MLB Best Bets: Predictions to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for August 7

There will be no shortage of action across baseball on Friday with 15 games on the schedule. We also have some exciting series with the Rays hosting the Yankees, the Reds facing the Brewers and the Athletics taking on the Astros. Let’s dive into some potentially profitable wagers on the DraftKings Sportsbook that could make the evening even more exciting.

DraftKings users can get in on the action by betting on DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DK Sportsbook app.

Set your lineups here: MLB $300K Relay Throw [$100K to 1st, TO]

Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers: Angels ML (-162)

Both of these teams have not played well in the early going. The Angels are just 5-8, while the Rangers are 3-8, which is the second-worst record in the majors. The problem for the Rangers has been their inability to score runs. They have averaged only 3.3 runs per contest, which has contributed to them recording a -18 run differential, which is the fourth-worst mark in the majors.

The Rangers could have a difficult time righting the ship here with Jordan Lyles set to start. For his career, he has a 5.11 ERA to go along with a 4.52 FIP and a 1.44 WHIP. Meanwhile, the Angels have Mike Trout back and Shohei Ohtani will be able to DH more now that he’s been shut down from pitching. They will also start Griffin Canning, who is coming off of an excellent outing against the Astros in which he allowed only one run across six innings. Look for the Angels to emerge victorious here.

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies: Over 9.5 (-115)

If you’re looking for a good pitching matchup, this likely isn’t the game to find it. The Braves will be starting Kyle Wright, who they are forced to stick with now that they have suffered a few injuries to their starting rotation. He had an underwhelming 4.32 FIP at Triple-A last year and has allowed 16 base runners across his first six innings this season.

Staring for the Phillies will be Vince Velasquez, who has allowed 1.5 HR/9 for his career. He’s never finished a season with an ERA below 4.12 and he’s recorded a FIP of at least 5.21 in two of the last three seasons. Both of these teams also have plenty of dangerous hitters, so look for this to be a high-scoring affair.

Player Prop: Freddie Freeman to hit a Home Run (+333)

As I mentioned, Velasquez has a difficult time keeping hitters inside the ballpark. This could be the perfect opportunity to take a chance on Freeman going deep at some juicy favorable odds. He hit a career-high 38 home runs last year, 30 of which came off of right-handed pitchers. For his career, he has a .229 ISO against righties versus as .171 ISO against southpaws.

Player Prop: Bryce Harper: Over 0.5 Hits (-200)

Again, this has the potential to be a high-scoring contest between the Braves and Phillies, so I’m looking to take advantage of that in multiple areas. This is not terrible odds for Harper to get a hit when you consider the odds for some of his teammates. J.T. Realmuto (-250) and Didi Gregorius (-225) both have the same line, but the odds are less appealing for them to register at least one base knock. Harper does draw a ton of walks, but he’s also recorded at least one hit in five of his seven games this season.

Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics: Under 8.5 (-107)

Injuries have really taken their toll on the Astros’ starting rotation and now their lineup is starting to develop some holes. Yordan Alvarez has still not played in a game yet this season and key reserve Aledmys Diaz (groin) was injured in their first game. To make matters worse, George Springer suffered a wrist strain Thursday that is expected to keep him out for at least a few games. His absence should make things easier for Chris Bassitt, who has only allowed one run across his first 9.2 innings for the A’s.

Offense might be hard to come by for both teams with Zack Greinke set to start for the Astros. He’s showing no signs of slowing down after recording a 2.93 ERA and a 3.22 FIP last season. The key to his success is keeping men off base, which has helped him record a WHIP of 1.08 or lower in each of the last four seasons.

Moneyline Parlay: Dodgers ML + Twins ML (+128)

The Dodgers actually find themselves in second place in the NL West despite an excellent 9-4 start. They have a sparkling +33 run differential, which is the best mark in the majors. They will send promising young left-hander Julio Urias to the mound against the Giants, who are only 6-8 and will start Jeff Samardzija. He’s been torched in his first two starts, allowing 10 runs across 9.2 innings. With the Dodgers also having the advantage of playing at home, things are lining up nicely for them here.

The Twins don’t have the luxury of playing at home, but they are playing a far inferior foe in the Royals. These two teams are at the opposite ends of the AL Central standings with the Twins coming in at 10-3 and the Royals sitting at 4-10. Neither team has a great pitcher set to start, but the Twins lineup is light years ahead of the Royals, which has helped them record a +29 run differential out of the gate. Their bats could lead them to victory in this series opener.

Set your lineups here: MLB $300K Relay Throw [$100K to 1st, TO]

Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.

For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mbarner51) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.