Pirates vs. Brewers prediction: MLB Friday picks, props, odds

A pair of aces will square off in Milwaukee on Friday night. 

The reigning National League Cy Young winner, Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27 ERA, will look to turn in a fifth straight strong start after a disastrous 2026 debut opposite the Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff (2-0, 3.42), who looks healthy after dealing with injuries over the past couple of years. 

While both the Pirates and Brewers have been slightly above average at the plate this season, I think we’re in for a good old-fashioned pitcher’s duel with these two right-handed hurlers on the bump. 

Skenes has been his excellent self since allowing five earned runs to the Mets on Opening Day, posting a 1.27 ERA across 21 ⅔ innings in April. 

The Brewers’ lineup is coming in at half strength as well, giving Skenes a nice opportunity to keep his groove rolling in this divisional clash.

Jackson Chourio (fractured left hand), Christian Yelich (left groin strain), and Andrew Vaughn (fractured left hamate) are all sidelined until at least next month. 

Woodruff, who has been solid as well through four starts with a 3.42 ERA, is coming off his best outing of the early going, during which he tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Marlins. 

Brandon Woodruff #53 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at American Family Field on April 12, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images

The veteran has dominated the Pirates over his career, posting a 3.05 ERA across 97 ⅓ innings. 

Late last season, Woodruff didn’t allow a single run across 10 innings (two starts) versus Pittsburgh. 

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Don’t expect many runs to be put on the board at American Family Field on Friday with these two All-Stars duking it out. 

The play: Under 7 (-110, FanDuel)

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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.