Tag: MLB Best Bets

Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox matchup, with MLB betting predictions, picks and best bets.

The Baltimore Orioles travel to meet the division rival Boston Red Sox Friday at Fenway Park for a 7:30 p.m. ET first pitch. We analyze the Orioles-Red Sox MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Orioles at Red Sox: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Tommy Milone vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi

The journeyman southpaw Milone posted a dismal 4-10 record with a 4.76 ERA and 94 strikeouts last season for the Seattle Mariners.

  • Milone hasn’t faced the Red Sox since 2016. That might be a good thing, as he was hammered for eight runs – four earned – on 10 hits in just 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Fenway Park as a member of the Minnesota Twins July 24, 2016.
  • The southpaw was actually better on the road than at home last season. Away from Seattle, he was 3-4 with a respectable 3.91 ERA across 50 2/3 innings over two starts and nine relief appearances. However, he was 1-6 with a 5.56 ERA at home.

Eovaldi struggled with a 2-1 record, 5.99 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 70 strikeouts and 35 walks across 12 starts and 11 relief appearances in ’19.

  • Eovaldi was tagged for eight earned runs on six hits and seven walks with just four strikeouts in seven innings across two starts vs. Baltimore last year, going 0-1 with a 10.29 ERA.
  • He also didn’t fare well at Fenway Park last season, going 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA, 29 K’s and 22 walks across 30 innings over five starts and seven relief showings.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Orioles at Red Sox: Key injuries

(List of injuries around the league)

Orioles

  • OF Trey Mancini had a malignant tumor removed from his colon, and is expected to miss the 60-game season. He starts out on the 45-day injured list.
  • OF Dwight Smith Jr. is on the 10-day injured list, as he recovers from COVID-19.

Red Sox

  • 2B Dustin Pedroia is on the 45-day injured list, as he had a setback during his left knee injury rehab.
  • Eovaldi gets the start thanks in large part to LHP Chris Sale (elbow) being out for the season.

Orioles at Red Sox: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Red Sox 6, Orioles 4

Moneyline (ML)

The Orioles (+180) might be a tempting play on the road, but AVOID. The Red Sox (-209) are heavily favored for a reason, even if they’re expected to be a mediocre team overall. Boston is 14-6 in their past 20 at home vs. Baltimore, and 35-16 in the previous 51 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Red Sox (-209) to win straight up nets a return of just $4.78.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The RED SOX (-1.5, -115) are a better play, albeit make it just a small-unit wager. Boston is not expected to be a championship-caliber team, but Baltimore is likely to be terrible again. The BoSox might get off to a fast start against their overwhelmed rivals.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 9.5 (-110) is worth playing, but don’t get carried away with a big bet. The starting pitchers are pretty horrendous in this one, and we could see both sides go to the bullpen early. As such, the offenses for both sides could get off to a bit of a quick start.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Diego Padres in their 2020 MLB season opener Friday at Petco Park for a 9:10 p.m. ET first pitch. We analyze the Diamondbacks-Padres MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Diamondbacks at Padres: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Madison Bumgarner vs. RHP Chris Paddack

Bumgarner (2019, San Francisco Giants): 9-9, 3.90 ERA, 203 K, 43 BB

  • Bumgarner is making his Arizona debut but is an Opening Day starter for the sixth time.
  • He was 2-1 in four starts against the Padres in 2019 with an ERA of 4.00 and .852 WHIP.

Paddack (2019): 9-7, 3.33 ERA, 153K, 31 BB

  • Paddack was stellar in three starts against Arizona in 2019, going 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings.
  • He is making his first Opening Day start.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Diamondbacks at Padres: Key injuries

Visit sportsdata.usatoday.com to track all MLB injuries leading up to game time.

