X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Free MLB Betting Picks - Today's Best Bets, Expert Predictions, Odds (4/1/23)

patrick sandoval fantasy baseball rankings mlb player news

Today's Free MLB betting picks for Friday, April 1, 2023. Use Kevin Hickey's top baseball picks and MLB bet recommendations to win money on sportsbooks.

Welcome to the 2023 baseball season! We’ve got a long summer ahead, and I intend to hit the ground running. I’m excited to work alongside the RotoBaller team, delivering free MLB betting content. I bring a background in betting on MLB in various capacities, most notably competing in the DraftKings live final last year. I'm looking to build off that momentum and capitalize again this baseball season, and I'm cluing you in on my process.

Attention fellow sports bettors! We have some exciting news to share as we are now officially partnered with various sportsbooks and have some sweet sports betting promo offers! Get your deposit bonus, as well as a year of free RotoBaller Premium access, when you sign up with a new account today! After you're signed up, use our picks in this article for spreads, totals, and props to win big.

Here I’ll update you on my favorite MLB bets throughout the season. Follow along for advice, and we’ll track how my picks are doing. Now let’s dig into my April Fool’s Day bets – these are no joke!

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 30% off using code NEW. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Today's MLB Betting Picks - Tigers @ Rays

O/U: 7.5 | Moneyline: TBR -175

DET: Spencer Turnbull | TBR: Zach Eflin

One of Saturday’s lowest totals also includes one of the slate’s more pedestrian pitching matchups. Neither the Rays nor Tigers bring juggernaut offenses to the table, but the vulnerability and unproven nature of the pitching is undervalued here.

As the most expensive free agent signing in Rays’ franchise history, the expectations are understandably high for Zach Eflin this season. His advanced stats point to a pitcher capable of better. That said, the on-field results have been middling since he arrived in 2016. Over seven seasons, Eflin has posted an ERA below 4.00 just once in his career – 3.97 in 2020, which includes the fewest innings he’s pitched in any season. Eflin surrendered six earned runs in 8 2/3 innings during spring, further shedding doubt on his readiness to step up as an ace.

Speaking of question marks, Spencer Turnbull hasn’t pitched in a regular season game since his July-2021 Tommy John Surgery. The 30-year-old has shown encouraging signs of a bounce-back season during spring, but a 4.50 ERA over 12 innings pitched isn’t enough to put doubts to rest. Turnbull also wasn’t exceptional before the injury, owning a 4.25 ERA in 271 1/3 career innings.

Turnbull built up to 67 pitches in his final spring start, so he should be expected to pitch around five innings if things are going well. This opens the door for significant bullpen usage. Detroit had one of the stronger bullpens in the majors during 2022, but they lost several key pieces this offseason, and the outlook is significantly murkier. Between Arozarena, Franco, and more, the Rays have enough weapons to take advantage and hold up their end of the run total.

All things considered, I like the over on 7.5 combined runs scored. As a bonus, this game will be played indoors, avoiding cold April weather notorious for killing offense.

Pick: Over 7.5 Runs (-120) DraftKings Sportsbook, 1 unit

 

Sports Betting Promo Offers

Featured Promo: Get any Betting Premium Pass for 30% off using code NEW. Win more with exclusive betting picks from proven winners across 9 sports! Find optimal bets with our Betting Picks Tool and Bet Weighting Tool and follow along in our VIP chat rooms! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Today's MLB Betting Picks - Angels @ Athletics

O/U: 7.5 | Moneyline: LAA -170

LAA: Patrick Sandoval | OAK: Shintaro Fujinami

Let’s set aside that the Angels looked like the same underwhelming Angels on Opening Day, squandering a late lead and losing 2-1. Objectively, they are capable of being one of the most explosive offenses in the league between Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Taylor Ward, Hunter Renfroe, and a refreshingly well-rounded supporting cast. Even Anthony Rendon looks ready to go, coming off the best spring training of his career -- .500/.561/.806 through 15 games. Yes, they stumbled out of the gate, but there’s no denying that their lineup towers over Oakland’s.

I know we aren’t meant to put much stock in preseason, but on April 1st, that’s some of the best evidence we have available. The Angels finished first in the Grapefruit League this spring with an 18-11 record and a +32 run differential. They were also without Trout, Ohtani, and Patrick Sandoval for most of the spring due to their respective deep runs in the World Baseball Classic. Now the whole cast is together.

Speaking of Sandoval, he has emerged as one of the more popular sleeper picks in fantasy baseball for 2023. The hype has been growing for him following a 3.62-ERA campaign in 2021, then a 2.91-ERA output in 2022, and he cemented his status with a dominant performance in the World Baseball Classic. Between his success in the WBC and at spring training, Sandoval totaled 2 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings pitched this preseason. He’s built up to 79 pitches in his most recent outing, so Sandoval should approach a normal workload on Saturday.

