The 2025 MLB season rolls on with a full Saturday slate of games. We have 13 games on the docket as we dive into top MLB Best Bets Today. For our MLB predictions, let’s focus on a pair of interesting matchups for some game bets. Plus, we’ll dish out a few baseball player props to consider today. 

Keep in mind, some of these odds or lines could move before first pitch. Without further ado, let’s dive into our MLB Best Bets Today.

 

 

 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/5

Our MLB Best Bets Today start with two of the MLB’s top teams as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. The marquee matchup features Roki Sasaki against Aaron Nola as we find some winning picks.

We’ll also dive into an AL matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels for our second round of MLB predictions. Check out the picks, props, and bets to make as you enjoy this baseball Saturday.

 

 

 

Dodgers vs. Phillies Predictions: Saturday, April 5th

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been a juggernaut to begin the season. The defending champs were 8-0 before losing, 3-2, last night in the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. As scary as it may be, let’s the Dodgers again today on the road against one of Philly’s aces. 

Aaron Nola had a shaky season debut last weekend in Washington, allowing five runs over 5.1 innings. On the bright side, though, Nola had eight strikeouts and zero walks in the outing. Plus, all five runs allowed came on two home runs. Otherwise, the Phils’ right-hander was very effective. 

Look for Nola to bounce back at home, where he’s regularly been better. He has a career 3.21 ERA in Philadelphia starts compared to a 4.24 ERA on the road. Last year, the Phillies went 12-5 in Nola’s home starts as he posted a 3.29 home ERA. He had a good outing at home against the Dodgers last season in a 5-1 victory. 

On the other side, we have Roki Sasaki starting for Los Angeles. The Japanese rookie entered the league with plenty of hype, but it may take some time for the talent to show up in the box score. A week ago, Sasaki lasted just 1.2 innings while allowing two runs on three hits and four walks. He now has a 5.79 ERA and a poor 5:9 K:BB ratio through two MLB starts. 

Those control issues are worrisome for Sasaki moving forward, especially on the road against a dangerous lineup. The Phillies are crushing right-handed pitching this season with an MLB-best .425 wOBA. They also have an 11.9% walk rate (4th), 13.3% K rate (1st), and .328 batting average (1st) in the split so far. 

It’s a tough spot for Sasaki, and Philadelphia could get to him early and often. Let’s take the Phils to lead after the first five innings and win the game behind a stronger Nola start as well. 

 

 

 

Guardians vs. Angels Predictions: Saturday, April 4th

In tonight’s Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels game, the starting pitching matchup notably favors the road team. We have Tanner Bibee starting for Cleveland and Jack Kochanowicz on the mound for LA. Let’s back the Guardians to win outright and lead after five innings. 

After getting scratched on Opening Day due to food poisoning, Bibee had a solid debut last weekend with five shutout innings on the road at Kansas City. The right-hander is coming off a season in which he had a 3.47 ERA, including a 3.01 ERA over his final 12 starts in the second half. Interestingly, Bibee was much better on the road (2.76 ERA) than at home (4.15 ERA). 

Bibee should be effective in a favorable road matchup here. Against right-handed pitching this season, the Angels are hitting .189 (27th in MLB) with a .241 wOBA (28th). It’s a small sample size so far, but this LA lineup has a ton of weak spots. 

Meanwhile, the Cleveland hitters should provide Bibee some run support in their own matchup. Kochanowicz had a 3.99 ERA last year in 11 starts for Los Angeles. His 4.97 xERA and 4.62 FIP are more worrisome, though. Kochanowicz’s minor-league stats don’t offer much confidence either. He had a 4.50 ERA in 18 Double-A starts last year and a 5.27 ERA across 21 minor-league starts in 2023. 

The Guardians should get to Kochanowicz to give Bibee an early lead. Plus, the Angels' bullpen can’t be trusted with a poor 7.11 ERA so far. Conversely, Cleveland boasts one of the league’s top relief corps once again, with a 2.14 ERA as a group thus far. All signs point to the Guardos taking care of business. 

 

 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/5