MLB Best Bets for Monday, August 2, 2021
Today’s slate of MLB is filled with unimpressive pitchers. That doesn’t mean we don’t have the opportunity to make some money though, so let’s get to it.
Pirates vs. Brewers
Bryse Wilson’s last appearance came in May, and it was against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tonight, he starts for the Pirates against the Brewers. Wilson has a 4.83 ERA, but his individual games don’t look that bad. For the Brewers, lefty Eric Lauer pitches, and he has held hitters to just a .173 batting average. He faced the Pirates just a few days ago and went only three innings, giving up only one run. He’s started 10 games and given up 11 home runs on the season. Luckily for him, the Pirates are dead last in home runs per game. If Lauer can hold off on the walks, the Pirates really shouldn’t have a chance. I’m leaning on the Brewers' run line, but I feel safer with neither team putting up a ton of runs tonight and will play the under 9 runs at -120.
Mariners vs. Rays
Looking at the batting statistics against these starting pitchers, I think the hitters’ numbers are eye-popping. Against Michael Wacha, in 24 at-bats, the Mariners hitters are batting .500. While it is a small sample size, that is still alarming to see so many hitters with success against him. The Rays have even less experience against the Mariners’ Chris Flexen (only seven at-bats, but five hits in them). One big thing is that Flexen has a 5.92 road ERA, so his struggles could shine tonight. Wacha is better at home than he is away with just a 3.58 ERA at Tropicana Field, but his past performances make me feel like the over 9 runs is the way to bet this game at -110. I’m playing a sprinkle on the Rays and over 9 at +192. I’m happier with that than the double result option available.
Odds Boost Parlay
Parlays are a big reason that Vegas has beautiful buildings. I talk a lot about sprinkles on parlays, and I don’t like risking a lot on them because they are difficult to hit. Tonight, though, FanDuel Sportsbook is offering an Odds Boost Parlay that I like a lot. You can parlay the Yankees, Brewers, and Blue Jays to win their games. I prefer baseball parlays of two teams, but this one has a good potential to hit and it is boosted from +164 to +230. I’ve talked a bit about the Brewers and think they win their game with relative ease. The Blue Jays face a depleted Indians team and they get Robbie Ray to pitch. The Yankees face the Orioles and get to show off their new toys, Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, at home for the first time. I’ll take the odds boost.