Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (8/9)
We have a stacked weekend of sports on the horizon, and it's the MLB that takes center stage with a loaded 16-game schedule on Saturday. The bonus game comes courtesy of a doubleheader in Atlanta between the Marlins and the Braves. Below, I'll dive into my top three MLB picks and predictions for Saturday, August 9th.
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Saturday's Best MLB Picks & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Philadelphia Phillies (+112) vs. Texas Rangers (-137) | O/U 7.0 (-131/+100)
Let's pick it up in the Lone Star State, where the Phillies (66-49) are looking to build on last night's 9-1 victory over the Rangers (60-57). Jesus Luzardo will toe the rubber for Philadelphia, while Jacob deGrom gets the nod for Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX.
The Texas ace has been lights out with the Rangers in 2025, going 10-4 with a 2.80 ERA (12th) and a 0.94 WHIP (sixth). His 135 strikeouts are 22nd in the Majors. The right-hander is very familiar with this Phillies lineup from his time with the Mets, and he has limited their current roster to a slash line of .227/.285/.384 over 172 at-bats. Texas also boasts a top-five bullpen (3.38 ERA, fourth), so their pitching staff is the crux of this wager on the under.
As for Jesus Luzardo, he has excelled against the Rangers during his career. It's only a 22-at-bat sample size, but the southpaw has held their current roster to a slash line of .227/.320/.636. Texas' offense has been a liability this season, ranking 25th in runs per game (4.09). Luzardo has two consecutive quality starts, so considering he's in good form and facing a mediocre offense, I like him to do his part and help keep this final score under the projected total.
Bet: Under 7.0 Runs (+100)
Colorado Rockies (+182) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (-225) | O/U 9.5 (-102/-119)
The Diamondbacks (55-61) cruised past the Rockies (30-85) 6-1 on Friday night, and they'll turn to Eduardo Rodriguez as they try to keep things rolling this evening. Colorado opts for Bradley Blalock in this divisional clash, which gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
There should be no shortage of runs tonight in The Valley of the Sun. Rodriguez continues to struggle in Arizona, as he's just 4-7 with a 5.53 ERA and 1.66 WHIP this season. Furthermore, Colorado has seen him well in the past, as their current lineup is slashing .317/.317/.415 against him over 41 at-bats.
Over the last seven days, the Diamondbacks are ninth in wOBA (.345) and seventh in ISO (.207), while the Rockies are 18th (.306) and 18th (.154), respectively. This matchup also features two of the worst bullpens in the league. Colorado is 29th in relief ERA (5.50), while Arizona is 27th (4.89). Scoring over 10 runs seems pretty obtainable in this one, so give me the over.
Bet: Over 9.5 Runs (-102)
Toronto Blue Jays (+138) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (-169) | O/U 8.5 (-119/-102)
The Dodgers (67-49) handled the visiting Blue Jays (68-49) in a 5-1 contest last night. Game two of this heavyweight series features a pitching matchup between Chris Bassitt and Blake Snell. First pitch is set for 9:10 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
For my third total of the night, I'll be taking the over in the Blue Jays versus Dodgers game. These are two of the best offenses in baseball. Los Angeles leads the Majors in runs per game (5.16), while Toronto is currently sixth in scoring (4.93 runs per game). Over the last seven days, the Jays are first in both wOBA (.466) and ISO (.275). The Dodgers are 16th (.312, .170) in both categories.
As for the head-to-head numbers, Los Angeles has seen Bassitt well in the past. They're slashing .308/.370/.538 against him over 91 at-bats. Toronto is a mediocre 16th in relief ERA (4.00) as well, so I'd say Los Angeles is primed for an offensive breakout tonight. Speaking of relievers, the Dodgers are 21st in bullpen ERA (4.23) and 23rd in opposing average against (.253). Both of these offenses can rake, so I'll jump on the over in Los Angeles.
Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-119)