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MLB Best Bets - 7/14/2023

Kyle Kennedy

Been a while since some write ups on some picks. But baseball is back from the All-Star break! Got 5 picks for tonight's MLB slate. Odds according to BetSaracen.

Phillies ML (-105)

"There's a buzz in the air as we head into today's MLB face-off between the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. Sure, both teams had a rocky start to the season, but I'm putting my chips on the Phillies – and here's why.


Firstly, let's talk about the man of the hour – Cristopher Sanchez. Fresh from the minors and already making waves in the Phillies' starting rotation, Sanchez is a force to be reckoned with. He's the kind of pitcher who could give even the most experienced of hitters a run for their money, and with a 2.84 ERA under his belt this season, it's clear he's not messing around.


But, let's not just focus on the numbers. Sanchez's real strength lies in his adaptability. He's a 3-pitch maestro, deftly altering his game depending on the batter. Against lefty hitters, he's all about the sinker and slider, while against righties, it's the sinker and changeup, with the occasional slider thrown in for good measure.


This spells trouble for the Padres, who have struggled against sliders and changeups in the first half of the season, ranking 6th and 7th respectively. Add to that a batting average of .235, and the Padres' offensive line-up isn't looking too hot.


On the mound for the Padres is veteran pitcher Yu Darvish. Now, nobody's denying Darvish's experience or skill, but the stats paint a troubling picture. With a .309 BABIP and a negative win probability added on the season, Darvish has been struggling to find his groove. And facing a titan like Sanchez, the odds don't seem to be in his favor.


Let's also touch upon Sanchez's impressively low walk rate of 4%. This highlights his exceptional control and ability to limit base runners – a key factor in the Phillies' anticipated victory. Additionally, Sanchez has managed to keep his WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) to a mere 1.03 this season. This shows that he's not just limiting walks, but also hits – a deadly combination for any opposition.


It's clear that the numbers are leaning towards the Phillies. With Sanchez's stellar performance and the Padres' batting woes, this game is shaping up to be one hell of a showdown. And although baseball is a game where anything can happen, I reckon the Phillies have the upper hand.


So, get ready for an intense game of baseball, folks! With Sanchez's undeniable prowess and the Padres' struggling offense, I'm backing the Phillies to take the win. It's not a 'sure thing', but it's a calculated guess – and in the unpredictable world of sports, that's as good as it gets."


Mets ML (+105)

In the sports world, a player's narrative can quickly flip from zero to hero, and it seems like we're witnessing such a transition with Justin Verlander. After a rocky start to the 2023 season, Verlander has been clipping his way back up the pitcher's mound, making the Mets a potential favorite in tonight's game against the Dodgers.


Verlander's stats over the last 30 days are nothing short of impressive, boasting a 2.03 ERA and limiting opposing hitters to a .222 batting average. That's some serious heat, folks. This is a pitcher who's got his groove back, and it couldn't come at a better time. The Mets are squaring off against the Dodgers, a team that despite leading the NL West with a 51-38 record, has been dealing with an injury-plagued pitching rotation.


Now, don't get it twisted. The Dodgers aren't exactly sitting ducks. They've got depth, talent, and championship pedigree. But the Mets have Verlander, and right now, that's a major asset. His recent performance isn't just a blip on the radar; it's a signal of a seasoned pro finding his footing and delivering results.


Verlander's resurgence isn't just about numbers, though. It's about timing and momentum. The MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint, and Verlander is hitting his stride at just the right time. He's pitching with confidence and, in doing so, is helping to galvanize a Mets team that's hungry for success.


The Dodgers, while formidable, have had their fair share of struggles. They've been riddled with injuries, particularly to their pitching staff. Couple that with the pressure of maintaining their lead in the NL West, and you've got a team that, while talented, is facing some significant challenges.


In contrast, Verlander's recent success has brought a sense of calm and stability to the Mets' rotation. His improved performance isn't just helping him get batters out; it's energizing his teammates and providing a much-needed boost to the team's morale.


Tonight's game presents a window of opportunity for the Mets. Sure, they're up against one of the top teams in the league, but they've got a secret weapon in Verlander. His recent turnaround isn't just a feel-good story; it's a game-changer, one that could very well tip the scales in their favor.


So, for all you fans and bettors out there, keep your eyes on the prize and watch out for Verlander. Tonight's game isn't just about the Mets versus the Dodgers; it's about a veteran player making a comeback and a team ready to rally behind him. And if recent performances are anything to go by, the Mets just might pull off a win for the books.


Brewers ML (-120)

Hey, sports bettors and baseball fanatics, we've got a barn-burner of a matchup on tap for you this weekend, as the Milwaukee Brewers square off against the Cincinnati Reds. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one, especially with the Brewers' ace, Corbin Burnes, set to take the mound.


Corbin Burnes, folks, has been an absolute beast for the Brewers this season. He's been mowing down hitters like it's his job – well, technically it is, but you get the point. On the season, he's kept opposing hitters to a paltry .209 batting average, making him a tough nut to crack for any offense.


But it's not just about the raw stats, folks. When it comes to stepping up in clutch situations, Burnes has been money. He's been a true game-changer for the Brew Crew, with a .80 WPA/LI on the season. That just means he's been adding a significant amount of win probability for the Brewers, and has been coming through when it matters most. That's the kind of pitcher you want on your side when the chips are down.


