There are just six games on Thursday's MLB slate, but that doesn't mean there isn't betting value to be found.
Our experts have dug through the slate and found value in a trio of contests. They're targeting a pair of moneylines, a first five moneyline and a total.
Here are our best bets from the MLB slate on Thursday, April 6th.
Thursday's MLB Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our MLB betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click the team logos for one the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
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| Specific bet recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our MLB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Red Sox vs. Tigers
Thursday, April 6 1:10 p.m. ET MLB.TV |
Red Sox Moneyline (-158)  |
By Doug Ziefel
The Red Sox put up nine runs in each game against the Orioles. However, they were then held to two runs over the final two games against the Pirates. So, which version of the Boston's lineup will we see in this series opener?
We are much more likely to see the Red Sox rebound as they get to face Spencer Turnbull, who allowed seven runs on eight hits and didn’t make it out of the third inning in his previous start.
He likely to struggle against Boston's lineup, which has proven it can make loud contact.
On the other side, Chris Sale should have success against Detroit, a team that frequently strikes out.
Detroit is third in baseball in strikeout rate, and while the sample size is small, it’s also telling.
If Sale can focus on strike one, we could see him rack up the strikeouts against the free-swinging Tigers.
The Red Sox offense should get back on track against Turnbull and we shouldn't be surprised if Rafael Devers does immediate damage.
Back the Red Sox to win the first game of this series.
Pick: Red Sox Moneyline |
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Red Sox vs. Tigers
Thursday, April 6 1:10 p.m. ET MLB.TV |
Tigers Moneyline (+135)  |
By Kenny Ducey
The Detroit Tigers are 15-8 in home openers at Comerica Park, and Thursday could prove to be yet another special afternoon in the Midwest.
While Spencer Turnbull has yet to do anything positive on the mound in 2023, I think we might see a turnaround here against a weak Red Sox lineup that has overperformed to this point. There’s been chatter about the ball flying at Fenway Park, but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that Boston’s faced some really terrible pitchers wearing Orioles and Pirates uniforms.
Turnbull, when we last saw him in 2021, was a quality arm sporting a 2.88 ERA next to a 21.9% strikeout rate and a low 6% walk rate. Though his return to the Tigers was rough, it did come against the Rays and it also saw him sitting around the same velocity with similar spin rates and movement on his slider. The Red Sox have done most of their damage this year against cutters and have been slightly above average against fastballs and sliders.
I think there’s a little hope to hold onto here that Boston will come back to Earth, as will Turnbull. I also think Chris Sale’s season-opening start was worse than Turnbull’s, and his, a game in which his velocity was down and his fastball was destroyed. was against the Orioles.
Back the home dogs in what should be a great day at Comerica.
Pick: Tigers Moneyline |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Nationals vs. Rockies
Thursday, April 6 1:10 p.m. ET MLB.TV |
Nationals First 5 Moneyline (+123)  |
By Sean Zerillo
Our first game at Coors Field for 2023!
Both teams are below average defensively – with below-average bullpens – but both teams have a decent collection of bats. I view Josiah Gray and Kyle Freeland as back-end, No. 5 type starters (both projected for an ERA > 4.5).
It should also be a high-variance matchup, where Gray is the superior starter – with vastly more upside – though I give the Nats an edge in every other area (baserunning, bullpen, defense) apart from the offenses.
I project the Nationals as a slight F5 favorite and a small underdog for the full game. Bet Washington’s F5 moneyline down to +106 and play their full-game moneyline to +110.
Pick: Nationals 1st 5 Moneyline |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
Thursday, April 6 10:10 p.m. ET MLB.TV |
Under 8.5 (+100)  |
By D.J. James
Dustin May vs Merrill Kelly is a solid pitching matchup. Kelly threw against the Dodgers already this season, but went just 3 2/3 innings with four walks and three hits allowed. He did strike out four, so that's a little encouraging. Meanwhile, May was virtually unhittable in his seven-inning performance. He dazzled with only four baserunners, although he only struck out four. Regardless, he looks to be in form.
Kelly has struggled in the past against the Dodgers, but he should bounce back here. In 2022, he held a 3.32 ERA and a 3.67 xERA, while throwing over 200 innings. That is incredibly durable in the modern era.
May should also continue to impress, as long as he remains healthy.
The Dodgers and D-Backs have looked a little shaky in relief. The Dodgers have a 4.81 bullpen xFIP this season, while the D-Backs come in at 4.42. Yes, these are small sample sizes, but this looks to be up across the league.
In addition, these teams hit right-handers well from August 1, 2022 and beyond last regular season. These starters should mitigate that damage.
Lastly, these pitchers have a tendency to log long outings and should do so here. The under should be in play when the starters exit. Take it from 8.5 (+100) to 8 (-130).
Pick: Under 8.5 |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
