The final weekend before the MLB All-Star Break features a possible World Series preview and a critical division showdown. There are 15 games on the Friday MLB schedule, and the marquee matchup is the MLB-best Atlanta Braves (57-33) visiting the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays (49-39) at Tropicana Field. Atlanta has been scorching hot, winning 25 of their past 30 games, but the Rays are looking to regain their magic. After being swept by the Phillies at home, they are just 16-14 over their past 30, so they need something positive entering the break. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Tampa Bay as a slight -115 home favorite, with Atlanta at -105 in its latest Braves vs. Rays odds. The over/under for total runs scored is 8.5.
With 15 games on the Friday MLB schedule, there are many possibilities for wagers. If you combine your favorite picks into a parlay, you can cash in big. Before making any MLB picks or parlays, be sure to check out the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons. It has excelled on top-rated run-line picks this season, going 11-2 (+604). Anybody following has seen big returns.
For Friday, the model has locked in four confident MLB best bets for games that begin at 6:40 p.m. ET or later. If you successfully parlay the picks, you'd be looking at a payout of more than 6-1. You can only see the model's MLB picks at SportsLine.
Top MLB picks today
The model is expecting Rays vs. Braves to be a battle of the bats, so it is backing Over 8.5 runs (-165) in Friday's matchup. The model is projecting just under 10 runs, as the Braves are averaging 5.8 runs this season and Tampa Bay averages 5.7. Atlanta leads the majors in home runs with 166, while the Rays are third with 134. The Braves have three players with more than 20 homers, with Matt Olson second in MLB with 29. The Rays have seven players with at least 10.
Both teams also are capable of manufacturing runs, with Tampa Bay leading the majors in stolen bases (106). Atlanta's Ronald Acuna is second in MLB with 41. Atlanta's Charlie Morton (8-6, 3.57 ERA) and Tampa Bay's Tyler Glasnow (2-2, 4.50) are expected to be the starters. Glasnow has allowed 13 runs over his past four starts. He didn't get into the sixth inning in any of them, and the Rays bullpen has been shaky. Morton has issued 14 walks over his past five. See the model's top MLB picks here.
How to make Friday MLB parlays
The model has locked in three other best bets for Friday, including two confident plays on underdogs to cover. These picks can help you earn a huge payday if you combine them in a parlay. You can only see the model's MLB Friday best bets and parlay at SportsLine.
What MLB picks should you target for a payout of more than 6-1, and which underdogs does the model like on Friday? Visit SportsLine now to see the MLB best bets from an advanced model that is on an 11-2 run on top-rated MLB picks, and find out.
