- After a busy slate of day games, the MLB schedule concludes with four night games on Wednesday, April 2
- The still-winless Atlanta Braves (0-6) are big underdogs to the still-undefeated LA Dodgers (7-0)
- See my MLB picks, predictions, and best bets for Wednesday night
The only remaining winless team in the majors, the Atlanta Braves (0-6, 0-3 away), looks to get off the schneid on Wednesday night when they face the unbeaten Los Angeles Dodgers (7-0) at Chavez Ravine at 5:38 pm PT/8:38 pm ET. That’s one of four night games this evening after a busy slate of 11 day games. The table below sets out the MLB odds for all four night games, along with my best bet for the matchup.
MLB Picks & Predictions for Wednesday Night (April 2)
Sascha Paruk’s 2025 MLB betting record: 8-9 (-1.65 units)
Odds as of 2:33 pm ET at FanDuel. See SBD’s list of the top MLB betting sites.
Red Sox vs Orioles Pick
It’s not often you’re going to see the Orioles as home underdogs to the Red Sox these days, but that’s how highly sportsbooks think of Boston flamethrower Garrett Crochet (3.58 ERA, 12.9 K/9 in 2024), who made his first All-Star appearance last year while still with the White Sox.
Crochet was far from perfect in his first start with his new team, allowing two runs on five hits over 5.0 innings with just four Ks against Texas. He hasn’t been great against the Orioles hitters so far, either. Baltimore’s lineup has an .806 OPS against the 6’6 lefty in 22 at-bats. Both Adley Rutschman and Tyler O’Neill have taken him yard.
Baltimore starter Zach Eflin allowed just two runs on two hits over 6.0 innings against Toronto in his first start, though fanned just two batters. Both runs came on a two-run shot by Andres Gimenez. Eflin has straight-up bad numbers against the Boston hitters (.380 average, .857 OPS in 65 at-bats). But in two starts against the Red Sox last year, he combined to throw 11.0 innings while allowing four earned runs. He’s been much improved over the last 18 months.
Pick: Orioles moneyline (+102)
Rockies vs Phillies Pick
I have no issue laying multiple runs with the Phillies tonight as ace Zack Wheeler (2.57 ERA, 2.80 xERA in 2024) takes on Colorado veteran Kyle Freeland (5.24 ERA, 5.11 xERA in 2024). The longtime Rocky was excellent in his first start of the season, throwing six innings of two-hit, shutout ball with seven Ks and no walks. But we’re talking about a guy who’s had an ERA over five each of the last two seasons, and 4.45 lifetime.
Lest you think that his numbers are bloated because he pitches half his games at Coors Field, Freeland actually had a significantly better home ERA last season (4.45 in 54.2 IP) than on the road (5.98 in 58.2 IP). And the Philly bats love hitting at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies had the fourth-best wOBA in the majors at home last year (.325) and fifth-best team batting average (.257) and slugging percentage (.425).
The Phillies have also been hot to start the season, averaging 6.25 runs per game in their first four. Zack Wheeler was his usual, dominant self in his first start, going six innings while allowing one run on two hits with eight Ks against the Nationals.
PICK: Phillies -2.5 (+120)
The Atlanta Braves are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night in what is shaping up to be a battle of extremes. The Braves, who have yet to secure a win this season, will be looking to break their losing streak against the undefeated Dodgers.
The Braves have struggled in the early part of the season, with their offense failing to produce runs and their pitching staff struggling to keep opposing hitters at bay. However, they have shown flashes of potential and have the talent to turn things around.
On the other hand, the Dodgers have been firing on all cylinders, with their offense clicking on all fronts and their pitching staff dominating opposing hitters. They have been the team to beat so far this season and will be looking to continue their winning ways against the struggling Braves.
In terms of predictions and best bets for Wednesday night’s matchup, it’s hard to ignore the momentum that the Dodgers have built up so far this season. They have been playing at an elite level and have shown no signs of slowing down.
That being said, the Braves are a talented team and are more than capable of pulling off an upset. If they can get their offense going and their pitching staff can keep the Dodgers’ potent lineup in check, they could very well come out on top.
Ultimately, it’s going to come down to which team can execute their game plan better on Wednesday night. The Dodgers have the edge in terms of talent and momentum, but the Braves have the potential to surprise everyone with a strong performance.
In terms of betting, it may be wise to consider taking the Dodgers on the moneyline as they are the favorites in this matchup. However, if you’re feeling bold, a bet on the Braves to pull off the upset could pay off big.
Overall, Wednesday night’s game between the winless Braves and unbeaten Dodgers is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have something to prove and will be looking to come out on top. It’s sure to be a game worth watching for any baseball fan.
