeling (outscored 16-6 in this series so far), backing the Twins to win by at least 2 runs is a solid play.
Prop Play: Pablo Lopez Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-110). Lopez struck out 8 batters in his first start and faces a Chicago lineup that has been strikeout-prone (10 Ks last night). Expect Lopez to rack up 7+ Ks as he attacks a lineup missing some key contact hitters.

Washington Nationals vs Toronto Blue Jays (3:07 PM ET) – MacKenzie Gore vs Easton Lucas

Pitching Matchup: The Nationals send young lefty MacKenzie Gore (2025 debut) to the mound against Blue Jays opener Easton Lucas (2025 debut). Gore, a former top prospect, had an impressive spring and will be making his first start of the season. The Blue Jays (using a bullpen game with Lucas, a rookie left-hander, likely as the opener) will piece together the pitching via relief arms.
Latest Odds: In a surprise, Washington is favored on the road, likely due to Toronto’s unproven pitching plan. Moneyline: WSH -135, TOR +115. Run Line: WSH -1.5 (+125), TOR +1.5 (-150). Total: 8.5 runs (Over +100, Under -120)
Projected Lineups: Washington (1-5) has struggled but features some promising bats – CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz have shown flashes, and Joey Meneses provides veteran presence in the middle. The Blue Jays (4-3) boast a deep lineup; Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer are all off to hot starts. Toronto put up 5 runs in yesterday’s win and will look to feast on Nationals pitching not named Gore.
Game Preview: The Blue Jays won 5-3 on Tuesdayto take the first two games of this interleague series. Toronto’s offense has been consistent, averaging 5 runs per game, and even against a talented arm like Gore they’ll be dangerous at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. The Nationals, meanwhile, have dropped four straight. Gore represents their best chance to snag a win – he can miss bats with his curveball and had a 3.69 ERA in the first half last year before injuries struck. If Gore can neutralize Toronto’s big right-handed bats (Guerrero and Bichette hit lefties well, each with OPS north of .900 vs LHP in 2024), the Nats could keep it close. On the other side, Toronto’s pitching strategy is a question mark. Easton Lucas will likely go 1-2 innings before turning it over to a mix of long relievers (perhaps Zach Pop or Trevor Richards). This patchwork approach could open the door for Washington to score if the Jays aren’t sharp. Still, the talent gap offensively favors Toronto, and they’ve historically hit left-handed pitching effectively.
Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (+100). A bullpen day for Toronto and a shaky Nationals relief corps (5.40 bullpen ERA so far) point toward runs on both sides. The over is 4-2 in Blue Jays games this year, and with Guerrero and Bichette swinging well, they could push this game over the total by themselves.
Prop Play: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases (-105). Vlad Jr. is hitting .360 early on and loves facing lefties at home. Whether it’s a double off Gore or two singles throughout the game, look for Guerrero to continue racking up bases, especially coming off a 2-hit game yesterday.

Chicago Cubs vs Oakland Athletics (3:35 PM ET) – Jameson Taillon vs Jeffrey Springs

Pitching Matchup: Cubs righty Jameson Taillon (0-1, 12.46 ERA) will attempt to bounce back from a rough first start, while the Athletics counter with Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Taillon was hit hard in his Cubs debut (7 ER in 4 IP), but he’s a veteran capable of righting the ship. Springs, who was an offseason pickup for Oakland, was brilliant in his first outing, tossing 6 shutout innings with 8 Ks.
Latest Odds: This game is essentially a toss-up. Moneyline: CHC -110, OAK -110. Run Line: CHC -1.5 (+150), OAK +1.5 (-180). Total: 8.5 runs (Over -115, Under -105)
Projected Lineups: Chicago (5-4) has found some offense in this series, scoring 7 runs in a win yesterday. Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger have been driving in runs, and newcomer Eric Hosmer chipped in with a 3-hit game. Oakland (2-5) is relying on young bats – Shea Langeliers and Esteury Ruiz have shown flashes – but overall the A’s lineup is light on proven hitters. They did put up 4 runs last night in a losing effort, with Brent Rooker and Jesús Aguilar providing some pop in the heart of the order.
Game Preview: The Cubs won 7-4 on Tuesdayto take the first two games in Oakland. They’ll go for the sweep behind Taillon, who needs a reset after an ugly outing. Taillon will try to exploit an A’s lineup that is hitting just .210 – look for him to lean on his slider against Oakland’s right-handed hitters. Jeffrey Springs, meanwhile, was dominant in his A’s debut and appears fully recovered from last year’s injury. Springs is a lefty with a fading changeup that could neutralize the Cubs’ best left-handed bats (Bellinger and Hosmer). The key matchup might be Springs vs. Swanson – Swanson is hitting .333 and is known for hitting lefties well, so if Springs can win that battle, the A’s could keep Chicago in check. Oakland’s bullpen has been a weak link (blowing a lead in the opener of this series), whereas the Cubs’ pen has locked down late innings so far. In a close game, that could be the difference.
Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-115). Each of the first two games of this series hit 11 total runs. With Taillon struggling and the Cubs offense waking up, plus Oakland’s ability to scrape together a few runs off the Cubs starter, the over is appealing. Even if Springs is solid, the A’s bullpen might give up enough to push this total past 8.5.
Prop Play: Cody Bellinger to Hit a Home Run (+300). Bellinger has looked more comfortable at the plate lately and is seeing the ball well in Oakland (4 hits in the series). In a matchup against a lefty, this is a bit of a long shot, but Bellinger’s power to the opposite field could play in the spacious Coliseum. At 3-to-1 odds, it’s a fun flier for a former MVP who is due for a long ball.