On the flip side, the Reds are sending Graham Ashcraft to the mound. Now, Ashcraft has had his moments, but the numbers don't lie. A 6.28 ERA and a .318 BABIP this season tell their own story. Ashcraft has been more of a liability for the Reds this year than an asset, with a -1.20 win probability added. And let's not forget that he gave up a whopping 10 runs to the Brewers back in June.


Now, don't get me wrong, Ashcraft has shown improvement in his recent outings. The Reds have been patient, allowing him to figure things out on the job, and it's paid off to an extent with consecutive 1-run starts. But the fact remains that he struggled mightily against the Brewers in their last meeting, and there's little reason to believe things will be dramatically different this time around.


As for the game itself, the Reds have had some success with late-game heroics, and their bullpen is statistically a hair better than Milwaukee's. That's something to keep in mind. But the Brewers' lineup is stacked with veteran hitters who are likely to give Ashcraft and the Reds' bullpen a run for their money.


Bottom line: it's shaping up to be a tough night for the Reds. With Burnes on the mound and a lineup of seasoned hitters, the Brewers are in a prime position to take this one. If Burnes delivers his usual 6 or 7 solid innings, the back end of his bullpen should be able to close out the game.


So, if you're looking to place a wager, the smart money's on the Brewers. As always, make sure to check the betting lines and odds before making your move. And remember, while no outcome is ever certain in sports, there's a lot to like about the Brewers' chances in this one.


Good luck, folks, and enjoy the game!


Braves -1.5 (-120)

If you've been following baseball this season, you know the Atlanta Braves aren't just hot, they're a flaming inferno. The Braves have been demolishing their opposition, leaving no doubt about their dominance in the first half of the season. We've seen them propel into action, averaging an impressive 5.6 runs per game, a .492 SLG, and a .339 OBP. The stats don't lie, folks. This isn't just a team; it's a well-oiled machine, a force to be reckoned with.


The Braves' offensive prowess has been nothing short of explosive. Their team batting average is off the charts and the runs just keep on coming. That's not just good for the team; it's good for us bettors too. The Braves' ML has been a money printer this season, and I don't see that changing tonight.


As we cruise into the second half of the season, the Braves continue their onslaught against the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox, who've been nothing more than middle-of-the-pack this season, are sending Michael Kopech to the mound tonight. Kopech, who has been struggling to find his rhythm, is allowing walks at an alarming 13.1% walk rate. Add to that, the Braves’ offense is the best in the league against right-handed pitching, slugging an absurd .476.


Now, I'm not saying it's going to be a total blowout. All I'm saying is, looking at the statistics, the numbers lean heavily in the Braves' favor. Kopech will have to bring his A-game if he wants to contain the Braves' explosive offense. But given his recent form, that's not something I'd put my money on.


And let's not forget about the Braves' own mound maestro, Charlie Morton. Morton is on a hot streak, having allowed just one run over his last 12.0 innings of work. With him on the mound, the White Sox are going to have their work cut out for them. I believe Morton is going to continue his run of form, making it even harder for the Sox to keep up.


The Braves have been so dominant that it’s hard for me to see them slowing down, especially against a White Sox team that is already talking about being trade deadline sellers. While I can't say it's a sure thing, the Braves covering the spread tonight is a solid bet, one that I wouldn't hesitate to take.


In baseball, anything can happen. But when you're hot, you're hot. And right now, no one's hotter than the Atlanta Braves. So, let's sit back, enjoy the game, and watch the Braves continue their reign of dominance. I'll see you on the other side of the run line.


Astros ML (+135)

As we gear up for tonight's clash between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels, the narrative is clear: the Astros are in a strong position to take the win. Why, you ask? Let's dive into the stats and find out.


First up, let's talk about the big gun - Shohei Ohtani. No doubt, Ohtani has been a force to reckon with on the mound this season, boasting an impressive 32% strikeout rate and holding opposing batters to a measly .189 average. But let's not forget, baseball is a team sport, and one man, however dominant, can't carry the whole team on his shoulders.


That's where the Angels are falling short. With Mike Trout out of the lineup, the Halos are struggling to put points on the board. Trout's absence has left a gaping hole in the Angels' offense, and they've been scrambling to fill it ever since. The result? A lackluster performance at the plate that's left them vulnerable to teams with strong pitching - like the Astros.


Speaking of the Astros, let's shift our attention to the man on the mound - J.P. France. France has been a steady presence for the Astros this season, with a solid 3.26 ERA and positive win probability added. What does that mean? In simple terms, when France is pitching, the Astros are more likely to win. And that's the kind of edge that can make all the difference in a close game.


Sure, baseball is unpredictable. A single pitch can change the course of a game. But when you're placing your bets, you want to go with the team that has the best chance of pulling through. And tonight, that team is the Houston Astros.


Of course, we can't predict the future. But we can analyze the data we have and make the best possible guess. And as far as this game is concerned, the data points to the Astros. So, if you're looking for a smart bet in tonight's MLB action, don't sleep on the Astros. They've got the pitching, they've got the momentum, and they've got a great chance of walking away with a win.


So, there you go, folks. That's the lowdown on tonight's MLB showdown. Now all that's left is to grab your snacks, settle into your couch, and get ready for some top-tier baseball action. It's going to be a blast!


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