MLB picks and predictions for Thursday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Thursday, May 21.
Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds, 12:35PM ET
Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was looking pretty smart while his club was consistently delivering at the plate in winning its first four games after he adjusted the batting order.
Manuel was justifiably frustrated to see that streak come to an end.
The Phillies look to bounce back from one of their worst offensive performances of the year as they close a three-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
For Saturday's doubleheader against Washington, Manuel moved hot-hitting left fielder Raul Ibanez to the No. 3 spot in the lineup from No. 6, where he'd spent most of the season.
The Phillies (21-17) responded by totaling 23 hits and 15 runs in the sweep, the first two of four straight wins with their new-look order.
MLB Free Pick: Philadelphia | Best Line: +105 SPORTSBETTING
Colorado Rockies at Atlanta Braves, 7:10PM ET
Facing one of the worst pitching staffs in the NL certainly has helped rejuvenate the Atlanta Braves' bats.
They'll attempt to continue that offensive surge without red-hot Omar Infante and beat the Colorado Rockies for a third consecutive time on Thursday night when the clubs conclude a four-game set.
The Braves (20-19) opened this series by getting five hits in Monday's 5-1 loss to Colorado (15-24). That came two days after being held to seven in a 12-0 loss to Arizona.
Atlanta regrouped from those two defeats by rapping out 13 hits in an 8-1 win over the Rockies on Tuesday before scoring a season-high nine runs in the fourth inning to power Wednesday's 12-4 victory.
MLB Free Pick: Atlanta | Best Line: -120 SPORTSBETTING
Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers, 1:05PM ET
A triple play has been one of the highlights of the Detroit Tigers' series with the Texas Rangers. The teams may not need any unusually stellar defense to help Kevin Millwood and Edwin Jackson keep the score low.
The Tigers look to win their 10th straight home game against the Rangers and their sixth in a row overall as two of the league leaders in ERA match up Thursday in the finale of a three-game set between first-place teams.
Detroit (22-16) extended its longest winning streak of the year Wednesday night despite hitting into a triple play, beating Texas 5-3. The AL Central-leading Tigers are a win away from matching their longest win streak from last season.
MLB Free Pick: Detroit | Best Line: +130 SPORTSBETTING