Aces are wild on a Saturday that features some interesting matchups with all 30 teams in action. Our MLB predictions take a look at some of the most advantageous spots when it comes to betting a slate that is packed with big names.
Top MLB Predictions for Saturday, April 18
Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox: Why Tarik Skubal Will Earn the Win
Betting on one of the game’s best is comfortable, and I think we actually get a reasonable price tag this time through the rotation because he’s facing a public opponent.
Skubal issued two free passes and allowed three hits in the fifth inning of his start against the Twins. Four runs crossed the dish in that frame, and it felt like the world was off its axis.
However, in his other 23.1 innings, the southpaw has coughed up just 16 hits, walked only two batters, and seen just two earned runs score. He’s just as dominant as ever, and his Tigers grade out well in this spot.
Detroit owns the lowest chase rate in the league in the early going this season, a skill set that puts them in position to pound Brayan Bello.
Boston’s starter has as many walks as strikeouts this season, and when he is in the zone (something the Tigers force you to be), he’s been unable to avoid loud contact (9.3% barrel rate).
The meat of the order (2-3-4 hitters) has given Bello all sorts of issues (10 hits in 21 at-bats with five extra-base hits), and if he’s battling from behind, his day could get late early.
I think it’s possible that Bello gets lit up, and that would be great, but with Skubal on the bump, we only need a hiccup on his end for us to be in a good position.
Tampa Bay Rays at Pittsburgh Pirates: Target the Under 7 Runs
This is a straightforward spot to target the Under with both pitchers in strong form. Drew Rasmussen has been phenomenal so far, posting a 1.13 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 2.49 xERA, and 2.60 xFIP with an unreal 17:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) in 16 innings over three starts this season.
Paul Skenes had the worst start of his career on Opening Day against the Mets, but he’s 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 17:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) in 17 1/3 innings over three starts since. Runs should be at a premium here with both starters dealing.
Not every day has to feature an expensive card, picking your spots is as important a feature of betting as any. Our FREE betting newsletter does have you covered on every day of the NBA playoffs, however, if you’re interested in a few more plays for today’s full slate!
Cincinnati Reds at Minnesota Twins: Taj Bradley Will Continue His Dominant Ways
On Friday, we saw Jose Soriano boost his record to 5-0 and lower his ERA to a minuscule 0.28 after he tossed 5.2 scoreless innings in the Angels’ 8-0 win over the Padres. However, that wasn’t Soriano’s best outing, as he allowed two hits and four walks, although he did strike out eight. This Saturday, we have another dominant pitcher taking the mound in Taj Bradley.
Alongside Soriano, Bradley has probably been one of the best pitchers in the majors in the first few weeks of the 2026 MLB season, pitching to a 1.25 ERA, a 3-0 record, and 29 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. He has a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Reds at home, and the Reds have been slumping enough on offense to believe they won’t be much of a threat to Bradley’s dominance. Start Bradley confidently among all formats and watch him cruise against a subpar lineup.
Bradley could easily reach the over in 6.5 strikeouts, as he’s fanned at least seven in three of his four starts this season. Targeting him to earn the win could also be a strong play, but that will depend on the Twins enjoying a strong start against Cincinnati’s pitching staff.
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