MLB Best Bets for Friday, August 20, 2021
Yesterday was looking great. Then suddenly, the Brewers gave up a ton of runs and the Yankees bullpen did the same. Depending on how you played the Yankees game, you could’ve made some money. That’s why I put them out, but either way, it wasn’t a terrible day as we had a +176 winner to start the day. Let’s make some money on this Friday.
Dodgers and Padres
Okay, about a week ago, I put out that I liked Walker Buehler to be the Cy Young in the National League. Yesterday, Zack Wheeler (the favorite last week) didn’t really help his case against the Diamondbacks. This week, Buehler is now a co-favorite with Corbin Burns. I’m still bullish on Buehler, and tonight he faces the Mets at home. The Mets are reeling, having lost four of their last five games. I don’t expect the Mets to have a chance against the Dodgers. Just down the state, the Padres take on the Phillies who were just swept by the Diamondbacks (one of the worst teams in baseball). Blake Snell is pitching for the Padres tonight and while he has been atrocious on the road, at home, he has a 2.40 ERA. I’m playing them as a moneyline parlay at +101.
Mariners vs. Astros
The Astros are the best team in the Major Leagues when it comes to hitting left-handed pitching. Tonight, they face Yusei Kikuchi, a lefty for the Mariners. Kikuchi has had success against the Astros though, holding them to just a .208 average. In 19 innings, he’s given up eight runs to the Astros this season, but in his one start at Minute Maid Park, he was outstanding – 7.0 and no runs. He has been more successful on the road this season, holding a 3.10 ERA. Lance McCullers Jr. is almost a full run worse at home than he is on the road. Despite being one of the better pitchers on the staff, he has been inconsistent at best lately. The Astros are also losers of four of their last five. I’m going to kick them while they're down… play the Mariners at +168.
Twins vs. Yankees
After getting rid of Nelson Cruz, the Twins essentially threw in the towel on the season. The Yankees went the other way at the deadline, acquiring more hitters in hopes of making the playoffs. The Yankees have been as hot as anyone in baseball lately and look to continue today. My play today, though is actually on the Yankees starter. The Twins are almost striking out once every four at-bats against both lefties and righties. Over the last three games, they are striking out more often than their season average. Nestor Cortes Jr. hasn’t faced the Twins much yet, but he has struck out three batters in only eight at-bats. This is another value play (much like the Mariners) that Cortes gets over 5.5 strikeouts at +140.
