MLB Best Bets For 7/27/2020

We haven’t even made it a week into the MLB season, but things already look to be in jeopardy. After an outbreak of COVID-19 within the Marlins, we’ve already had two games canceled Monday, and the MLB is reportedly set to hold an emergency meeting. As things stand right now, we are still scheduled to have some games Monday. So there is still money to be won. Let’s dive into a few MLB wagers that are worth considering. All odds were obtained from the BetMGM Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Brewers @ Pittsburgh Pirates: Brewers ML (-177)
The Pirates are a mess. They were among the worst teams in MLB baseball last year. And they didn’t make any significant moves to improve their roster for 2020. In fact, they made it worse by trading Starling Marte to the Diamondbacks. Further piling on is that they have been without Gregory Polanco at the start of the season because he tested positive for COVID-19.
This is all setting up nicely for the Brewers to earn a win in the first game of this series. Steven Brault is expected to start for the Pirates, and he really struggled last year, posting a 5.16 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He also isn’t expected to work deep into the game, which means the Pirates’ bullpen will be busy. It’s a bad bullpen, too, that is currently without closer Keone Kela. Look for the Brewers to take advantage and emerge victorious.
Related: The NBA is Returning…and we’re going to Disney World!
Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners: Astros Over 5.5 Runs (-103)
This run line seems like a gift. The Astros have already feasted on the Mariners’ pitching staff, scoring at least six runs in each of the first three games of their series. They are without Yordan Álvarez (undisclosed), but their lineup is still incredibly potent with Alex Bregman, George Springer, and Jose Altuve leading the charge.
The Mariners don’t have many quality options in their starting rotation, which is partially why they are turning to Kendall Graveman to start this game. Graveman hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018, after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His career was nothing to write home about before the injury, considering his career 4.54 FIP and 1.38 WHIP. The Astros could score in bunches here.
New York Mets @ Boston Red Sox: Mets Over 5.5 Runs (-108)
The Red Sox’s pitching staff is a disaster. First, Chris Sale (elbow) was lost for the season because of Tommy John surgery. They are now also without Eduardo Rodríguez, who is dealing with complications from testing positive for COVID-19. That has left them to already go with a bullpen game Monday. Josh Osich will serve as the opener, with Zack Godley expected to follow and pitch the bulk of the innings.
Godley struggled while pitching for the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays last year, mainly because he struggled to keep runners off base. He posted a 1.50 WHIP after recording a 1.45 WHIP in 2018. The Mets already had a quality lineup consisting of Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, and Jeff McNeil. It’s even more dangerous now that Yoenis Céspedes is able to serve as the DH. Take the over.
New York Mets @ Boston Red Sox: Over 11 Runs (-107)
I already like the Mets to hit the over on their runs total and I think this will be a high-scoring game in general. Michael Wacha will make his debut for the Mets after posting a 5.61 FIP in his final campaign with the Cardinals. He also allowed 1.9 HR/9, which could be a recipe for disaster against the powerful Red Sox. The Red Sox are coming off of three games against the Orioles, in which nine total runs were scored in each contest. The Mets’ lineup is light years ahead of the Orioles, so look for runs to be plentiful on both sides.