MLB Best Bets for Sunday, August 22, 2021
Sunday always brings afternoon baseball and one primetime Sunday Night Baseball game. Doesn’t matter the time the game is played, I’m just always looking to make money. Let’s go!
Marlins vs. Reds
Sandy Alcantara goes for the Fish today and he has been rough on the road. He has an ERA nearly two full runs higher on the road than at home, I can’t possibly back him at a hitter-friendly park like Great American Ballpark. Additionally, though a small sample size, only 13 at-bats) he’s given up six hits. Half of those went for extra bases. On the other side, Vladmir Gutierrez has been equally bad at home for the Reds as Alcantara has been on the road. Gutierrez has a 5.35 ERA at home, and that includes two back-to-back starts where he posted quality starts at home. I’m playing this game to be over 8.5 runs.
Phillies vs. Padres
The Padres seemingly have every pitcher on their roster on the injured list right now. Thus, they are going with Craig Stammen as an opener today for the game. Stammen has thrown 8.1 innings this month and given up seven earned runs. While they have come from three of his eight appearances, it still shows me that he is inconsistent at best. For the Phillies, Kyle Gibson throws against a dangerous Padres lineup that includes likely MVP, Fernando Tatis Jr. In 101 at-bats against Gibson, the Padres are only hitting .238. I like the chances the Phillies have today. Play them at +136.
Giants vs. Athletics
Frankie Montas has thrown seven consecutive quality starts and takes the ball today looking to win the series for the A’s. Montas has been strong in his limited appearances against the Giants, holding their hitters to just a .133 average. His one start against the Giants this year was fine – five innings and two runs given up. Logan Webb has been a great pitcher for the Giants. He is also on a quality start streak of five games. Webb has held the A’s to an average of .208 over 30 at-bats. His biggest weak spot, though, has been his road ERA – 4.20. I’m playing the A’s to win this one at -112.