The All-Star break is over, which means a 15-game MLB slate is on tap for Saturday. That includes an afternoon matchup between the Mets and the Reds at Citi Field. Later, two of baseball’s most historic franchises meet when the Cubs host the Red Sox. As a nightcap, National League contenders clash when the Brewers take on the Dodgers.
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.
Rays ML (-126)
It was a rough end to the first half for Tampa Bay, losers in six of their previous seven games. The Rays came out swinging after the All-Star break, pummeling the Orioles en route to an 11-1 win. If this club has any shot at reaching the postseason, they’ll need to rack up wins against mediocre squads such as Baltimore. That could be the case once against tonight with Zack Littell on the mound. It’s been a stellar season for the right-hander, who owns a 3.56 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 19 appearances. Over a combined 13.0 innings vs. the O’s, the 29-year-old has allowed just four earned runs (2.77 ERA).
For the visitors, it’ll be Dean Kremer toeing the slab. It’s been another middle of the road season for Baltimore’s dependable righty (4.24 ERA). The biggest knock on Kremer is that he’s a far better pitcher at Camden Yards. During 12 road starts, the sixth-year pro has recorded an ugly 5.83 ERA. An outing at Steinbrenner Field, one of baseball’s most hitter-friendly venues, doesn’t bode well for the Orioles’ hurler. At home, Tampa Bay is averaging the league’s tenth-most runs per game (4.72). With a quality arm such as Littell in action, Tampa Bay appears poised to clinch a series win tonight.
Athletics ML (+118)
Betting on the Athletics isn’t for the faint of heart. Since May 1st, the club owns baseball’s second-worst record at 25-43. During that time, the team went 11-21 on the road. So, keeping that in mind, why expect a win tonight in Cleveland? In short, Luis Severino. The prized offseason acquisition has been a disappointment for the A’s. Despite his mediocre 5.16 ERA, the former All-Star has been a victim of Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. When pitching away from home, the right-hander’s ERA is a far more respectable 3.04.
It’s not as if Sevy will be facing Murderer’s Row. The Guardians are averaging just 3.76 runs per game, the league’s fifth-lowest mark. Outside of Jose Ramirez (140 wRC+), no other hitters on this roster have truly impressed. On the bump for Cleveland will be Logan Allen, a decent but unimpressive arm. During the righty’s last two starts against the Athletics, he’s surrendered six runs over 10.1 innings (5.23 ERA). In this matchup, the visitors have an edge on the mound and at the plate. That’s enough to back the underdogs at +118 tonight.
Astros ML (+104)
After a scorching-hot month of June, the Astros have cooled off a bit over the past few weeks. Houston has dropped six of its previous seven games, although they still claim first place in the AL West. Friday’s 6-1 loss has made things a bit too close for comfort; the Mariners are now just four games back. With that being said, this is still one of the deepest squads in all of baseball. It starts on the mound, where the ‘Stros have dominated all season. If there’s a weak link in this rotation, it might be Lance McCullers Jr. The former All-Star has been shaky all season, notching an abysmal 6.48 ERA and 1.66 WHIP.
As bad as things have been for the veteran, there is some reason for optimism. LMJ’s ERA at Houston’s Daikin Park is a whopping 11.86. However, it’s a minuscule 0.46 through four starts on the road. It doesn’t get more pitcher-friendly than Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. Over nine career outings in the Emerald City, McCullers Jr. owns a stellar 2.66 ERA. In comparison, Mariners hurler Logan Evans is due for regression. The rookie’s 3.75 ERA overshadows a far less impressive 5.03 FIP. His numbers have also been buoyed by facing below-average offenses such as the Royals, Marlins, and Rangers. Against high-end lineups including the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Blue Jays, the results have been mediocre at best.
Despite his awful 2025 campaign, I still believe McCullers Jr. is the more talented pitcher taking the hill tonight. With a capable offense going up against the unproven Evans, I’m liking Houston at plus money on Saturday.