Diamondbacks

  • 1B Christian Walker (groin) is expected to be the DH in the opener
  • RP Silvino Bracho (elbow) is out for the season after Tommy John surgery

Padres

  • SS Jorge Mateo (COVID-19) is out indefinitely
  • RP Jose Castillo (back) is expected to be out until mid-August

Diamondbacks at Padres: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 7:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Padres 5, Diamondbacks 4

Moneyline (ML)

The Padres are favored in their season opener at -133, while the D-Backs are +120 underdogs. Paddack dominated Arizona in 2019 and Arizona’s offense was anemic in their tune-up games in Los Angeles. Take the PADRES -133.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on San Diego will win $7.50 in profit.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Arizona was one of the best against the run line in 2019, going 90-72 against the spread. This will be a closely contested game. Bet the DIAMONDBACKS +1.5 (-182).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 8.5 runs. Arizona’s lineup is improved over last year and averaged five runs per game. Bumgarner will get out of the gate slowly and the D-Backs will rally. Take the OVER 8.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians matchup, with MLB betting predictions, picks and best bets.

The Kansas City Royals visit the division rival Cleveland Indians Friday at Progressive Field for a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch. We analyze the Royals-Indians MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Royals at Indians: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Danny Duffy vs. RHP Shane Bieber

Duffy was 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA, 115 K’s and 1.31 WHIP in 2019.

  • Duffy went 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA across two starts vs. Cleveland in 2019.
  • The southpaw posted a 5-5 record with a 4.99 ERA and allowed 14 homers in 83 innings across 15 evening starts last season.

Bieber emerged as the Indians’ ace in 2019, registering a 15-8 record, 3.28 ERA and 259 strikeouts with a 1.05 WHIP in 34 appearances (33 starts).

  • Bieber’s 259 strikeouts ranked third in the majors, while he was 15th in ERA.
  • Bieber won his only decision vs. Kansas City but posted a marginal 4.50 ERA and .279 opponent batting average in three starts across 18 innings.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Royals at Indians: Key injuries

(List of injuries around the league)

Royals

  • C Cam Gallagher has been designated for the COVID-19 injured list after testing positive, and his return date is unclear.

Indians

  • CF Delino DeShields is also on the 10-day injured list, as the team wants him to have extra time to recover from his bout with coronavirus. OFs Jordan Luplow (back) and Tyler Naquin (toe) are questionable for the opener.

Royals at Indians: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 7 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Indians 5, Royals 2

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. The Indians (-209) should get off on the right foot with their ace on the hill, but risking more than two times your potential return is not a recommended strategy, especially for Game 1. You’re better off looking to the run line.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Indians (-209) to win straight up nets a return of just $4.78 if they do so.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Play the INDIANS (-1.5, -110) on the run line, as they look to start out victorious on their home field. While there will not be any fans in the stands at Progressive Field to spur them on, the familiarity of their home park combined with an inferior opponent should mean a successful opener for the Tribe. The Royals are a dismal 9-27 in their past 36 trips to Cleveland.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 8.5 (-110) is the recommended play, although it will be a close shave. The Under has hit in four of the previous five head-to-head meetings in Northeast Ohio, and with the strangeness of the COVID-19 late start and rust, look for plenty of Under results early on until teams get their sea legs.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Blue Jays visit the Tampa Bay Rays Friday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., for a 6:40 p.m. ET start. We analyze the Blue Jays-Rays MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Blue Jays at Rays: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu vs. RHP Charlie Morton

Ryu went 14-5 and led all of baseball with a 2.32 ERA across 29 starts and 182 2/3 innings pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.

  • Joins the American League after signing a four-year, $80 million deal with the Jays in free agency.
  • Has fared better against right-handed hitters over his career while holding them to a .243/.287/.372 slash line over 2,278 plate appearances.

Morton went 16-6 with a 3.05 ERA and 1.084 WHIP across 33 starts and 194 2/3 innings last season.

  • Finished third in AL Cy Young voting in his first season with the Rays.
  • Went 8-3 with a 2.59 ERA and 0.958 WHIP over 17 starts at Tropicana Field.
  • Was 0-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts against the Blue Jays.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Blue Jays at Rays: Key injuries

Visit sportsdata.usatoday.com to track all MLB injuries leading up to game time.

Blue Jays

  • OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (upper body) probable
  • 3B Travis Shaw (groin) questionable

Rays

  • 1B Jose Martinez (illness) probable
  • OF Austin Meadows (illness) out

Blue Jays at Rays: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday, at 11:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blue Jays 4, Rays 3

Moneyline (ML)

Take the value with the BLUE JAYS at +145 in the season opener for the two AL East rivals. The Blue Jays’ addition of Ryu as the ace of the staff this offseason should pay instant rewards in the division-heavy 2020 schedule, as their opponents haven’t seen a whole lot of the former Dodgers star.

