MLB weekly best bets: Fade Gray, Bundy against surging lineups
How's that for a strong weekend? We went 3-0 on our weekend MLB picks on a trio of unders, and we're liking the value on the board heading into this week, too. Here are a few of our favorite bets:
Marlins over 2.5 (-105) at Padres
Aug. 9, 10:10 p.m. ET
Normally, we love to play the under on bad teams against top pitchers, but this line has simply taken that too far. The Marlins have scored at least three runs in six of their last seven games and in 72 of a total 111 games on the year.
The last time Joe Musgrove faced this Miami lineup on July 23, he held it to two runs across six frames, though it wasn't easy getting there. The Padres' breakout star managed just four strikeouts with nine swinging strikes in 98 pitches, and seven of his outs were line drives - the highest mark by any team against him all season.
If the Marlins have a similar showing at the plate on Monday, expect at least one more run as a result - either against Musgrove or San Diego's bullpen.
Braves over (TBD) vs. Reds
Aug. 10, 7:20 p.m.
What in the world has gotten into Sonny Gray? After a strong start to the season, the Reds veteran has posted an 8.53 ERA over his last four starts, allowing at least four runs in three of those four outings with an average of 5.8 strikeouts.
That won't fly against the Braves, a team that's heated up offensively in recent weeks. Since dropping a 12-spot on the Mets in late July, Atlanta has averaged 5.8 runs across 12 games with at least five runs scored in eight of them. This isn't the best spot for Gray to regain his mojo.
Blue Jays (TBD) at Angels
Aug. 11, 9:38 p.m.
It's been a bumpy ride this season for Dylan Bundy, who was relegated to the bullpen after posting a 6.78 ERA through late June. He wasn't much better in relief, though he's allowed three runs through 10 2/3 innings in two starts since.
Do you trust him to maintain that pace against a Blue Jays order that plated 12 runs on Friday and nine runs on Sunday in their series against the Red Sox? Conversely, Alek Manoah has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of 10 starts and should have the run support to pull out a win on Wednesday.
C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at cjackson.cowart@thescore.com.