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MLB Best Bets, Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (9/21)

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We have just ten days left in the regular season. With a lot of teams still in contention, it’ll be fun to watch. Let’s look at some important matchups with teams that need wins to stay in the race.

Thursday’s Best MLB Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Los Angeles Angels (+205) at Tampa Bay Rays (-250) | O/U 7.5 (-112/-108)

Zach Eflin is a whole new pitcher in Tampa Bay. After having a 4.49 ERA in seven seasons with the Phillies, he has a 3.44 ERA and an AL-best 15 wins in 2023. He’s made some positive adjustments by mixing his pitches and increasing the use of his curveball and cutter, and his sinker has gotten better with more movement. He saw the Angels a month ago and went six innings, allowing one earned run in a road win. He’s also been a much better pitcher in the Trop.

Griffin Canning has struggled in his last few starts with a 4.67 ERA, and the Angels lost five of his six appearances. The one win was against the Rays, where he came in relief, going 3.1 innings and allowing one earned run for the victory.

All five games between these two teams have exceeded this total, and I expect it again.

Pick: Over 7.5 (-112)

Toronto Blue Jays (+114) at New York Yankees (-135) | O/U 7.5 (+100/-120)

Gerrit Cole is continuing his stellar 2023 campaign, and over his last 14 starts, he’s gone at least six innings and allowed two or fewer runs in ten.  It looks like he’ll win the American League Cy Young race, but he and the Yankees are looking more to play spoilers to an American League East rival.

While Jose Berrios is having a much better 2023 than last year, he’s still struggling with consistency this season. In August, he was an abysmal 1-3 with a 5.53 ERA in four starts, in September he’s 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts.

Even with the Yankees’ offense being cold the last two games, they’ll be able to do just enough to support Cole for the win.

Pick: Yankees Moneyline (-135)

Atlanta Braves (-265) at Washington Nationals (+215) | O/U 9 (-120/+100)

The Braves have struggled recently but still hold the best record in the National League. Since returning from the IL in August, Max Fried has been stellar, going 5-0 with a 2.96 ERA and a 3.15 FIP.

Jake Irvin has some optimism as he finishes his rookie campaign. He’s been much better over his last few starts with a 2.80 ERA, and opponents are hitting. .213. Unfortunately, he hasn’t gotten the support from the offense, and he’s only 3-3 in those starts.

This is another instance where I trust the total more than the team. The Braves are not concerned with winning at the moment, but they’ve been involved in some high-scoring games.

Pick: Over 9 (-120)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:


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