Caleb Wilfinger
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The dog days of summer are here, and that means more than 12 hours of baseball on Thursday. There are a number of intriguing matchups throughout the day from coast to coast. And what better way to celebrate a full slate of baseball than by going for a big payday? That’s right, we’re back with another mega parlay with a payout of over 9/1 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our free picks on the side and total for every MLB game today. Let’s get into our mega parlay for today.
Dodgers alternate run line -2.5 (+120)
Astros -1.5 (-140)
Padres -1.5 (+170)
Parlay odds: +918
Let’s break down each of the legs one by one.
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
LA Dodgers alternate run line -2.5 (+120) over Chicago Cubs
To start off this mega parlay, we are going with the Dodgers -2.5 on an alternate run line. Even while laying this hefty number, it’s tough to fade LA with Tony Gonsolin on the mound. The right-hander has been the Dodgers’ best pitcher this season, posting an ERA of 1.54 through his first 15 outings. In fact, Gonsolin has yet to surrender more than 2 runs in his last 13 starts, while throwing for over 75 innings in that span. The Dodgers tend to win when he pitches, and I expect that to be the case once again today.
The Cubs will counter with Mark Leiter Jr., who has limited experience as an MLB starter. In 3 starts this season, Leiter Jr. has surrendered 9 runs in just 10 innings pitched. Don’t expect more than 3-4 innings from the right-hander, and the Dodgers offense should see to that. With Mookie Betts back in the lineup, LA becomes even more of a nightmare for right-handed pitching. Look for the Dodgers to start fast and cruise to a decisive win at home.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for LA Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros -1.5 (-140) over Kansas City Royals
For the second leg of this mega parlay, we’ve got the Astros on the run line. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I sound like a broken record when talking about the Astros performances of late, but Houston keeps taking care of business. The Astros are rolling at home this season, posting a 26-11 record at Minute Maid Park. They have won 10 of their last 11 games and look like a serious World Series contender. On the other side of things, the Royals are one of the worst teams in baseball and it won’t get any easier for them in this one. To make matters worse, KC starter Kris Bubic is struggling mightily this season, posting a 7.06 ERA through 43 IP.
You don’t need me to tell you that Houston’s lineup is absolutely loaded. And with Justin Verlander on the hill, the Astros should hold a lead through the first 6 innings. Even if Verlander isn’t at his best, the Astros’ bullpen has been one of the best in baseball. I like Houston to start strongly and coast to a decisive victory.
San Diego Padres -1.5 (+170) over San Francisco Giants
To finish off this mega parlay, we have the Padres on the run line. San Diego hasn’t been playing at a high level, but the Padres do have Joe Musgrove on the mound today. Musgrove has been one the best pitchers in baseball, allowing just 23 runs in 92 innings in 2022. More importantly, the Padres are catching a Giants team that is in a tailspin. San Francisco has won just 2 of its last 9 games, including 6 straight losses before a win last night. The Giants went from contending for the NL West to being outside of the NL Wild Card picture.
Logan Webb has been the Giants best pitcher this season, and he’s been pitching at a very high level in his last 4 starts. However, the Giants offense is nothing to write home about. With 92 strikeouts in as many innings pitched, Musgrove’s stuff has been active and consistent. The right-hander has been a model of consistency, throwing at least 6 innings in each start this season. At this price, I like fading a struggling Giants team by riding with an elite pitcher in Musgrove.
Be sure to check out best YRFI and NRFI plays for today
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