There’s a lot going on in Major League Baseball today, and there’s plenty of value to go around in the American League. This betting guide delivers some of the better picks for a couple of contests from Friday’s slate of games. The Houston Astros try to win their fifth in a row, taking on the Kansas City Royals. The Baltimore Orioles will try and keep the Cleveland Guardians from getting their fourth consecutive win.
Houston Astros (-140) vs Kansas City Royals (+115)
It’s been a pretty good run lately for the Astros. They have won four straight, all against division opponents, while the Royals have lost four in a row. However, the Royals have the better of the pitching matchup here. Brady Singer has won three of his last four, and has given up just three earned runs in his last three starts combined. Houston starter Jose Urquidy has been up and down all year, so this is a decent spot to take a look at the Royals money line (+115) or the Kansas City run line (+1.5, -140).
The total on this one could be tricky. Singer’s been very good, but Urquidy could blow up at any moment. Both of these teams had the day off yesterday, and that generally helps the pitchers. The Astros have gone under in six of their last seven, and Singer should help keep things low. Lean toward the under (U9, -115) in this one.
Cleveland Guardians (-150) vs Baltimore Orioles (+125)
Cleveland has brought some calm to a rocky season, winning its last three games. The pitching has been solid throughout that mini-winning streak, allowing just six runs over the three contests. Enter an inconsistent Baltimore team with struggling starter Bruce Zimmerman, and this looks like a great spot to back the Guardians (-150). The Guardians run line (-1.5, +110) also has some decent value.
Zimmerman makes the over very enticing here all on his own. The Orioles starter has given up at least four runs in each of his last three outings, and Baltimore went on to give up an average of eight runs in each of those starts. The total for Friday’s game sits right at eight runs. Cleveland starter Shane Bieber has been solid lately, but the Guardians should rack up some runs. There’s a good price on the over (O8, -105), and it looks like a solid play.
Odds via BetMGM
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