Thursday’s MLB Predictions and Betting Tips – April 22, 2021

After a flurry of action on Wednesday, the MLB schedule calms down with just eight games slated for Thursday. The D-Backs and Reds kick things off with an early start (12:35 pm ET) in Cincinnati, while the Yankees embark on an eight-game road trip with the first of four straight in Cleveland.

Perhaps the most notable matchup on April 22^nd is the night capper in La La Land. The Padres and Dodgers are set to clash in what some think could be a preview of the NLCS.

Let’s start diving into MLB predictions on Thursday, starting with who will come out on top in each contest.

It’s tough to beat the run line when you’re betting baseball online. This is why so many bettors prefer to attack the money line. It’s hard enough to determine who will come out on top – predicting if a team wins by at least two runs adds another layer that some don’t want to deal with.

The MLB picks above are designed for that population.

A few underdogs are catching my attention; more on that below.

One way to go against the grain when making MLB predictions on Thursday is to latch onto D-Backs at +130. The Reds are head and shoulders better than the Diamondbacks on paper, but a big reason is Arizona’s porous pitching stats.

The good news is Torey Lovullo isn’t sending Madison Bumgarner or Merrill Kelly to the mound this afternoon. He’s sending Taylor Widener to the bump (1-0, 1.59 ERA). Keep in mind, Cincy’s starter Jeff Hoffman lasted just 4.1 innings on April 10^th versus Arizona in a game that the Diamondbacks won, 8-3.

The Cubbies bats have been abysmal thus far, although Luis Rojas’ batters have had plenty of trouble themselves. Francisco Lindor checks in with a .171 clip at the plate and is still searching for his first home run in a Mets uniform.

San Francisco has overachieved in the early going while Miami has underperformed. Hence, the odds for the Marlins vs. Giants game on Thursday seem a bit out of whack. Rather than back SF at -140 and hope that Gabe Kapler’s bunch continues streaking, I’m looking to take advantage of reverse recency bias.

Backing favorites on the money line isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems. However, the Red Sox taking care of business at home against the Mariners is one of my top MLB picks for Thursday.

Heading into Wednesday’s tilt against the Blue Jays, 10 of Boston’s 12 victories have been by two or more runs. Their +30 run differential is more than double any other team in the American League.

Staying in the AL for another one of my best MLB bets on April 22, I’m all over the Astros beating the Angels at Minute Maid Park. Alex Cobb had his last start skipped, and Anthony Rendon remains on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Cristian Javier looked brilliant last time out and quickly emerged as one of the top right-handed arms in baseball.

Finally, you could do a lot worse than place a bet on the Dodgers to beat the Padres on Thursday. Not only is Walker Buehler pitching in a game taking place in Los Angeles, but the Friars are entrusting a 21-year-old unheralded southpaw to navigate LA’s lineup.

For what it’s worth, this pitching matchup is a rematch from last Friday. The Dodgers won that game 11-6.