The 2026 MLB postseason rolls on! Let’s dive into our MLB Best Bets Today for Sunday, October 4th, with a pair of NLDS Game 2 matchups on deck. We have plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks as you watch the playoffs. Enjoy these MLB predictions, and lock in your own bets ahead of today’s games. All odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but are always subject to change. 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/4

Our MLB best bets today start with the Dodgers hosting the Braves in their NLDS Game 2 showdown. Plus, our MLB picks feature the Padres vs. Brewers. Check out even more MLB predictions below, including some player props. Good luck! 

 

Braves vs. Dodgers Prediction: Sunday, October 4th

Our MLB best bets today start with the NLDS Game 2 matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers took the series opener on Saturday, 5-3, behind a strong Tarik Skubal outing. Can the Braves even things up, or will Los Angeles take a commanding 2-0 series lead? 

As of this writing, we don’t know who will pitch for Atlanta. It could be Chris Sale on a quick turnaround after starting Game 1 of the Wild Card series and appearing in relief in Game 3. Tyler Mahle and Grant Holmes are also both options to start. Instead of worrying about the Braves’ pitching plans, let’s just focus on how their offense will fare. 

The Dodgers will start Blake Snell, which could spell trouble for Atlanta’s hitters. Since returning from injury in August, the left-hander posted a dominant 1.13 ERA and 1.71 FIP over eight starts. He also didn’t allow more than 1 run in any of those outings. This is Snell at his best, and he looks poised to keep it rolling in the postseason. 

Meanwhile, the Braves have been terrible against left-handed pitching for an extended stretch now. Their .260 wOBA, .585 OPS, and 61 wRC+ vs. lefties in the final month of the regular season were all dead last in the majors. In the Wild Card series, Philadelphia’s southpaw starters Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez both held Atlanta in check. 

So, let’s take the under on the Braves’ team total with Snell on the mound. Atlanta struggled against another lefty, Tarik Skubal, in Game 1 yesterday. The Dodgers’ ace allowed just one run on two hits while striking out seven over six innings. We could easily see Snell put up a similar outing. 

He’s not Skubal, but Snell in this current form is as good as it gets. It’s also worth noting he’s allowed only a .198 collective batting average to Atlanta’s hitters. Plus, he posted a solid 3.18 ERA in the Dodgers’ postseason run last year. His 3.27 career ERA across 82.2 playoff innings is also very encouraging. 

The Los Angeles bullpen can also be trusted in the latter innings. Dodgers relievers posted a league-best 2.68 FIP, 30.2% strikeout rate, and 5.6% walk rate in September. They also boasted an MLB-low 2.30 FIP over the final two weeks of the regular season. This pen found its groove at the right time and will be tough to score on. 

 

 

 

Padres vs. Brewers Prediction: Sunday, October 4th

The Milwaukee Brewers won Game 1 of this NLDS, 3-2, beating the San Diego Padres in a nail-biter. Let’s break down Sunday’s Game 2 matchup with an intriguing pair of starting pitchers on the mound. Lock in the under for our MLB best bets today and root for another low-scoring game. 

Michael King starts for San Diego following his dominant Wild Card outing. The right-hander took a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the Chicago Cubs, striking out eight over seven scoreless innings. King posted a 3.21 ERA and 1.18 WHIP during the regular season, and he’s carried that success into the playoffs. 

The Padres’ starter was effective in his lone matchup against the Brewers this year. King allowed just one run over 5.2 innings as San Diego won, 3-1. Milwaukee’s offense is dangerous, but King should be up for the challenge. He brings a 2.05 ERA in his 22 career postseason innings. Plus, he’s pitching with plenty of confidence after shutting down the Cubs. 

On the other side, Milwaukee will start Logan Henderson. The right-hander was excellent this year, boasting a 2.47 ERA and 0.84 WHIP across 18 starts. He ended the regular season on a roll, with a 1.93 ERA over his final seven outings. Henderson also posted a 1.84 ERA at home this season, allowing two or fewer runs in every start. 

Both King and Henderson should keep the runs to a minimum. Plus, if either starter gets into trouble, we have elite bullpens in the waiting. Milwaukee’s 3.40 bullpen ERA was the third-best in the majors this year, while San Diego’s 3.53 pen ERA ranked fifth. 

We saw that in Game 1, as both teams’ relievers combined to allow just one run over 10.1 innings. Though multiple high-leverage arms were used, they should be good to go again with a day off in between Games 2 and 3. 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 9/30