Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (5/24)
We have another fantastic sports Saturday on the horizon, which includes an overflowing 16-game MLB slate. The bonus game comes courtesy of a doubleheader in Boston between the Orioles and the Red Sox.
Below, I'll dive into three of the games from a sports betting perspective and let you know my top MLB picks on the diamond.
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Saturday's Best MLB Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Texas Rangers (-174) vs. Chicago White Sox (+146) | O/U 8.5 (-105/-115)
Let's pick it up in the Windy City, where the White Sox (16-35) are looking to build on a 4-1 series-opening victory over the Rangers (25-27) on Friday. They'll turn to Jonathan Cannon as they go for their second straight win, while Texas counters with Jack Leiter. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET from Rate Field in Chicago, IL.
For whatever reason - and it doesn't help that Corey Seager (hamstring) is sidelined - this Texas offense has been a joke this season. They're just 27th in the league in scoring, averaging only 3.31 runs per game. Over the last seven days, the Rangers are 28th in wOBA (.269), 27th in wRC+ (71) and 19th in ISO (.141). Chicago's offense hasn't been much better, as they're 25th (.282), 25th (79) and 16th (.157) in those three respective categories.
With that said, this feels like a pretty lofty total for two struggling offenses. I'll play the under on 8.5 runs today in the Windy City. Speaking of wind, it'll be a minor factor, blowing in from left field at around nine miles per hour (MPH) at first pitch. Additionally, Cannon has been one of the few bright spots for the White Sox, bringing in a 3.76 ERA (50th). Jack Leiter (4.25 ERA) has been serviceable, and he has limited Chicago's current roster to a slash line of .182/.250/.273 across 11 head-to-head at-bats. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 8.5 Runs (-115)
San Diego Padres (-122) vs. Atlanta Braves (+104) | O/U 8.5 (-108/-112)
One of the marquee series this weekend comes in the National League, as the Braves (24-26) host the Padres (28-21). Michael King takes the ball for San Diego, while Grant Holmes gets the nod for Atlanta. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.
I'll play the under in this heavyweight matchup as well. The Padres have been slumping massively on the offensive side of the ball. Over the last seven days, they're just 30th in both wOBA (.244) and wRC+ (56), while sitting 27th in ISO (.113). During their current 1-6 stretch of play, San Diego is averaging only 1.6 runs per game.
King enters this contest knowing he'll need to turn in an excellent outing against the Braves to keep his team in the game. The right-hander has been sensational this season, entering the weekend with a 2.59 ERA (13th) and a 1.02 WHIP (17th). As for Holmes (4.01 ERA), he has turned in two consecutive quality starts, and San Diego's current roster is just 1-for-7 (.143) against him. There's a ton of star power in this matchup, which is why I believe we have a total of 8.5 runs, but considering the Padres' current offensive form, I think it's best to play the under.
Bet: Under 8.5 Runs (-112)
Miami Marlins (+142) vs. Los Angeles Angels (-168) | O/U8.5 (-110/-110)
The Angels (25-25) secured their seventh straight victory last night, taking down the Marlins (19-30) in a 7-4 affair. The two sides are back at it in tonight's MLB nightcap, and this Interleague clash features a pitching matchup between Cal Quantrill and Jose Soriano. First pitch is scheduled for 10:07 p.m. ET from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA.
Both of these clubs are swinging the bats well, so I'll jump on the over in the nightcap. Los Angeles has been destroying the ball, ranking first in ISO (.276), wOBA (.405) and wRC+ (164) over the last seven days. During their current seven-game heater, the Halos are averaging 8.7 runs per game. Honestly, there's a chance they clear this total on their own.
Los Angeles will be looking to rack up the runs against Quantrill, who has been horrendous this season with a 6.37 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. The Angels are slashing .315/.351/.371 against him over 89 at-bats. As for the Marlins, over the last seven days, they're seventh in wOBA (.331), 10th in wRC+ (107) and 15th in ISO (.158). Both offenses should also have late scoring opportunities, considering each team's bullpen is 25th or worse with an ERA north of 5.00. Give me the over.
Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: