Raise your hand if you want MLB expert picks. Anyone? Buehler?
I get it. It's a long season. But I'm here every day handicapping my darn heart out for all you fancy baseball bettors. Show me some love and follow along for two MLB expert picks for today's games:
MLB Expert Picks: April 30th, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Pick 1: Blue Jays (-135) vs Royals
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:07 pm ET
No, it's not deja vu you're experiencing — this exact pitching matchup happened last week. Jose Berrios and Cole Ragans squared off in a pitching duel before a thunderstorm swept through KC and ended the game, a 2-1 Royals win, after five innings.
Perhaps the sequel will be better, especially for the Blue Jays, who harnessed a bit of momentum Monday. Toronto scored more than five runs in a game for the first time since April 6, breaking an ugly franchise record. But it's not the Blue Jays bats that entice me in this contest. In fact, I think the UNDER 7.5 runs is a smart play.
Berrios is a smart pitcher, and I'll bet he makes adjustments this time around to avoid being roughed up by the top of Kansas City's order. In addition, the Blue Jays bullpen will be very rested come first pitch, as Yimi Garcia and Jordan Romano, Toronto's top two relievers, did not pitch yesterday.
Pick 2: D-backs (-105) vs Dodgers
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 9:40 pm ET
The Dodgers are beatable, as the Blue Jays proved Sunday after two disastrous losses to Los Angeles. Dave Roberts' squad got back in the win column Monday, though Tuesday's matchup could drag the club back down.
Rookie Landon Knack starts for the Dodgers. On the surface, his 3.27 ERA suggests he's been solid through two starts, but other numbers tell a different story. For example, Knack has allowed a homer in each start and a total of four walks, bringing his FIP to 5.25.
Jordan Montgomery (2.77 ERA) goes for the D-backs, which gives me confidence. As slight underdogs at home, Arizona has the right pieces in place for a successful upset.
