Friday's MLB slate features several compelling angles as division races heat up and struggling pitchers face tough matchups.
We're backing value plays like the Phillies to bounce back against a shaky MacKenzie Gore, while the Brewers' 12-game win streak makes them an attractive road favourite despite the juice.
From Coors Field totals to AL East showdowns, our experts have identified eight sharp plays across tonight's 15-game card.
MLB best bets
Cubs vs. Pirates betting tips
The Cubs are dominant at home with a 36-22 record at Wrigley Field and have consistently outperformed the Pirates in head-to-head matchups this season.
Pittsburgh has been horrendous on the road with a 17-42 record and this is expected to be a bullpen game with rookie Braxton Ashcraft likely getting bulk innings.
Cubs starter Colin Rea is seeking his 10th win and has been outstanding lately, allowing two or fewer runs in six of his past eight starts with a solid 4.09 ERA.
The Pirates' bullpen was completely exposed by Milwaukee this week, surrendering 33 runs in that series and showing they can't handle quality lineups.
Chicago has won five of seven meetings against Pittsburgh this season, and five of the Cubs' past six wins have come by two or more runs, making the run line attractive.
Reds vs. Brewers betting tips
The Brewers enter this matchup riding an incredible 12-game win streak and have outscored opponents 33-6 in their recent sweep of Pittsburgh.
Milwaukee holds a commanding 7.5-game lead in the NL Central and has been the hottest team in baseball over the past two months.
Starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski could return from the IL with solid numbers this season posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 33.1 innings.
Cincinnati sits 13 games behind Milwaukee in the division and has struggled to maintain consistency despite recent wins against Philadelphia.
The Brewers rank tied for first in MLB in runs per game at 5.17 and that number climbs to 5.76 runs per game on the road, giving them a significant offensive edge.
Guardians vs. Braves betting tips
Cleveland is firmly in both the AL Central and Wild Card races, sitting just 6.5 games back of Detroit and one game behind the Yankees for the final playoff spot.
The Guardians represent one of the most profitable betting teams in MLB this season while Atlanta has been a money-burner, getting more respect than they deserve from oddsmakers.
Braves starter Erick Fedde has been dreadful with a 4-12 record and 5.40 ERA, particularly struggling on the road where he's 1-8 with a 5.12 ERA.
Atlanta has committed the fewest errors in baseball but their pitching staff ranks 23rd in ERA and 25th in strikeouts per nine innings, showing fundamental problems.
Cleveland has made a habit of pulling out wins even when stats don't favor them, and their home crowd should be energized for this crucial matchup against a disappointing Braves squad.
Giants vs. Rays betting tips
The Giants get a boost with Landen Roupp returning from the IL after posting strong numbers before his injury, allowing just four earned runs over his last six starts.
Tampa Bay starter Joe Boyle was horrendous in his last outing against Seattle, surrendering six runs on four hits and five walks in what became a 7-4 loss.
San Francisco has been competitive at home despite their recent struggles, and Roupp's 3.11 ERA and solid command should give them an edge over the inconsistent Boyle.
The Rays are in the middle of a grueling 12-game road trip and have shown signs of fatigue after getting swept by Seattle in their previous series.
Boyle has allowed six runs in two of his last three starts and has struggled with command issues, walking five batters in his most recent disaster against the Mariners.
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