Bryan Armetta shares his two favorite MLB bets today on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s seven-game slate.
A seven-game Thursday is set to take place across Major League Baseball. Things get started this afternoon, when the Blue Jays host the Cubs in a battle of World Series contenders. Later, the surging Guardians will hope to earn a series win against the Marlins. At night, Kodai Senga and the Mets are set to take on the rival Braves at Citi Field.
Even with a small slate of games on tap, there’s plenty of enticing wagers on the board. Before the start of Thursday’s matchups, here are two MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
A nightmare fourth inning led to an 11-6 defeat for the Mets last night. It’s the 12th loss in 15 games for New York, a troubling sign for a group with World Series aspirations. The team will look to bounce back on Thursday with staff ace Kodai Senga on the mound. It’s been a terrific year for the Japanese hurler. Unfortunately for the Mets, his last four starts have not been great (6.61 ERA, 1.78 WHIP). Still, it’s likely a blip on the radar. Senga has allowed two runs or less in 14 of his 18 starts this season.
Despite Wednesday’s offensive outburst, this is still a mediocre Braves offense. Atlanta is averaging just 4.29 runs per game, the 11th-lowest mark in baseball. In addition, the team is without All-Star sluggers Austin Riley (abdominal) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf). Braves starter Bryce Elder has been one of the National League’s worst arms, as well (6.12 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). The right-hander owns a mediocre 4.74 ERA over four career meetings with New York. Given the disparity on the mound, expect a comfortable win tonight for the Mets.
The Rockies, at 32-88, are on pace for one of the worst seasons in MLB history. Still, it’s not as if their opponents on Thursday are world-beaters. The Diamondbacks, 59-62, underwent a major firesale during last month’s trade deadline. Although Arizona still has some offensive firepower, this is now one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. That’s bad news heading into a matchup at Coors Field, baseball’s most hitter-friendly venue.
Taking the mound for the Rockies will be Bradley Blalock, making his ninth start of the season. It’s been a rough year for the 24-year-old, owner of a 7.89 ERA. However, he’s not the only lackluster arm taking the hill. Eduardo Rodriguez has been a major disappointment, posting a 5.68 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP. E-Rod’s ghastly 11.4 hits allowed per nine innings could also spell disaster tonight. When the lefty last faced Colorado on August 9th, he coughed up five runs in 5.1 innings. That start was in Phoenix; it’s difficult to envision a better performance at Coors Field. Even at a massive 12-run total, the over looks quite tempting in this one.