On the flip side, 28-year-old pitcher Shintaro Fujinami makes his MLB debut for Oakland. The Japanese signing has flashed an upside, but his outlook is shaky. Fujinami demonstrated serious pitch control issues throughout spring, walking 17 and hitting another batter across 18 2/3 innings. This issue has plagued him during his ten-year NPB career, where he owns a lifetime 4.1 walks per nine innings. Fujinami may pan out in the long run, but I’m looking at the Angels to capitalize on his unresolved strike-throwing problem today.

Both teams feature weak bullpens, so handing out an edge there is hard. However, thanks to a noted advantage at starting pitcher and a night-and-day superior batting lineup, I’m very comfortable taking the Angels to win here at -1.5 runs. A lineup headlined by Aledmys Diaz, Seth Brown, and Jesus Aguilar simply does not stack up well against Patrick Sandoval and an opposition featuring Trout, Ohtani, Ward, and more firepower.

Pick: Angels Run Line (-105) DraftKings Sportsbook, 1 unit

 

Good luck, RotoBallers!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tetairoa McMillan

Signed By Panthers
Kris Bubic

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Bobby Witt Jr.

Posts Four-Hit Game
Jayden Higgins

Inks Rookie Deal
Ashton Jeanty

Secures Rookie Deal With Las Vegas
Colston Loveland

Chicago Signs First-Round Pick Colston Loveland
Stephen Curry

Unsure When He Can Return From Injury
De'Andre Hunter

Iffy For Friday
Evan Mobley

May Miss Another Game
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 3
Adin Hill

Looks To Return To Winning Ways Thursday
Johnathan Kovacevic

Won't Be Ready For Training Camp Following Surgery
Anthony Stolarz

Not Traveling With Maple Leafs For Game 3
Logan Stanley

Could Return To Action Friday
Josh Morrissey

Will Be A Game-Time Decision Friday
Alex Pietrangelo

A Game-Time Decision Thursday
Pavel Dorofeyev

Won't Play In Game 2
Hunter Greene

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Groin Strain
Victor Dimukeje

Dealing With Torn Pec
Quinn Ewers

Inks Rookie Deal With Dolphins
Nic Scourton

Panthers Expect Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen To Make Immediate Impact
Dax Milne

Dax Milne Let Go By Panthers
Cade Horton

Joining MLB Roster This Weekend
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Fire Derek Shelton
Tay Martin

Kyron Johnson Waived By Titans
Joe Bachie

Colts Sign Joe Bachie
Jonathon Brooks

Placed On PUP List, Out For 2025
Jadeveon Clowney

Panthers Release Jadeveon Clowney
Jordan Matthews

Panthers Release Jordan Matthews
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Held In Check Wednesday
Chet Holmgren

Logs Double-Double In Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads Thunder To Blowout Win
Derrick White

Close To Another Double-Double In Game 2
Jaylen Brown

Struggles In Second Half Wednesday Night
Josh Hart

Leads All Scorers With 23 Points In Game 2 Against Celtics
Mikal Bridges

Makes Late Impact Again
Eetu Luostarinen

Stretches Point Streak To Four Games
Morgan Rielly

Registers Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Max Pacioretty

Extends Multi-Point Streak To Three Games
Travis Etienne Jr.

Jaguars Not Very High On Travis Etienne Jr.
Bhayshul Tuten

Could Make Impact In First Season
Mitchell Marner

Hits Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Arian Smith

Jets Expected To Use Arian Smith Early
Mark Scheifele

Returns With A Goal Wednesday
Jalen Ramsey

Rams Involved In Jalen Ramsey Trade Talks
Jake Oettinger

Collects Victory With 29 Saves
James Cook

Bills GM Expects James Cook To Be Ready
Mikko Rantanen

Nets Another Hat Trick Wednesday
Max Fried

Keeps Rolling With Seven Strong Innings On Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Shuts Down Brewers On Wednesday
Sonny Gray

Tosses Gem Against Pirates
Joe Ryan

Scratched From Thursday's Start With Illness
TJ Friedl

Blasts Two Home Runs
Wilyer Abreu

Launches Two Home Runs
Cam Skattebo

Giants Plan To Use Cam Skattebo As Rusher And Receiver
Dylan Cease

Dealing With Forearm Cramp
Karl-Anthony Towns

Turns It Around In Game 2
Jalen Brunson

Leads The Knicks To Another Win
Kristaps Porzingis

Logs Only 14 Minutes In Game 2
Jayson Tatum

Has Another Rough Shooting Night
Pat Bryant

Broncos Sign Rookie Third-Rounder Pat Bryant
Dylan Cease

Makes Early Exit On Wednesday
J.J. McCarthy

Kevin O'Connell Non-Committal On Potential Competition For J.J. McCarthy
J.T. Realmuto

