Happy Saturday. We’ve got a full day of baseball, games starting early and today’s conditions couldn’t be better. Let’s jump right into this Saturday Night MLB Slate.
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 | July 12
We Want, Yu!
Yu Darvish is back from injury and finally back in this Padres’ rotation. Darvish made his season debut on Monday against the Diamondbacks. He went just 3.2 innings, gave up three hits and just two earned runs. Darvish was great in his first start back, but tonight he faces a few hitters in this Phillies lineup he’s struggled against.
The trio of Schwarber, Turner and Harper have combined for 16 hits, 6 home runs, while both Turner and Schwarber are both hitting above .300. against Darvish. Down in Anaheim, we’ve got the Diamondbacks and Angels facing off at Angel Stadium.
Zac Gallen will get the start for the Diamondbacks, recording a 5.27 ERA this year and having given up 20 home runs this year. Gallen’s struggled outside of Chase Field in Arizona, surrendering 11 of his 20 home runs on the road.
Opposite of Gallen will be Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi’s having one of his best statistical seasons ever, recording a 3.02 ERA; 1.69 at Angel Stadium. He’s holding opposing batters to just .213 at home and he’s given up just five home runs at Angel Stadium this year.
Let’s wrap it up with the young lefty, Jacob Lopez. Lopez has a 4.47 ERA this year, allowing opposing batters to hit .244 with eight total home runs allowed. Seven of those eight home runs have come against right handed bats and tonight with the Blue Jays in town, he’ll see plenty of those.
Clear Skies, Full Hearts – July 12 Weather Conditions
Only three of the four games on this Saturday night slate will have weather play a factor. The Rangers and Astros will face off inside Daikin Park today with the roof closed, conditions being too hot in Houston for anything else. Moving to the Bay, we’ve got the Padres and Phillies set to clash at Petco Park.
Petco Park’s your usual pitcher friendly ballpark, deep in the corners with winds blowing in towards the stadium; most of the time. Today we’re seeing 8.3 mph winds blowing from left to right field with temperatures in the low 70s. That strong wind should help out today’s southpaws, allowing for a little extra carry on those fly balls.
We’ve got 10 mph winds blowing directly toward centre field at Angel Stadium. With two loaded up lineups, this could be one of the most entertaining games of the day. Capping it off at my favorite ballpark, Sutter Health Park.
The Blue Jays and Athletics will face off for game two of their series. Winds are blowing at 14.3 mph directly out of the stadium, temperature in the low 90s and slight humidity. It’s the smallest ballpark in the MLB so it’s no surprise why this ones my favorite.
Our Best MLB Pitcher vs. Batter Bets on the Diamond for Saturday, July 12
Kyle Schwarber o1.5 Total Bases (+130 via BetOnline)
Kyle Schwarber’s quietly having quite the year. He’s batting .254 with 30 home runs, 69 RBI and 66 runs scored. It’s his best batting average since 2021, he’s on track to finish with 40 or more home runs and he’s a huge reason why the Phillies sit atop the NL East.
Schwarber’s got great history against Darvish, batting .357 with two home runs. This will be Yu’s second start of the season and with winds blowing from left to right field, it should only amplify his left handed swing.
Schwarber’s also got great history inside Petco Park. He’s got nine home runs here in San Diego, batting .267 and he’s cleared this line in three of his last four games here.
Bonus: Kyle Schwarber Home Run (+285)
George Springer o1.5 Total Bases (-130 via BetOnline)
Springer’s been one of the hottest hitters in the MLB this month. He’s batting .359 with five home runs, 13 RBI and 11 runs scored. Springer’s hit this line just once in his last five games, batting .118 and failing to record a hit last night against the Athletics.
Today Springer faces off with lefty, Jacob Lopez. Lopez has been good for the Athletics this year, recording a 3.62 ERA at home, despite giving up 1.7 HR/9. He’s holding the opposition .206 when at Sutter Health Park but he’s struggled with right handed bats.
Lopez has given up seven of his eight home runs to lefties, allowing them to hit .253 on the year. Look for Springer to take advantage tonight and bust out of this little slump.
Bonus: George Springer Home Run (+425)
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.