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2026-08-30

The stored Gary board for Sun, Aug 30. Results are presented separately because older records do not all carry a durable source-pick ID.

Game picks

14
MLB12:15 PM

Marlins @ Nationals

Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park, Washington can clinch the series while Miami tries to halt a two-game slide. The price reflects a close matchup, but the home side has the cleaner combination of lineup matchup and starting pitching. Washington owns a .745 OPS against right-handed pitching, while Miami has a .693 OPS against lefties. Janson Junk has allowed left-handed hitters a .299 average and .798 OPS, which fits Washington’s confirmed lineup. Andrew Alvarez carries a 3.72 season ERA compared with Junk’s 4.21, and the venue splits strengthen that edge: Alvarez has a 4.07 home ERA, while Junk has a 5.12 road ERA. Junk’s 2.30 ERA over his last three starts keeps my confidence measured. The primary concern is the bullpen—Miami’s current relief group has a 3.70 ERA against Washington’s 4.10—but the Nationals have the stronger offensive baseline at 5.2 runs per game and a .755 OPS, compared with Miami’s 4.3 and .724. At this price, I’ll trust Washington’s offense and Alvarez to put the home club in position to finish the job.

Nationals ML-110
CONF
56%
MLB1:35 PM

Rockies @ Braves

Atlanta closes the series at Truist Park riding six straight wins and looking for the sweep. With the Braves’ moneyline priced at -235, their full-game pitching advantage is best expressed by laying 1.5 runs. Tyler Mahle has a 2.76 ERA across 29.1 August innings and has allowed four earned runs over his last 17.2 innings. Mason Adams counters in only his second MLB start after working four innings on 75 pitches in his debut. That creates a meaningful bullpen component. Colorado used 12.1 relief innings during the first two games, including six pitchers Saturday. Its current relievers carry a 4.56 ERA and 1.58 WHIP, compared with a 2.58 ERA and 1.01 WHIP for Atlanta’s current bullpen. The broader run-prevention gap is similarly pronounced: Atlanta has a 3.56 team ERA, while Colorado sits at 5.52. This is not an automatic cover. Atlanta has averaged only 3.1 runs over its last 10 games, Saturday ended 2-1, and Colorado owns a .756 OPS against right-handed pitching. The Braves’ advantage is therefore less about expecting an offensive eruption and more about Mahle’s recent work, Adams’ limited MLB sample and the separation between the two pitching staffs over nine innings. Braves -1.5 at -120 is the ticket.

Braves -1.5-120
CONF
64%
MLB1:35 PM

Red Sox @ Yankees

Sunday afternoon in the Bronx brings a rivalry finale, the season-series tiebreaker, and two clubs coming off a split doubleheader. The wager comes down to the cleaner starting-pitcher profile and the relief support behind it. Ranger Suárez is the separator. He carries a 3.35 ERA and 1.20 WHIP against Will Warren’s 4.39 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. The recent comparison points the same way: Suárez has a 3.52 ERA over his last three starts, while Warren is at 6.23. Suárez has also allowed a 4.5% barrel rate and 32.6% hard-hit rate; Warren has allowed 7.9% and 44.5%. Boston’s current bullpen owns a 2.61 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, essentially even with New York’s 2.66 and 1.10, so I do not see a late-inning disadvantage large enough to erase the starting-pitcher edge. Both offenses average 4.5 runs per game, while Boston holds the modest season OPS advantage, .727 to .714. I am taking the moneyline because New York’s bullpen and the volatility of this matchup make laying 1.5 runs unnecessary. Boston has the stronger starting-pitcher case, comparable relief support, and enough offense to make winning outright the proper expression of the read.

