MLB Best Bets, Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/24)
The trade deadline is over, and we saw some blockbusters happen. We now have less than two months left in the season, so we're mainly interested in seeing which teams stay competitive.
Let's dive into my top MLB picks for Thursday, Aug. 24.
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Thursday's Best MLB Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Washington Nationals (+136) at New York Yankees (-162) | O/U 9 (+100/-120)
The Yankees’ nine-game losing streak, their worst losing streak since 1982, is over. Today looks like it will be a day for the bullpen as Michael King gets the start. This will be the second time he's gotten the opening opportunity, previously going two innings and allowing two earned against the Marlins in a loss.
When you look at a pitching matchup and see Patrick Corbin, it's tough not to fade him. He's had an abysmal stretch with the Nationals, going 22-53 with a 5.52 ERA since 2020, and has led the league in losses and earned runs in back-to-back years.
This is still the best bullpen in baseball with a league-leading 3.20 ERA. They should be able to string together a strong outing and get a much-needed series win.
Pick: Yankees -1.5 (+120)
Boston Red Sox (+110) at Houston Astros (-130) | O/U 9 (-110/-110)
After struggling last year in his rookie season, Brayan Bello has come into his own and has been a constant presence in a Boston rotation impacted by injuries. The reason for this turnaround has been the increased movement in his sinker and changeup, as well as the fact he's cut his walk rate from 10.1 last year to 6.2 in 2023.
The Astros seem just to know how to develop pitchers, and you can add J.P. France to that list. Not a blow-you-away type of pitcher, but he has great movement and keeps the ball down to induce the roundball at a 43% rate. He's incredible at the moment, with just a 1.69 ERA in six appearances (five starts.)
This has been a high-scoring series so far, but I like this pitching matchup, and I think nine runs is a high total.
Pick: Under 9 (-110)
Cincinnati Reds (+136) at Arizona Diamondback (-162) | O/U 9 (-105/-115)
Merrill Kelly had his breakout season last year, and he's carried that into this year as his 3.13 ERA could become his new career best. He's been on an impeccable stretch with a 2.88 ERA in his last six starts, but he hasn't seen much run support as the D-Backs are just 2-4 in those games.
The Reds have been relying on many young guys, which has been paying off as they hold a playoff spot. Brandon Williamson has been a part of this young crew and allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of his 17 starts this season. He's currently on his best three-game stretch with a 3.00 ERA, 2.88 FIP, and opposing hitters batting just .203.
Pick: Under 9 (-115)
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