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4/18/2023 MLB Bets

Kyle Kennedy

73-59-8 record on the MLB season. Big MLB slate today. Got 11 picks for today's MLB slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino Resort.

ARI/STL NRFI (-105)

ATL/SD NRFI (-125)

NYM/LAD NRFI (-110)


LAA F5 ML (+130)

The key to the Angels' impending victory lies in the hands of their left-handed pitcher, Jose Suarez, who has previously dominated the Yankees' lineup and is ready to do so again.


We all know that the Yankees boast some serious firepower in their lineup, but Suarez's track record against them proves that he's more than capable of neutralizing their offense. As a fearless southpaw with a nasty arsenal of pitches, Suarez has had his fair share of success against the Yankees, making their hitters look downright silly at times. The numbers don't lie: Suarez's ERA against the Yankees is significantly lower than his overall career ERA, and his strikeout rate is notably higher when facing the pinstripes.


Let's also consider the current state of the Yankees' lineup. With several key players nursing injuries or struggling to find their rhythm at the plate, this is the perfect opportunity for Suarez to step up and exploit their weaknesses. The Yankees' reliance on the long ball could prove to be their downfall against a pitcher like Suarez, who's adept at keeping the ball in the park and forcing hitters to put the ball in play.


On top of that, the Angels' offense has been heating up, led by the dynamic duo of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Trout is coming off a hot streak, having been featured in a viral art project that caught the star's attention, while Ohtani has been turning heads with his prowess both on the mound and at the plate. This one-two punch, combined with a supporting cast that includes Hunter Renfroe (who recently knocked his fourth homer) and the recently called-up top prospect Zach Neto, provides the Angels with more than enough firepower to outscore the Yankees.


Moreover, the Yankees may not have to worry about facing the two-way threat of Shohei Ohtani on the mound, but they'll still have to deal with him at the plate. Ohtani has been raking this season, showcasing his power and ability to drive in runs consistently. The Yankees' pitching staff will have their hands full trying to contain Ohtani and the rest of the Angels' potent lineup.


So, let's recap: the Los Angeles Angels have a pitcher in Jose Suarez who has proven he can shut down the Yankees' lineup and an offense led by Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani that's primed to pounce on any mistakes.


BOS F5 ML (-105)

As the Boston Red Sox prepare to host the Minnesota Twins in the second leg of their seven-game homestand, all eyes are on the shaky start of the season for both teams. While the Red Sox have had some issues with allowing runs in the opening frame, they still boast an impressive record with 13 of their first 17 games being decided by three or fewer runs. It's clear that this team has the grit and determination to play all 27 outs, as manager Alex Cora emphasizes.


On the other hand, the Minnesota Twins are coming off back-to-back losses against the New York Yankees, failing to maintain the momentum from their 11-2 win over the Yankees earlier in the series. Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton claims this isn't the same team from the last two years, and they're making their own identity – but that identity might need some polishing before they can consistently compete with the Red Sox.


One major factor that could tip the scales in favor of the Red Sox in this matchup is the historical struggles of Twins pitcher Sonny Gray at Fenway Park. Gray, who is 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA so far this season, has had a rough time in Boston, sporting an 0-4 record with an 8.02 ERA in six appearances (five starts) at the iconic ballpark. With a career 1-7 record and a 6.80 ERA against the Red Sox, it's hard not to fade Gray in this matchup.


The Red Sox, on the other hand, have Chris Sale on the mound, who has been racking up strikeouts but allowed six runs (five earned) over four innings in a recent loss at Tampa Bay. While Sale's performance has been less than stellar thus far, it's crucial to remember that he's coming off a long hiatus from the game due to injury. As Cora points out, Sale hasn't effectively pitched in four years, and it's still early to judge his progress. Nonetheless, Sale has an impressive 11-6 record with a 3.91 ERA against the Twins and has gone 3-0 with a 2.64 ERA in his past five starts vs. Minnesota dating back to 2017.


Minnesota's offense has been inconsistent, scoring nine runs in a single inning against the Yankees earlier in the week but mustering just seven runs over the remainder of the series. With the Twins facing a pitcher like Sale, who has historically performed well against them, it's hard to imagine their bats suddenly heating up in Fenway.


One potential bright spot for the Twins is first baseman Donovan Solano, who has been on a tear with a .366 batting average during an 11-game hitting streak. However, it's unlikely that Solano's hot streak alone will be enough to overcome the Red Sox's balanced attack.