Red Sox ML-142
CONF
63%
MLB1:37 PM

Mariners @ Blue Jays

Toronto has taken the first two games at Rogers Centre, while Seattle enters the finale on a three-game slide. This matchup changes sharply on the mound, however, with Logan Gilbert giving the Mariners their clearest path to stopping that run. Gilbert owns a 3.36 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, including a 2.49 road ERA. Over his last three starts, he has a 2.81 ERA with 17 strikeouts and seven walks. Max Scherzer carries a 7.02 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, with a 7.59 ERA at Rogers Centre. His last three starts produced a 6.43 ERA, nine strikeouts and 10 walks. Scherzer’s 2.25 ERA across his last three home starts is the legitimate counterpoint, but his season-long performance and recent command remain the larger concerns. Toronto has the better batting average against right-handed pitching, .254 to .234, while the teams’ OPS figures are nearly identical at .706 and .704. The matchup-specific issue for Scherzer is his .293 average and .897 OPS allowed to left-handed hitters. Seattle’s confirmed lineup includes four left-handed hitters and two switch-hitters. Toronto’s bullpen is the main reason this is a moneyline ticket rather than Mariners -1.5. The Blue Jays’ current relievers own a 3.16 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, compared with Seattle’s 3.95 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, and Toronto’s bullpen supplied five scoreless innings across the first two games. I want Gilbert’s substantial starting-pitcher advantage and Seattle’s lineup configuration, but I do not want to require a multi-run victory against the stronger relief unit.

Mariners ML-132
CONF
63%
MLB1:40 PM

Royals @ Guardians

Progressive Field gets a series finale with Kansas City chasing a sweep and Cleveland handing the ball to Parker Messick. The Royals controlled the first two games, but this ticket is about today’s pitching alignment rather than extending either team’s streak. Messick owns a 2.50 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, with a 1.96 ERA over his last three starts. Seth Lugo enters with a 4.61 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, including a 6.32 ERA over his last three and a 5.35 road ERA. The contact profiles reinforce that difference: Messick has allowed a 31.7% hard-hit rate and 4.8% barrel rate, compared with Lugo’s 43% and 7.7%. Cleveland also has the better full-season bullpen foundation. Its current relievers carry a 3.16 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, while Kansas City’s are at 4.43 and 1.38. Cade Smith has a 2.40 ERA and 35 saves and did not appear in the first two games. Kansas City’s offense is the reason I’m taking the moneyline instead of laying 1.5 runs. The Royals have scored 6.3 runs per game over their last ten and 11 runs in this series. That form deserves respect, but Messick provides Cleveland with the clearest path to controlling it. I’m backing the superior starter and stronger season-long bullpen without requiring Cleveland’s offense to produce a multi-run margin.

Guardians ML-178
CONF
66%
MLB1:40 PM

Dodgers @ Tigers

The first two games at Comerica Park were matching 2-1 grinders, and the finale carries many of the same low-scoring ingredients. I’m backing Los Angeles, but I want the winner rather than asking the Dodgers to cover 1.5 runs. Tyler Glasnow provides the clearest separator. He owns a 3.02 ERA and 0.87 WHIP, compared with Framber Valdez’s 4.35 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Glasnow also has a 2.33 road ERA, while Valdez has a 4.32 ERA at home. In his return, Glasnow allowed three earned runs over five innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. Valdez has a 5.71 ERA with eight strikeouts and 11 walks across his last three starts. Los Angeles also carries the stronger full-season offense at a .257 average, .757 OPS and 4.9 runs per game, versus Detroit’s .239, .715 and 4.4. Behind the starters, the Dodgers’ current bullpen has a 2.97 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, compared with Detroit’s 3.56 and 1.33. There are real reasons to avoid the run line: Los Angeles has scored only 2.2 runs per game over its last five, both bullpens have performed well recently, and Glasnow has made only one start following a 111-day gap. Those factors could keep the margin narrow, but the starting-pitching profile, deeper lineup and season-long bullpen advantage make Dodgers moneyline the right ticket.

Dodgers ML-150
CONF
62%
MLB1:40 PM

Padres @ Rays

The Trop closes this series with two capable starters, two strong bullpens and no weather variable under the roof. Tampa Bay has won the first two games, but the sweep opportunity is not the foundation of this bet; Sunday’s pitching matchup is. Drew Rasmussen is the separator. He enters with a 2.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 143 strikeouts against 25 walks in 140.1 innings. Robbie Ray has a 3.21 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 122 strikeouts against 70 walks in 143.0 innings. The contact numbers reinforce Rasmussen’s advantage: a 6.1% barrel rate and 33.9% hard-hit rate allowed, compared with Ray’s 8.6% and 37.6%. Rasmussen has held right-handed hitters to a .512 OPS and left-handed hitters to .596. Ray has allowed a .717 OPS to right-handed hitters, and Tampa Bay’s confirmed lineup sends up six right-handed bats plus a switch-hitter. San Diego is also playing its first game after Luis Rengifo and Gavin Sheets were placed on the injured list today. There are enough Padres strengths to keep me off Rays -1.5. Ray owns a 2.93 ERA over his last three starts, San Diego has a .708 OPS against right-handed pitching, and its current bullpen carries a 2.25 ERA. That makes the matchup support a Tampa Bay victory more clearly than a multi-run result. I’m paying the -160 for Rasmussen’s superior command and contact profile, backed by a Rays bullpen with a 2.41 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Rays moneyline is the ticket.

