Our free MLB Picks are out for Saturday, August 21st, 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!
Minnesota Twins @ New York Yankees – 1.05PM ET
This Saturday afternoon clash between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees will be the third game of a four game series. The Yankees have started out the blocks very strongly in this series so far, and have won both games, they won the first game 7-5, and won the second game much more convincingly, 10-2.
Tim Newton
The Yankees have put up 17 runs through the first two games of this series and I think they could continue to pile them on this afternoon. Their offense has been on point for some time now and they are facing a starting pitcher, Kenta Maeda, who has an ERA of 4.41 from his 20 starts. 13 of those have been on the road and his ERA balloons to 5.77 in those games, allowing 43 runs and 14 homers.
That isn’t a good sign when going up against an explosive batting lineup that is hitting them well at the moment. Adding to the reason I am taking the Yankees is the fact that they are starting Gerrit Cole, who is 11-6 with a 3.04 ERA from 22 starts, which then improves further to a 5-2 record with an ERA of 2.60 from 11 starts. Those are some incredible numbers and should add to the divide in talent that has already been evident in this series.
Tim’s MLB Pick: New York Yankees (-255)
Katherine Mouradian
The Yankees have been all over the Twins in this series so far, and the Twins will need an excellent performance to get a win on the board against the Yankees. The Yankees are four games behind the AL East leaders, the Rays, so need all the wins they can get to close the gap. With the Twins, it’s pretty safe to say that they are out of postseason contention, barring a miracle!
3 hits, 3 RBIs.
Stud. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8yKLLa6N1K
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 20, 2021
The Yankees have won a pretty impressive 20 out of their previous 26 games overall and when they are the favorite they have won 19 of their previous 26 games. Looking now at the Twins, they have won five of their previous seven games when playing against a right handed starter and have won only 10 of their previous 31 games when they are the underdog and playing on the road. The Yankees are on a roll and I expect the roll to continue with a win in the third game of this series.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: New York Yankees (-255)
Mike Su
After a rough start to the season due to COVID and injuries, the Yankees have really bounced back as of late. They have been playing a lot better than the stats and win total shows. The Yankees have won 8 in a row and they’re playing at home, meaning the Twins’ chances don’t look great. Although the Twins have been playing badly down the stretch, they have nothing to play for and I don’t expect too much fight.
Pitching wise the Yankees have the edge with Gerrit Cole who sports a 3.04 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. The Twins don’t look bad either with Kenta Maeda. Although the Yankees are a bottom 10 batting group, their hitting lately has been relatively good and they’ve shown strength against good opponents. Thus, I see no reason why the Yankees don’t continue their dominance and beat this easy Twins team by a wide margin.
Mike’s MLB Pick: New York Yankees (-255)
Washington Nationals @ Milwaukee Brewers – 4.05PM ET
This Saturday afternoon clash between the Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers will be the second of a three game series. The Brewers have had a little slip up and have let the Nationals steal a win in the series, winning the first game 4-1.
Tim Newton
While the Brewers are prone to giving up games they shouldn’t, evidenced by their losses to the Pirates, Cardinals and now Nationals over the last week, I couldn’t believe last night’s result. It has seriously put a cloud over my decision for this game, especially with some uninspiring pitching decisions, on both sides. Neither starter has a winning record, however Eric Lauer’s ERA of 3.44 is relatively modest, compared to Washington’s starter, Paolo Espino, whose ERA is 4.16.
With neither pitching choice giving me much to go off, I have had a look at both batting lineups over the last 15 days, and Milwaukee’s, despite only scoring one run last night, is the way to go. Over that period, they have the 6th best OPS, compared to Washington being ranked 17th, whilst also scoring the equal-eighth most runs, 18 more than Washington, who sits back in equal-19th. Given Milwaukee is at home and has better stats behind them, I expect they’ll bounce back and won’t drop a third straight game.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-230)
Katherine Mouradian
The Nationals got a surprising first game win over the Brewers in this series, and the Nationals have now won three games in a row! The Brewers are still holding onto top spot in the NL Central, but have now lost two games in a row. Despite getting the first win of this series on the road, the Nationals have really been struggling as of late on the road, winning just three of their previous 17 games on the road, and they have won just two of their previous eight games against the Brewers when playing in Milwaukee.
