MLB Best Bets Today (Fade Stars Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcantara)

Even though this is a baseball column, I can’t help myself but rejoice that NFL football is back. The new season doesn’t start until night time, so I have some MLB props to bet on before the game kicks off. 

We had a perfect 3-0 day last night, so let’s keep the good times rolling with today’s picks!

MLB Best Bets Today

Dylan Cease UNDER 8.5 Strikeouts – Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners

Cease is fantastic, but I just can’t back him at this line. He hasn’t hit at least nine strikeouts (what he would need to clear this) since the middle of July. Even though he’s facing the Athletics – who are 22nd in strikeout rate – nine is too much to ask. 

In his last start, Cease went a full nine innings and only struck out eight batters. He won’t go a full game in consecutive starts, so the UNDER is the right play on this one. 

Sandy Alcantara UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts – Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Even with the dominance, I think this line is a little high for Alcantara. He’s only cleared this line twice in his last seven games. The Phillies aren’t a hard team to strike out, but they also aren’t an easy team to get swinging and missing. They are 16th in the league in strikeouts per game.

You can still expect a good outing from him, but don’t expect a double-digit strikeout game.

Nestor Cortes UNDER 5.5 Strikeouts - New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

Cortes has been out on the 15-day IL with a groin injury and is making his return tonight. I wouldn’t love this line if Cortes was fully healthy, and certainly don’t love it coming off an injury. He’s finished under this line in seven of his last 10 starts. Minnesota is in the upper half of the league in strikeout rate, and I’ll trust their offense against Cortes who will be making his way back. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.