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MLB Best Bets, Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/31)

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As we close out August, it is now crunch time. The season’s final full month is coming, and some races are still tight. Let’s see how we end August with these matchups.

Thursday's Best MLB Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

New York Yankees (-122) at Detroit Tigers (+102) | O/U 8.5 (-108/-112)

This will be one of the worst seasons for the Yankees in 30 years, so there aren’t many positives to take away. However, one of those positives is Clarke Schmidt, as he’s vastly improved over the course of this season. He’s allowed three or fewer runs in 17 straight starts with a 3.71 ERA in that time.

Matt Manning began the season pitching well, but he missed two months with a fracture in his right foot. He’s been nearly unhittable in his last three starts, allowing two total runs (one earned) over 17.2 innings, which includes one hit and one unearned against the Astros.

The Yankees would love a sweep, but I like Manning to keep his hot streak going and come away with a win.

Pick: Tigers Moneyline (+102)

Atlanta Braves (-135) at Los Angeles Dodgers (+114) | O/U 8.5 (-102/-118)

Spencer Strider has been one of the best pitchers over the two years. Looking at his metrics, he is one of the best at getting the strikeout. His 38.8 strikeout rate is a league-best and he's in the 90th+ percentile in xBA, whiff rate, fastball velocity, and chase rate.

Lance Lynn was having a horrible season with the White Sox, but he’s showing that a change in scenery might be just what he needed. He is pitching well in Dodger Blue, going 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA, and opponents have a .244 BABIP.

These are two high-velocity offenses, but look for this to be a pitcher’s duel.

Pick: Under 8.5 (-118)

Miami Marlins (-162) at Washington Nationals (+136) | O/U 8.5 (-115/-105)

Braxton Garrett is currently on a great run, pitching at least five innings and allowing three or fewer runs in six consecutive starts. One of those was his most recent against the Nationals, but the bullpen allowed three more runs, and he took the loss.

In that same matchup, Joan Adon had his best start of the season, going six scoreless as he earned the win. For him, last year was so disastrous that he spent the first half of this season in the minors. Some improvements include cutting his walk rate in half from 12% to 6%, but he's still not reducing his opponent’s power numbers, and this means an increase in his hard-hit rate and average exit velocity.

Miami is not playing well at the moment and has lost 10 of their last 13. The once-incredible lineup has gone quiet, which will allow Adon to get another win.

Pick: Nationals Moneyline (+136)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:

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