MLB Betting Guide: 2 Best Bets for Thursday, April 18
Our MLB selections didn't go as planned on Hump Day, as we finished up at 1-2. Honestly though, we were quite lucky to not go 0-3. The Yankees pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Jays to save us from the golden sombrero.
After a tremendous 16-4 start to the season, we've gone just 12-15 with our last 27 plays. All in all though, a 28-19 record is profitable, and that's always a good thing!
Thursday's MLB card was small, with only 5 games on the slate. However, we did find 2 best bets that we're quite fond of. Check them out! Good luck, fellow sports investors!
Cubs -149 (BetMGM)
My first thought on this game was that the Cubbies should be in the -190 range. I get that Jameson Taillon wasn't that great last season, but I trust him a heck of a lot more than Miami starter AJ Puk. Puk's 24.1% walk rate is by far the worst in the Majors.
Puk's command issues could be a serious problem against this Chicago lineup. The North Siders are batting .292 against lefties this season while averaging 6.5 runs per 9 innings against them. Michael Busch leads the club with 6 homers and a .317 batting average.
The Cubs bullpen has been kind of erratic, but I still think they're better than the Marlins in that area. Chicago has a bullpen ERA of 4.25, which isn't great, but it's much better than Miami's 5.87. Let's lay the moderate price with the Cubbies.
Diamondbacks +146 (FanDuel)
Yes, I know that Logan Webb is a solid starter for the G-Men but this price is out of control. Though the Snakes have underperformed to start the season, I still have them as the 10th best team in MLB. I have San Fran down in the No. 15 spot.
Arizona will start Ryne Nelson on the hill, and although he doesn't have incredible stuff, he's coming off his best start of the year. Nelson only allowed 1 earned run in 6 innings of work against the Cardinals on April 13. His K-rate is on the lower side at 20.3%, but that's still higher than Webb's (17%).
I prefer the D'Backs lineup over the Giants, mainly because they have very little weak spots. Ketel Marte and Loudes Gurriel both have 5 homers apiece on the young season. Also, it's only a matter of time before Corbin Carroll finds his groove.
I'll even give a slight nod to Arizona in the bullpen department. The D'Backs have a combined reliever ERA of 4.08. That's almost a full run lower than San Fran's (5.05). Give me the Snakes at this nice underdog price!
Best MLB Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 at DraftKings