The Rays are also entering the season without their top hitter in Meadows, and Martinez will be behind early in the season after being sidelined by COVID-19 through the latter stage of summer camp.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blue Jays to win would return a profit of $14.50.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The safer but less rewarding play for the Blue Jays is to back TORONTO +1.5 (-154) to lose by no more than one run.

The Jays’ bullpen ranked 15th in baseball with a 4.35 ERA last season, but closer Ken Giles was one of the best late-inning relievers in MLB and Ryu should be able to get most of the way there with a 7- or 8-inning outing Friday.

Toronto went 9-10 against the run line against Tampa Bay in 2019 while going 6-13 straight up.

Over/Under (O/U)

While I’m predicting seven total runs to be scored, err on the low side and bet the UNDER 7 (-110) in a battle of aces on Opening Day.

Pitchers typically have the edge over hitters early in the MLB season and that will be even more emphasized in this delayed start. Expect a push as a worst-case scenario and your wager will be refunded.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Colorado Rockies at Texas Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Colorado Rockies at Texas Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Rockies visit the Texas Rangers Friday at Globe Life Field for an 8:05 p.m. ET game. We analyze the Rockies-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Rockies at Rangers: Projected starting pitchers

RHP German Marquez vs. RHP Lance Lynn

Marquez in 2019: 12-5, 4.76 ERA in 28 starts.

  • 2019 vs. Rangers: NONE
  • Career vs. Rangers: NONE

Lynn in 2019: 16-11, 3.67 ERA in 33 starts.

  • 2019 vs. Rockies: NONE
  • Career vs. Rockies: 2-2, 2.76 ERA in 7 starts.

Bet $1. Win $100 in free bets if either the Rockies or Rangers hit a home run Friday, July 24th. Place your legal sports bets at BetMGM now in CO, IN, NJ and WV. Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet Now!

Rockies at Rangers: Key injuries

(List of injuries around the league)

Rockies

  • OF Charlie Blackmon (came in contact with COVID-19) probable
  • OF David Dahl (upper body) probable
  • OF Ian Desmond (personal reasons) out

Rangers

  • OF Willie Calhoun (hip flexor) questionable
  • RP Brett Martin (COVID-19 symptoms) out
  • RP Rafael Montero (conditioning) out

Rockies at Rangers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at Thursday 5:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockies 11, Rangers 7

Moneyline (ML)

The Rockies (-129) and Rangers (+115) kick off their 2020 regular season with this unique COVID-altered regional-schedule game. Every team is playing 60 games with 40 of them being against their own division and the other 20 games playing against the other league’s same regional division opponents. However, there isn’t much in the way of the previous history between the two ball clubs to draw on for this handicap. The last time these teams met was in June 2018.

Marquez was 7-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 15 road starts and 10-1 versus opponents below .500 last season. Against mashers like 3B Nolan Arenado (41 home runs and 118 RBI in 2019), SS Trevor Story (35 home runs and 85 RBI in 2019) and Blackmon (32 home runs and 86 RBI in 2019), it could be a long Opening Day for the Rangers. What we know about the Marquez and the Rockies lineup makes them a lot more bankable than the Rangers. TAKE the ROCKIES (+115) to beat the Rangers.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Just because I’m taking the underdog on the moneyline, doesn’t mean I’ll swallow the vig to get the 1.5 runs of insurance. Realistically, the Rockies (+1.5, -167) could get pounded. Last season, Rockies starters had the highest ERA in the majors and their bullpen had the third-highest ERA. Also, their run line record was the fourth-lowest in baseball in 2019. PASS ON THE RUN LINE.

