MLB Best Bets for Saturday June 14th: Top Picks, Predictions

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and what does Dad want to do? Watch the ballgame.

But not just on Sunday. He also wants to watch — and bet on — a game or two on Saturday. Of course, with a full slate of games, there are plenty of possible markets to put on today’s MLB best bets list.

For all Dad does, two days of baseball doesn’t seem like too much to ask. Now, about today’s MLB best bets list ...

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies -1.5 (+122)
Over 8.5 runs (-104)

Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez has been getting it done this season, with a 5-2 record in 13 starts and a 3.10 ERA. Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis, on the other hand, has struggled for much of the season with a 2-8 record and a 6.12 ERA.

He’s also given up 19 home runs this season — but only six have come on the road. The Phillies lineup has been hitting .269 over the last week and shouldn’t have too much trouble making contact against Francis.

Toronto’s lineup has been hitting .282, but Sanchez has not given up more than three runs in any game except his first (against the Dodgers, when he allowed four). The Blue Jays may tag him for three runs, but the Phillies will get four or five off Francis before he gets pulled.

Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros

Astros ML (-124)
Under 7

Hunter Brown has been a beast, giving up one run or less in nine of his 13 starts. Brown has a 0.88 ERA at home, where opponents are hitting just .152. Joe Ryan has pitched better on the road (2.93 ERA) than at home (3.00 ERA).

Both teams have been hitting the ball well this past week, but that won’t matter against Brown. He’ll keep the Twins’ lineup quiet while the Houston bats do just enough to win a low-scoring game.

Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers

Under 7.5 (-122)

There is some concern about the Texas lineup since it’s hitting an MLB-best .305 over the last week. But the White Sox held the Rangers to .250 on Friday night. Starting pitcher Mike Vasil should give the White Sox a good start, but the bullpen likely won’t hold up.

As for Texas starter Jacob deGrom, while he’s been known to give up the occasional home run, he has a 2.12 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. A White Sox team hitting .208 over the last week will struggle just to make contact.

Texas will likely win what should be a low-scoring game.