wsn-newsletter Subscribe to WSN.

Best MLB Bets Today: All in on Shota Imanaga

Contributors
Published May 24, 2024
4 min read
Best MLB Bets Today 2024 05 24

We have a couple of great bets to share with you today. The first comes from a matchup between the AL West-leading Mariners and the Nationals. The second is an NL Central clash between two fierce rivals as the Cubs visit the Cardinals. 

Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook. Use our BetMGM promo code WSNMGM for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Bet on MLB Games at BetMGM Sportsbook

How We Rate
Affiliate Disclaimer
21+

🔥 Claimed by 57 people this week!

BetMGM

4.5/5

Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

21+ | T&Cs apply. *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Weekend Baseball at bet365 Sportsbook

This weekend, MLB fans can claim a special promo at bet365 Sportsbook. Bet $50 on MLB action this weekend and claim $25 in bonus bets at bet365. And if you choose to wager between $20 and $49.99, you'll be rewarded with $10 in bonus bets. All you need to do is place a bet on Same Game Parlay, Same Game Parlay+ or Parlay and bonuses are yours to keep. Claim this offer by clicking on the image below!

Weekend Baseball at bet365

Best MLB Bets Today: Mariners vs. Nationals (6:45 PM EST)

Under 7.5 (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

This is our favorite bet of the day for a couple of different reasons. The first is that these are two of the worst offensive teams in the league. The Mariners rank twenty-fourth in batting average (.228) and runs scored (191) this season. The Nationals have been even worse, ranking twenty-seventh in batting average (.225) and twenty-fifth in runs scored (190). That will be a problem with two underrated pitchers on the bump today.

The Mariners will have George Kirby (4-4, 3.99 ERA) starting today. Consistency has been an issue for the righty this season, alternating between gems and duds through four May starts. However, his 1.01 WHIP suggests things are not as bad as they seem. He has struggled to keep the ball in the park in his bad outings, but that won’t be a problem against a Nationals team with the third-fewest home runs in baseball.

Washington will turn to one of their most promising prospects on the mound in MacKenzie Gore (2-4, 3.30 ERA). The 25-year-old has been fantastic for Washington this season, holding opponents to three or fewer runs in all nine of his starts. While his 1.38 WHIP isn’t great, the young pitcher has been able to work around it. Gore is coming off his best start of the season, holding a great Phillies lineup to two runs on three hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings. 

While Seattle doesn’t leave many runners on base, they also don’t have many opportunities to do so.

Bet on Under 7.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Best MLB Bets Today: Cubs vs. Cardinals (8:15 PM EST)

Cubs -1.5 (+125 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

The Cardinals have started to heat up over the last couple of weeks, winning eight of their previous ten games. While the Cubs have been unable to string together wins since May 5, they will have a significant advantage in tonight’s matchup in the form of starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (5-0, 0.84 ERA, 0.91 WHIP).

Imanaga has been the best pitcher in baseball this season as MLB teams struggle to figure out the former Nippon League star. He has allowed just five earned runs across 53 2/3 innings this season and allowed just nine walks. Imanaga’s ability to limit baserunners is unparalleled and is a reason why he is currently riding a 13-inning scoreless streak. We fully expect him to extend that streak tonight against a Cardinals team that has scored the third-fewest runs in baseball. 

The Cardinals will send veteran Miles Mikolas (3-5, 5.77 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) on the mound against the Cubs. He is coming off his worst season, and things haven’t improved in 2024. While he has been pitching a bit better, that's not saying much, considering his ERA in May is 5.57. The Cubs offense has struggled recently, but they have a deep lineup filled with talented hitters. Chicago will be able to get to Mikolas in this one, making the run line an easy cover.

Bet on Cubs -1.5 (+125) at BetMGM

tip_r

If you or someone you know needs support or wants to speak with a professional about responsible gambling, seek out the correct resources. Call 1-800-GAMBLER to get help, or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. WSN is an advocate for safe gambling practices. Visit our Responsible Gambling Center for more details.

21+ | T&Cs apply. *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Claim Now
Michael Savio WSN Contributors

Michael Savio

Sports Betting Analyst

Expertise:
Gambling News
MLB
NCAAB
Online Sports Betting
Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid and has turned that into a successful career. He cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams along with his Alma Mater Arizona State. He specializes in baseball betting, but has experience in football, basketball, and hockey as well. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children.
Email: [email protected]
Nationality: American
Education: Bachelor of Political Science
Favourite Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook
Favourite Casino: BetMGM Casino
Experience: 3 years
We've been featured on:
espn logo
reuters logo
cbs-news logo
forbes logo
entrepreneur logo
entrepreneur logo
We only list licensed sportsbooks
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
Co2neutral

We support responsible gambling. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you need help, call 1-800-Gambler.

WSN.com is managed by Gentoo Media. Unless declared otherwise, all of the visible content on this site, such as texts and images, including the brand name and logo, belongs to Innovation Labs Limited (a Gentoo Media company) - Company Registration Number C44130, VAT ID: MT18874732, @GIG Beach Triq id-Dragunara, St. Julians, STJ3148, Malta.

Advertising Disclosure: WSN.com contains links to partner websites. When a visitor to our website clicks on one of these links and makes a purchase at a partner site, World Sports Network is paid a commission.

Copyright © 2024