Thursday is jam-packed with MLB action, as 22 teams are set for an 11-game slate. With so many squads taking the field, there’s several wagers worth a closer look on DraftKings Sportsbook. Before the start of Thursday’s contests, here are three MLB bets to consider placing.
Rangers -1.5 (+136)
A star-studded Rangers lineup has struggled, averaging the third-fewest runs per game this season (3.32). Still, Texas remains above .500 with a 16-15 record, thanks to a terrific pitching staff. An early standout in the rotation has been Tyler Mahle, set to take the mound today. Through six starts, the right-hander has posted a 1.14 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 26 strikeouts. Often injured, Mahle’s talent has never been in doubt. As long as he stays healthy, the Rangers have a potential ace.
That’s bad news for Thursday’s opponent, the Athletics. Despite fielding a respectable offense this season, it’s tough to trust today’s starter, Jeffrey Springs. Acquired from the Rays this offseason, the 32-year-old was expected to serve as a rotation mainstay this season. So far, that’s been anything but the case. Over 28.1 innings pitched, Springs has coughed up 19 earned runs (6.04 ERA). At the end of the day, the Rangers are the more talented team. It helps that they have a starter pitching at a Cy Young-caliber level; expect a comfortable win for Texas this afternoon.
Red Sox-Blue Jays under 8.5 runs (-105)
The Red Sox and Blue Jays will meet tonight for the final showdown in a three-game series. These AL East rivals are within two games of each other in the standings, but for different reasons. Boston leans on its powerful lineup, headlined by Rafael Devers and offseason signing Alex Bregman. Toronto, despite a handful of standout hitters, has been carried by its stellar pitching staff.
Both clubs have combined for 25 total runs over the first two games in this series. However, Thursday’s contest could see a lot less scoring. The Jays will send Jose Berrios to the mound, a hurler with a history of success in this matchup. Over his last three games against Boston, the former All-Star has posted a 1.25 ERA. That includes a seven-inning, one-run performance on April 7th. The Red Sox will counter with an All-Star of their own, Tanner Houck. The 28-year-old has notched a 1.88 ERA over his last four appearances vs. Toronto. Given how well these arms have performed in this spot, it’s difficult to envision a shootout tonight.
Giants -1.5 (-108)
Let’s head to The Bay, where the Giants have gotten out to a 19-12 start. The same can’t be said for their opponents tonight, the Rockies, owners of a league-worst 5-25 record. Away from the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, Colorado has averaged just 2.13 runs per game this season. San Francisco will hope that trend continues tonight against Justin Verlander. It’s been a mediocre first month for the future Hall of Famer (4.70 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). However, JV has thrown a combined 12.0 innings while allowing three runs during his last two starts.
This bet essentially comes down to which version of Verlander will take the hill. As long as the veteran keeps things low-scoring, the Giants should find a way to break through. Colorado is handing the ball to Kyle Freeland, owner of a 5.93 ERA. Despite some bad luck (.365 BABIP), the lefty’s best days are clearly behind him. In Freeland’s most recent outing vs. San Francisco last season, he surrendered six runs in four innings. Another letdown performance would provide enough runs for a dominant Giants victory.
