Get a jump start on the MLB card for Saturday by diving into our betting preview, which includes the live odds and some best bets for March 29th. Good luck, sports betting family! Let's make it a fantastic weekend!
MIN at STL - 2:15 PM EDT
Joe Ryan is one of my favorite pitchers to bet on, and I'll gladly ride him at this very reasonable price point. The young righty has some of the best stuff in the game, as opponents had an expected batting average of just .208 against him last season.
No one in this Cards lineup really scares me outside of Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras. Ryan should be able to keep them off balance for most of the game with his nice fastball and nasty splitter.
I like Minnesota's lineup quite a bit, especially if they can stay healthy this season. Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers are still very dangerous in the middle of this Twins order, and I think the additions of Harrison Bader and Ty France give this team even more punch.
SF at CIN - 4:10 PM EDT
I respect the heck out of Justin Verlander, but I'm a bit surprised he hasn't hung 'em up yet. The 42-year-old had a rather robust ERA of 5.48 in 2024 and I don't think a change of scenery will magically fix his issues.
Verlander's ground ball rate was one of the worst in baseball, and that could be a huge issue for him in the cracker box that Cincy plays in known as Great American Ballpark. The Reds were underwhelming last year against righties, but it wouldn't surprise me if Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer both went deep in this one.
Both teams had pretty decent bullpens in 2024, but I'm going to give the Reds a slight edge in that department for 2025. Oh, I hadn't even mentioned that Cincy starter Nick Lodolo had a solid K-rate of 24.7% last season. Give me those Red Legs!
ATL at SD - 7:15 PM EDT
My Braves burned me quite badly on Opening Day, as their bullpen's meltdown cost me a sweep. That being said, I still like most of Atlanta's relievers and think they'll be just fine.
The real reason for this play, though, is the starting pitcher edge that the Bravos will have. Spencer Schwellenbach has quietly established himself as the hottest young righty in the National League. The 24-year-old ranked 96th in Chase Rate a year ago, and I think he'll do quite well in a very pitcher-friendly ballpark.
I've not been that impressed with San Diego starter Randy Vasquez. His K-rate of 14.4% was awful a year ago, and opponents had an expected batting average of .306 against him. Don't overthink this one. Take the Braves behind the golden right arm of Schwellenbach.