A loaded 16-game MLB slate is on tap for Saturday. That means there’s plenty of options for bettors to choose from. The fun starts this evening, when the surging Reds attempt to take three in a row from the Cubs. Elsewhere, the Mariners and Astros battle in Houston for control of the AL West. As a nightcap, the rival Giants and Dodgers meet once again in LA.
Before the start of Saturday’s contests, here are two MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays vs. Royals under eight runs (-102)
Last night’s 20-1 drubbing set the Blue Jays back in their quest to win the AL East. Toronto will attempt to rebound tonight with one of their best starters, Shane Bieber. The former Cy Young winner has spent the last two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2024. In five starts with his new team, the 30-year-old has notched a 3.72 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 30 strikeouts. He’s allowed three runs or less in four of those outings. Saturday’s matchup doesn’t appear too daunting. Despite their performance on Friday, the Royals are a light-hitting lineup. Kansas City is averaging 3.95 runs per game, the American League’s second-lowest mark.
What’s kept KC’s record above .500? A deep, consistent pitching staff. One of the team’s biggest surprises this year has been Noah Cameron. Through 127.0 innings of work, the rookie has delivered a 2.98 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. In nearly 70% of his starts, the southpaw has surrendered two runs or less. This Blue Jays offense is dangerous, leading all of baseball with 1,401 total hits. However, they only rank 15th in runs per game on the road (4.53). Assuming Cameron keeps Toronto in check, there shouldn’t be a ton of scoring in this one.
Astros ML (-110)
In this pivotal matchup, a pair of All-Stars will be taking the mound. For Houston, it’ll be none other than Framber Valdez. The eighth-year pro hasn’t had his best year, but he certainly hasn’t been bad. Through 180.1 innings of work, he’s posted a 3.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 173 strikeouts. The veteran has also been far better at home (2.21 ERA) than on the road (4.96 ERA). The opposite can be said of Seattle, a team that hits much better away from pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. However, Valdez has allowed only one run over 12.0 innings against the Mariners this season.
On the other side, it’ll be George Kirby toeing the slab. It’s been an up-and-down year for the right-hander (4.46 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). However, the former All-Star has undeniable talent. The 27-year-old is fresh off of a 6.1-inning, 14-strikeout showing vs. the Angels. However, he’s not someone bettors should trust tonight. During Kirby’s most recent meeting with the Astros, on May 22nd, he coughed up five runs in 3.2 innings. In addition, the righty owns a dismal 5.74 ERA on the road. That could be a recipe for disaster in Houston tonight.
