Daily MLB Tips – Tuesday, October 15

Daily MLB Tips – Tuesday, October 15

Ryan Cook
Cleveland Guardians @ New York Yankees, 9:40am  

Game 1 

There are storylines aplenty heading into what shapes as a fascinating ALCS between two polar opposites. 

The Yankees are sending Carlos Rodon to the mound for the opener, the 31-year-old facing all the pressure after allowing four earned runs in just 3.2 innings of work against the Royals during the Divisional Series.  

Side by side, the Bronx Bombers hold an edge in terms of offence, but it’s worth noting the Yanks only outscored Kansas City by three runs.  

Elsewhere, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge as his postseason struggles continue, but New York fans can rest easy knowing Giancarlo Stanton continues to swing a hot bat with Anthony Volpe also getting on base. 

Not to be outdone, the Guardians boast their share of talented hitters, particularly atop the lineup in the form of Steven Kwan (.524 Postseason AVG) and the always-dangerous, Jose Ramirez.  

The Guards have a big advantage when it comes to the bullpen, locked down by the league’s top closer Emmanuel Clase and strong middle relief arms like Tim Herin and Hunter Gaddis.  

I’m leaning the way of the Yankees in Game 1, but I think Cleveland can put some runs on the board against Rodon. They ranked Top 5 in runs scored against left-handed pitching, and bottom five in strikeout percentage against southpaws during the regular season.  

Keep in mind, the Guards had a stretch of 20 innings without scoring a run against the Tigers, so if those struggles continue, this series be over within five games against a loaded Yankees lineup that averaged over 50 home runs more during the regular season.  

  • Tip: Back the Yankees to Win @ $1.62 
  • Next Best: Guardians Over 3.5 Runs @ $2.02 
  • Player Pick: Lane Thomas to Hit a Home Run  
Bet now: Guardians v Yankees

Daily MLB Tips – Saturday, October 12

Ryan Cook
San Diego Padres @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:10am 

Game 5 – Series Tied 2-2

A fitting end to what has been a memorable series between two fierce division rivals.  

Managerial decisions loom large as we look back to Game 4. Mike Shildt chose to send Dylan Cease to the mound in what turned out to be a blowout, while the Dodgers took a bullpen approach knowing full well Yoshinobu Yamomoto or Jack Flaherty would be ready to roll for a potential decider.  

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts is yet to make a decision on who will take the mound as I write, but we do know Yu Darvish is the man on the rubber for the Friars on the road.  

A potential Hall of Famer, Darvish was rock solid in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, tossing seven innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits. 

On paper, the Dodgers have a serious advantage – as they do over every team in the league – when it comes to depth and bullpen arms. But with that said, the Padres may have done themselves a subtle favour on Thursday by losing 8-0. 

With the game out of reach, Shildt chose to stay away from his relief arms down the stretch, which not only affords them extra rest, but also means the Dodgers haven’t seen them quite as much as the Padres have seen the Los Angeles bullpen.  

Shohei Ohtani aside, the offensive star power is fairly even across the board in my opinion, so if the Padres can get five solid innings out of Darvish and turn things over to Robert Suarez, they’ll be on track to cause one of the biggest upsets of the last decade. 

  • Tip: Back the Padres to Win @ $2.15 
  • Player Pick: Yu Darvish Over 4.5 Strikeouts
Bet now: Padres v Dodgers

Daily MLB Tips – Friday, October 11

Ryan Cook
Cleveland Guardians @ Detroit Tigers, 8:10am 

Game 4 – DET Leads 2-1 

It’s win or go home for the Guardians on Friday after they were shut out 3-0 in Game 3.  

Tanner Bibee is back on the mound on five days’ rest after throwing in Game 1, a strong four-inning shutout that paved the way for Cleveland’s opening victory.  

The second-year righty is the Guards’ true ace atop the rotation, but if he fails to last at least five innings, I think things could get a little dicey for the visitors.  

Emmanuel Clase, one of the game’s best closers, is no doubt going to make an appearance, but it’s worth noting Cleveland used both Tim Herrin and Cade Smith in setup roles last night. 

The Tigers remain a mystery as they lean heavily on their bullpen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some Tarik Skubal for an inning or two, as well as Reese Olson. 

This entire series has boiled down to either team scoring early and falling back heavily on their bullpen. With fresher arms and guys like Kerry Carpenter swinging a hot bat, I think it’s advantage Detroit in what will go down as one of the biggest upsets in Postseason history. 

  • Tip: Back the Tigers to Win @ $1.94 
  • Player Pick: Tanner Bibee Over 5.5 Strikeouts  
Bet now: Guardians v Tigers
New York Yankees @ Kansas City Royals, 10:10am  

Game 4 – NYY Leads 2-1 

The series swings back around to Gerrit Cole facing Michael Wacha, a repeat of the opening matchup that saw the Yankees win 6-5.  

New York pulled off a similar narrow victory last night thanks to the bat of Giancarlo Stanton, while the Royals blew a late chance in the eighth inning after Salvador Perez found himself on base with two outs.  

Both Cole and Wacha gave up three runs each in Game 1, but even if he gives up hits to MJ Melendez and Tommy Pham again, the Yankees can rest easy knowing they are loaded with depth to fill in down the stretch.  

With the series on the line, you can expect to see Luis Gil and maybe more from Clay Holmes down the stretch, while the Royals simply lack the Royals could potentially throw Cole Ragans back into the fray before turning to Brady Singer.  

This should be a fascinating game that could potentially go down to the wire, but on talent and depth, the Yankees are the clear cut winners. 

  • Tip: Back the Yankees to Win @ $1.64, Royals Over 3.5 Runs @ $2.02 
Bet now: Yankees v Royals

Daily MLB Tips – Sunday, October 6

Ryan Cook
Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees, 8:40am 

Game 1 

The Yankees have enjoyed a week off after securing the AL East crown over the final few days of the regular season.  

They’ll face a hot Royals team that just knocked out the O’s in dramatic fashion away from home, but remains a stiff test against last year’s AL Cy Young winner, Gerrit Cole.  

Over the last 30 days, Cole has been one of the most reliable arms in the league, allowing a combined nine earned runs across five starts to go with 30 strikeouts.  

In similar fashion, Cole has kept the Royals in check throughout his career, posting an ERA below 3.00, matching a similar 2.93 mark when he pitches in the postseason.  

It goes without saying that the Yankee lineup holds more power compared to Kansas City’s, highlighted by the fact they rank fifth in the league in runs scored over the last calendar month. 

Rested and looking to build on a winning end to the regular season, the Yankees look the play with their ace on the mound for Game 1. 

  • Tip: Back the Yankees to Cover the Run Line (-1.5) 
Bet now: Royals v Yankees
San Diego Padres @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:40am 

Game 1 

Hands down the series we all hoped for between two fierce division rivals.  

The Padres have owned the Dodgers during the season series winning six of their last 10 games, while at least on paper, I think the Friars have a serious advantage on the mound from top to bottom. 

Los Angeles’ rotation is still wounded with Clayton Kershaw, River Ryan, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin on the IL, not to mention the Dodgers are also questionable offensively with Freddie Freeman listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury.  

The Padres showed during their sweep over the Braves that their bullpen is the real deal, and even though they have some pitching question marks of their own when it comes to Joe Musgrove, they are easily the healthier team of the two. 

You could argue this is a must-win game with the Dodgers starting Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the Padres would also like to make use of their healthy arms with Dylan Cease slated for Game 1.  

Cease has averaged close to three earned runs allowed over his last five starts, but the right-hander did hold this same Dodgers lineup to just three hits when they met earlier in July.  

With a break between starts, my money is on Cease and the Padres on the road as outsiders. 

  • Tip: Back the Padres to Win @ $2.15 
  • Player Pick: Dylan Cease Under Earned Runs Total Allowed 
Bet now: Padres v Dodgers

Daily MLB Tips – Wild Card Round Day 3

Ryan Cook
New York Mets @ Milwaukee Brewers, 10:40am  

Series Tied 1-1

A date with the Phillies in the Divisional Series awaits Friday’s winner of Game 3.

After losing 8-4 in Game 1, the Brewers responded in the late innings yesterday thanks to a second HR from Jackson Churio, and some more heroics from pinch-hitter Garrett Mitchell.  

The pitching matchup for Game 3 sees Jose Quintana face off against Tobias Myers, a rematch of their meeting last Sunday that saw Mets shutout 6-0.  

Quintana has been solid over the last four weeks, but his four-seam fastball velocity was lacking at times, while he also gave up eight hard hits in play over the 4.1 innings he pitched.  

Myers was much more solid striking out five across four scoreless frames, while I’ve already written extensively over the last couple of days about the Brewers’ success against left-handed pitching all year.  

It’s worth noting the Mets have posted a 41-32 record over the season following a previous loss, but it feels as though they are lacking some production from big names like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, while I also wonder if the added travel over the last week is starting to catch up to them. 

With Churio swinging for the fences, the price for the Brewers to win the series is tough to ignore.  

  • Tip: Back the Brewers to Win @ $1.82 
  • Player Pick: Starling Marte to Hit a Home Run 
Bet now: Mets v Brewers

Daily MLB Tips – Wild Card Round Day 2

Ryan Cook
Thursday’s Home Run Bets  

Marcell Ozuna @ San Diego Padres 

  • Ozuna has recorded three doubles in 20 plate appearances against Padres starter Joe Musgrove. 

Yordan Alvarez vs Kansas City Royals  

  • Alvarez has been Houston’s most productive hitter against lefties this year, averaging .362 against southpaws to go with 10 HR.  

Salvador Perez @ Baltimore Orioles  

  • Perez has some nice career numbers against O’s starter Zach Eflin, including a home run that registered over 98 MPH off the end of the bat. 
Bet now: Home Run Bets
New York Mets @ Milwaukee Brewers, 9:10am  

NYM Leads 1-0

Sean Manaea is back on the mound in Milwaukee on Thursday for Game 2 against the Brewers.  

The Mets pounced in the middle innings on Wednesday on their way to a surprising 8-4 win, led by Jesse Winker’s triple and some clutch hitting from Mark Vientos.  

Manaea was hit hard for five earned runs across 3.2 innings of work against the Brew Crew last week, so this is a slightly favourable matchup for the home side given they finished the season ranked 12th in runs scored against lefties.  

That said, Brewers starter Frankie Montas gave up a pair of runs in a short outing against the Mets last week himself, so there’s every reason to believe this could be a high-scoring game with so much on the line. 

In terms of the series, the Mets will be glad they were able to rest star closer Edwin Diaz yesterday after the 30-year-old threw multiple innings earlier in the week.  

Whether that proves the difference remains to be seen, but with the Mets lineup swining a hot bat, and the Brewers still stuck in a drought that has plagued them over the last fortnight, we could be looking at a stunning two-game sweep.  

  • Tips: Back the Mets to Win, Over 7.5 Runs 
Bet now: Mets v Brewers
Atlanta Braves @ San Diego Padres, 10:40am 

SD Leads 1-0

The Braves drew the short straw in the Wild Card round, traveling to the West Coast on short rest to face a healthy and loaded Padres lineup.  

Austin Riley and Ronald Acuna Jr’s absence was always going to make this a tough ask for the visitors, while the way their rotation has worked out has also seen the likes of Spencer Schwellenbach require some rest.  

Fortunately, Max Fried is scheduled to start Game 2, good news with the lefty coming off an eight-inning shutout against the Royals last week that involved nine strikeouts and two walks.  

Looking at the numbers, Fried has made only two starts at Petco Park, and both have been exceptional.  

The veteran 30-year-old threw a complete game shutout against the Friars way back in 2021, before returning two years later where he gave up a grand total of zero earned runs across five frames. 

Those numbers are by no means a fluke, so based on what we saw from his stuff last week against Kansas City, I feel confident backing the Braves on Fried’s arm.  

  • Tip: Back the Braves to Win @ $2.00 
  • Player Pick: Max Fried Over 4.5 Strikeouts @ $1.85 
Bet now: Braves v Padres

Daily MLB Tips – Wild Card Round Day 1

Ryan Cook
Wednesday’s Home Run Bets  

Parker Meadows @ Houston Astros  

  • Meadows has been Detroit’s hottest hitter over the last week, recording eight hits, including a homer and a double.  

Adley Rutschman vs Kansas City Royals  

  • Rutschman has been one of Baltimore’s best hitters against lefties, mashing 7 HR and nine double for a .329 average. He also owns five hits in just seven plate appearances against Cole Ragans.  

Francisco Lindor @ Milwaukee Brewers 

  • Lindor played a huge role in booking the Mets a Wild Card spot when he went yard on Tuesday. He’s also homered against Freddy Peralta in the past.  
Bet now: Home Run Bets
Detroit Tigers @ Houston Astros, 4:33am  

Fascinating three-game matchup to start with between Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and his former side.  

The Astros are the more experienced, playoff conditioned outfit, but there’s something to be said of Detroit’s run during the second half, led by their outstanding rotation.  

Future AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has been at the forefront of the Tigers’ success, while their bullpen might be the deepest in the American League.  

Skubal has faced the Astros twice this year to mixed results, striking out seven and giving up a couple of runs in late May, and then giving up four runs at Minute Maid Park a month later.  

The health of Yordan Alvarez is worth monitoring throughout this series, but the Astros do look the bet in Game 1 based on their 12-8 record this season after a day off.  

Keep an eye on Yordan Alvarez’s status, but with Houston’s rotation and bullpen matching that of Detroit’s, this series should go the distance. 

  • Tip: Back the Astros to Win @ $1.65 
  • Player Pick: Tarik Skubal Over 1.5 Earned Runs Allowed @ $1.65 
Bet now: Tigers v Astros
Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles, 6:10am  

Another stellar pitching matchup with Cole Ragans set to face former Cy Young award winner, Corbin Burnes.  

After losing 106 games last year, the Royals have been the story of the season in 2024, led by Bobby Witt and Ragans’ surprisingly reliable arm.  

The O’s, meanwhile, were the best team in baseball for a stretch, but their second half has seen the bullpen and some of Adley Rutschman’s weaknesses exposed.  

This is a tricky series to bet on, but there are a couple of deciding factors that have me leaning towards Baltimore.  

Over the last month, we’ve seen Ragans allow only one homer and just three runs, but his walk total has gone up quite significantly in comparison to previous monthly totals.  

At the same time, the O’s are better suited to playing at their home park with a lineup full of lefty hitters, while the Royals are relying primarily on righties like Witt and Salvador Perez.  

Overall, the Royals have a huge advantage on the mound, but with power from top to bottom, the O’s are the stronger offensive team.  

In my mind, whoever wins Game 1 probably wins the series, and with Ragans facing the biggest start of his five-year career off a six-day break, I’m leaning O’s.  

  • Tip: Back the Orioles to Win @ $1.65 
  • Player Pick: Corbin Burnes 6+ Strikeouts 
Bet now: Royals v Orioles

Daily MLB Tips – Tuesday, October 1

Ryan Cook
Tuesday’s Home Run Bets  

Pete Alonso @ Atlanta Braves 

  • Alonso recorded a double off Braves starter Spencer Schwellenback earlier in the year, a hit that registered 93.6 MPH off the bat.  
Bet now: Home Run Bets
New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves, 3:10am  

Truist Park should be rocking on Tuesday for this two-game doubleheader against the rival Mets.  

The math is simple from here: with two Wild Card spots available, a split series would see both sides qualify, while a sweep from either team would be enough for the Diamondbacks to sneak in.  

Betting is a little tricky with both sides keeping their cards close to their chest, and as I write, it looks as though Spencer Schwellenbach is the only confirmed starter for Game 1.  

The Braves’ rookie right-hander is looking to cap off a strong month that has seen him allow only nine combined earned runs across five starts, which includes seven innings of one-run, four strikeout ball against this same Mets lineup last week.  

The fact the Mets are yet to decide on their starters at this point is slightly troubling, especially after Jose Quintana threw on Sunday before David Peterson picked up yesterday’s win over the Brewers.  

In all likelihood, we’ll get Taylor Megill for Game 1 and Luis Severino for Game 2, which plays into Atlanta’s hands given Schwellenback’s dominance over New York this year.  

Throw in the fact closer Edwin Diaz threw nearly 30 pitches in yesterday’s victory, and you’ll suddenly find there are more than a few reasons to feel confident about Atlanta in the first game. 

  • Tip: Back the Braves to Win @ $1.65 
  • Player Pick: Spencer Schwellenback Under Earned Runs Allowed 
Bet now: Mets v Braves

Daily MLB Tips – Saturday, September 28

Ryan Cook
Saturday’s Home Run Bets 

Kyle Schwarber @ Washington Nationals  

  • Schwarber has hit 3 HR already over the last week. He also owns 6 HR against Nats starter Trevor Williams.  

Brandon Lowe @ Boston Red Sox 

  • Lowe owns 3 HR against Nick Pivetta. He’s also gone yard twice over the last seven days. 