Over/Under (O/U)

I am a little nervous putting action either way on the total in Rockies-Rangers total of 9 runs (-110 on both sides). On one hand, both teams were above the league average in runs scored and runs allowed per game. On the other hand, BetMGM knows this, will price the total with said information and that explains both teams’ Over/Under trends from last season. In 2019, their combined Over/Under record was 154-160-10.  Also, Texas is moving into a new stadium this season, which may or may not be as hitter-friendly as the ballpark they played in from 1994-2019. PASS ON THE TOTAL.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Brewers face the Chicago Cubs Friday at Wrigley Field for a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch. We analyze the Brewers-Cubs MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Brewers at Cubs: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Brandon Woodruff vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks

Woodruff in 2019: 11-3, 3.62 ERA in 22 starts.

  • 2019 vs. Cubs: 0-0, 9.00 ERA (4 ER, 4 IP) in one start.
  • Career vs. Cubs: 0-0, 6.75 ERA (11 ER, 14 2/3 IP) in three starts.

Hendricks in 2019: 11-10, 3.46 ERA in 30 starts.

  • 2019 vs. Brewers: 0-1, 4.00 ERA (4 ER, 9 IP) in two starts.
  • Career vs. Brewers: 8-6, 3.08 ERA (41 ER, 119 2/3 IP) in 21 starts.

Bet $1. Win $100 in free bets if either the Brewers or Cubs hit a home run Friday, July 24th. Place your legal sports bets at BetMGM now in IN, CO, NJ and WV. Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet Now!

Brewers at Cubs: Key injuries

The list of injuries for this one includes:

Brewers

  • 2B Keston Hiura (arm) questionable
  • SS Luis Urias (COVID-19) out

Cubs

  • 3B Kris Bryant (back) probable
  • 1B Anthony Rizzo (ribs) probable

Brewers at Cubs: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 9, Brewers 5

Moneyline (ML)

Hendricks was very comfortable pitching in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field last season. In 2019, Hendricks was 6-2 with a 2.04 ERA in 14 starts at home compared to a 5-8 record with a 5.02 ERA in 16 road starts. Despite making fewer home appearances, Hendricks gave up six home runs and 21 earned runs in Chicago versus 13 home runs and 47 earned runs away from home.

Woodruff isn’t a bonafide ace and gets the Opening Day assignment because the Brewers’ rotation isn’t that strong. Woodruff had a good 2019 but he has struggled in his three career starts against the Cubs. Milwaukee won the season series in 2019, 10-9; however, they are just 2-6 in their last eight games at Wrigley.

I gave this out on a 4-team parlay Tuesday, so I LOVE THE CUBS (-125).

New to sports betting? A winning $125 bet on Chicago will return a profit of $100.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Chicago had a poor run line record in 2019 (76-86), but the Cubs have beaten the Brewers by two-plus runs in their last six victories over Milwaukee. Their lineup has more production—had more runs scored per game, hit more home runs and had a better slash line in 2019.

I LIKE the CUBS -1.5 (+160) to win by two or more runs. A winning $50 bet on Chicago’s run line will earn a profit of $80.

Over/Under (O/U)

We love the Cubs’ moneyline and like the run line so we have to take the OVER 8.5 (-110). Chicago returns most of a lineup Woodruff has struggled against. In 57 at-bats, the current Cubs lineup is hitting for a .277 batting average with a .404 OBP against Woodruff.

They are deep—several multiple-time all-stars, six 20-plus home run hitters and a former MVP in Bryant—and could build a big lead against a Brewers bullpen that was 17th in ERA in 2019

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Atlanta Braves at New York Mets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Atlanta Braves at New York Mets sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The Atlanta Braves visit the New York Mets for the first game of an opening-season, three-game series at Citi Field Friday at 4:10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Braves-Mets MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Braves at Mets: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Mike Soroka vs. RHP Jacob deGrom

Soroka in 2019: 13-4, 2.68 ERA in 29 starts

  • 2019 vs. Mets: 2-0, 4.15 ERA (8 ER, 17 1/3 IP) in 3 starts
  • Career vs. Mets: 4-0, 2.73 ER (9 ER, 29 2/3 IP) in 5 starts

DeGrom in 2019: 11-8, 2.43 ERA in 32 starts, won second of back-to-back National League Cy Young Awards

  • 2019 vs. Braves: 1-2, 3.08 ERA (9 ER, 26 1/3 IP) in 4 starts
  • Career vs. Braves: 7-7, 1.97 ERA (30 ER, 137 1/3 IP) in 21 starts

Bet $1. WIN $100 in free bets if either the Braves or Mets hit a home run Friday, July 24th. Place your legal sports bets at BetMGM now in CO, IN, NJ and WV. Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet Now!

