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The Los Angeles Dodgers will try to even their four-game series against the rival San Diego Padres when the two teams meet in Game 2 on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. On Thursday, the Dodgers suffered their first defeat of the season at Chavez Ravine in a 3-2 loss to San Diego in the series opener. On Friday, Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for Los Angeles and will face San Diego's Yu Darvish. Los Angeles is the -157 money-line favorite in the latest Dodgers vs. Padres odds at William Hill Sportsbook, while the over-under for total runs scored is seven. 

The game is the marquee matchup of 15 games on Friday's MLB schedule. Other matchups include the Cardinals hosting the Reds, the AL East-leading Red Sox taking on the Mariners, and the Nationals visiting New York to meet the Mets. Before making any MLB picks on those games or others during the evening, you need to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

This model, which simulates every pitch of every game 10,000 times, had a banner 2019 season, the league's last full schedule, returning more than $1,400 on its top-rated money-line and run-line MLB picks. It is off to a profitable start in 2021, going 21-14 on top-rated MLB money-line picks through three weeks, returning almost $300. 

Now, the model has crunched the numbers for the Friday MLB schedule and posted its best bets for the evening games. Parlaying these four MLB picks would pay more than 13-1. Head to SportsLine to see the picks

Top MLB picks for Friday, April 23

On Friday, the model is high on the Twins (-145) to beat the Pirates. A big reason is Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton, who is red-hot to start the season. The No. 2 pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, Buxton is hitting .432 with a .479 on-base percentage and .977 slugging percentage. He also has six homers and 11 RBI.

In addition, Minnesota enters Friday's game coming off an off day. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has played 23 innings over the past two days by virtue of playing a doubleheader on Wednesday and a nine-inning contest on Thursday in Detroit. Pittsburgh's relievers have thrown 7.2 innings over the last two days, which bodes well for Minnesota's offense. 

How to make MLB predictions, parlays for Friday, April 23

The model has locked in three other MLB best bets, including a strong play on Reds vs. Cardinals. It is also backing an underdog that helps push this parlay to a huge return. You can see the best bets only at SportsLine.

So which MLB picks should you make on Friday for a shot at a big return of over 13-1? And which underdog do you need to be all over? Visit SportsLine now to see Friday's MLB picks, all from the projection model off to a fast start in 2021, and find out.