Article courtesy OddsShark (@OddsShark)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have picked up where they left off before the MLB All-Star break, and their main focus right now through the end of the regular season is trying to remain healthy and improving their bullpen in an effort to make a run at an elusive seventh World Series title.
The Dodgers are slight +280 favorites (bet $100 to win $280) on the updated 2019 World Series odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com over two American League teams that hope to prevent that scenario from happening.
The New York Yankees (+333) and Houston Astros (+450) would both like to extend the title drought in Los Angeles this year as the top competition from the AL. The Astros edged the Dodgers in seven games to win the World Series two years ago before the Boston Red Sox beat them in five last season.
Los Angeles might have its best shot this year though thanks to an outstanding offense and starting pitching staff few can match.
The strength of New York and Houston is also offense, so bettors should expect each of them to make some moves to help their pitching staffs prior to the MLB trade deadline on July 31. The Yankees and Astros could both use another strong arm in their starting rotations who can go deep into games and help their bullpens.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers could use another reliever or two who can bridge the gap between their starters and closer Kenley Jansen, who is on pace to finish with the highest ERA of his career.
The Atlanta Braves are charging hard in the National League, winning eight of 10 games. The NL East-leading Braves are now the +750 fourth choice at online betting sites to win the World Series followed by the surprising AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins (+950) and NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs (+1300).
Atlanta and Minnesota have seized control of their divisions like New York (East) and Houston (West) in the AL, with Chicago having the smallest lead and the most challengers. The Cubs have won their division two of the past three years, but the Milwaukee Brewers (+2800) and St. Louis Cardinals (+2500) are right behind them.
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