MLB Parlay Play for Friday, July 19

After a four-day break for the All-Star Game, Major League Baseball returns to action Friday, and YouBet.com likes a four-team parlay for the first day of the (figurative) second half of the season.

Let's examine the four games of interest.

Philadelphia Phillies vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh improved after the All-Star break last season, compiling nearly a .500 record to avoid finishing last in the Central division, and the young team looks poised to keep building upon their momentum in 2024. The Pirates played inspired baseball in recent weeks, winning six of their last seven games including a series over Milwaukee, and starting pitcher Martin Perez will be in bounce-back mode after surrendering five earned runs in the last outing – Perez has rebounded from his last three poor outings with strong showings. Philadelphia (62-34) owns the best record in the league, but we expect a close game and will play Pittsburgh on the +1.5 Run Line (-135).

St. Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves

Major injuries threatened to derail Atlanta’s season, but they persevered, entering the break with the best record (53-42) of NL wildcard contenders. The Braves have thrived in the second half of the season over recent years, compiling a league-best 44-29 record last year, and we’ll look for a strong show Friday. Starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach is starting to discover his best form, as Atlanta has won by 6-1 and 5-1 margins over San Diego and Philadelphia in his last two outings, and we will take the Braves on the Money Line (-125).

Chicago White Sox vs Kansas City Royals

Kansas City entered the break with a 52-45 mark, winning 30 home games to tie for second-best in MLB. The Royals are better than expectations, and Chicago was one of the worst teams after the All-Star Game last year, going 23-47. The White Sox have been struggling, lose four in a row and eight of their last 10, and we will stick with a hot hand in Kansas City’s Michael Wacha, who has won his last three starts. The Royals score nearly five runs per game in those starts, and we will take Kansas City on the Money Line (-205).

Houston Astros vs Seattle Mariners

Seattle holds a one-game lead over second-place Houston in the AL West and will be glad to get back home after playing the last seven games on the road. The Mariners excelled after the break last year, posting a 43-30 record, and they’ll be focused after losing three consecutive one-run games to the Los Angeles Angels in the last series. Starting pitcher Luis Castillo has been outstanding at home, compiling a 6-1 record in the last seven starts, including wins over Atlanta, Houston, and Texas. We recommend taking Seattle’s ace in this spot, playing the Mariners on the Money Line (-125).

Wager

• $20 four-team parlay (+739): Pittsburgh +1.5 (-135)-Atlanta (-125)-Kansas City (-205)-Seattle (-125)