Who doesn’t love a little afternoon baseball?
Wednesday’s MLB action features 13 games that start before 5 p.m. EST, giving bettors and fans something to entertain them through the day.
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Several teams have taken one trip through their rotation, which means we’ll have a bunch of aces on the mound on Tuesday.
I’m targeting a few of them in today’s MLB Best Bets, including Atlanta Braves lefty Chris Sale and Philadelphia Phillies star Cristopher Sanchez.
There are more ways than just the run line or moneyline to bet on a pitcher, as I’m targeting a team total, a first five innings total and one run line pick for Wednesday’s action.
Here’s a look at all the plays as we kick off a new month in the MLB season!
MLB Best Bets for Wednesday, April 1
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
A’s First Five Innings UNDER 1.5 Runs (-145)Pirates-Reds First 5 Innings UNDER 4.5 Runs (-180)Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (-122) vs. Washington NationalsA’s First Five Innings UNDER 1.5 Runs (-145)
The A’s rank 29th in MLB in OPS through the first week of the 2026 regular season, and they’ve scored just 16 total runs in five games.
So, I’m fading them against Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale, who tossed six innings of scoreless ball in his 2026 debut against the Kansas City Royals. Sale allowed just three hits in that game, and he should be able to keep the A’s in check through the first five frames in this game.
Last season, Sale had an impressive 2.58 ERA, allowing one or fewer runs in 12 of his 21 starts. So, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him slow down an A’s lineup that is not only 29th in OPS overall but also ranks in the bottom 10 in the league in OPS against lefties early on in the 2026 campaign.
Pirates-Reds First 5 Innings UNDER 4.5 Runs (-180)
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was rocked in his 2026 debut by the New York Mets and failed to get through a single inning.
I’m targeting him as a bounce-back candidate on Wednesday in a battle with the Cincinnati Reds, who are in the bottom 10 in MLB in OPS this season.
However, I’m taking a complete UNDER in the first five innings, as the Reds have lefty Andrew Abbott on the mound, and he held Boston scoreless through six frames in his 2026 debut.
Last season, Skenes pitched 12 scoreless innings in two outings against the Reds, and he finished the regular season with a 2.36 ERA. So, last week’s struggles on Opening Day aren’t going to be the norm for him in any way going forward.
Abbott also had a strong 2025 season, posting a 2.87 ERA for the Reds while earning the first All-Star nod of his career. These aces should be able to keep this game relatively low-scoring before handing things off to the bullpens.
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (-122) vs. Washington Nationals
The Philadelphia Phillies are a great bet on Wednesday night with lefty Cristopher Sanchez on the mound, as he spun six innings of three-hit, no-run ball in a win over the Texas Rangers in his 2026 debut.
Last season, Sanchez was lights out for the Phils, posting a 2.50 ERA while leading them to a 23-9 record in his outings.
So, I don’t mind betting on the Phillies to win by two or more against a lowly Washington Nationals team and young righty Cade Cavalli.
Last season, Cavalli had a 5.18 ERA in 10 appearances with the big-league club, and he was chased after 3.2 innings in his 2026 debut after allowing three hits, three runs (two earned) and three walks.
The Phillies’ bullpen has been shaky so far this season (6.16 ERA), but I think Sanchez allows them a chance to work with a nice cushion on Wednesday afternoon.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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