Bryan Reynolds (PIT) Under 3.5 Walks (-1111)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Pirates take on the Nationals, all eyes should be on Bryan Reynolds when it comes to walks. Despite his impressive ability to get on base, the numbers suggest he’s not likely to draw more than three walks in this matchup. Reynolds has faced off against some tough pitching this season, and with Washington's rotation looking sharper lately, the chances of him walking freely diminish. The Nationals have been effective at limiting walks, ranking among the top teams in the league in walk rate against. Moreover, Reynolds has seen a decrease in his walk percentage, which hints that he’s been more aggressive at the plate. With the line set at 3.5, taking the under appears to be a smart move, especially considering the trends favor a tighter game where plate discipline will be crucial. Expect a competitive battle, but don't count on Reynolds drawing four walks today.

CJ Abrams (SDP) Under 1.5 Doubles (-2500)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Pirates host the Nationals on April 16, eyes will naturally turn to CJ Abrams, but backing the 'under' on his doubles might just be the savvy move. Despite his speed and talent, Abrams has been struggling to find gaps lately, with only a handful of doubles in his recent outings. The Pirates' pitching staff, particularly their starters, has been effective at limiting extra-base hits, boasting a solid ground-ball rate that keeps hitters from elevating the ball. Additionally, the Nationals' offense has been lukewarm, struggling to find consistency, which further complicates Abrams' chances to deliver that coveted second-base hit. With the odds heavily leaning towards an underperformance in this department, and the Pirates' defense playing well in front of their home crowd, it seems prudent to expect Abrams to stay below that 1.5 doubles mark tonight.

Curtis Mead (NA) Under 1.5 Doubles (-3333)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Pirates host the Nationals on April 16, all eyes should be on Curtis Mead's ability to find gaps in the outfield. However, betting on him to hit over 1.5 doubles feels risky. Mead has been struggling lately, hitting just .235 against lefties this season, and the Nationals' pitching staff has been surprisingly effective in limiting extra-base hits. With a solid 3.80 ERA, Washington’s rotation has been challenging for hitters to find their rhythm. Pittsburgh's lineup has also been inconsistent, failing to produce consistent power, especially in clutch situations. The combination of Mead's recent slump and Washington's ability to stifle opposing bats suggests that he’ll have a tough time racking up those doubles. Given the low implied probability of him exceeding that 1.5 mark, the under seems like a savvy play in this matchup. Keep an eye on the game, but expect a quiet day for Mead at the plate.

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