Action on May 7 will get going early, as the Rangers and Athletics will kick off what will likely be 10 hours of Major League Baseball action. So, what’s looking good as far as MLB bets are concerned? Here are our MLB best bets for May 7, 2024.
Our best bets for May 7
Here’s a look at our best MLB bets for May 7 (odds via BetMGM New York Sportsbook):
- Corbin Burnes over 5.5 strikeouts (-155)
- Pirates -1.5 Spread (+155)
The Beltway Series kicks off on May 7, as the Orioles will head to D.C. to face the Nationals. Corbin Burnes, who struck out six batters in each of his last two outings, will take the bump for the O’s.
The 5.5 number seems low for a pitcher of Burnes’ caliber. Burnes owns above-average Chase% (30.5%) and Whiff% (29.4%) figures on the season and the righty’s traditionally been among the league leaders in strikeouts over the last three seasons. However, he’s facing a Nationals team that owns the seventh-best team Whiff% (23.2%) in the league.
Good strikeout pitchers, though, can figure out how to beat teams that put the ball in play. Yusei Kikuchi (7) and Kevin Gausman (8) did that this past weekend against the Nationals, as did Alek Manoah (6).
As for our second pick, the Pirates get the 12-23 Angels on May 7 and will face Patrick Sandoval. A left-hander, Sandoval’s always flashed good stuff that induces whiffs, including an above-average changeup that’s arguably his best pitch.
Yet, Sandoval’s also dealt with a failure to get hitters to bite. The lefty owns a below-average BB% of 10.8% heading into his May 7 start.
Pirates hitters have the 11th-best wRC+ (110) against left-handed pitching as of May 6 and Pittsburgh handled lefty Tyler Anderson well on the 6th. Edward Olivares hit a double and home run off Anderson, who surrendered four earned runs over 6.1 IP in a game Los Angeles lost 4-1.
Look at May 6’s picks
For reference, these were our picks for May 6, both of which hit:
- Luis Castillo over 6.5 strikeouts (-140)
- Rangers ML (-135)
2024 Total Record: 31-23
Chris Studley contributed to this report.
The individual(s) who contribute to this 2024 MLB article may use strategies not listed here. Please bet responsibly.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the New York Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or Text HOPENY (467369). Individuals who want to enroll can to the New York Self-Exclusion Program.