Now that the pomp and circumstance of MLB Opening Day is out of the way, our work with the MLB Best Bets can continue and, hopefully carry over the momentum from yesterday’s MLB predictions.

There is one game that will have the festivities of an Opening Day as the Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies square off in their first game of the season. We’re not exactly sure why these two teams were left out from yesterday’s excitement, but it probably has to do with how bad the Rockies are and the league getting Steinbrenner Field ready for regular season action.

 

 

 

We’ll dive into it and also study the other eight games for potential MLB Best Bets today.

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/28

Whether you were listening to the Fantasy Alarm Show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio or read yesterday’s MLB best bets column from Josh Wagner, he offered some pretty sound advice regarding your MLB picks. 

Baseball is a game of matchups and is obviously data-driven. The early season can be difficult to make MLB predictions, from players still finding their ways after spring training to colder weather affecting the games – it’s smart to start out betting small. 

Build your bankroll first, minimize risk and then start building from there. Avoid crazy parlays and be smart. It’s a long season, so there will be plenty of time to increase risk down the road. Now let’s get to our MLB Best Bets today.

 

 

 

Braves vs. Padres Prediction: Friday, March 28th

While the hitting took center stage yesterday between these two teams, I think we get a softer start in today’s game. Dylan Cease is coming off a rock-solid spring that saw strong command and lofty strikeout potential. This is coming off another good year where he limited the number of home runs and posted an impressive 3.10 FIP with a 10.65 K/9. The Padres racked up 10 strikeouts in total against the Braves yesterday and Cease’s stuff should play even better.

On the other side is Reynaldo Lopez who is not only coming off a strong spring performance but has steadily blossomed into a strong option on the mound. He threw more innings last year than he has since 2019 and looks to have everything back on-track, including a K/9 that shows more than a strikeout per inning. Coming out of the gate hot should help him get through the Padres lineup unscathed, at least the first two or three times.  

  • Expert Braves vs. Padres Picks:

 

 

 

Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Prediction: Friday, March 28th

To cap off our MLB best bets today, there is definitely an advantage for the Cubs having now played three regular-season games to just the one for Arizona. Chicago has been playing well, and the hitters seem to have their timing down pretty well. 

I’m not the biggest Jameson Taillon fan, probably more because he doesn’t get the strikeouts people want for fantasy baseball or DFS, but he’s actually got a decent track record against this current Diamondbacks lineup. We’re talking about a combined .195/.251/.351 slash line with a 23.2-percent strikeout rate over 82 total at-bats.

Arizona is throwing Merrill Kelly who is coming off one of his worst seasons. He also only threw 73.2 innings due to injuries. His command has slipped dramatically and with the way this Cubs team is swinging the sticks, they should be able to put some runs on him. I like taking the Cubs at plus-money here as they should end up with the win.

 

 

 

Best MLB Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 3/28