MLB Picks Today: Expert MLB Picks for
Monday, August 24
Monday's 10-game slate will see some excellent starting pitchers take the mound. Among them are Zack Wheeler and Chase Burns. While they could result in some low-scoring games, there are also some ideal hitting situations to potentially exploit. With that in mind, here are three of the top wagers to consider.
Mike Barner's season record: 76-47-1 (+17.46 units)
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MLB Picks Today: Expert Betting Tips and Analysis
Minnesota Twins 
at Athletics 
Betting Picks
- Twins team total 2.5 runs first 5 innings: Over (-140) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
The Twins were held in check by the San Diego Padres on Sunday, losing 8-1. Despite that poor showing, they have scored the ninth-most runs in baseball this season. Their 103 wRC+ is 10th in baseball, and a lot of their success can be attributed to their ability to make contact. They only have a 21.2 percent strikeout rate, which is the seventh-lowest mark in the majors.
This is a favorable spot for the Twins to score in bunches with southpaw Jeffrey Springs pitching for the Athletics. Over his past 13 starts, he gave up at least three runs 10 times. He pitched more than five innings in just four of those outings. He has been awful at home, where he has allowed 2.6 HR/9 and registered a 1.59 WHIP. Look for the Twins to score early and often in this matchup.
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Chicago White Sox 
vs. Texas Rangers 
Betting Picks
- Both teams to score 3+ runs (-115) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
The White Sox have scored the sixth-most runs in baseball as they march towards the playoffs. They will try to stay hot in this game with Kumar Rocker pitching for the Rangers. The last time he faced the White Sox, Rocker logged six scoreless innings. That was more of an outlier performance for him, though, given his 4.72 xERA and 1.40 WHIP this season. It's also worth noting that game was in Texas. The White Sox have a .715 OPS on the road, compared to a .739 OPS at home.
Whether he starts or follows an opener, Jose Urquidy is likely to log multiple innings for the White Sox. Injuries have limited him to a total of 81.1 innings over the last four seasons. He was sharp against the Cubs in his last appearance, but he still has a 1.50 WHIP for the season. Behind him is an overworked bullpen that could be without Grant Taylor, who has pitched two of the last three days. Sean Newcomb also might not be available after he threw 38 pitches Sunday. The White Sox and Rangers are both in a favorable position to score at least three runs.
Chicago Cubs 
at Arizona Diamondbacks 
Betting Picks
- Cubs team total 4.5 runs: Over (-122) at FanDuel for 1 Unit
The Cubs lit up the Mariners for 19 runs in Seattle on Sunday. That outburst has resulted in them now leading baseball in runs scored. While they have been great at home, they have also hit well away from Chicago. They have a .753 OPS on the road, which is the second highest mark in the majors. They bring a combination of power and selectiveness at the plate, ranking inside the top three in baseball in both ISO and walk rate.
Tasked with trying to slow them down is Merrill Kelly, who gave up at least five runs in three of his last four starts. In what has been the worst season of his career, the veteran has a 5.37 ERA and an even worse 7.25 xERA. His strikeout rate has plummeted to 14.9%, while his 12.6 percent barrel rate allowed is the highest mark of his career. When he faced the Cubs in May, they torched him for six runs over 4.1 innings. It's difficult to envision him having much success in this rematch.
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MLB Picks Recap
- Twins team total 2.5 runs first 5 innings: Over (-140 DraftKings)
- White Sox vs. Rangers: Both teams to score 3+ runs (-115 DraftKings)
- Cubs team total 4.5 runs: Over (-122 FanDuel)
All Plays - 1 Unit
