We've got a new week of MLB expert picks on tap.
There's a good feel on which clubs are contenders several weeks into the season. And we can bet accordingly. Here are my two MLB expert picks for today's games:
MLB Expert Picks: April 15th, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Pick 1: Giants (-110) vs Marlins
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
The Marlins cannot hit left-handed pitchers. They've got just four homers against lefties this year (in 298 at-bats) and rock MLB's worst team OPS against southpaws (.490).
Kyle Harrison goes for the Giants Monday. The lefty has been cautiously average this year (4.76 ERA, 17 IP, 17 H), but his peripherals are strong (9.1 K/9). A strikeout hurler such as Harrison should have his way vs this Marlins lineup.
Secondly, Edward Cabrera will make his season debut on the hill for Miami. The righty has been on the injured list and worked over five innings in the last minor-league start. Still, it might take an outing or two for him to settle, so I'm feeling a fade.
Pick 2: Pirates (+105) vs Mets
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:10 pm ET
Martin Perez has discovered the fountain of youth, I guess. The 33-year-old lefty has been impeccable this season (1.87 ERA), and he's coming off eight innings of one-run ball.
Perez has hit these hot streaks before, too. He was an All-Star with the Rangers in 2022 when he proved he could sustain himself as a starter.
On top of it all, the Pirates are 8-2 SU as underdogs this season and 6-2 SU as road underdogs, sporting victories over the Phillies, Nationals, and Marlins. The Mets are a mess, and with Perez on fire, the Bucs are an easy underdog bet.
