What’s going on, everybody? Eric Lindquist here, and I’m back after a rare day off on Wednesday, ready to break down my favorite MLB bets for Thursday’s smaller slate. We have six games on the board, and I have my two best MLB bets for today, including a banger Phillies-Braves pick.
Best MLB Bets Today: Phillies-Braves Pick and More
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Angels vs. Rays
We’re going back to Logan O’Hoppe, one of my favorite power bats in this Angels lineup. Yes, I took a break from betting Angels home runs on Wednesday, but I’m back on Thursday — and it’s O’Hoppe season once again.
He faces Zack Littell, who has just a 20.4% strikeout rate and allows plenty of contact. That’s important when you’re looking to back someone like O’Hoppe, who brings legit barrel ability. He’s rocking a ridiculous .831 expected slugging and 27.8° launch angle — numbers that jump off the page. Littell doesn’t miss enough bats to worry me here.
We’re also getting a daytime game in Tampa, but remember: This is not at Tropicana Field, this game is being played at Steinbrenner Field, a park that plays far friendlier for power. That only adds fuel to the fire. It’s a quarter-unit play on O’Hoppe to homer but one of my favorite bets of the slate.
Best Angels-Rays Bet Today: Logan O’Hoppe to Hit a Home Run (LIKE)
Phillies vs. Braves
I know, I know. It might feel gross fading the Braves in Atlanta, but this is about value, and I’m getting plus money on a Phillies team that’s hitting righties well and drawing a favorable matchup against Spencer Schwellenbach.
Schwellenbach’s been good, no doubt, but the Phillies are sixth in baseball in WRC+ against right-handed pitching (128). On the other side, the Braves get Jesus Luzardo, who’s rocking a 41.3% strikeout rate and .165 expected batting average allowed to start the year. That’s filthy stuff.
Atlanta has struggled mightily against lefties to open the season, posting just a 54 WRC+, 25th in baseball. Until that trend reverses, I’ll keep targeting it. This is one of those spots where the matchup screams value, and I’m taking the plus money.
Best Phillies-Braves Bet Today: Phillies Moneyline (LIKE)
