The end of the MLB regular season is almost here, and things are getting intense.
High-stakes hardball is taking place across the country today, starting this afternoon. Can the Astros and DIamondbacks keep their wildcard hopes alive? Later, the Red Sox will attempt to complete a sweep of the stumbling Blue Jays. Elsewhere, the Mets will hope to stay ahead of the Reds in the National League playoff race.
Before the start of Thursday’s contests, here are two MLB bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays over 7.5 runs (-119)
It’s been quite the slide for the Blue Jays. The current AL East leaders held a five game lead over the Yankees last week. Now, the two clubs find themselves in a dead heat at 90-68. That’s due in large part to the Red Sox, winners of two straight at Rogers Centre.
Boston will attempt to secure a series sweep tonight with Brayan Bello toeing the slab. The right-hander has enjoyed a career year, delivering a 3.34 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 121 strikeouts. However, this is a spot the Dominican has struggled in before. During Bello’s previous five outings vs. Toronto, he allowed 14 earned runs (4.78 ERA). At home, the Jays are averaging an American League-best 5.23 runs per game.
Those numbers alone don’t guarantee a shootout on Thursday. Still, Toronto has an even shakier outlook on the mound. Louis Varland is tonight’s projected opener. The reliever will toss an inning or two before one of Jose Berrios or Eric Lauer takes over. Relying on relievers in 1.27 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 46 strikeoutsire much confidence. This Blue Jays bullpen has a below-average ERA of 4.09. Add it all up, and you have all the ingredients needed for a classic AL East slugfest.
Mets ML (-118)
The Mets have let down plenty of fans (and bettors) in recent weeks. However, with their season hanging in the balance, I’m expecting a solid performance from this group. It all starts with tonight’s pitcher, Nolan McLean. The rookie has been senstional during his short time in Queens. Through seven appearances, he’s recorded a 1.27 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 46 strikeouts.
To counter New York’s newest hurler, the Cubs will lean on Shota Imanaga. The 32-year-old has been solid, albeit not unhittable, this season. He’s surrendered three runs in each of his last five games. In addition, the former All-Star surrendered ten runs in three innings last June vs. the Mets. It doesn’t help that Chicago’s lineup has scored 91 runs this month, tenth-worst in baseball. A solid performance from the Amazin’s should be the expectation on Thursday.
