Three strong MLB bets headline the September 9 slate: Pirates-Orioles Under 2.5 runs first 3 innings (Ashcraft vs Bradish), Athletics Over 2.5 runs first 5 (May struggles, A’s power at home), and Yankees Over 4.5 runs (Mize fade amid Tigers’ lineup). Road woes for Pittsburgh and the bloom of Baltimore’s home edge frame the night’s value plays.

Also noted are situational angles: Ashcraft’s innings limit, Bradish’s first-time-through-the-order stability, May’s recent home-run trouble, and the Yankees’ potent offense against a fade-prone Casey Mize. These elements shape a compact, targeted night of bets with clear upside for fantasy and betting enthusiasts.

Connelly Early debuts for the Red Sox tonight versus Oakland, a move that folds into Boston’s workflow of dialing up pitching depth. Payton Tolle had been in the mix, and Early’s promotion signals a broader test of the rotation with postseason on the horizon. Dustin May’s IL stint and Kristian Campbell’s AAA showing add context to the roster shuffle as Wilyer Abreu’s status looms in the background.

Boston’s plan blends immediate urgency with long-term upside, leaning on Early’s minor-league success (2.60 ERA, 10-3, 132 Ks in 100 IP) to shape the 2025-rotation conversation. The organization is balancing wins now with the prospect-driven path that could redefine the staff in coming seasons.

Boston promoted Payton Tolle and hints at Connelly Early’s imminent arrival, but Early was scratched from a AAA start to preserve workload. The Sox passed on Zac Gallen at deadline, adding Dustin May instead to stabilize the playoff push. Early’s 2.60 ERA, 10-3 record, and 132 Ks in 100 innings across AA/AAA signal upside, with a possible bullpen or spot-start role when/if he debuts. Yoshida batting leadoff continues to fuel run opportunities, while May’s arrival strengthens the rotation for fantasy late-season value.

Aroldis Chapman has been Boston’s bullpen linchpin, posting a 0.98 ERA and piling up 52 strikeouts over 30 innings since May 30. He just shattered two records: four strikeouts in a single inning and 50 straight batters retired. Boston extended him, signaling confidence for next year, while Yoshida’s leadoff role adds run-creating upside. Kenley Jansen’s exit opened save opportunities, with Dustin May floated as a deadline-era option. Diamondbacks were on the wrong end as Chapman’s dominance continued.