MLB Picks Today: Expert MLB Picks for
Monday, June 8
We have a limited eight-game schedule to begin the week Monday. There are still some highlight matchups, though, including the Cleveland Guardians hosting the New York Yankees on FS1. Let's dive into the slate and highlight three wagers to consider.
Mike Barner's season record: 34-28-1 (-0.03 units)
Use the best sportsbook promos from the best MLB betting sites this baseball season. The BetMGM bonus code gets new players one of the best welcome bonuses in the industry.
MLB Picks Today: Expert Betting Tips and Analysis
Los Angeles Angels 
vs. Houston Astros 
Betting Picks
- Astros ML first 5 innings (-120) at FanDuel for 1 Unit
- Astros team total 4.5 runs: Over (-120) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
The Astros have a significant advantage in terms of the starting pitching matchup for this game. They will start Spencer Arrighetti, who has given up two or fewer earned runs in eight of his nine starts. A key to his success has been lowering his WHIP from 1.42 last season to 1.18 this year. Also, he has given up just 0.5 HR/9. Last year, he permitted 1.5 HR/9.
Starting for the Angels is Grayson Rodriguez, who has given up 20 runs (19 earned) over 18 innings. He has been wild, walking 11 batters on his way to a 1.89 WHIP. He has also allowed four home runs. The last time he pitched in the majors was in 2024 when he had a 26.5 percent strikeout rate. He has a 19.8 percent strikeout rate this year, which is a major concern given his injury history.
There are two appealing bets to attack this matchup. First is to take the Astros to have the lead through five innings. Second is to take the over for their team total for the entire game. Not only has Rodriguez been awful, but so has the Angels' bullpen. Their bullpen has a 4.96 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. The reason for taking the Astros to have the lead through five innings instead of the moneyline for the entire game is that their bullpen has also been bad, posting a 4.98 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP.
Cash in at Caesars Sportsbook this MLB season and use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for one of the top MLB betting promos.
Philadelphia Phillies 
at Toronto Blue Jays 
Betting Picks
- Phillies -0.5 RL first 5 innings (-128) at FanDuel for 1 Unit
Cristopher Sanchez entered his last start having thrown five straight scoreless outings. That streak ended, but he still gave up just one run over seven innings against the Padres. He has followed up his 2.50 ERA and 3.02 xERA last season with a 1.46 ERA and 2.83 xERA this season. His 29.5 percent strikeout rate is on pace to be the highest mark of his career, and his WHIP is excellent at 1.09. He could be an especially difficult matchup for the Blue Jays, who have a .655 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
The Blue Jays will turn to their own lefty in Patrick Corbin, who has been serviceable with his 3.98 ERA. However, his 5.28 xERA indicates that he hasn't pitched that well. He's also not missing many bats with his 15.8 percent strikeout rate. Sanchez is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is facing a team that struggles against lefties. Regression could be coming for Corbin, so when everything is added together, the Phillies are in a favorable spot to have the lead through five innings.
Check in on one of the top sports betting apps when you sign up with the bet365 bonus code for your baseball betting.
MLB Picks Recap
- Astros ML first 5 innings (-120 FanDuel)
- Astros team total 4.5 runs: OVER (-120 DraftKings)
- Phillies -0.5 RL first 5 innings (-128 FanDuel)
All Plays - 1 Unit
