Best MLB Bets Weekend | MLB Picks, May 6-7

The first weekend is going to be a test for historic franchises. For a few teams, they are coming the weekend having played one game of their series and already behind. Among some of these matchups this weekend are divisional battles between teams in the NL West, AL East and the AL Central. These are games that will have serious implications on the records for the postseason. These will be great games to watch and place bets on with summer starting to heat up.

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays

Time: 4:10 PM E.T.

• Starting Pitchers: Domingo German (NYY) vs Drew Rasmussen (TB)

• Moneyline: Yankees (+160) | Rays (-190)

• Run Line: Yankees +1.5 (-140) | Rays -1.5 (+120)

• Total: Over 7.5 (-115) | Under 7.5 (-105)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

My Pick: Tampa Bay Rays (-190)

This game could not feature two teams in terms of momentum. The Tampa Bay Rays (27-6) have started the 2023 MLB Season hot by winning 13 of their first games and seven of their last eight games. While the New York Yankees (17-16) are in danger of falling below .500% just in this series.

The Rays will be starting Drew Rasmussen (3.66 ERA in 32 innings pitched) in game two. He has allowed 13 runs and 32 hits while delivering 34 strikeouts. The Yankees are putting their second-best pitcher at the mound before the last game on Sunday. Domingo German (4.66 ERA in 34.1 innings pitched) has allowed 21 hits and 17 runs while delivering 39 strikeouts.

The pitching for the Rays has been playing at a high level this season making life difficult for opposing batters. Tampa Bay ranks first in the AL in ERA (2.87), hits allowed (214), first in runs allowed (96), first in home runs allowed (20) and sixth in strikeouts (284).

Having the top-ranked pitching team in the AL and knowing how to limit power hitters could be a serious problem for the Yankees. New York ranks 11th in the AL in runs accounted for (126). 13th in hits accounted for (235), sixth in home runs accounted for (39), 10th in batting average (.228) and 13th in on-base percentage (.297). To make matters worse for the Yankees, reigning MVP in outfielder Aaron Judge is on the IL for a hip injury.

This game has all the makings of another solid win for the Rays and put the Yankees at .500%.

Toronto Blue Jays @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Time: 6:35 PM E.T.

• Starting Pitchers: Jose Berrios (TOR) vs Johan Oviedo (PIT)

• Moneyline: Blue Jays (-135) | Pirates(+115)

• Run Line: Blue Jays -1.5 (+115)     | Pirates +1.5 (-135)

• Total: Over 9 (-105) | Under 9(-115)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

My Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates (+115)

Both the Pittsburgh Pirates (20-10) and the Toronto Blue Jays (18-14) are two consistent teams that have to overcome a recent trend of losses. Toronto lost five consecutive losses before defeating the Pirates 4-0 in the first game of the three-game road series on Friday, May 5th. Pittsburgh is currently on a five-game losing streak, which includes the home loss to Toronto.

The Pirates and Blue Jays are two of the most well-balanced teams in their respective conferences. Pittsburgh ranks fourth in the NL in runs accounted for (160), seventh in home runs accounted for (35), fifth in fewest strikeouts encountered (261), seventh in batting average (.255) and third in on-base percentage (.335). Andrew McCutchen’s return to the Pirates has rejuvenated the offense while leftfielder Bryan Reynolds has been efficient at the plate.

Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (23 runs, 41 hits and 20 RBIs) has been playing at an All-Star level this season and has been an example of the team’s proficiency at the plate throughout the team. Toronto ranks sixth in the AL in runs accounted for (151), fifth in strikeouts encountered (256), fifth in batting average (.255) and sixth in on-base percentage (.329).

The Pirates will have the edge in the pitching and fielding game in Saturday’s matchup. Pittsburgh ranks third in the NL in ERA this season at 3.60 and fourth in runs allowed (123). The Pirates will be starting Johan Oviedo (4.78 ERA in 32 innings pitched) while the Pirates will be starting Jose Berrios (5.29 ERA in 34 innings pitched).

Los Angeles Dodgers @ San Diego Padres

Time: 8:40 PM E.T.

• Starting Pitchers: Dustin May (LA) vs Blake Snell (SD)

• Moneyline: Dodgers (-115) | Padres (-115)

• Run Line: Dodgers +0.5 (+145) | Padres  -0.5 (+135)

• Total: Over 4.5 (-110) | Under 4.5 (-120)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

My Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers (-115)

In one of the most enjoyable games of the evening slate, the Los Angeles (19-14) take on the San Diego Padres (18-15) in a three-game series in San Diego. Both teams looked to have found their rhythm and consistency after a rough start to the season.

The Dodgers currently lead the NL West while the Padres look to make up for disappointing losses. That process started when the Padres defeated the Dodgers 5-2 as the bullpen for San Diego allowed only four hits, two walks and two runs while delivering nine strikeouts.

Los Angeles has one of the most dangerous batting teams in the MLB as they rank first in the NL in runs accounted for (182), first in home runs (54), first in walks (146) and third in on-base percentage (.355). First baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy, centerfielder James Outman and right fielder Mookie Betts have all accounted for 20 or more runs this season. Muncy leads the team in home runs accounting for (12).

The pitching and fielding games between the two teams are close to the pitching efficiencies this season. The Dodgers are fifth in the NL in ERA (4.32) while the Padres are seventh (4.33).

Dustin May (3.15 ERA in 34.1 innings pitched) will make the start at the mound for the Dodgers. For the Padres, Blake Snell (3.60 ERA in 30 innings pitched) will start against the Dodgers. While the Padres are developing a solid rhythm at the plate with their talented batters, the Dodgers will come into game two of the series with a serious chip on their shoulder.