The dog days of summer are quickly approaching. We’re starting to see the best and the worst that every MLB team has to offer. It’s been a competitive start to the season, with every division crowded with contenders looking to pull away from the pack.
We’re breaking down Monday’s MLB action with our daily betting guide and best bets for June 1, 2026!
Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays
Spread: DET +1.5 (-155) | TB -1.5 (+130)
Moneyline: DET +140 | TB -165
Total: 7.5 Over (-120) | Under (+100)
Undoubtedly, the Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the most unexpected surprises through the first three months of the season. Not only do the Rays lead the AL East, they’ve also posted an American League-best 36-20 record. They’ll be looking to enhance their advantage when they host the Detroit Tigers for the series opener on Monday night.
For years, pitching has been Tampa Bay’s most prominent strength, and that’s the case again in 2026. Their starting rotation ranks third in the majors in team ERA, and they sit top 10 in most pitching categories. However, the difference this season has been more regular contact at the plate. But as good as the Rays have been this season, we’ve seen more tepid results across their more recent schedule.
Over the past week, Tampa’s OPS has come down by over 10 points, precipitating a decrease in scoring. Across that sample, the Rays are down to 3.8 runs per game, nearly a full run below their season-long average of 4.7. Moreover, that plays into Ty Madden’s recent dominant stretch on the mound. Since returning to the lineup at the start of May, the Tigers’ starter has given up just seven base hits across 11.1 innings pitched for a tidy 2.38 ERA and 0.79 WHIP.
The Rays’ cold streak at the plate should continue at least one more game. We’re predicting they will have some trouble getting to Madden early, meaning it could come down to another late-game collapse from the Tigers’ bullpen. By then, the total will be out of reach. We’re taking a firm stance on the under in this AL showdown.
Picks: Under 7.5 -110
Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Spread: TEX -1.5 (+135) | STL +1.5 (-160)
Moneyline: TEX -125 | STL +105
Total: 7.5 Over (-105) | Under (-115)
This season hasn’t gone to plan for the Texas Rangers. Considered a contender in the AL West, the Rangers sit three games below .500 at the start of June. While they still have plenty of time to make up the gap on the division-leading Mariners, we think their deficit grows bigger after Monday’s clash versus the St. Louis Cardinals.
Not surprisingly, Jacob deGrom and the Rangers are priced as favorites over their National League counterparts. However, we have concerns about deGrom’s underlying metrics. As it stands, he’s currently operating below his expected ERA of 3.88, and we’ve seen some serious regression over his past few starts. The two-time Cy Young winner has given up 12 earned runs across 15.0 innings pitched, pointing toward sustained regression. More concerningly, deGrom has been rocked for seven home runs over that stretch. Sitting in the 11th percentile or worse in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and average exit velocity, the Cardinals are poised to continue their recent hot streak.
St. Louis is coming off a series win over the Cubs, scoring five or more runs in each of those two victories. Their young bats are coming alive, socking three dingers and five extra-base hits on Friday night, contributing to a .245 batting average over the weekend. With Michael McGreevy toeing the rubber for the home side, the Cardinals won’t need much run support to get their young stud the win.
The Cardinals’ bats are working at a time when the wheels are falling off for Jacob deGrom. Expect some early-run support at Busch Stadium, with St. Louis playing its advantage from the get-go. The Rangers won’t be able to keep pace against McGreevy, pointing toward a Cards’ victory in the series opener.
Picks: Cardinals +105
New York Mets vs. Seattle Mariners
Spread: NYM +1.5 (-215) | SEA -1.5 (+170)
Moneyline: NYM +115 | SEA -135
Total: 7.5 Over (+105) | Under (-125)
The New York Mets are still trying to undo all the self-inflicted damage from the start of the season. After posting a 12-game losing streak in April and a 3-17 record to close out the month, the Mets were a vastly improved 16-12 in May. Still, they’ll have their work cut out for them as they try to take the series opener versus the Seattle Mariners.
The M’s have been on the rise of late. Winners of six in a row, Seattle has climbed back above .500 and asserted itself as the best team in the AL West. They can press that advantage on Monday night, handing Emerson Hancock the ball against the Mets. The hard-throwing righty has a tidy 2.78 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, with his best work coming at home. Further, Hancock has given up just three earned runs over his last 17.0 innings pitched, holding opponents to just 11 hits and no home runs over that stretch.
The Mets will use tonight’s contest as a bullpen game, tabbing Austin Warren as the opener. While their bullpen has looked solid more recently, this is a taxed group. They used nine different relievers in their series sweep over the Marlins, totaling 13.1 innings pitched. Needing everyone to step up against the Mariners, we expect at least one of those arms will let them down on the road.
The Mariners are insulating at home and get the Mets on the first night of a six-game West Coast road trip. Timing will be an issue for the visitors, and we give the edge to Seattle in this late-night showdown.
Picks: Mariners -135
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