Top 3 MLB Picks & Predictions: Saturday (8/1)
The calendar has turned to August, and my three MLB picks for today’s 15-game slate keep the idea in mind that several trades have already taken place, and plenty more should occur prior to Monday’s trade deadline. Last week’s 3-0 day moved us two games over .500 and in the black in terms of overall profits, and we look to continue that momentum for this action-packed slate of games.
Here are the best MLB picks & predictions for Saturday, August 1st.
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Saturday’s Best MLB Picks & Predictions
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook | This Season: 28-26 (+1.48 units)
Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners came within one game of reaching their first ever World Series last year, so to say they are underperforming relative to expectations being three games out of a playoff spot in a weak AL is an understatement. But Seattle has a great opportunity to generate some momentum with ace Logan Gilbert on the mound, facing a Twins lineup likely again to be without Byron Buxton.
Gilbert has been touched up for at least three runs in four of his last five starts. But I expect huge positive regression in his splits at the pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park, as he has allowed 14 of his 15 home runs at home.
For all of their struggles, the Mariners still entered this series 17-8 in their last 25 home games, generating 6.25 units of profit with a 17% ROI.
Pick: Mariners Moneyline (-166)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Baltimore Orioles
Following a 1-8 stretch that included series losses to the Dodgers, Yankees, and Marlins, Philadelphia’s offense was sputtering. Entering this current series, the Phillies ranked 11th in runs per game, 12 in batting average, tied for fifth in home runs, last in on-base percentage, 10th in slugging, and 13th in strikeouts among the 15 NL teams.
Baltimore’s Shane Baz has had much better numbers as a starting pitcher than a reliever this season. Arguably the only thing the Phillies have done well of late is hit homers, but Baz has allowed just three home runs in 54.2 innings at Camden Yards.
We’re getting great value on the underdogs as Cristopher Sanchez is on the mound, but the Phillies southpaw has pitched to a poor 4.97 ERA and .330 OBA over nine road starts.
Pick: Orioles Moneyline (+119)
New York Yankees vs. Chicago Cubs
To say that the Yankees have felt the loss of their three biggest power threats is an understatement. Since the All-Star Break entering this series, New York averaged 3.4 runs while batting .205 as a team and logging a collective .604 OPS. I expect a lineup devoid of right-handed power when facing southpaw David Peterson to struggle again.
Chicago is 16-12 against left-handed starting pitchers, which makes up for the fact that it is four games under .500 in interleague matchups. The Cubs have also won five of their last six series, and are peaking at the right time.
Lastly, since being acquired by the Cubs from the Mets, Peterson's first five starts have mostly been positive. Outside of a blow-up start where he was rocked for 10 runs in 3.2 innings, Peterson has pitched to a 2.14 ERA over 21 innings in his four other starts.
Pick: Cubs Moneyline (+104)
Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.