MLB Best Bets Today (Predictions for Marcus Stroman, Padres-Braves and Astros-Mariners)

Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman
Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman / Nuccio DiNuzzo/GettyImages
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We’re back with a lot of baseball and a lot of picks for you on a jam-packed Friday. Today, I’m looking at fading one of my preseason Cy Young dark horses, and taking a swing at two teams that are basically pick’ems. 

Let’s get right to it, with all odds via WynnBET Sportsbook

MLB Best Bets Today

  • Marcus Stroman UNDER 3.5 Strikeouts (+115)
  • Padres ML vs. Braves (-112)
  • Astros ML vs. Mariners (-114)

Marcus Stroman UNDER 3.5 Strikeouts (+115)

Stroman got to three strikeouts in his first start this season and I feel comfortable fading him today – even with this low number. The Rockies are one of the hardest teams to strikeout in all of baseball. They average 8.33 strikeouts per game, which is in the top 10. On top of that, the air in Colorado can help the Rockies take some of their hits just over the edge, and may be able to end Stroman’s day a little early. He pitched five innings the last time out. If Colorado can shorten that, I don’t see a dominant day for him. 

Padres ML vs. Braves (-112)

The Braves have started this season off slowly. They are 3-5 SU and 1-7 against the run line. It hasn't paid dividends to bet on Atlanta and I'm not going to trust them tonight. 

San Diego has done the opposite. The Padres are 5-3 SU and 6-2 against the run line. They have figured out how to keep the train moving without Fernando Tatis Jr. San Diego currently has one of the better offenses in baseball. It's first in plate appearances and top 10 in hits, runs and batting average. 

Astros ML vs. Mariners (-114)

The Astros’ defense has been fantastic this season, ranking in the top 10 in several categories (opponent batting average, runs and hits per game). However, that is not how I think they’ll win today’s game. 

Houston has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, averaging 1.5 home runs per game. That’s good for third in the league. Tonight, they’ll face Marco Gonzales. He gave up three home runs in his first start of the season. Houston can jump on him, take him deep and blow this game open early. 

The Mariners did just win comfortably over the White Sox, but they have lost four of their last five. I’m not confident they will keep the momentum going tonight – even at home.


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