BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
Houston at Baltimore (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The 69-58 Astros are in a tough dogfight with Seattle in the AL West, so they need a strong weekend against the last place Orioles, who have racked up hefty losses when playing here at Camden Yards (-$770). They’ve come up with a valuable starting right-hander in Jason Alexander, who has led the Astros to victories in 5 of his 6 appearances (+$480, 2.86 ERA). He’ll take on Brandon Young, who checks in with a bloated 5.68 ERA in 11 outings for Baltimore (-$445). BEST BET: J. Alexander vs. B. Young .
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Red Sox are slumping as they head into the Bronx (3-7, -$700 last 10 days), while the Yankees are looking sharp (8-2, +$425 last 10, averaging 6.7 runs per game at the plate). However, Boston has taken 5 of 6 from New York in head to head play (+$660), while averaging 5.9 runs per game vs. left-handers. They’ll send Bryan Bello (3.22 ERA) and Dustin May (2.87) against the New York lefties. The Yanks have lost a fortune in night games vs. righties (-$1460). BEST BET: Bello & May vs. left-handers in night games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Colorado at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies are on a roll as they head into PNC Park, winning 7 of their last 10 (+$1210). On the other hand, they are only 16-46 outside of Coors Field (-$1140) and the Pirates are a profitable home team (36-30, +$855). Braxton Ashcraft has looked sharp in three starts for the Bucs (+$240, 1.549 ERA) and Paul Skenes is on track for a Cy Young win (2.16 ERA in 26 outings). High priced, but they both look like excellent values. BEST BET: Ashcraft/Skenes.
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The 1st place Phillies look to extend their seven game lead in the NL East vs. the last place Nationals. They are now 32-12 at Citizens Bank (+$1375) and they are facing a Washington team that owns a 5.32 team ERA (2nd worst in the National League). They are expected to face a couple of righties in this three game set, and we like their chances. On the other hand, the Phillies are only 17-20 vs. southpaws (-$1040), so we’ll play these games accordingly. BEST BET: Phillies vs. right-handers/Left-handers vs. the Phillies.
N.Y. Mets at Atlanta (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Braves are sizzling hot as they get set to host the Mets (8-2, +$675 last 10 days) and they are poised to play spoiler in the NL East. They’ve already won 7 of 10 in head to head play with the Mets (+$560), who are in danger of losing their post-season berth (4-6, -$515 last 10 days). However, we don’t love the Atlanta starters (7.50 ERA last 10 days), so pass for now. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Brewers salvaged their final game with the Cubs yesterday, leaving them with a seven game lead in the NL Central (+$3135 overall). The Giants are in an ugly tailspin (2-8, -$625 last 10 days, averaging just 2.7 runs per game with a 6.48 ERA among starters). They are only 13-22 vs. left-handers (-$1420) so they’ll be hard pressed vs. Jose Quintana, who has led Milwaukee to wins in 13 of his 19 starts so far (+$875, 3.32 ERA). BEST BET: Quintana.
Cincinnati at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds are very much alive in the NL wild-card chase, winning 6 of their last 10 as they head into Chase Field (+$220, 5.6 runs per game). They swept the Diamondbacks at Great American Ballpark (+$320) and they have quality pitchers set to appear this weekend. They’ve posted a fat profit in road games vs. right-handers (+$760), while Arizona has been a losing proposition in 2025 (-$1715). Andrew Abbott (+$475, 2.29 ERA) and Brady Singer (0.75 ERA last two outings) should both be available at reasonable prices vs. the all-righty Arizona rotation. BEST BET: Abbott/Singer.
L.A. Dodgers at San Diego (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Padres are only one game back in the NL West, but they have floundered against the Dodgers in head to head competition (only 2-8, -$450). They do have the best pitching in the NL (3.54 ERA) and they dominate right-handers here at Petco Park (29-15, +$955) so don’t count them out. Nick Pivetta is having his best season ever (+$405, 2.891 ERA in 25 starts), and he’ll take on an LA club that has lost a fortune in 2025 (-$2035). BEST BET: Pivetta.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Royals have jumped back into the AL wild-card picture, winning 8 of their last 10 (+$495). They have the 2nd best pitching in the AL (3.58) and they should catch generous underdog prices at Comerica. The Tigers are coasting atop the AL Central, but they’ve got two weak pitchers set to appear this weekend. Chris Paddack (5.91 ERA in four starts for Detroit) and Jack Flaherty (-$1445, 4.51 ERA) make inviting targets for KC, who have turned a profit on the road (+$550). BEST BET: Royals vs. Paddack & Flaherty.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The once promising Twins continue to disappoint, losing 8 of their last 10 and falling 17 games back in the AL Central (-$2035 overall). Right-hander Joe Ryan has been the only bright spot for Minnesota, posting a tiny 2.67 ERA in his 24 appearances for the visitor. He’ll square off against the last place White Sox, who have dropped 7 of their last 9 (-$345), and who are once again on track for worst record in the American League. BEST BET: J. Ryan.
