MLB Playbook: Betting Lines, Odds & Picks for Tuesday, Oct. 18

MLB Betting Playbook for Tuesday

A rainout in the Bronx on Monday night means the final game of the ALDS is being played on the same day of Game 1 of the NLCS. It’s an unusual situation, although it does create even more betting opportunities for Tuesday than previously thought. Let’s take a look at some of the best options in both of Tuesday’s MLB playoff games.

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PICK: Yankees ML (-170) vs. Guardians

While these two teams have split the first four games of this series, the Yankees have still won seven of their 10 head-to-head games with the Guardians this season, including a 4-1 record against Cleveland at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees were also tied for the best home record in the majors at 58-25 (.699) during the regular season. That makes them a great home favorite in a must-win game.

The catch is that the Yankees are sending Nestor Cortes to the mound on three days' rest rather than Jameson Taillon, who was originally scheduled to pitch. But Cortes allowed two runs over five innings in Game 2 and should be ready to face the Guardians again. The lefty also allowed one run on three hits over six innings when he faced Cleveland earlier this year. Plus, the Yankees have Taillon ready to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Guardians have yet to announce their starter, but whoever it is will have a quick hook at the first sign of trouble. Look for the Yankees to jump out early and give Cortes a lead to hold. The extra day will also put the New York bullpen at full strength, making it easier for them to avoid a late-game collapse and wrap up the series.

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PICK: Under 0.5 Runs in First Inning (-165 at DraftKings)

There is always more value in a run being scored in the first inning, but in this case, the wise money is on a scoreless first inning. Both Zack Wheeler and Yu Darvish were outstanding during the regular season and they’ve continued that in the postseason. Granted, Darvish gave up a run in the first inning of his start against the Dodgers in the NLDS, but he was also facing an L.A. lineup that saw him four times during the regular season. The Phillies might need a little more time to adjust to his expansive repertoire of pitches. Wheeler, meanwhile, didn’t allow a run against the Cardinals and kept the Braves off the board until the sixth inning in his last start. He also had a 1.38 ERA in the first inning during the regular season, so he’s a safe bet to have a scoreless first frame in Game 1.

PICK: Alec Bohm Under 0.5 Hits (+190 at DraftKings)

Bohm had an up-and-down regular season and has yet to get going during the playoffs. He has just four hits in 20 postseason at-bats and heads into the NLCS going 1-for-11 in his last three games. He’s also had a hard time figuring out Darvish, going 1-for-8 with three strikeouts against the Padres ace. Darvish is likely to go at least five or six innings in this game and then turn it over to a well-rested San Diego bullpen that’s been outstanding the postseason. Bohm’s odds of getting a hit don’t look good, making a hitless Bohm a good value pick.

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