Thursday’s MLB slate features an unusual scenario with a rare standalone game rather than a full series as the St. Louis Cardinals (52-49) host the Arizona Diamondbacks (53-49) at Busch Stadium. The two teams just met last weekend in Arizona to open the second half of the season, where the Diamondbacks won the series 2-1. Thursday’s standalone matchup is actually the makeup game that was postponed on June 25, which was originally scheduled to be the finale of a four-game series in St. Louis.
While Thursday was originally an off day for both teams, the Diamondbacks now have to make a stop in St. Louis for the makeup game before heading to Washington, D.C., to face the Nationals on Friday. Arizona has been playing good baseball lately, winning four consecutive games heading into the All-Star break, including a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has also won four of its first six games since returning from the break.
The Cardinals haven’t enjoyed the same level of success lately, losing four of their first six games to open the second half. However, St. Louis is coming off a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday and will now benefit from playing eight consecutive home games, beginning with Thursday’s makeup game against Arizona.
Michael McGreevy is set to make his 20th start of the season for the Cardinals on Thursday, and he’s been pitching exceptionally well, particularly over his last four starts. McGreevy has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of those outings, including six scoreless innings on June 26, helping lower his season ERA to 2.92. Brandon Pfaadt is expected to take the mound for the Diamondbacks in what will be his 18th appearance of the season and eighth start. He owns a 4-1 record with a 3.82 ERA as a starter this year.
Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals Current Odds
Just a half-game separates the Diamondbacks and Cardinals for the final NL Wild Card spot entering Thursday, and Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is listing the matchup accordingly, with St. Louis as a slight home favorite on the moneyline while Arizona is favored on the run line:
- Moneyline: Cardinals -120, Diamondbacks +100
- Run Line: Diamondbacks -1.5 (+155), Cardinals +1.5 (-220)
- Total (Runs): Over 7.5 (-105), Under 7.5 (-115)
Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals Predictions
There are only five games on Thursday’s MLB slate, so don’t miss your chance to get in on the limited action. Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights and trends to help make more informed wagers like the pick below:
Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks Best Bet: Michael McGreevy Over 3.5 Strikeouts (+115)
Michael McGreevy is by no means known as a strikeout pitcher, but this pick is more about his recent performances and his previous outing against Arizona. McGreevy has gone over 3.5 strikeouts in three of his last four starts, including recording five strikeouts over 6.1 innings against the Diamondbacks on July 17.
The Diamondbacks don’t strike out much as a team, but given McGreevy’s recent form – especially his success against Arizona in his last start – his strikeout prop is worth considering at plus money.
- Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks Player Prop Pick for July 23: Michael McGreevy Over 3.5 Strikeouts (+115)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for ARI-STL
Ketel Marte is batting .292 over his last six games and has recorded at least one hit in five of them, including a 2-for-4 performance against the Athletics on Wednesday. The veteran second baseman’s hits prop is drawing the most action in the player prop markets for Thursday’s matchup:
- Ketel Marte – Hits Over 0.5
- Jordan Walker – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Alec Burleson – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Jordan Walker – To Record 1+ Hits
- Gabriel Moreno – Hits Over 0.5
Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals Game Info
- š Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
- š Date: Thursday, July 23
- ā° First Pitch: 5:15 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ā¾ Probable Pitchers:
- Diamondbacks: Brandon Pfaadt
- Cardinals: Michael McGreevy
More Ways to Bet
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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