The 2026 MLB season rolls with another full slate of games. Let’s dive into the MLB Best Bets Today for Tuesday, May 5th. We have a loaded day of baseball on tap and plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks. Enjoy these MLB predictions as you lock in your own bets ahead of today’s games. Note that all odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but are always subject to change. 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/5

Our MLB best bets today begin with an interleague matchup between the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. Plus, our MLB picks feature Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers hosting the Boston Red Sox. Check out even more MLB predictions below, including some player props and other game picks. Good luck! 

 

 

 

Twins vs. Nationals Prediction: Tuesday, May 5th

We have an under-the-radar starting pitching matchup on tap in DC tonight. Taj Bradley is having a breakout season for the Minnesota Twins, while Cade Cavalli is trending up for the Washington Nationals. Both arms can keep things lower-scoring in the early innings. 

Taj Bradley now boasts an impressive 2.85 ERA over his first 7 starts this season. He’s also allowed 2 runs or fewer in 6 of his 7 outings thus far. Some of Bradley’s underlying metrics may point to negative regression, but he’s regularly getting the job done. 

Let’s count on the Twins’ right-hander posting another solid line against Washington today. Over the past two weeks, the Nationals’ offense has had a league-worst .184 batting average, .266 wOBA, and 65 wRC+ against right-handed pitching. When facing righties overall this year, they have a .298 wOBA (28th in MLB) and 86 wRC+ (27th). 

Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli can limit the Minnesota lineup as well. The Nats’ righty enters on a high note, striking out 10 in back-to-back outings. His 3.82 ERA and 1.66 WHIP don’t look great on paper, but that’s mostly due to one bad start in which he allowed 4 runs in just 1.1 innings. In his other 6 starts, Cavalli boasts a strong 2.76 ERA with 2 earned runs or fewer in all 6 outings. 

Washington’s young starter also owns a 2.85 FIP this year, suggesting even more solid starts moving forward. Cavalli can have success against a Twins offense that’s league-average against right-handed pitching so far. Plus, on the road, Minnesota has just a .216 batting average with a 25.3% strikeout rate (both 25th in MLB). That plays into Cavalli’s strengths with a 26.6% K rate himself. 

Take the under for the first five innings as Bradley and Cavalli handle the early frames. The full-game under is an option, too, but both bullpens are bottom-10 units. We could see some late scoring, so keep it to the first five. 

Red Sox vs. Tigers Prediction: Tuesday, May 5th

The Detroit Tigers were dealt some unfortunate injury news yesterday. Tarik Skubal was scratched from Monday’s start and will be sidelined 2-3 months following a scheduled elbow surgery. The Tigers then dropped their series opener, 5-4, against the Boston Red Sox. Let’s count on the home squad to bounce back tonight. 

Framber Valdez will be on the mound for Detroit as he looks to continue a strong start to the season. The left-hander owns a 3.35 ERA over his first 7 starts. However, that ERA is inflated a bit because of one terrible outing in which he allowed 8 runs to the Twins. Besides that disaster, Valdez boasts a stellar 1.78 ERA over his 6 other starts so far. 

The Tigers’ southpaw also has a 2.31 ERA over his 4 outings since that dud. He’s allowed 2 runs or fewer in 6 of his 7 starts this year as well. Valdez can keep it going at home against a Boston offense that’s league-average against left-handed pitching. 

Plus, Valdez usually shows up at home. He posted a 2.58 ERA and a 2.53 ERA at home in the past two seasons with Houston. So far this year, he’s made a pair of home starts for Detroit and has allowed only 1 run over 13 combined innings. 

On the other side, the Tigers’ hitters should provide run support in their own matchup. Boston will use Jovani Moran as the opener before presumably going to Brayan Bello as the bulk reliever. The lefty Moran owns an impressive 2.33 ERA in 19 innings thus far, but he’ll likely only pitch an inning or two. 

Bello, meanwhile, has struggled mightily this season. The right-hander has an ugly 9.12 ERA and 2.26 WHIP over his first 6 starts. He’s also allowed 4+ runs in 5 of his 6 outings. The Red Sox are hoping Bello will benefit from pitching behind an opener. Yet, he’s still very fadeable right now. 

Detroit can get to Bello when he’s in the game. The Tigers boast a top-10 offense vs. right-handed pitching this year, with a .334 wOBA and 108 wRC+. They’re also a top-tier lineup at home, with a .353 wOBA and 121 wRC+. How about at home against righties? The Tigers have a .371 wOBA and 133 wRC+ in that split, which are both top-5 in the majors.

Furthermore, there’s the fact that Detroit is 12-4 at home this year. Of those 12 home wins, 9 have come by multiple runs. After the Tigers lost last night, it’s a good time to back them to get back in the win column with a comfortable victory. Boston, meanwhile, is 8-11 on the road with 8 of their last 9 road losses by 2+ runs. 

 

 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/5