I'm kicking the week off with two MLB expert picks for today.
I'm trying to catch teams on hot and cold streaks, betting against the Pirates amidst their worst month of the season and backing the Blue Jays during a strong August run.
Here are my two MLB expert picks today:
MLB Expert Pick Today: Cubs ML (-108) vs Pirates
Cubs vs Pirates Odds -- Game Time 6:41 p.m. ET
The Cubs are playing pretty solid baseball lately, with a 6-3 record in their last nine games. The Pirates, on the other hand, are falling apart. They're 7-15 so far in August (one of MLB's worst records), falling way out of playoff contention.
One of the big reasons the Pirates have been struggling this month is because of Mitch Keller's rollercoaster. The righty has allowed over six runs in two of his four starts this month, watching his ERA rise from 3.30 to 3.76.
I smell another stinker of a start for Keller today, as Cubs batters have demolished him in the past. Current Chicago hitters have a collective .282 average and .901 OPS against Keller. He's allowed nine runs across his last two starts against the Cubs.
MLB Expert Pick Today: Blue Jays ML (+130) vs Red Sox
Blue Jays vs Red Sox Odds - Game Time: 7:11 pm ET
Are the Blue Jays back? Toronto is 4-0 in their last four games, rocking a 13-9 record in August (their only winning month of the season).
Jose Berrios has been a big part of that August surge, rocking a 3-0 record in his last three starts. Berrios has pitched seven innings in all three outings, allowing just a combined four runs to lower his season ERA to 3.79. Berrios also pitches great against Boston's lineup, holding current Red Sox batters to a .278 combined OBP.
Nick Pivetta, starting for Boston, is the opposite. He's been destroyed by this current Jays lineup in the past, allowing a .320 average, .416 OBP, and .993 OPS. Guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer are specifically great vs Pivetta, rocking OPS over .870. Guerrero Jr. has three homers in 34 career at-bats against Pivetta.
You can bet on Vladdy to hit a homer today at +350 and Springer at +360.
