Best MLB Picks: 8/12
Be sure to check any relevant information before game time as this article is written the night before and picks may be subject to change!
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves
The Reds Have been chasing the Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central after many thought they didn’t stand a chance. However, that gap has narrowed as they face a 3 game skid and slide to 61-54 on the season. They aren’t out of contention just yet meaning we should still expect maximum effort.
The Reds will send out 25-year-old gunslinger Gutierrez (7-3) to the mound. The youngster has had a decent season through his 73.2 innings with 52 Ks and 31 BB while maintaining an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.34.
The Braves have climbed from what seems to be like a forgone conclusion that they were not going to make the playoffs. Lucky for the Braves, the NL East is weak and they stand at the front of the pack as winning the division is their only chance of making the playoffs.
The Braves give the nod to Muller (2-3) to start. He hasn’t been terrible through 34.1 innings with 36 K and 16 BB with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.08.
The Braves are the favorite on the ML with a line of -140. However, I believe that the Braves are overperforming and won’t be able to extend their win streak. Th Reds +1.5 hits and the ML has value as well.
San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks
Unfortunately for the Diamondbacks, they have been the MLB punching bag in their historically awful season as they fall to 35-79. Yikes.
The Diamondbacks will send out Widener (1-1) who had 50 K, 20BB, 4.89 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.41. The Padres will send out veteran Darvish (7-6) who plays better then his record suggests with 154 K, 29 BB, 3.43 ERA and a WHIP of 0.99.
The Padres are the favorite to win even though the odds aren’t out yet. Padres will make great parley fodder and the Padres -1.5 will be a good single as they have every advantage except home field.
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