Friday, May 1, marks the start of a new month in Major League Baseball, and it kicks off with a packed 15-game schedule that promises plenty of action for fans and bettors alike. Among the standout matchups are the Toronto Blue Jays taking on the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Dodgers squaring off against the St. Louis Cardinals. For those looking to make informed wagers, SportsLine expert Adam Thompson has shared his top MLB predictions for Friday's slate, including a pair of money line bets that are worth a closer look.
Thompson, known for his analytics-driven approach, has carved out a reputation as a sharp matchup exploiter across the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Over the past two seasons alone, he's racked up over 70 units in MLB and more than 60 units in the NBA, with consistent results in college basketball, horse racing, and golf as well. Riding a hot 13-8 run over his last 21 MLB picks, Thompson offers a mix of sharp analysis and actionable insights that can help you navigate Friday's crowded schedule.
One of his top plays involves the Blue Jays, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 7-1 loss on Thursday. Thompson points out that Toronto has found success against left-hander Patrick Corbin, who has allowed just 1-2 runs in each of his last three starts while surrendering zero home runs. Meanwhile, the Twins are struggling against left-handed pitching, and starter Simeon Woods-Richardson (0-3, 6.84 ERA in April) along with a bullpen that owns a 5.84 ERA since April 15, could be vulnerable. The Blue Jays, motivated to rebound, present a strong value play in this matchup.
In another intriguing contest, the New York Mets face the Los Angeles Angels. The Mets snapped a 12-game losing streak with Juan Soto's return but have since dropped five of six, scoring three runs or less in four of those games. Thompson notes that if the Mets can't generate offense here, the season could spiral further. On the other side, Angels starter Walbert Urena struggled in April (0-2, 5.59 ERA), and the bullpen has been the league's worst since mid-April with a 7.36 ERA. The Angels have been wildly inconsistent, scoring 0-2 runs seven times in their last 13 games but also putting up seven-plus runs five times. With a bullpen game on tap and wind conditions favoring hitters, the Mets' lineup—even in its current state—could find a path to victory.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some excitement to Friday's games, these picks offer a data-driven edge. Gear up for the action and stay tuned for more insights as the season heats up.