Kevin Davies
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We’ve made it to the end of the work week, and we’ve been rewarded with an excellent slate of MLB games today. There are plenty of exciting matchups, like the Brewers vs Red Sox, Cubs against the Cardinals and Yankees visiting the Padres. After taking a look at the slate, here are my favorite MLB parlay picks from today, which make a +943 MLB parlay at DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday, May 24.
Reds ML (+130)
Phillies -2.5 (+112)
Diamondbacks -1.5 (+114)
MLB parlay odds: +943
Cincinnati Reds ML over Los Angeles Dodgers (+130)
James Paxton has evaded negative regression for weeks, but his time is coming. According to his advanced metrics, Paxton should be getting rocked. The lefty owns a 2.84 ERA but a 5.55 xERA — that’s a massive difference. Plus, he ranks in the 5th percentile in strikeout rate, 19th percentile in xBA and 12th percentile in walk rate. With the amount of guys he’s letting on base through free passes and hits, it’s incredible he’s been able to maintain a sub-3 ERA. But that shouldn’t be the case much longer.
The Reds have a lot of potential — especially Elly De La Cruz. The lineup has plenty of youth that just hasn’t seemed to click yet, but it should soon. On the mound in Cincinnati tonight is Graham Ashcraft, who owns 4.25 ERA and 4.41 xERA. Ashcraft isn’t an ace, but he’s not the worst pitcher in the staff either. He just faced the Dodgers and allowed 3 hits, 3 runs,and 3 walks in 5 innings. If he can limit the free passes, Los Angeles should struggle at the plate.
Read our full Los Angeles Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds predictions
Philadelphia Phillies -2.5 over Colorado Rockies (+112)
The Phillies haven’t just been winning — they’ve been dominating. Philly has won 9 of their last 10 games and 7 of those 9 wins have come by multiple runs. Between the fantastic starting rotation and powerful lineup, the Phillies have been the best team in the league. Tonight, the dangerous Philadelphia lineup gets to hit in the most hitter-friendly park in the country — Coors Field. Plus, the Rockies are starting Ty Blach, who owns a 5.44 xERA and ranks in the 1st percentile in several different categories.
Philadelphia has started to piggyback Spencer Turnbull after Cristopher Sanchez. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see that again tonight. However, Sanchez should have plenty of success against a Rockies lineup that has just a 79 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. Colorado is just 9-12 at home, so back the Phillies to start the series with a huge win.
Read our full Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies predictions
Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 over Miami Marlins (+114)
I was really surprised to see plus-money odds next to Arizona’s run line. That’s because of two reasons. One, Zac Gallen is pitching at home. Gallen has drastic home and away splits and I always avoid him when he’s on the road since he owns a 4.33 ERA away from home compared to a 1.52 ERA in Arizona. Plus, Gallen is limiting hitters to just a .200 batting average with a .586 OPS in 4 outings at home. In summary, he’s dominant on his home mound.
Secondly, Braxton Garrett is starting for the Marlins. Nothing has gone too well for the Marlins this season, and that includes Garrett. The lefty has made only 2 starts this season and has allowed 11 runs and 12 hits in 9.2 innings. Those 2 outings were against the Phillies and Mets, who rank 5th and 20th in wRC+ against left-handed pitching. Tonight, he faces the Diamondbacks, who rank 2nd in slugging percentage, OPS and wRC+ against southpaws. With Gallen at home and the Snakes facing a lefty, this should be a statement win for Arizona.
