MLB fans narrowly missed history on Thursday as Cleveland southpaw Parker Messick carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against Baltimore before the bid was broken.
With no-hitters becoming increasingly rare, the last one occurring on September 4, 2024, the focus now shifts to Friday’s heavy hitters. While the marquee matchup between Mike Trout and Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium has concluded, the “Home Run” list for Friday is packed with MVP talent and favorable stadium conditions.
Ketel Marte: Resting Up for Toronto (+317)
Chase Field in Phoenix is widely recognized as one of the premier hitters’ parks in the Major Leagues. With the roof likely closed to combat the Arizona heat, weather becomes a non-factor. Ketel Marte, the Diamondbacks’ three-time All-Star, enters Friday’s homestand against Toronto fully rested after an off-day Thursday.
While Marte has had a sluggish start to the 2026 campaign with a .211 average and four homers, his history against Blue Jays starter Eric Lauer is exceptional. Marte is 7-for-19 career against the southpaw, boasting a 1.137 OPS. With Lauer struggling this season (7.82 ERA), Marte is primed to replicate the two-homer performance he logged earlier this week in Baltimore.
Shohei Ohtani: Dramatic Return to Coors Field (+240)
For many bettors, a game at Coors Field is an automatic play if weather permits. Known for its thin air and massive gaps, the stadium remains the ultimate destination for power hitters. Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the top of the Dodgers’ lineup tonight after being limited to pitching duties on Wednesday due to soreness from a hit-by-pitch.
Ohtani faces his countryman Tomoyuki Sugano, a right-hander who, despite a solid ERA, has historically struggled with the long ball, surrendering 33 homers in 2025. Ohtani’s career splits against Sugano are perfect: 2-for-2 with two solo home runs. Last year at Coors, Ohtani posted a staggering 1.271 OPS, making him a high-probability pick for those MLB fans utilizing current sportsbook promo codes.
