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MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (7/8)

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From UFC 290 to a 15-game slate in the MLB, we have an absolutely stacked sports slate today! I’m sticking with the baseball bets, and I’m rolling with these three plays. 

MLB YTD: 58-106 (-1.05 units)

Today’s Best MLB Bets

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Sportsbook

Toronto Blue Jays (-210) vs. Detroit Tigers (+175) | 8.5 (+100/-120)

The Blue Jays are finishing the first half strong, as they’ve won their last four games. They’ll have a great chance to keep things rolling as they turn to Kevin Gausman this afternoon. The Tigers counter with Matt Manning in this American League tilt set for 1:10 p.m. ET from Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

I’m not overthinking this one, I’m going right back to the Blue Jays on the run line. They crushed the Tigers last night 12-2 in the series opener. Now, they have their ace taking the ball in Gausman. The right-hander has excellent numbers against Detroit and has them to a slash line of .220/.247/.439 over 82 at-bats. Gausman also has three quality starts in his last four outings. 

Offensively, there should be no shortage of run support for Gausman. The Jays are running into Manning, who they’ve seen well in the past. The current roster is slashing .324/.359/.676 against the right-hander over 37 at-bats. Manning also has the fifth-highest HR/9 rate (1.61) amongst today’s starting pitchers. So, combining the way Toronto is swinging right now with the fact that they’re taking on a pedestrian starter, they’re primed to go off offensively. 

Bet: Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (-125)

Philadelphia Phillies (-110) vs. Miami Marlins (-110) | 8.0 (-110/-110)

Thanks to a pinch-hit two-run bomb from Cristian Pache in the 9th last night, the Phillies picked up their fourth straight win in a 4-3 affair with the Marlins. Today’s divisional clash features a pitching matchup between Ranger Suarez and Braxton Garrett. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET from LoanDepot Park in Miami, FL.

I’m riding with the Phillies in this spot today. First off, I need to say that these two teams are trending in completely opposite directions. Philly has won eight of its last 10 games, while Miami is 5-5 over the same time frame. Mix in that the Marlins just optioned the red-hot Eury Perez to conserve his innings for the future, and you have to wonder if Miami is committed to winning games this year. I mean, the future is now. You’re in second place in a respectable N.L. East, and you hold the top Wild Card spot. Why are you sending arguably your best starter to the Minors? You should be adding pieces to make a run in a National League that’s not overpowering this year (aside from the Braves). 

So, obviously, I’m not too high on Miami right now. Meanwhile, the Phillies are trending upward, and I think they’re going to take care of business again today. Philadelphia is fifth in BABIP (.321) and eighth in wOBA (.342) over the last 14 days. They also have a favorable matchup as they’re facing off against Garrett. The current roster is slashing .414/.469/.862 against the left-hander over 29 at-bats. Yes, that’s a .862 slugging percentage. Let’s roll with the Phillies today in the 305. 

Bet: Philadelphia Phillies Moneyline (-110)

Seattle Mariners (+110) vs. Houston Astros (-130) | 7.5 (-110/-110)

Finally, let’s head over to Houston, where the Mariners are looking for their third consecutive victory over the Astros. Seattle has outscored Houston 15-2 in the first two games. They’ll turn to Bryan Woo to keep things rolling while the Astros counter with Framber Valdez. This one’s slated for 7:15 from Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.

While the M’s are playing good ball, I think their two-game win streak comes to a halt tonight. Valdez gets the nod, and he has been excellent this season. The southpaw comes into this one at 7-6 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. He also has solid numbers against the Mariners, as they’re slashing just .222/.276/.321 against him over 81 at-bats. Furthermore, Seattle is just 23rd in wOBA against left-handers this year at .308. 

Look for Houston to take advantage of the young Woo in this spot as well. The right-hander owns a 5.00 ERA over four road starts. A bright spot is that he boasts a 12.2 K/9 rate so far in his career. However, over the last 14 days, Houston is striking out in just 17.5% of their at-bats. That’s the lowest in all of baseball, so if Woo can’t get strikeouts, he may be in for a long night. All things considered, I like for Houston to bounce back tonight with their ace on the hill. 

Bet: Houston Astros Moneyline (-130)

Check out our other best bets for Saturday:

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