After a disappointing 0-2 night in baseball, we're ready to get back on track. The Padres continued to be a thorn in our side and our bankroll. The Dodgers got out to an early lead over the Jays, but they ended up losing in extra innings.
Here are 3 MLB Best Bets for Tuesday, July 25. Let's go 2-1 or better with these! Good luck with your picks today.
Best Bet: Angels (+110)
I love E-Rod, but the wrong team is favored in this spot. My power ratings have the Angels as the 14th best team in baseball. The Tigers are sitting in the 26th spot in those ratings.
As good as Rodriguez has been, Griffin Canning has been just as solid of late. Canning struck out 12 against the Yankees 8 days ago and he has an ERA of only 2.60 over his last 5 starts. This kid has a very nice slider and the ability to confuse hitters.
The Angels have been hitting lefties pretty well lately. They've averaged 7.9 runs per 9 innings against southpaws over their last 5 games. The Tigers have only averaged 3.9 runs per game against righties in their last 5. Give me the team with the better lineup at the underdog price.
Best Bet: UNDER 4.5 (F5) (-125)
You may have to shop around to find this number, but I'm okay with 4 at plus-money if that's all you have access to. We mentioned above how we like both of these starting pitchers, so we might as well find a way to capitalize on that.
Both of these starters have high K-rates and low walk rates, which is something to look for when playing an Under. Rodriguez has struck out 26.8% of hitters and has only walked 5.5% of them. Canning isn't too shabby either, at 24.8% and 7.5% respectively.
Shohei Ohtani is the only guy in the LAA lineup with an XSLG above .450. Detroit has 3 guys that meet those criteria, but Riley Greene, Jake Rogers, and Andy Ibanez aren't going to scare many folks. Let's play the Under in the first 5 innings to avoid these bullpens.
Best Bet: Cubs (-109)
This may be my favorite bet on the board. I trust Kyle Hendricks a whole lot more than Michael Kopech. Hendricks doesn't overpower anyone, but he's a savvy veteran who knows how to pitch and he never walks many guys. Kopech throws hard but has a walk rate of freaking 14.1%.
I also prefer the Cubs bullpen over the White Sox. North Sider relievers have allowed 4.37 runs per 9, while the South Siders are sitting at 5.23. Never underestimate the power of the bullpen edge.
The Cubs lineup is also stronger than the White Sox. The Cubbies have averaged 7.4 runs over their last 5 games while the Chi-Sox have only averaged 4.2. Go Cubs Go!
