Best MLB Bets Today: Can the Mariners Keep Their Playoffs Hopes Afloat

We are locking in bets on division winners today. The first is on the Seattle Mariners vs. the AL West-leading Houston Astros, and the other is on the Chicago Cubs vs. the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies tonight. 

Below, we will share the best bet from both matchups using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. If you want to start using FanDuel’s industry-leading platform, use our custom link to earn $200 in Bonus Bets when you make an initial wager of $5+.

Best MLB Bets Today: Mariners vs. Astros (2:10 PM EST)

Astros ML (-146) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Astros’ starter Yusei Kikuchi (9-9, 4.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) has turned his season around since being acquired by the team at the trade deadline. Over nine starts with Houston, the lefty is 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. Those are fantastic numbers, which is bad news for a bad Seattle offense this afternoon. 

To the Mariners' credit, their play at the plate has been better since the All-Star break, but that isn’t saying much. The team ranks twenty-ninth in the league in batting average, only beating out the lowly White Sox. Seattle faced Kikuchi when he was with Toronto in April, allowing just one run over six innings.

George Kirby (13-11, 3.60 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) is scheduled to start today’s game, but it doesn’t really matter who is on the mound for the Mariners. The team has the best pitching staff in baseball and arguably in baseball history, but the rotation is a combined 52-45. Poor offense and a mediocre bullpen have cost them wins.

The Astros have one of the best lineups in baseball, ranking third in batting average and tenth in runs scored. They have been especially hot in September, batting an impressive .273 with 24 home runs and 98 RBIs. Even if Kirby can keep them in check, the lineup will have no problem beating up on the Mariners bullpen en route to a win.

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Best MLB Bets Today: Cubs vs. Phillies (6:05 PM EST)

Phillies -1.5 (+122) at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Phillies have officially clinched the NL East but still have plenty to play for. The team is neck-and-neck with the Dodgers for the top seed in the NL, meaning tonight’s game carries a lot of importance. That will lead to a lopsided win tonight against a disappointing Cubs team. 

Chicago will have Javier Assad (7-5, 3.34 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) on the mound tonight. The righty was lights out over the season's first two months but is 3-4 with a 4.21 ERA since June 1. Much of his struggles have come on the road, where he owns a 4.17 ERA with a .266 OBA.

Assad will have his hands full with the Phillies tonight. The team ranks fourth in the league in batting average and runs scored, showing how good they have been this season. Philadelphia’s lineup has been especially impressive in September, with their OPS of .769 representing their highest mark of the season. 

The Phillies will have Cristopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.25 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) starting opposite Assad. The lefty has been fantastic for the Phillies this season, and lights out in September. He has made four starts this month and gone 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA. The team won all four of those starts.

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