There are only six Major League Baseball games on the slate for Monday, but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of value. The Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals face each other for the first time this season, while the Houston Astros try to continue their recent dominance over the Seattle Mariners. This betting guide will offer some of the best value plays for this pair of games based on recent trends.
Seattle Mariners (+135) vs Houston Astros (-160)
The Astros have won four of the last six games against the Mariners, including the last three in Houston. Cristian Javier has been on a roll and has dominated Seattle, as well, allowing just one run in 22.1 innings pitched against the Mariners in his career. On the other side, Seattle starter Robbie Ray has given up at least four earned runs in four of his last six starts and has a 5.40 ERA in his career against the Astros. The money line for the Astros (-160) is mediocre, but the Houston run line (-1.5, +125) has a lot of value in this one.
Javier has allowed more than two runs just once in his six starts this season. Even though Ray has had his struggles, the Astros aren’t as good against lefties. The under has landed in five of the last six meetings, and it looks like it could here, too. With how sharp Javier has been, it’s unlikely for him to get knocked around, and that might be enough to keep this total low. Lean toward the under (U8.5, -115) in this one.
Toronto Blue Jays (-175) vs Kansas City Royals (+145)
These are a pair of teams going through opposite experiences right now. Kansas City has lost seven of its last 10, while Toronto has won eight of its last 10. Kansas City starter Daniel Lynch has been erratic of late and hasn’t won a decision since April 26. Spot starter Ross Stripling gets the nod for Toronto with Hyun Jin Ryu hurt, and he’s been sharp as a long reliever for the last month. Everything points at Toronto (-175) here. The best value is on the run line (-1.5, -110), as Toronto should win comfortably.
Not only have the Blue Jays won eight of their last 10, but they’re also ripping the cover off the ball. The over has hit in eight straight games for Toronto, and they’ve been good against lefties. The Royals have gone over the total in six of Lynch’s last eight starts, and he has an ERA of 8.31 in his last three outings. When Stripling starts, it also usually means the bullpen will get a workout, so back the Blue Jays to continue rocking and take the over (O9.5, -105) in this one.
Odds via BetMGM
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