Pittsburgh Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Picks & Predictions
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks will face off in a crucial National League matchup this weekend. The series opener is
Game outlook
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks will face off in a crucial National League matchup this weekend. The series opener is set for Friday at 8:40 ET in Phoenix, AZ, with Luis Ortiz starting for the Pirates and Zac Gallen taking the mound for the Diamondbacks. Arizona is favored to win, with a current line of -165. This game will be key as both teams vie for wild card positioning in the playoff race.
Betting Odds
Moneyline: Pirates +147 | Diamondbacks -165
Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-139) | Diamondbacks -1.5 (+120)
Total: Over/Under 8.25 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Arizona will win straight-up is 62%.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Despite low expectations due to a second-lowest payroll in the league, the Pittsburgh Pirates have surprised many by finding themselves in playoff contention with a 82-80 record. The team has won 10 of their last 13 games, including four straight series victories. They are just 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot. In a recent win over the Cardinals, Martin Perez threw 6.0 scoreless innings and Rowdy Tellez had a productive day at the plate. Luis Ortiz, who has a 2.57 ERA and 1.11 WHIP this season, will start the next game. In terms of rankings, Pittsburgh is 23 in offense, 13 in defense, and is currently ranked 5th overall in power rankings.