MLB divisional round: odds, picks, predictions and best bets
The Major League Baseball playoffs continue with the start of the divisional round on Saturday. World Series favorite will be in action, as the Dodgers, Astros, Braves and Orioles will be on the diamond.
These best-of-five game series are bound to offer many wagering opportunities, and the best MLB betting sites are your place to start.
Odds and lines for the American League series are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.
Game 1: Dane Dunning (12-7, 3.70 ERA, 140 K in 172.2 IP) vs. Kyle Bradish (12-7, 2.83 ERA, 168 K in 168.2 IP)
In two starts against TEX this season, Bradish allowed only one run in 8 ⅓ innings.
The Orioles had the American League’s best record, and their 101 wins are the most for the franchise since 1979, when the O’s advanced to the World Series. To do that again, the Birds will need production with men on base from their core quartet: Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Anthony Santander, and Ryan O’Hearn. Unfortunately for them, the Rangers have a deep pitching staff with hard throwers to stymie that group. We expect this series to go five games, even with the O’s favored.
Rangers +120 and getting two runs in Game 1. There’s something to be said for being “hot,” and Texas is coming off their two biggest postseason wins in more than a decade, while the Orioles have been idle for nearly a week.
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Game 1: Joe Ryan (11-10, 4.51 ERA, 197 K in 161.2 IP) vs. Justin Verlander (13-8, 3.22 ERA, 144 K in 162.1 IP)
Houston is famous for shortening their approach and making contact in the postseason. For that reason, avoid K props for opposing pitchers like Ryan.
You can call this one the Carlos Correa Battle, as the Twins shortstop squares off against his former team. But, Correa isn’t the biggest worry for Verlander and the Houston staff: it’s rookie Royce Lewis, who doesn’t seem to realize he should be nervous on the big stage. The kid smacked two home runs to win Game 1 and has 17 HR in 60 MLB games this season. Minnesota won four of six meetings between these teams in the regular season.
It’s hard to bet against Verlander, who is making his 35th postseason start. This is his 13th start in game one of a playoff game, and his teams have gone 7-5 in his previous starts in that situation. JV is 4-0 with a 3.56 ERA in game one of an ALDS series. That’s why we like -160 on Houston to win this game.
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Odds and lines for the National League series are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Game 1: Merrill Kelly (12-8, 3.29 ERA, 187 K in 177.2 IP) vs. Clayton Kershaw (13-5, 2.46 ERA, 137 K in 131.2 IP)
Kershaw under the bright lights is a must-watch affair. The lefty is nearing the end of his career and his quest for another World Series ring starts tonight.
Few are expecting the Diamondbacks to give the Dodgers much trouble. But, while most people want to see an LA/ATL series in the next round, we think the Snakes will have bite here. Arizona plays with aggressive abandon, and if they can get a second starter to pitch along with Zac Gellen, they can push this series long. The Diamondbacks bullpen pitched 9 ⅓ scoreless innings in the Wild Card round.
We all know LA: superstars all over the diamond. This team has the elite players (Mookie Betts, Kershaw, Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez) to dominate the opposition. But don’t sleep on Jason Heyward, who finds a way to contribute in big games. If you want a player prop to hit, consider Heyard to hit a HR, drive in a run, or 2+ hits in Game 1.
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The Dodgers are one of baseball’s best and with Kershaw on the bump, they should tally the win tonight. This two-way bet from DraftKings boosts their odds and acknowledges that the divisional rivals should keep the game close.
Game 1: Ranger Suárez (4-6, 4.18 ERA, 119 K in 125 IP) vs. Spencer Strider (20-5, 3.86 ERA, 281 K in 186.2 IP)
Yes, you read that right: an MLB-best 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings pitched. Spencer Strider is a gamer. The Braves get a lot of talk for their fear-inducing batting lineup, but Strider is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.
This is the series many baseball fans are drooling over. It’s a battle of two powerhouse lineups, and teams with top-line starting pitchers. It’s a clash of division rivals. And it’s a rematch from last October’s playoffs when the Phillies defeated Atlanta 3-1 in the NLDS.
This time, Atlanta has a lineup that smacked out more than 300 home runs. They have a record five 30+ HR hitters, with first baseman Matt Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Austin Riley, center fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Last fall, the Braves were outscored 24-13 by the Phillies in the playoffs. This year, Atlanta aims to put pressure on their opponent with power, power and more power.
The Braves are the favorites to win the World Series and rightfully so. However, that path goes through the reigning NL Champs who knocked them out last year. The Phillies have won the first game of their last four playoff series, dating back to 2022.
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