Overall, the combination of Gray's historical struggles at Fenway Park, the Red Sox's determination to play every out, and the Twins' offensive inconsistency make a strong case for the Red Sox to triumph in this series opener. While no bet can be considered a sure thing, the data and statistics suggest that fading Sonny Gray and backing the Boston Red Sox is a solid play for those looking to make an informed wager on this MLB matchup.


TEX -1.5 (+135)

The Texas Rangers are gearing up for an epic showdown against the Kansas City Royals, and all signs point to them walking away with a victory against the spread of -1.5. The main reason? Nathan Eovaldi is on the mound, and despite his history of struggles against the Royals' lineup, we're about to witness a major turnaround in this matchup.


Eovaldi has had his fair share of ups and downs when facing the Kansas City crew, but it's crucial to remember that past performance doesn't always dictate future results. As the saying goes, "ball don't lie," and this time around, Eovaldi is bringing his A-game to the mound. Sure, the Royals have had some success against him in the past, but let's not forget that Eovaldi is a seasoned pro who knows how to shake off a bad game and bounce back even stronger. Given the Royals' current offensive struggles, now is the perfect time for Eovaldi to take advantage and dominate.


Speaking of the Royals' offensive woes, they have been less than impressive lately, to say the least. With a lineup that features numerous black holes and a collective .222/.282/.389 slash line, they're certainly not striking fear into the hearts of their opponents. This is where Eovaldi can capitalize and put his past troubles behind him. If he can keep his cool and bring the heat, there's no reason he can't rack up the strikeouts and keep the Royals' bats quiet.


On the flip side, the Rangers' offense is ready to feast on Royals starter Brad Keller. With a lineup that includes powerhouses like Josh Jung, the Rangers have the firepower to make Keller's life on the mound a living nightmare. The Royals' pitching staff has already experienced its share of troubles this season, with Kris Bubic needing a second opinion on his elbow injury and Scott Barlow's shaky stretch continuing. This spells bad news for Keller, who has to face a hungry Rangers lineup that's ready to light up the scoreboard.


The Rangers' recent success against the Royals also can't be ignored. Texas has already secured a 4-0 road win over Kansas City, with Josh Jung hitting a three-run homer in the first inning to set the tone. This demonstrates that the Rangers are more than capable of getting the job done against the Royals – and doing it in style.


Finally, let's not forget the importance of home-field advantage in this matchup. The Royals are currently on a six-game home losing streak, which doesn't bode well for their chances against a confident Rangers team. With the Royals' fans feeling the disappointment, the atmosphere at The K is likely to be less than intimidating for the visiting Rangers, who will be eager to capitalize on the Royals' misfortunes.


All signs point to a Texas Rangers victory against the spread of -1.5 in tonight's game against the Kansas City Royals. With Nathan Eovaldi poised to overcome his past struggles against the Royals' lineup and Brad Keller facing a tough task against a potent Rangers offense, the stars are aligning for a Rangers win.


TOR F5 ML (-105)

With the Blue Jays entering as -105 moneyline underdogs at BetSaracen and the Astros as -115 underdogs, the stakes are high, and the action is sure to be intense.


The Blue Jays' offensive prowess also plays a significant role in their favor, particularly when it comes to facing right-handed pitchers like Jose Urquidy. Averaging five runs per game this season, placing them ninth in MLB, Toronto's lineup has shown they can handle righties with ease. Meanwhile, the Astros have been somewhat inconsistent in their performance, scoring seven or more runs in only three of their last six games. Houston's recent struggles at Minute Maid Park, where they managed just a single run against the Rangers, further bolster the Blue Jays' chances.


While it's true that the Astros have some missing pieces due to injuries, including Michael Brantley, Jose Altuve, and Lance McCullers Jr., this shouldn't overshadow the fact that the Blue Jays are bringing a potent combination of pitching and hitting power to the table. Bassitt's success on the mound, along with Toronto's consistent offensive performance, make them a formidable force that the Astros will have to contend with.


It's also worth noting that Chris Bassitt has had success in the past against this Astros lineup, which could be a key factor in tipping the scales in Toronto's favor. Conversely, the Blue Jays' lineup has experienced success against Jose Urquidy, further solidifying their edge in this matchup.


For those looking to place a wager on this game, the Blue Jays at -105 moneyline underdogs are a solid pick. But with Bassitt's historical success and the Blue Jays' lineup ready to make their mark, the stage is set for a thrilling MLB showdown that could very well see Toronto soar over the Astros.


