Best MLB Bets Today: Top Picks & Props for Thursday, May 29th: Braves vs. Phillies & More

As usual, quite a few MLB teams have Thursday off ahead of what will be a busy weekend.

Eight teams will play five games, with two teams playing a doubleheader. Yes, that’s still a lot of baseball betting markets to research. Or you could focus on our “Best MLB Bets” list.

According to my research (which is good but not perfect), the following MLB bets deserve your attention. Whether you put money down on one of them is completely up to you (but I recommend you do). Odds are via DraftKings unless otherwise stated.

Atlanta Braves (+1.5) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-142), o/u 8 (Game 1)

Neither team has been hitting particularly well over the last week (Braves — .243; Phillies — .205). Both starting pitchers have had solid seasons, but Smith-Shawver got lit up in his last start, and Sánchez has given up 2–3 runs in each of his last three starts.

Both pitchers have the potential to turn in great outings. But Atlanta has found ways to lose lately, hence taking the UNDER in what should be a low-scoring game rather than the Braves ML.

UNDER 8

Tampa Bay Rays (-105) vs. Houston Astros (-115), o/u 8

OVER 8 at -118
Houston ML at -115
SGP odds: +266

The Astros’ lineup is hitting the ball really well at the moment (.329 BA over the last week). Rays starter Shane Baz has had some solid outings this season — but also several stinkers. Ryan Gusto (Houston’s starter) has struggled when he’s pitched, whether in relief or as a starter.

Houston’s offense will likely chase Baz early after getting out to a quick lead. Tampa should do the same to Gusto after scoring a few runs. But I like Houston to win a 5–4 or 6–4 game because their bullpen will control the Rays’ offense the rest of the way.

José Altuve to record a home run: +750

I’m a little surprised the price on this market is so high. Altuve is killing it at the plate over the last week (.483) with four home runs. He has hit six at home this season, and six of his eight have come against right-handed pitchers (like Baz).

Home run props are all long shots, but I love the value on this one.

Washington Nationals (-1.5) vs. Seattle Mariners (-110), o/u 7.5

So far in this series, the teams have been trading days where their offenses come alive and the other goes silent. On Sunday, Seattle went off with a 9–1 win. On Wednesday, it was Washington with nine as the game went into the bottom of the eighth.

While Seattle’s starter makes me nervous, Washington’s bullpen has been struggling this year. That suggests there’s a good chance we’ll see both teams generate some offense. They’ll definitely combine to score more than 7.5 runs.

OVER 7.5