Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (7/20)
The MLB’s back in full swing following an electric All-Star break. We have 16 games on today’s schedule, with the bonus game coming courtesy of a doubleheader between the Cardinals and the Braves. Below I’ve narrowed in on three best bets for today’s action on the diamond.
Saturday’s Best MLB Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago White Sox (+168) at Kansas City Royals (-200) | O/U 8.5 (-114/-106)
The White Sox took their fifth straight loss last night, losing the series opener 7-1 to the Royals. The divisional foes are back at it this evening, and we have a pitching matchup between Jonathan Cannon and Brady Singer. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
There were some 9.0s floating around when this total market opened last night, but the number quickly dropped down to 8.5 runs. I still think that’s a tad high for this contest, so I’m going to play the Under. Neither of these offenses has been in great form recently. Over the last 14 days, the White Sox are ranked dead last in both wRC+ (61) and wOBA (.254), while the Royals are 19th (99) and 18th (.314), respectively.
Mostly, I like this matchup for Brady Singer. He’s primed to turn in a monster start against the lowly White Sox. The right-hander brings in a 3.20 ERA (21st) and 1.23 WHIP (47th), and those numbers dip to 2.72 and 0.99 when throwing at home. He’s also holding the opposition to a .204 average at Kauffman. Singer gets a Chicago offense that’s riding a five-game losing streak, averaging only 2.0 runs per game during the skid. Unless the Royals clear this total by themselves, I think there’s a good chance we stay under.
Bet: Under 8.5 Total Runs (-106)
Arizona Diamondbacks (-130) at Chicago Cubs (+110) | O/U 8.5 (-105/-115)
The Diamondbacks picked up a 5-2 victory over the Cubs yesterday, issuing Chicago its third loss in four games. Kyle Hendricks will try to turn things around for the Cubs this evening, while the Snakes counter with Zac Gallen. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
Getting Arizona at -130 against the struggling Hendricks feels like a steal. The veteran right-hander hasn’t been sharp this year, bouncing back and forth between the starting rotation and bullpen. He brings in a 2-7 record to go along with a 6.78 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are trending upward, as they’ve rattled off five wins in their last six games. Their offense is a top-half unit over the last two weeks, so I expect them to do some damage against Hendricks.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a season for the Cubs, but they’ve lost three of their last four games, dropping them to last place in the NL Central. They’re running into Zac Gallen, who sits at 6-5 with a 3.87 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. I like the head-to-head numbers with Gallen, as he’s limited the current Chicago roster to a slash line of .180/.255/.180 over a sizable 50-at-bat sample size. Let’s back the red-hot Diamondbacks to secure the win tonight.
Bet: Diamondbacks Moneyline (-130)
Houston Astros (+100) at Seattle Mariners (-118) | O/U 7.0 (-110/-110)
The Astros have come all the way back from the depths of the AL West standings, moving into a tie for first place in the division with the Mariners. Houston won last night’s series opener 3-0, and they’ll look to take sole possession of the divisional lead when they turn to Framber Valdez tonight. Seattle counters with George Kirby in this pivotal contest, which is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, WA.
I’m playing the Under in tonight’s MLB nightcap. Let’s start with Valdez, who has been serviceable this year at 8-5 with a 3.66 ERA (40th) and 1.28 WHIP (56th). Seattle actually has decent numbers against him, slashing .294/.355/.417 against him over 180 at-bats. However, the Mariners’ offense has been pathetic recently, averaging 2.0 runs per game during their current four-game losing streak. I think the left-handed Valdez can turn in a solid outing in this high-stakes game.
As for Kirby, he has been Houston’s kryptonite throughout his young career. The right-hander has held their current roster to a slash line of .189/.206/.200 over 95 at-bats. Furthermore, Kirby has been dialed in at home, bringing his 3.29 ERA (22nd) and 0.99 WHIP (8th) down to 2.63 and 0.95, respectively, at T-Mobile. He’s turned in seven straight quality starts, and I think that trend will continue tonight against an inconsistent Houston offense. Runs should be at a premium as these teams battle it out for the divisional lead – give me the Under!
Bet: Under 7.0 Total Runs (-110)