Welcome back to another Saturday of MLB picks as we take a closer look at all of today’s games. Let’s dive into MLB Best Bets and Player Props as you enjoy the weekend action!

Our top MLB predictions today feature the Diamondbacks vs. Cubs and the Orioles vs. Rangers matchups. Plus, we wrap up our Saturday baseball betting card with some top MLB props. 

Enjoy the afternoon and night baseball as we cash our plays! 

 

 


 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 7/20

As always, be sure to shop around for the best Vegas Odds and Lines at different sportsbooks. The odds in this article below are accurate as of this writing. 

Without further ado, let’s check out my MLB best bets and props for Saturday, July 20th!

 

 


 

Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Prediction Today, July 20th

As the second half of the MLB season gets underway, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs go head-to-head this weekend in a series with potential NL Wild Card implications. We could also see both teams involved in moves before the trade deadline. As for Saturday night’s matchup, let’s see how to bet it. 

Kyle Hendricks has struggled almost all season for Chicago and now he has to face a dangerous Arizona lineup. Hendricks has an ugly 6.78 ERA this season (7.71 ERA as a starter) as he gets hit hard nearly every time out. Yes, he’s coming off of 7 shutout innings vs. St. Louis – but don’t put too much stock into that. The aging right-hander allowed 9 runs over his previous 5.2 innings beforehand and has a 6.37 ERA at home this year. 

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are crushing right-handed pitching lately and should get to Hendricks. They boast a .360 wOBA, 133 wRC+, .240 ISO, and .848 OPS vs. righties since the start of July. This offense also has better splits on the road this year (.322 wOBA, 107 wRC+). Arizona faced Hendricks back in April and plated 7 runs against him.

As the D-backs do damage, we can see the Cubs add to the total too. Arizona starter Zac Gallen has looked shaky lately with 15 runs allowed over his past three starts, including 7 and 5 in the past two outings. Something is off with Gallen, who maybe isn’t fully healthy still after recently missing time with a hamstring injury. The right-hander’s 4.27 xERA, 24.1% strikeout rate, and 47.5% hard-hit rate are all career-worst marks this year. 

The Cubs are also hitting righties well recently with a .350 wOBA, 128 wRC+, .201 ISO, and .816 OPS in the split in July. The offense woke up before the All-Star break, averaging 5.5 runs per game in the final 11 contests of the first half. If Chicago can carry the hot bats over, then Gallen may be in line for another poor outing. 

As always with Wrigley Field games, check out the weather before locking in any bets here. Still, the over for both the full game and first five innings is the play based on this matchup. 

Expert Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Picks

  • Over 8.5 Total Runs (-105 FanDuel Sportsbook)

 

 


 

Orioles vs. Rangers Prediction Today, July 20th

Saturday night brings along one of the more entertaining MLB matchups of the day. It’s Max Scherzer and the Texas Rangers hosting the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles. Let’s break it down. 

Scherzer has been solid since coming off the Injured List a month ago. The veteran right-hander has a 2.96 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through 5 starts for Texas so far. Though he’s not as dominant as in years past, it’s encouraging to see Scherzer be this productive at age 39 and after dealing with early-season time off. 

The Orioles, meanwhile, have struggled against right-handed pitching lately. In July, they have just a .284 wOBA and 85 wRC+ vs. righties. Maybe the All-Star break does the lineup some good, but it’s hard to trust the offense in its recent form. Baltimore averaged just 2.3 runs per game in the 7 contests before the break. Scherzer faced the O’s last month and allowed 2 runs over 5.1 innings.

On the other side, let’s bank on Scherzer getting run support from the Texas hitters. Baltimore starter Grayson Rodriguez has had some good moments but there are a few worries. The right-hander has a 4.59 ERA on the road this season compared to a 3.14 ERA at home. He just got knocked around for 6 runs by the Yankees last time out and has been prone to blowup outings.

While the Texas offense has underperformed this season, it can do damage against Rodriguez here. The Rangers are hitting righties well lately with a .335 wOBA, 116 wRC+, and .770 OPS in the month of July. At home this month, they boast a .357 wOBA, 128 wRC+, and .830 OPS. The Rangers also averaged 5.2 runs per game in the 14 contests before the All-Star break. This is a tough road matchup for Rodriguez, who’s had struggles away from Baltimore. 

Grab the Rangers on the ML for the full game and to lead after five innings. 

Expert Orioles vs. Rangers Picks

  • Rangers ML (+106 FanDuel Sportsbook)
  • Rangers 1st 5 Innings ML (-108 FanDuel Sportsbook)

 

 


 

Best MLB Player Props Today, 7/20