MLB Betting: Thursday Best Bets

MLB Betting: Thursday Best Bets

This article is part of our MLB Picks series.

Previous: 1-4, -3.6 RWBucks
Overall: 82-68-1, +2.72

Not a good stretch the last couple of days as predicting the full outcomes on baseball games is getting more challenging this season. What I mean is, taking a team side or total based on the full nine innings. The first three and first five innings bets are becoming more attractive along with more individual pitcher outcomes like strikeouts, earned runs, total outs and home runs allowed.

Mariners vs. Rangers, 4:10 p.m. EDT

Marco Gonzales vs. Mike Foltynewicz

I have bet on the Mariners at home a lot this year, especially in the underdog role, and gone against the Rangers on the road. I have also gone against Folty in the first five innings, which I will continue to do here. The Rangers have nothing to play for, and while the Mariners are pretty much out of the playoff race, they are still playing to win.  The Mariners are a -220 home favorite, so look for an opportunity of value between -100 and -130, or in the case we get even money on the first three innings.

BET: Mariners first three innings -0.5 runs (+100) for 1 RWBuck

Red Sox vs. Rays, 4:10 p.m. EDT

Tanner Houck vs. Drew Rasmussen

I really like getting the Red Sox at close to even money at home even in the midst of their recent struggles. The pitching matchup heavily favors the Red Sox even though Houck may only go five innings max.  So with the Sox bullpen a question, let's just worry about the first half of this game.

BET: Red Sox first five innings -0.5 runs (+105) for 1 RWBuck

Giants vs. Rockies, 9:45 p.m. EDT

Logan Webb vs. German Marquez

Another pitcher I have been on recently is Webb and he has come through in both over on strikeout props and under on earned runs. The Rockies' struggles on the road this year have made them an instant fade anyway, especially when there is such a huge park shift in Colorado vs. San Francisco.  With Marquez on the mound, I am avoiding wagering on the outcome of the game. I trust in Webb going against the Rockies at home and him being able to limit them from scoring.

BET: Logan Webb over 17.5 outs (-120) for 1 RWBuck

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Rathburn
Known as “Rath” in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) community, he has helped run operations for two prominent daily fantasy sports startups. Michael has taken his insider knowledge and expertise in daily fantasy sports to the content side. Rath won the 2016 FSWA "Baseball Article of the Year, Online" award and was a finalist for the FSWA Best Baseball Series in 2011.
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