Tag: MLB betting odds lines picks best bets

New York Mets at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s New York Mets at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The New York Mets visit the Washington Nationals Thursday for a 7:09 p.m. ET first pitch at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Mets vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jacob deGrom is the projected starting pitcher for the Mets. A year ago, deGrom went 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 13.76 K/9 and 2.38 BB/9 in 68 IP over 12 starts. In his last five season debuts, the Mets ace has allowed just 2 earned runs over 28 2/3 IP for a 0.63 ERA.

RHP Max Scherzer is scheduled to get the ball for the Nationals. In 2020 he went 5-4 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 12.30 K/9 and 3.07 BB/9 over 67 1/3 IP spanning a dozen starts. Scherzer has scuffled against lefty bats the last couple seasons (.861 OPS allowed in 2020), and that could present a problem against a Mets nine that can lean that way with strength. The 36-year-old right-hander was managing an ankle sprain in spring training.

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Mets at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mets -160 (bet $150 to win $150) | Nationals +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mets -1.5 (+115) |  Nationals +1.5 (-140)
  • Over/Under: 7 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Prediction

Mets 5, Nationals 3

Money line (ML)

New York batters have gotten to Scherzer for a .775 OPS in past meetings and the Mets are a lean Thursday but not at this price. PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The run line here is worth a look as a partial-unit play. A deGrom opening start, and the Mets likely having the better bullpen of the two clubs makes for a sliver of value on NEW YORK -1.5 (+115).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over hit in four of the last five meetings between these two clubs last season. The forecasted wind and weather (temperature in the 40s, wind in from left field) and the reputation of the starters has this total down at a level 7. There is value in wagering for a game flow that gets to 8 or more combined runs.

The starters are tremendous, but a maybe-injured Scherzer of 2021 is not the same as vintage Scherzer. Both bullpens were bottom-10 groups a year ago. Figure on a third of this game being played against those hurlers and with revamped offenses that are certainly dangerous in spots.

BACK THE OVER 7 (+105).

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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.

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Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Arizona Diamondbacks meet the San Diego Padres in the 2021 season opener Thursday at 4:10 p.m. ET at Petco Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Diamondbacks vs. Padres odds with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Madison Bumgarner is the projected starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks. He was 1-4 with a 6.48 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 6.48 K/9 and 2.81 BB/9 over 41 2/3 IP spanning nine starts in 2020. Last season, MadBum was hammered by the Padres, going 0-2 with a 10.57 ERA in two starts while serving up four home runs across just 7 2/3 combined innings.

RHP Yu Darvish is the projected starting pitcher for the Padres. He was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 11.01 K/9 and 1.66 BB/9 over 76 IP and 12 starts in 2020 for the Chicago Cubs. Darvish will be facing the D-Backs for the first time since April 27, 2019, when he allowed one earned run on 2 hits and 4 walks, with 8 strikeouts across six innings in a win for the Cubs.

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Diamondbacks at Padres odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Diamondbacks +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Padres -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Diamondbacks +1.5 (+105) | Padres -1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Padres 7, Diamondbacks 3

Money line (ML)

The Padres (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return, and that’s not a good long-term betting strategy, especially in MLB.

Try and limit yourself to -175 or -180, and make few exceptions throughout the season. Over the long term you’ll have a lot fewer peaks and valleys.

PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The PADRES -1.5 (-125) are a much better value on the run line. San Diego was in an arms race, literally, with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason, and it’s going to be a fun race to watch unfold this season.

The Diamondbacks cannot be trusted, especially with Bumgarner on the bump. He lost a lot of velocity last season, and he looked like he was throwing batting practice more often than not. The Padres treated him especially poorly, rocketing four balls into the seats last season in just two starts.

Arizona is also just 2-6 in their past eight games at Petco.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 8.5 (-110) is a good play, as the Padres offense should be able to throw up some big numbers against Bumgarner.

The same cannot be said for the Diamondbacks against Darvish, but the Padres should put up enough offense to inch the total Over.

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Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers tussle with the Kansas City Royals in a Thursday season opener at 4:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Royals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Kyle Gibson is the projected starting pitcher for the Rangers. He went 2-6 with a 5.35 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 7.75 K/9 and 4.01 BB/9 in 67 1/3 IP over 12 starts in 2020. In 189 career plate appearances against Gibson, Kansas City batters own a mere .625 OPS.

RHP Brad Keller figures to toe the rubber for the Royals. Last season he went 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.76 K/9 and 2.80 BB/9 over 54 2/3 IP spanning nine starts. Keller pitched seven shutout innings in his last opener (2019 vs. the White Sox). He logged an 0.27 ERA in five home starts last season.

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Rangers at Royals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Royals -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-140) | Royals -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Rangers 6, Royals 4

Money line (ML)

The Rangers struggled mightily on the road in the truncated 2020 season and went just 6-24 away from home. It would be easy to overlook the Rangers as underdogs in a game like this but peg the starting pitcher matchup as being much more even than the analysis on a first glance or second look would afford.

The batted-ball metrics under the surface lift Gibson to a more average ERA and ding the fine surface numbers posted by Keller.

It gets dicey with the Texas bullpen, but neither side has a big offensive or run-prevention advantage. TAKE TEXAS (+155) as a play with a fair amount of value. It’s Opening Day, gray-area value, but value nonetheless.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Sticking with the ML side on the Rangers is advisable. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

Tag the OVER 9 (-110) with a lean. The projected strengths and weaknesses of these clubs fit into a garden-variety baseball score, and you’re protected on the number in a 4-4 tie.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Rays meet the Miami Marlins in the opener on Thursday at 4:10 p.m. ET at Marlins Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Marlins odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Tyler Glasnow is the projected starting pitcher for the Rays. He was 5-1 with a 4.08 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 14.3 K/9 and 3.45 BB/9 in 57 1/3 IP over 11 starts in 2020. Last season, Glasnow faced the Marlins once in St. Petersburg, Fla., allowing three earned runs, four hits and three walks with nine strikeouts across 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision Sept. 6.

RHP Sandy Alcantara is the projected starting pitcher for the Marlins. He was 3-2 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 and 3.21 BB/9 in 42 IP over seven starts in 2020. Alcantara faced the Rays twice last season, going 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and .225 opponent batting average with two homers allowed in just 10 innings across two starts.

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Rays at Marlins odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rays -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Marlins +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rays -1.5 (+110) | Marlins +1.5 (-135)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Prediction

Rays 6, Marlins 3

Money line (ML)

The RAYS (-150) are moderate favorites over their Sunshine State rivals from South Florida. Tampa Bay won five of the six games against the Marlins (+135) last season, including a three-game sweep in Miami. The Rays outscored the Marlins 18-7 in that three-game set from Aug. 28-30, 2020, including a 12-7 loss with Alcantara on the mound.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The RAYS -1.5 (+110) covered the run line in each of their three wins in Miami last season, and they’re worth a roll of the dice with Glasnow on the bump assuming the ace duties.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 7.5 (+100) is the way to go here. The Over hit in the final four meetings between these teams last season, and you can expect the Rays offense to generate plenty of offensive opportunities against Alcantara. The Marlins were also much improved last season, going to the playoffs, so they aren’t going to be a pushover like in years past. At even money, the Over is a great value in neutral conditions under the retractable roof.

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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.

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St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Cincinnati Reds host NL Central rival St. Louis Cardinals Thursday for Opening Day at the Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cardinals vs. Reds odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jack Flaherty is projected to take the mound for the Cardinals. Flaherty was 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 10.9 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 across 9 starts last season.