Rays ML-160
CONF
62%
MLB2:10 PM

White Sox @ Twins

The series finale at Target Field presents a sharp contrast: Chicago will open with Jordan Hicks, while Minnesota turns to Zebby Matthews after dropping the first two games. I’m backing the White Sox at an underdog price, but not laying the extra run. Chicago owns the stronger season-long foundation: a +48 run differential against Minnesota’s -60, alongside a 4.14 team ERA and 1.31 WHIP compared with the Twins’ 4.68 and 1.39. The White Sox bullpen has also thrown nine scoreless innings in this series, while Minnesota’s has allowed two earned runs across nine innings. The lineup matchup is the separator. Matthews has allowed left-handed hitters a .280 average and .828 OPS. Chicago starts five left-handed hitters and two switch hitters. Hicks, meanwhile, has held left-handed hitters to .232/.679 and right-handed hitters to .242/.716. Matthews’ 3.14 home ERA and 3.06 ERA over his last three starts keep this from being a high-confidence play. Hicks’ opener role also leaves uncertainty after the first inning. That is why the moneyline fits better than Chicago -1.5: I want the superior season profile and lineup matchup without requiring a multi-run result.

White Sox ML+104
CONF
57%
MLB2:15 PM

Pirates @ Cardinals

A hot afternoon at Busch Stadium, the wind carrying out to left, and a tied divisional series comes down to a pronounced pitching gap. Pittsburgh has the starter I trust more and the stronger relief group behind him. Braxton Ashcraft brings a 3.59 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, with three earned runs across his last 23 innings. Matthew Liberatore owns a 5.44 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, allowing 13 earned runs over his last 15.1 innings. The location splits reinforce that separation: Ashcraft has a 2.25 ERA across his last three road starts, while Liberatore has an 11.37 ERA across his last three at home. The bullpen makes the moneyline more attractive. Pittsburgh’s current relief group has a 3.08 ERA and 1.17 WHIP; St. Louis’ has a 4.13 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. Over the last 10 days, those ERAs are 1.70 for Pittsburgh and 7.97 for St. Louis. I am choosing the moneyline instead of laying 1.5 because Pittsburgh has struggled against left-handed starters, going 13-30 with a .678 OPS, and has averaged only 2.6 runs over its last 10 games. Liberatore’s own results soften that concern—opponents have an .847 OPS from the left side and .803 from the right—but the Pirates’ recent scoring still makes a two-run requirement unnecessarily ambitious. Back Ashcraft and the better bullpen to win the game at a manageable price.

Pirates ML-120
CONF
67%
MLB2:10 PM

Rangers @ Brewers

Milwaukee is one win from a sweep at American Family Field, while Texas reaches the end of a six-game road trip carrying four straight losses. Those streaks set the scene, but the matchup—not momentum—is the bet. The clearest game-specific advantage is Milwaukee’s six left-handed hitters against Kumar Rocker. The Brewers bat .261 with a .752 OPS against right-handed pitching, while Rocker has allowed lefties a .283 average and .839 OPS, compared with .219/.641 against righties. Rocker has improved to a 4.02 ERA over his last three starts, but he also issued nine walks in 15.2 innings. Dustin May is not a decisive starting-pitcher advantage. He owns a 4.56 season ERA and a 5.87 August ERA, while Texas brings four left-handed hitters against his .274 average and .748 OPS allowed to that side. That uncertainty is why I prefer Milwaukee’s moneyline to laying -1.5. The firmer separation comes from the complete team profiles and bullpens. Milwaukee averages 5.0 runs per game with a .736 OPS, compared with Texas at 4.0 and .711. The Brewers’ current bullpen owns a 3.28 ERA and 1.14 WHIP; the Rangers’ group is at 3.67 and 1.35. Over the last seven days, those ERAs are 1.73 and 7.45. That recent window is not a guarantee, but it reinforces Milwaukee’s season-long relief advantage. Texas has enough favorable pieces to make this competitive, especially against an uneven May. Milwaukee nevertheless has the stronger lineup matchup and the more dependable path through the later innings. Brewers ML -154 is the ticket.

Brewers ML-154
CONF
64%
MLB3:10 PM

Astros @ Mets

A tied Sunday series at Citi Field comes down to two inexperienced starters with dramatically different bodies of work behind them. Zac Thornton has delivered a 2.88 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 56.1 innings. He completed six innings with one earned run and no walks in his latest start. Ethan Pecko enters with a 7.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, and seven walks through eight MLB innings, failing to complete five innings in either start. That sample is extremely thin, but it still leaves Houston carrying considerably more uncertainty on the mound. Pecko has allowed left-handed hitters a 1.019 OPS through 19 at-bats. New York can counter with four left-handed hitters plus switch-hitting Francisco Lindor, including Juan Soto at DH. Soto owns a 1.021 OPS against right-handed pitching, while Jared Young is at .807 and Carson Benge at .773. The bullpen comparison reinforces the starting-pitching edge. The Mets’ current relievers have a 2.65 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, with a 2.50 ERA over the last five days. Houston’s group has a 3.37 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, but its recent ERA rises to 5.66 over five days and 6.81 over ten. Houston’s seven right-handed starters are the legitimate counterargument because Thornton has allowed a .749 OPS to right-handed batters. The Astros also own the better season-long offensive OPS, .725 to .694. Those concerns keep me away from laying 1.5 runs, but they do not outweigh the separation between the starters and recent bullpens. The moneyline is the right expression of the Mets edge.

Mets ML-120
CONF
62%
MLB4:05 PM

Orioles @ Athletics

It is a getaway afternoon in West Sacramento, with Baltimore trying to finish a sweep after two competitive games. The matchup favors the Orioles, but the way this series has played calls for the moneyline rather than laying 1.5 runs. Jeffrey Springs is the central reason. He enters with a 6.08 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 6.71 home ERA. Over his last three starts, he has a 5.02 ERA with six strikeouts and 10 walks in 14.1 innings. Baltimore counters with six right-handed hitters and switch-hitter Leody Taveras; Coby Mayo owns a 1.126 OPS against left-handers, while Christian Encarnacion-Strand is at 1.142. Chris Bassitt’s recent form is stronger than his full-season line. His three starts since returning have produced a 3.06 ERA, 14 strikeouts and four walks over 17.2 innings. Baltimore also carries the better bullpen profile: a 3.92 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, compared with Oakland’s 4.34 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. There is enough resistance to avoid the run line. Oakland starts four left-handed hitters against Bassitt, who has allowed a .936 OPS to lefties, and Rico Garcia, Yennier Cano, Andrew Kittredge and Alex Hoppe have all pitched on consecutive days. Baltimore’s first two wins in this series were 4-3 in 10 innings and 5-3. The Orioles have the better path to winning, but the evidence does not require another multi-run margin.

Orioles ML-144
CONF
62%
MLB4:07 PM

Phillies @ Angels

Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium, Philadelphia is trying to finish the sweep while Los Angeles is trying to stop a six-game losing streak. The first two games were competitive, so I’m backing the stronger side to win without requiring it to clear 1.5 runs. Zack Wheeler’s recent form is the risk: 14 earned runs in 14.0 innings across his last three starts. His larger body of work is still considerably stronger than Yusei Kikuchi’s—Wheeler has a 3.40 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 124.1 innings, while Kikuchi has a 6.25 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over 36.0 innings. Kikuchi has made only one start since a 116-day gap and allowed five earned runs in five innings upon returning. The handedness setup reinforces that advantage. The Angels start six right-handed hitters, and Wheeler has held righties to a .185 average and .562 OPS. Philadelphia also starts six righties against Kikuchi, who has allowed right-handed hitters a .294 average and .871 OPS. At the team level, the Phillies carry a .700 OPS against left-handed pitching, compared with the Angels’ .681 OPS against right-handers. Philadelphia’s current bullpen owns a 3.43 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, versus 3.81 and 1.34 for Los Angeles. Over the last five days, that comparison is 2.70 against 6.62. Jhoan Duran and Jonathan Bowlan have already thrown 42 and 49 pitches in this series, respectively, which lowers my appetite for the run line. The moneyline keeps the bet aligned with the broader starting-pitcher, matchup and bullpen advantages while respecting Wheeler’s current volatility.

