MLB Picks and Predictions for 7/8/21 - Free MLB Picks

Pick: Miami Marlins +135

Oakland Athletics +140 Houston Astros -160 Total: 9

I am going to fade the Athletics' Frankie Montas here. I think the Astros get to him early and then take advantage of a weak Oakland bullpen. The Astros' Lance McCullers Jr has a sub-3.00 ERA and has pitched well. I will take Houston as the home favorite. 

Pick: Houston Astros -160

Colorado Rockies +114 Arizona Diamondbacks -134 Total: 9.5

The Rockies are an auto-fade for me when they play on the road, even at Arizona. The Rockies' Chi Chi Gonzales has not impressed me enough for me to take a chance with the worst road team in the MLB. I will take the D-Backs by default here.

Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks -134

New York Yankees -145 Seattle Mariners +125 Total: 9

The Yankees' Jordan Montgomery has emerged as the team's clear #2 in the rotation. That does not say too much, as the Yankees' rotation has struggled this season, but I do think Monty pitches well enough for the Bombers to take this one. The youngster on the Mariners in Logan Gilbert has impressed me but I think this is a bad spot for him. 

Pick: New York Yankees -145

Toronto Blue Jays -215 Baltimore Orioles +185 Total: 11

When these two teams meet, it is always smart to bring a glove and take the over. The Orioles have arguably the worst pitching staff in the league and the Blue Jays are one of the more volatile teams in the AL as it is. Expect plenty of runs from both sides in this one. 

Pick: Over 11

Kansas City Royals +130 Cleveland Indians -150 Total: 8.5

Here we have two teams that are ranked in the 20s in total runs scored. The Indians' Zach Plesac should keep the Royals' bats at bay and I do not think the Indians will do too much on offense either. This is a clear under play for me, as runs should be at a premium all night. 

Pick: Under 8.5

Pittsburgh Pirates TBA New York Mets TBA Total: TBA

The Pirates are projected to bring JT Brubaker to the mound while the Mets have Taijuan Walker as the probable starter. The Walker signing has worked wonders for the Mets this season, and I think he pitches yet another strong outing against the worst offense in baseball in the Pirates. Take the Mets at home here. 

Pick: New York Mets ML

Philadelphia Phillies +100 Chicago Cubs -120 Total: TBA

The Cubs are struggling in all facets of the game, but I do not like the way Zach Eflin has looked as of late. I think the Cubs break out here and earn an important home victory. I am not high on the Cubs' Adbert Alzolay, but I think he does enough for the Cubs pen to take care of the rest.

Pick: Chicago Cubs -120

Cincinnati Reds -105 Milwaukee Brewers -115 Total: 8.5

The Reds' Tyler Mahle pitches much better on the road than he does at home and that is why I like Cincy here. The Reds' lineup is stronger than Milwaukee's and that should be the difference-maker in this contest. It should be an entertaining game and series, but I like Cincinnati on Thursday.

Pick: Cincinnati Reds -105

Detroit Tigers +120 Minnesota Twins -140 Total: 9.5

The Tigers' Tarik Skubal did not look comfortable on the mound in his last start against the White Sox. I think the Twins take him out of the game early, but Minnesota's J.A. Happ follows him soon after. I think we see runs O' plenty, take the over. 

Pick: Over 9.5

Washington Nationals +120 San Diego Padres -140 Total: 6.5

As good as the Padres' Yu Darvish has been this season, it is too tempting to take the three-time Cy Young winner in Max Scherzer here at plus money. Scherzer is aging, but still has magic left in him on the mound. I think the Nationals win a tight one in what should be the game to watch on Thursday. 

Pick: Washington Nationals +120