MLB Opening Day was kind to us, as our best bets went 2-1. We cashed a nice plus money ticket on the Red Sox thanks to Wilyer Abreu's three-run homer against the Rangers. The Orioles also blew out the Blue Jays to ensure a winning day for us.
Our lone loser was on my Braves, as their bullpen melted down late against the Padres to ruin our perfect day. All in all, though, 2-1 is a good day. That brings us to 4-1 on the young season, so let's keep it rolling with 4 MLB best bets for Friday, March 28th. Good luck!
BAL at TOR - 7:07 PM EDT
Here we go again with the Dirty Birds! This price is way too generous on Baltimore here, especially since Toronto used most of its bullpen yesterday. I'll gladly take the better overall ballclub at plus money.
Charlie Morton is almost as old as I am, so that's a concern with this play. That being said, the 41-year-old still has a devastating curveball in his arsenal. As long as Morton has that pitch working, he should be able to keep Toronto's bats at bay.
I'm still pretty high on this Balty lineup, even without Gunnar Henderson. The O's proved yesterday that their bats are still very dangerous without their star slugger, and I think they stay hot on Friday night.
BOS at TEX - 8:05 PM EDT
Jack Leiter is still filled with tons of potential, but I'm going to keep fading him until he puts together a solid outing in the big leagues. The former Vanderbilt phenom looked much better in Spring Training, but his lack of command makes me side with the BoSox in this one.
Tanner Houck doesn't have great stuff, but he's one of the best ground ball pitchers in the game (93rd percentile in 2024). Adolis Garcia has done well against him, but hopefully, Houck can limit the damage this evening.
I give Boston a slight bullpen edge and I think their lineup is just a smidge better than Texas. Let's run it back with the Red Sox tonight.
ATL at SD - 9:40 PM EDT
As a Braves fan, I was disappointed in our bullpen yesterday. Chris Sale did a good job of keeping the Padres off balance, but once the relievers came in, it was Goodnight Irene. Much to my inner fanboy's displeasure, I'm betting on San Diego in this one.
Dylan Cease has been one of my favorite pitchers to invest in over the last couple of seasons. The veteran righty has a nasty slider and a 4-seamer that hits 97 on the gun regularly. Cease also has a lifetime K-rate of over 30% against this Braves lineup.
San Diego should have a nice edge with their lineup in this one. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado should be able to solve the mystery that is Reynaldo Lopez. Let's lay the reasonable price on the Pads.
CHC at AZ - 9:40 PM EDT
This one's a little juicier than I would like, but I've always been a big Merrill Kelly fan. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he knows how to pitch and get tough outs. This Cubs lineup also only has an expected batting average of .218 against Kelly through 85 plate appearances.
Arizona's bullpen melted down yet again yesterday, as Ryne Nelson gave up 4 runs in only 1.2 innings after coming in for Zac Gallen. The D'Backs have a lot of talent, but they should've acquired another arm or two for that suspect bullpen. My doubt in their bullpen is why I'm betting them in the First 5 instead of the full game.
The Cubs' offense exploded yesterday, but I still think the D'Backs have the better overall lineup. Look for a big game from new first baseman Josh Naylor tonight. Give me the snakes!