Caleb Wilfinger
The 2nd half of the 2025 MLB season continues rolling along, and Friday features a full slate of action for us to enjoy. I’m 78-54-1 on my MLB best bets this year and the Pickswise MLB handicapping team as a whole is currently on a 21-8 run! Let’s keep it going as we get into today’s top MLB predictions on Friday, September 5.
You can also find out our MLB picks for EVERY GAME today.
MLB best bet: Boston Red Sox vs Arizona Diamondbacks Over 8.5 (-120)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
For my first MLB best bet today, we’ll focus on this interleague matchup between the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. Both of these offenses are units I want to back at the moment, as Arizona ranks 7th in runs per game, 2nd in slugging percentage and 4th in OPS this season. The Diamondbacks are also going up against Boston rookie starter Payton Tolle, who was solid a week ago but he faced a much easier opponent in the Pittsburgh Pirates. On the other side, Eduardo Rodriquez holds a 5.40 ERA and has allowed at least 4 runs in 5 of his 10 starts over the last 2 months. Both bullpens don’t inspire much confidence either, especially in the case of Arizona, so let’s roll with a higher-scoring affair in the desert on Friday.
Read our expert’s YRFI/NRFI best bets for Friday
MLB best bet: Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers Under 7.5 (-120)
Odds widely available at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
For my second MLB best bet on Friday, let’s roll with the under in this AL West showdown between the Astros and Rangers. This is an extremely important series for both teams, particularly a Texas side that is looking to run down the Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot. Both pitchers should be in good position to succeed, as the Astros have Hunter Brown (2.34 ERA, top 5% hard-hit rate) on the mound, while Texas is countering with Merrill Kelly (3.24 ERA, top 15% chase rate). Brown has been the clear ace of the staff in Houston and he’s allowed just 3 runs over his last 3 road starts, while Kelly pitched very well in August, allowing just 7 runs over 26 innings pitched. Look for both pitchers to start strong and the bats to be stymied a bit on Friday.
Read our full Astros vs Rangers prediction
