Saturday brings along a full 15-game slate of MLB action, so let’s get into the best bets and predictions. Our game breakdowns feature Phillies vs Nationals bets and Diamondbacks vs Braves predictions. We also have a few MLB player props to lock in for Saturday’s afternoon and evening matchups. 

As always, be sure to shop around for the best odds and lines at different sportsbooks. The odds in this article below are accurate as of this writing. Without further ado, let’s check out the MLB best bets and baseball predictions for Saturday, April 6th. 

 

MLB Best Bets For Today: Saturday, April 6

Phillies vs Nationals Prediction Today, 4/6

The Philadelphia Phillies are having an up-and-down season so far, but this series vs the Washington Nationals presents a get-right opportunity. It started last night with a 4-0 win and it should continue today for the Phils. Ranger Suarez was decent in his first outing, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings with a 7:1 K:BB ratio vs the Braves. It’s encouraging to see Suarez mostly hold the potent Atlanta lineup in check while showing excellent command and strikeout stuff. 

The matchup gets much easier against the Washington Nationals, who have a weak .227 wOBA and .194 BA against left-handed pitching so far. It’s a small sample size, but the Nats lineup is lefty-heavy and has been much better vs right-handers (.377 wOBA, .286 BA). Meanwhile, Suarez has more favorable numbers on the road than at home over the past two seasons. He had a 2.75 road ERA last year compared to a 5.45 home ERA. In 2022, his 3.20 ERA on the road was also notably better than a 4.27 ERA at home. 

The Phillies offense should provide enough run support against Nationals starter Jake Irvin. The righty allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks against the Reds in his first outing. Irvin was a below-average pitcher last year as a rookie, with a 4.61 ERA and 5.30 FIP. The Philly hitters, on the other hand, are starting to heat up and can get to Irvin early and often here.

Expert Phillies vs Nationals Predictions:

  • Phillies -1.5 Runline (-105 BetMGM)
  • Phillies 1st 5 Innings -0.5 RL (-120 BetMGM)
 

Diamondbacks vs Braves Prediction Today, 4/6

Max Fried’s first start of 2024 didn’t exactly go as planned. The Atlanta Braves left-hander allowed three runs in the first inning and was pulled before even finishing the opening frame. That’s not a good sign for a guy who struggled to a 5.79 ERA over four Spring Training outings. Fried has proven in the past that he’s a much better pitcher, but his slow start could easily continue against the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend. 

The Diamondbacks are crushing left-handed pitching this season, with a .442 wOBA, 1.019 OPS, .357 BA, and low 13.6% K rate as a team. Arizona is averaging 6.4 runs per game so far with multiple hitters starting out hot. Ketel Marte (.353 BA) and Eugenio Suarez (.355) are very tough outs right now while Lourdes Gurriel (1.031 OPS) and Christian Walker (.812 OPS) have the power early. This offense can get to Fried if he doesn’t have his best stuff again.

On the flip side, we’re buying into Brandon Pfaadt after a strong 2024 debut. The Arizona starter allowed just one run over five innings with six strikeouts and zero walks. Yes, the outing came at home against a weaker Rockies lineup – but Pfaadt is a potential breakout candidate this season. He showed flashes last year as a rookie, highlighted by a 3.27 ERA and 3.35 FIP during the D-backs’ postseason run. He’s a bit undervalued today because of the tough matchup vs Atlanta, but still worth backing.

Expert Diamondbacks vs Braves Predictions:

  • Diamondbacks +1.5 Runline (+100 BetMGM)
  • Diamondbacks 1st 5 Innings +1.5 (-145 BetMGM)

Best MLB Player Props Today, 4/6