Our free MLB Picks are out for Friday, September 3rd, 2021! Make sure you check our MLB Picks before the action kicks off.
Look below to find our free MLB Picks for the five best games on today’s schedule!
Baltimore Orioles @ New York Yankees – 7.05PM ET
Two AL East teams go at it when the New York Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles for a three game series, starting tonight. Last time these sides met, the Orioles took the series opener before New York went on to dominate the next two. Could Baltimore steal the opener again or will the Yankees flex their muscle in this one?
Tim Newton
I’m taking the Yankees in a high scoring affair to kick off the night. Baltimore has no place being close to New York in this matchup and I expect New York to go further in their efforts to cement a Wild Card slot during this three-game series this weekend. While the Yankees are starting Néstor Cortes Jr. in this one, who has only started in half of his appearances this season and gave up 13 runs across 29 innings in August, he is still a much better option than Baltimore’s John Means. A 3.46 ERA is actually quite decent, given he is on the worst team in baseball, but his recent form leaves a lot to be desired. He gave up 20 runs from 25.2 innings in August, including allowing Tampa to score a massive seven runs in just four innings in his last start on the road. That isn’t a good sign heading into this clash, especially against a batting lineup as explosive as New York’s.
Tim’s MLB Pick: New York Yankees -1.5 / Over 9.5 (+220)
Katherine Mouradian
The team with the least amount of wins in the entire league will be up against the Yankees, who have 36 more wins than the Orioles already this season. Both teams are in the AL East, and the Yankees are in second position, six and a half games behind the Rays, and the Orioles are a mammoth 42 games behind the Rays! The Orioles have won just 23 of their previous 74 games played on a Friday and have won only 16 of their previous 51 clashes when playing against a left handed starter. Looking at the Yankees now, they have won all four of their previous Friday games and have won five of their previous six when it comes to the first game in a series. Despite the Orioles surprising everyone and taking the first game of the previous series between these two teams, I don’t think history will repeat itself. I’ll be on the Yankees for a convincing win here.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: New York Yankees -2.5 (+118)
Mike Su
The worst team in the league takes on the surging Yankees. Hopes are not high for the Orioles who have lost 7 of their last 10 games. Despite their woeful record, the Orioles haven’t played that badly recently, putting up decent batting numbers. The main area of concern for the Orioles is their defense and pitching which has often let them down. However, the Orioles have batted reasonably well lately which has me thinking they actually bat well against the Yankees underplayed pitcher Nestor Cortez Both the Orioles and Yankees have recently played the Los Angeles Angels, with the Orioles arguably playing better than the Yankees against the common foe. In their last 3 games against the Angels, the Orioles averaged over 10 runs per game while the Yankees averaged just 5 runs in their last 3 games against the Angels. Although the Yankees should win this as they fix the Red Sox for the 2nd seed in the AL East, the value bet here is the overs as I think both teams bat well.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Over 9 (-110)
Next up for the @RaysBaseball: The Twins! #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/YEUUS2dUjn
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) September 3, 2021
Minnesota Twins @ Tampa Bay Rays – 7.10PM ET
Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins are coming off back to back losses and will look to bounce back in Tropicana Field tonight. Last time these sides met the Rays won the opener but then got upset by the Twins in the next two. Tampa have opened as -200 favorites but they were favorites in both of the games that Minnesota beat them last time.
