We are already a week into the MLB season and we've seen some good (Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers), some bad (looking at you Atlanta), and some downright ugly (hello, AL Central).
As we head into the weekend, my MLB picks and moneyline predictions for Friday will have you scratching your head, but I promise you, there is a method to my madness.
Read below for the beautiful chaos I call "betting on Major League Baseball."
MLB moneyline picks for April 4
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 White Sox vs  Tigers |
(-242) |
 Cardinals vs  Red Sox |
(-122) |
 Padres vs  Cubs |
(+148) |
 Blue Jays vs  Mets |
(+118) |
 A's vs  Rockies |
(+106) |
 Yankees vs  Pirates |
(-151) |
 Mariners vs  Giants |
(-143) |
 Diamondbacks vs  Nationals |
(-139) |
 Dodgers vs  Phillies |
(-126) |
 Marlins vs  Braves |
(-225) |
 Orioles vs  Royals |
(-107) |
 Rays vs  Rangers |
(-126) |
 Reds vs  Brewers |
(-108) |
 Guardians vs  Angels |
(+102) |
Lines courtesy of Pinnacle as of 4-4.
Expert MLB moneyline picks for April 4
White Sox vs Tigers: Tigers (-242)
Perhaps later in the season, I would fade the Detroit Tigers as they return home after a six-game western road trip. But it's early, and this is their home opener. The juices will be flowing, and they'll be eager to get back in the win column.
Jack Flaherty takes the ball and scattered three hits across 5 2/3 innings vs. a deep Dodgers lineup. The White Sox are a far inferior opponent, and so I like Flaherty to deal once again.
Cardinals vs Red Sox: Red Sox (-122)
Another team playing in their home opener, the Red Sox enter winners of two straight and have the pitching advantage today. Walker Buehler will be sharper than he was vs. Texas and the Cardinals' high-scoring offense will struggle to produce.
Padres vs Cubs: Padres (+148)
Sometimes a line will tell you all you need to know. A 7-0 team is a huge underdog against a 5-3 team playing in their home opener. While I already took two home teams playing in such a spot, I'll take the Padres here for two reasons.
The first — they are hot, and they did their damage in a pitcher-friendly park (PETCO). The second — the Cubs will be happy to be home, but Wrigley Field is not as conducive to big outputs (wind-aided games aside) as Sutter Health Park was in Sacramento. Give me the Padres.
Blue Jays vs Mets: Blue Jays (+118)
The Blue Jays have won four on the trot and I expect them to make it five behind Kevin Gausman. The Jays ace was solid in the opener, and right now the Mets offense ranks among the worst in team BAA at .188 and OPS at .625. The Jays will continue to hit and get solid pitching.
A's vs Rockies: Rockies (+106)
Two bad teams hook up at Coors Field and the theme of the day is to back the team playing in it's home opener (if the situation is right). The Rockies put up a good fight vs. the Phillies, while the A's were smacked around. I'll take the home side here at a plus-money price.
Yankees vs Pirates: Yankees (-151)
Unless the Pirates get seven innings of Paul Skenes, it seems like they never win. They simply don't have the bats to keep up with the Yankees in this one and Max Fried should be better in his second start as a Yankees pitcher.
Mariners vs Giants: Giants (-143)
Backing a 42-year-old pitcher is a dangerous task, but Justin Verlander should have enough in the tank to navigate a weak-hitting Mariners lineup. The M's are scoring just 2.6 runs per game, and in a pitcher-friendly park like Oracle Park, I expect the offensive struggles to continue.
Diamondbacks vs Nationals: Diamondbacks (-139)
I want to believe in the Nats and their ability to return to relevance, but they are just not very good. Give me the Snakes at this modest price.
Dodgers vs Phillies: Dodgers (-126)
This three-game series will be a fun watch, but I am backing the Dodgers to get it done in the opener. I trust Yoshinobu Yamamoto more than I do Jesus Luzardo.
Marlins vs Braves: Braves (-225)
Is this the game the Braves win? I say yes.
Orioles vs Royals: Royals (-107)
The Orioles dropped two of three vs. the Red Sox and now hit the road to take on the Royals. I like the pitching matchup with Seth Lugo taking on Dean Kremer. Give me the hosts.
Rays vs Rangers: Rangers (-126)
I'm not sold on the Rays being a good team. Sure, they beat up on the Pirates and Rockies, but on the road vs. a good Texas team is a different ask. Take the home side.
Reds vs Brewers: Brewers (-108)
In all my time watching baseball, I've never seen a team lose three straight 1-0 games. These results come after a 14-run outburst, which makes it even funnier. Give me the Brewers once again.
Guardians vs Angels: Angels (+102)
The Angels showed some decent pop in St. Louis and now return home for their home opener. They should be amped up for this one. The Guardians were swept by the Padres and their offense never really got going. I expect similar results against Jose Soriano who was solid in his first start.
Not intended for use in MA.
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