MLB Best Bets for Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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The last couple of weeks until the playoffs are here, and we already have our first playoff team locked up in the Giants. Today, though, we look for three winners to help you cash tickets.

Indians vs. Twins

My play in this one is going to be the Indians team total over 4.5 at -110. That’s always a scary proposition when you bet on the Indians as they average 4.33 runs per game, and oftentimes, it feels like they put up less runs than that. However, tonight, they get to face Griffin Jax. Jax is a 6.72 ERA pitcher for the Twins who has struggled to remain consistent, other than being consistently bad. He has faced the Indians twice this year, once allowing four runs (two earned) and once allowing just three earned runs. Those games the Indians scored four runs, and seven runs. However, Cleveland had fourteen men on base in those 10 innings against Jax. I’m playing the over on their team total.

Cardinals vs. Mets

Don’t look now, but the Cardinals are in sole possession of first place of the second-place wild card… you may need to reread that to understand, but all it means is that the Cardinals are in the playoffs if they started today. Kind of. They are in the wild-card game at least. When did baseball get so confusing? Anyway, tonight, Jon Lester, a mid-season acquisition takes on the Mets. After starting his Cardinals career allowing 16 earned runs in 20.1 innings, he has rebounded nicely. Over his last four starts, he’s allowed five earned runs over 23.2 innings. Tyler Megill has been inconsistent at best. One start he will toss seven innings and allow two earned, the one before that, he goes six and allows four. Overall, he has been fine as a starter, but not enough to be favored tonight. Play the Cardinals first five at +138.

Athletics vs. Royals

I’m seeing a bit of movement in favor of the Royals. I’m not sure exactly where this love is coming from because Mike Minor is not a good pitcher. For the Royals on the season, he has a 5.05 ERA and after the first time through the lineup, he is allowing hitters to bat over .350 against him. So basically, he is decent for three innings, then a disaster. On the A’s side, they have Sean Manaea. Manaea is a mid-three ERA pitcher with good stuff and a couple of back-to-back quality starts against the White Sox and Blue Jays. Both of those teams are, well, a lot better than the Royals. The one concern I have is that the Royals are .259 hitters against lefties and do tend to win games against lefty pitchers. I really think Manaea should be able to control the Royals hitters today, after all they are just 7-for-33 against him in their career. I’m going to play the A’s to win the game at -126.