Baseball Bytes – MLB Betting Info and Tips – April 17, 2025
Chicago Cubs Hanging Tough Despite Rugged Early Schedule
Because the NL Central was lacking in elite teams, the Chicago Cubs appeared to have the most talent when viewed on your phone, and were
picked to win the division, even if lacking in true top-tier players.
What wasn’t talked about much was the Cubs’ opening schedule. Chicago had to go to Japan for two home games against the World Series champion Dodgers, who are picked to repeat.
Upon returning to the States, the Cubs continued with four games at Arizona, which played in the World Series 18 months ago, and at the Sacramento/LV A’s. Finally home, Cubbie Blue played AL West contender Texas and the hottest team in baseball, San Diego. Despite this, the Cubs were winning and took over first place in the NL Central.
Their next road trip was to the Dodgers and Padres, and in the last week, they ended L.A.’s 7-0 home start and the Friars’ beginning 11-0 at Petco. (Chicago is 12-9, +3.4 units) This upcoming weekend the Cubbies homestand includes the D-Backs again, two last games with the Dodgers, and Fall Classic contender Philadelphia.
If manager Craig Counsell’s team is still in first place after that schedule, while losing ace Justin Steele for the season, backing the North Siders becomes truly enticing.
Why Are the Padres This Good?
Everybody knew San Diego had tremendous front-line talent. To start the season, nearly all the stars are hitting, which includes Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Manny Machado. However, they are not the only ones, as Gavin Sheets, Luis Arraez, and even Xander Bogaerts are all producing for a Top 10 offense.
That’s not the only reason for the Padres’ success, as the starting pitchers are #7 in run prevention and having the #1 bullpen, good for second overall in fewest runs surrendered.
This tells the story of the Friars at 15-4, +11.7 units (#1). San Diego’s attendance is #3 in average at over 42,000 a game, and their fans are boisterous, giving them a real home field edge and a 12-1 record.
Before the parade is planned in deep SoCal, San Diego had enjoyed other quick starts that didn’t even lead to the playoffs. But for now, the Padres are hitting on all cylinders and are Play On until they cool.
Prop Bettors Corner
Through April 16, the season is on either side of about 10 percent of the 2025 campaign. A question for you. Who leads the majors in home runs? (No cheating) It’s not the usual prospects thus far, as it’s Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics with 8. In just 17 games, the 23-year-old 1st baseman has three multi-homer games and is batting .324. He’s the second A’s player to do this (Reggie Jackson) and just the 5th player in a team’s first 17 games. (Teoscar Hernández (2020), Carlos Delgado (2001) and Ken Keltner (1948).) Like all home run hitters, they go on streaks, so pay attention to Soderstrom.
For those who like hitting props and combo hitting props, if you’re not following Corbin Carroll (D-Backs) and Kyle Tucker (Cubs), you are missing daily opportunities. They are hitting over .300, with extra base hits and driving in runs for their teams. Hop on while they are smoldering.
If you follow pitchers for strikeouts, here are five names to watch for.
*Cole Ragans -KC
*MacKenzie Gore -WSH
*Logan Gilbert -SEA
*Chris Bassitt -TOR
*Hunter Greene -CIN
Each hurler has made four starts and is either just below, right on, or above 8 Ks a start. Be sure to see what the oddsmakers are posting for their next outing.
Baseball Betting Angles to Follow
>When the Marlins are +180 home underdogs – The OVER is 65-20-7 since 2023
>Road favorites after being shut out are 109-53.
>Rockies are 15-51 in April since 2023 and 4-28 on the road.
April 15 Tax Day Blues
This is such a random piece of information. This past Tuesday, April 15th, was Tax Day. That evening, Tampa Bay was home to Boston and lost 7-4. Seems like nothing until you realize the Rays have lost 14 times in a row on April 15! The only explanation, that’s baseball.
Get more MLB betting advice from Doug Upstone here and purchase Doug’s Premium picks here.
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