MLB Best Bets for Saturday, July 7th
Just a brutal day on the diamond, but we can get it all back today and we are already up on the week. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way, 13 runs were scored in the Sox/Orioles game, but only three of them were scored before the fifth inning ended. Oh well.
Royals vs. Indians
This isn’t a matchup most people would pay attention to besides the fans for the two teams involved. Betting changes all of that. Mike Minor for the Royals has given up at least one run in every start, and some of his starts have been very good. The problem is he also has been inconsistent so you’re not sure when one of those good starts will appear. Having faced the Indians a few times in his career, Minor has a very strong .103 Indians average against him. Cal Quantrill has given up two hits in 18 at-bats against him from Royals’ hitters. The former reliever-turned-starter has been better at home, but he’s only had two starts there so it really is too early to tell. I’m playing the under 9 on this game.
Yankees vs. Astros
You aren’t going to find Gerrit Cole at -110 very often. Then again, you won’t find Zack Greinke at -106 very often. So how do you play this opportunity? Cole has already had a start against the Astros and the Yankees lost 7-4 after Cole surrendered only two runs in seven innings. Greinke has not been very good at home this year – he has a 5.26 ERA on his home mound. He also has faced the Yankees once this year where he gave up three runs in four innings. Greinke’s home struggles, coupled with a not so strong bullpen for the Astros, I’m taking Cole and the Yankees to win.
Reds vs. Brewers
I’m not making a play on either side in this game. I am instead taking a player prop. This isn’t a huge swing, but it will require a bit of luck on this. Vladimir Gutierrez is averaging 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He has faced the Brewers twice and ended with seven and six strikeouts in those two games. The Brewers are 27th in the Majors in strikeouts per game, averaging 9.72 per game. I’m taking Gutierrez to get the Reds at least 7 strikeouts today at +185. I feel more comfortable with six, but it is not currently available. I do like the plus money for seven strikeouts though.
