Does it get any better than this?
Baseball fans will be treated to a trio of winner-take-all playoff games today. The drama will certainly be there, but if you're looking to add a little extra adrenaline to these games, our MLB betting experts have made their MLB picks and predictions for Thursday, October 2.
So, continue reading for today's MLB best bets.
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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 3:08 p.m. | |
  | 5:08 p.m. | |
| 5:08 p.m. | |
  | 8:08 p.m. | |
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. | ||
Kyle Murray's Tigers vs Guardians Best Bet: Back Detroit Early
By Kyle Murray
The Tigers fell apart at the end of Game 2, as they failed to capitalize on countless chances with runners in scoring position. However, I am backing them in the first 5 innings here, as I think they have the better lineup of hitters and an advantage on the mound, with Jack Flaherty vs. Slade Cecconi.
However, I'm sticking to the first 5 innings, as the struggles of the Tigers’ bullpen have been noteworthy, but I am also concerned with how taxed the Cleveland bullpen is.
Pick: First 5 Innings Tigers Moneyline (-115)
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Allan Lem's Padres vs Cubs Best Bet: Runs Likely Limited
By Allan Lem
Yu Darvish vs. Jameson Taillon isn't normally a game to target an under 7.5, but this is an elimination game for both teams, and I don't expect either starter to have a long leash. If either gets in trouble, I'm expecting a quick hook.
Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller have pitched in Games 1 and 2, so it's possible neither are available for this game, but other than those two, I'd expect everyone else in both bullpens to be available. Winds are projected to be blowing across the field at Wrigley, so that's the only other factor I'd consider, but otherwise, I'm expecting a close game with the season on the line.
Pick: Under 7.5 (-110)
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Charlie Wright's Padres vs Cubs Best Bet: Short Leash for Darvish?
This is an all-hands-on-deck spot for San Diego. Fortunately, the Padres came prepared. San Diego chose to carry all five starters on its Wild Card roster, and manager Mike Shildt said he managed their workloads in the final weekend of the season specifically to prepare them for the Chicago series.
Michael King was capped at 49 pitches on Saturday and Randy Vasquez threw one inning on Sunday. Both guys should be ready to go, which means the leash is extremely short for Darvish.
Pick: Yu Darvish Under 10.5 Outs (-115)
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Sean Zerillo's Red Sox vs Yankees Best Bet: Under Showing Value
By Sean Zerillo
The Red Sox, who are short on starting pitching following Lucas Giolito's injury, are fortunate that they caught the Yankees in a short series. I'm not sure they could have managed their pitching staff as well against this Yankees lineup over a best-of-five or best-of-seven series.
Still, they have an opportunity to eliminate the reigning AL champions and their biggest rivals for the second consecutive day. Alex Cora gave his team the best pitching he could dictate on Wednesday, deploying six relievers behind Brayan Bello. Garrett Whitlock tossed 41 pitches across two innings and may be unavailable on Thursday, but every other arm in the Red Sox bullpen — including Aroldis Chapman — should be on speed dial.
Boston will start rookie southpaw Connelly Early (2.27 xERA, 2.35 xFIP, 3.47 botERA), who I personally view as their second most-talented starting pitcher. Early has shown excellent command (5.1% BB%, 108 Location+) and has a vast arsenal, including a plus changeup (107 Stuff+) and proper curve (100 Stuff+). Still, he has limited MLB experience (four starts) and has to start in a raucous road environment against the No. 1 offense in baseball against left-handed pitching.
I'd expect Early to face Trent Grisham twice and exit the game after 10 batters faced. Still, he may see Aaron Judge for a second time (if the bases are empty), also to get him through lefties Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice a second time, too, which makes his out total (Under 8.5, +115) tricky.
The Yankees will counter with their own dynamic rookie, Cam Schlittler (3.98 xERA, 3.77 xFIP, 3.85 botERA, 112 Stuff+), whose out total is lined closer to 11.5 at plus money.
I set the total at 7.13 runs and would bet Under 8 down to 7.5 (-110) in cooler temperatures (64 degrees at first pitch) with a light breeze (3-to-4 mph) blowing in from the short right field porch in the Bronx.
Pick: Under 8 (-115)
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