Four days remain for the MLB regular season, pending any more weather postponements. Nine teams are still fighting for a shot at the postseason, with only two capable of clinching by night’s end. A lot of great baseball is still being played, and these MLB best bets highlight teams still in the race.
MLB Best Bet #1: Yankees @ Blue Jays Under 8.5 (-105)
These teams have met 12 times, and eight have featured fewer than eight runs. That includes the last four meetings in Toronto. The Blue Jays, who are trying to nab an AL wild-card spot, have struggled to score at home all season. The Yankees have blanked them twice this series and will try to make it thrice behind Luke Weaver (2.89 ERA as a Yankee) and a strong bullpen.
As for the Yankees, they’ve had scoring issues everywhere. They began the day 24th in runs per game. Toronto starter Chris Bassitt already has 7.0 shutout innings against New York this season and a 3.08 home ERA. Don’t anticipate many runs crossing the plate.
MLB Best Bet #2: Chicago Cubs Money Line (+124)
Faced with MLB’s best team, the Atlanta Braves, Chicago has held a late lead the past two days. The Cubs blew both brutal losses that have them tied for the final NL wild-card spot instead of tied for the second one. They need a hero (and a win) tonight, and Marcus Stroman is here to lead the way.
Only his second start since getting injured, Stroman (All-Star with a 3.88 ERA) should have a bit of a longer leash tonight. Chicago’s offense should also have no issue staying hot against AJ Smith-Shawver (4.57 ERA) to take another lead. Tonight, they hold on and escape Atlanta with a win that Chicago desperately needs.
MLB Best Bet #3: Rangers @ Mariners Under 7.5 (-115)
The first three games these AL West rivals played in Seattle finished with seven or fewer runs. Texas is turning to Jordan Montgomery as they try to clinch a playoff spot tonight. Montgomery has a 2.92 ERA as a Ranger, a 2.82 ERA on the road this season, and tossed 7.0 shutout innings against Seattle in his last start.
Seattle is 1.5 games out of a playoff spot, so it’s desperation mode with four left to play. They’ll turn to Logan Gilbert tonight, who gave up two runs over 5.2 innings against Texas the last time he pitched (a 2-0 Seattle loss). Gilbert’s 2023 ERA against Texas is 2.92 after two starts. This game-shifting home should help him, as Seattle is much more pitcher-friendly. The pitchers won’t blink tonight.
(All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
