2019 MLB All-Star Game Odds & Betting Preview

The 2019 MLB All-Star game will take place on Tuesday night at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The American League has won 44 of the first 89, with the National League winning 43 and two games ending in ties (one taking place in 1961, and the other in 2002). In 2002, the tie happened when both teams ran out of pitchers and led to a decision to make the winner of the All-Star game determine which league’s champion would have home-field advantage in the World Series later that year, but the league has since reverted to having the team with the better regular-season record hold the advantage. The two leagues have switched back in forth as far as dominating the series, as the American League won 12 of the first 16, but then the National League won 33 of the next 42 (with one tie). Since 1988, though, the American League has won 24 of 31 with one tie, and last year the American League took the lead in the series for the first time in 55 years. Which team will prevail? As the game is taking place in an American League park, the designated-hitter rule will be in effect, which tends to push the offense upward. Can the National League even the series, or will the American League add to their lead? Don’t miss our sports betting preview for the Midsummer Classic.

2019 MLB All-Star Game Odds & Betting Preview

• When: Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 7:30pm ET
• Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
• TV: FOX
• Radio: ESPN Radio
• Live Stream: FOX Sports GO
• 2019 MLB All-Star Odds: American League -110 / National League -110 / O/U 8.5
• Projected Pitching Matchup: Justin Verlander (AL) vs Hyun-Jin Ryu (NL)

Why should you bet on the National League?

The National League team features 17 first-time All-Stars, which should lead to some more serious competition than what typically happens in this midsummer exhibition. Cody Bellinger, a favorite for this year’s Most Valuable Player award in the senior circuit, along with last year’s winner, Christian Yelich, will pace the offense. Ronald Acuna Jr is also in the starting lineup and brings a big bat. On the bench, NL manager Dave Roberts will have the likes of Kris Bryant, Charlie Blackmon, PEte Alonso and Josh Bell. While Ryu will be the starter, the bullpen will have the venerable Clayton Kershaw and Jacob deGrom along with first-time pitchers Kirby Yates and Sandy Alcantara. However, with injuries to Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer and Josh Hader, the NL bullpen will not be as solid as it might.

Why should you put your money on the American League?

The American League roster is more seasoned as far as All-Star games go, with 13 players appearing in at least their third Midsummer Classic. Justin Verlander and Mike Trout have each been here eight times, and Aroldis Chapman takes the field for his sixth All-Star game. The batting order is stacked with the likes of George Springer, Gary Sanchez and Alex Bregman, along with hometown hero Carlos Santana. On the bench will be such hitters as Matt Chapman, FRancisco Lindor, Jose Abreu and Mookie Betts. The AL bullpen will have Lucas Giolito, Brad Hand, Shane Greene and Gerrit Cole, but such pitchers as Mike Minor, marcus Stroman, Charlie Morton and Jake Odorizzi are all sitting out with injury concerns. If you go with experience, then the AL side is the one to back.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The American League comes in on a six-game winning streak, with just three losses in the past 22 years. In these last six games, the AL has scored an average of 4.6 runs and won by an average of 2.1 runs. Given the even moneylines, this sort of toss-up might be better for bettors if you look at the run total. Progressive Field has a short right-field fence, and given the big bats in the lineups — and the trend toward more home runs in 2019 — this game could turn into a track meet. So I’m taking the over as a more confident wager than an outcome, but if you want a score prediction, I’m going with AL 8, NL 6.