If you’re looking to improve your recent betting outcomes, take a look at some of our MLB betting predictions for the rest of this season in National League action. The Central Division looks like it’s still just about anyone’s to take (except for Cincinnati, sitting at 30-40), as the Milwaukee Brewers lead the division — but are just three games over .500.
The Chicago Cubs, still not awake from their World Series hangover, are just a half-game back at 36-34 despite inconsistencies at the plate and on the mound. Washington appears to have run away with the East, with Atlanta 10 ½ games back — and six games under .500.
Out west, we have some unfamiliar characters — the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks — contending with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the title. What can we expect to see the rest of the way?
Mid-June MLB Betting Predictions: National League
Nolan Arenado just keeps raking. The @Rockies just keep winning. #PhotoOfTheNight pic.twitter.com/6UKUBOWSKc
— ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2017
Colorado Are MLB Betting Favorites to Make the Playoffs
The Rockies won 13 of their first 17 games in June — far from the sort of summer swoon that has overtaken the Brewers, the Twins and the Yankees. Over that stretch, their pitchers have a combined ERA of 3.74 (#3 in MLB), they led the National League in runs scored per game (6.3), and their fielders are top in the NL in defensive runs saved as well. They have just opened a stretch with nine of 12 coming against the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks, so if they can continue their solid play, they should put some distance between themselves and their rivals in the West.What About Nolan Arenado?
Nolan Arenado continues to have a breakout season and is definitely in the conversation when it comes to MVP candidates in the senior circuit. If the Rockies can keep taking advantage of the Giants and Padres in the bottom of their division and keep up their solid play in their home park, we will definitely be hearing about them in the postseason.Arizona Might Just Take That Second Wild Card
What a scenario — the Dodgers, Rockies and Diamondbacks all making the playoffs. That’s not that far-fetched, as a few seasons ago the Cardinals, Cubs and Pirates all won over 90 games, but the Cubs and the Pirates had to square off in a wild-card game because the Cardinals had won the division. . Many people thought that Arizona would fall off the table once A.J. Pollock went on the disabled list, but they have gone 23-8 during his stint away, and he has started rehab action, so he will be back soon.Who Else Has Gotten Back on Track in Pitching?
Closer Fernando Rodney has also rebounded from a hideous start to the 2017 campaign, converting 14 of his last 15 save opportunities, and building a streak of 16 ⅔ innings without permitting an earned runs and allowing just nine men to reach base — and fanning 18. The big question for Arizona will be the fortunes of ace Zack Greinke. So far, he has had a solid season in the desert, but he has shown in the past a propensity to deliver head-scratching performances of the worst sort when the most is on the line — that’s one reason the Dodgers weren’t willing to match the sacks of money that Arizona paid to lure Greinke away from Chavez Ravine. Either way, though, the excitement this year is definitely on the left coast in the National League.
Don Mattingly is managing his last season in Miami
The Marlins started out 16-29. Since then, they’ve gone 15-9, but once things turn back south, Mattingly will be out. They had 79 wins a year ago, despite the sad loss of ace Jose Fernandez. They have the amazing bat of Giancarlo Stanton, and J.T. Realmuto is an elite catcher. However, Ichiro Suzuki looks ancient now, Christian Yelich has not performed up to standards, and closer A.J. Ramos has been dreadful. Mattingly does have two years left on that contract he signed in the offseason before 2016.Can the Marlins Make the Wild Card?
Well, this is a team that has the talent to angle after that wild card, even if they can’t keep up with the blue-blood Nationals at this point. Mattingly underperformed with the Dodgers and looks to have the same sort of ending with the Marlins.Upcoming MLB Betting Schedule
Colorado Rockies
- Wednesday, June 21st vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. 8:40pm ET
- Thursday, June 22nd vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. 3:10pm ET
- Friday, June 23rd @ Los Angeles Dodgers. 10:10pm ET
- Saturday, June 24th @ Los Angeles Dodgers. 10:10pm ET
- Sunday, June 25th @ Los Angeles Dodgers. 4:10pm ET
Miami Marlins
- Wednesday, June 21st vs. Washington Nationals. 12:10pm ET
- Thursday, June 22nd vs. Chicago Cubs. 7:10pm ET
- Friday, June 23rd vs. Chicago Cubs. 7:10pm ET
- Saturday, June 24th vs. Chicago Cubs. 4:10pm ET
- Sunday, June 25th vs. Chicago Cubs. 1:10pm ET
