Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (4/18)
Among the new MLB series starting today and being played throughout the weekend, arguably the most interesting is the three-game series between both West division favorites as the Rangers host the Dodgers.
Also out west is a matchup of two of the biggest surprises in the sport thus far, as the Giants and Angels meet in a matchup of teams with .500 or better records.
Which games make the cut for our three best bets?
Read on for our top MLB picks for Friday, April 18th.
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Friday's Top MLB Picks
(MLB odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Dodgers (-148) at Texas Rangers (+124) | O/U 8.0 (-110/-110)
The Rangers entered Thursday with an eight-game home winning streak, outscoring opponents 33-16. Texas’ arms were a big reason for that success, collectively pitching to a 1.88 ERA.
The Dodgers are somewhat overvalued in this matchup, having swept the Rockies at home. Before that, Los Angeles lost six of nine games and three consecutive series (two of which came on the road).
There is a stark difference between the Dodgers’ 10-2 home record and their 4-4 record on the road thus far. Texas is 3-1 as a home underdog this season. The concerning thing is that Texas lost all four games they played with a rest disadvantage last season, and the Dodgers are coming off a bye. I still have faith that Jacob deGrom will continue his bounceback season and limit a potent L.A. offense.
Pick: Rangers Moneyline (+124)
Chicago White Sox (+170) at Boston Red Sox (-205) | O/U 9.0 (-120/+100)
The Red Sox are coming off their first 1-0 win since April of 2024 against Oakland, and have won consecutive games for the first time since a five-game winning streak to start April. But that win is not the most inspiring considering how the ball usually flies out of George M. Steinbrenner Field. They also beat Zack Littell, who now has a five-start losing streak dating back to the final start of last season.
Littell has pitched to a 5.53 ERA and 1.30 WHIP during that span (27.2 innings), as Boston’s offense continues to scuffle. Now the Red Sox face White Sox southpaw Martin Perez for the second time in a week.
Perez (1.59 ERA) failed to complete five innings for the first time this season in a 3-2 loss to Boston, as he was undone by four walks. But he limited the damage to two earned runs over 4.2 innings, and Chicago should not help much offensively, as it has been held to three or fewer runs in 10 of the last 11 games.
Pick: Under 9.0 Runs (+100)
San Francisco Giants (-155) at Los Angeles Angels (+130) | O/U 8.0 (-112/-108)
The Giants are 3-1 in ace Logan Webb’s four starts, with the only loss coming while being shut out 2-0 by the Reds. In his last start, Webb led the Giants to a 5-4 road victory over the Yankees and overcame four walks to limit the damage to three earned runs.
The good news for Webb is that the Angels entered Thursday with the third-lowest walk rate (7%) in the Majors. He has allowed just one earned run over 14 innings with 16 strikeouts in the two starts this season he has not walked a batter.
San Francisco’s offense continues to be led by Jung Hoo Lee, who entered Thursday batting .393 with eight extra-base hits, 11 RBI and a 1.383 OPS in the previous seven games. He had hit safely in 14 out of 17 games overall. The Giants should earn their MLB-best 10th road win in this matchup.
Pick: Giants Moneyline (-155)
Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.