Phillies ML-172
CONF
64%
MLB7:20 PM

Reds @ Cubs

Wrigley gets the rubber match after Cincinnati’s 10-8 opener and Chicago’s 17-5 response. Chase Burns gives the Reds a legitimate starting-pitching advantage, but the full nine-inning profile puts me on the Cubs. Burns enters with a 2.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, compared with Shota Imanaga’s 3.78 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. His recent context is less imposing, however: Burns has a 3.53 road ERA, a 4.33 ERA in August, and a 6.43 ERA across his last three road starts. Imanaga has his own warning signs, including a 5.68 ERA over his last three starts and a two-inning outing last time out. Neither starter makes the run line attractive. Chicago holds the stronger offensive baseline, averaging 5.3 runs per game with a .767 OPS; Cincinnati averages 4.1 with a .701 OPS. Against tonight’s handedness, the Cubs have a .752 OPS versus right-handed pitching, while the Reds have a .732 OPS versus lefties. The supporting phases also favor Chicago. The Cubs’ current bullpen has a 3.79 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, compared with Cincinnati’s 4.09 and 1.30. Over the last ten days, those ERAs are 5.00 and 6.75, respectively. Chicago also carries a .990 fielding percentage with 51 errors, versus Cincinnati’s .985 with 74. Burns and Imanaga’s recent form leave enough volatility that I do not want Chicago -1.5. I’m paying for the home moneyline and backing the Cubs’ deeper offense, better season-long relief profile, and cleaner defense to decide the game beyond the starting matchup.

Cubs ML-154
CONF
61%

Player props

30
MLB · Marlins @ Nationals

Andrew Alvarez

Alvarez has recorded at least four strikeouts in each of his last three starts, including six over 4.2 innings last time out. His curveball and slider both generate whiff rates above 33%, and Miami is starting five hitters with season strikeout rates above 20%. The short leash is the concern, but he has repeatedly cleared this number without completing five innings.

OVER 3.5 Strikeouts-155
MLB · Marlins @ Nationals

Esteury Ruiz

Ruiz has stolen 29 bases in only 161 at-bats, so he does not need multiple opportunities to cash this. Andrew Alvarez has allowed seven successful steals in 11 attempts, and Ruiz owns a .361 on-base percentage while hitting left-handers well. This is naturally volatile, but the matchup makes +260 worth taking.

OVER 0.5 Stolen Bases+260
MLB · Rockies @ Braves

Mason Adams

Adams needs to complete five innings to beat this line, something he did not do in his debut. He required 75 pitches to record 12 outs, and Colorado has kept him below 80 pitches in every start this season while managing his workload following Tommy John surgery. The Rockies would love length after Saturday's bullpen game, but that need does not erase the workload ceiling. Against a deep Atlanta lineup, plus money on Adams exiting before the end of the fifth is the play.

UNDER 14.5 Pitcher Outs+102
MLB · Rockies @ Braves

Ha-Seong Kim

Kim has seven hits in 83 at-bats this season and has recorded a hit in only two of his last 15 games. Batting ninth also limits his opportunity, particularly if Atlanta controls the game without turning the lineup over five times. Colorado's pitching creates risk, but Kim is still being asked to clear a standard one-hit line despite a .084 average. Getting plus money on the under is enough for me.

UNDER 0.5 Hits+105
MLB · Red Sox @ Yankees

Will Warren

Warren has completed more than five innings in only two of his last eight starts, and his recent performance does not justify plus money on another early exit. He owns a 6.23 ERA with eight walks across his last three outings, while his August ERA sits at 5.89.

UNDER 15.5 Pitcher Outs+102
MLB · Red Sox @ Yankees

Ranger Suarez

Suárez has recorded 18 outs in only one of his last eight starts. He has not completed six innings in any of his last six, topping out at 5 1/3 while averaging fewer than five innings per appearance over that stretch.

UNDER 17.5 Pitcher Outs-131
MLB · Royals @ Guardians

Parker Messick

Messick has allowed one earned run or fewer in six of his last eight starts, including one in each of his last two. His 31.7% hard-hit rate and 4.8% barrel rate show why that suppression has been sustainable, while his four-seamer and changeup have held hitters to a .224 and .220 xwOBA. Kansas City is hot, but Messick has the arsenal and current form to limit the damage before Cleveland turns the game over to its bullpen.

