A modest eight-game slate is on tap for Thursday across Major League Baseball. Still, even with a select group of games available, there are plenty of matchups worth considering for bettors. Before the start of today’s contests, here are two MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Marlins ML (+153)
For the first (and possibly last) time all year, I’m backing the Marlins. On paper, this pick doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Giants have been one of the National League’s best teams, currently boasting a stellar 44-36 record. On the flip side, Miami is currently 33-45. However, you’re only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. For San Francisco, it’ll be Hayden Birdsong toeing the slab. Despite looking sharp at times, it’s been a mixed bag for the reliever-turned-starter. Over his last five appearances, the 23-year-old has notched an unimpressive 4.81 ERA. Granted, one of his only good appearances during that stretch was 5.1 innings of one-run ball vs. the Marlins. A middling Giants lineup will need their young arm to give them some length after Wednesday’s 8-5 extra-inning defeat.
At this point, Birdsong’s production is a toss-up, even against a mediocre lineup. In fairness to the Marlins, they are scoring the 14th-most runs per game on the road (4.43). That might be enough for Janson Junk, one of the more slept-on starters in baseball right now. Over just six starts, the righty owns a phenomenal 2.60 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. It’s not the biggest sample size, but we’ve seen Miami churn out quality arms before. In terms of this matchup, Junk pitched four scoreless innings against the Giants on May 30th. At plus money, I’m willing to take a chance on the Fish this afternoon.
Braves ML (-108)
A nightmare first half has left the Braves with a lackluster 37-42 record. However, the team has had plenty of success against one of their top rivals, the Mets. Atlanta has won five of its six meetings with New York, including two of three at Citi Field this week. Now, these two clubs will finish off this four-game set with an intriguing pitching matchup. The visitors will hand the ball to Grant Holmes, making his 17th appearance of the season. During that time, the righty has posted a 3.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 97 strikeouts. The 29-year-old has allowed more than three runs in only 18.8% of his outings.
For the Mets, it’ll be Griffin Canning on the mound tonight. After a red-hot first few months, the former Angels starter has fallen back to Earth. Over his previous 23.2 innings of work, the right-hander is on the hook for 16 earned runs (6.08 ERA). It doesn’t help that several Braves hitters have had success against the 29-year-old, including Michael Harris II (3-for-3) and Marcell Ozuna (4-for-5). It’s difficult to trust Canning against most lineups, especially one as star-studded as Atlanta’s.
