With a loaded MLB Slate for Thursday, June 30 we take a look at some of the betting lines that provide some of the most value. The White Sox look to provide some value at -1.5 (+130) while the Astros head to the Bronx and look like a trendy underdog pick at +108.
Run Line: Seattle Mariners -1.5 (-106)
Could the Midseason Mariners strike again?
Seattle turnaround last season was admirable, and it nearly propelled them back into the postseason, finishing just two games out of the final wild card spot, while putting together an impressive 90-win season. The Mariners have quietly started to wake up, winning seven of their last nine games, and they’ve played themselves back into the AL Wild Card picture early.
After sweeping Oakland last week, Seattle’s capable of carrying this momentum into July, especially with second-year stud Logan Gilbert (8-3, 2.44, 89 K) taking the mound this evening.
Look for Seattle to keep the momentum going here, so roll with their run line (-106) here. This one could also turn out to be a late-night snoozer, so give the under of 7.5 a look as well.
Moneyline: San Diego Padres (+116)
We aren’t afraid of the big, bad wolves tonight.
Hanging an underdog on a potential Cy Young candidate is a tricky game. Joe Musgrove (8-1, 2.12 ERA 82 K) is enjoying a career season, and despite him coming off of his first loss of the season, the Padres still carry a distinct advantage on the mound coming into this one.
San Diego has still managed to produce at the plate, despite losing another key piece in Manny Machado, but to win this one they will need to lean on the arm of Musgrove. We like him bouncing back here with a strong performance, and love the Pads as underdogs tonight. Snag San Diego’s moneyline (+116) for this NL West bout.
Moneyline: Houston Astros (+110)
This feels like the payoff game for the state of New York, but why fade Houston when they return home?
The Astros enjoyed a rather successful six-game set in the World’s Greatest City (despite a pair of untimely walk-offs), and they now have a chance to end with a bang at Minute Maid Park. Houston may be receiving the underdog spot here due to Yordan Alvarez’ injury and absence, but this is a talented team who will have the strength of returning home for the first time in a week.
We like the idea of trusting their momentum here. It’s quite fitting, and remember, the Astros did suffer two gut wrenching walk off losses, so despite their success in New York City, their due a happy ending.
Take Houston’s moneyline (+110) confidently tonight.
Totals: Rays/Blue Jays o9.5
We love it when Yusei Kikuchi gets the ball.
On most nights, we can count on the Toronto Blue Jays to produce at the plate. When Kikuchi starts, we also know they’ll be giving up runs as well, fueling optimism for the over here.
With the Rays making today a Bullpen day, they’re also leaving themselves prone to giving up a few runs. Both Tampa and Toronto have found production at the plate, with the host among the league leaders in all major offensive categories.
Nine of the Blue Jays last eleven games have resulted in overs, and that trend may just continue here. Take the over 9.5 (-106) for this AL East battle.
