Baseball Free Picks: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Tigers vs. Blue Jays and More

With the month of July winding down, the MLB playoff races are heating up, and teams are beginning to play with a little bit more urgency in their game. The addition of a second Wild Card position in both leagues has changed the landscape for teams that feel they can contend for a postseason spot, and with the American League race so close, here are the three most intriguing matchups heading in to this sports betting weekend.

Detroit Tigers @ Toronto Blue Jays
Saturday, 1:07 PM ET

The Blue Jays are 9.5 games back of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East, but just two games back of the Tigers for one of the two Wild Card spots. Toronto has persevered all season despite the devastating amount of injuries that have taken their toll on its roster, but will have a tough time slowing down a red-hot Detroit team this Saturday. The Blue Jays will send 22-year old Henderson Alvarez to the mound, and will need a better 5Dimes performance than what he provided in his last start when he gave up seven earned runs in 15-7 win over the Boston Red Sox. The Tigers will debut the newest addition to their starting rotation in Anibal Sanchez, who they hope will benefit from a chance of scenery and work his ERA down from 3.94.

MLB Betting Pick: Detroit Tigers

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees
Saturday, 4:05 PM ET

The Red Sox are in a similar situation to Toronto, still alive in the AL Wild Card race despite their struggles this season. While injuries have undoubtedly played a role in Boston’s struggles, a number of underachieving players including Jon Lester have also contributed to the problem. Manager Bobby Valentine re-affirmed his commitment to Lester despite his giving up 21 earned runs in his last 12.1 innings of work, and it could get a lot worse before it gets better. The Yankees own one of the best offenses in the majors, and with ace CC Sabathia on the mound there is no reason to think that Lester will be bouncing back in to the win column this online betting weekend.

MLB Betting Pick: New York Yankees

Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Saturday, 9:05 PM ET

After years of contending with the powerful teams in the AL East, Tampa Bay has taken a step back this season and could be sellers at the trade deadline. The Angels are headed in the opposite direction according to the bookies, but with the Oakland Athletics coming on strong in a division already dominated by the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles is at risk of getting caught up in the shuffle. The Angels have been one of the better teams in the AL at home this season, and will need Dan Haren to help them take care of business Saturday. Haren is 7-8 with a 4.76 ERA, but looked good allowing just two runs over six innings in a win over the Rangers in his last start. Tampa Bay will counter with Matt Moore, who was solid in a win over the Angels earlier this season. With Haren struggling, Los Angeles is going to have to find a way to put up runs and that could be tough against a strong starter in Moore and no pressure on the Rays. For more betting odds for this weekend’s baseball games, check out one of the best online betting sites.

MLB Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Rays