Best MLB Bets Today: Betting on Big Run Totals on Monday

Our bets today feature teams capable of putting up big run totals. The first bet covers a game between the Cardinals and Tigers as they start struggling pitchers. The other is an NL West battle between the red-hot Dodgers and disappointing D-backs. 

We’ll be using odds from BetMGM Sportsbook for both of our bets, which we will discuss below. If you are signing up with BetMGM to place these bets, be sure to use promo code WSNMGM to earn a $1,500 First Bet Offer*.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

For more betting opportunities check our list of the best MLB betting sites and curated list of MLB promos and bonuses.

Best MLB Bets Today: Cardinals vs. Tigers (6:40 PM EST)

Over 8.5 (-105 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

This matchup features two teams that have been swinging the bat well of late. Over their last ten games, the Tigers are averaging 4.7 runs per game. Their ability to score runs is a big reason for their impressive 16-12 record and makes them a contender in a weak AL Central. 

The Cardinals have been struggling to find their bats all season, thanks partly to a slow start from Paul Goldschmidt. Fortunately, they have been finding their groove lately, averaging 4.0 runs per game.

We expect both offenses to stay hot as two shaky starters take the mound. The Cards will have Steven Matz (1-2, 5.55 ERA) making the start against the Tigers. The veteran started the season strong but has gotten worse in his previous three starts. He is 0-2 with a 13.15 during that span, giving up seven runs alone in his last outing. The Tigers lineup lacks star power, but they are more than capable of taking advantage of a struggling Matz.

The Tigers will also have a veteran on the mound in Kenta Maeda (0-, 5.96 ERA). The 26-year-old hasn’t been quite as bad as his counterpart, but that isn’t saying much. While he is coming off five scoreless innings against the Rays, he allowed six runs (5 ER) on seven hits and two walks over 2 2/3 innings. While St. Louis has not gotten the offense they want this season, they have enough to tage Maeda for many runs tonight.

Bet on Over 8.5 at BetMGM 

Best MLB Bets Today: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks (9:40 PM EST)

Dodgers -1.5 (+105 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

This NL West rivalry has grown over the last few seasons, and both are considered playoff contenders. We love the Dodgers to put up a lopsided win, primarily due to the state of the Arizona offense. Corbin Carroll has looked far from the MVP candidate he was in 2023, taking away the heart of their lineup. While Arizona ranks in the top three of the league in runs scored, scoring three or fewer runs in five of their previous six games. 

The Dodgers’ offense has been trending in the opposite direction. Their historically great lineup leads the league in runs scored (157) and OBP (.354) while ranking second in batting average (.277) and third in home runs (34). 

LA’s elite bats will have a chance to go off tonight with a struggling Tommy Henry (1-1, 5.55 ERA) on the mound for Arizona. He is coming off a great start against the Cardinals but still struggling to keep runners off the base paths (1.60 WHIP). Henry will be seeing the Dodgers for the first time in his career, and we expect it to result in a short and painful outing.

The Dodgers will have James Paxton (2-0, 2.61 ERA) making the start tonight. The 35-year-old hasn’t been great towards the end of his career, but he’s started off the 2024 season strong. He doesn’t go deep into games, but he will be able to keep a cold D-backs lineup quiet, allowing the Dodgers to build a significant lead early on.

Bet on Dodgers -1.5 at BetMGM 

More MLB Best Bets Today

• Best MLB Prop Bets Today

• Best NRFI Bets Today

• Best YRFI Bets Today

• Best MLB Parlay Picks Today