Pictured: Reynaldo Lopez. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

MLB best bets: Picks and predictions for Thu. 6/6

Originally posted on Action Network | Last updated Jun 6, 2024 1:09 AM ET

There are 10 games on the Thursday slate and after looking at today's MLB odds, our MLB betting analysts have identified their MLB best bets.

We have MLB picks for Royals vs. Guardians and Braves vs. Nationals, so continue reading for today's MLB predictions.

Royals vs. Guardians

Thursday, June 6, 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB.TV
Over 7.5 | Play to -115 (FanDuel)

By Tony Sartori

This is one of those matchups where both starting pitchers are due for regression, so it is the perfect time to sell high on them simultaneously. Brady Singer is set to take the mound for Kansas City while Cleveland will hand the ball to Tanner Bibee.

Both guys boast winning records with ERAs south of 3.75 and WHIPs south of 1.18. However, both pitchers also rank in the bottom half of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity and barrel rate.

Those surface-level stats are going to come down sooner rather than later and that regression could certainly hit in a matchup between two strong offenses. Both teams rank in the top half of the league in runs scored per game, OBP, SLG, OPS, home runs and stolen bases.

All that being said, let's bet the over.

Pick: Over 7.5 | Play to -115

Braves vs. Nationals

Thursday, June 6, 6:45 p.m. ET, MLB.TV
Under 9.5 | Play to 8.5 (FanDuel)

By D.J. James

Reynaldo Lopez has had some successful outings as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Lopez has a career-best 1.73 ERA and although his xERA is well above that, it's still below 4.00. He holds a below average Hard-Hit Rate and average Exit Velocity, but his slider and fastball are elite and have helped him transition back into the rotation.

His opponent will be Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals. Parker is a 24-year-old southpaw with above average ground-ball and walk rates. As a result, he has a 3.60 ERA and a sub-4.00 xERA.

This total would seem to indicate two red-hot lineups, right? Well, that's not necessarily the case. Atlanta was just shut out in Boston on Wednesday. In the past month against lefties, the Braves have a 104 wRC+ with a 22.8% strikeout rate and a 6.5% walk rate.

Washington is even worse. Since May 6, the Nationals have an 85 wRC+, a 21.9% strikeout rate and a 8% walk rate off of right-handers.

The bullpens have just enough arms to get the job done and hold the opposition in check late in the game.

Fade both of these lineups and take the under in this game. Bet it from 9.5 to 8.5.