BlackJack's Baseball Best Bets

One of the things I like best about baseball season is the rhythm of it. It's there every single day, with almost full slates on all of them. On the weekends we get day baseball, which just makes the summer come alive. Today is a beautiful, hot, sunny day here in New York and there's some excellent baseball action going on, of which I have three games I've targeted as ones to play.

Tony Dejak. Shutterstock Images.

Minnesota Twins (-154) at Chicago White Sox (O/U 10.5)

This is a big time matchup advantage for the Twins. Reynaldo Lopez starts for the ChiSox and Lopez is not a big swing and miss pitcher. One thing the Twins do exceptionally well, is put the ball in play. Combine those two things, plus the warm weather in Chicago today, and I think the Twins offense explodes early and often. I'll lay it with the Twinkies.

THE PICK: Minnesota -1.5 (+100)

David J Phillip. Shutterstock Images.

Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros (-300, O/U 8.5)

This matchup is all about the pitching for me. Greinke has been outstanding for the Astros and particularly dominant against the Mariners. The same cannot be said, however, for his opponent today, Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi got shelled often last year and this Astros lineup is as dangerous as ever. I like the Astros to roll today behind Greinke.

THE PICK: Houston -1.5 (-138)

Getty Images.

Los Angeles Angels (-105) at Oakland A's (O/U 8.5)

Shohei Ohtani makes his first start since Tommy John surgery tonight in Oakland and all eyes will be on him. With the return from surgery as well as the odd circumstances of this season, you would have to think Ohtani will be on a strict pitch count. Opposing him is Mike Fiers who is off his best season and was particularly good at home in Oakland. I think this is a game that the Angels lean heavily on their bullpen for and it may be to their detriment.

THE PICK: Oakland ML (-110)