MyBookie Bets:
National League (Under 4.5 Total Runs)
MyBookie is currently lacking with available prop bets for the 2019 All-Star game, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find value! This year, the offenses are sort of lacking. Yes, baseballs are very likely corked, especially for tonight’s game, but both pitching staffs are elite enough to work around that. The American League is starting Justin Verlander, and he has blanked his opponents in the first inning in three consecutive games now. After Verlander, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Gerrit Cole, Lucas Giolito, and others will look to hold off the National League offense. Brad Hand will likely close the game out, seeing as he is from Cleveland. Baseball is the only All-Star game that tends to score as low, or lower, than most regular season games.
American League (Under 4.5 Total Runs)
This is basically a hedge bet for the above-mentioned recommendation. As previously mentioned, the offenses are lacking for this year’s All-Star game. Hyun-Jin Ryu is on the mound to start for the National League, and he blanked the San Diego Padres in the first inning of his last start. He will be followed up by Jacob deGrom, Sonny Gray, Clayton Kershaw, Sandy Alcantara, Walker Buehler, and others. It is easier for pitchers to trick batters the first time through the batting order, which is likely why the All-Star game tends to be rather low-scoring, despite the heavy offensive power. It is possible that both of these bets hit, but it is likely that one of two does. The National League offense seemingly has slightly more pop, so put more units on this bet than the one above.
National League (-105)
Okay, this is an unpredictable wager. I’m just having some fun here. I think the National League has a slightly better offense, giving them a very small edge. In a gun-to-the-head scenario, I’m picking the NL to win this one.
PrizePicks Over/Under:
Carlos Santana (OVER 2.5) – Cleveland Indians
Carlos Santana, despite his poor showing in the Home Run Derby last night, is in a great spot to hit the over on PrizePicks’ 2.5-fantasy-point projection. He is expected to hit fourth in the American League lineup, likely because he is a home town hero. Hyun-Jin Ryu is expected to start the game for the National League, and it is possible that he gets three consecutive outs. If he does, Santana gets a better matchup in the second inning. If he doesn’t, Santana is automatically placed in an RBI opportunity, as long as a solo home run doesn’t occur. He only needs one hit to cash on the over, and with only six reserve infielders, it’s possible he gets a couple of at-bats.
Gary Sanchez (OVER 2.5) – New York Yankees
Gary Sanchez is one of the best power bats in this year’s All-Star game. He is hitting down in the lineup, which is actually a good thing, as he will face worse pitching. Like Carlos Santana, he only needs one hit to reach the over on PrizePicks 2.5-fantasy-point projection. As an added bonus, the American League only has two catchers on the roster. Sanchez should see at least two at-bats. If he does, his chances of collecting a hit increase dramatically. In fact, if he finds himself in two RBI situations, he could technically hit the over without recording a hit.
*Odds via MyBookie*
Follow Jason Bales (@BalesTJason)