BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Philadelphia at Cincinnati (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Phillies have won 7 of their last 9 (+$425), moving 5.5 games ahead of New York in the NL East. But they’ll be hard pressed in the opener at Great American when Taijuan Walker faces Cincy’s ace Andrew Abbott (+$505, 2.34 ERA in 20 starts), given their dreadful record vs. left-handers (14-20, -$1360). On the other hand, the Reds are only 15-20 vs. lefties (-$395, 3.9 runs per game), so Cristopher Sanchez (+$830, 2.30) and Ranger Suarez (2.78) should get the best of Brady Singer & Hunter Greene (Phillies +$1545 vs. righties). BEST BET: Abbott/C. Sanchez/R. Suarez.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
Riding a nine game winning streak, the Brewers are now the top team in baseball (73-44, +$2845 overall). They will be prohibitive favorites vs. the last place Pirates, who are only 17-39 outside of PNC Park (-$1560). The Bucs do have Paul Skenes set to take a turn, and he’s one pitcher that Brewers’ backers should avoid (1.94 ERA in 24 starts). However, Milwaukee’s outstanding rotation (3.63 team ERA, 2nd best in the NL) should dominate Pittsburgh in the other contests. BEST BET: Brewers unless opposed by Skenes.
Colorado at St. Louis (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Cardinals need a sweep over the pitiful Rockies to keep their post-season aspirations alive. Unfortunately, they are only 8-13 vs. lefties here at Busch Stadium (-$595) and Colorado is slated to send two southpaws to the hill. St. Louis is 26-12 vs. righties at home (+$1350), so we like their chances vs. Chase Dollander (-$460, 6.69 ERA in 15 starts), who slated to pitch on Monday night. Colorado has dropped seven straight (-$2665 overall) and don’t merit consideration. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. right-handers.
San Diego at San Francisco (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Padres have the best team pitching in the National League (3.62) and they have moved to within two games of 1st place LA in the NL West (7-3, +$240 last 10 days). They’ve already taken 4 of 6 from the Giants in head to head play (+$310) and San Francisco has racked up hefty losses in this ballpark (-$1255). The Giants have some tough starting pitchers, but Nick Pivetta (2.94 ERA in 23 outings) can out-pitch Kai Wei Teng, who was roughed up in his debut start last week (13.51 ERA). BEST BET: Pivetta vs. Teng.
Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Yankees had a seven game lead in the AL East at the end of May, but they now are on the verge of falling behind in the AL Wildcard. They’ve lost 7 of their last 10 and now rank among the biggest money-burners in MLB (-$2275). The Twins won’t be part of the post-season, but they’ve gotten a strong season from Joe Ryan (2.69 ERA in 22 starts). Hard to pass him up as an underdog vs. Cam Schlittler (4.38 ERA) in Wednesday series finale (Twins (+$545 vs. righties in road night games). BEST BET: J. Ryan.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The 68-51 Tigers have seen their massive lead in the AL Central cut to six games, with plenty of time left for the surging Guardians to close that gap. In addition, Detroit’s pitching rotation has not been sharp (5.61 ERA among starters last 10 days). Last place Chicago is a bad team (only 43-75, 24.5 games back in the NL Central), though they’ve managed to post a modest profit at home (+$440). We’re not inclined to use either side. BEST BET: None.
Boston at Houston (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Astros will be out for revenge after suffering a sweep at Fenway Park recently (-$360), and they will face a couple of weak pitchers at Minute Maid Park. Unfortunately, they will have to contend with Boston’s Garrett Crochet, who is currently on track for Cy Young honors (+$415, 2.18 ERA in 23 outings). Things get better for the Astros when they send Hunter Brown to the mound on Wednesday night ($400, 2.51 in 23 starts). Stick with the quality arms in this series. BEST BET: Crochet/H. Brown.
Tampa Bay at Oakland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Rays have lost 7 of their last 10 (-$390, with a 6.24 ERA among starters, averaging 3.0 runs per game at the plate). They are five games below .500 and their playoff hopes are basically dead. The A’s already took 2 out of 3 from this team in head to head play (+$240) and they have their top money-maker Jacob Lopez (+$750, 3.39 ERA) set to take a turn. The Athletics come into the series having won 6 of their last 10 (+$165). BEST BET: J. Lopez.
Washington at Kansas City (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Royals are hanging by a thread in the AL playoff picture, but they have some excellent pitchers (3.62 team ERA, 2nd best in the AL) and they’ve been profitable in inter-league play (+$710). Last place Washington has dropped 7 of its last 10 (-$300) and they are only 16-34 in day games (-$1440). Seth Lugo has been at his best here at Kaufman Stadium (2.69 ERA in 11 starts) and should fare well in Wednesday’s afternoon finale. BEST BET: Lugo.
Arizona at Texas (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Rangers hurt themselves when they were swept by the Phillies (3-7, -$420 last 10 days) and they could be primed for some difficulty again. Arizona has faded, but their offense is still dangerous (5.2 runs per game vs. right-handers) and they’ve turned a profit vs. righties on the road at night. (-$405). Ryne Nelson has been the best pitcher for the Diamondbacks (2.75 ERA in 14 starts), so take him as a fat underdog vs. Nathan Eovaldi. BEST BET: Ryne Nelson.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The 56-62 Angels have cooled a bit, (3-6, -$465 last 10 days) but they’ve consistently over-performed in 2025, and they are in a favorable spot as their LA rival visits Anaheim. They’ve made a fortune vs. right-handers in night games (+$1810) and they’ll be in that situation in each of these three games. The Dodgers are always overpriced and unprofitable (-$1400