UNDER 1.5 Pitcher Earned Runs-110
MLB · Royals @ Guardians

Seth Lugo

Cleveland can send seven hitters to the plate from the left side against a pitcher allowing left-handed bats a .292 average and .808 OPS. Lugo has surrendered six, nine and seven hits over his last three starts, and his 43% hard-hit rate leaves little margin when his command is not sharp. His sinker and four-seamer have produced a .424 and .412 xwOBA, respectively. I expect Cleveland to make enough contact to collect six hits before Lugo exits.

OVER 5.5 Pitcher Hits Allowed-110
MLB · Mariners @ Blue Jays

Max Scherzer

Scherzer has issued at least two walks in six of his last eight starts, including 10 walks across his last 14 innings. His season rate stands at 25 walks in 50 innings, and Seattle averages 3.36 walks per game. This lineup has enough patient hitters to extend counts, and the recent command makes over 1.5 playable even at -146.

OVER 1.5 Pitcher Walks-146
MLB · Mariners @ Blue Jays

Josh Naylor

Naylor has recorded a single in 12 of his last 15 games and is batting .309 in August. The matchup is favorable from the left side: Scherzer has allowed left-handed hitters a .293 average and .897 OPS. Toronto's main late-inning relievers are also right-handed, so the platoon advantage can remain after Scherzer exits. At -115, I want Naylor to produce one ordinary single.

OVER 0.5 Singles-115
MLB · Dodgers @ Tigers

Framber Valdez

Valdez has issued at least two walks in seven of his last eight starts, including 11 walks against only eight strikeouts across his last 17.1 innings. That declining command runs into a patient Dodgers lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Kyle Tucker. His primary sinker generates limited chase, so two walks is a reasonable threshold even if he works only five or six innings.

OVER 1.5 Pitcher Walks-148
MLB · Dodgers @ Tigers

Miguel Rojas

Rojas is starting sixth because of this left-handed matchup, and he has delivered a .311 average and .829 OPS across 119 at-bats against lefties this season. Valdez has allowed a .261 average overall, while opponents are batting .307 against his sinker. Rojas also puts the ball in play consistently, with only 21 strikeouts in 181 at-bats. I’m laying the price for one hit.

OVER 0.5 Hits-162
MLB · Padres @ Rays

Drew Rasmussen

I’m backing Rasmussen to finish six innings. He has recorded at least 18 outs in four of his last six starts and was allowed a season-high 103 pitches last time out. His 0.93 WHIP and excellent results against both right- and left-handed hitters reduce the risk of an early hook.

OVER 17.5 Pitcher Outs+110
MLB · Padres @ Rays

Robbie Ray

Four strikeouts is a modest assignment for Ray, who has reached that mark in seven of his last eight starts. Tampa Bay is a contact-oriented club, but this lineup still gives him targets: Jonathan Aranda, Ryan Vilade, Jorge Mateo and Taylor Walls all carry meaningful strikeout rates.

OVER 3.5 Strikeouts-148
MLB · White Sox @ Twins

Jordan Hicks

Hicks is opening, not making a conventional start. His only start this season lasted exactly one inning, and his most recent appearance was another one-inning assignment four days ago. The under cashes if Chicago follows that same plan and removes him after three outs. The bullpen workload creates some extension risk, but four outs is still too aggressive for the role Hicks has actually been filling.

UNDER 3.5 Pitcher Outs-118
MLB · White Sox @ Twins

Miguel Vargas

Vargas has drawn a walk in 13 of his last 15 games, including one in each of the first two games of this series. His 84 walks and .363 on-base percentage show that this is a season-long skill, not merely a short streak. Batting third should give him four or five opportunities, and Minnesota's bullpen carries a 1.37 WHIP if Zebby Matthews leaves before the late innings. I like getting plus money on Vargas' best offensive trait.

OVER 0.5 Walks+129
MLB · Rangers @ Brewers

Jake Bauers

Bauers has drawn a walk in 12 of his last 15 games and owns a .388 on-base percentage. That patience fits this matchup: Kumar Rocker has issued nine walks across his last three starts, and Milwaukee averages 4.12 walks per game. Batting third should also give Bauers four realistic chances to cash this.