  • 2020 vs. Reds: No appearances
  • Career vs. Reds: 2-2, 2.48 ERA (32 2/3 IP, 9 ER) in 7 starts
  • Vs. Reds in the projected lineup: 56 at-bats with 4 HR, 6 RBIs, .268 BA, .402 wOBA and .268 ISO

RHP Luis Castillo is the Reds’ projected starter. In 2020, Castillo was 4-6 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 across 12 starts.

  • 2020 vs. Cardinals: 1-0, 1.00 ERA, (CG, 9 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K) in 1 start
  • Career vs. Cardinals: 4-4, 3.84 ERA (65 2/3 IP, 28 ER) with 8.8 K/9 in 11 starts
  • Vs. Cardinals in the projected lineup: 125 at-bats with 7 HR, 19 RBIs, .232 BA, .334 wOBA and .208 ISO

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Cardinals at Reds odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:27 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cardinals +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Reds -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Cardinals +1.5 (-200) | Reds -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Prediction

Reds 8, Cardinals 2

Money line (ML)

Castillo’s numbers vs. the hitters he’ll see Thursday are far better than Flaherty’s which makes sense because Castillo is much more of a No. 1 starter.

Flaherty is young and in a top-notch organization, but his numbers really dipped year over year in last season’s 60-game sprint and he hasn’t pitched well in Spring Training.

Also, according to Pregame.com, this is the only game where the money column is higher than the “bets placed” column and the money column typically indicates the sharp side of the market.

If we are following the sharps, then the play is the REDS (-115) for 1 unit.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Cincinnati’s lineup hit better against righties last season, ranking 15th in wOBA but had the worst BABIP in the MLB, while St. Louis was 23rd in wOBA and 14th in BABIP.

Additionally, Castillo has the second-highest ground-ball percentage in the Majors (for qualified pitchers), while Flaherty had the 14th-highest HR/FB rate for pitchers with a minimum of 30 innings pitched.

If Flaherty allows enough flyballs to Reds hitters in this park with the predicted wind forecast, then I like Cincinnati to get an insurance run or two.

BET REDS -1.5 (+165) for a one-fifth-unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Cincinnati’s home field can be a bit of a launching pad. Lefties hit the most home runs last season at Great American Ball Park.

With the weather forecast predicting 14 MPH winds blowing out to right-center, I favor the Reds lineup since there are more left-handed hitters.

Reds lefties LF Jesse Winker and 3B Mike Moustakas have each hit a home run in their 10 career at-bats vs. Flaherty.

BET OVER 7.5 (+100) for a quarter-unit.

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Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Minnesota Twins meet the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener Thursday at 2:10 p.m. ET at American Family Field. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Twins vs. Brewers odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Kenta Maeda is the projected starting pitcher for the Twins. He was 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 66 2/3 IP over 11 starts in 2020. Last season, Maeda went 1-0 with a 1.84 ERA in two starts against the Brewers with an opponent batting average of just .120 across 14 2/3 innings with no home runs allowed and 17 strikeouts.

RHP Brandon Woodruff is the projected starting pitcher for the Brewers. He was 3-5 with a 3.05 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 11.1 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 73 2/3 IP over 13 starts in 2020. Woodruff made one start against the Twins last season, allowing two earned runs, nine hits and a walk with three strikeouts across five innings in a loss at Target Field Aug. 20.

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Twins at Brewers odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:01 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Twins +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Brewers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Twins -1.5 (+155) | Brewers +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Twins 4, Brewers 2

Money line (ML)

The TWINS (+100) are a nice play riding the shoulders of Maeda, although this should be a low-scoring, well-pitched game inside the warmth of American Family Field and the lack of adverse weather conditions.

