Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (4/19)
Between the NHL and NBA playoffs getting underway, and the MLB rolling out a full 15-game schedule, we should be in for a fantastic sports Saturday. I'm keeping it on the diamond with my best MLB bets.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Saturday's Best MLB Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Arizona Diamondbacks (-108) vs. Chicago Cubs (-108) | O/U 7.5 (-110/-110)
The Cubs (13-9) outlasted the Diamondbacks (12-8) in that wild, windy Wrigley Field clash yesterday, where they prevailed 13-11. The two sides are back at it this afternoon, and we have a pitching matchup between Zac Gallen and Ben Brown. First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
I don't think we'll see as many runs as yesterday's game, but I do anticipate the over cashing for a second straight game in this series. For starters, neither starting pitcher has been great this year. Gallen has been underwhelming, entering the weekend 1-2 with a 4.64 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. As for Brown, he brings in a 5.09 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
These are the top two offenses in baseball. Chicago is averaging a league-leading 6.23 runs per game, while Arizona is in second at 5.75 runs per contest. Furthermore, even if both starters manage to turn in decent starts, these potent offenses should tee off against each other's bottom-tier bullpens.
The Cubs are 29th in bullpen ERA (5.83), while the Snakes are 25th (4.86). Ultimately, there's too much potential for offense for this total to be sitting at 7.5 runs. I'm taking the over.
Bet: Over 7.5 Runs (-110)
Cincinnati Reds (-122) vs. Baltimore Orioles (+104) | O/U 8.5 (-134/+110)
The Reds (10-10) powered past the Orioles (8-11) in last night's series opener, cruising to an 8-3 victory. Their rotation rolls over, which means Hunter Greene will take the ball this afternoon. The O's counter with Brandon Young in this Interleague play showdown, which gets underway at 4:05 p.m. ET from Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.
This feels like a no-brainer to only lay a -122 price tag with Greene toeing the rubber. The right-hander has been a force this season, entering the weekend at 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA (fourth) and a 0.58 WHIP (first). His 31 punchouts are the ninth-most in the MLB. Baltimore has the 11th-worst strikeout rate (23.6%) this season, and they're a mediocre 17th in OPS (.695). Greene is primed for another excellent outing in this game.
The O's will send Brandon Young to the bump to make his MLB debut. He logged a 2.76 ERA in three Triple-A starts this season. While that's great and all, I think it's fair to question how he'll fare against this upward-trending Reds offense.
Cincinnati is 7-3 in its last 10 games, and they're averaging 5.71 runs per game across their last seven competitions. It shouldn't take much offense for the Reds to prevail in this game, considering Greene is pitching for them. I'll lay the -122 vig with Cincinnati.
Bet: Reds Moneyline (-122)
San Diego Padres (-120) vs. Houston Astros (+102) | O/U 8.0 (-110/-110)
Let's wrap things up in H-Town, where the Astros (9-10) are looking to collect their second straight victory against the Padres (15-5). Michael King gets the nod for the visitors, while the Astros opt for Hayden Wesneski. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET from Daikin Park in Houston, TX.
With the way these teams have performed out of the gate this year, I feel like we're getting a great price on San Diego in this spot. King is developing into a true top-of-the-rotation hurler in the Majors, and he comes into this game 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA (21st) and a 1.07 WHIP (27th). The Friars are 4-0 in his starts this season.
Furthermore, the right-hander has mowed down the Astros in the past, as their current roster is slashing just .191/.224/.319 against him over 47 at-bats. Overall, Houston is just 23rd in both runs per game (3.79) and team batting average (.223), while sitting 25th in OPS (.636).
In addition to dealing with King, the Astros will also have to navigate San Diego's top-tier bullpen. They enter this game ranked first in relief ERA (1.58), WHIP (0.93) and opposing batting average (.167). I like the Padres' pitching staff to guide them to a win tonight.
Bet: Padres Moneyline (-120)