MLB Tuesday September 10, 2024 Betting Picks & Predictions
The Major League Baseball season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with each team having about 20 games left in the regular season. As the race to the playoffs heats up, there is plenty of drama unfolding across the league. The New York Mets have been on a tear, winning 10 of their last 11 games, while the Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on the San Diego Padres. In the American League, every division race is tight, with leads of 4.5 games or less. The Los Angeles Dodgers currently boast the best record in the league at 86-57.
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Boston Red Sox are set to take on the Baltimore Orioles in a crucial matchup as the Orioles look to overtake the New York Yankees for the AL East lead. The Red Sox will be sending Kutter Crawford to the mound, who currently holds the highest HR/9 in the MLB at 1.62. Despite his struggles with home runs, Crawford has put together some solid outings recently, allowing two runs or fewer in three of his last five starts. In a previous start against Baltimore, Crawford went 5 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs and a home run.
On the offensive side, the Orioles have been productive, averaging 5.17 runs per game on the road and 4.93 runs per game overall. Crawford has faced Baltimore three times this season, with mixed results. While he had a strong start in April, he allowed five earned runs in May. The Red Sox offense, on the other hand, has struggled recently, scoring two runs or less in four of their last five games.
Best Bet: Orioles ML (-108) at FanDuel
Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Minnesota Twins will square off against the Los Angeles Angels in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. Griffin Canning will take the mound for the Angels, while the Twins will counter with Pablo Lopez. Canning has had a rollercoaster of a season, allowing varying numbers of runs in his last five starts. Despite his inconsistencies, Canning has given up four home runs over that span, ranking fourth in HR/9 at 1.49.
The Twins have been solid offensively at home, averaging 4.87 runs per game, while the Angels have struggled on the road, averaging 3.86 runs per game. Lopez, with a 14-8 record and a 4.05 ERA, has been reliable for the Twins, allowing just five runs in his last five starts.
In games started by Canning, the total runs scored have exceeded eight in 18 of his 28 starts. Despite the Angels’ offensive struggles, the over seems like a safe bet in this matchup.
Best Bet: Over 8 Runs (-108) at DraftKings
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in a battle of two talented teams. The Dodgers have been dealing with injuries to their pitching staff, but they have a deep roster that can step up when needed. Facing the Cubs will be Shota Imanaga, who ranks ninth in HR/9 at 1.35. While Imanaga has limited his walks, he has allowed nine runs, including six home runs, in his last five starts.
In his most recent outing, Imanaga threw seven hitless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who strike out frequently. The Dodgers boast a potent offense, averaging 4.99 runs per game, led by stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have struggled offensively, scoring just two runs in their last three games. With the Dodgers’ lineup firing on all cylinders, they should be able to outscore the Cubs in this matchup.
Best Bet: Dodgers ML (-154) at DraftKings
As the MLB season enters its final stretch, every game becomes more critical for teams jockeying for playoff positioning. Keep an eye on these matchups and betting picks as the race to October heats up.