The postseason is underway, and we have four games on the slate today, as ALDS and NLDS get started.
We have picks for White Sox vs. Guardians at 1:00 PM ET, Braves vs. Dodgers at 4:00 PM ET, Yankees vs. Rays at 6:30 PM ET and Padres vs. Brewers at 8:30 PM ET, so let's get started.
MLB Best Bets Today
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our MLB betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 1:00 PM | |
  | 4:00 PM | |
  | 6:30 PM | |
  | 8:30 PM | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our MLB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
White Sox vs Guardians Best Bet
By Kenny Ducey
We haven't seen this Guardians offense play in a week, and with how the top of the order struggled to hit left-handers this season, I'm not sure it's going to be a pretty start. Considering there are a number of lefties in the bullpen for Chicago, I don't foresee much getting done here offensively, and that's before the White Sox dig further into their impressive bullpen.
The White Sox, meanwhile, may hit lefties — and have homered off of Messick — but should still be held in check. Messick's done an admirable job pitching to this team four times, and more strikeouts and blank frames can surely be expected. Of course, I just said that about Hunter Brown last week before Chicago torched him, but this is a bona fide Cy Young candidate in Messick.
Bet on a slow start here as both staffs eat up innings in different ways.
Pick: F5 Under 3.5 (-102)
| | | |
Braves vs Dodgers Best Bet
This game has a total of 8.5 runs (after opening at 8), yet Skubal's earned runs line is only 1.5. With Skubal's innings line at 17.5 and the stress of making his first postseason start at Dodger Stadium in Game 1, I think the odds are better than -135 that he will allow at least two ER.
The weather in Los Angeles at the time of this game will be peaking just above 100 degrees. Skubal has historically been a better pitcher in day games than at night, but this extreme October heat could cause problems for the reigning AL Cy Young winner, especially if he is left on the mound for an excessive half-inning.
Skubal has allowed over 1.5 runs in five of his six Dodgers home starts against the mediocre Giants, Reds, Cardinals, Pirates, and Royals. If he gets into minor trouble early, manager Dave Roberts will let him work through mistakes.
The Dodgers bullpen is strong and can alleviate potential ER with runners left on base, but Skubal should have multiple innings to get us over 1.5.
Pick: Tarik Skubal Over 1.5 ER (-135)
| | | |
Yankees vs Rays Best Bet
By Tony Sartori
A low-scoring affair is likely in Game 1 of the ALDS, as not only are both starting pitchers statistically and analytically excellent, but both have also fared well in this specific matchup.
Cole's success against the Rays was already highlighted above, but Rasmussen has been even more impressive against the Yankees. In 11 career meetings, Rasmussen is 5-2 with a 1.81 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP.
In 139 combined plate appearances against Rasmussen, the current New York roster owns a mere .163 batting average, a .256 slugging percentage and a .217 wOBA.
Pick: Under 7 (-115)
| | | |
Padres vs Brewers Best Bet
While it’s never fun to bet an under with Robbie Ray on the mound, it’s time to bite the bullet as Milwaukee draws its lesser split after a week off.
Jacob Misiorowski has been near-unhittable this season, allowing more than two runs just three times in 24 starts since May. The Brewers have also won nine straight Misiorowski starts, allowing an average of just 2.2 runs per game during that stretch.
I’ve already mentioned how dominant both bullpens are, and if this is a close game, I’d be surprised to see either team let up. The only time I’d start to press the panic button is if Milwaukee pulls away early and San Diego opts to throw its B-team out there to preserve its arms for later in the series.
We saw games quickly unravel in the Wild Card Series, with overs finishing an unprecedented 7-1-1. That’s something I’d be shocked to see continue, and I’m happy to bet the Misiorowski under here.
Pick: Under 7 (-110)
| | | |
