The 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 17. The first half of the MLB season will end this weekend, as all teams will get at least four days off for the All-Star Break. Let’s take a look at some of the top weekend betting picks for this weekend.
Friday, July 13: Boston Red Sox (Porcello) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (Happ)
The Red Sox host the Blue Jays this weekend for a 4 game series, starting on Thursday. Game two of the series will feature Rick Porcello (11-3, 3.58 ERA) vs. J.A. Happ (10-5, 4.44 ERA). This appears to be a decent pitching matchup, but the Red Sox have a much better lineup than the Blue Jays, and are capable of scoring a ton of runs. Happ has given up a combined 13 earned runs in his last two starts, and the trend should continue on Friday night. Boston, and Porcello, will win on Friday night.
Friday, July 13: Miami Marlins (Chen) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Arrieta)
The Phillies have taken over first place in the National League East, and appear to be a real threat in the National League. Jake Arrieta has not pitched as well as he or the Phillies would have liked this season, but should be able to control the Marlins on Friday. Miami is in another rebuilding season, and trail the Phillies by 15 games in the division. Arrieta and the Phillies will defeat the Marlins on Friday.
Saturday, July 14: Houston Astros (Cole) vs. Detroit Tigers (Fulmer)
The Houston Astros are once again on the short list of favorites to win the World Series, after winning it all last season. The acquisition of Gerrit Cole has bolstered an already dominant starting rotation. Michael Fulmer of the Tigers has had an up and down season, and will face a tough task against a red hot Astros lineup on Saturday. Houston has been on a roll of late, and it will continue against the Tigers on Saturday.
Saturday, July 14: San Diego Padres (Perdomo) vs. Chicago Cubs (Lester)
The Chicago Cubs will be wrapping up a West Coast road trip against the San Diego Padres this weekend. On Saturday, Cubs ace’ Jon Lester, will make the start for Chicago. Lester was named to the All-Star team in the National League and is 11-2 with a 2.45 ERA this season. Struggling pitcher, Luis Perdomo, will take the mound for San Diego. The Cubs are the much better team, and Lester will pitch the team to a victory on Saturday.
Sunday, July 15: Chicago White Sox (Giolito) vs. Kansas City Royals (Ian Kennedy)
Two of the worst teams in baseball will meet this weekend in Chicago. The White Sox are trying to turn the corner as a franchise, while the Royals are trying to just now starting the rebuilding process. The White Sox are the big favorites in this game, thanks to Lucas Giolito starting for Chicago. Giolito is coming off a great outing against the Houston Astros, and should be able to shutdown the Royals on Sunday.