Minnesota won two of its three games in Milwaukee last season, outscoring the Brew Crew 20-10 in the three games. That includes a 12-2 laugher behind Maeda Aug. 12.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The TWINS -1.5 (+155) are the lean here as they hit the run line in each of their two wins at Milwaukee in 2020. I wouldn’t go crazy, especially on Opening Day, but it’s worth a small-unit bet at plus money.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 7.5 (-105) is the lean. Maeda didn’t give up much in the shortened season of 2020, his first with the Twins. He chopped his WHIP down to 0.75 and his K/BB ratio was at 8.0, nearly double his previous career best. He will be hard on the Milwaukee bats, and runs will be at a premium early.

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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.

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Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Colorado Rockies Thursday in a season opener at Coors Field. First pitch slated for 4:10 p.m. ET and will be aired on ESPN. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Dodgers vs. Rockies odds with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Clayton Kershaw is the Dodgers’ projected starting pitcher. He was 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 9.6 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9 in 58 1/3 IP across 10 starts last season.

  • 2020 vs. Rockies: 1-0, 1.29 ERA (7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K) in 1 start
  • Career vs. Rockies: 24-8, 3.22 ERA (268 IP, 96 ER) in 43 starts

RHP German Marquez is expected to start for the Rockies. He was 4-6 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 81 2/3 IP over 13 starts last season.

  • 2020 vs. Dodgers: 0-0, 2.57 ERA (7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K) in 1 start
  • Career vs. Dodgers: 2-1, 2.54 ERA (56 2/3 IP, 16 ER) in 9 starts

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Dodgers at Rockies odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 5:39 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Dodgers -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Rockies +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Dodgers -2.5 (-105) | Rockies +2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 11 (O: -110 | U: -110

Prediction

Dodgers 6, Rockies 4

Money line (ML)

PASS. The defending World Series champion Dodgers (-225) are a better-than 2-to-1 favorites. Betting $225 to win $100 is just not a smart way to make money in the long run. PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

BetMGM likes Kershaw and the Dodgers so much in this one that they’re favored by 2.5 runs with a price of -105.

PASS as I won’t lay 2.5 runs, but the alternate line of LOS ANGELES -1.5 (-150) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager.

While the Dodgers traded OF Joc Pederson to the Chicago Cubs and lost OF/2B Kiké Hernández to a free-agent deal with the Boston Red Sox, the offense pretty much remains intact.

That offense led a club that went 43-17 in last year’s 60-game shortened season before eventually winning it all.

The Dodgers were the dominant team in the majors in 2020 and they’re the favorite to repeat in 2021.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back UNDER 11 (-110) with a HALF-UNIT wager. The Rockies were 13-14-3 O/U at home last season. The O/U was 1-2-1 in the four Dodgers-Rockies games played at Coors in 2020. Kershaw was the winning pitcher in one of those Under games in Denver when the Dodgers claimed a 6-1 victory Sept. 19.

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JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
2020 MLB 80-59-1 39-21 +24.79
2021 record (all sports) 98-82-1 48-39 +14.3
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies will meet Thursday at 3:05 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Braves vs. Phillies with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Max Fried is the projected starter pitcher for the Braves. In 2020, Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 56 IP over 11 starts. Fried faced Philadelphia twice, allowing just one run over 10 frames.

RHP Aaron Nola is due to start for the Phillies. A year ago, he went 5-5 with a 3.28 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12.1 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 71 1/3 IP over 12 starts. Nola kept his ground-ball rate high in 2020 (50%) while posting career-best whiff rates. In 71 career games at Citizens, the veteran hurler has held foes to a sparkling .637 OPS.

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Braves at Phillies odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 6:42 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Braves -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Phillies -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Braves -1.5 (+150) | Phillies +1.5 (-185)
  • Over/Under: 7 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Braves 4, Phillies 2

Money line (ML)

Pegging the starting pitching matchup as even – at least for argument’s sake, and taking into account the O/U win totals (91.5 for Atlanta, 80.5 for Philadelphia), getting the Braves at anything less than -110 looks like a solid value. Throw in the fact Atlanta torched righty pitching last season (.859 OPS) and ATLANTA (-105) is a solid Opening Day play.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Stick to the lesser-juice side in this one. PASS on the run line.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has gotten attention with the low total for this contest. A hefty breeze in from left is expected. Go with contrarian lean toward the UNDER 7 (+100). Consider waiting out a 7.5-run tag or limit your exposure with a partial-unit play at 7.

