Monday, August 24, 2026

Neither team is likely to have many chances with runners in scoring position, making every run even more valuable. In a matchup featuring two proven starters who have been among the most dependable pitchers on their respective staffs, expect a game defined by pitching rather than offense.

Reds starter Chase Burns has a 14-2 W-L record when starting on the mound and has allowed only 2 ER in his last two starts combined, matched up against a SF offense ranking bottom-5 in wRC+ since the All-Star break.

With the Diamondbacks rested, back at home, and catching a run and a half, they are well positioned to keep this game competitive throughout. Even if Chicago ultimately finds a way to win, the circumstances point toward a much closer contest than the previous box score might suggest. Arizona has enough to stay within striking distance from the first inning through the final out.

Neither team is likely to have many chances with runners in scoring position, making every run even more valuable. In a matchup featuring two proven starters who have been among the most dependable pitchers on their respective staffs, expect a game defined by pitching rather than offense.

At home, the A's topped the Texas Rangers in two of three games in the most recent series, although the A's are 2-9 in the past 11 at home, which is ironic, since the Twins are 2-9 in the past 11 on the road. There isn't much to glean there, but we do get Twins RHP Zebby Matthews (7-8, 5.12 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) against A's LHP Jeffrey Springs (3-11, 6.02 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). Let's back the Over, as both pitchers are very giving.

The Phillies have won 9 games in a row, and they have their long-time ace, Zack Wheeler on the mound. Yet somehow they are only barely favored? This feels like a "trap" game where Vegas is baiting us to take the hot team. Let's go the other way and take the Mariners.

Braxton Ashcraft has been elite of late on the mound for the Pirates and now will pitch in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Robbie Ray has been solid in his first few starts with the Padres and takes on a Pirates lineup struggling to his lefty pitching. I favor the under in this game.

The Guardians have won 4 games in a row, and continue to push for the final wild card spot in the American League. Parker Messick has been sensational all season long, and he will face an Angels lineup that ranks 20th in MLB with a .697 OPS against lefties.

Jose Urquidy is expected to make his first start of the season, but he's coming off a strong performance against the Cubs where he pitched six scoreless innings. With the stronger bullpen and the hotter offense, the White Sox will be in a strong position to pick up a win at home.

Rasmussen has been one of the best pitchers in the league for much of the season. He has a 13-5 record and 3.02 ERA in 134.1 innings. The Tigers have scored three or less runs in four of their last five games.

Cavalli has been shutting down opposing hitters in his last two starts, and he'll be put to the test on Monday night against the Rockies. Despite his team's struggles offensively, Cavalli should be able to limit the damage against Colorado and give his team a chance to pick up the win.

At home, the A's topped the Texas Rangers in two of three games in the most recent series, although the A's are 2-9 in the past 11 at home, which is ironic, since the Twins are 2-9 in the past 11 on the road. There isn't much to glean there, but we do get Twins RHP Zebby Matthews (7-8, 5.12 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) against A's LHP Jeffrey Springs (3-11, 6.02 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). Let's back the Over, as both pitchers are very giving.

The Braves and Brewers are two of the higher scoring teams in the MLB. The Braves average 4.7 runs per game, which is eighth-best in the league, while the Brewers average 5.0 runs per game, which is third-best in the MLB.