PIT F5 ML (-110)

Despite the challenges the Pittsburgh Pirates have faced early in the season, they've managed to put together a winning record and have shown they're not a team to be taken lightly. With the Colorado Rockies struggling and Jose Urena's recent woes, the Pirates are in a great position to take advantage of this matchup and sail away with a win.


Urena has had a rough start to the season, as he continues to give up fly balls and home runs to opposing hitters. This is a major concern for the Rockies, especially when facing a Pirates lineup that has shown they can put up runs even without their rising star, Oneil Cruz. With Cruz out for four months due to a broken ankle, other players have stepped up in his absence, including Ke'Bryan Hayes and Ji Hwan Bae, who have been platooning at the leadoff position. The absence of Cruz hasn't stopped the Pirates from averaging 3.4 runs per game since his injury, a clear sign that this team is resilient and can adapt to adversity.


On the other side of the pitching matchup, we have Vince Velasquez, who has had success in the past against this Rockies lineup. While the Rockies have managed to put up runs this season, their pitching staff has been less than stellar beyond Kyle Freeland. With Velasquez's history of success against Colorado, the Pirates have a great opportunity to keep the Rockies' hitters at bay and add to their winning record.


Adding to the favorable conditions for the Pirates is the weather in Colorado. The wind is blowing out today, which could potentially help the Pirates' hitters as they face off against Urena, who has a penchant for giving up fly balls and home runs. This perfect storm of conditions is setting the stage for a Pirates victory, as they look to continue their impressive early-season run.


Furthermore, the Rockies are coming into this game on a losing streak, having dropped five straight games, including three in Seattle over the weekend. This recent skid could be an indication of a lack of momentum and confidence within the team, which the Pirates can capitalize on as they seek to secure a win against their struggling opponents.


Freeland has been a bright spot for the Rockies, boasting a 2-0 record, a 0.96 ERA, and a 0.96 WHIP in 18.2 innings. However, with Urena on the mound for this matchup, the Pirates have a golden opportunity to exploit his weaknesses and come out on top in this game.


The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a prime position to take down the Colorado Rockies in their upcoming MLB game. With Jose Urena's struggles on the mound, Vince Velasquez's history of success against the Rockies, and favorable weather conditions in Colorado, the Pirates are set to continue their winning ways and snatch another victory.


SEA F5 ML (-150)

First, let's discuss the key factor that makes us confident in the Mariners' chances: their lineup. The Brewers are set to pitch Colin Rea, and frankly, we're loving this matchup for Seattle. The Mariners' hitters have been on fire recently, and they're likely to continue their hot streak against Rea, who has had a less-than-stellar performance thus far. With the likes of Cal Raleigh, who's been belting homers like it's his day job, and Ty France, who's been driving in runs left and right, the Mariners' lineup is ready to wreak havoc on the Brewers' pitching staff.


And speaking of pitching, let's talk about the Mariners' own hurler, Logan Gilbert. The young starter has been nothing short of electric this year, and we're expecting him to continue his dominance on the mound against the Brewers. Gilbert's stuff is no joke, and the Brewers' lineup is going to have their hands full trying to make solid contact against him. Plus, with Gilbert's penchant for racking up strikeouts, we're likely to see plenty of swings and misses from the Brewers' hitters.


Of course, we can't forget about the intangibles. The Mariners have been playing with a sense of urgency and passion lately, and we're expecting that energy to carry over into this game. With their sights set on making a statement against the Brewers, the Mariners are looking like a team on a mission, and we're here for it.


But don't just take our word for it – the numbers are backing up our bold prediction. The Mariners have been solid in clutch situations, boasting a team batting average that's been steadily on the rise over their recent games. Meanwhile, the Brewers have struggled to string together hits and produce runs, giving Seattle the edge in this crucial aspect of the game.


The Brewers may have some weapons of their own, like the power-hitting prowess of Rowdy Tellez and the base-stealing speed of Brice Turang, but the Mariners' overall performance has been more consistent and reliable. And in a game where every hit and run counts, consistency is key.


So, what does this all mean for those looking to place their bets on this epic face-off? Well, we're not in the business of making promises we can't keep, but we can confidently say that the Mariners are looking like a solid pick to come out on top in this matchup. With their potent lineup, dominant pitching, and fiery intensity, the Seattle Mariners are poised to sail past the Milwaukee Brewers and secure a big win for themselves and their fans.


ATL F5 ML (-135)

As a sports analyst, it's not often that we see a perfect storm of factors lining up to give one team the edge over another. However, in the upcoming MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, it's hard not to see the Braves taking the win – and it's all because of one man: Blake Snell.


