Tracking MLB betting action for Saturday, July 3rd

.The last time I gave out best bets in MLB, which was for Thursday’s main slate, it did not go so great. After having an impressive 4-0 night on Wednesday, we did a complete 360 and went 0-4 on Thursday night. Within those four losses, there were some bad beats, starting with White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon. The AL Cy Young candidate had 9 strikeouts in 5.0 IP against the Twins. The official play was 8.5 strikeouts at -118 odds, which we almost had but Rodon battled and struck out Miguel Sano to end the inning. Then, the Athletics (-167 on the ML) lost 8-3 against the Rangers. To wrap-up the night, the Diamondbacks defeated the Giants (-150 on the ML) and Corbin Burnes couldn’t get over 7.5 strikeouts (+120) against the Pirates.

That being said, we are due for a major bounce back on Saturday. Here we’re going to be tracking all the best MLB picks base on the odds and lines on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s baseball action.

MLB picks for Saturday, July 3rd - Record YTD (7-6)

White Sox (-121) vs. Tigers

For our first pick of the day, we are going to pick the Chicago White Sox, who have won five consecutive games, with four of them coming against AL Central opponents. The White Sox are averaging 8.6 runs during their current win streak and will try to make it six straight wins on Saturday afternoon against Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Skubal has been okay this season with a 4-7 record and 4.06 ERA in 16 games (14 starts). But he’s given up 16 HRs and 36 walks, which isn’t necessarily great. But with Skubal having 94 strikeouts, it kind of balances things out. The 24-year-old pitcher has pitched well at home this season with a 3.20 ERA and .238 opponents batting average. Skubal has faced the White Sox twice this season, where he has a 1-0 record and 3.27 ERA. He also comes into the matchup with xwOBA of .354 and 46.8% hard hit, which does not bode well against the hot Chicago offense. In the other clubhouse, Keuchel has pitched well this season with a 6-2 record and 3.96 ERA. The veteran pitcher isn’t necessarily a strikeout guy like Skubal, but has managed to only give up 1.6 earned runs per game in his last 5 starts. Back the White Sox to continue their winning streak.

Rays (+100) vs. Blue Jays

The Tampa Bay Rays need a win in the worst way after losing 11-1 on Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays, extending their losing streak to five games. Tampa Bay’s pitching has not been great during this recent stretch with an ERA of 9.33 in the last three games. You won’t win many games when your pitchers are almost giving up 10 runs per game. The good news is they have rookie Shane McClanahan on the mound, who’s been a solid pitcher on the road this season. The 24-year-old has a 0-2 record in six road outings, but has an ERA of 3.62 and .240 opponents batting average.

The Rays are 0-3 in McClanahan’s last three road starts. If Tampa Bay’s pitching somehow falls apart again, their offense should be able to put some runs on the board against Jays starter Ross Stripling. The veteran pitcher is 2-2 with an ERA of 4.17 in seven games (six starts) at home. He has had issues with giving up HRs this season, especially to right-handed hitters (9). Tampa Bay is hitting slightly better against right-handed pitchers this season, so this seems like a good spot for a W.

Sandy Alcantara over 5.5 strikeouts (-114)

If you are looking for a favorable strikeout prop at even money, look no further than Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara. He’s been a strike thrower and strikeout machine for the Marlins this season with 93 strikeouts in 106.2 IP. The Marlins lost the series opener 1-0 on Friday night against the Braves, despite losing starter Pablo Lopez in the first inning. They will be thirsty for a W today. Alcantara has gone over 5.5 strikeouts in 9 out of 17 outings, which includes 2 out of his last 3 road starts. The last time the Marlins’ starter faced the Braves on Jun. 11, he had 6 strikeouts in 6.0 IP in Miami.

Clayton Kershaw over 7.5 strikeouts (+110)

The Dodgers will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Nationals tonight with former NL Cy Young winner and All-Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Kershaw is once again dominating for Los Angeles this season, turning in another fantastic season. He has a record of 9-7 and 3.25 ERA in 17 outings. Kershaw has gone over 7.5 strikeouts in 9 out of 17 starts, which includes 3 out of his last 4. He’s facing a Nationals lineup that might not have Trea Turner, who came into Saturday’s game listed as day-to-day with a finger injury.

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