15 games between 30 teams will take place across Major League Baseball on Saturday. With so many squads in action, there’s plenty of enticing wagers available on DraftKings Sportsbook. Before the start of today’s contests, here are three MLB bets worth placing.
Twins ML (-102)
It’s been a nightmare start for the Twins, owners of a 13-20 record. Minnesota has been plagued by a combination of poor offense and inconsistent pitching, creating the perfect environment for a mediocre baseball team. Still, there are a few standouts on this roster, including Bailey Ober. Over his last five outings, the lefty has surrendered seven runs over 30.0 innings pitched (2.20 ERA).
As good as Ober has been so far, he’ll have his hands full against a loaded Red Sox lineup. However, Minnesota’s talented starter has dominated this spot before. Over three career meetings with Boston, Ober has recorded a 1.59 ERA. That level of dominance on the mound, including two games at Fenway Park, can’t be overlooked. Going against unproven hurler Hunter Dobbins, I’ll back one of the game’s most underrated arms on Saturday.
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies under 10 runs (-115)
Two juggernaut offenses are set to battle when the Diamondbacks visit Philly. Both clubs rank inside the top half of the league in runs scored per game. In this showdown between star-studded lineups, the difference will come down to who’s pitching. For Arizona, breakout starter Brandon Pfaadt will toe the slab. It’s been a career year for the 26-year-old, owner of a 2.78 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. It’s not as if the righty has been taking advantage of lousy opponents; he’s managed to keep the Cubs, Braves and Orioles in check this season.
It’s been more of a struggle for Aaron Nola thus far. Through six appearances, the veteran has gotten hit hard (5.40 ERA). However, he showed signs of life on Sunday, tossing seven one-run innings against the Cubs. While he can be a headache, the All-Star is still one of the game’s most talented pitchers. Even if one of Pfaadt or Nola gets shelled, it’s difficult to envision both starters struggling tonight.
Royals ML (-105)
After a sluggish start, the Royals have gone 9-2 over their last 11 games. While the offense remains lackluster, Kansas City’s pitching leads baseball with a 2.31 ERA over the last two weeks. That level of success on the mound gives this group one of the highest ceilings in the American League. If the lineup can be simply mediocre rather than awful, its difficult to take down KC.
Fortunately for the Royals, superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is raking at the plate (.322/.400/.496). One thing the All-Star and his teammates do well is avoiding strikeouts, whiffing at the league’s third-lowest rate. That’s bad news for Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugano. The Japanese-born pitcher has been solid for Baltimore, but he’s recorded a mediocre 4.6 K/9 ratio. That’s a big difference compared to Kansas City hurler Kris Bubic (9.3 K/9). All signs are pointing towards another win for baseball’s hottest team.