OVER 0.5 Walks-112
MLB · Rangers @ Brewers

Christian Yelich

Yelich has cleared this number in nine of his last 15 games and enters Sunday 5-for-8 in the series. Rocker has allowed left-handed hitters a .283 average and .839 OPS, while his sinker, cutter and four-seam fastball have all produced vulnerable contact numbers. Yelich is seeing the ball well enough to contribute in multiple categories from the fifth spot.

OVER 1.5 H+R+RBI-110
MLB · Pirates @ Cardinals

Matthew Liberatore

I’m taking plus money against a starter who has allowed 13 earned runs in his last 15.1 innings and owns a 5.97 ERA at Busch Stadium. Liberatore’s fastball, changeup and sinker have all been hit hard, and Pittsburgh can attack him with five right-handed bats plus two switch-hitters. He has allowed at least three earned runs in five of his last eight starts, including four against Pittsburgh earlier this season.

OVER 2.5 Pitcher Earned Runs+112
MLB · Pirates @ Cardinals

Braxton Ashcraft

I need Ashcraft to complete six innings, something he has done in each of his last three starts while working 23 innings and allowing only three earned runs. His efficiency has been excellent, and this diminished St. Louis lineup is without JJ Wetherholt and Blaze Jordan. The Cardinals have also scored only three runs through the first two games against Pittsburgh’s primary pitchers, giving Ashcraft a clean path to another six-plus inning afternoon.

OVER 17.5 Pitcher Outs-139
MLB · Astros @ Mets

Ethan Pecko

Pecko has recorded only 11 and 13 outs in his first two MLB starts while throwing 89 and 88 pitches. Seven walks in eight innings have kept him from working efficiently, and now he faces a Mets lineup with Juan Soto and several left-handed bats.

UNDER 14.5 Pitcher Outs+102
MLB · Astros @ Mets

Jared Young

Young has recorded a hit in 11 of his last 15 games and is batting .278 with an .807 OPS against right-handed pitching. He also enters after collecting three hits against Houston on Saturday. Pecko has allowed left-handed hitters a 1.019 OPS through his first two starts, and Young should receive multiple chances against him from the fifth spot. The price is not cheap, but the matchup and Young's recent contact give him a strong path to one hit.

OVER 0.5 Hits-156
MLB · Orioles @ Athletics

Jeffrey Springs

Springs has exceeded four strikeouts once in his last eight starts and has recorded four or fewer in six straight. His changeup is the only consistent bat-misser in a mix led by a 91.4 mph fastball with a 15.1% whiff rate. Baltimore's strikeout tendency is the risk, but Springs has completed five innings only twice in his last six starts. At nearly even money, I'm betting he runs out of outs before finding a fifth strikeout.

UNDER 4.5 Strikeouts-105
MLB · Orioles @ Athletics

Lawrence Butler

Bassitt's full-season weakness is pronounced against left-handed hitters: a .335 average, .936 OPS and all eight home runs he has allowed. Butler enters with a .375 average and 1.042 OPS over his last 15 days, has exceeded this line in nine of his last 15 games and is 4-for-9 against Bassitt. He is also seeing the zone well, drawing three walks in this series. Batting cleanup with Baltimore's main late-inning arms coming off consecutive workdays, Butler has multiple paths to two bases at an attractive price.

OVER 1.5 Total Bases+135
MLB · Phillies @ Angels

Yusei Kikuchi

Kikuchi has completed six innings in only two of eight starts, including just one of his last six. He needed 89 pitches to record 15 outs in his first start following a 116-day absence, and this is only his second start back.

UNDER 15.5 Pitcher Outs-102
MLB · Phillies @ Angels

Bryce Harper

Harper has drawn a walk in 11 of his last 15 games and took three free passes Saturday. His 97 walks and .386 on-base percentage show that this is a season-long skill, not merely a short hot streak.

OVER 0.5 Walks+120
MLB HR · Reds @ Cubs

Sal Stewart

Stewart is seeing the ball well, with two homers in this series and four over his last 15 games. He owns a .919 OPS against left-handed pitching and has already taken Imanaga deep in six career at-bats. Imanaga has allowed 30 homers this season, and eight of the nine recent scoring plays against him came by way of the long ball. With the wind expected to help carry the ball at Wrigley, +290 is enough for me.

