MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (9/24)
The Astros are in the driver’s seat for the playoffs and look like a threat to get back to the World Series. They are looking great as the season concludes. They’ve won eight of their last 12. Six of those were against the Angels, but if you’re a good team, you beat up on the bad ones.
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, September 24.
Join our new MLB Betting Group to share bets and compete in leaderboards >>
Tuesday’s Best MLB Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Seattle Mariners (+116) at Houston Astros (-120) | O/U 7.5 (-110/-110)
We know how great the offense is, but the pitching has helped this team become a threat. In the second half, their 3.30 ERA is third. Framer Valdez has been one of the best starters on this roster, and the Astros have benefitted from it by winning six of his last eight starts, and he has a 1.33 ERA.
The Mariners’ time is dwindling, and the horrific season is almost at an end. They got a big win last night, but they need a lot more to have a chance to play October baseball.
They will need to reevaluate the offense in the offseason because that was the reason for this disappointing year. They ranked 29th in batting average (.223) and last in strikeout percentage (27%).
They don’t need to touch the pitching as they lead in ERA (3.52), WHIP (1.08), and BAA (.221). Someone with a 3.24 ERA should not be 8-11, but that’s Logan Gilbert’s situation. That’s what happens when 12 of starts, you get two or fewer runs of support.
Don’t be concerned with the Astros taking the loss last night, they have their best pitcher on the mound and they’ll rebound.
Pick: Astros Moneyline (-134)
Tampa Bay Rays (+154) at Detroit Tigers (-102) | O/U 7 (-102/-118)
The Tigers are one of the most amazing stories this season. No one gave them a chance to win anything, and judging by what they did at the trade deadline, neither did they. They are 19-8 in their last 27 and currently have a playoff spot.
The offense is doing its part, as they are tenth in runs scored since August 23 (182), but the pitching has shut down their opponents with an MLB-leading 2.66 ERA in that same span.
That has a lot to do with the future American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. He’s been special the past few months as he’s 9-1 with a 2.46 ERA, and of those 15 outings, 12 have been quality starts.
Unlike Detroit, we expected Tampa Bay to be a playoff contender as they always have in the Kevin Cash era. That has not happened. Although they are technically still in contention, they are four games out with three teams ahead of them.
Ryan Pepiot has been a great starter this season. He’s coming off his best outing of the season, going six innings, allowing two hits, one earned, and racking up 12 strikeouts.
Looking at this low total and how it has the heavier juice shows the chance of a pitcher’s duel, and that’s what we’ll see.
Pick: Under 7 Total Runs (-118)