MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (6/18)
Let's dive into our top MLB picks. There is a good slate of games to choose from, so let's look at our top MLB picks to play on Tuesday, June 18.
Tuesday's Best MLB Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Baltimore Orioles (+130) at New York Yankees (-155) | O/U 9 (-105/-115)
The Orioles and Yankees are the series to watch this week because it is the least separation between a first and second-place team. It was a brutal weekend in Boston as New York dropped two of three and lost by a combined 10 runs. The talk of the last couple of days is the Red Sox exposing some of the weaknesses of the Yankees, specifically on the bases. Boston had a team-record nine steals on Sunday, and they weren't even tested several times. Nestor Cortes is a tough pitcher to steal against; he is left-handed, but he can change up the timing of his delivery, making it nearly difficult to get a good jump on him.
Baltimore is an average team in stolen bases; 14th in attempted stolen bases (0.85) per game and 13th in successful stolen bases per game (0.70). This is a team more known for their power; they lead in slugging (.451), home run percentage (4.2%) and hits for extra bases percentage (41.1%). Albert Suarez returned to the rotation after a brief stint in the bullpen, and this unexpected great season continues for a guy who had a seven-year hiatus from the MLB after spending that time pitching at various other levels.
Suarez is a fly ball pitcher, and while his style works well in Camden Yards, the hitter-friendly confines will not help him against this powerful lineup. Cortes also has great numbers against the O's with a .215 opponent batting average and a 33.6% strikeout rate.
Pick: Yankees Moneyline (-155)
Los Angeles Dodgers (-185) at Colorado Rockies (+154) | O/U 11.5 (-112/-108)
The Dodgers were able to unleash the power in Colorado and came away with a 9-5 win in the first game of this series. The question is, how will life be without Mookie Betts? Their best hitter and MVP candidate was hit in the hand and suffered a fracture that will leave him out for several weeks. They decided to put Shohei Ohtani in the leadoff spot, where he has the third-most plate appearances of any other spot in the order, and he excelled, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI. While Betts will be missed, this is still one of the best top-to-bottom lineups in the league. Walker Buehler's return to the rotation has had mixed results; David Roberts is known for pulling his starters early, and he's done that a few times this season when he's given up runs and been pulled in the fourth three times after allowing at least three.
The Rockies are in last place in the National League West, whereas Los Angeles is the only team with a winning record. This is an organization that seems to be in a rebuilding period, as they've spent a few years with losing records. Austin Gomber has an identical 1-4 record this year to Buehler, with a 4.26 ERA. While he has a 3.26 ERA at home, the Dodgers are the best lineup he’ll see. In his last start against L.A., he went three innings, allowing three earned runs.
Look for another high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 11.5 (-112)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: