Even on a getaway day, there’s plenty of action across Major League Baseball. Ten games between 20 teams are set for Thursday, giving baseball fans several matchups to sink their teeth into. With so many games available, that leaves plenty of enticing wagers on the board. Before the start of today’s contests, here are two MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Angels ML (+128)
While most baseball fans view the Angels as an afterthought, there’s reason for optimism in Orange County. Los Angeles, at 42-43, finds itself very much alive in the American League playoff picture. However, this team still ranks 24th in opponent runs allowed per game (4.89). If any Halos pitcher has taken the title of staff ace, it’s Jose Soriano. Over 97.0 innings of work, the righty owns a 3.99 ERA and 84 strikeouts. The 26-year-old is the definition of boom or bust. In June, Soriano tossed a combined 13.2 innings with one total run against the Yankees and Astros. However, the hurler also coughed up eight earned runs during his last outing against the Nationals.
Trying to make sense of Soriano’s erratic pitching is a fool’s errand. However, there seems to be one common thread: he doesn’t like playing at home. Through eight starts at Angels Stadium, the Dominican recorded a 5.57 ERA. On the road? 2.78. Tonight, Los Angeles will face a talented, but underperforming, opponent. The Braves have scored 31 runs over their last ten games. That’s the fifth-lowest mark in baseball during that time. Tonight, Atlanta will send Bryce Elder to the mound. On the year, he’s accounted for a ghastly 5.82 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. The last time the 26-year-old took the mound, he was lit up for ten runs in two innings vs. Philadelphia. Given the disparity in talent on the mound, snagging the Halos at plus money could be a steal.
Giants ML (-123)
After two straight losses, the Giants earned a much-needed 6-5 win on Wednesday night. Now, San Francisco will hope to earn a split in their four-game set with the Diamondbacks. The odds are in the visitors’ favor tonight, thanks to starter Robbie Ray. It’s been a phenomenal year for the former Cy Young winner, who finally looks like his old self. Through 17 appearances, the right-hander owns a 2.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 110 strikeouts. Ray’s most impressive attribute is consistency; he’s allowed more than three earned runs only once this season.
To keep a mediocre Giants offense at bay, the D-Backs will turn to Brandon Pfaadt. After a solid first few weeks, the young righty’s season has fallen off the rails. Since May 1st, he’s posted an abysmal 7.25 ERA. The former top prospect is a more talented arm than those numbers would suggest. Still, it’s nearly impossible to trust Arizona when he’s on the mound. When last facing San Francisco on May 13th, Pfaadt coughed up four runs in four innings. A similar outing tonight would spell doom against an ace such as Ray.
