We have an incredible 14-game slate across the majors on Friday night that begins at 6:40 p.m. ET with the Braves-Marlins and wraps up with the Pirates-Giants at 10:15 p.m. ET. Based on the early odds, there are numerous value opportunities for casual baseball fans and serious bettors.
We’ll break down why we like Juan Soto to put on a show back at Nationals Park, and why we suggest a plus-money, two-leg parlay involving the Dodgers and Mariners.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tonight's MLB Best Bets: Advice, picks, odds for Friday
Juan Soto OVER 1.5 total bases vs. Padres (+115). The last time we put together a best bets column, we focused primarily on player props. Coincidentally, we will start there with Soto, who is making his return to Nationals Park tonight for the first time since being traded to the Padres at the trade deadline.
Soto has played well in his short stint with the Padres, slashing .357/.471/.607 with a home run and two doubles in eight games. The superstar outfielder enters tonight's series opener, coming off back-to-back multi-hit games, which is a good sign for the prop we want to attack. Soto and the Padres will be going up Nats starter Cory Abbott, who got roughed up in his last start against the Phillies, allowing seven earned runs, four home runs, and five walks in 3.2 innings.
Lefties are also hitting .267 against Abbott, which is perfect for guys such as Soto and Josh Bell. Soto has gone over 1.5 total bases in two out of his past five games. However, we cannot pass up +115 odds, as he can cash this prop with one swing.
Jose Abreu over 1.5 total bases vs. Tigers (+125). We're going to stick with the total bases prop and roll with Abreu, who has a favorable matchup tonight against the Tigers. Abreu has been hitting the ball well over the past 15 games -- .283 batting average, three home runs, and eight RBIs. The White Sox will need the former AL MVP to carry the offense, as they're without All-Star Tim Anderson because of a left hand injury.
Abreu has solid numbers against Detroit's starting pitcher Daniel Norris, who was called up from Triple-A, hitting .455 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 22 at-bats vs. him. Abreu is slugging .282 on the season against lefties and has gone over 1.5 total bases twice in his past five games.
Dodgers ML and Mariners ML parlay (+127). Our last play will be a parlay featuring two heavy favorites in the Dodgers (-240) and Mariners (-165). Los Angeles is beginning a three-game set against the Royals, while the Mariners will be taking on the Rangers on the road.
The Dodgers should be able to take care of business tonight against Kansas City, as they have Tony Gonsolin on the mound. Gonsolin has been outstanding this season with a 13-1 record and 2.30 ERA in 20 starts. If it wasn't for Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, you could make a case for Gonsolin to be the NL Cy Young. Gonsolin is also 5-0 on the road with a 3.20 ERA and .210 OBA.
Meanwhile, L.A.'s offense should not have any issues with Royals starter Daniel Lynch, who is 1-3 with a 5.97 ERA at home this season. Lynch has pitched better in his first two starts this month, only giving up four earned runs in 11.1 innings. However, those starts were against two scuffling offenses in the White Sox and Red Sox.
Finally, when it comes to the Mariners, they have the advantage on the mound with George Kirby. Texas will be going with Josh Sborz as an opener, and Taylor Hearn potentially taking the bulk of the innings. Kirby has a 2.90 ERA on the road this season, and the Mariners are 4-1 in his past five starts. Additionally, Seattle has won eight consecutive games over the Rangers this season.