Fading Blake Snell has become a historically profitable move, and with good reason. The guy has been struggling on the mound lately, with some alarming stats to back it up. Snell is currently averaging over seven walks per nine innings, which is a big red flag for any pitcher. But wait, there's more! Snell is also allowing a Batting Average of Balls in Play (BABIP) of .405. Yikes. That's not a recipe for success, and it's definitely not going to help the Padres in their quest for victory against the Braves.


On the other hand, the Braves are coming in hot with a six-game winning streak, having swept the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals. They've been scoring at least five runs in each game during this streak, and they're certainly not showing any signs of slowing down. They're also hungry for revenge after the Padres took two of three games from them just last week.


So, what does this all mean for the Braves-Padres matchup? It's simple: the Atlanta Braves have all the momentum and a red-hot offense, while the San Diego Padres are relying on a struggling Blake Snell to carry them through the game. It's not looking good for the Padres, and Braves fans should be feeling pretty confident going into this one.


But let's dive a little deeper into Snell's woes. The fact that he's allowing over seven walks per nine innings is a major issue. Not only does it put more runners on base, but it also increases the chances of those runners scoring. It's a dangerous game to play, especially against an offense as potent as the Braves'. And with a BABIP of .405, it's clear that Snell is not only struggling with control, but he's also getting hit hard when batters do make contact. That's a deadly combination, and it's not one that's likely to turn around in time for the Padres to pull off a win.


Now, let's take a look at the Braves' side of things. They have one of the top pitchers in baseball returning to the mound in Spencer Strider, who's coming off a 2.77 ERA last season over a sample size of 20 starts. Strider is dealing on the mound again this year, averaging more than 15 strikeouts per 9 innings. That spells trouble for the Padres, who will need to find a way to generate offense against a pitcher who's been nothing short of fantastic recently.


The Atlanta Braves have everything going for them in this matchup against the San Diego Padres. They have the momentum, the red-hot offense, and a top-tier pitcher in Spencer Strider. On the other side, the Padres are relying on a struggling Blake Snell to turn things around and help them secure a win. It's clear to me that the Braves have the upper hand in this matchup, and I'm confident that they'll come out on top when the dust settles.


LAD F5 ML (-155)

As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up to take on the New York Mets, there's no denying that the matchup is an enticing one for baseball fans and bettors alike. While both teams have had their fair share of struggles this season, the Dodgers are in prime position to secure a victory, with their secret weapon, Clayton Kershaw, set to dominate against the Mets' lineup.


Kershaw's history against the Mets is nothing short of impressive. The left-handed pitcher has consistently kept the Mets' bats at bay, and there's no reason to believe this trend won't continue in their upcoming face-off. The Mets' lineup is known to be strikeout-prone, and Kershaw's devastating curveball and pinpoint accuracy should keep them guessing and swinging at air all night long.


On the flip side, the Mets are sending Tylor Megill to the mound, a young pitcher with an ERA of 2.25. While he's shown flashes of potential, 2 of his 3 starts this season have been against a bad Miami Marlins lineup. His xFIP sits at 4.80. As expected, Megill struggles a little more when pitching on the road. He has allowed a career Batting Avg of .274 and OBP of .314 when pitching in away games.


The Dodgers' righties aren't just powerful; they're disciplined at the plate. They've posted an impressive ISO of .266, and while they may strike out a bit more frequently (25% of the time), they also work an impressive 14.9% of walks. This patience should pay off against Megill, who's walked nearly 11% of batters he's faced. The Dodgers' ability to work counts and draw walks will put pressure on Megill, potentially leading to more hittable pitches and a short outing for the young hurler.


While the Mets have shown some offensive prowess against right-handed pitching, boasting a wOBA of .318 and a walk rate of 16.8%, they'll be facing off against veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has had success against the Mets. In 16 career starts against the Mets, Kershaw has an ERA of 2.17, allowed a batting average of .202 and an OBP of .267.


That being said, the Mets do have some firepower in their lineup, with Pete Alonso leading the charge. While he could pose a threat to Kershaw, the Dodgers' overall pitching depth should be enough to keep Alonso and the rest of the Mets' lineup in check.


As we've seen time and time again, baseball games can be wildly unpredictable, and there are no guarantees in the world of sports betting. However, when it comes to the upcoming showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, the numbers and history point to a decisive edge for the Dodgers. With Kershaw on the mound and a potent lineup ready to pounce on Megill, the Dodgers should be able to secure a victory and continue their quest to climb the standings.

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