Best MLB Bets Today: Cashing in on Division Rivalries

Both of today’s bets come from division rivals kicking off their weekend series. The first features Craig Counsell and the Cubs facing his former team, the Brewers. After that, we head west to win some money as the Padres and Dodgers square off.

Below, we’ll share everything you need to know for both of our favorite bets today. We’ll be using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, which is currently giving new players $150 in Bonus Bets when they make an initial wager of $5+. 

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Best MLB Bets Today: Brewers vs. Cubs (2:20 PM EST)

Over 7.5 (-122 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Our first matchup features a pair of NL Central rivals squaring off for the first time in 2024. The Cubs and Brewers have been two of the NL’s top teams all season, thanks mainly to their impressive lineups. We expect fireworks from both sides this afternoon against a shaky pitching matchup.

The Brewers will have Joe Ross (1-3, 5.40 ERAm 1.68 WHIP) on the mound. The 30-year-old missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons but is back to being a full-time starter. Ross has had mixed results with Milwaukee this year, dominating weaker offenses but struggling mightily against the likes of the Padres and Yankees. His last start came at home against the Bronx Bombers, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and three walks. We see a similar situation unfolding in Chicago today.

The Cubs will turn to reliever Hayden Wesneski (2-0, 0.87 ERA) to make the start. The 26-year-old has been fantastic this season as a short-stint starter, allowing just one run across three games (10 1/3 innings). While he may put together another strong outing today, his inability to last more than four innings means Chicago will have to turn to their weak bullpen early on.

It may take these teams a couple of innings to get going, but we see them easily covering this total today.

Bet on Over 7.5 (-122) at FanDuel

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

Padres ML (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Our second division rivalry features an NL West matchup between the Padres and D-backs. Both teams have gotten off to disappointing starts in 2024 as the Dodgers begin to build up their lead in the division. Both have yet to show signs of turning things around, but the Padres have been the better team. They are coming off a series win against a good Reds team, while Arizona has not won a series since April 14. We see Arizona’s cold streak continuing tonight.

One reason we like San Diego to get the win is that Dylan Cease will be on the mound. The 28-year-old is coming off his worst start of the season, he had four consecutive quality starts before that. The veteran has nasty stuff that is nearly impossible to hit when he is on, which he has been for most of the young season. 

While Arizona started the season strong at the plate, they have fallen off lately. Since scoring 14 runs against the Cardinals on April 23, the team is averaging just two runs per game. Cease is a nightmare matchup for a team on an offensive cold streak, and it will lead to another quiet night in Phoenix.

The D-backs will have one of their top prospects on the mound in Slade Cecconi (1-1, 2.25 ERA). The 24-year-old has been remarkable over his first two starts of the season, but they came against the weaker lineups of the Mariners and Giants. The Padres have far more firepower, and we see Cecconi’s inexperience working against him tonight.

Bet on Padres Moneyline (-110) at FanDuel

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