A loaded 15-game slate is set for Saturday across Major League Baseball. Among the matchups to watch, the Dodgers take on the Cardinals in a battle of flagship franchises. Elsewhere, the Astros and Guardians meet for a showdown between American League playoff contenders. Later, the Yankees and Red Sox resume baseball’s greatest rivalry in the Bronx. Before the start of today’s contests, here are three MLB bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. White Sox under 8 runs (-106)
It’s been a mediocre year for the Royals, who currently own a 33-31 record. However, that’s due more to Kansas City’s awful hitting. On the mound, KC is loaded with quality pitching depth. That includes Michael Wacha, one of the league’s most underrated arms. This season, the veteran has notched a 2.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 68.2 innings of work. Tonight, the right-hander will get to face off with a White Sox lineup only averaging 3.50 runs per game, fifth-lowest in baseball. Over ten career meetings with Chicago, Wacha has an ERA of 2.83.
The Royals aren’t the only team with a promising hurler set to start tonight; Adrian Houser has been a revelation for the White Sox. Over three starts this season, the right-hander has allowed just three earned runs (1.47 ERA). Granted, it’s not realistic to expect that level of production over the course of a whole season. Still, the 32-year-old has a golden opportunity tonight against a KC offense scoring the fourth-fewest runs in baseball (218). As long as Houser and Wacha avoid big innings, it’s difficult to see either side putting up crooked numbers.
Astros ML (-119)
Houston has won four of its last five games, thanks in large part to its pitching staff. During that stretch, the Astros have allowed a total of only seven runs to opponents. They’ll look to continue that trend on Saturday with Hunter Brown. It’s been a Cy Young-caliber season for the right-hander, already making a name for himself as an ace. Through 12 starts, he’s posted a 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 84 strikeouts. Most recently, the 26-year-old tossed six innings of one-hit ball against a red-hot Rays lineup.
If the Guardians have any shot tonight, they’ll need a stellar performance from starter Gavin Williams. The third-year pro has been solid so far, pitching to a 3.79 ERA over 12 outings. However, since May 20th the Astros have compiled baseball’s sixth-best batting average against right-handed pitching (.261). In addition, Williams’ 4.38 FIP suggests he’s gotten a bit lucky this season. Ultimately, Houston has an edge at the plate and on the mound. That’s enough to back them as road favorites on Saturday.
Orioles ML (-132)
It was another disappointing loss for the Orioles on Friday, who blew an early three-run lead vs. the Athletics. Now at 25-37, Baltimore finds itself stuck at the bottom of the American League East. Fortunately for the O’s, things have been just as bad recently for their opponents. After an encouraging April, the A’s have only won nine of their last 34 games. During that time, only the Rockies have recorded fewer wins. Keeping all that in mind, Saturday’s matchup pits two of the sport’s worst squads against each other.
On paper, the Athletics should have an advantage at starting pitcher with Luis Severino. However, the offseason signing has gone winless over eight starts at home this season, posting a ghastly 6.99 ERA. In addition, he owns a mediocre 5.17 career ERA vs. Baltimore. For the visiting Orioles, it’ll be veteran Charlie Morton taking the hill. Despite atrocious season-long numbers (6.20 ERA), the right-hander has only surrendered five runs through his last 22.0 innings pitched. If he keeps that momentum going tonight, there’s no reason to think the Birds can’t secure a win.
