Expert MLB Picks and Previews

Friday night in Anaheim feels like a useful early check-in for both clubs. The Mariners and Angels both enter at 3-4, both are trying to stabilize after uneven first weeks, and both have a real shot to gain ground quickly in a division that still looks pretty open behind the top line. First pitch is set for 9:38 p.m. ET

The Astros open a three-game set against the Athletics on Friday night, and this one carries a little more intrigue than a simple 5-2 versus 1-5 matchup might suggest. Houston comes in leading the AL West on a five-game winning streak, while the Athletics return home for their West Sacramento opener trying to stop the bleeding after a 1-5 road

Atlanta and Arizona are back at Chase Field on Friday night for Game 2 of this four-game set, and the feel of the matchup changed a bit after the opener. The Braves come in at 5-2 after hanging 17 runs on the Diamondbacks on Thursday, while Arizona dropped to 3-4 after its three-game win streak got buried under one ugly

Friday night at Oracle Park sets up as a pretty important early-season reset for both clubs. The Mets are 3-4 and have dropped three straight after Thursday’s 7-2 loss in the series opener, while the Giants are also 3-4 and trying to build on the cleanest offensive game they’ve played so far. First pitch is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET,

The Cubs head to Progressive Field on Friday for the opener of a three-game set, and this one feels a little tighter than the early records might suggest. Chicago is 3-3 and still looking to settle into a rhythm after an uneven first week, while Cleveland comes in at 4-3 and opens its home schedule leading the AL Central. First

The Dodgers open their first road series of the season Friday afternoon at Nationals Park, and this is not a soft landing spot even with Los Angeles sitting at 4-2 and first in the NL West. Washington is 3-3, third in the NL East, and this is the Nationals’ home opener after a road-heavy first week. First pitch is set

Minnesota heads into Thursday’s series finale at Kauffman Stadium trying to stop a three-game skid, while Kansas City is pushing for a sweep after winning three straight. First pitch is set for 2:10 PM ET in Kansas City, and the weather could matter a bit here. The morning looked damp, but the forecast around first pitch called for mostly cloudy

The Braves open a four-game set at Chase Field on Thursday night with a 4-2 record and a little early momentum after taking two of three from the Athletics. Arizona is 3-3, second in the NL West, and comes in hotter than its record might suggest after sweeping Detroit at home. First pitch is set for 9:40 PM ET in

The Mets head into Oracle Park on Thursday night trying to stop a two-game slide, while the Giants are back home looking for their first win in San Francisco after an 0-3 start there. First pitch is set for 9:45 PM ET, the game is on MLB Network, and the weather setup looks pretty clean with clear skies and temperatures