The 2026 MLB season is well underway. It is preparing to complete its second weekend of action with an exciting slate of games on Easter Sunday. Chicago and Cleveland get the fun started at 1:10 p.m. ET, and the slate wraps up with the Cardinals visiting the Tigers in Detroit. Here are my top MLB picks & predictions for the day. No hidden Easter eggs here, just my best bets for a couple of games.
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Sunday’s Best MLB Picks & Predictions
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals
The Dodgers started the season strong, winning six of their first eight games, including the first two games of this series against the Nationals in D.C. by a combined score of 23-11. In contrast, Washington has struggled early, losing five out of eight games, including its only two home games so far.
Both lineups are hitting the ball well:
- Dodgers: .283 batting average
- Nationals: .278 batting average
Roki Sasaki pitched well in his first start, allowing four hits and one run over four innings. However, his team gave him almost no run support, so he took the loss. Foster Griffin also delivered a solid first outing, pitching five innings and allowing five hits (including one home run) and two earned runs to earn the win.
On paper, this one looks like it could be a good contest. But the Dodgers have too much talent and have played too well over the first two games to let this one slide. However, I will give Griffin and the Nationals’ lineup some credit and say this game will be much closer than the previous two.
The Dodgers will win, but I’m not confident they’ll cover.
Pick: Dodgers Moneyline (-186 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Cincinnati Reds vs. Texas Rangers
The Reds are off to a 5-3 start while the Rangers are 4-4 after eight games. Cincinnati took the first two games of the series. They won 5-3 on Friday and 2-0 on Saturday. However, the Reds’ offense has been unimpressive to start the season, hitting just .203 (26th). Texas has not been impressive at the plate either, but they’re hitting .243 (12th).
Chase Burns pitched a one-hit, shutout win in his first start of the season last Monday versus the Pirates with three walks and seven strikeouts. Jack Leiter got the win for Texas in his first start (5-2 versus Baltimore on March 30th), pitching six innings and giving up five hits (one home run) and two earned runs to go along with a walk and eight strikeouts.
I’m inclined to lean Rangers on the Moneyline, but I can’t back that pick up. However, I do feel comfortable taking the under. Both pitchers have looked good to start the season, and neither offense has been impressive.
Pick: Under 7.5 Runs (-104 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
