The Pittsburgh Pirates (36-57) and Arizona Diamondbacks (27-68) play the first game of a three-game set Monday at Chase Field. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Pirates vs. Diamondbacks odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Chase De Jong is the projected starting pitcher for the Pirates. He is 1-3 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with 7.7 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9 over 38 2/3 IP across eight starts.
De Jong allowed 5 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings in his last start July 11 on the road against the New York Mets. He picked up his only win of the season in the previous start while allowing just 1 run over 5 innings against the Atlanta Braves July 5.
LHP Caleb Smith is the projected starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks. He is 2-6 with a 4.54 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 across 71 1/3 IP in nine starts and 18 relief appearances.
Smith was hammered for 9 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in just 1 inning of work July 10 during a 22-1 shellacking at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is 0-2 with an 18.00 ERA in two July starts, and the D-Backs have lost his last seven starts, including five decisions.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!
Pirates at Diamondbacks odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pirates +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Diamondbacks -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Pirates +1.5 (-175) | Diamondbacks -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Prediction
Pirates 8, Diamondbacks 6
Money line (ML)
The PIRATES (+110) are worth playing in the series opener, although backing De Jong takes a leap of faith. While he hasn’t been very good this season he has shown some signs of life in July.
Smith was absolutely trampled last time out, and he makes backing the Diamondbacks even riskier.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The PIRATES +1.5 (-175) are a decent play in this series opener, although I would rather just play them straight up for a much better value.
Pittsburgh is a solid 7-4 across its last 11 games overall, too, while cashing the run line (all as underdogs) in five of the last six outings.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 9.5 (-110) is the best play on the board in this one, as both De Jong and Smith have been very giving overall this season.
The Over is 6-1 in the last seven series openers for the Pirates, and 6-2 in their last eight games overall, too. The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these two teams in the desert.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]