MLB Betting Picks and Predictions for September 13, 2024
As the baseball regular season winds down, the race for playoff spots is heating up. With only four teams mathematically eliminated from contention, the competition is fierce as teams fight for their spot in the postseason. Let’s take a closer look at some key matchups and betting picks for September 13, 2024.
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The New York Mets are facing an uphill battle in the National League East, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by eight games with just 16 games left to play. While catching the Phillies may be a long shot, the Mets are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot. They currently sit one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the final playoff position.
Lefty Jose Quintana will take the mound for the Mets in the series opener against the Phillies. Quintana has been dominant in his last two starts, recording 12 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. However, the Phillies have had success against him this season, scoring five runs and collecting 10 hits in nine combined innings.
On the other side, Aaron Nola will start for the Phillies. Nola tossed a four-hit shutout against the Mets earlier in the season and will look to bounce back from a tough outing against Miami. With Nola on the mound, the Phillies are favored to win by 1.5 runs, with odds of +125.
Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies
The Chicago Cubs are still clinging to their slim hopes of making the playoffs, and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a key contributor to their recent success. Crow-Armstrong had a strong series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 5-for-11 with four RBIs and stellar defense in the outfield.
As the Cubs head to Colorado to take on the Rockies, Crow-Armstrong will look to continue his hot streak. He has been hitting .370 over the past 15 games and has performed well against left-handed pitchers this season. With the Cubs needing every win they can get, Crow-Armstrong will be a player to watch in this series.
In the opener against the Rockies, the Cubs will face lefty Austin Gomber. While Crow-Armstrong has not faced Gomber before, his success against lefties bodes well for this matchup. With odds of +105, betting on Crow-Armstrong to record over 1.5 total bases could be a smart play.
Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners
The Texas Rangers recently welcomed top prospect Kumar Rocker to the majors, and now they will send another promising young pitcher to the mound in Jacob deGrom. DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, is making his first start in over 500 days after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Seattle Mariners will counter with Emerson Hancock, a young righty who has shown flashes of potential this season. While Hancock struggled in his earlier stint with the Mariners, he has the stuff to keep the Rangers’ lineup in check.
With both teams likely to rely on their bullpens, this matchup has the potential for a high-scoring affair. Betting on the over of 7 runs at -105 could be a wise choice for this game.
Conclusion
As the MLB season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. While some teams are already looking ahead to 2025, others are fighting tooth and nail for their spot in the postseason. With key matchups like the Mets vs. Phillies, Cubs vs. Rockies, and Rangers vs. Mariners on tap, there are plenty of opportunities for bettors to get in on the action. Stay tuned for more updates and betting picks as the season unfolds.