What’s going on, everybody? Eric Lindquist here, and it’s time for another week of MLB action. Last week was absolute nuclear heat — home runs, first fives, total bases, you name it. We hit it. I’m not promising this heater will last forever, but I am saying I have two of the best MLB bets for Monday’s slate, including a Cubs-Rangers pick. Let’s get into it.
Best MLB Bets Today: Rangers-Cubs Pick and More
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Cardinals vs. Pirates
I’m targeting the first five market in Pittsburgh today. St. Louis comes off a doubleheader in Boston, and there’s a good chance it will rest some regulars — but I’m still on this over because both starting pitchers are suspect.
For the Cardinals, it’s Matthew Liberatore, and I’m not buying the surface-level start he had earlier. He doesn’t miss enough bats, and I don’t trust him against a Pirates lineup that can bring some thump. Lefty-lefty isn’t even a problem for Oneil Cruz, and Tommy Pham, Andrew McCutchen, and Ke’Bryan Hayes should be able to create scoring chances.
On the other side, the Pirates are sending out Carmen Mlodzinski, and after digging through his pitch movement profiles, I came away unimpressed. This guy doesn’t have any off-speed swing-and-miss stuff. If Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan are in the Cardinals lineup, I feel even better.
There is wind blowing out, a park with plenty of real estate in the outfield and two pitchers I want to target. Over 4.5 in the first five is the play.
Best Cardinals-Pirates Bet Today: Cardinals-Pirates Over 4.5 First 5 Innings (LIKE)
Rangers vs. Cubs
Yep, it’s another first five play. This time, we head to chilly Wrigley Field, where the wind is blowing in and it’s expected to be 32 degrees at first pitch. Still, I’m targeting the Rangers first five moneyline at plus money.
Justin Steele is on the mound for the Cubs. I love Steele, I really do, but he hasn’t been himself to start the season. Maybe it’s the weird Japan travel. Maybe it’s just early-season rust. But the expected data hasn’t been strong.
Nathan Eovaldi, meanwhile, is a machine. He pitched 15 innings in two starts, including a complete game on Opening Day. He’s throwing hard, missing bats and looking like the ace Texas hoped for.
Add in some cold bats and uncertain form from the Cubs’ offense, and I love Texas to push runs early here. And if Steele struggles, this one could be over before the third inning.
Best Rangers-Cubs Bet Today: Rangers First 5 Moneyline (LIKE)
