MLB Best Bets Thursday 8-22-24

Welcome to today’s MLB Best Bets! We’ve got a jam-packed slate with some great betting opportunities. I’ll break down the top matchups, providing key insights and explaining why these picks are the best bets for today’s games.

We’ll focus on value, recent performance, and the matchups that give us the edge. Let’s dive in!

1. New York Yankees (-1.5) vs. Cleveland Guardians

• Suggested Bet: Yankees -1.5 (+125)
• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Gerrit Cole on the Mound: Cole has been in top form recently, coming off a stellar start against the Tigers where he struck out eight and didn’t allow a run over six innings. He’s looking like the ace we expect, and with the Yankees’ offense coming alive (Judge homering twice in the last game), they’re set up to cover the spread.
  • Gavin Williams’ Struggles: Cleveland’s starter, Gavin Williams, has been inconsistent, and with the Yankees’ firepower, especially at home, this could be another rough outing for him.
  • Yankees’ Offensive Surge: The Yankees’ offense has been potent, with Judge and Stanton heating up. The combination of strong pitching and an explosive offense makes the Yankees a strong bet to win by more than a run.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (-118) vs. St. Louis Cardinals

• Suggested Bet: Brewers Moneyline (-118)
• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Freddy Peralta’s Recent Form: Peralta is coming off a solid start where he allowed just one earned run over six innings. Despite a few shaky outings, he’s been reliable and has had success against the Cardinals earlier this season.
  • Miles Mikolas’ Inconsistencies: Mikolas has struggled lately, particularly against tougher opponents. With the Brewers looking to bounce back after a tough loss, they should capitalize on Mikolas’ vulnerabilities.
  • Brewers’ Bullpen: Milwaukee’s bullpen ranks among the best in MLB, providing a safety net if Peralta doesn’t go deep into the game. This adds confidence to the Brewers securing the win.

3. Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics (Under 7.5)

• Suggested Bet: Under 7.5 (-110)
• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Jeffrey Springs’ Dominance: Springs has been lights out in his last two starts, shutting down both Arizona and Baltimore. He’s fresh and pitching at a high level, which bodes well for a low-scoring game.
  • Athletics’ Struggles at the Plate: Oakland’s offense has been one of the worst in the league, and they’ll have a tough time against Springs. They’ve been inconsistent and often struggle to put runs on the board.
  • Both Bullpens are Strong: Tampa Bay’s bullpen has been solid lately, and Oakland’s bullpen has been surprisingly effective, ranking in the top six in MLB. This sets up for a low-scoring affair.

4. San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets (Over 7.5)

Suggested Bet: Over 7.5 (-105)

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Dylan Cease’s Vulnerability: Cease has had issues with consistency, especially against the Mets earlier this season, where he got shelled. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but the Mets’ lineup has proven they can get to him.
  • Luis Severino’s Fatigue Factor: Coming off a complete game shutout, Severino might not be at his best, making him vulnerable to a potent Padres offense that ranks in the top ten in runs scored.
  • Mets and Padres Bullpens: Both bullpens have been shaky at times, especially in high-scoring games. With the total set at 7.5, this game could easily see both teams contributing to the over.

5. Baltimore Orioles (-162) vs. Houston Astros

• Suggested Bet: Orioles Moneyline (-162)
• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Corbin Burnes’ Bounce Back: Burnes is coming off a rough outing, but he’s been solid overall this season. Given his track record, expect him to rebound against a Houston lineup that’s been inconsistent.
  • Orioles’ Home Field Advantage: Baltimore has been a strong home team all year, and with their offense being one of the best in the majors, they have the tools to secure a win here.
  • Houston’s Inconsistencies: The Astros have struggled to score runs consistently despite solid overall batting stats. This makes them a risky bet against a high-quality pitcher like Burnes.

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Stay sharp and make sure to take advantage of these top MLB bets today!