MLB Predictions and Best Bets – April 9, 2021

After taking Thursday off, I am back to close out the week with my favorite MLB picks and predictions.

Before I dive into each game, take a quick look at everyone facing off on Friday, April 9th.

There are some really nice series here, while Friday also boasts some big pitching matchups.

The game of the day is likely a clash between NL East rivals Atlanta and Philadelphia, but there is a lot to like here.

For the best bets and game-winner predictions, check out Friday’s MLB betting preview.

Corey Kluber gets the ball again for the pinstripes, and he looks to continue his nice start in a pitcher’s park against the Rays.

This looks like a nice spot to trust in Kluber, as Tampa Bay whiffs a good deal. On the other side is Rich Hill, who is quite good but could get knocked around by a sea of New York righties.

The park and pitching say bet the Under, but I think the Yanks pop off more than expected in a big road win.

Walker Buehler was pretty good in his 2021 debut, considering he had to work at Coors Field, so I definitely like his chances at home against the Nats.

On the other side is Joe Ross, who a loaded Dodgers lineup won’t be afraid of. It’s often smart to bet on the Dodgers, but this looks like a smash spot to back L.A.

I don’t like to bet on the Rockies when they leave Coors Field. Not only are they historically not as good outside of the best park in baseball, but their lineup just isn’t scary this year.

On Friday, they face Johnny Cueto, who is no longer elite, but he can certainly handle this offense.

A nice park aids Cueto for pitching, and the Giants likely will have just enough on offense to help him get the win.

Andrew Heaney can slice up hitters when he’s on, but he was not on in his debut.

Toronto just has a lot of power to deal with here. I think the Over is the appealing bet, but it’s hard not to like the Jays here.

I like the Tribe at home on Friday. Zach Plesac didn’t win the last time he faced the Tigers, but he still contained them and racked up four whiffs.

I imagine he’ll be a bit more dominant the second time around, while Detroit just lacks reliable power in general.

It’s not a good spot for the Tigers on the other side, either. Julio Teheran was solid in his first game of 2021 – against these same Indians – but he’s not a guy I’d be interested in betting on again.

The pitching is rock-solid in a tense rivalry clash on Friday. The Phillies are off to a hot 5-1 start, but now they have to head to Atlanta to take on the suddenly surging Braves.

Okay, that might be a bit much, but Atlanta took out Max Scherzer a couple of days ago, and they seem ready to go on a run.

Charlie Morton also toes the rubber for them, and I doubt he gets wrecked here.

All things considered, I like the Braves at home and the Under.

The Rangers have performed better than expected to start 2021, but I’m not going to get sidetracked here.

San Diego still has a quality arm in Joe Musgrove on the mound, and even without Fernando Tatis, they have a deadly offense.

Texas could keep it going, but the math doesn’t add up. Look for the Padres to roll.

Houston is another team that is on fire to get 2021 going, and they host a regressed version of the A’s. Oakland has gone just 1-6 through their first seven games, and I don’t love their chances on the road against the Astros.

Lance McCullers Jr. is a tough draw for Oakland, while Sean Manaea did not look good at his first start of the year.

I love the Astros, but the park and the pitching due lean toward the Under in this one.

The last game of the night could be a pitching duel if Tyler Mahle brings his A-game, or it could be a total bloodbath.

Mahle can be good, but he has a wide split and struggles against lefties. The question will be whether the D’Backs will be at full strength.

I’m specifically referencing Ketel Marte, who has missed some time this week after getting hurt in a game.

Ketel Marte limping off the field… pic.twitter.com/Hdv7jJBG8l

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BallySportSAZ) April 8, 2021

If he’s back, I like Arizona to run wild here, and I naturally would also have an interest in the Over.

Anytime you can get a team you like under -200, you have to consider pouncing. I’ve detailed why I like the Yanks, Indians, Braves, and Astros, and I just see no reason not to go with those favorites on Friday.

The pitching is really good in that Braves game, too. I’d hammer the Under there, while the top underdog bet of this slate feels like Arizona.

Tyler Mayle can be good, but he’s on the road, and Arizona should have many lefties to throw at him. The Over is a fine secondary play here, but the D’Backs at +120 feels like a nice value.

Hopefully, my MLB picks and predictions serve you well. If you want a little more help with betting on the MLB in 2021, be sure to brush up on your baseball betting strategy.