Tim Newton
While Minnesota seemed to get the best of Tampa last time they played, I don’t think that will happen again. Especially with the Twins sending out Randy Dobnak to start the game. With a 1-6 record and a 7.83 ERA, Dobnak could give the Rays one of their biggest head starts of the season. Across his last five games, he has given up 6+ runs on three occasions, and one of those wasn’t even a start. In his four games in August, he allowed more runs (19) than had innings pitched (17.1) and Tampa’s batters should be licking their lips. Michael Wacha isn’t the most inspiring choice from the Rays either, given he allowed 23 runs from 23.1 innings pitched in August, but Tampa’s lineup is much better than Minnesota’s and will be able to take better advantage of the poor pitching on display.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Tampa Bay Rays / Over 8.5 (+165)
Katherine Mouradian
The top of the AL East, Rays, will take on the bottom of the AL Central Twins. The Rays have won eight of their previous 10 games, whereas the Twins have won only four of their previous 10 games. The Twins have won just one of their previous six games after having a day off and only two of their previous seven games on the road. Whereas, the Rays have won seven of their previous eight when it comes to the first game of a series, and they have won 51 of their previous 69 when they start at the favorite. But you want to know something interesting? The Twins have won seven of their previous nine meetings with the Rays! The Rays will be especially on guard to make sure the Twins don’t continue to get the better of them, and also considering the Rays are one of the best teams in the league, I’ll be on the Rays.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Tampa Bay Rays (-200)
Mike Su
The Rays are on a 2 game losing streak and just scored 0 runs in a game against the Red Sox. The Twins, who sit on the bottom of the AL Central with just 58 wins, are also on a 2 game losing streak while also losing 6 of their last 10 games. Both teams look to break their losing streak but are not putting their best foot forward when it comes to pitching. The Rays are starting Michael Wacha who has a bad 5.7 ERA while the Twins start Randy Dobnak who has a woeful 7.83 ERA in 43.2 innings with a 1-6 record. Dobnak faces the best batting unit in the league, which is very bad for the Twins. The Twins’ only saving grace is that they are facing the similarly bad Michael Wacha, and are 5th in the league in home runs. THis is shaping to be a slog fest with both teams putting up big numbers. If the Twins can get some of their home run luck from throughout the season to continue, and the Rays can play to the level they are capable of, this should go well overs. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rays covered the overs on their own
Mike’s MLB Pick: Over 9 (-110)
St Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers – 8.10PM ET
Fresh off a 3-1 series win over the Giants, in San Francisco, the Milwaukee Brewers return home to host NL Central rivals, the St Louis Cardinals. While there is a 12.5 game between the two sides in the standings, with Milwaukee being on top while St Louis is third, the Cardinals have everything to play for, being just 2.5 games back from the last Wild Card slot.
Tim Newton
While the Cardinals just claimed a series win over a NL Central rival, the Reds, they ended with a 2-12 loss and now have to face the Brewers who, despite losing last night, have plenty of momentum from their series win in San Francisco. Milwaukee went into one of the homes of one of the best teams in baseball and smacked them three times with minimal response. That holds them in good stead for the rest of the season and they should continue with that in this clash. While Adam Wainwright is a solid starting pitcher and has impressive numbers of 13-7 with a 2.97 ERA, Freddy Peralta is one of the best pitchers in the league and a big reason why the Brewers have a top three bullpen. Peralta is 9-3 this season with a rock solid 2.45 ERA and that improves to 2.00 when pitching at home, where he is 4-1 from 12 games, 11 of which were starts. Milwaukee should be good enough to win this low-scoring defensive matchup.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Milwaukee Brewers / Under 7.5 (+175)
Katherine Mouradian
The Brewers have a comfortable 10 games difference between them and the second placed Reds, in the NL Central, which happens to be the equal best difference between first and second place in the entire league. The Cardinals are also in the NL Central, and are 12.5 games behind the Brewers. Both teams have won six of their previous 10 games. Let’s have a look at some key stats for this clash! The Cardinals have won 10 of their previous 13 games on the road, but just one of their previous five when it comes to the first game of a series. Looking at the Brewers now, they have won 35 of their previous 51 when playing a team in the NL Central and they have won nine of their previous 12 when it comes to the first game of a series. I think the Cardinals are right in this match and they have so much to play for if they want the claim that Wild Card slot. Wainwright has also been on fire as of late, and is currently on a 15.0-inning scoreless streak.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: St Louis Cardinals +1.5 (-140)
Mike Su
The Brewers’ second ranked defense faces the 68 win Cardinals in a game that is crucial to their wild card chances. In regards to their form, both teams are in similar form, both winning 6 of their last 10 games, although the Brewers have played significantly better competition, besting the San Francisco Giants three times in the last four games. Pitching wise both teams look very formidable with the Cardinals starting Adam Wainwright who sports a good 2.97 ERA and 13-7 record this season. The Brewers on the other hand are starting Freddy Peralta who has been one of the best pitchers in the league this year with a 2.45 ERA and 9-3 record. The Brewers definitely have the edge in pitching and when looking at the batting lineups the Brewers have a significant lead in most of the key batting statistics. The Brewers sit 11th in the league in runs per game while the Cardinals are a lowly 24th in the league. Thus, I’m going to go with the Brewers here.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-190)
Something else you can add to Shohei Ohtani’s 2021 season: A steal of home
He and Gosselin execute the double-steal … and he somehow avoided the tag at home
6-2 #Angels, B5 pic.twitter.com/19vOwKAyph
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) September 1, 2021
Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels – 9.38PM ET
While this seems like an uninspiring matchup to pick from today’s schedule, it is still a divisional rivalry game, with the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers sitting fourth and fifth in the AL West respectively. Adding to the spice is the fact that Shohei Ohtani is starting on the mound for the Angels and the AL MVP favorite is coming off a game where he allowed a massive four runs in just five innings of work.
