MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (9/16)
Saturday is here, which means it's time to sit back and enjoy a stacked slate of sports. The college football season is in full swing and we have a red-hot MLB postseason race. From a betting standpoint, I'm keeping it on the diamond today. Let's dive into my top three plays for today's action.
Today's Best MLB Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Boston Red Sox (+110) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (-130) | 8.5 (-110/-110)
The Blue Jays secured a 3-0 win in last night's opener against the Red Sox. They'll turn to Chris Bassitt to keep things rolling while the visiting Red Sox opt for Chris Sale. First pitch for game two is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET from Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.
While we have a couple of notable pitchers throwing today, I'm rolling with the over in this divisional matchup. Sale's seems to be falling off a bit and he's not having a great year overall. The left-hander enters this game at 6-4 and owns a 4.88 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Furthermore, the Jays are slashing a respectable .250/.296/.424 against Sale over 92 at-bats.
On the flip side, Boston has seen Bassitt really well. The current roster is slashing .311/.367/.533 against him over 45 at-bats. Specifically, Rafael Devers is 2-5 (.400) with a home run and a double while Justin Turner is 6-10 (.600) with a pair of doubles. It's always a good sign when star players have the ability to go off when you're playing an over. I think we see this game make it to at least nine runs.
Bet: Over 8.5 (-110)
Tampa Bay Rays (-122) vs. Baltimore Orioles (+102) | 7.5 (-115/-105)
The biggest series of the weekend hasn't gone the Orioles' way as they've dropped the first two games to the Rays. Entering Saturday, the two teams are tied for the lead in the A.L. East. Tyler Glasnow gets the nod for the Rays while the O's counter with Grayson Rodriguez. This one is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET from Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.
Both of these teams possess offensive prowess, but I think we'll see the pitchers win the day at Camden Yards. Glasnow is in fantastic form as he enters with a 3.15 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. His most recent start against the Orioles was a 7.0-inning performance where he limited them to two earned runs. That game ended 4-3, which would've stayed under this number. Building on that, Baltimore is slashing just .221/.293/.403 against the right-hander.
As for Rodriguez, he hasn't been the Orioles' top arm this season. But, he has been very efficient against Tampa in the past. The Rays are slashing just .211/.286/.368 against him over 38 at-bats. This game should have a playoff atmosphere and I think we're in for a pitcher’s duel.
Bet: Under 7.5 (-105)
Houston Astros (-148) vs. Kansas City Royals (+124) | 9.5 (+102/-122)
Finally, let's head over to Kansas City where the Astros are looking to bounce back after losing the series opener to the Royals last night. J.P. France takes the ball for Houston while K.C. counters with Cole Ragans. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Cole Ragans has been electric this season, posting a 3.01 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 26 total appearances. While that's great, I simply think Houston will do enough to will their way to a victory today. This is a team that's gunning for a division title and they need to clean up against the lowly Royals.
Houston has won nine of France's last 11 starts and I expect them to make it 10/12 tonight. Interestingly, the right-hander has been better on the road this season, where he owns a 2.60 ERA and opponents are hitting just .249 against him. Look for France to mow down this lousy Kansas City lineup en route to an Astros victory.
Bet: Houston Astros Moneyline (-148)
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