MLB Saturday Slate: Expert Picks for Phillies-Mets, Diamondbacks-Rockies & Athletics-Guardians
Table of Contents
Sean Barnard offers his top three MLB betting selections from Saturday’s full schedule, featuring key matchups and promising opportunities.
Baseball fans are in for a treat with a packed MLB schedule this Saturday, showcasing all 30 teams. The day kicked off with an AL East showdown between the New York yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. Other games to watch include the Chicago Cubs versus the seattle Mariners, the Boston Red Sox against the San Francisco Giants, and an NL East clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. The Los angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals will wrap up the night.
Here are three MLB picks for today’s games.
Phillies vs. Mets: Philadelphia to Extend lead
The Philadelphia phillies routed the New York Mets 10-2 in the series opener, seizing a one-game advantage in the NL East. The rivalry between these teams has intensified, especially after New York eliminated Philadelphia in last year’s playoffs, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters.
The Mets are currently on a seven-game losing streak, while the Phillies have won eight of their last nine. Mick Abel will start for the Phillies, making his fifth MLB appearance. The former first-round pick boasts a 2.21 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. The Mets’ offense has been struggling, ranking 28th in OPS, 26th in batting average, and last in runs scored over the past week.
Griffin Canning will take the mound for the Mets. The 29-year-old had a 4.09 ERA in May and a 5.74 ERA in June. In his previous start against the Tampa Bay Rays, he allowed six earned runs in just 4.1 innings and has issued 16 walks in his last five games. his season ERA has risen from 2.90 to 3.80 in just two starts. Philadelphia’s offense has been strong, scoring 35 runs in their last six games, including 10 against the Mets. Expect the Phillies to continue their strong play and secure a 2-0 series lead.
“The Mets have now dropped seven straight games while the Phillies have won eight of their last nine.”
Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Over 12 Runs
Conditions in Colorado are ideal for hitting. While 12 runs is a high total for an MLB game, these teams combined for 22 runs in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 14-8 victory last night. Expect a similar high-scoring affair in Game 2.
Merrill Kelly will start for Arizona, carrying a 3.41 ERA for the season. The Colorado Rockies will counter with Carson Palmquist, who has a 7.76 ERA and allows 2.4 home runs per nine innings.He remains winless in six starts this season, allowing at least two runs in each without pitching beyond the fifth inning. Eugenio Suarez hit two home runs for the Diamondbacks last night, and the team ranks third in home runs overall. With Coors Field being a hitter-friendly park, Arizona is poised to capitalize.
The Rockies’ offense has been productive recently, ranking third in the MLB over the past 15 days, averaging 5.2 runs per game. However, their team ERA is the second-worst at 6.45 during this period. Arizona’s team ERA isn’t much better at 5.21. With both teams hitting well and struggling with pitching,expect the runs to keep coming. Look for these two sides to build on their 22-run performance and exceed 12 runs on Saturday.
Athletics vs. Guardians: Oakland to Triumph
in the late game, the Oakland Athletics host the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland is struggling, having lost seven of their last ten games. They rank last in the MLB in runs over the past 15 days, averaging just 2.9 per game. this offensive slump aligns with their season-long struggles, as the Guardians rank 25th in runs per game and OPS, batting just .231 as a team, and 20th in home runs.
Luis Ortiz will start for the Guardians, holding a 3-8 record and a 4.64 ERA.He is coming off consecutive losses, allowing 10 runs in 10.2 innings. He will face Mitch Spence, who has transitioned from a bullpen role to a starter. Spence is 2-1 this season with a 3.50 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 54.0 innings. He has had three straight starts of 5.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs.
The Athletics have won six of their last 10 games, showing improved offensive performance. They rank sixth in home runs, second in hits, and 13th in total runs. With Cleveland’s offense struggling and Luis Ortiz appearing vulnerable, expect the Athletics to seize control and secure another victory. Spence has shown promise, giving the team a chance to win.
