MLB Best Bets Today, 10/7: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday
Welcome into the MLB Best Bets Today on this Monday, October 7th as you enjoy the MLB Postseason action! We begin the new week in MLB picks with the early stages of the ALDS tonight as a pair of Game 2s are set to go down and with the slates getting smaller it gives me a chance to really dig deep.
Today you will find four MLB predictions for the pair of games set to take place and each one of them I love! Good luck out there everyone and see you all back here tomorrow!
MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/7
In this MLB Best Bets Today article you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines and Team totals to plenty of player props for the action today in MLB Picks!
Remember to double check that betting card for the MLB best bets today as well, don’t want to put down the wrong wager! Check out the rationale and if you agree with me make sure to tail and good luck!
Now, let's dive into my expert MLB Best Bets today!
- Postseason Record: 4-6-0
- Postseason Bankroll: -1.1 Units
- Regular Season Record: 220-174-3
- Bankroll: +25.4 units
*Follow me on X/Twitter @jwaggs10!
Tigers vs. Guardians Prediction: Monday, October 7th
The Tigers finally got a dose of postseason reality over the weekend as the Guardians came out swinging early in Game 1 of their ALDS series!
The good news for Detroit, though, is that Tarik Skubal is on the bump today, which usually means great things for the Tigers. The Cleveland offense is a good one that averaged 4.7 runs per game at home this season but Skubal has only allowed 4 earned runs over his last 29.2 innings pitched.
So, with that, I am thinking in terms of an under wager. I want to keep it specifically to when Skubal is in the game though so for a wager in this Game 2 give me the Guardians under 1.5 team total runs in the 1st 5 innings!
The next wager for this game will come with backing the arm of the other starter, Cleveland’s Matthew Boyd. It’s a revenge game of sorts for Boyd as he spent many years in Detroit and now will get the chance to shut down a Tigers offense that has the fourth-highest strikeout percentage on the road this season at 25.7%!
During his 4 starts in September, Boyd struck out a total of 26 batters over 17 innings of work. His prop of 4.5 Ks just seems too low for me today. Give me the over on Boyd as a pitchers' duel should take center stage this afternoon!
- Expert Tigers vs. Guardians Picks:
- Guardians Under 1.5 Team Total Runs – 1st 5 Innings (-160 on DraftKings)
- Matthew Boyd (CLE) Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-145 on DraftKings)
Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 10/7
- Kansas City Royals Money Line (+130 on DraftKings)
- Salvador Perez (KC) Over 1.5 Hits/Runs/RBIs (-115 on DraftKings)
Player News
Shota Imanaga was removed from Tuesday’s start against the Pirates with leg cramps.
Imanaga appeared to be in some obvious discomfort after giving up a leadoff double to Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning and departed with a trainer following a visit from Cubs manager Craig Counsell. The 31-year-old lefty struck out three over five shutout innings to open the contest. It sounds like his early exit was merely out of an abundance of caution. He should be able to make his next scheduled start on Sunday against the Brewers.
Diamondbacks SS prospect Jordan Lawlar went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two RBI on Tuesday for Triple-A Reno.
Lawlar continues adding extra defensive versatility to his profile, spending time at both second and third base in recent weeks, and appears to be on the precipice of making it back to the big leagues. The 22-year-old projects as a potential five-category impact fantasy contributor thanks to his power/speed combination. He’s hitting .364 (39-for-107) with 20 extra-base hits — six home runs — and 12 stolen bases through 27 games this season for Triple-A Reno. It’s time.
Twins OF prospect Walker Jenkins (ankle) received a cortisone injection and isn’t expected to return to minor league game action until June.
Jenkins has dealt with an array of physical issues since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. The immense talent and upside is undeniable, but he’s struggled to stay on the field at times. The 20-year-old top prospect isn’t expected to return to game action at Double-A Wichita until early June after receiving an injection to address lingering ankle soreness. He’s a top-10 prospect for dynasty purposes, but the lost development time is starting to become a minor concern.
Josh Lowe (oblique) took batting practice on Tuesday.
Lowe took on-field batting practice off a pitching machine for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain back on Opening Day. He’s expected to progress to facing live pitching on Friday and could potentially kick of a minor league rehab assignment this weekend in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 27-year-old fantasy standout is likely to require a couple weeks of game action to get back up to speed, but it sounds like he could potentially return by mid-May, barring any setbacks.
Giants signed OF Cal Mitchell to a minor league contract.
It didn’t take Mitchell long to find a new home. The 26-year-old outfielder latches on with the Giants just a couple days after being cut loose by the White Sox. He was hitting .111 (3-for-27) in 10 games at the Triple-A level this season.
Mariners signed RHP Bryan Shaw to a minor league contract.
Shaw fortifies Seattle’s relief depth at Triple-A Tacoma after failing to make the Reds’ season-opening roster in spring training. The 37-year-old journeyman righty has made a whopping 796 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2011.