Top MLB Picks and Predictions Today (Our Expert's Best Bets for Thursday)

The crew here at BetSided compiled their top picks for Thursday in MLB to dig into. Let’s explore some of the best options from our editors and pick a few winners. 

All odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:

Milwaukee Brewers vs New York Mets Prediction and Pick

The Mets are one of the best teams in the league, but today they have Tylor Megill on the mound, who only went 3.1 innings in his return from injury on June 10th. Megill might have some problems against this Brewers' offense that found life last night, putting up a 10-spot in the win over New York. 

The real reason for this pick though is the advantage that Aaron Ashby has over the Mets lineup. Against right-handed pitching, the Mets have been much more productive with an OPS of .755, compared to just a .704 OPS against left-handers. Many times you see offenses that produce better against southpaws, but the Mets are not one of them in 2022.

Ashby has gotten shelled his last two times out, but today will be different as he returns to the early-season form that had him with a 2.70 ERA through May. 

Pick: Brewers ML (+115) -- Josh Yourish

Follow all of Josh’s Bets HERE

Los Angeles Angels vs Seattle Mariners Prediction and Pick

Ohtani has been good this season, but I think there are better days ahead for him on the mound. He has an ERA of 3.64 thus far, slightly down from last season, but his FIP is right in line with last season's numbers at 3.21. He is striking out more batters per 9 innings and walking less, it's a fair argument he is actually pitching better this season than last.

He now faces a Mariners lineup that is fairly shallow, 23rd in batting average since the start of June, and paced by pretty much only Julio Rodriguez and Ty France, so I'm bullish on Ohtani putting together a strong start on the road in a hitter-friendly Safeco Field.

On the other side, Kirby starts for Seattle and has been great to start his career, posting a 3.65 ERA and has only walked four batters across 37 innings. However, we could see some negative regression for the rookie with his FIP sitting at 4.11. Los Angeles can't get much going on offense, even worse than the Mariners this month, but there is no denying the talent in the Angels lineup is far superior to the home team.

I'm going to back Ohtani to carry Los Angeles on the mound and at the plate and grab the series opener against Seattle.

LEAN: Angels ML (-115) -- Reed Wallach

You can track all of Reed's plays on BetStamp HERE!

Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Prediction and Pick

It’s just bad news all around for Washington, as it will have to give Patrick Corbin his 14th start of the season. Despite a 3-8 record, 6.65 ERA, and 1.73 WHIP, the Nationals don’t seem to have a better alternative lined up.

It’s amazing to me how unprepared MLB teams can be sometimes when it comes to switching out struggling starters from the rotation. It’s not as if the Nats will contend this year for much. Corbin’s been better this month you could say with a 5.25 ERA but is still almost impossible to trust. Even with a decent arm on the mound, I doubt the Nationals’ chances of winning this game. But Corbin has been far from decent. 

On the other hand, Zack Wheeler has pitched shockingly well for Philly. After a very bad start to the year that is. Wheeler went 1-3 in April with a 5.76 REA in four starts but didn’t stay in his slump for long. Since the start of May, Wheeler’s ERA is 1.57 and with a 4-0 record. The Phillies are 5-1 SU in his last six starts and I don’t see the Nats doing much to keep them from growing that to 6-1. 

Pick: Phillies -1.5 (-130) -- Matt De Saro

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE