MLB Playoff picks: Best bets for ALDS Game 1s
Well, that didn't take long. The Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins swept their respective American League wild-card series with relative ease, and now we've got two enticing ALDS matchups to break down. The Rangers will face the Baltimore Orioles, and the Twins will go up against the Houston Astros. Both series will start on Saturday, Oct. 7.
As we prepare for the ALDS, let's get started with our best bets for both Game 1s.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers
Saturday, Oct. 7, 1:03 p.m. ET
Orioles moneyline (-135 DraftKings)
The Orioles won 101 games in the regular season. They outscored opponents by 129 runs and went 51-39 against teams with a winning record, which was the best mark in the AL. Yet, they're still being undervalued in the betting market.
The Rangers' top two pitchers, Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi, pitched in the wild-card series and won't be available for Game 1. It'll be Dane Dunning on the mound for Texas, who doesn't inspire much confidence.
Orioles ace Kyle Bradish, on the other hand, has been fantastic all season. The right-hander has given up just five hits and one earned run against the Rangers in 8.1 innings this season, and he hasn't given up a run in his last 14 innings pitched.
Dane Dunning over 1.5 walks (+100 DK)
Dunning struggled with his command down the stretch of the regular season. Over his last eight starts, the right-hander recorded 20 walks for an average of 2.5 per game. Add in the pressure of his first career ALDS start and what should be a raucous crowd in Baltimore, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Dunning has trouble with his control.
Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins
Saturday, Oct. 7, 4:45 p.m. ET
Twins moneyline (+138 FD)
This Twins team has a chance to make a magical run in October. Minnesota has the pitching to anchor a postseason run, a smart manager in Rocco Baldelli and a rising superstar in Royce Lewis, who has all the makings of a playoff hero.
Whether the Twins roll with Joe Ryan or Bailey Ober in Game 1, they present some value as underdogs. Justin Verlander isn't who he used to be, and he has to face a Minnesota lineup that's averaging 6.4 runs per game with a .855 OPS over its last nine games.
Carlos Correa over 0.5 hits (-160 DK)
I don't understand this line at all.
Carlos Correa is batting .417 against Verlander in 15 career plate appearances. The Twins shortstop went 3-7 in the wild-card series against the Toronto Blue Jays. He's also hit safely in six of his last seven playoff starts. This price should be over -200, so we'll take the discount on -160.
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