MLB Betting Tips: 9/4 tip for Yankees success

The American League returns to centre stage on Monday night as the MLB postseason continues with two more Game 2 match-ups, and it’s the New York Yankees headlining (live on TNT Sports 2 from 21:00 BST).

The Yankees are aiming for a first World Series appearance in 15 years, and here are my MLB Betting Tips.

Today’s MLB Odds

AL Division Series Game 2: Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians Odds (21:08 BST)

Monday is win day for the Tigers. This is one of the games they will have identified as a must-win if they are to take the three victories they need to progress.

That was the case even before their 7-0 loss in Game 1, with Tarik Skubal’s presence on the mound tonight meaning they hav to make the most of their best pitcher.

The Tigers are 10/13 to tie the series, with the Guardians 21/20 to take a commanding lead to Comerica Park for Game 3 on Wednesday.

AL Division Series Game 2: Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees Odds (00:38 BST Monday)

Carlos Rodon takes the ball for the Yankees against Cole Ragans, who was sensational on his postseason debut last Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Ragans threw six scoreless innings to best Corbin Burnes and earn the win in Game 1 of the Wild Card series, only exiting after suffering from leg cramps.

He and the Royals are not favoured by Betfred though, with the Yankee Stadium factor and the huge bats in the home team’s line-up carrying a heavy sway.

The Yankees are 4/6 to move to within one win of the ALCS, with the visitors 6/5 to send it back to Kauffman Stadium tied up.

Yankees -2.5 @ 9/4

Anyone who isn’t an actual Yankees fan never likes to give them too much credit, but even as a non-Yankee I have to say that this is the best they look for a World Series berth since 2009.

So many people are anticipating a blockbuster Dodgers-Yankees Fall Classic that the biggest obstacle might be complacency if the players start to buy into the consensus.

But I don’t see that happening. Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton… these are names that belong in the very last weeks of the season, and with Anthony Rizzo set to rejoin the roster for the ALCS if they beat the Royals, there are plenty of weapons available to Aaron Boone.

In Game 2, I see little to stop the Yankee juggernaut rolling on. Ragans was superb against the Orioles in his last outing, but that was at a strangely subdued Camden Yards as the fans saw more postseason promise unravelling in front of their eyes.

In the Bronx, this is the Yankees’ time, and I envisage them getting the job done with a bit to spare to give themselves some breathing space heading to Missouri for Game 3.

First 5 innings handicap (+1): Tigers -1 @ 21/10

While I don’t hold out a great deal of hope for the Tigers when it comes to a series victory, I think Game 2 offers them their greatest chance of causing the Guards some issues.

In Skubal they have a devastating starting pitcher, and if they can ride their horse deep into the ball game then they have every opportunity to tie the series.

The 27-year-old has pitched 13 scoreless innings in his last two starts including six shutout in the Wild Card win over the Houston Astros. He finished the regular season with a Major League-best 18-4 record and a league-leading 2.39 ERA.

His 228 strikeouts also bested the majors, and I just don’t see the Guardians getting on top of his nasty repertoire early. It is then down to the bats to get into the game before the home side can reach the Tigers’ bullpen.

I’m trusting in Skubal to do his thing, and then AJ Hinch to eke out enough offence from his side to get a two-run lead through five. The 21/10 odds are healthy, implying a 32.3% probability.

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