2019 MLB All-Star Game betting guide

The MLB All-Star Game provides the rare opportunity to wager during one of the slowest betting weeks of the year.

Here's everything you need to know from a betting perspective about Tuesday's showdown in Cleveland between the American League and National League All-Stars.

American League vs. National League odds

Line: AL - 110 / NL +100
Total: Over 8.5 (-115) / Under 8.5 (-105)

MVP

Betting notes

• The Midsummer Classic hasn't been as eventful offensively as other professional sports showcases generally are. Only two of the last 11 have gone over the total, and last year's 8-6 win for the AL marked the first game since 2005 in which there were double-digit runs scored. The recent suppression in offense is likely helped by some pitcher-friendly ballparks hosting the contest - Petco Park, Marlins Park, Citi Field, Target Field, Kauffman Stadium, and then-AT&T park have been home to six of those All-Star Games. Progressive Field is No. 20 in the majors this season in adjusted runs created based on park factors.

• Ryu deservedly gets the nod for the NL after posting a 1.73 ERA during the first half for the Dodgers. However, his rare mistakes have come early in games, as seven of his 25 runs allowed have been scored in the first inning. All the talk has been about the flair in the NL lineup, but Ryu will face Springer, LeMahieu, and Trout to start his evening - they have an OPS of .966, .895, and .971, respectively, against left-handers this season. A run scored in the first inning is going off at even money while the AL to score first is a plus-money payout of 5-4.

Bets to consider

The AL isn't necessarily being disrespected by the betting market - they're still the favorite - but all the buzz seems to be on the youth in the NL lineup, most notably MVP candidates Bellinger and Yelich. Add in the likes of Arenado, Baez, and Acuna, and you'll see the lineup is dripping with talent. On paper, the AL team isn't as sexy, but with Verlander's experience in the All-Star Game and a ton of veterans getting the starting nod, we'd play them at -110.

There's no real edge on MVP. You're dealing with a field of around 50 of the best talents in the league and playing time is limited. But if there's one candidate we'd pluck for a small wager, it's Springer, who's likely guaranteed two at-bats at the top of the order and has a knack for smashing leadoff homers.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.