Top ALDS Picks: Odds and Best Bets Revealed
As the American League Division Series (ALDS) heats up, the New York Yankees find themselves in a challenging position. Trailing 2-0 in a best-of-five series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees are set to send Carlos Rodon to the mound, aiming to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Yankees Pitching Insights
Carlos Rodon, an experienced left-handed pitcher, has had a solid season. He made 33 starts, threw 195 1/3 innings, and achieved a commendable ERA of 3.09. According to advanced metrics from Baseball Savant, Rodon stands out in several key areas:
- 79th percentile in xERA
- 85th percentile in expected batting average against
- 84th percentile in whiff rate
Despite these statistics, the Yankees face a tough road ahead, needing a victory in Game 3 to avoid elimination.
Matchup Against the Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are sending Shane Bieber to the mound for Game 3. Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner, has had a mix of performances since being traded to Toronto while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Though he excels at minimizing walks, his struggle with hard contact has resulted in 1.8 home runs allowed per nine innings, a concerning statistic against a powerful Yankees lineup.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The Yankees enter Game 3 as +132 underdogs, while the Blue Jays are heavily favored at -550 to win the series. It’s crucial to assess the first two games, which showcased the Blue Jays’ effective pitching and timely hitting. However, some analysts believe that the Yankees could shift momentum if they find their rhythm against Bieber.
Future Outlook
If the Yankees can secure a win and push the series to Game 4, they will start Cam Schlittler, giving them an advantage over the Blue Jays’ bullpen plans. The Yankees, if able to overcome this deficit, could gain confidence and become a formidable opponent as they head deeper into the postseason.
World Series Considerations
For those looking to place bets, the Yankees’ odds to win the World Series sit at 16/1 on BetMGM. Although a victory in Game 3 is uncertain, savvy bettors might consider the potential upside if New York manages to turn the series around.
