It’s time to get back to the MLB Best Bets and Betting Picks today and we have a fantastic 15-game slate here from which to choose. We started off the week on the right foot, though it could have been a much bigger day had we not been let down by Zach Eflin and the Rays. Who would have thought that the Oakland Athletics would be so much of a betting nemesis this season? Not only did the Rays bats look weak and sluggish against James Kaprielian, but Eflin crumbled early as well. Good thing we didn’t tie in any parlays with that game. Are we going back to the well again today? We’ll see what the books give us as we go through all the latest MLB betting odds and check out where we can find the best value, between money lines, run lines, over/unders, etc. Don’t forget to also check the latest MLB weather reports as well. Maybe we’ve got some wind blowing to our advantage. Ready? Let’s get to it.

  • Monday’s Record: 3-2
  • Season Record: 88-84-2
  • Bankroll: -5.60 units
 

MLB Best Bets for June 13

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs

When I looked at this match-up and saw the Pirates as a +110 underdog on the money line, I felt an overwhelming urge to bet the Buccos. Jameson Taillon has been terrible for the Cubs this season, having allowed at least four earned runs in five of his last six starts. The Pirates are also coming off taking two of three from the Mets and have had a very strong start to the month of June. But Pittsburgh starter Luis Ortiz has had some difficulties this season and while the ERA is a moderately respectable 4.23, his WHIP is abusive at 1.81 and it’s just a matter of time before that starts to catch up to him. He’s also walked almost as many batters as he’s struck out, so he’s actually giving it away right now. On top of that, the Pirates bullpen has the fifth-worst ERA over the past week. So rather than sweat a Pittsburgh win on the road against a division rival, we’ll stay focused on the weak starts and shaky bullpen. The win may be blowing from left to right today instead of out, but runs will be scored.

Pick: Pirates/Cubs over 8.5 runs (-120 on BetMGM)

Washington Nationals at Houston Astros

It’s been a rough ride for the Astros recently as they dropped two of three to the Guardians right after dropping three of four to the Blue Jays. Their offensive numbers are pretty dismal over the past seven days and they’ve been tough to trust. But then Patrick Corbin comes-a-calling and suddenly the universe is about to right itself. Corbin hasn’t been as disgusting as he usually is, but he pitches to way too much contact and the Astros have a .330 wOBA with a .177 ISO against southpaws this season. I expect to see them jump all over Corbin in this first game back from a putrid road trip. On the other side, it’s Hunter Brown who has had just one hiccup over his last five starts and the Nationals, who were surging for a couple of weeks, have dramatically come back down to Earth with a .270 wOBA over the past week. We’ll find value here.

Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 run line (-120 on Caesars Sportsbook)

Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks

The Phillies may have been caught off-guard yesterday, but with Zach Wheeler on the bump today, this game is likely to take a much different turn,. At least for the start of it, that is. Their bullpen has been horrendous with a 7.71 ERA over the past week, so we’ll stay focused on Wheeler keeping those DBacks bats in check. His last start was impressive and he looked like the Wheeler we know. That bump in the road against Washington needs to be quickly forgotten. Expect Wheeler to keep Arizona in check while the Phillies bats, particularly their lefties, jump all over Zach Davies early. The 30-year-old righty is coming off an impressive outing, ironically against the Nationals, but he pitches to a lot of contact and the bats will get him.

Pick: Philadelphia Phillies First 5 Innings -0.5 run line (+100 on BetMGM) 

**all bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.