Top Pitcher vs. Batter Matchups & How to Bet Them (5/30)

It’s officially that time of year, time for me to get into my MLB Bag and find some winners. We’ve got a HUGE slate of games today, so let’s jump right into it.

For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page.

Pitcher Report | May 30th

Yak City

Right off the bat, two pitchers that stick out to me Kyle Harrison for the Giants and Zack Eflin for the Orioles. Harrison’s looked great this year, recording a 3.86 ERA but holding opposing batters to a 0.200 batting average and recoding just under 11 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched.

His ERA has ballooned because the guy just gives up a ton of home runs. Last season Harrison started 24 games, surrendered 18 home runs and finished the season with a 4.56 ERA. This year he’s had just 1 start, played 9 innings of baseball and he’s already given up two yaks.

For the Orioles is Zack Eflin that’s giving up a ton of hard contact over his last two starts. Across his last two starts, Eflin gave up 15 hits, 7 home runs and 12 earned runs; these two games came against the Nationals and the Red Sox. When at home in Camden Yard, his game gets even worse.

When playing at Camden Yards this year, Efflin’s recorded a 8.74 ERA across two games; pitching just 11.2 innings, giving up 18 hits, 11 earned runs and 5 home runs. Tonight he’ll see the Chicago White Sox and their resurgent lineup.

Weather Man, Weather Man

The conditions in Philadelpia could not be any better today. Strong winds blowing out of the stadium with a great, low pressure environment. Take a trip with me to Baltimore, not only has Eflin struggled to keep opposing hitters inside the park, but today’s conditions should make it even tougher.

Camden Yards already a hitter-friendly ballpark, but today with winds blowing out and a low air pressure; look for the ball to fly. Another stadium with great low pressure conditions today, the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays and Athletics will take the field today, Toronto hot off a 12-run shutout win over the Athletics.

Our Best Bets on the Diamond for Friday, May 30th

Ronald Acuña o1.5 Total Bases (-125 via BetOnline)

Atlanta’s been bad, but this team just got their best player back in the lineup. Fresh off an MVP-win in 2023, Acuña played just 49 games last season before suffering a torn ACL and undergoing surgical repair. He’s made his way back into the lineup and through just 4 games Acuña’s batting 0.318 and he’s already got 2 HRs in just 5-games.

Today he matches up with Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox. Giolito’s allowing opposing batters to hit 0.288 against him this year, having given up 5 HRs in just 27 innings of play. He’s also struggled against right handed batters, allowing righties to hit 0.314 this year.

Acuña’s played in just 3 home games so far this year, hitting 0.333 with a home run in 2 of the 3 games. He’s also 2/5 against Giolito in his career, one of those hits being over the fence.

Bonus: Ronald Acuña Home Run (+360)

Dodgers/Yankees o8.5 (-120 via BetOnline)

This ones a gut call. World Series Rematch with both lineups full of hot hitters.

 The Yankees will have Max Fried on the mound and the guy has looked like the best pitcher in baseball, early on. Fried’s got a 1.72 ERA and sub-1 ERA on the road. He’s holding opposing hitters to a sub-200 batting average and he’s given up just 3 HRs in 11 starts.

Despite how good he’s been, he’s struggled against this Dodgers lineup. Fried’s allowed Ohtani to hit 0.600 in his career, giving up a home run and recording just one strikeout. Against Max Muncy, he’s given up 5 hits, 2 HRs and allowed Muncy to hit 0.294.

For Los Angeles it’ll be Tony Gonsolin. Gonsolin’s had his struggles against Aaron Judge, allowing the Bronx bomber to hit 0.500 with a home run. He’s also surrendered a homer to the young Trent Grisham and allowed Paul Goldschmidt to hit 0.286 in his career.

All eyes will be on this game tonight, let’s hope the MLB rolls out at least a few juiced balls.

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