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MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/13)

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Thursdays are a day when some series begin and some conclude. We feature both today, including a team trying to do something that hasn’t been done in over a century.

Today's Best MLB Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Boston Red Sox (+180) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (-215) | O/U 8 (-110/-110)

The Rays will be going for history today as they could start the season 13-0, which would be the best mark since 1900. The team is excelling with their hitting and pitching and are top five in batting average, ERA, home runs, runs scored, and quality starts.

Jeffrey Springs will get the start, and he rolled through his first two outings, allowing no runs and three hits through 13 innings. However, it was against Oakland and Detroit.

The Red Sox offense is not the problem, and they proved that yesterday with seven runs. Unfortunately, they played from behind throughout that game as their pitching continued to struggle.

Corey Kluber will face the team he pitched for last year. His second start was a huge improvement from his first, and he located his pitches much better, but that was against an inferior Pittsburgh lineup.

The upgrade in the offensive competition will be a wake-up call for each pitcher. I'm not ready to give the Rays their first loss, but I believe they'll need to score a lot to get it done.

Pick: OVER 8 (-110)

Pittsburgh Pirates (+200) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (-245) | O/U 8.5 (-114/-106)

The Cardinals are coming into this series having grabbed back-to-back wins again Colorado. The offense had struggled at the beginning of their road trip but came through, scoring 16 runs in the last two games. It was in the thin air of Denver, but you hope this sparks a lineup with potential MVP candidates.

Jordan Montgomery has been great so far this season and is coming off pitching seven shutout innings and striking out nine against the Brewers. When he keeps that cutter on the edge of the plate and his curveball down, he’s nearly untouchable.

The Pirates don't strike out much, but the offense isn't hitting that well. The team has a solid amount of power along with working walks, but it hasn't resulted in scoring, and they rank 21st in runs.

Vince Velasquez left his last outing due to an injury to his left ankle, but he is set to go. That start hadn't been going well, as he allowed five earned by the third inning and had zero control of his breaking pitches, and allowed four walks.

The Cardinals nearly equal the Pirates in walks but have the advantage of a much better lineup, and the pitching matchup will earn them a series-opening win.

Pick: Cardinals -1.5 (-120)

Minnesota Twins (+124) vs. New Yankees (-146) | O/U 8.5 (-106/-114)

The Twins rattled off back-to-back wins to take their series against the White Sox. It was their great pitching in the last two games that was the key, and this is proving to be one of the better staffs in the league, as they are tied for first in WHIP and second in ERA.

Joe Ryan has started the season with two wins, and although he gave up four earned in the last start against the Astros, he still racked up ten strikeouts.

The Yankees have won all four of their series to begin the season thanks to their power hitting and pitching. It's hard for any team to size up to the power the Bronx Bombers have, as they are fourth in home runs and seventh in slugging and their pitching is third in ERA.

Jhony Brito was not expected to be a starter, but injuries have put him into the rotation. The Yankees cannot be upset about how the rookie has stepped up, and he's allowed just five hits and one earned in his two wins.

Minnesota is dealing with questions in their lineup with Joey Gallo on the IL, with Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton listed as day-to-day. Regardless of their play, the Yankees still have the better lineup and can provide enough runs to get the win.

Pick: Yankees -1.5 (+130)

Check out our other best bets and NBA Playoff Previews for Thursday:

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>


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