On the flip side, the Brewers have won 39 of their previous 56 games on a Saturday and have won eight of their previous 12 clashes with the Nationals overall. I think the Brewers are too good of a team to keep down for too long, they should bounce back in the second game.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-230)
Mike Su
The Brewers come into this game looking to snap a 2 game losing streak against the Nationals. Although they’ve won their past 3 games, they had lost their previous 7 games before that. The Nationals are the MLB’s 4th best batting team, when looking at batting average, but this isn’t reflected much in their overall play. The Brewers have the 6th worst batting average in the league despite having 74 wins. These teams really feel like polar opposites which is why I am wary of choosing a run based market.
Although the Nationals can get hits, they don’t seem to be able to convert in terms of wins with just 54 wins this season. On the other side, the Brewers are a lock for the playoffs and have a wide 7.5 game lead on the Reds for the division so the urgency may not be there. Despite the seemingly large gap between wins, this very much could be a trap game if the Brewers fail to play to their full capacity. I’m therefore leaning toward the straight win instead of the spread.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-230)
Los Angeles Angels @ Cleveland Indians – 4.10PM ET
This Saturday afternoon clash between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Indians will be the second of a three game series. The first game was played on Friday and the Indians managed to get a convincing win on the board, beating the Angels 9-1.
Tim Newton
After their incredible effort last night, where they scored five of their nine runs in the first two innings, I’m liking The Tribe, at home, to get a second straight over the Angels. While their offense is obviously on point at the moment, scoring 7+ in four of their last seven – including last night’s nine, they have Triston McKenzie starting.
I have been critical of McKenzie so far this season but have to give credit where it’s due, his last game was incredible. He pitched eight innings for just one hit and had no runs allowed on his watch while also recording 11 strikeouts. Those are some incredible numbers and given LA only managed one run last night, it could be more of the same in this one.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Cleveland Indians (-142)
Katherine Mouradian
The Indians were very dominant in the first game of this series, beating the Angels, 9-1. The Indians have had issues with inconsistency of late, winning four of their past eight games. The Angels are slowly watching their playoff chances dwindle down, and will need to mount a massive comeback. When it comes to the second game of a series the Angels have won only two of their previous 10 and they have also won just 18 of their previous 61 games on the road.
FINAL: Angels 1, Indians 9 pic.twitter.com/CGMKgmAGpi
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 21, 2021
When looking at the Indians they have won just one of their previous six when playing a left handed starter, and in the second game of a series, they have won just one of their previous five. I’m not too convinced either way in this one, so looking towards the under for a winning MLB pick. The under has hit in nine of the Angels previous 12 when it comes to the second game of a series, and hit nine of the Indians previous 14 games on a Saturday.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Under 9 (-110)
Mike Su
Say it with me now, NBASO, Never bet against Shohei Ohtani. The powerhouse has dominated all season and the Indians are about to see why he is the MLB’s home run leader. Although both teams have nothing to play for this year, Ohtani has his MVP hopes riding on the remainder of the season. After earning his first win, Reid Detmers is starting again and looks to continue his new found form. Was his last performance pure luck?
I’m not going to bet on him and find out. The Indians are also playing a young player in Triston McKenzie. McKenzie has a below average 5.12 ERA so I would not be expecting too much from him. Therefore, due to Detmer’s poor past performances prior to his last game, and McKenzie’s well below average ERA, I’m leaning towards the overs bet, especially when considering Ohtani is almost a lock to make a home run here.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Over 9 (-110)
Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox – 7.10PM ET
This Saturday evening clash between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox will be the second of a three game series. The Red Sox started this series off strongly, and got an all important win in the books, beating the Rangers 6-0.
Tim Newton
The Red Sox asserted their dominance last night and while I think it may be closer in this one, I think they will win comfortably yet again. Their batting lineup is far superior than that of the Rangers, especially considering Texas are just 14-46 on the road this season, which is tied for the worst in the league.
