MLB Odds: Cards Host Dodgers in Finale of Four-Game Set

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in second place in the National League West. The St. Louis Cardinals are second in the NL Central. But there’s a big gulf in talent between these two teams, and the Dodgers should be road favorites in at least three of their four games against St. Louis this week – including Thursday’s finale at 1:45 PM ET on ESPN.

The Cardinals might have some betting value if Adam Wainwright (3.41 FIP) makes the start Thursday, as some media sources are projecting. Wainwright may never regain the All-Star form he showed before rupturing an Achilles tendon in 2015, but he’s delivered three straight quality starts for the Cards, improving his team record to 6-4 and 1.59 betting units in the black. MLB.com has penciled in Brandon McCarthy (2.93 FIP) to take the hill Thursday afternoon for Los Angeles.

McCarthy allowed just one earned run in his last two starts combined, lifting the Dodgers to a 6-2 record and 3.37 units in profit; however, McCarthy left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs after six scoreless innings with tendinitis in his right knee. He’s officially listed as probable for Thursday after an MRI confirmed the diagnosis.

 MLB Odds: Is the “Real” Adam Wainwright Back for St. Louis?

 After three straight quality starts, the St. Louis Cardinals hope Adam Wainwright (3.41 FIP) is back to his previous All-Star self. His next start should be at home Thursday afternoon against the Los Angeles Dodgers; first pitch is at 1:45 PM ET on ESPN. Bet on baseball at Bovada and get a free 50% bonus. The Dodgers are expected to respond with Brandon McCarthy (2.93 FIP), although the big right-hander is officially listed as probable after leaving his last start with tendinitis in his right knee. McCarthy underwent an MRI after pitching six scoreless innings in Saturday’s 5-0 win over the Chicago Cubs (–106 away).