15 games between 20 teams are set for Saturday, including several can’t-miss matchups. One day after slugging a team record eight home runs, the Cubs will attempt to secure a series win over the Cardinals. Later, the Yankees will hope to stop their five-game slide by taking down the crosstown rival Mets. As a nightcap, the Dodgers and Astros will meet up again in a battle of World Series contenders.
With so many games available, that leaves plenty of enticing wagers on the board. Before the start of today’s contests, here are three MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Nationals ML (-113)
In very un-patriotic fashion, the Nationals looked lifeless on Independence Day, suffering an 11-2 loss vs. the Red Sox. As bad as Friday was, Washington is poised for a better performance this afternoon. Granted, Mitchell Parker is far from an ace. Through 17 starts this season, the 25-year-old owns a 4.63 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 62 strikeouts. However, Parker has allowed three runs or less in five of his last six appearances. Boston can certainly hit, but the team only ranks 13th in OPS against right-handers (.736).
The bigger issue for the Red Sox isn’t at the plate, where they’ve raked for most of the season. On the mound, struggling pitcher Walker Buehler has become a major liability. The numbers are nothing short of a disaster: 6.45 ERA, 1.58 WHIP. In five of his last six games, the veteran has surrendered at least four earned runs. That could spell trouble against an above-average Nats lineup. James Wood (.400 batting average) and CJ Abrams (.341) have dominated over the team’s last 10 games. Following a tough loss yesterday, Washington should come out swinging in this one.
Tigers vs. Guardians under nine runs (-106)
It was the Tigers that came away with a nail-biting 2-1 win last night in Cleveland. The Guardians are in a tailspin, now having fallen to six games under .500. Still, this remains a team that knows how to develop capable starters. That includes Logan T. Allen, currently enjoying his third season in the big leagues. Let’s be clear; the right-hander might be the most average arm in all of baseball. Since 2023, he’s notched a 4.55 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Regardless, there’s something to be said for consistency. Allen has pitched at least five innings while allowing three runs or less over his previous four outings.
That’s not exactly a screaming endorsement ahead of a matchup with the red-hot Tigers. Still, Saturday’s nine-run total allows for some leeway; even if Detroit hits, there’s no guarantee Cleveland will as well. That’s especially true with breakout hurler Casey Mize on the mound. This season, the 28-year-old has posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 69 strikeouts over 78.2 innings of work. In addition, Mize has allowed less than two runs in 12 of his 14 starts this season. That includes a five-inning, one-run showing against the Guardians in May. Cleveland is averaging 3.60 runs per game, the league’s fifth-lowest mark.
Rockies ML (-119)
No, that is not a typo. I am predicting the Rockies earn their 21st win (also not a typo) of the season. It takes a special group to give Colorado a win; fortunately, the White Sox are up to the task. Granted, Chicago has shown improvement after 2024’s historically bad campaign. In fact, the South Siders even managed to take a series from the Giants last weekend. Still, this is an incredibly flawed team. The Sox, at 29-59, are currently baseball’s second-worst squad.
Surprisingly, the Rockies are slightly worse when playing at home compared to on the road. That doesn’t go for tonight’s starter, German Marquez. One of Colorado’s best pitchers (not saying much), the former All-Star has put up a 5.62 ERA. However, that number has gone down to 4.32 when throwing at Coors Field. In addition, the right-hander has tallied four straight starts allowing two runs or less. The opposite is true for White Sox hurler Jonathan Cannon. When taking the field away from Chicago, he’s recorded a 5.16 ERA. Given that neither of these offenses can be trusted, I’m leaning towards Marquez and the Rockies tonight.
