The MLB week continues with a full 15-game slate on Friday. It includes a couple of showdowns on Apple TV: Brewers vs Royals and Braves vs Diamondbacks. There is action to enjoy throughout the day, as 10 contests are afternoon specials before the nightcap at 10:15 pm ET pits the Mets against the Giants.
Here are my best bets, and also make sure to check out our MLB picks for predictions throughout the 2026 campaign!
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Detroit Tigers ML over Pittsburgh Pirates (-164)
The Tigers have not won since Framber Valdez made his team debut in the second game of the season. They should be able to get back on track now that Valez is once again on the bump this afternoon. The veteran southpaw has been one of the steadier pitchers in baseball over the past few years, resulting in a massive contract from Detroit this past offseason and leading to his departure from Houston. Valdez surrendered just 1 run in 6.0 innings during his first start with the Tigers. The Cardinals are countering with Michael McGreevy, but he generally struggles against left-handed hitters and Detroit is expected to have 4 of them in the top 5 of its lineup on Friday. The Tigers have a more rested bullpen right now, too, so they have good value at not too big of a money-line price.
Chicago Cubs ML over Cleveland Guardians (-118)
I’m rolling with the Cubs and Cade Horton, who finished runner-up in National League Rookie of the Year voting last season. Horton was stellar in his first 2026 outing, giving up only 2 runs in 6.1 innings as Chicago destroyed Washington 10-2. Facing Cleveland is not quite as favorable, but this is still another situation in which Horton should thrive. The Guardians benefited from a hot start by rookie Chase DeLauter, but they have struggled at the plate since he fouled a ball off his foot. DeLauter is questionable for today’s contest.
Atlanta Braves ML over Arizona Diamondbacks (-115)
Playing on no rest after traveling from Atlanta on Wednesday night, the Braves humiliated the Diamondbacks 17-2 on Thursday. Matt Olson led the charge with 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 RBIs, 1 homer and a walk. Three other Braves went deep and 5 delivered multi-hit performances. The visitors obviously could have saved some of those runs for today’s game, but they made not need a ton for Grant Holmes. The right-hander had a great spring training and was serviceable in his first regular-season start against Kansas City. Arizona is countering with Eduardo Rodriguez. The Braves have been crushing lefties to start the season, boasting a .286 batting average with a .476 slugging percentage – both which both rank in the top 5 in Major League Baseball.
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