Here are our top MLB picks & bets for Tuesday, August 19.
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Tuesday’s Best MLB Picks & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Astros (+134) at Detroit Tigers (-164) | O/U 7.0 (-116/-105)
This is the matchup of the day as it pits two of the best in the American League.
Tarik Skubal is favored to win his second straight Cy Young award with a 2.42 ERA. While his numbers have been better on the road with a 2.28 ERA on the road compared to 2.55 at home, the Tigers seem to play better for him at Comerica Park, where he's 8-1. We're seeing how good this Tigers team is because even with Skubal allowing three or more runs in three straight starts, they've managed to win those games.
This will be their biggest challenge against the Astros, who are sending Hunter Brown to the mound. Brown could certainly give his case for being in Cy Young contention as he's third in the American League in ERA (2.45) and WAR amongst AL pitchers (4.9). Momentum could be on his side, as he's allowed two or fewer runs in four straight starts. However, Houston is only 2-2 in those games.
Skubal has done well against this Astros lineup with a .294 wOBA in 87 appearances, and the Astros lineup is struggling with just a .297 wOBA (24th) in their last 12 games.
Picks: Tigers -1.5 (+134) & Tigers Moneyline (-166)
Cincinnati Reds (-132) at Los Angeles Angels (+109) | O/U 8.5 (-115/-106)
The recent dominance of the Brewers has given them a very nice cushion in the National League Central. Unfortunately, this has left teams like the Reds having to fight for the Wild Card, and luckily, they are only one game out of the last spot. The problem with Cincinnati is consistency. They haven't been able to go on any extended positive runs this season without following it up with a losing streak. It is unfortunate because this team has a lot of talent.
That includes Hunter Greene, who was having another great season until an injury left him on the shelf for two months. However, in his return on August 13, he shut down the Phillies’ offense with six scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out six. The fastball is still electric, but he's dropped the velocity slightly for better control, and this has helped him keep the ball out of the hitters’ power zone. This is why he could do well against the Angels tonight, who are 29th in whiff rate (28.0%) and last in strikeout rate (26.1%).
Pick: Reds Moneyline (-132)
