Betsided

MLB Best Bets Today (Predictions for Michael Wacha, Freddy Peralta and Blue Jays-Astros)

By Donnavan Smoot

Boston Red Sox pitcher Michael Wacha.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Michael Wacha. / Duane Burleson/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

We have a full slate of MLB games to kick the weekend off. Today, I’m split on a pair of pitchers, and I’m targeting a good underdog on the moneyline. 

Let’s get right to it, with all odds via WynnBET Sportsbook: 

MLB Best Bets Today

  • Michael Wacha OVER 4.5 Strikeouts (-128)
  • Freddy Peralta UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts (-130)
  • Blue Jays ML vs. Astros (+152)

Michael Wacha OVER 4.5 Strikeouts (-128)

Wacha is averaging 4.5 strikeouts per outing this season and is coming off a start in which he cleared this line. The Rays strikeout at the sixth-highest rate in baseball (9.15 SO per game). Tampa Bay is aggressive and can be caught swinging. Wacha has been great on the mound this year. His ERA is at 0.96, and he’s allowed three hits in 9.1 innings. I’m expecting Wacha to have a regular performance tonight, which means this line is very much in play.

Freddy Peralta UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts (-130)

Although Philadelphia is 5-8 on the season, the Phillies are one of the 10 hardest teams to strikeout in the majors. They only strikeout 7.85 times per game. Meanwhile, Peralta has missed this line in both of his starts this season. He’s coming off a bad start, giving up seven hits in three innings and only recording 4 strikeouts. With Peralta on the road and struggling, I’m going to bank that today isn’t his finest moment. 

Blue Jays ML vs. Astros (+152)

Although Houston has Justin Verlander on the mound tonight, I have to fade them. Houston is 2-3 in its last five and 3-7 against the run line in the last 10 games. The losses have been ugly for the Astros too. They’ve scored seven runs total in their last five losses. It’s boom or bust with Houston’s offense and tonight is bust. 

Toronto has been playing better baseball than the Astros as of late. The Blue Jays won their last two games against the Red Sox and have seen their offense come to life. The Jays have also covered in two of their last two games. With Toronto looking like it is getting its act together, I’ll back them tonight with plus money. 

Who should you bet on this NBA postseason? Check out BetSided's breakdown of the Eastern and Western Conference brackets!

Home/MLB Picks