Braves at Mets: Key injuries

(List of injuries around the league)

Braves

  • 1B Freddie Freeman (past positive COVID-19 test) probable
  • OF Nick Markakis (COVID concerns) out for season

Mets

  • RP Robert Gsellman (triceps) out
  • RP Drew Smith (elbow) out

Braves at Mets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at Thursday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Braves 5, Mets 3

Moneyline (ML)

ATLANTA (+125) is the STRONGEST PLAY vs. New York (-139). The Braves did lose their last three games of the 2019 regular season at Citi Field, but they had the luxury of resting with an NL East title already clinched. On their previous NYC trip in late August – when games mattered – they swept the Mets in a three-game set. They even managed to win a game that deGrom struck out 13 and allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings.

It should be noted that the Mets own the majors’ best all-time Opening Day winning percentage (.655), have won their last three openers and are 38-12 in their last 50.

BUT deGrom is likely limited to an 85-pitch count due to back stiffness suffered near the end of camp. AND Soroka is a road warrior – he was 7-1 with a 1.55 ERA across 16 road starts last season. BET THE BRAVES!

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on Atlanta will return a profit of $12.50 – or in other words, every $1 bet on Atlanta will profit $1.25 if it wins.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

AVOID. The Braves’ +1.5 (-189) is a bit steep, while the Mets’ -1.5 (+155) offers decent value, but again, we’re counting on an Atlanta W.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 7 (-110) is worth a small wager. Offenses should be ahead of pitching early in the start of this new shortened season. Plus, NL teams will have the benefit of designated hitters in their lineups this year. If the O/U climbs to 7.5 or higher though, take a PASS.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s 2020 record before shutdown: 34-24-1. Strongest plays: 20-10.

Johnny’s 2019 MLB record: 167-147-2. September: 41-26-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers matchup, with MLB betting predictions, picks and best bets.

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The San Francisco Giants head to Chavez Ravine to tangle with the  Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday at 10:08 p.m. ET in a Dodger Stadium contest that kicks off the 2020 season for both teams. We analyze the Giants-Dodgers MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Giants at Dodgers: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Johnny Cueto vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Cueto, who is 126-87 with a 3.35 ERA in his 12-year career, will be making his 297th start.

  • The right-hander pitched just 16 innings – in four starts – late last season after returning from Tommy John surgery.
  • Cueto is backed by what projects as a shaky, bottom-feeder relief corps.

Kershaw went 16-5 with a 3.03 ERA last season, averaging 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

  • The three-time NL Cy Young winner held the Giants to a .581 on-base plus slugging percentage in 2019. Over his career, Kershaw has held current SF batters to a .450 OPS while posting a near-8-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
  • Kershaw is backed by a Dodger bullpen that paced the NL with a 3.85 ERA a year ago. LA relievers logged a fine 2.87 ERA at home last season. That figure was best in MLB by nearly half-a-run.

Special Line: Bet $1. Win $100 in free bets! If either the Yankees or Nationals hit a homer, you win. Visit BetMGM to place your legal MLB bet in CO, IN, NJ and WV and for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Giants at Dodgers: Key injuries

The list of injuries for this one includes …

Giants

  • C Buster Posey (player’s choice) and 3B Evan Longoria (oblique) are two bats missing from an already below-average offense.

Dodgers

  • OF Chris Taylor (arm) is one of just a few LA injuries heading into the 2020 campaign.

