Top 5 MLB Picks & Predictions: Sunday (5/17)
When it comes to betting on MLB games on Sunday, you have to be on your toes a bit. Why? It has nothing to do with injury reports and possible lineup changes. Because if you get sidetracked and wait too long to place your bets, you'll miss out. Nearly half the slate starts before 2:00 p.m. ET. The following are our top MLB picks for the day.
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Sunday’s Best MLB Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler is 2-0 in four starts with a 2.55 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. Pirates starter Paul Skenes is one of the best young arms in the game (6-2 in nine starts with a 1.98 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP). Skenes has recorded four shutouts in his last five starts and went eight innings in his last two starts, giving up just two hits in each and no runs.
The pitching matchup alone screams to bet on the under. When you factor in that both lineups are hitting around .240, you have no choice but to take the under. Both pitchers should dominate. If you are OK with a little risk, also consider taking the Phillies on the Moneyline.
You'll seldom see a Wheeler-pitched game with Philadelphia listed as the underdog. That's too good a value play to pass up.
Picks: Under 7.0 Runs (-105) & Phillies Moneyline (+116)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels
If the Dodgers are not careful, this one could get away from them. How so? Roki Sasaki has been good for three or more earned runs in five of his last six outings.
While the Dodgers dominated the Angels on Saturday night, the Dodgers’ lineup had been struggling. So, if Saturday night's explosion is an isolated incident, the three runs Sasaki gives up may be all the Angels need for an upset.
Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez has not pitched since 2024. No matter how many bullpen sessions he has thrown in rehab, he is going to be rusty. If the Dodgers’ lineup shows up as it did on Saturday, Rodriguez could get chased early, which will mean the Angels will have to turn to one of the worst bullpens in the Majors.
Pick: Dodgers -1.5 (+112)
Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros
Nathan Eovaldi is capable of pitching well; he faced the Yankees in his last two starts and held them to seven hits and one earned run in 15 innings of work across both games. But he also has three games where he allowed five or more runs. Peter Lambert has been solid for the Astros’ pitching staff despite his 2-3 record.
Both lineups are hitting below .200, which doesn’t give me hope we'll see much offense in this game. But the game is in one of the most home run-friendly parks in the country. I don't have much faith in either offense in this game, but Eovaldi has given up 10 home runs this season.
It will only take one for Houston to get the win.
Picks: Astros Moneyline (+100) & Under 8.5 Runs (-124)