Navigate

MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (10/2)

by |

We have Game 3s on the schedule with a chance to go to the Division Round, with two of those series featuring division rivals. Here are our top MLB picks & predictions for Thursday, October 2.

Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>

Thursday’s Best MLB Picks & Predictions

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Detroit Tigers (+104) at Cleveland Guardians (-126) | O/U 7.0 (-118/-103)

After a close Game 1 where the Guardians fell short, they regrouped, and thanks to a five-run eighth inning, they have forced a Game 3. They have Slade Cecconi taking the mound, and this was his best season as he finished with a 4.43 ERA. The possible reason why he's getting the ball in this game is because he pitched well in both of his starts against the Tigers. In those outings, he allowed a total of three earned runs in 12 innings.

The Tigers will go with the veteran Jack Flaherty, whom they traded away last year to the reigning champion Dodgers; Flaherty struggled in those playoffs, posting a 7.36 ERA. This season, he's seen a regression with a 4.64 ERA and is coming off consecutive losses against Cleveland.

This pitching matchup heavily favors the Guardians, but both managers will give a quick hook and will ride with their bullpens. Last year, Flaherty had two instances in the 2024 playoffs where he allowed four earned runs in less than three innings. If that happens, the Tigers offense is not good enough at this moment to push this team to the next round.

Pick: Guardians Moneyline (-126)

Boston Red Sox (+135) at New York Yankees (-165) | O/U 7.5 (-118/-103)

With a playoff series featuring the Yankees and Red Sox, it's only appropriate that it goes to a winner-take-all game. After the Red Sox forced the Yankees to be the first postseason team with bases loaded and no outs without scoring, they rebounded for a 4-3 win. 

The Yankees have asked a rookie to pitch in a pivotal game. Cam Schlitter has been impressive since his debut in July, recording a 2.96 ERA, and his 2.0 WAR is tied for sixth among pitchers since July 7. Schlitter has surprisingly not faced the Red Sox, so this could be a challenge for him, but he's comfortable pitching in the Bronx with a 3.12 ERA at home.

The Red Sox will also send up an inexperienced pitcher in an elimination game. Connor Early was a September call up and has four starts of MLB experience under his belt. He's been great in those outings and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each. 

Early is left-handed, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone had a dominant right-handed lineup in Game 1 when the Red Sox had a lefty starter. However, that was Boston ace Garrett Crochet so Boone could stick with the Game 2 lineup. Although the two young pitchers have performed well this year, this feels like a game where the bats will finally take control, and the offense could decide the outcome.

Pick: Over 7.5 Runs (-118)

Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

BettingPros App