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Tom Bellucco recommends betting picks for the MLB slate on 8/17/2020. He breaks down each team's situation and suggests the top picks on moneylines, totals, runlines, and more!
Welcome back, RotoBallers! We had a nice little write-up for Sunday that resulted in a 2-1 start, with one of those wins being of the 2-unit variety. Then I got a little greedy in thinking that the Red Sox offense could salvage one game in their series against the Yankees on Sunday night. No luck. Still, it was a 2-2 day with some profit, so we can't be complaining about that! We have another great week of baseball on tap, so let's get you started with some cash on this fine Monday night.
As I'm sure you already know know, Steve Janik and I will be sharing the duties of writing up an MLB Betting article every day of the week! All season long we'll be supplying you MLB betting articles with a few of our favorite picks for the day in baseball. Along with the picks, we'll give a little write-up with some supporting evidence for the picks, and we'll keep track of our records throughout the course of the season. You can always find my updated picks for the day as well as my running tally @BellRoto on Twitter. I'll also do my best to continue posting my picks there on my "Off Days" for this series.
- Sunday, August 16: 2-2
- 2020 Season Total: 49-37
Without further ado, let's get to the picks for today's slate. Please make sure to follow me on Twitter @BellRoto, as I'll post any updates and/or additions to these picks there throughout the day. I'll also field any questions or comments on Twitter as well as in our Premium RotoBaller Slack Chat under the Sports Betting channel. Here we go!
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Toronto Blue Jays (-135) at Baltimore Orioles
O/U: 9
TOR: Hyun Jin Ryu, BAL: Alex Cobb
The lefty Ryu should be able to slice and dice this Orioles lineup any way he'd like. While they have over-performed to this point in 2020, I think this could be a quiet night for the Baltimore bats. Meanwhile, Alex Cobb has looked strong to start the year, but I am not quite buying into these sudden improvements coming off a rough start and injury shelved him in 2019. The young Blue Jays lineup has plenty of pop from top to bottom, but I could also see this one staying Under the total of 9 runs if you think Cobb's strong start is for real. For me? I'll take advantage of what seems like a ridiculous number when comparing talent on the mound and for each offense.
Pick: Blue Jays ML (-137) 2 Units
Oakland Athletics at Arizona Diamondbacks (-115)
O/U: 9
OAK: Chris Bassitt, ARI: Zac Gallen
Chris Bassitt and Zac Gallen have both been pitching very well to start the year. However, I think Gallen's pedigree and upside as a highly-touted prospect deserves more respect here. That being said, I do think Oakland's offense has more upside, while the Diamondbacks' speed throughout gives them a higher floor against a contact pitcher like Bassitt. It's pretty tight, but I think Bassitt is more due for a blow-up spot than Gallen. For that reason, I like my chances with the D-backs on Monday.
Pick: Diamondbacks ML (-115) 1 Unit
San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Angels (-160)
O/U: 10
SF: Tyler Anderson, LAA: Griffin Canning
Coming off a brutal sweep against their in-state rival Dodgers, the Angels have a chance to get back on track against a weak pitcher and a much thinner lineup than the Dodgers. Unfortunately, Griffin Canning has not pitched up to his potential to start 2020. That being said, the talent is still there, and this is a great spot to get back on track. Meanwhile, the Angels' lineup finally feels healthy, and the production from over the weekend should continue. If Canning and the bullpen can keep the Giants to four runs or less, this one should be in the bag. This matchup later in the year could be up near -200 if/when the Angels figure out some flaws.
Pick: Angels ML (-160) 1 Unit
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