Rays, Athletics Lead Saturday’s Most Popular Baseball Bets
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Athletics center fielder Ramon Laureano (22) celebrates with the team after hitting a walk off single against the Tigers
- Friday's most popular plays went 2-1, but betting heavy favorites could only get the public back to even.
- The public once again loves their chalk on Saturday, backing three more heavy MLB favorites.
The public's favorite play didn't come through last night, as the Mariners lost 7-2 to the Jays as a -165 favorite. And while the public did cash their next two most popular picks, the high-priced lines could only get them back to even on the night.
Today's most popular plays feature more large favorites, with bettors dipping into the -250 range for one of their top three bets. Let's take a closer look at each of the three — the first of which starts at 2:20 p.m. ET.
>> All odds as of 12 p.m. ET. Download The Action Network App to get real-time MLB odds and track your bets
Chicago Cubs (-257) vs. San Diego Padres
2:20 p.m. ET
The Cubbies have drawn 79% of bettors and 87% of dollars this afternoon, which has moved the line from -240 to -257
Why the public loves Chicago: In a matchup between the best and worst team in the National League, you can assume the public will almost always side with the best — regardless of price. The Cubs will also face Walker Lockett, who will make a spot start for Joey Luchessi (stomach bug). The San Diego right-hander will make just his second start of the season, and enters the game with an ERA of 9.53. San Diego first baseman Wil Myers may also sit out with a bruise after fouling a pitch off of his foot on Friday.
Tampa Bay Rays (-158) vs. Chicago White Sox
6:10 p.m. ET
Eighty percent of bettors (and 92% of dollars) have taken the Rays in this matchup, making them tonight's second-most popular bet. Despite the heavy backing, Tampa's moneyline has fallen from -172 to -158.
Why the public loves Tampa: Starter Blake Snell has become a public darling of late. The All-Star lefty has received a majority backing in three of his past four starts. It's no surprise the public will go back to the well against a team still seeking win No. 40. On top of that, the White Sox pulled out a win over Tampa last night, which — to a public bettor — makes it seem less likely the Sox can win again tonight.
Oakland Athletics (-185) vs. Detroit Tigers
9:05 p.m. ET
Behind 81% of bets and dollars, the A's are tonight's most popular side. Their line has moved a tad as a result of the public love, jumping from -180 to -185.
Why the public loves Oakland: The A's have picked up right where they left off before getting swept by the Rockies. Winners of four straight, they're now 10-3 in their past 13 games overall. Oakland has also dominated teams outside of its division. The Athletics are just 19-26 against AL West teams, but 46-20 against the rest of baseball. Playing a 47-63 opponent also helps make this a pretty easy public decision.
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