Saturday night, we’ve got three games to talk about; let’s jump right into our favorite MLB pitcher vs. batter matchups.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page.
You can also browse our recommendations for the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.
MLB Pitcher Report | June 28
Happy Saturday. We’ve had a day full of baseball, balls have been flying and that summer air feels so good. We’ve got three games left on the slate, six teams to analyze and six starting pitchers to talk about. Let’s kick it off with Colin Rea of the Chicago Cubs.
Rea’s 4.56 ERA doesn’t look terrible on the surface, but he’s allowed opposing batter to hit .288 on the year and he’s given up 13 total home runs. He’s struggled against left-handed bats this year, allowing them to hit .338 with 9-of-13 home runs coming to lefties.
Opposing Rea will be Lance McCullers Jr. He’s held opposing batters to .224 on the year but his struggles have come at home. His ERA balloons to 9.19 at home this year, allowing batters to hit .262 and giving up 2.4 HR/9. McCullers has struggled against righties this year, with three of the four home runs he’s allowed being to right handed bats.
In Atlanta we’ve got a divisional showdown between the Phillies and Braves. Luzardo’s 4.08 ERA isn’t the best but he’s performed well in two career starts at Atlanta. Schwellenbach for the Braves has been great this year, posting a 3.30 ERA and holding opposing batters to a .225 batting average. He’s done a great job of limiting hard contact and he’s been even better at home.
Saturday Night Baseball
The night finishes at Angel Stadium. The Nationals are in town, ready to play game game two of a three game series with the Angels. Soroka will take the mound for the Nationals, posting a 5.06 ERA this year, despite holding opposing batters to a .219 batting average.
Soroka will face off with Hendricks for the Angels. His 4.83 ERA isn’t the best and he’s given up 14 total home runs on the year. Both lineups are loaded and it was on full display yesterday when the two teams combind for 22 runs.
Summer’s Here – MLB Stadium Report
With just three games, we’ve got a little bit less to talk about today. The Cubs and Astros will play today’s game with the roof closed, temperatures in Houston just too hot otherwise. In Atlanta we’ve got temperatures in the low 80s and light winds blowing toward left field.
Lastly, Angel Stadium. The temperatures in the high 70s and strong winds blowing toward the outfield. Conditions look immaculate in California and that’s exactly where we’re going to start. .
Our Best MLB Pitcher vs. Batter Bets on the Diamond for Saturday, June 28
Taylor Ward o1.5 Total Bases (+140 via BetOnline)
With so many big bats on this Angels team, it’s surprising to see Taylor Ward lead this team in home runs. Despite hitting just .205 on the season, his 19 home runs leads the team alongside his 55 RBI. Ward’s batting .206 against right handed pitchers this year, with 16 of his 19 home runs coming against righties.
His 94.9 mph exit velocity and launch angle of 33.5 degrees line up perfectly against a guy like Soroka. With winds blowing at almost 10mph directly toward the outfield, this feels like a prime spot for Ward to send it over fence.
Bonus: Taylor Ward Home Run (+375)
Yainer Diaz o1.5 Total Bases (+125 via BetOnline)
Diaz is an elite fastball hitter, something we know Colin Rea goes to often. Diaz’s has an average exit velocity of 96.1 mph and that pairs perfectly with a guys like Rea, who’s allowing an average of 92.7 mph. Diaz is hitting .283 at home this year, with six of his 10 home runs coming here at Daikin Park.
He’s cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games against right handed pitchers, including a home run last night.
Bonus: Yainer Diaz Home Run (+560)
Looking for More?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on ‘X’ @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn’t ask for! Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.