MLB weekend betting preview: Ohtani, Angels worth the price vs. D-Backs
Our recent run of success hit a small bump with this week's 1-2 record, but we're still riding a 22-10-1 run dating back to early in the season. Here are our favorite bets heading into the weekend:
Angels (-140) @ Diamondbacks (+120)
June 11, 9:40 p.m. ET
Starting pitchers: Shohei Ohtani (2-1, 2.76 ERA) vs. Merrill Kelly (2-6, 5.12)
When Ohtani pitches, it's worth taking notice. Two days after belting the longest home run of his career (470 feet), the Angels' two-way star and MVP favorite is set to make his first start on the mound since fanning 10 Mariners batters on June 4.
It was the sixth time in Ohtani's eight starts this year that he's allowed two or fewer runs, and the seventh time he's given up four or fewer hits. He should have no trouble mowing down a Diamondbacks team that has lost seven straight with a combined 18 runs in those seven contests.
Pick: Angels -140
Padres @ Mets (N/A)
June 12, 4:10 p.m.
Starting pitchers: Joe Musgrove (4-5, 2.33) vs. Marcus Stroman (5-4, 2.41)
You already know about Musgrove - he has a no-hitter this season and a 2.55 xFIP, which ranks third among all qualified starters. After teasing potential for years as a former top-100 prospect, he's finally put it all together with the Padres behind an elite strikeout rate (34.2%) using primarily off-speed stuff.
The real X-factor here is Stroman, who has gone at least six innings with two or fewer runs allowed in four of his last six starts for the Mets. He's been a model of consistency this season and should pair well with Musgrove in a likely pitcher's duel.
Pick: Under (TBD)
C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.