Tim Newton
I’m going to take a leaf out of Mike’s book in this one and not bet against Shohei Ohtani. This looks like a perfect game for the Angels to continue their momentum from a series victory over the Yankees earlier in the week. It also presents as a perfect opportunity for Ohtani to bounce back from his poor showing last time out on the mound, against a Texas team that ranks 28th for runs scored and 29th for OPS this season. Another thing in the favor of Ohtani and the Angels, the fact that the Rangers are just 16-49 on the road and LA are 32-12 against teams below 0.500 this season. Realistically, LA should win this comfortably, it is just whether they can actually put the performance together on the field.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (-104)
Katherine Mouradian
The Rangers continue to be glued to the bottom of the AL West, sitting 31 games behind the leaders, the Astros. The Angels are sitting fourth in the AL West, which puts them 12.5 games behind the Astros. Both teams have been struggling to find consistency this season, and this is also shown in their recent record, where both teams have won just four of their previous 10 games. It’s key stats time! The Ranges have won 20 of their previous 67 after a loss, and they have won 22 of their previous 68 when it comes to the first game of the series. The Angels have won all four of their previous games after a day off and have won five of their previous six games when they are the favorite. I think the game has to go to the Angels, playing at home and with Ohtani on the mound, the Angels to cover the spread for me!
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (-104)
Mike Su
We all know my motto, never bet against Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has been a phenom while batting for the Angels this year with 42 home runs on the season. He should add a couple more to the tally against the 47-win Rangers. Not only will Ohtani be batting home runs but against the Rangers, he will be pitching. The game might cement his MVP status if he goes out and destroys the Rangers single handedly. Ohtani has a good 3.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, with a phenomenal 8-1 record. The Angels rarely lose with Ohtani starting at pitcher and I think this continues. The Rangers are starting the little-used rookie, Glenn Otto. Otto was phenomenal in his first MLB game with 7 strikeouts and no allowed runs in 5 innings. Do I think this will continue? Perhaps but I think that this rookie will get a rude awakening from the future MVP Ohtani. The Angels should destroy the Rangers as they have in every game Ohtani starts at pitcher.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (-104)
Los Angeles Dodgers @ San Francisco Giants – 9.45PM ET
We have finally reached the matchup of the night and the series of the weekend, with the San Francisco Giants hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. With both teams sitting on 85-49 heading into the series, which is the best record in the majors, everything is on the line with the NL West crown up for grabs. Find out who we have striking first in tonight’s clash.
Tim Newton
The Giants managed to recapture some form last night, beating the Brewers 5-1, but the damage had already been done. Losing the first three games of the series and four straight overall allowed the Dodgers to waltz in and take top of the division, thanks to their 3-0 sweep of the Braves. It is tough to get a full idea of how this will pan out given the Giants are yet to name their starter, but I like them to come out on top in this NL West showdown. David Price is starting for LA and while he has been an incredible pitcher for them this season, I don’t like him starting. He typically only lasts 4-5 innings and gives up at least two runs in each start, with his start against the Giants to close out July his worst, giving up four runs in 4.1 innings of work. That showed that San Francisco can get a hold of him and they should be able to do so again tonight.
Tim’s MLB Pick: San Francisco Giants (TBA)
Katherine Mouradian
This has got to be the game of the day, when the Dodgers and the Giants, who are equal first in the NL West, come together for this series. Both the Dodgers and the Giants sit on a season record of 85-49, but the Dodgers have won seven of their previous 10, whereas the Giants have won five of their previous 10. The Dodgers have won 43 of their previous 60 clashes after having a day off, and they have won six of their previous seven when it comes to the first game of a series. Looking at the Giants now, they have won just one of their previous six games played on a Friday and have won 26 of their previous 38 when it comes to the first game of a series. I can make a case for both sides here, so I’m going to stick with the under for this one. The under has hit 19 out of the Dodgers previous 27 games overall, and has hit seven times in the Giants previous 10 games overall.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Under TBA (TBA)
Mike Su
This is the game of the week. The two best teams fight for the lead of their division in a NL West heavyweight matchup. The Giants have slipped in the last 20 games allowing the Dodgers to obliterate their division lead. Now both teams sit at 85 wins looking to find out who is truly the best team in the league. The Dodgers have looked much better lately and have won three in a row, while the Giants have looked beatable against above average competition. Pitching wise the Giants are going with Anthony Declafani who has a good 3.38 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, while the Dodgers are going with David Price who has a 3.88 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. San Francisco has the slight edge here.They have been good against good competition with a 6-2 record in their last 8 games against competition with a winning percentage better than 60%. Although both teams share the same record, the Dodgers are in form and also have played significantly better throughout the season, leading the league defensively and being a top 3 batting team. Therefore, I have to go with the Dodgers.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers (TBA)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
