Expert MLB Picks and Previews

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

The Athletics head to Truist Park on Wednesday afternoon trying to build on their first win of the season after Tuesday’s 5-2 result in Atlanta. They are 1-4 and still buried in the AL West standings, while the Braves sit at 3-2 and are looking to answer quickly after dropping that game at home. First pitch is set for 12:15

Texas goes for a sweep in Baltimore on Wednesday afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with first pitch set for 12:35 p.m. ET. The Rangers come in 4-1 and riding a four-game winning streak after Tuesday’s 8-5 win, while the Orioles are 2-3 and trying to stop a two-game slide. Nathan Eovaldi is lined up for Texas against Trevor

Pittsburgh heads to Great American Ball Park on Wednesday afternoon for a key early NL Central matchup, with first pitch set for 12:40 p.m. ET. The Pirates are 2-3 and trying to build on Tuesday’s 8-3 win, while the Reds sit at 3-2 and are looking to answer at home before this series slips away. There is a little more