MLB betting cheat sheet and odds: Big Totals in the Big Apple?
A series between the new-look Yankees and the mashing Orioles has the feel of an Over series this weekend in the Bronx.
It is the final weekend of August and that means playoff races are heating up in the MLB. We break down all the best betting notes and information to help you handicap this weekend's series, including some big totals on the board when the Orioles visit the Yankees.
Big Totals in the Big Apple?
The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles could be strong Over plays this weekend as the American League East rivals do battle in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees were 5-1 O/U in their most recent six-game homestand before heading to the West Coast and playing to the Under in five of six games against the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners. Of note, the Yanks and O's have faced each other 10 times this season, playing to the Over just twice.
Something’s Gotta Give
Speaking of totals, the top Over team in baseball takes on the league’s strongest Under play as the Minnesota Twins visit Rogers Centre for a three-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Twins have amassed the league’s best Over rate based mostly on a combination of terrible pitching and a better-than-advertised offense. It has been the exact opposite for the Blue Jays, whose pitching has been sensational while the offense has been less explosive than it was in 2015.
Interleague Misery
The Oakland Athletics would probably rather just stick to facing American League opponents - but they won’t get that opportunity this weekend as they head to Busch Stadium for a weekend set with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Athletics are tied with three National League teams for the worst interleague record in baseball at 5-12, and have lost their last seven games against NL foes. They’re also 6-10-1 O/U over that stretch. The Cardinals are a dismal 7-10 against the AL.
Injury Notes
* The Toronto Blue Jays are welcoming back slugger Jose Bautista, who has been out since Aug. 10 with a knee injury. The Blue Jays haven’t missed Bautista all that much this season; they’re 27-18 for +350 units in his absence, going 19-24-2 O/U over that stretch.
* The Boston Red Sox are down another outfielder, placing rookie Andrew Benintendi on the 15-day DL with a sprained left knee. His loss could be a significant one for the Red Sox, who have gone 12-9 SU and 10-11 O/U in the 21 games in which Benintendi has appeared.
Batting Notes
* The Cincinnati Reds should be very careful pitching to Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt this weekend. The Diamondbacks first baseman is 8-for-11 with two homers and four RBIs lifetime against Reds weekend starters Brandon Finnegan, Anthony DeSclafani and Homer Bailey.
* Who says baseball is a young man’s game? Entering Thursday, the top three RBI leaders in the American League are all 33 or older: Toronto’s Edwin Encarnacion (33, 101 RBIs); Boston’s David Ortiz (40, 100 RBIs) and Los Angeles’ Albert Pujols (36, 99 RBIs).
Pitching Notes
* Make the Under a serious consideration Friday when Kansas City Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy faces Steven Wright and the host Boston Red Sox. Kennedy is a sensational 7-15 O/U for the season, and has pitched to the Under in 10 of his last 12 starts overall.
* Has Ivan Nova found a new lease on major-league life? The New York Yankees castoff looks rejuvenated in Pittsburgh, with the Pirates having won all four of his starts so far. Nova has allowed just nine runs in those four starts; he toes the rubber Sunday against host Milwaukee.
Totals Trend
The Royals’ hum-drum offense and sensational bullpen have combined for an incredible run of Unders. Kansas City is 5-17-2 O/U since July 30, with no consecutive Overs in that span.
Ump Stat of the Day
The Indians aren't happy to see Lance Barrett behind home plate for tonight's game against the Rangers. Cleveland is 0-7 in the last seven games where Barrett has been calling balls and strikes. The Indians send Corey Kluber to the hill and are -135 favorites, while the Rangers will counter with Martin Perez and are on the board at +125.
Friday's Weather Report
* In Arlington, there is a 50 percent chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms for tonight's game between the Rangers and Indians. The total for the game is currently 9.0.
* At Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, there is a 32 percent chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms for today's game between the Cardinals and the Athletics. The total for the game is currently at 8.5.