San Francisco Giants vs Houston Astros (4:10 PM ET) – Landen Roupp vs Framber Valdez

Pitching Matchup: Giants rookie Landen Roupp (MLB debut) makes his first start, drawing a tough assignment against Astros ace Framber Valdez (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Roupp, a right-hander, earned a call-up after dominating in Triple-A, but this is a big step up in competition. Valdez has yet to allow a run this season and is coming off 7 scoreless innings on Opening Day.
Latest Odds: Houston is a clear favorite at home. Moneyline: HOU -165, SF +140. Run Line: HOU -1.5 (+130), SF +1.5 (-155). Total: 8.5 runs (Over +110, Under -130)
Projected Lineups: San Francisco (5-1) is one of the early surprises of 2025. They’ve won five straight games and are getting contributions up and down the lineup. Michael Conforto and Thairo Estrada each homered in Monday’s win, and LaMonte Wade Jr. has a .400 OBP out of the leadoff spot. Houston (2-4), conversely, has stumbled out of the gate. The Astros managed only 1 run in yesterday’s 3-1 loss and are missing Jose Altuve (injured). Yordan Alvarez remains a constant threat in the middle and already has 3 home runs, while Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker will look to snap mini-slumps (both are under .250 so far).
Game Preview: The Giants took the series opener 3-1 on Tuesday behind strong pitching, and now turn to a debutant in Roupp. San Francisco’s pitching development has been excellent in recent years, so they have confidence Roupp can keep them in the game for 5 or so innings. Still, facing the defending champion Astros in Houston is baptism by fire. Expect the Astros to be patient and force Roupp into stressful counts; veterans like Bregman and Michael Brantley excel at wearing pitchers down. Framber Valdez is the big X-factor – he’s arguably the best groundball pitcher in baseball. The Giants offense, which has relied on timely homers, may be neutralized by Valdez’s heavy sinker inducing double plays. San Francisco will try to scratch a run or two early (perhaps manufacturing with a steal or bunt) to give Roupp some cushion. If this game is close late, note that Houston’s bullpen has been shaky (closer Ryan Pressly took a loss on Monday), whereas the Giants’ bullpen ERA is under 2.00.
Best Bet: Houston Astros -1.5 (+130). This is a good get-right spot for the Astros. Valdez on the mound against a rookie should tilt heavily in Houston’s favor. The plus-money run line is worth a shot – if Houston’s bats are ever going to break out, it’s likely here, and Valdez can go deep enough to cover the spread.
Prop Play: Framber Valdez Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-110). The Giants can swing and miss – they led the NL in strikeouts in 2024. Valdez might be known for grounders, but he fanned 10 in his first start. With an aggressive Giants lineup, he could reach 7+ Ks over 7 innings.

