It’s Saturday, and you know what that means: nonstop baseball action! All 30 teams will take the field as part of MLB’s Rivalry Week. Among the matchups to watch, the Subway Series continues this afternoon when the Yankees host the Mets. Later, AL West foes clash when the Astros take on the Rangers. As a nightcap, Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers face the Angels in the Freeway Series.
Before the start of today’s contests, here are three MLB bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Marlins ML (+130)
It’s been another difficult season for the Marlins, last in the NL East with a 17-26 record. Among the many reasons Miami has struggled, Sandy Alcantara stands out. The former Cy Young winner has gotten off to a rough start, which makes sense after missing 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Through 36.2 innings pitched, the Dominican has recorded an atrocious 8.10 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 31 strikeouts. A FIP of 5.61, while still bad, suggests the right-hander has been somewhat unlucky.
Normally, Alcantara’s struggles would be enough to consider staying away. However, the same can be said for the other starter in tonight’s contest. Tampa Bay will send Drew Rasmussen to the mound (3.38 ERA). For most of the year, the 29-year-old’s numbers have been solid. However, he’s coughed up 13 earned runs over his last four appearances (6.05 ERA). Miami has an edge on offense, ranking 16th in runs per game (4.23); the Rays are 23rd (3.95). With two mediocre lineups and struggling pitchers on the mound, I’ll back the home ‘dogs at plus money.
Padres -1.5 ML (+110)
The vibes are high in San Diego right now, and for good reason. At 27-16, the Padres are a World Series contender, thanks to a mix of star hitters and terrific pitching. Among the standout arms in SoCal, Nick Pivetta has been a pleasant surprise. Signed this offseason, the veteran hurler has posted a 3.05 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over eight starts. It helps when you’re given plenty of run support. Eight different Padres batters have a wRC+ of 100 or greater (above average).
Usually, the Mariners are able to go toe-to-toe with any pitching staff in baseball. That’s not the case on Saturday, as they’ll hand the ball to Emerson Hancock. It’s been a difficult campaign for the 25-year-old, currently on the hook for a 6.91 ERA. That’s cause for concern heading into a matchup against one of the league’s better lineups. Given the talent disparity on the mound, a comfortable Padres win feels likelier than not.
Athletics ML (+130)
Through 45 games, the Athletics are just one game below .500. There’s still a long way between now and October, but this could be a competitive American League squad. That’s due in large part to an offense that ranks 14th in runs per game (4.24). Pitching-wise, it’s been a different story. The A’s have coughed up the third-most runs per game to opponents this season (5.69). Offseason signing Luis Severino hasn’t been at his best, compiling an unimpressive 4.70 ERA.
On paper, Severino’s statistics leave much to be desired. However, that’s due in large part to an atrocious 6.75 ERA at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. In three starts on the road, he’s allowed only two earned runs (0.95 ERA). Saturday’s opponent, the Giants, have won just four of their last ten games. San Francisco starter Landon Roupp doesn’t inspire much confidence (4.72 ERA). He’ll face an Athletics lineup hitting .252 against right-handers, eighth-best in baseball. Expect the A’s to come out on top in this old-school Bay Area rivalry.