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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.

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Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox open a three-game series Thursday at 2:10 p.m. at Fenway Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Orioles vs. Red Sox with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP John Means is the projected starting pitcher for the Orioles. He was 2-4 with a 4.53 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 43 2/3 IP over 10 starts last season. For his career, Means has been cuffed to the tune of a .786 on-base-plus-slugging in 88 1/3 innings on the road. He struggles against righty bats which is often a difficult cross to bear in games at Fenway.

RHP Nathan Eovaldi is the projected starter for the Red Sox. He went 4-2 with a 3.72 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 and 1.3 BB/9 in 48 1/3 IP over nine starts. Eovaldi has had some shaky early-season numbers in his career (.760 OPS allowed in March/April), but he owns a solid career line against current Baltimore batters (.667 OPS allowed, 2.6-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio).

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Orioles at Red Sox odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 6:20 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Orioles +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Red Sox -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Orioles +1.5 (-145) | Red Sox -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Red Sox 6, Orioles 3

Money line (ML)

Peg Eovaldi as the more bankable starter in this matchup, and look for the Red Sox to get off to a good start with manager Alex Cora once again at the helm. The pricing here seems to treat the pitching matchup as a flat trade-off.

TAKE BOSTON -165.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

On a high total with a slight lean toward the Over, RED SOX -1.5 (+120) fits nicely as a secondary play.  Current Boston batters own a contact-heavy .874 OPS against Means. Even in chilly weather, the odds of Means getting jumped in a multi-run Boston romp make for a solid return here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has attracted some attention in this tilt. But the extra juice on the upward play here squelches value. PASS.

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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.

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Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees match up Thursday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Yankees odds with MLB picks and predictions.

LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu is the projected starting pitcher for the Blue Jays. In 2020 he went 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 9.67 K/9 and 2.28 BB/9 over 67 IP spanning 12 starts. The 34-year-old southpaw was spectacular last season after being roughed up in starts one and two; he logged a 1.86 ERA the rest of the way. Current Yankees bats own a robust .888 OPS against him.

RHP Gerrit Cole is the projected starting pitcher for the Yankees. Last season he went 7-3 with a 2.84 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 11.59 K/9 and 2.10 BB/9 over 73 IP spanning 12 starts. Cole has historically been a fast starter, holding foes to a mere .614 OPS in 32 career March/April games. Current Toronto bats own a paltry .549 OPS against him.

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Blue Jays at Yankees odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 4:40 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blue Jays +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Yankees -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jays +1.5 (-135) | Yankees -1.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Yankees 5, Blue Jays 3

Money line (ML)

The Yankees are one of the few clubs that got to Ryu last season. New York tagged him for 5 runs over 5 IP Sept. 7. The Toronto southpaw can’t leverage much lefty-vs.-lefty advantage against a right-leaning and powerful New York nine.

New York went 22-9 at home last season, outscoring opponents, 191-119. Overall, the Yankees split 10 games with Toronto, but the Yanks outscored the Blue Jays, 77-61.

The Yanks are a lean up to about -170. PASS ON THE CURRENT TAG.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

With the Over being a likable play, a NEW YORK -1.5 (+110) ticket makes for the best side in this one.

Consider coming out of the gate light in the unit department. The O/U action represents the best value on the odds board for this game.

Over/Under (O/U)

The weather for this one is forecasted as being raw and rainy, and with a brisk breeze blowing out to the short porch in right field. The starters are studs; the bullpens — with Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman serving a two-game suspension and Blue Jays RHP Kirby Yates injured — are gettable.

BACK THE OVER 7.5 (-110).

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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.

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