(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
A look at some info on where to watch and what to expect for the primetime games on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Apple TV has primetime MLB games every Friday night throughout the season.
San Francisco Giants (15-17) @ Philadelphia Phillies (21-11), 6:40 EST, AppleTV
Odds: Phillies -150 (ESPNBet)
Probable Starters: Jordan Hicks (SF) 2-0, 1.59 ERA vs. Aaron Nola (PHI) 4-1, 3.20 ERA
Preview: The Giants retooled this offseason, bringing in big additions to key positions. They added two-time Cy Young Winner Blake Snell to head their rotation and much-needed pop to their lineup, with Jorge Soler, Matt Chapman, and Jung Hoo Lee joining the roster. They have struggled to open the season, but expect them to be around come late summer.
The Phillies have picked up right where last season finished. After a disappointing loss to the Diamondbacks in the NCLS last year, they have run it back with essentially the same roster. They lost Rhys Hoskins, who was hurt for most of last year, including the playoffs, to the Milwaukee Brewers but were able to keep the rest of their big pieces in place. They’ve gotten off to a great start to the young 2024 season and have gone 7-3 over their last ten.
Prediction: Aaron Nola (PHI) has been a much better starter at home over his career. His career ERA at home is almost a whole point lower than away. Jordan Hicks (SF) has been dominant this year and has yet to give up more than two earned runs all year, but he has yet to face an offense this potent.
Phillies win
(OR depending on the local market)
Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) @ Washington Nationals (15-16), 6:45, AppleTV
Odds: Blue Jays -175 (ESPNBet)
Probable Starters: Yusei Kikuchi (TOR) 2-2, 2.94 ERA vs. Patrick Corbin (WSH) 0-3, 6.82 ERA
Preview: Both teams have surprised people this year but for different reasons. The Nationals have been better than expected, and the Jays have been worse. CJ Abrams has been a star for Washington, leading the team in HRs, batting average, and RBIs. Offseason veteran addition, Justin Turner, has been the same for the Blue Jays. Turner has been the one consistent bat in the lineup this year.
This is Kikuchi’s third season in Toronto, and he is putting together his best with the franchise. The native of Japan has never faced Washington in his career. Corbin has struggled during his tenure with the Nationals after signing a lucrative deal with them in 2019. His ERA hasn’t been below 5.00 in a full 162-game season since his first year with the squad.
Prediction: The Blue Jays shouldn’t be favored this heavily against anyone right now, but this pitching matchup leans in their direction. Kikuchi continues his early season success and the Blue Jays bats knock Corbin out of the game early.
Blue Jays win