Cleveland Guardians vs San Diego Padres (4:10 PM ET) – Ben Lively vs Dylan Cease

Pitching Matchup: Guardians journeyman Ben Lively (0-0, 5.40 ERA) goes up against Dylan Cease (0-0, 6.23 ERA), who was a major offseason acquisition for the Padres. Lively is filling a rotation spot due to injuries; he gave up 3 runs over 5 innings in his first start. Cease is an ace-caliber pitcher but had a rough San Diego debut (4 ER in 5.2 IP) and will aim to show his 2022 Cy Young runner-up form.
Latest Odds: San Diego, undefeated so far, is a heavy favorite. Moneyline: SD -180, CLE +150. Run Line: SD -1.5 (+120), CLE +1.5 (-145). Total: 7.5 runs (Over -115, Under -105)
Projected Lineups: Cleveland (2-4) was shut out 7-0 last night and has struggled mightily to score (just 1 run in the first two games of this series). Jose Ramirez remains the focal point of the Guardians offense, but he’s gotten little help – the young duo of Steven Kwan and Andrés Giménez needs to set the table. San Diego (7-0) is the last unbeaten team in MLB, averaging over 6 runs per game. Fernando Tatis Jr. (3 HR, .333 AVG) and Manny Machado (.308 AVG) are crushing the ball, and Xander Bogaerts has hit safely in all 7 games. With Juan Soto now elsewhere, rookie outfielder Samuel Zavala has stepped into the lineup and impressed with a .285 average.
Game Preview: The Padres have dominated this series, outscoring the Guardians 14-0 across two games. With Dylan Cease on the mound at Petco Park, San Diego appears poised to continue their streak. Cease had a shaky first start in a Padres uniform, but he draws a get-right matchup – Cleveland’s lineup has slugged an MLB-worst .300 so far. Expect Cease to attack aggressively with high fastballs and his devastating slider, potentially racking up strikeouts. Ben Lively, meanwhile, will have to be crafty to keep the Padres off balance. Lively doesn’t blow hitters away, and the Padres lead the NL in home runs. If San Diego jumps on Lively early (as they did against Cleveland’s starters in the last two games), this could get out of hand quickly. One bright spot for Cleveland is their bullpen, which is well-rested and features All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase – but that only matters if they can hand him a late lead or keep the game close.
Best Bet: San Diego Padres -1.5 (+120). Until the Guardians prove they can score in this series, it’s wise to ride the hot hand. San Diego has covered the run line in all seven of their wins. Cease should deliver a dominant outing, and the Padres’ bats can feast on Lively and a tired Cleveland staff.
Prop Play: Manny Machado Over 1.5 Total Bases (-105). Machado is on a tear, and he’s 2-for-3 lifetime off Lively with a double. Whether it’s a pair of singles or a double in the gap, Machado’s chances of totaling 2+ bases are high given the matchup and his current form.

Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners (4:10 PM ET) – Tarik Skubal vs Luis Castillo

Pitching Matchup: A compelling lefty-righty duel is on tap as Tarik Skubal (0-1, 7.20 ERA) goes for Detroit and Luis Castillo (0-1, 3.60 ERA) starts for Seattle. Skubal was hit hard on Opening Day but has frontline stuff when on (2.80 ERA in 2024). Castillo, the Mariners’ ace, also took a loss in his first start despite 6 IP of 2-run ball, and he’ll be eager to get his first win at home.
Latest Odds: Detroit is a slight and somewhat surprising favorite. Moneyline: DET -125, SEA +105. Run Line:DET -1.5 (+160), SEA +1.5 (-190). Total: 6.5 runs – the lowest of the day (Over -110, Under -110)
Projected Lineups: Detroit (3-3) has been scrappy; they won 4-1 on Tuesday, taking two of three so far in Seattle. The Tigers’ offense is led by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, who combined for 3 RBI last night. Javier Báez has been quiet (1-for-20 slump) – a concern against Castillo’s sliders. Seattle (2-5) is underperforming offensively. Julio Rodríguez is doing his part (.290, 2 HR, 3 SB), but the supporting cast (Ty France, Eugenio Suárez) has yet to get going. The Mariners scored just 1 run in each of the last two games. Keep an eye on Jarred Kelenic, who has shown signs of life with a couple of extra-base hits in this series.
Game Preview: This series has been dominated by pitching, with totals of 5 and 5 runs in the past two games. Seattle’s bats have gone cold at T-Mobile Park, and now they face Tarik Skubal, who no-hit the Mariners for 4 innings last week before a big inning knocked him out. Skubal will look to adjust and keep Seattle off balance – he’ll rely on his slider/changeup combo to neutralize righties like France and Suárez. Luis Castillo, meanwhile, was excellent at home last season (2.68 ERA in Seattle) and should benefit from facing a free-swinging Tigers lineup. The key for Castillo will be keeping Greene and Torkelson in check; those two young Tigers have accounted for much of Detroit’s scoring. Given the extremely low total (6.5), oddsmakers expect a true pitchers’ duel. Defense and baserunning could tip the scales – the Tigers executed a hit-and-run and stolen base in yesterday’s win, while the Mariners have been a bit sloppy (two errors in the series). Urgency is higher on Seattle’s side to avoid a sweep at home.
Best Bet: Under 6.5 Runs (-110). These teams have played two straight unders, and both Skubal and Castillo have the talent to throw up zeros. Seattle’s offense is slumping (.210 team AVG), and Detroit isn’t likely to light up Castillo. A 3-2 type game feels very much in play, making even this low number attainable.
Prop Play: Julio Rodríguez Over 0.5 Stolen Bases (+300). J-Rod is one of the most aggressive base runners in the league (3 steals already). If he reaches against the lefty Skubal, he could take off – especially with Tigers catcher Jake Rogers having allowed a few swipes. At 3-to-1 odds, a Julio steal is a high-upside prop in a game where manufacturing runs will be key.

