Itâs the weekend, and that means there are more exciting matches in the MLB taking place across the next three nights. Here we preview the action and name our free MLB betting picks on tonightâs top matches.
Later on, we see the Yankees in action in a mini-series they dare not lose to the Rays in the AL East. Over in the AL West, the Astros continue their march towards the playoffs and will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they host the LA Angels.
Finally, we will be looking at the match between the top two in the NL East, where the LA Dodgers will be looking to inflict more pain on the Padres.
And speaking of the Dodgers, they are still the outright favorites to win the 2022 World Series with the best MLB betting sites. They are +300 to turn this yearâs dominant performances into their second World Series in three seasons.
Closing in on the Dodgers in the MLB World Series betting odds is the Astros. Dusty Bakerâs side has been improving all season and is now into second favorites in the betting at +425.
The Astros are now followed by the New York Mets (+500), who have overtaken the Yankees (+525) in the betting, with last yearâs World Series winners, the Atlanta Braves (+700).
| 2022 MLB World Series Winner Betting |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| LA Dodgers | +300 | +300 |
| Houston Astros | +425 | +420 |
| New York Mets | +500 | +450 |
| New York Yankees | +575 | +525 |
| Atlanta Braves | +700 | +825 |
Yankees v Rays
The first match weâre looking at tonight involves the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Yankees go into this fixture with a substantial lead over the Rays in the AL East, but they have to be careful because Tampa could close the gap at the top of the table with a lockout.
- What; New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays
- Where; Yankee Stadium, New York,
- When; Friday, September 9th, 2022
- Time; 7.05 pm ET
The mini-series is three games, and the Rays come into it in good form. In their last ten matches, Kevin Cashâs team is 8-2, and included in that run is a 9-0 win over the Yankees at the start of the month.
FINAL: Rays 9, Yankees 0.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 3, 2022
As for the Yankees, their form has been scratchy of late. But they have put together a mini-run of wins in their last five matches that have seen them retain a decent lead at the top of the table.
Home advantage should play a part tonight, and Iâm going for the Yankees to sneak home on the handicap.
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Astros v Angels
The Astros hold a sizable lead over the Mariners in the AL West, and itâs a good job as the Seattle franchise has been in good form of late.
Luckily for Dusty Bakerâs team, so have they. And itâs thanks to this good form that Houston is continuing to shorten in the betting to win the World Series.
- What; Houston Astros v Los Angeles Angels
- Where; Minute Maid Park, Houston Texas
- When; Friday, September 9th, 2022
- Time; 8.10 pm ET
The Astros are -215 to win on the Moneyline tonight and are -105 giving the Angels a 1.5 points start on the handicap.
The Angels are -115 with their 1.5 points start, while they are +185 to win from scratch on the Moneyline. So, whereâs the value? The Angels are 28 wins behind the Astros, and there is a reason for that. They are too inconsistent.
In their recent three matches with the Tigers, the Angels won 10-0 and 5-4, and then they managed to lose 5-4 in the third match. For these reasons, the Astros on the handicap look the value pick to me.
Padres v Dodgers
There may be a mammoth gap between these two teams in the NL West, 19 wins in the Dodgers' favor to be exact, but there is always something happening when these two teams meet.
The Padres are similar to the Angels in some respects. In their three most recent matches they managed to 5-0 at home to the Diamondbacks, and then beat the same side 6-5 and 6-3. This is basically why they are 19 wins behind the Dodgers.
- What; San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers
- Where; Petco Park, San Diego, California
- When; Friday, September 9th, 2022
- Time; 9.40 pm ET
As for LA, well they just keep on winning, theyâve just beat the Giants 2-1 in a mini-series. Before that, they also defeated the Padres 2-1 in a mini-series, which included a 12-1 win over their opponents last Saturday.
FINAL: #Dodgers 12, Padres 1 pic.twitter.com/DGaxk99HKu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 4, 2022
That said, both sides are 6-4 in their last ten, and this is reflected in the betting. On the Moneyline, the Dodgers are -150, with the Padres at +135. Thatâs closer than youâd expect if you look at the table.
In the handicap, the Dodgers are giving the Padres a 1.5 points start. Both teams are around -110 depending on where you bet. I think thatâs the bet. The chances are if Dave Robertsâ team wins, it will be comfortable, so Iâm happy to take the LA Dodgers on the handicap for my final MLB pick of the night.
