MLB Lines: ALDS Game 3 and NLDS Game 4 Picks

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MLB Lines: Divisional Series ALDS Game 3 and NLDS Game 4

Here’s a breakdown of some of the matchups happening today, in which we could have the first teams advancing to their respective Championship Series. Let’s dive into MLB Lines and enjoy some baseball. 

Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers host the Cleveland Guardians for Game 3 of the ALDS at Comerica Park. Detroit’s comeback win in Game 2 tied the series 1-1, with the matchup winner taking a critical lead. Fresh off a division-winning 92-69 season, Cleveland enters as the favorites, but the Tigers’ hot second half (39-26) has made this a much closer series than expected. 

Game 3 will feature Alex Cobb starting for Cleveland and a bullpen-heavy strategy for Detroit.

Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland came into this series after earning a bye with their 92-win season and American League Central title. The Guardians controlled their division comfortably, but Game 2 exposed some vulnerabilities. Closer Emmanuel Clase, a Cy Young candidate with a minuscule 0.61 ERA during the season, gave up a devastating three-run home run in the ninth inning of Game 2. 

Their offense struggled, too, managing only three hits while striking out 11 times. Alex Cobb, who missed most of the season due to injuries, will take the mound. Cobb only made three starts for Cleveland but has a respectable 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP despite not facing Detroit since 2021.

Detroit Tigers

Detroit, making its first postseason appearance since 2014, got a huge boost from DH Kerry Carpenter’s clutch 423-foot home run in Game 2. Their bullpen, a weakness in the series opener, stepped up after ace Tarik Skubal’s strong start. Manager A.J. Hinch praised the emotional win and emphasized how the home crowd will provide an energy boost as they return to Detroit. 

However, the team’s pitching strategy for Game 3 is less clear. Lefty Tyler Holton, who failed to record an out in Game 1, may get another chance as an opener. Detroit’s bullpen, which has been shaky at times, will be tested again.

Prediction

Cleveland has the better overall roster, and with Alex Cobb on the mound, they hold a slight edge in starting pitching. Detroit will rely heavily on its bullpen, a strategy that could backfire, especially after Game 1’s disaster. With a dominant bullpen and playoff experience, the Guardians are unlikely to lose consecutive games. Expect a close battle, but Cleveland should bounce back.

Prediction: Cleveland Moneyline (-105) 

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

Game 4 of the NLDS sees the Philadelphia Phillies fighting to stave off elimination against the New York Mets. After taking a 2-1 lead with a convincing 7-2 win in Game 3, the Mets can close out the series at Citi Field. 

This matchup will feature Ranger Suarez starting for Philadelphia and Jose Quintana for New York. The Phillies need to win to push this series back to Philadelphia for a decisive Game 5.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies controlled the NL East for much of the season but now find themselves on the brink of elimination. In Game 3, Philadelphia’s offense struggled against Mets’ starter Sean Manaea, managing only five hits and two runs late. Bryce Harper, the team’s superstar, has yet to produce consistently this postseason. 

Despite hitting 30 home runs in the regular season, Harper’s bat has been relatively quiet, with only one postseason homer. Schwarber, who led the team with 38 home runs, went 0-2 in Game 3. Ranger Suarez, Philadelphia’s Game 4 starter, finished the season with a solid 3.46 ERA, but he allowed six runs in his final regular-season start, raising concerns about his recent form.

New York Mets

The Mets have momentum after their Game 3 victory and are looking to advance to the NLCS. Pete Alonso, who hit his third home run of the postseason in Game 3, and Jesse Winker, who also homered, powered the offense. 

New York’s pitching has been solid, with Sean Manaea dominating in Game 3 and the bullpen cleaning up efficiently. Jose Quintana, who gets the Game 4 start, pitched six scoreless innings in his last postseason outing against the Brewers. Quintana has been excellent recently, posting a 0.72 ERA over the previous 30 days, and has had success against the Phillies with a 2.81 ERA this season.

Prediction

The Mets have been playing better baseball, and with Quintana on the mound, they have the pitching advantage. Suarez has struggled lately, and Philadelphia’s offense is out of sync. With home-field advantage and a rested bullpen, New York should close out this series and move on to the next round.

Prediction: Mets Moneyline -114

New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals

The New York Yankees head to Kansas City for Game 3 of the ALDS after splitting the first two games at Yankee Stadium. The Royals capitalized on poor pitching in Game 2, tying the series 1-1. Clarke Schmidt takes the mound for New York, while Kansas City counters with Seth Lugo. Both teams need this game to gain the upper hand in the series.

New York Yankees

The Yankees have had an up-and-down postseason, losing momentum in Game 2 after a 4-2 defeat. Starter Carlos Rodon struggled, allowing seven hits and four runs in less than four innings. Offensively, New York has had ongoing issues with Aaron Judge’s postseason struggles. Judge, who went 1-for-3 in Game 2, has just one hit in seven at-bats this series.

Clarke Schmidt, who had a solid 2.85 ERA during the season, will start Game 3. Schmidt has pitched better on the road, posting a 1.39 ERA in away games this season, but his inability to pitch deep into games puts pressure on the Yankees’ bullpen.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals bounced back in Game 2 behind a strong outing from starter Cole Ragans and timely hitting. Sal Perez’s home run tied the game in the fourth inning, and the Royals bullpen shut down the Yankees for the rest of the game. 

Seth Lugo, who has been a crucial part of Kansas City’s rotation this season, will get the start in Game 3. Lugo went 16-9 during the regular season with a 3.00 ERA, and he performed well in two starts against the Yankees, allowing just one home run in 14 innings. Kansas City’s offense will rely on Bobby Witt Jr., who hit .400 at home in the second half of the season.

Prediction

Kansas City’s home-field advantage and Lugo’s ability to limit damage make the Royals a dangerous team in Game 3. Clarke Schmidt’s struggles to go deep into games will tax New York’s bullpen, and with Judge slumping, the Yankees’ offense may continue to sputter. Look for the Royals to take a 2-1 series lead.

Prediction: KC Moneyline -102

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers face elimination as they take on the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the NLDS. The Padres lead the series 2-1 after a dramatic 6-5 win in Game 3. Los Angeles will rely on a bullpen game to survive, while San Diego counters with Dylan Cease, who is pitching on three days of rest.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are facing elimination and need a win to avoid it. Manager Dave Roberts has opted for a bullpen game, with Ryan Brasier expected to open. Brasier has been reliable this season, with a 3.54 ERA, but the Dodgers will likely need several arms to get through this game. 

Rookie Landon Knack could pitch bulk innings but has struggled, posting a 5.14 ERA in September. Offensively, the Dodgers must be more consistent, relying heavily on the long ball. Shohei Ohtani hit a grand slam in Game 1, but he has struggled since, going 1-for-8 in the last two games.

San Diego Padres

The Padres have been the surprise of the postseason, taking down the Braves in the Wild Card round and pushing the Dodgers to the brink. Fernando Tatis Jr. has been the star, hitting four home runs and driving in seven runs in the postseason. 

Dylan Cease will start Game 4, but pitching on short rest is a concern. Cease gave up five runs in 3.1 innings in Game 1 but had a solid 2.61 ERA against the Dodgers in the regular season. The Padres’ bullpen has been lights out, throwing four scoreless innings in Game 3.

Prediction

The Padres are riding high on momentum, and with the Dodgers relying on a patchwork pitching plan, San Diego is in a good position to close out the series. Cease struggled in Game 1 but has the potential to bounce back. Expect the Padres’ bats to stay hot and eliminate the Dodgers.

Prediction: San Diego Padres Moneyline -145