New York Mets vs Miami Marlins (4:40 PM ET) – Clay Holmes vs Connor Gillispie

Pitching Matchup: The Mets hand the ball to Clay Holmes (0-1, 3.86 ERA), the former Yankees reliever now making a transition to the rotation, against Marlins righty Connor Gillispie (0-1, 5.40 ERA). Holmes has electric sink on his pitches and went 4 innings (2 ER) in his first start. Gillispie is a back-end starter who struggled in his debut, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in 3.1 innings.
Latest Odds: New York is a sizable road favorite as they look to avoid a sweep. Moneyline: NYM -190, MIA +160. Run Line: NYM -1.5 (-120), MIA +1.5 (+100). Total: 8.5 runs (Over -105, Under -115).
Projected Lineups: The Mets (2-4) offense has underachieved – they’ve scored only 4 runs total in the first two games of this series (both losses). Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso are the big bats, but Lindor is hitting just .200 so far. Notably, the Mets added superstar Juan Soto in the offseason, and he’s off to a modest start (.261, 1 HR). If that trio clicks, the Mets can erupt at any time. The Marlins (5-2) have been a surprise, with contributions from young players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Otto Lopez – Lopez leads Miami with 2 HR and 6 RBI. Miami’s lineup lacks big names but plays pesky, contact-oriented baseball. Keep an eye on Garrett Cooper, who has a .400+ OBP in the early going.
Game Preview: Miami has taken the first two games of this NL East clash, 4-2 and 3-1, largely thanks to pitching and timely hits. The Mets desperately need a spark to avoid a sweep. They’ll look to Clay Holmes, who is still building up stamina as a starter but has the stuff to dominate in short bursts. New York’s bullpen is a concern – they had to cover 5 innings last night – so a lengthier outing from Holmes (5+ innings) would be huge. The Marlins counter with Connor Gillispie, and the Mets will view this as an opportunity to get the bats going. Expect patient at-bats from New York; Gillispie issued 3 walks in his first start, and the Mets lead the league in walk rate. If the Mets can jump ahead early, they can unleash high-leverage relievers like David Robertson to close it out. Miami, on the other hand, will try to scratch out runs against Holmes with speed and small ball. Jazz Chisholm’s matchup against Holmes is pivotal – Jazz thrives against sinkerballers (career .290 vs sinkers) and could spark Miami’s offense with an extra-base hit or steal. Despite the Marlins’ better record, the Mets have a talent advantage and sense of urgency here.
Best Bet: Mets/Marlins Over 8.5 (-105). This pick goes against the grain of the first two games, but both teams are sending out their weakest starters of the series. The Mets offense is too good to be held down forever, and Gillispie might be the pitcher they feast on. Meanwhile, Miami should contribute a few runs, either off Holmes or the Mets’ middle relief. A 6-3 or 5-4 type game gets us over the total.
Prop Play: Pete Alonso to Hit a Home Run (+250). Alonso has been quiet lately, but he loves hitting at loanDepot park. He hit 3 HR in Miami last year. With a hittable pitcher on the mound and possibly some warm indoor conditions, the Polar Bear is a good bet to go deep and put the Mets on his back in this one.

Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles (6:35 PM ET) – Garrett Crochet vs Zach Eflin

Pitching Matchup: The Red Sox give the nod to left-hander Garrett Crochet (0-0, 3.60 ERA) in what will likely be a bulk-innings or opener role, while the Orioles send Zach Eflin (1-0, 3.00 ERA) to the mound. Crochet, typically a reliever with a 100+ mph fastball, threw 3 innings in his first outing. Eflin, who signed with Baltimore over the winter, won his Orioles debut by pitching 6 innings of 2-run ball, showcasing excellent control (0 walks).
Latest Odds: The Red Sox are slight road favorites despite their early struggles. Moneyline: BOS -120, BAL +100. Run Line: BOS -1.5 (+145), BAL +1.5 (-175). Total: 7.5 runs (Over -120, Under +100)
Projected Lineups: Boston (1-4) has had two days off due to weather and will be eager to get back on track. The Red Sox offense has slashed only .210/.280/.370 so far – Rafael Devers (2 HR) and Alex Verdugo (.278 AVG) have been the lone bright spots. They’ll hope Masataka Yoshida can find his form in the leadoff spot. Baltimore (3-2) is coming off a series win and is averaging nearly 5 runs per game. Adley Rutschman has been scorching (.421 OBP) and Gunnar Henderson provides pop and patience in the lineup. Keep an eye on Cedric Mullins at the top – he’s 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts already. The O’s will load up right-handers (Austin Hays, Ryan Mountcastle, Adam Frazier) against the lefty Crochet.
Game Preview: This is the first meeting of the season between these AL East foes. The Orioles have the rest advantage (they haven’t played since Monday) and home-field, while the Red Sox should be fresh after weather postponements. Garrett Crochet is something of a wildcard – he’s a high-octane arm but hasn’t started a game since college. Boston likely will pair him with an opener or use him as one, then turn the game over to swingman Kutter Crawford. That means Baltimore will see a lot of different looks, which can either disrupt timing or force the O’s to adjust on the fly. Zach Eflin, on the other hand, offers stability for Baltimore. He’ll pound the strike zone (just as Chad Green and others did in holding Boston to 2 runs in their last game on Sunday). The key for Eflin will be neutralizing Rafael Devers – Devers has a career .950 OPS at Camden Yards. If Eflin can keep Devers in the yard, the Orioles can manage the rest of the Sox lineup. Defensively, Baltimore’s outfield of Hays-Mullins-Santander is among the best, which will support Eflin’s contact pitching. Boston’s bullpen has been a trouble spot (5.00 ERA), so if this game is tight late, Baltimore might have the edge with closer Félix Bautista waiting.
Best Bet: Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (-175). While the moneyline is near even, taking the Orioles on the run line at home provides a bit of insurance. Baltimore’s offense and a more traditional pitching plan make them unlikely to get blown out. In fact, the O’s have either won or lost by one run in 4 of their 5 games. It’s a steep price, but backing Baltimore to at least keep it within a run (if not win outright) is the prudent call.
Prop Play: Adley Rutschman Over 1.5 Total Bases (+130). Rutschman has been an on-base machine and is hitting the ball with authority (three doubles already). Facing a lefty/righty mix of pitcher might not faze him – he’s a switch-hitter with great approach from both sides. A couple of singles or an extra-base hit will cash this plus-money prop for the Orioles’ star catcher.

Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies (6:45 PM ET) – Kyle Freeland vs Zack Wheeler

