We’ve made it to the final day of August. For many teams, the final push toward a postseason berth begins when the calendar flips to September. For others, they’ve reached the end of a month that squashed any remaining dreams. (I’m looking at you, Yankees and Red Sox.)
Regardless of how your favorite team has performed, you can smile your way through today’s MLB games with a trio of bets bound to win you some cold, hard cash. Let’s explore this evening’s most enticing props.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings.
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Best Bet No. 1: Wade Meckler OVER 0.5 Hits + Runs + RBI (-175)
The odds aren’t super juicy with this one, but given the fact that Meckler has recorded a hit, run, or RBI in eight of his 13 MLB games, this feels like a prop that should result in a payout. It helps that the Padres will be pitching Pedro Avila, who isn’t exactly a length guy and allowed five runs in his last outing. He also relies heavily on his four-seam fastball, a pitch against which Meckler owns a .489 wOBA.
Best Bet No. 2: Atlanta Braves OVER 4.5 Runs (-115)
The Braves have one of baseball’s best lineups. In fact, of the National League’s top-10 home run hitters, five play baseball in Atlanta. Beyond the offensive upside, Braves hitters will be facing Lance Lynn. While the veteran has had a solid month of August, there are two things to consider here. First of all, in his last outing against Atlanta, Lynn surrendered four runs and couldn’t escape the sixth inning. Second, Lynn allowed 10 hits in his most recent outing versus Boston. He avoided mayhem as those 10 hits only translated to four runs (three earned), but he won’t get as lucky against a Braves team that takes advantage of every little mistake. Indeed, mistakes will be made and runs will be scored. Take Atlanta over 4.5 runs.
Best Bet No. 3: Braves-Dodgers First Inning OVER 0.5 Runs (-115)
The intrigue behind this bet is rooted in simple data. In terms of first-inning runs scored this season, the Braves rank first (0.95 first-inning runs per game) while the Dodgers are second (0.78 runs). Quite literally, there is no matchup that favors first-inning scoring more than Braves versus Dodgers. Sure, Spencer Strider is a very good first-inning pitcher and has looked great lately, allowing just one run over his last three starts (21 innings). However, the last time he faced the Dodgers, he allowed four runs, including one in the first inning. Meanwhile, Lynn has a horrendous 8.66 ERA in the first inning this year. The Braves’ stacked lineup should get to him right away.
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