Exits Early On Wednesday With Foot Injury
Juan Soto

Smacks Two Homers
Hunter Greene

Leaves Wednesday's Outing With Groin Injury
Kris Bryant

To Have Surgery On His Back
Rob Dillingham

Remains Out For Game 2 Against Warriors
Al Horford

Starts Game 2 Against Knicks
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Return In Late May
Sam Hauser

Out For Game 2 Against Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis

Available Wednesday
Stephen Curry

Ruled Out For At Least One Week
Mark Jankowski

To Be A Game-Time Call Thursday
Connor Hellebuyck

Puts Home Win Streak To Test Wednesday
William Contreras

Expected To Return On Friday
Miro Heiskanen

Continues To Sit Wednesday
Anthony Stolarz

Won't Play In Game 2
Mackie Samoskevich

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
Aaron Ekblad

Set To Return Wednesday
Clayton Kershaw

Might Need Just One More Rehab Start
Teoscar Hernández

Dodgers Hopeful Teoscar Hernandez Will Return In Two Weeks
Will Zalatoris

Looking To Find Consistency Heading Into Philadelphia
Justin Rose

In Solid Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Russell Henley

Looks To Keep Building Momentum At Truist Championship
Brian Harman

In Great Form Heading Into Philadelphia
Corey Conners

Red-Hot Heading Into Truist Championship
Daniel Berger

In Great Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Sahith Theegala

Struggles Continue Ahead Of Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Eyeing Strong Finish At Truist Championship
Jaccob Slavin

Extends Point Streak With Overtime Winner
Collin Morikawa

Poised To Rebound At The Truist Championship
Tony Finau

Trying To Find Form In Philadelphia
Justin Thomas

Looking To Keep Winning Ways Going Art Truist Championship
Maverick McNealy

In Great Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Michael Kim

Looking To Recapture Elite Form In Philadelphia
Rory McIlroy

The Headlining Favorite At Truist Championship
Ty Jerome

Struggles As Starter Tuesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Eyeing First Victory At Truist Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking To Stay Hot In Philadelphia
Andrew Novak

Looking To Keep Hot Stretch Of Play Going In Philadelphia
Shane Lowry

Still Having An Amazing Season Ahead Of Truist Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Trying For Top-10 Result In Philadelphia
Aaron Rai

Heads To Philadelphia Playing Well
Lucas Glover

Hot And Cold Heading To Truist Championship
Deiveson Figueiredo

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cory Sandhagen

Gets Back In The Win Column
Reinier de Ridder

Extends His Win Streak To Four
Bo Nickal

Suffers His First Loss At UFC Des Moines
Santiago Ponzinibbio

Suffers TKO Loss At UFC Des Moines
Daniel Rodriguez

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Marcos

Undefeated No More
Montel Jackson

Extends His Win Streak
Serhiy Sidey

Gets Decision Win At UFC Des Moines
Jeremy Stephens

Unsuccessful In His UFC Return
Mason Jones

Wins Decision At UFC Des Moines
Joey Logano

Steals The Victory At Texas On Sunday
Kyle Larson

Strong Performance Ends With A Top-Five Finish At Texas
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Quietly Obtains A New Career-Best Finish At Texas
Josh Berry

Spins His Way To A Poor Result At Texas
Ross Chastain

Picks Up Second-Place Finish
Carson Hocevar

Bad Pit Strategy And Late-Race Crash Spoil Carson Hocevar's Top-10 Run
Erik Jones

Improbably Finishes Fifth Despite Speeding Penalty
Michael McDowell

Despite Crashing Out At Texas, Michael McDowell Surprisingly Fights For The Win
John Hunter Nemechek

Brilliant Pit Strategy Lifts John Hunter Nemechek To Eighth Place
Ryan Blaney

Frustrated After Fumbling Away Potential Win At Texas
Brad Keselowski

Woeful Season Continues With Wreck At Texas
Kyle Larson

Has One Of The Best Cars In The Field At Texas
William Byron

Will Be Tough To Beat At Texas
Chase Elliott

A Slam-Dunk DFS Pick At Texas
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric Legitimately Contend At Texas This Weekend?
Ryan Blaney

Is Worth Rostering For Texas DFS Lineups On Sunday
Joey Logano

Struggling To Find Speed At Texas
Tyler Reddick

Should Be Highly Considered For DFS At Texas This Week
Daniel Suarez

Has Been One Of The Best At Texas In Next Gen Car
Denny Hamlin

Might Have Another Quality Texas Start This Week
AJ Allmendinger

Has Shown Speed At Texas This Weekend
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF