It's a new week so we've got two new MLB expert picks for Monday, August 19. We'll start with a ML play in the Rays-A's game, and then we'll go fishing for an UNDER in a low-scoring White Sox vs Giants matchup.
Here are my two MLB expert picks today:
MLB Expert Pick Today: Rays ML (-125) vs Athletics
Rays vs Athletics Odds -- Game Time 9:40 p.m. ET
The A's and Rays played extra-inning contests last night, with Tampa winning 8-7 in 12 innings, while Oakland lost 4-2 in a walk-off loss in the 10th. Each bullpen is a little worse for wear, meaning the starters will be expected to go deep. And that's much better for the Rays, our -125 ML pick.
Taj Bradley (3.49 ERA) goes for Tampa. The 23-year-old had a stretch of nine starts from June 8 to July 25, where he posted an 0.82 ERA and moved himself into the AL Cy Young conversation. Since then, he's been shaky but still good enough to outduel Joe Boyle, an A's starter with a 7.39 ERA and 7.4 BB/9 in eight starts.
Boyle has brutal command and always works himself into trouble. The righty will load up the bases with walks, meaning it could take just one extra-base cut to break this game open. I have far more faith in the Rays Monday, especially at a fair ML price.
MLB Expert Pick Today: White Sox vs Giants UNDER 8.0 Runs (-110)
White Sox vs Giants Odds - Game Time: 9:45 pm ET
While the White Sox are normally a good UNDER bet, this pitching matchup will strengthen the case. The Giants are starting Kyle Harrison, and the Sox bat for a league-worst .619 OPS vs left-handers this season. After that, the Giants' pen also ranks second in MLB with a 2.67 ERA this month — that's without closer Camilo Doval, whom the club optioned to the minors.
Jonathan Cannon counters Harrison. He's on a streak of six consecutive starts pitching six innings or more. The Giants aren't exactly crushing baseballs during their 2-5 SU record in the last seven games, so the UNDER 8.0 runs is the best bet in this one.
