Tonight’s MLB best bets: Juan Soto faces off against Nationals, Dodgers open up series in Kansas City
We have a whopping 14 games on Friday night in the majors starting at 6:40pm ET with the Braves-Marlins and ending at 10:15pm ET with the Pirates-Giants. Based on early odds, there are numerous value opportunities for both the casual baseball fan and serious bettor.
We’ll break down why we like Juan Soto to put on a show at Nationals Park and why we’re proposing a two-legged parlay with more money involving the Dodgers and Mariners.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tonight’s Best MLB Betting Tips: Advice, Tips, Odds for Friday
Juan Soto OVER 1.5 bases total vs Padres (+115). Last time we put together a best bets column, we focused mostly on player props. Coincidentally, that’s where we’ll start with Soto, who returns to Nationals Park tonight for the first time since he was traded to the Padres at close.
Soto played well in his short stint with the Padres, posting .357/.471/.607 with a home run and two doubles in eight games. The superstar outfielder enters the series opener tonight, coming off consecutive multi-hit games, which bodes well for the prop we’re looking to attack. Soto and the Padres will take on Nats starter Cory Abbott, who was roughed up in his last start against the Phillies, allowing for seven earned runs, four home runs and five walks in 3.2 innings.
Lefties also hit .267 against Abbott, which is perfect for guys like Soto and Josh Bell. Soto has aggregated more than 1.5 bases in two of his last five games. However, we can’t skip the +115 odds as he can redeem that prop in one swing.
Jose Abreu over 1.5 bases total vs Tigers (+125). We’re going to stick with Abreu, who has a favorable matchup against the Tigers tonight. Abreu has been hitting the ball well in his last 15 games — a .283 batting average, three homers and eight RBIs. The White Sox will need the former AL MVP to carry offense as they are without All-Star Tim Anderson due to a left hand injury.
Abreu has solid numbers against Detroit starting pitcher Daniel Norris, who was called up by Triple-A and hit .455 with two homers and eight RBIs in 22 at-bats against him. Abreu hits .282 against lefties this season and has twice exceeded 1.5 bases overall in his last five games.
Dodgers ML and Mariners ML Parlay (+127). Our final game will be a parlay with two strong favorites in the Dodgers (-240) and Mariners (-165). Los Angeles begins a three-game set against the Royals while the Mariners take on the Rangers on the road.
The Dodgers should be able to take care of business tonight against Kansas City since 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 weren’t for Marlin’s ace Sandy Alcantara, you could make the case for Gonsolin to become the NL Cy Young. Gonsolin is also 5-0 with 3.20 ERA and .210 OBA.
Meanwhile, LA’s offense shouldn’t have any trouble with Royals starter Daniel Lynch, who is 1-3 at home this season with a 5.97 ERA. Lynch has fared better in his first two starts this month, giving up just four earned runs in 11.1 innings. However, those starts were against two scuffle 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 line up with Josh Sborz as the opener, and Taylor Hearn will potentially cover the bulk of the innings. Kirby has a 2.90 ERA on the road this season and the Mariners are 4-1 in their last five starts. Additionally, Seattle has won eight straight games against the Rangers this season.