Thursday in MLB means a spread-out schedule loaded with day games. It can leave some softer markets in the evening action, especially with people coming to chase earlier losses. We found a couple of solid edges with OddsShopper’s Underdog Fantasy Optimizer as we put together a 3x winner. The Phillies and Braves series highlights our first pick as the top two NL East teams collide for one more. Then it’s off to San Diego as the Mets fly in fresh off a win against Baltimore. Now let’s get to the best Underdog pick’em predictions today!
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Underdog Fantasy MLB Pick’em Predictions Today
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Spencer Schwellenbach H/L Than 5.5 Hits Allowed
Even with late-game heroics, the Phillies didn’t unload last night on the Braves. Max Fried has been roughed up by this team yet looked relatively fine as Philadelphia crossed three runs on five hits. Expect another night where the Phillies bats have to grind out some hits against Spencer Schwellenbach. The Braves have their man in keeping the Phillies bats at bay, dealing on the year with a 27.5% strikeout rate combined with a 4.5% walk rate. This should be another low-scoring game with Cristopher Sanchez on the opposite side.
Once again, the top part of the Philadelphia lineup struggled, with Kyle Schwarber’s RBI single being the lone hit. Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm all denied hits. The pitching gets tougher tonight, and there’s no quick turnaround to take advantage of for the Phillies. Schwellenbach might give up a long ball — or two — but with a .281 xBA, he’s not going to get pelted for more than 5.5 hits.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Spencer Schwellenbach Lower Than 5.5 Hits Allowed
Harrison Bader H/L Than 0.5 Hits
There is nothing more deflating after a big win against a better team than flying across the country to face Dylan Cease. This should be a tough one overall for the Mets, from their best hitters down to Harrison Bader. Cease is right back to those familiar dominating metrics, with a 31.5% strikeout rate and a .205 xBA. Guys who are hitting the ball well will struggle tonight, let alone New York’s worst starting hitter.
Bader isn’t striking out all the time; his 21.6% is nearing less than average. His problems arise with making poor contact. With just a .300 xwOBA, Bader is little threat to go yard here. He’s also mediocre at best in just generating hits with a .253 xBA.
We don’t anticipate many workable pitches for Bader tonight, at least not while Cease is on the mound.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Harrison Bader Lower Than 0.5 Hits
