15 games between 30 teams are set for Saturday across Major League Baseball. With so many games available, that leaves plenty of matchups worth considering for bettors. Before the start of today’s contests, here are three MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dodgers vs. Royals under 9.5 runs (-115)
After nearly two years away from the mound, Shohei Ohtani has now thrown a total of two innings. That’s not much, but it represents a significant step for the Japanese superstar. Now, the 30-year-old will make his third outing of the season at Kauffman Stadium against the Royals. Don’t get your hopes up; Ohtani is still likely to serve as an opener for the Dodgers. Still, it’s always a treat to see a generational talent doing his best Babe Ruth impression. Even if it’s a bullpen day for Los Angeles, this isn’t the most intimidating matchup. Kansas City is averaging 3.26 runs per game this season, the lowest mark in baseball.
Despite KC’s hitting woes, Los Angeles’ lineup is good enough on their own to go over today’s run total. However, that won’t be easy against Saturday’s starter, Seth Lugo. In contrast to Ohtani, expected to make a brief appearance, the former All-Star is a consistent workhorse. In nine of his 14 games this season, Lugo has tossed at least six innings without allowing more than three runs. When the veteran faced the Dodgers in 2024, he only surrendered two earned runs. A similar outing in this one should keep things low scoring.
Braves -1.5 (+138)
Despite entering Friday as favorites, things didn’t go to plan for the Braves. The rival Phillies came into town and dominated en route to a 13-0 victory. As bad as last night’s performance was, there’s reason for optimism in Atlanta. Spencer Schwellenbach will get the nod on Saturday, one of the National League’s more underrated arms. Over 103.2 innings pitched this season, the right-hander has recorded a 3.21 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 96 strikeouts. In addition, the 25-year-old has enjoyed plenty of success in this matchup. During four career starts against Philadelphia, Schwellenbach has notched a 2.22 ERA. That includes a six-inning, one-run showing on April 10th.
For the visitors, Jesus Luzardo is set to take the hill. It’s been an up-and-down first season in Philly for the seventh-year pro. Despite some moments of brilliance, the former All-Star has also suffered multiple nightmare starts. That includes allowing a whopping 12 runs against the Brewers on May 31st. Since May 10th, Luzardo is on the hook for an abysmal 6.23 ERA. In addition, he owns a lackluster 4.43 ERA on the road. That’s enough to favor the Braves tonight in this pivotal NL East matchup.
Cubs vs. Astros over 8.5 runs (-105)
This week has seen the Astros put together unparalleled pitching dominance. Over its last four games, Houston has allowed a total of just five runs. Most impressive is that the team managed to stifle two of the league’s best offenses, the Cubs and Phillies. If there’s a weak link in this terrific rotation, it might be Lance McCullers Jr. The veteran is a fan favorite, but injuries appear to have taken their toll. Over seven starts this season, the former All-Star has posted an ERA of 4.91. During his last time out, he surrendered four runs over five innings against the White Sox. Tonight’s contest represents a step up in competition. The Cubs are scoring 5.38 runs per game, the second-highest mark in baseball.
On paper, Chicago should feel confident going into Saturday. However, it’s not as if the North Siders have a sure thing on the mound, either. Despite a terrific start to the season, Colin Rea has fallen back to Earth recently. Over his previous five outings, the 34-year-old has coughed up 19 earned runs (6.41 ERA). During his last appearance, the seventh-year pro allowed seven runs over 5.1 innings against the Mariners. At this point, it’s difficult to trust either starter in this marquee matchup. Keeping that in mind, the over might be tonight’s safest bet.
