Phillies, Astros Among Saturday’s Public MLB Plays

Featuring a double-header in the Windy City on top of a full slate, the first Saturday of the second "half" of the MLB season offers bettors 16 games from which to choose.

Given the many options, it's no surprise that a few have attracted some heavy public action. It should also come as no surprise that all three of tonight's most popular plays are favorites.

>> All odds as of 10:30 a.m. ET. Download The Action Network App to get real-time MLB odds and track your bets.

Philadelphia Phillies (-177) vs. San Diego Padres

7:05 p.m. ET

Behind 83% of bets accounting for 87% of dollars, Philadelphia is Saturday's second-most popular play. Despite the support, though, they've moved from -183 to -177.

Why the public loves Philly: The Phillies enter tonight's game at 54-42 — the second-best record in the National League. The Padres, on the other hand, are holding the worst record in the NL at 40-60. San Diego also happens to be sending out Luis Perdomo this evening, who's boasting a 7.55 ERA. Yikes.

Houston Astros (-175) at Los Angeles Angels

7:15 p.m. ET

There's still plenty of time before first pitch, but if the percentages were to hold as they are now, the Astros would be the most heavily backed pick in baseball this year. Getting 89% of bets and 95% of moneyline dollars, the 'Stros have moved from -160 to -175.

Why the public loves Houston: Justin Verlander hasn't been himself as of late. While he's maintained his strikeout numbers, they haven't been leading to Astros victories. He's 0-3 is in past three decisions, and the 'Stros have won only twice in his last six starts.

For a pitcher with a different name, that recent production would have the public running for the hills. For Verlander, it's the exact opposite. Instead of fading him, public bettors are even more confident in him under the assumption that "he's due."

Minnesota Twins (-144) at Kansas City Royals

7:15 p.m. ET

To this point, 82% of bettors are behind the Twins this evening, which would mark their highest backing of the season. They've also landed 85% of dollars which has moved the line from -137 to -144.

Why the public loves Minnesota: This play likely has more to do with Minnesota's opponent than the Twins themselves. Kansas City is one of two teams in baseball with a winning percentage under .300 (.292). The Royals are 30 games back in the AL Wild Card race at 28-68 and seem to have nothing to play for, yet they won last night's series opener. The public sees no way they could put together two in a row.

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