OVER 0.5 Home Runs+290
MLB HR · Reds @ Cubs

Matt McLain

I’m buying the price, not McLain's ugly series. He has five homers in 85 August at-bats, four in 82 at-bats against lefties this season and one in seven career at-bats against Imanaga. The Cubs lefty has been particularly vulnerable to home runs lately, and McLain still has the bat speed to punish a misplaced fastball or sweeper. At +550, the matchup gives me enough upside to take the swing.

OVER 0.5 Home Runs+550
MLB · Reds @ Cubs

Sal Stewart

I’m taking the plus price on Cincinnati’s best run producer. Stewart has 104 RBIs, has driven in a run in nine of his last 15 games, and has collected two RBIs in each game of this series.

OVER 0.5 RBI+153
MLB · Reds @ Cubs

Shota Imanaga

I need Imanaga gone before he completes the sixth. He has stayed under this number in four of his last eight starts and has averaged just over four innings across his four August outings.

UNDER 16.5 Pitcher Outs-114

Hub research

168

Graded results

44

Games

  • W

    Phillies ML -172

    MLB · 5-2

  • W

    Orioles ML -144

    MLB · 8-5

  • L

    Nationals ML -110

    MLB · 6-2

  • L

    Mariners ML -132

    MLB · 0-7

  • L

    Braves -1.5 -120

    MLB · 2-3

  • L

    Red Sox ML -142

    MLB · 1-16

  • L

    White Sox ML +104

    MLB · 1-5

  • W

    Guardians ML -178

    MLB · 1-11

  • W

    Rays ML -160

    MLB · 4-5

  • W

    Pirates ML -120

    MLB · 5-4

  • W

    Dodgers ML -150

    MLB · 6-1

  • L

    Brewers ML -154

    MLB · 7-4

  • L

    Mets ML -120

    MLB · 6-3

  • L

    Cubs ML -154

    MLB · 7-5

Props

  • W

    Andrew Alvarez · over

    Marlins @ Nationals · Actual 6

  • L

    Braxton Ashcraft · over

    Pirates @ Cardinals · Actual 15

  • L

    Bryce Harper · over

    Phillies @ Angels · Actual 0

  • L

    Christian Yelich · over

    Rangers @ Brewers · Actual 0

  • W

    Drew Rasmussen · over

    Padres @ Rays · Actual 18

  • W

    Esteury Ruiz · over

    Marlins @ Nationals · Actual 1

  • L

    Ethan Pecko · under

    Astros @ Mets · Actual 15

  • L

    Framber Valdez · over

    Dodgers @ Tigers · Actual 1

  • W

    Ha-Seong Kim · under

    Rockies @ Braves · Actual 0

  • L

    Jake Bauers · over

    Rangers @ Brewers · Actual 0

  • L

    Jared Young · over

    Astros @ Mets · Actual 0

  • L

    Jeffrey Springs · under

    Orioles @ Athletics · Actual 6

  • W

    Jordan Hicks · under

    White Sox @ Twins · Actual 2

  • L

    Josh Naylor · over

    Mariners @ Blue Jays · Actual 0

  • W

    Lawrence Butler · over

    Orioles @ Athletics · Actual 2

  • L

    Mason Adams · under

    Rockies @ Braves · Actual 15

  • W

    Matthew Liberatore · over

    Pirates @ Cardinals · Actual 3

  • L

    Matt McLain · over

    Reds @ Cubs · Actual 0

  • L

    Max Scherzer · over

    Mariners @ Blue Jays · Actual 1

  • W

    Miguel Rojas · over

    Dodgers @ Tigers · Actual 1

  • L

    Miguel Vargas · over

    White Sox @ Twins · Actual 0

  • W

    Parker Messick · under

    Royals @ Guardians · Actual 1

  • W

    Ranger Suarez · under

    Red Sox @ Yankees · Actual 16

  • W

    Robbie Ray · over

    Padres @ Rays · Actual 4

  • W

    Sal Stewart · over

    Reds @ Cubs · Actual 1

  • W

    Sal Stewart · over

    Reds @ Cubs · Actual 1

  • W

    Seth Lugo · over

    Royals @ Guardians · Actual 9

  • W

    Shota Imanaga · under

    Reds @ Cubs · Actual 15

  • L

    Will Warren · under

    Red Sox @ Yankees · Actual 21

  • L

    Yusei Kikuchi · under

    Phillies @ Angels · Actual 21