Shohei Ohtani @ Colorado Rockies  

  • Ohtani has hit 3 HR during his career at Coors Field. He’s hit 5 HR over the last seven days and has recorded a couple of doubles against Rockies starter, Cal Quantril.  
Bet now: Home Run Bets
Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals, 8:45am  

The Phillies will have their sights set firmly on the postseason, but having just taken two from three against the Cubs, they are still taking care of business against teams they should be beating.  

The division rival Nationals fall into that category, a team they beat up just over a month ago when they won three out of four games.  

Nats veteran Trevor Williams has been pitching well of late, but he did give up three earned runs to this same Phillies side when they last met.  

Several of the Phillies’ best hitters own solid numbers against the righty, including power hitter Kyle Schwarber, who has recorded 6 HR and Nick Castellanos, who owns 14 hits from 38 plate appearances.  

  • Tip: Back the Phillies to Cover the Line (-1.5 Runs) @ $1.90 
Bet now: Phillies v Nats
Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees, 9:05am  

This looks like a good spot to bet on the Yankees at home.  

Carlos Rodon is likely to take the mound for the Pinstripes hoping to build on last week’s six-inning, four-strike shutout against the A’s in Oakland.  

Rodon has quietly been one of the most reliable pitchers through the month of September, racking up 29 K’s across four starts for the 13th lowest ERA among qualified pitchers.  

Most importantly, the Pirates have struggled all year against left-handed pitching, ranking in the bottom half in walks and runs, and Top 5 in strikeout rate.  

  • Tip: Pirates Under the Run Total  
  • Player Pick: Carlos Rodon Over Strikeout Total  
Bet now: Pirates v Yankees
New York Mets @ Milwaukee Brewers, 10:10am  

It looks as though we’re getting Sean Manaea taking on Frankie Montas for the start of this three-game series between the Mets and Brewers. 

Manaea has been one of the catalysts for New York’s second half turnaround, pitching to a sparkling 2.36 ERA across five starts through the month of September with only four home runs allowed.  

The Mets are also playing off back to back off days due to inclement weather on the East Coast, so it’s worth noting they’ve played to a 9-6 record overall following an off day this year.  

With Manaea’s road splits suggesting he’s a more trustworthy arm away from home than he is at Citi Field, this looks a good spot for him to bounce back from an average outing against the Phillies last week and steer his side to a win. 

  • Tip: Mets to Win @ $1.87 
  • Player Pick: Sean Manaea Over Strikeout Total  
Bet now: Mets v Brewers

Daily MLB Tips – Friday, September 27

Ryan Cook
Friday’s Home Run Bets 

Bobby Witt Jr @ Washington Nationals 

  • Witt Jr has taken Patrick Corbin deep once and recorded a double in three plate appearances. 

Anthony Santander @ New York Yankees 

  • Santander is the hot bat in Baltimore’s lineup, smacking 3 HR over the last seven days. He’s struggled against Gerrit Cole, but did manage a double against him earlier in his career registering 94.2 MPH off the bat. 
Bet now: Home Run Bets
Los Angeles Angels @ Chicago White Sox, 4:10am  

The market looks just about right here between these two American League cellar dwellers.  

Tyler Anderson is on the mound for the Halos making his 31st start, and although he’s been prone to giving up a home run or two over his last five starts, he does draw a slightly favourable matchup against this historically bad White Sox team.  

Chicago’s biggest kryptonite for most of the year has been lefties, currently ranking dead last in runs scored and Top 10 in strikeout rate.  

Anderson’s road starts thios year have been mixed, but if he brings the same stuff he did to Yankee Stadium and more recently, Minute Maid in Houston, he should rack up some K’s in an Angels win. 

  • Tip: Back the Angels to Win @ $1.82 
  • Player Pick: Tyler Anderson Over Strikeout Total  
Bet now: Angels v White Sox
Baltimore Orioles @ New York Yankees, 9:05am 

The Yankees’ lead atop the AL East was shrunk to four games with yesterday’s 9-7 loss, and as the market suggests, this Game 2 matchup is basically a guessing game with star aces Gerrit Cole and Corbin Burnes on the mound. 

Both righties have been exceptional so far this month, allowing a grand total of one combined earned run with both posting under 10 hits respectively.  

With that in mind, the Under probably stands out as the safest play, especially with Burnes sporting a tidy 2.44 career ERA through the months of September/October.  

  • Tip: Under 7.5 Runs @ $1.90 

 

Bet now: Orioles v Yankees