MLB Best Bets Today, 4/14: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday
Welcome into the start of a new week in the slate of MLB best bets action here at Fantasy Alarm on this Monday, April 14, 2025! Always great to get some fresh series started after a successful weekend of MLB picks around the diamond.
In our MLB best bets today, we have a little less to pick from with 10 games but that isn’t stopping me from finding the winning wagers! Check out my MLB predictions below and good luck to all!
MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/14
In addition to the starting month of the season, like seasons past I am advocating that you start the season with half unit wagers on my MLB predictions as well. Every season is unique and until we get our footing into who these teams and players are this season let’s gamble smart and learn as we go!
In this MLB Best Bets Today article you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines and to game totals and on occasion some player props! Check out the rationale and if you agree with me make sure to tail and good luck!
Now, let's dive into my expert MLB Best Bets today!
- Season Record: 25-19-0
- Bankroll: +2.9 units
*Follow me on X/Twitter @jwaggs10
Nationals vs. Pirates Predictions: Monday, April 14th
It's back to the ole reliable here on this Monday as Paul Skenes of the Pirates is on the bump! Each start this season I have taken the under in the first 5 innings and today will be no different as Skenes keeps opposing offenses at bay with his ERA of 3.44 through 3 starts and the Pirates lineup is batting .184 so far this season.
Seems like a recipe for very little to get done early in this matchup and even with the Nationals pitching a bullpen game I still don’t see an out for the Bucs right now. So, start my MLB best bets today out with the under of 3.5 at even money for the opening 5 frames!
- Expert Nationals vs. Pirates Picks:
- Washington vs. Pittsburgh Under 3.5 Runs 1st 5 Innings (+100 on ESPN Bet)
Red Sox vs. Rays Predictions: Monday, April 14th
You could chalk this one up to a slow start, but the Red Sox are not a very good team right now and have now dropped a series to the White Sox! The offense is the main issue as the Boston offense has only managed to score 14 runs over the last 6 games. Hard to see those numbers turning around on the road against the Rays and Shane Baz in my MLB best bets today.
Baz has been excellent to start 2025 through 2 starts with 13 innings pitched just 2 runs allowed and has 16 total strikeouts. The 25-year-old righty is feeling it, and I like his spot an awful lot tonight against a Red Sox team that has a strikeout rate of 24.8% against right-handed pitching this season. Those numbers have been worse over the past week for Boston as well.
The Red Sox offense will awaken at some point but at least for today I see them falling in this matchup against a Rays team that is 7-5 at home and scoring 4.33 runs per game which is indeed enough to beat Boston the way they are playing. Tampa Bay on the Money Line with an additional wager of Shane Baz to go over 5.5 strikeouts, something which he has done in every single game this season so far.
- Expert Red Sox vs. Rays Picks:
- Tampa Bay Money Line (-130 on DraftKings)
- Shane Baz (TB) Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-150 on DraftKings)
- (Same Game Parlay +180 on DraftKings)
Best MLB Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/14
- Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers 1st 5 Innings Under 3.5 Runs (+100 on DraftKings)
- Houston Astros Money Line (-110 on DraftKings)
- Manny Machado (SD) Over 1.5 Hits/Runs/RBIs (-120 on BetMGM)
- Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line -1.5 (-150 on BetRivers)
Player News
Shota Imanaga left Tuesday’s start against the Pirates with a trainer.
Imanaga appeared to be in some obvious discomfort after giving up a leadoff double to Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning and departed with a trainer following a visit from Cubs manager Craig Counsell. The -year-old lefty struck out three over five shutout innings to open the contest. It would be a significant loss for fantasy managers if he were to require an extended absence. There should be an update on his status shortly.
Diamondbacks SS prospect Jordan Lawlar went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two RBI on Tuesday for Triple-A Reno.
Lawlar continues adding extra defensive versatility to his profile, spending time at both second and third base in recent weeks, and appears to be on the precipice of making it back to the big leagues. The 22-year-old projects as a potential five-category impact fantasy contributor thanks to his power/speed combination. He’s hitting .364 (39-for-107) with 20 extra-base hits — six home runs — and 12 stolen bases through 27 games this season for Triple-A Reno. It’s time.
Twins OF prospect Walker Jenkins (ankle) received a cortisone injection and isn’t expected to return to minor league game action until June.
Jenkins has dealt with an array of physical issues since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. The immense talent and upside is undeniable, but he’s struggled to stay on the field at times. The 20-year-old top prospect isn’t expected to return to game action at Double-A Wichita until early June after receiving an injection to address lingering ankle soreness. He’s a top-10 prospect for dynasty purposes, but the lost development time is starting to become a minor concern.
Josh Lowe (oblique) took batting practice on Tuesday.
Lowe took on-field batting practice off a pitching machine for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain back on Opening Day. He’s expected to progress to facing live pitching on Friday and could potentially kick of a minor league rehab assignment this weekend in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 27-year-old fantasy standout is likely to require a couple weeks of game action to get back up to speed, but it sounds like he could potentially return by mid-May, barring any setbacks.
Giants signed OF Cal Mitchell to a minor league contract.
It didn’t take Mitchell long to find a new home. The 26-year-old outfielder latches on with the Giants just a couple days after being cut loose by the White Sox. He was hitting .111 (3-for-27) in 10 games at the Triple-A level this season.
Mariners signed RHP Bryan Shaw to a minor league contract.
Shaw fortifies Seattle’s relief depth at Triple-A Tacoma after failing to make the Reds’ season-opening roster in spring training. The 37-year-old journeyman righty has made a whopping 796 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2011.