Orioles’ Big Win Sparks Trade Deadline Questions

Orioles Bash Rockies, but Are They Buyers or Sellers?

There’s a party going on in Baltimore, and the Rockies were the unfortunate guests of honor. The Orioles dropped an 18-0 hammer on Colorado, flashing their offensive upside in a game that looked more like a football score. But while the bats are booming, the real question isn’t about the box score—it’s about the trade deadline. With Cedric Mullins and others generating interest, the O’s are walking the line between playoff hopefuls and asset hoarders. Their pitching depth is shaky, and while the offense has serious pop, betting on Baltimore long-term might be a rollercoaster. For now, overs in Orioles games remain a sharp play, especially when they face mediocre pitching.

Red Sox Take Down Dodgers, But Ohtani Keeps Mashing

Boston and LA split a doubleheader, but the Red Sox took the marquee game 4-2 despite facing Clayton Kershaw, who dealt six solid innings. Shohei Ohtani still managed to launch his 38th home run, which is basically a daily occurrence at this point. The Dodgers’ offense sputtered around him, and their bullpen couldn’t keep Boston at bay. From a betting angle, dodging Dodgers moneylines until their offense gets more consistent—especially against teams with strong top-of-the-rotation arms—might be wise. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are quietly putting together a contender’s resume and could be a sneaky value on futures markets if they add pitching at the deadline.

Underdogs Keep Barking

If you’ve been riding the dogs lately, congratulations—you’re probably buying lunch for the office. Underdogs have gone 53-41 over the last week, and with parity dominating the season, the days of blindly backing favorites are long gone. The under hit rate has surged to 55% recently, fueled by improved bullpens and slumping offenses across the league. Teams like the Pirates, A’s, and Royals may not win often, but they’re covering enough to make underdog bettors smile. If you’re looking for value, team totals—especially on the over for underdogs in hitter-friendly parks—might be the sharper route than straight moneylines.

Padres and Mariners Rolling, Cardinals and Angels Reeling

San Diego edged Arizona 3-1 behind a strong bullpen and timely hitting, and they doubled down with a 3-1 win over the Cardinals. The Padres are shaping up as a solid moneyline bet, especially against teams with struggling offenses. Meanwhile, the Mariners beat the Angels 7-2, with Logan Gilbert continuing to be a sneaky-good arm for bettors. The Angels, on the other hand, are in a freefall. Even with Trout and Walsh contributing, their inability to string together hits and shaky starting pitching is a red flag. The under has been a solid play in Mariners games lately, particularly when Gilbert or George Kirby are on the bump.

Judge Hits IL, Yankees Fall to Phillies

The Yankees lost more than just a game to the Phillies—they lost Aaron Judge to injury. New York’s lineup, already top-heavy, looks even more vulnerable now. The Phillies capitalized with a 9-4 win behind Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, and Zach Wheeler is quietly becoming one of the most bankable arms in the National League. With Judge out, the Yankees are a fade candidate against top-tier pitching, and their team totals may be worth targeting on the under. Meanwhile, the Phillies’ offense is heating up and they’re worth a look on the run line against weaker rotations.

Blue Jays and Cubs Bounce Back

Toronto handled Detroit 6-1 thanks to a gem from Kevin Gausman, and the Cubs took care of the White Sox 6-1 with Jordan Wicks throwing zeros. The Jays are starting to look like the team we expected in April—solid bullpen, top-flight starters, and a lineup that can travel. With Jack Flaherty stabilizing their rotation, the Jays could be a sneaky road favorite play. The Cubs, meanwhile, are flirting with contention, and if they make a move for someone like Kyle Tucker, they could vault into serious playoff talks. Wicks and Ben Brown offer intriguing value in the pitching props market, especially in plus matchups.

Around the League: Betting Nuggets

The Royals and Guardians split a doubleheader, but the under in Game 2 was a sweat that didn’t cash. Still, with both teams’ offenses inconsistent, totals around 9 may be too high. The Athletics stunned the Astros 5-1, and while Oakland remains a bottom-dweller, they’re pesky enough to trip up favorites—especially at inflated moneyline prices. The Brewers are a juggernaut on the road, leading the league in runs per game away from home. Brandon Woodruff has been lights out since his return, and with the Brew Crew favored against the Marlins, the run line looks tasty. Just watch for regression from both bullpens. In Mets-Giants, the over 8.5 looks playable, especially with both teams’ bullpens stretched thin and offenses capable of late fireworks.

Trade Rumor Mill: Buyers, Sellers, and Maybes

The Orioles may be shopping some names, including Cedric Mullins and Tom Eshelman, while the Twins and Royals are expected to sell. The Rays could add Shane McClanahan, and the Cubs might be in on Kyle Tucker. Everyone seems to be calling Baltimore, especially with Aaron Judge sidelined and the Yankees suddenly needing outfield help. The Tigers need bullpen reinforcements, and the Astros—despite injuries—are still lurking as a deadline aggressor. In a year with no juggernauts, even borderline teams are in the mix, which could fuel deadline chaos. Keep an eye on how moves affect game lines post-trade, especially for teams upgrading their rotations or late-inning arms.

Key Takeaways

• Underdogs are crushing it—53-41 over the last week. Don’t sleep on plus-money plays.
• The Orioles are a deadline wildcard. Bet overs when they're facing shaky pitching.
• Injuries to stars like Aaron Judge shift betting value—fade Yankees until further notice.
• The Padres and Mariners are strong moneyline and under bets with elite bullpens and solid starters.
• Trade deadline moves will create value swings—watch line movement closely post-trade.

Betting Odds