MLB Same Game Parlay Picks: Sunday (5/18)
We have some interesting MLB matchups today. Let’s examine a few and share our top same-game parlay (SGP) betting cards with our top MLB picks and predictions.
Sunday's Best MLB Same Game Parlay Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
- Leg 1: Rangers Moneyline (-132)
- Leg 2: Rangers Team Total Under 3.5 Runs (-108)
Framber Valdez had a rough start to the season, but has been great in his last few starts with a 2.65 ERA in his previous five. He has allowed two earned runs in his last 15 innings. Valdez likes to keep the ball low, but he lives dangerously in that zone. If he's pitching well, he's getting ground balls all day, but if his pitches aren't deceptive, hitters won't bite. In his nine starts, he has allowed multiple walks in six, and his walk rate is in the 56th percentile.
Valdez will likely not have a problem in this matchup against the Rangers, who are 27th in walk rate this season (7.3%). They are batting only a career .199 in 102 plate appearances against Valdez, with Marcus Semien the only batter in the lineup hitting over .240 against him.
Parlay Odds: +208
Cleveland Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds
- Leg 1: Reds Moneyline (-125)
- Leg 2: Under 9.0 Runs (-108)
- Leg 3: Andrew Abbott 5+ Strikeouts (-170)
Andrew Abbott is having his best season with a 2.10 ERA, but after getting wins in his first two starts, he has four straight no-decisions.
Abbott doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, but he puts great spin on it, and it rises as it moves through the zone, getting swings and misses. He’s also increased the use of his change-up, which is keeping hitters off balance.
Although it's only 16 plate appearances against five batters, Abbott doesn't have a great history against the Guardians with a career .313 batting average allowed and 21.6% whiff rate. His fortunes could change today with his newfound dominance, helping the Reds secure a win.
Parlay Odds: +451
New York Mets vs. New York Yankees
- Leg 1: Yankees Moneyline (-175)
- Leg 2: Max Fried Under 1.5 Earned Runs Allowed (+125)
- Leg 3: Aaron Judge 1+ Walk (-175)
Somebody in the starting rotation needed to step up for the Yankees in Gerrit Cole’s absence, and it’s been their big-money offseason acquisition. Max Fried made a big splash by signing with the Yankees, and he’s made a bigger impact on the mound, becoming the best pitcher in the league.
Fried appears to be an early Cy Young candidate, with his MLB-leading 1.11 ERA and seventh-ranked 0.94 WHIP. Location is key for someone like Fried, who isn't overpowering and has always been known to have great control. He can keep the ball away from the hitter’s power zone.
Fried faces a familiar foe in the Mets, whom he spent many years facing when he was with the Braves in the National League East. He's had mixed results with this lineup, with success against Francisco Lindor, who's batting .107 against him, and Brandon Nimmo (.111). However, two of the Mets’ premier hitters have his number, including Pete Alonso, who boasts a .472 slugging percentage, and Juan Soto, who has a .333 batting average. Fried has faced some great lineups recently, such as Seattle and San Diego, and shut them down.
Parlay Odds: +456
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: