We have a loaded Saturday slate on the diamond filled with plenty of afternoon ballgames.
Of course, we have 4 best bets from our staff of MLB betting experts.
So, read on for our MLB picks and predictions for Today, Saturday, May 2.
MLB Picks, Predictions Today
The team logos in the table below represent the matchups our MLB betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 2:10 PM | |
  | 4:05 PM | |
  | 6:10 PM | |
  | 8:40 PM | |
 | All Day | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our MLB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Blue Jays vs Twins Over/Under Picks
By Matt Trollo
Score one for the analytics crowd.
Everyone is defending Dylan Cease’s contract, despite the 4.55 ERA last year.
His 12.3% BB is his worst in a non-pandemic season, but he’s also striking out a career high 35.5% of batters with a career high 16.1 swinging-strike rate, while only allowing a single barrel with a 35.7% hard-hit rate that’s his second best ever.
The worst of his estimators is a 3.23 xERA, though the overall pitch modeling (4.08 Bot ERA, 106 Pitching+) is still fairly average and similar to last year. The fastball (36.9%) and slider (35.9%) remain very well regarded by both systems.
The Minnesota offense hasn’t been the pushover some expected this season (98 wRC+ vs RHP, 103 at home, projected LU 108 wRC+ v RHP since last year), but Cease is backed by a strong defense (proj. LU 4 FRV) and a bullpen with the best estimators in the game this season (3.50 FIP/3.20 xFIP/3.09 SIERA), regardless of closer issues.
On the other side, Connor Prielipp is a well-regarded left-handed pitching prospect. Fangraphs ranks him 85th overall while slapping a 70 current and future value grade on the slider.
The ones he’s thrown in the major league have been similarly measured (66 PB, 136 P+). It’s very good.
Prielipp has a 22.2% K-BB both at the Triple-A (15 2/3 IP) level and in the majors (9 IP), and this Toronto offense has been struggling mightily (79 wRC+ Road/82 v LHP/82 L7 days – all stats through Thursday). The projected lineup has an 108 wRC+ vs LHP since last year, but just an 81 wRC+ over the last 30 days overall. George Springer is back, but they’re still missing bats.
Pitchers could receive some further assistance from temperatures expected to be around 60, and pitcher-friendly Tom Hanahan behind the plate.
Check out all of Trollo's bets for Saturday in today's edition of Opening Pitch:
Pick: Under 8 (-125 or Better)
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Reds vs Pirates Total Picks
By Tony Sartori
While the Pirates do a good job of reaching base, their power numbers remain poor. Pittsburgh enters this contest ranked in the bottom half of the league in slugging percentage and OPS.
It’s a limited sample size, but those issues are likely to continue against Lowder. In 13 combined plate appearances against the right-hander, the current Pittsburgh roster owns a .182 batting average, .182 slugging percentage, and .242 wOBA.
Finally, both teams feature strong bullpens, as their relief staffs rank in the top 10 in ERA.
Check out Sartori's full Reds-Pirates preview here:
Pick: Under 8.5 (-125 or Better)
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Giants vs Rays Over/Under Best Bet
This game triggered one of our Action PRO betting systems, powered by Evan Abrams.
This system targets overs in games that begin in the late afternoon to early evening — what bettors often refer to as "twilight spots."
These games occur within a temperature and lighting window that subtly improves scoring conditions, particularly when both teams have a documented tendency to hit overs.
Combined with home starters who may have below-average WHIPs, this setup identifies an edge before the public fully reacts.
By isolating recent-season trends and capitalizing on the transitional scoring environment, the model identifies a high-expectation scoring spot that may be underpriced due to time-of-day bias or modest pitching projections.
Want more Bet Labs betting systems? Get an Action PRO subscription today:
Pick: Over 7.5 (-125 or Better)
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White Sox vs Padres Player Prop Pick
By Derek Carty
There may be some value in Miguel Vargas' RBIs prop.
THE BAT X is projecting him to record 0.60 RBIs, and oddsmakers are implying 0.42.
The model believes there is a 36% chance he records at least one RBI, so there is value on the over at +260.
This play is good down to at least +204.
Love THE BAT X? Get all of Carty's sports betting projections at EV Analytics!
Pick: Miguel Vargas Over 0.5 RBIs (+204 or Better)
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Sean Zerillo's Full Action App Card for Saturday
Need more picks for Saturday's action? It's always wise to see what our guy Zerillo is betting on!
Additionally, if you haven't already, download the Action Network App to track all your bets and follow all your favorite experts.
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