Giants at Dodgers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML)

The Dodgers are the odds-on favorite to win the pennant in the Senior Circuit. They’ll be heavily favored in many a game along the way. But they’re likely getting too much respect in this one. STEER CLEAR of the Dodgers’ -304 price.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Dodgers would produce a profit of $3.29.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Cueto has a shaky line against current Dodger bats (.841 OPS allowed), and the Dodgers should win more games by 3-plus runs than anyone in the NL. A year ago, they outscored the Giants 93-45. A DODGERS -1.5 (-150) bet is a good way to ride LA coattails without the hefty asking price.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is 8 and is priced at -110 both ways. There’s a slight lean toward some value on the OVER, especially if the price starts to shade the Under.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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New York Yankees at Washington Nationals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Opening Day’s New York Yankees at Washington Nationals sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The New York Yankees (0-0) visit the Washington Nationals (0-0) Thursday at Nationals Park. The 7:08 p.m. ET contest marks the opening of the truncated MLB season and the end of a long wait for baseball bettors. We analyze the New York-Washington MLB betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Yankees at Nationals: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Gerrit Cole vs. RHP Max Scherzer

Cole: 2.50 ERA, 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings in 2019

  • Current Nationals own a whiff-heavy .562 OPS (on-base plus slugging) against him.
  • The new Yankee ace has been a fast starter over his career: He owns a 2.85 ERA in games played in the first month of the season. Cole logged a 2.36 road ERA in 2019 and owns a sub-3.00 ERA away from home the last two years.

Scherzer: 2.92 ERA, 9.0 SO/9 in 2019

  • Scherzer battled a back-strain injury in the second half last season. He registered 5.16 ERA over five September starts before rallying with a 2.40 ERA in the postseason.
  • The New York lineup skews right, and that plays into a strength for the Nats’ 35-year-old righty. Scherzer held right-handed bats to an anemic .530 OPS last season.

Special Opening Day Betting Line: Bet $1. Win $100!
If either the Yankees or Nationals hit a homer, you win. Visit BetMGM to place your legal MLB bet in CO, IN, NJ and WV and for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Yankees at Nationals: Key injuries

The list of injuries for this one includes …

Yankees

  • Closer Aroldis Chapman (out–Covid) and 2B DJ LeMahieu (questionable–Covid). The Yankee bullpen is deep; look for RP Zack Britton to be the late lefty and/or closer in Chapman’s absence.

Nationals

  • 2B Howie Kendrick (questionable–conditioning) and RP Wander Suero (out–Covid)

Yankees at Nationals: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML)

The host Nationals draw a +120 tag in this matchup of aces and two teams that are projected to battle for division flags. The price was higher earlier in the week, and a move northward is something to watch for. PASS ON THE CURRENT PRICE but consider making the Nationals a play if the price gets up around +125.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Washington returns a $12 profit for a win.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Adding a run-and-a-half makes the Nats a -143 proposition. PASS. Keep an eye on the straight moneyline as the likeliest side to back in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is a low one (7.5) and rightfully so. Its a tally drawing equal play (-110) so far. It figures to be a warm, humid evening in DC (with a 33% chance of rain), but STEER CLEAR of this play with two aces twirling and both bullpens rested.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Washington Nationals Opening Day underdog vs. New York Yankees

The MLB 2020 season begins today with a two-game slate, featuring the underdog Washington Nationals hosting the favored New York Yankees.

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Baseball is back, baby! The MLB’s 2020 60-game regular season begins today, with first pitch between the New York Yankees at Washington Nationals scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET. Despite the fact the Nationals won the World Series last season, oddsmakers at BetMGM have them as the underdog in the first game of the season.

Nationals vs. Yankees odds and betting lines

Odds via BetMGM, last updated Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

The underdog Nationals are +120 odds to win, which means you’d win $120 for every $100 wagered on the Nationals to win should they go on to pull the upset victory to begin their defense of the championship. That implies the Nationals have a 45.45% chance of beating the Yankees.

Special Opening Day Betting Line: Bet $1. Win $100!
If either the Yankees or Nationals hit a homer, you win. Visit BetMGM to place your legal MLB bet in CO, IN, NJ and WV and for terms and conditions. Bet now!

The NY Yankees (-134; bet $134 to win $100), who are on the road in this one, are money-line favorite. Odds at -134 implies the Yankees have a 57.26% chance of beating the Nationals.

  • Moneyline: Yankees -134/Nationals +120
  • Run Spread: Yankees -1.5 (+120), Nationals +1.5 (-143)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 runs, -110 over, -110 under
  • Opening Day Promo line: BET $1, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run. Visit BetMGM to place your bet!

Get action on this game and the special Opening Day Promo! Place your legal sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM now.

For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook. Please gamble responsibly.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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