Cleveland at Texas (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Guardians have cooled off considerably following a torrid stretch (3-7, -$455 last 10 days), but they are still far from dead in the AL wildcard chase. They’ve turned a fat profit in road games vs. right-handers (+$980), and they’ll face a trio of them at Arlington. Texas has more or less fallen out of the AL the wildcard hunt and they come into this series with an 11-22 record vs. left-handers (-$1075, 3.8 runs per game). Expect a strong showing from Logan Allen (2.80 ERA last two starts) on Saturday. BEST BET: L. Allen.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mariners have gone cold at just the wrong time (2-7, -$580 last 10 days) and they’ll have to contend with a surging A’s team this weekend at T-Mobile Park. The Athletics have been a big money-maker in the role of visitor (+$1075) and they have a hot pitcher in Jacob Lopez, who has led the club to victories in 11 of his 16 starts so far (+$980, 3.07 ERA). BEST BET: J. Lopez.
Toronto at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Blue Jays are 30 games over .500 (+$2025 overall) and they come into Miami having won 6 of their last 10 (+$175). They’ve dominated NL teams in inter-league play (25-14, +$1130) and they catch a Marlins’ club that has faded badly recently (3-7, -$325 last 10 days). However, Miami has been a top money-maker in 2025 (+$1545) and they have some solid arms set to start. We’ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay (3) 22nd, 23rd, 25th
Two teams who have fallen out of the post-season picture set to face off in Tampa Bay, where the Rays have not had much success (-$980). However, they do have an 8-4 record vs. left-handers in day games (+$490) and they are expected to take on Matthew Liberatore (6.00 ERA last two starts) in Sunday’s afternoon finale. St. Louis has been dreadful in road games vs. right-handers in 2025 (17-29, -$1100). BEST BET: Rays vs. left-handers in day games.
Chicago Cubs at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Now seven games behind in the NL Central and with no more head to head meetings with Milwaukee, the Cubs just need to hold their fat lead in the wildcard standings. They should fare well vs. the LA righties (+$1240 in that situation), but it’s hard to buck the Angels, who have emerged as a top money-maker in 2025 (+$1300). Tyler Anderson has been at his best in night games (+$925) and Chicago has lost money vs. left-handers (-$660). BEST BET: T. Anderson.
Houston at Baltimore (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The 69-58 Astros are in a tough dogfight with Seattle in the AL West, so they need a strong weekend against the last place Orioles, who have racked up hefty losses when playing here at Camden Yards (-$770). They’ve come up with a valuable starting right-hander in Jason Alexander, who has led the Astros to victories in 5 of his 6 appearances (+$480, 2.86 ERA). He’ll take on Brandon Young, who checks in with a bloated 5.68 ERA in 11 outings for Baltimore (-$445). BEST BET: J. Alexander vs. B. Young .
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Red Sox are slumping as they head into the Bronx (3-7, -$700 last 10 days), while the Yankees are looking sharp (8-2, +$425 last 10, averaging 6.7 runs per game at the plate). However, Boston has taken 5 of 6 from New York in head to head play (+$660), while averaging 5.9 runs per game vs. left-handers. They’ll send Bryan Bello (3.22 ERA) and Dustin May (2.87) against the New York lefties. The Yanks have lost a fortune in night games vs. righties (-$1460). BEST BET: Bello & May vs. left-handers in night games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Colorado at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies are on a roll as they head into PNC Park, winning 7 of their last 10 (+$1210). On the other hand, they are only 16-46 outside of Coors Field (-$1140) and the Pirates are a profitable home team (36-30, +$855). Braxton Ashcraft has looked sharp in three starts for the Bucs (+$240, 1.549 ERA) and Paul Skenes is on track for a Cy Young win (2.16 ERA in 26 outings). High priced, but they both look like excellent values. BEST BET: Ashcraft/Skenes.
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The 1st place Phillies look to extend their seven game lead in the NL East vs. the last place Nationals. They are now 32-12 at Citizens Bank (+$1375) and they are facing a Washington team that owns a 5.32 team ERA (2nd worst in the National League). They are expected to face a couple of righties in this three game set, and we like their chances. On the other hand, the Phillies are only 17-20 vs. southpaws (-$1040), so we’ll play these games accordingly. BEST BET: Phillies vs. right-handers/Left-handers vs. the Phillies.