Looking ahead to tonight’s clash, I don’t really like either starting pitcher, both with an ERA of 4.90 or higher, meaning that they should be scoring a heap of runs in this one. While Texas has scored just 42 runs across their last 13 games, the Red Sox have scored 80 across their last 14 and this one could be ugly.
Tim’s MLB Pick: Boston Red Sox -2.5 / Over 9.5 (+250)
Katherine Mouradian
No points for guessing who won the first game of this series! The Red Sox even managed to keep the Rangers scoreless. The Rangers have now lost four games in a row, whereas this win to the Red Sox helped them snap a three game losing streak. Let’s take a look at the stats for the Red Sox now, they have won four of their previous five games that have been played at home, but have had a tough run of it as of late, winning just six of their previous 20 games overall.
Looking now at the Rangers, they have won just one of their previous five games on a Saturday and only 20 of their previous 72 games overall. When the Red Sox and Rangers face off in Boston, the Rex Sox have won nine of the previous 11 clashes. I am expecting more of the same in the second game, the Red Sox to win convincingly here.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-172)
Mike Su
The woeful Rangers play the prestigious Red Sox in Boston. This game should not have any surprises as 42-win Rangers have nothing to play for while the 70-win Red Sox have so much riding on the remainder of their season. When looking at the pitching the Red Sox aren’t sending in their best as the Rangers don’t post much of a threat.
The Red Sox are starting Eduardo Rodriguez who has been solid with a 9-6 record and a 4.97 ERA. The Rangers are starting Jordan Lyles, who has a 5-10 record and 5.55 ERA. The Red Sox 3rd ranked batting unit should have a field day and dispose of the Rangers with ease. I’m taking the Red Sox by a wide margin.
Mike’s MLB Pick: Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-172)
Philadelphia Phillies @ San Diego Padres – 8.40PM ET
This Saturday evening clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres will be the second of a three game series. The first game was played on Friday night and the Phillies drew first blood playing on the road, winning 4-3.
Tim Newton
While the Phillies got a nail biter last night, I don’t think they can back it up in this one. The Padres have scored 19 more runs than them over the last 15 days, with the Phillies ranked 29th in that category.
Looking at the starting pitchers, both have an even 0.500 record, however Joe Musgrove’s ERA of 3.11 is much better than Aaron Nola’s 4.48 ERA. That is a big positive for the home team and I expect that will be the difference. I’m looking for the Padres to get ahead early, especially given how good their batting lineup can be when it’s firing, and stay ahead throughout.
Tim’s MLB Pick: San Diego Padres (-166)
Katherine Mouradian
The Padres have lost four games in a row now and are currently sitting in third position in the NL West, 12 games behind the Giants. The Phillies are making a move in the NL East and are up to the second position, 4.5 games behind the Braves. The Phillies have won eight of their previous 11 games on a Saturday and they have won their previous 37 out of 54 games in San Diego.
Rocket Manny.
120 mph exit velo 🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/WLLLyW81IZ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 21, 2021
Looking at the Padres now, they have won 35 of their previous 51 games at home, but only two of their previous seven when it comes to the second game of a series. Both teams are struggling to find form as of late, and while the Padres are the favorite, I just don’t want to put money on them to win.
Katherine’s MLB Pick: Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 (-142)
Mike Su
Both the Phillies and Padres are fighting for a spot in the playoffs and need to win every game going forward to ensure they have a chance. The Phillies have a 20.9% chance of playoffs while the Padres hold a 40% chance. Both teams are currently on considerable losing streaks with the Phillies losing their last 4 and the Padres losing their last 3 games. They are also both 3-7 in their last 10 games so neither team is really doing much to help themselves.
Therefore, as the situation is seemingly a tossup due to both teams being in poor form, I’m leaning toward deciding based on the pitching situation. The Phillies have Aaron Nola who has been average with a 4.48 ERA while the Padres have Joe Musgrove who has played exceptionally throughout the season with a 3.11 ERA. Thus, the Padres have the edge and are playing at home so I am going with the Padres to win this game by a tight margin.
Mike’s MLB Pick: San Diego Padres (-166)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
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