Our MLB expert picks are back in your life.
All 30 MLB teams are in action Friday, leaving us with no shortage of fun plays to make. With that in mind, here are my two MLB expert picks for today's games:
MLB Expert Picks: April 19th, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Pick 1: Blue Jays (+100) vs Padres
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 9:40 pm ET
Cuban rookie Yariel Rodriguez goes Friday for the Jays as they kick off a series in San Diego vs the Padres. And while Rodriguez moves the needle in favor of this bet, the crew afterward makes me comfortable.
The Blue Jays bats have performed lately. Justin Turner is hitting, as is Daulton Varsho at the bottom of the order. And Toronto does well when its bullpen is fresh.
I'm happy to bet on the Blue Jays as underdogs, knowing they have all their relievers available when this game gets close.
Pick 2: Red Sox (-105) vs Pirates
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
Boston had a tough go in its last series at home. Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill suffered injuries, while the club lost three of four games to the Guardians.
Time to buck all that negativity, starting with Brayan Bello on the mound. Essentially no one on the Pirates roster has seen him before. The right-hander has been steady through four starts, pitching at least five innings in each outing and carrying a 3.92 ERA into this contest.
On the Pirates side, Quinn Priester makes his season debut after being promoted from Triple-A. The former first-round pick struggled immensely in the majors last year (7.74 ERA, 2.2 HR/9), but has performed well in Triple-A in 2024.
Still, Priester is not experienced enough to get my support. The Sox have a greater edge Friday than the odds suggest, so I'll take Boston to win as the underdogs.
