MLB Best Bets Today: Game 3 Wild Card Picks and Expert Predictions October 2

October 2 delivers three decisive Game 3 Wild Card matchups with playoff survival on the line, creating sharp betting angles our experts have identified across multiple markets.Jack Flaherty's road struggles stand out as he faces Cleveland, while Jameson Taillon gets the nod for Chicago against a Padres offense that's managed just four runs through two games.From pitcher props targeting vulnerable starters to player performance bets on Aaron Judge's hot streak, we've found value in today's win-or-go-home scenarios. Jack Flaherty has struggled down the stretch with a 5.36 ERA since August 5 and allowed three runs or more in five of his past nine starts. The veteran right-hander has particular trouble with left-handed batters, giving up more baserunners and power while posting lower strikeout rates against lefties.Kyle Manzardo profiles perfectly against Flaherty's repertoire as a left-handed power threat who hits well against fastballs, Flaherty's most-used pitch. Manzardo has also posted a .300 average or better against sliders and knuckle curves, which are Flaherty's other primary offerings to left-handed hitters.The Guardians lineup features excellent table-setters in Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez who should create opportunities for Manzardo to drive in runs. Kwan is one of the sport's best contact hitters while Ramirez gets on base consistently, creating traffic on the basepaths.Manzardo has delivered in clutch spots at home this season, driving in runs in 40% of his home games and 54% of home victories. With the Guardians needing to capitalize on their home field advantage in this elimination game, we expect Manzardo to come through.The Tigers bullpen ranks 23rd in FIP since September 1, suggesting Cleveland should have scoring opportunities throughout the game. This creates multiple chances for Manzardo to cash in runners."}],"homeTeam":{"name":"Guardians","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281257-team-logo-P14Z9RYU.png"},"awayTeam":{"name":"Tigers","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281298-team-logo-6RQPHN0A.png"},"venue":"Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio","matchDate":{"value":"2025-10-02T17:00:00.000Z","timezone":"America/New_York"}},{"fixtureId":"7468GD3E","id":"fc243fc0-8cca-40f7-b436-597a421b6c9f","picks":[{"id":"719500d5-2247-49f0-a1bd-77c728d2834b","pickName":"Jameson Taillon Over 3.5 hits allowed","oddsValue":"+125","partnerId":"f0ebdf5b-cf3b-4d33-9fae-90cb154b8715","description":"Jameson Taillon faces a San Diego lineup that has hit him well historically, posting a .273 average across 110 at-bats with three home runs. The Padres have shown they can make solid contact against the right-hander when they face him.Taillon has been more vulnerable on the road this season, allowing 66 hits in 70.2 innings of work away from Wrigley Field. His road numbers suggest he's more hittable when pitching outside the friendly confines of his home ballpark.The veteran right-hander has given up over 3.5 hits in two of his previous four appearances, showing recent vulnerability to opposing lineups. Even in a must-win playoff atmosphere, Taillon's recent form indicates he may struggle with command.While Taillon has been solid overall with an 11-7 record and 3.68 ERA, playoff baseball brings heightened pressure that can affect even seasoned veterans. The Cubs will likely have a shorter leash, but we expect the Padres to make contact early.San Diego's approach at the plate has been patient and selective throughout this series. Even though they've been held to limited runs, they've consistently put balls in play and worked counts, which should translate to hits against Taillon.","partner":{"name":"BetMGM Sportsbook","slug":"betmgmSportsbook","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/ims-uploads/uploads/2023/02/1676570445-le7er7a13C0EKD12RQ7.png","primaryColor":"#000000","squareLogo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/01/1737027936-image (11).png"}}],"homeTeam":{"name":"Cubs","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281188-team-logo-G7I98EP0.png"},"awayTeam":{"name":"Padres","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281517-team-logo-T9XIU3TG.png"},"venue":"Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois","matchDate":{"value":"2025-10-02T19:00:00.000Z","timezone":"America/New_York"}},{"fixtureId":"4BYM0RJX","id":"7d335d8e-4d62-43cd-9e25-17fda0b8c9b2","picks":[{"id":"33623b84-19ed-44ee-8aef-66aca534b45f","pickName":"Aaron Judge Over 1.5 total bases","oddsValue":"-110","partnerId":"f0ebdf5b-cf3b-4d33-9fae-90cb154b8715","description":"Aaron Judge has been locked in at the plate through two games against Boston, going 4-for-8 with consistent 2-for-4 performances in both contests. The reigning AL MVP is seeing the ball extremely well and making solid contact consistently.Judge closed the regular season strong, hitting over 1.5 total bases in four of his final five games. This hot streak has carried directly into the postseason, suggesting he's found his timing at the perfect moment for the Yankees.While Judge faces some criticism for postseason performance historically, he's clearly shaking off those narratives with his current approach. His plate discipline and swing decisions have been excellent, leading to quality at-bats regardless of the pitcher.The Yankees will need their captain to step up in this elimination scenario, and Judge has consistently delivered when his team needs him most. His leadership and clutch gene make him a prime candidate to produce in high-leverage situations.Judge's power and contact ability make him a threat to reach base safely and advance multiple bases on any swing. Even against unfamiliar pitching, his elite plate coverage and recognition give him edges that transcend specific matchups.","partner":{"name":"BetMGM Sportsbook","slug":"betmgmSportsbook","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/ims-uploads/uploads/2023/02/1676570445-le7er7a13C0EKD12RQ7.png","primaryColor":"#000000","squareLogo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/01/1737027936-image (11).png"}}],"homeTeam":{"name":"Yankees","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281470-team-logo-F9T5K1G6.png"},"awayTeam":{"name":"Red Sox","logo":"https://storage.googleapis.com/kibg-uploads/uploads/2025/07/1753281171-team-logo-T8ULTOIJ.png"},"venue":"Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York","matchDate":{"value":"2025-10-03T00:00:00.000Z","timezone":"America/New_York"}}]" tablefooter=" Betting on the MLB?Sporting Post is your trusted hub for MLB betting coverage. 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Game	Time	Pick
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