Pitching Matchup: Kyle Freeland (0-0, 0.00 ERA) starts for Colorado against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50 ERA). Freeland was excellent in his first start (5 shutout innings) and has historically pitched well early in seasons. Wheeler also looked sharp in his opener, striking out 7 and allowing just one run over 6 innings. This is a rematch of a pitching duel from last week in which neither factored in the decision.
Latest Odds: Philadelphia is the biggest favorite on the board today. Moneyline: PHI -340, COL +270. Run Line:PHI -1.5 (-135), COL +1.5 (+115). Total: 7.5 runs (Over +105, Under -125)
Projected Lineups: Colorado (1-4) hasn’t played since Sunday and was shut out in their last game. The Rockies offense is struggling outside of C.J. Cron (2 HR) and Charlie Blackmon (.389 AVG). On the road and away from Coors Field, their bats typically quiet down – they managed just one run in a 1-0 loss on Sunday in their last outing. Philadelphia (3-1) is off to a strong start. Even with Bryce Harper still rehabbing, the Phillies are getting big production from Kyle Schwarber (3 HR) and Trea Turner (.333 AVG, 2 SB). Nick Castellanos has also chipped in with a .294 average. The Phillies put up 7 runs in their last game on Saturday and had two days rest after a rain-out. Expect a nearly identical lineup to their Opening Series, with Schwarber, Turner, and Castellanos up top and JT Realmuto in the middle.
Game Preview: These teams met in Colorado last week, splitting two low-scoring games (Philadelphia won 2-1, Colorado won 1-0). Now in Philly, the script could tilt more in the Phillies’ favor. Zack Wheeler at Citizens Bank Park is a force – he posted a 2.38 ERA at home last year. The Rockies’ lineup traditionally struggles on the road (they hit . fifty points lower away from Coors in 2024), and facing Wheeler makes it an uphill battle. Freeland, however, shouldn’t be underestimated. He outdueled Wheeler in that 1-0 Rockies win, mixing his pitches effectively. The Phillies will adjust and look to be more aggressive early in counts to avoid deep counts where Freeland can use his slider. One matchup to note: Trea Turner has good history against Freeland from his NL West days (Turner is 8-for-22, .364 with 2 HR off Freeland). If Turner gets on base, the Phillies can manufacture runs via the steal or hit-and-run, putting pressure on a Rockies defense that can be shaky. Ultimately, Philadelphia’s deep lineup against the thinner Rockies bullpen (should Freeland exit by the 6th) is a major advantage. The Phillies also have the edge in late relief with José Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel available to close out games.
Best Bet: Under 7.5 Runs (-125). Given how these teams played each other last week and the quality of the starting pitchers, runs will be at a premium. The last three meetings between Rockies and Phillies have all gone under the total. We might see something like a 4-2 Phillies win, which would comfortably keep us under.
Prop Play: Kyle Schwarber Over 0.5 Home Runs (+240). Schwarber led the NL in homers last year and has already launched 3 in four games. He just missed one in Colorado off Freeland (flyout to the warning track). In the smaller dimensions of Citizens Bank Park, Schwarber has a great chance to take Freeland or a reliever deep. At +240, the odds are worth the swing on the Phillies’ slugger to hit a Schwarbomb in this matchup.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs New York Yankees (7:05 PM ET) – Zac Gallen vs Carlos Rodón

Pitching Matchup: A marquee pitching battle is on deck as Zac Gallen (0-1, 9.00 ERA) faces Carlos Rodón (1-0, 1.69 ERA). Don’t be fooled by Gallen’s bloated ERA – the D-backs’ ace had one awful inning on Opening Day but is a frontline starter who finished top 5 in Cy Young voting last year. Rodón, meanwhile, was dominant in his Yankees debut (1 ER in 5.1 IP, 8 K) and is looking every bit like the co-ace to Gerrit Cole in New York’s rotation.
Latest Odds: New York is favored at home in this interleague tilt. Moneyline: NYY -135, ARI +115. Run Line:NYY -1.5 (+150), ARI +1.5 (-180). Total: 8.5 runs (Over +105, Under -125)
Projected Lineups: Arizona (3-3) won a wild 7-5 game in the Bronx on Tuesday, showing off their improved offense. Corbin Carroll (the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024) went 3-for-5 with a triple and 2 steals, and Jung Hoo Lee – the KBO import – has been a revelation in the two-hole, hitting .320. The D-backs also have veteran Evan Longoria who knows Yankee pitching well from his Rays days. New York (3-2) suffered its first home loss last night. The Yankees lineup is, as usual, power-laden: Aaron Judge (4 HR already) and Giancarlo Stanton can change the game with one swing. They will, however, be without Jose Trevino (their regular catcher) who is day-to-day; expect Kyle Higashioka to catch Gallen. Also of note, top prospect Anthony Volpe is hitting just .150 in the early going, but his speed (3 SB) is a factor if he gets on.
Game Preview: Tuesday’s game saw the Diamondbacks rally and out-slug the Yankees, but with aces on the mound, tonight’s contest could be tighter. Zac Gallen will try to silence a Yankee Stadium crowd that was roaring last night until Arizona’s comeback. Gallen has to be careful with the long ball – 3 of his 4 earned runs allowed this year came via homer. Judge and Stanton are obviously the big threats, but Gallen can have success if he establishes his curveball early and keeps those sluggers off balance. For the Yankees, Carlos Rodón brings high-octane heat from the left side. The D-backs lineup leans left-handed (Carroll, Jake McCarthy, Alek Thomas), which could give Rodón a platoon edge. Look for Rodón to challenge Arizona’s hitters up in the zone; the D-backs are a team built on speed and contact, so keeping them off the bases (and thus nullifying their running game) is key. One interesting subplot: this is a rematch of the 2024 Wild Card game where Gallen outdueled Rodón 2-1. The Yankees will be keen to get revenge. Bullpen-wise, the Yankees have an advantage – their late-