MLB Friday Plays: Red Sox at Diamondbacks, Marlins at Braves

Boston Red Sox (2-6) at Arizona Diamondbacks (3-4)

Watch: April 5, 7:10 p.m. Eastern

Rick Porcello (0-1, 13.50 ERA) (BOS) -120 / -1.5 runs (+130) / Over 8.5 runs (-120) Zack Godley (0-1, 11.81 ERA) (ARZ) +110 / +1.5 runs (-150) / Under 8.5 runs (+100)

The Arizona Diamondbacks should send their fans away happy in their home opener against the struggling Boston Red Sox.

Wednesday was the first day the D-backs offense registered fewer than five runs this season. Outfielders David Peralta and Adam Jones have been tearing the cover off the ball, batting .455 and .364, respectively. The same cannot be said for some of the Red Sox’ best bats from a year ago, as their outfield of Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. are a combined 20-for-94 (.213) through the first week of 2019.

Boston’s rotation has been woeful too. Porcello is just one of the Red Sox starters who was chased early in his season debut, as he lasted only 2.2 innings. He allowed nine runs on six hits and four walks. Boston’s overworked bullpen (30.1 IP, fourth-most in baseball) hasn’t had a day of rest yet, while Arizona had Thursday off.

MLB Free Play: Diamondbacks moneyline 

Miami Marlins (2-5) at Atlanta Braves (3-3)

Watch: April 5, 7:20 p.m. Eastern

Pablo Lopez (1-0, 5.06 ERA) (MIA) +140 / +1.5 runs (-150) / Over 8 runs (-110) Kevin Gausman (0-0, 0.00 ERA) (ATL) -155 / -1.5 runs (+130) / Under 8 runs (-110)

The Atlanta Braves, fresh off a sweep of the Chicago Cubs, should jump all over Pablo Lopez and the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

Lopez was 0-2 in two starts against Atlanta last year, pitching to a WHIP of 1.727. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ender Inciarte each had three hits in five trips to the plate against Lopez in 2018. This could be the confidence-booster those players need after a poor first six games at the dish (7-for-42 combined).

Kevin Gausman made three successful starts against the Marlins last year, going 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA. The opposition batted just .169 against him.

Those looking to back the Braves ought to be careful, as their bullpen ERA (7.71) is the fourth-worst in baseball so far. However, there is an interesting opportunity in the seven-inning run line market. Atlanta -1.5 runs is available at +155.

MLB Free Play: Braves run line first seven innings 

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