Best Bets in Sports: Stick To MLB Teams With Something To Play For

With three days left in the MLB regular season, many teams have nothing to play for. Betting on player props can be tricky. Several teams took their pitchers out of the game early on Thursday. Some sharp bets might not come along until later in the day when lineups are released. For now, I’ll focus on meaningful games. I have two plays in the Astros-Diamondbacks game since it’s important for both teams.

Corbin Carroll OVER 1.5 total bases (-105 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Diamondbacks are battling for a National League wild card spot; they lead the Marlins by 1.5 games for the second spot and are two games ahead of the Cubs. Arizona is taking on an Astros’ team also fighting for a playoff berth. Carroll has at least two total bases in seven of his last 10 games. He is 32-for-99 (.323) in September with 11 multiple-hit games. J.P. France starts for Houston and he allows a lot of contact and doesn’t get many swings and misses. He has a 17.4% strikeout rate and a 4.96 xERA. Over his last 28.1 innings, France has allowed 38 hits. 

J.P. France UNDER 16.5 outs (-130 on bet365 Sportsbook)

France has been under this prop in three of his last four starts. Two of the starts came against the Royals. This is a big game for both teams and Astros manager Dusty Baker will have a quick hook if France isn’t pitching well. France has a 5.75 ERA in September and allows a lot of contact. The Astros had the day off yesterday and a fresh bullpen. They also have Jose Urquidy, who has started most of the season and was moved to the bullpen recently. He hasn’t pitched since Sept. 24. The Diamondbacks have scored at least four runs in eight of the last 11 games.

Yesterday’s record: 1-1 (-.29 units)
All-time record: 51–27 (+17.75 units)