Wednesday's MLB slate offers sharp contrasts between struggling road favourites and emerging value plays, with multiple experts targeting underdog opportunities across afternoon and evening games.
The Yankees (-135) face elimination concerns in Texas while riding a five-game skid, as Carlos Rodon looks to steady a reeling bullpen that's blown recent leads.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott (2.15 ERA) gets another crack at a Cubs lineup that's managed just seven hits in two games, creating one of the day's most compelling pitching mismatches at +120 odds.
MLB best bets
Pirates vs. Giants betting tips
The Giants are riding momentum after an 8-1 victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday, showing their ability to dominate this matchup.
Robbie Ray takes the mound for San Francisco with a solid 9-5 record and 2.85 ERA, giving the Giants a clear pitching advantage.
Pittsburgh's Andrew Heaney has struggled lately with an 8.83 ERA over his last 5 starts, making him vulnerable against a Giants offense averaging 5.8 runs per game recently.
The pitching disparity is stark - the Giants have posted a 3.81 team ERA compared to Pittsburgh's 7.09 over their last 6 games.
Ray's control and track record suggest he can neutralize the Pirates offense while his team provides adequate run support.
Cubs vs. Reds betting tips
Andrew Abbott has been dominant for the Reds with an impressive 8-1 record and 2.15 ERA this season, establishing himself as a reliable starter.
Abbott has already faced the Cubs twice this year and thoroughly dominated them, allowing just 1 earned run across 12.2 innings with only 7 hits.
Chicago's offense has been ice cold, managing just 7 total hits over their past 2 games while batting .212 over the last 6 games.
Cade Horton's recent success appears unsustainable given his previous struggles in June and July, suggesting regression is likely.
The Reds offense has been more consistent, batting .262 and averaging nearly 5 runs per game over the past 6 contests.
Rangers vs. Yankees betting tips
The Yankees are desperate to snap a 5-game losing streak and this matchup sets up favorably for positive regression.
Carlos Rodon gets the ball for New York and should benefit from facing a Rangers team that ranks bottom 5 against left-handed pitching.
Texas walks less than most teams in the league, which plays into Rodon's hands given his recent control issues.
Jack Leiter has been walking 3-4 batters in four straight games, and the Yankees lead baseball in walks drawn, creating a mismatch.
New York boasts the second-highest slugging percentage against righties, giving them a significant offensive edge over Leiter.
Angels vs. Rays betting tips
Shane Baz has been excellent on the road this season with a 2.97 ERA and .227 batting average against, much better than his home splits.
Tampa Bay's offense has been among the coldest in baseball since the All-Star break, ranking 29th with a .220 average and .643 OPS.
Tyler Anderson gets a favorable matchup against a Rays team that struggles against lefties, batting just .227 with a .646 OPS this season.
The Angels have been held to 3 runs or fewer in 3 of their last 5 games, showing their own offensive struggles.
Both teams have shown recent trends toward lower-scoring games, making the under an attractive play.
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