N.Y. Mets at Atlanta (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Braves are sizzling hot as they get set to host the Mets (8-2, +$675 last 10 days) and they are poised to play spoiler in the NL East. They’ve already won 7 of 10 in head to head play with the Mets (+$560), who are in danger of losing their post-season berth (4-6, -$515 last 10 days). However, we don’t love the Atlanta starters (7.50 ERA last 10 days), so pass for now. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Brewers salvaged their final game with the Cubs yesterday, leaving them with a seven game lead in the NL Central (+$3135 overall). The Giants are in an ugly tailspin (2-8, -$625 last 10 days, averaging just 2.7 runs per game with a 6.48 ERA among starters). They are only 13-22 vs. left-handers (-$1420) so they’ll be hard pressed vs. Jose Quintana, who has led Milwaukee to wins in 13 of his 19 starts so far (+$875, 3.32 ERA). BEST BET: Quintana.
Cincinnati at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds are very much alive in the NL wild-card chase, winning 6 of their last 10 as they head into Chase Field (+$220, 5.6 runs per game). They swept the Diamondbacks at Great American Ballpark (+$320) and they have quality pitchers set to appear this weekend. They’ve posted a fat profit in road games vs. right-handers (+$760), while Arizona has been a losing proposition in 2025 (-$1715). Andrew Abbott (+$475, 2.29 ERA) and Brady Singer (0.75 ERA last two outings) should both be available at reasonable prices vs. the all-righty Arizona rotation. BEST BET: Abbott/Singer.
L.A. Dodgers at San Diego (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Padres are only one game back in the NL West, but they have floundered against the Dodgers in head to head competition (only 2-8, -$450). They do have the best pitching in the NL (3.54 ERA) and they dominate right-handers here at Petco Park (29-15, +$955) so don’t count them out. Nick Pivetta is having his best season ever (+$405, 2.891 ERA in 25 starts), and he’ll take on an LA club that has lost a fortune in 2025 (-$2035). BEST BET: Pivetta.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Royals have jumped back into the AL wild-card picture, winning 8 of their last 10 (+$495). They have the 2nd best pitching in the AL (3.58) and they should catch generous underdog prices at Comerica. The Tigers are coasting atop the AL Central, but they’ve got two weak pitchers set to appear this weekend. Chris Paddack (5.91 ERA in four starts for Detroit) and Jack Flaherty (-$1445, 4.51 ERA) make inviting targets for KC, who have turned a profit on the road (+$550). BEST BET: Royals vs. Paddack & Flaherty.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The once promising Twins continue to disappoint, losing 8 of their last 10 and falling 17 games back in the AL Central (-$2035 overall). Right-hander Joe Ryan has been the only bright spot for Minnesota, posting a tiny 2.67 ERA in his 24 appearances for the visitor. He’ll square off against the last place White Sox, who have dropped 7 of their last 9 (-$345), and who are once again on track for worst record in the American League. BEST BET: J. Ryan.
Cleveland at Texas (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Guardians have cooled off considerably following a torrid stretch (3-7, -$455 last 10 days), but they are still far from dead in the AL wildcard chase. They’ve turned a fat profit in road games vs. right-handers (+$980), and they’ll face a trio of them at Arlington. Texas has more or less fallen out of the AL the wildcard hunt and they come into this series with an 11-22 record vs. left-handers (-$1075, 3.8 runs per game). Expect a strong showing from Logan Allen (2.80 ERA last two starts) on Saturday. BEST BET: L. Allen.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mariners have gone cold at just the wrong time (2-7, -$580 last 10 days) and they’ll have to contend with a surging A’s team this weekend at T-Mobile Park. The Athletics have been a big money-maker in the role of visitor (+$1075) and they have a hot pitcher in Jacob Lopez, who has led the club to victories in 11 of his 16 starts so far (+$980, 3.07 ERA). BEST BET: J. Lopez.
Toronto at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Blue Jays are 30 games over .500 (+$2025 overall) and they come into Miami having won 6 of their last 10 (+$175). They’ve dominated NL teams in inter-league play (25-14, +$1130) and they catch a Marlins’ club that has faded badly recently (3-7, -$325 last 10 days). However, Miami has been a top money-maker in 2025 (+$1545) and they have some solid arms set to start. We’ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay (3) 22nd, 23rd, 25th
Two teams who have fallen out of the post-season picture set to face off in Tampa Bay, where the Rays have not had much success (-$980). However, they do have an 8-4 record vs. left-handers in day games (+$490) and they are expected to take on Matthew Liberatore (6.00 ERA last two starts) in Sunday’s afternoon finale. St. Louis has been dreadful in road games vs. right-handers in 2025 (17-29, -$1100). BEST BET: Rays vs. left-handers in day games.
Chicago Cubs at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Now seven games behind in the NL Central and with no more head to head meetings with Milwaukee, the Cubs just need to hold their fat lead in the wildcard standings. They should fare well vs. the LA righties (+$1240 in that situation), but it’s hard to buck the Angels, who have emerged as a top money-maker in 2025 (+$1300). Tyler Anderson has been at his best in night games (+$925) and Chicago has lost money vs. left-handers (-$660). BEST BET: T. Anderson.
