Free MLB Picks For Today, Friday 9/20/2024

Pick details

September 20, 2024 at 10:15 PM EDT

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All 30 MLB teams are back on the fields today, so make sure you don’t miss out on the MLB Picks for Friday 9/20/2024.

Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Nationals at Cubs at 2:20 PM ET

Trevor Williams is expected to be the starting pitcher for Washington, holding an impressive record of 5-0, a 2.22 ERA, and a 1.08 WHIP over 56.2 innings this year. In his last five starts, he has allowed one earned run or fewer on four occasions, although he has been sidelined on the injured list since late May.

The anticipated starting pitcher for the Chicago team is Jameson Taillon, who has recorded a 10-8 win-loss record along with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 152.1 innings pitched this season. Notably, Taillon has permitted two earned runs or fewer in his last three consecutive starts.

The Pick:

Following their series loss to Oakland, Chicago successfully rebounded with a victory in the opening game of this series, although they are nearly out of the running for postseason play. Washington will be starting Trevor Williams, who had a promising start to the season but is now returning from a 60-day stint on the injured list. Conversely, Chicago will send Jameson Taillon to the mound, who has had a mixed season but has shown improvement with three consecutive solid starts. I expect to witness a strong pitching performance in this matchup, and I am going to back the Under.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Pirates at Reds at 6:40 PM ET

The Pirates have selected Mitch Keller as their starting pitcher for Friday’s game. This season, Keller has recorded an 11-10 win-loss record and maintains a 3.87 ERA across 29 starts. Throughout his career, he has achieved a record of 36 wins and 48 losses, with a career ERA of 4.50 in 131 appearances, 129 of which were as a starter.

The Reds are set to feature Nick Martinez as their starting pitcher on Friday. In the current season, Martinez boasts a record of 9 wins and 6 losses, along with a 3.37 ERA in 40 games, 14 of which were starts. Throughout his career, he has achieved a total of 36 wins and 44 losses, with a career ERA of 4.15 over 238 games, including 101 starts.

The Pick:

At present, Martinez is enjoying a successful run. In his last three outings, he boasts a perfect record of 3-0, having conceded merely two earned runs over 18.2 innings, with 11 hits and four walks. Should Martinez continue this trend, Cincinnati will be well-positioned for success. On Thursday, the Reds struggled defensively, yielding 18 hits to the Braves, with both Aguiar and Brandon Leibrandt allowing seven earned runs each in lackluster performances. Fortunately for Atlanta, they relied on only two bullpen pitchers, which suggests they will need to regroup effectively for Friday’s game. Go with the Reds.

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Blue Jays at Rays at 6:50 PM ET

The Blue Jays will have Jose Berrios as their starting pitcher, who has achieved a record of 16 wins and 9 losses, accompanied by an ERA of 3.44. In his previous game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Berrios excelled by pitching seven innings, during which he permitted only two hits and one run.

Tyler Alexander will take the mound for the Rays on Friday. The 30-year-old reliever is 6-5 with an ERA of 5.58 in 21 games (7 starts) this season. Alexander allowed four runs on four hits in his latest start (5.0 innings) against the Guardians.

The Pick:

With an ERA of 3.44, Berrios has demonstrated solid performance, conceding only one run in his latest start. The Rays’ offensive production has been lackluster, averaging just 3.81 runs per game, which poses a challenge for them to mount an effective offense in this game. On the other hand, the Blue Jays are averaging 4.29 runs per game, which should afford Berrios sufficient run support. Therefore, it is expected that the Blue Jays will achieve a decisive win in this matchup. It is recommended to back the Blue Jays.

Detroit Tigers vs Baltimore Orioles Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Tigers at Orioles at 7:05 PM ET

Keider Montero will start for the Tigers today. The rookie pitcher is 6-6 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 16 games (15 starts) this year. Montero was fantastic in his most recent start against the Orioles when he kept Baltimore off the scoreboard for 5.0 innings, allowing five hits.

Corbin Burnes is set to be the starting pitcher for Baltimore, boasting a record of 14 wins and 8 losses, alongside a 3.06 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP over the course of 182.1 innings pitched this year. Impressively, Burnes has restricted his opponents to two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts.

The Pick:

The Baltimore Orioles managed to prevent a sweep with a walk-off home run on Thursday; however, their performance in the recent series has been subpar. The team will be relying on Corbin Burnes, who has demonstrated strong form lately. While Burnes has been effective for Baltimore, it is noteworthy that the Detroit Tigers recently secured two victories out of three against the Orioles and are currently in excellent form. Therefore, I recommend backing the Tigers in this matchup.

Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Braves at Marlins at 7:10 PM ET

On Friday, the Braves have appointed Charlie Morton as their starting pitcher. This year, Morton has a record of 8 wins and 8 losses, with a 4.01 ERA in 28 starts. Over the course of his career, which includes 381 games (380 starts), he has compiled a record of 138 wins and 121 losses, maintaining an ERA of 4.00.

Valente Bellozo will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Marlins on Friday. To date, Bellozo has recorded a 2-4 win-loss record, accompanied by a 3.70 ERA over his initial 11 career starts.

The Pick:

In his recent three games, Morton has recorded a 1-1 record, although he has demonstrated solid pitching during this stretch. He has surrendered four earned runs in a total of 17.2 innings pitched. Conversely, Bellozo has faced difficulties, posting an 0-2 record in his last three games, with four earned runs over 16.2 innings. The Braves displayed an exceptional offensive performance on Thursday, amassing 15 runs through four significant innings. Notably, Matt Olson and Michael Harris excelled, combining for four home runs, eight runs batted in, five hits, and seven runs. I expect Atlanta to carry this momentum into the Friday matchup.

Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Twins at Red Sox at 7:10 PM ET

The Twins will have David Festa as their starting pitcher, who has a 2-6 record and an ERA of 5.07. In his previous game against the Cincinnati Reds, he managed to pitch 3.2 innings, giving up three hits and two runs.

Richard Fitts is scheduled to start for the Red Sox on Friday. The 24-year-old rookie has a 0.00 ERA in two games (10.2 innings).

The Pick:

The Twins are facing significant challenges, and the situation is unlikely to improve in this matchup. Festa may not be the ideal choice for pitching for the Twins, yet they have no alternative, leading them to persist in utilizing him. The Red Sox are currently averaging 4.71 runs per game, and it is anticipated that they will exceed this average in this contest. The Twins are unlikely to find a solution, and the Red Sox are expected to secure a victory. I am backing the Red Sox.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Phillies at Mets at 7:10 PM ET

Cristopher Sanchez will be the starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in this matchup. He currently boasts a season record of 10-9, with an impressive 3.24 ERA and 142 strikeouts. Against the Mets in his last five starts, Sanchez has recorded 1 win and 2 losses, along with a 3.67 ERA and 28 strikeouts.

The New York Mets will feature David Peterson as their starting pitcher. Peterson has achieved a commendable record of 9 wins and 2 losses, along with a 2.85 ERA and 89 strikeouts. In contrast, his performance in the last five games against the Phillies shows a record of 0-1, with a 3.29 ERA and 32 strikeouts.

The Pick:

This season, Sanchez has established himself as a dependable pitcher for the Phillies, yet it is clear that his finest performances have taken place at home, a factor that may not benefit him in this situation. Although Peterson faced difficulties in one of his earlier starts, he rebounded effectively in his last outing against the Phillies. Furthermore, Peterson has been among the most successful starters for the Mets throughout the season. Consequently, I will go with New York in this contest.

Seattle Mariners vs Texas Rangers Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Mariners at Rangers at 8:05 PM ET

The Mariners will have George Kirby as their starting pitcher, who has achieved a record of 12 wins and 11 losses, accompanied by an ERA of 3.62. In his previous game against the Texas Rangers, he showcased his skills by completing seven innings, surrendering only one hit and no runs.

Jacob DeGrom will take the mound for the Rangers, having yet to allow a run this season. In his previous outing against the Mariners, he pitched 3.2 innings, surrendering four hits while maintaining a scoreless performance.

The Pick:

DeGrom’s first outing against the Mariners was impressive, as he did not allow any runs. Nevertheless, he was treading on thin ice, and this precarious situation could become problematic in the current game. Although the Mariners are not particularly noted for their offensive prowess, they are poised to find success in this contest. Kirby is anticipated to have a robust start, which will be crucial in determining the outcome, enabling the Mariners to secure a win. It is recommended to back the Mariners.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Diamondbacks at Brewers at 8:10 PM ET

The starting pitcher projected for Arizona is Zac Gallen, who has achieved a 12-6 record, a 3.61 ERA, and a 1.28 WHIP through 137.0 innings pitched this season. Gallen has impressively held opponents scoreless in terms of earned runs during three of his last five starts.

The anticipated starting pitcher for the Milwaukee team is Colin Rea, who has recorded a 12-5 win-loss record, a 4.14 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP across 156.2 innings this season. In his recent performances, Rea has permitted a minimum of three earned runs in three out of his last four outings, including a total of 10 earned runs in his most recent appearance against the Giants.

The Pick:

The significance of this game for Arizona cannot be overstated, as they are in a competitive race for an NL Wild Card berth with the Mets and Braves. The Diamondbacks are opting for Gallen, who has recorded zero earned runs in his last two starts on the road. In contrast, the Brewers will feature Rea, who faced considerable difficulties in his most recent start. Arizona stands as the leading scoring team in the MLB this season, and I am optimistic about their chances with Gallen on the mound.

San Francisco Giants vs Kansas City Royals Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Giants at Royals at 8:10 PM ET

The San Francisco Giants are set to feature Mason Black, who currently holds a record of 0-4 and an ERA of 7.07, along with 24 strikeouts this season. This matchup will mark Black’s inaugural career start against the Royals.

Michael Wacha will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals in this matchup. Currently, Wacha holds a season record of 13 wins and 7 losses, with a 3.29 ERA and 138 strikeouts to his name. In his last five appearances against the Giants, he has been successful, posting a 2-0 record, a 1.73 ERA, and accumulating 15 strikeouts.

The Pick:

I believe that Wacha stands out as the more effective starter in this scenario, particularly given Black’s dismal performance on the road this season, where he has recorded an ERA of over 10 in games away from Oracle. The Kansas City Royals are desperately trying to maintain their Wild Card spot, while the Giants seem unmotivated to disrupt their plans. I would support the Royals in this matchup.

LA Angels vs Houston Astros Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Angels at Astros at 8:10 PM ET

Tyler Anderson is scheduled to pitch for the LA Angels, where he has accumulated a record of 10 wins and 13 losses, alongside a 3.60 ERA and 136 strikeouts this season. In his last 10 innings, he has allowed 8 hits and 5 earned runs. His performance on the road has been commendable, with a 2.23 ERA and a .187 batting average against over 80.2 innings. However, his historical performance against the Houston Astros has been less favorable, as he holds a career record of 1-4, with a 6.24 ERA and 40 strikeouts.

Taking the mound for the Houston Astros is Justin Verlander, who has recorded a 4-6 win-loss record this season, alongside a 5.20 ERA and 65 strikeouts. In his last 12.2 innings, he has surrendered 20 hits and 15 runs. His home performance shows a 7.30 ERA and a .293 batting average allowed over 24.2 innings. Against the LA Angels, Verlander has a career record of 17-11, with a 3.33 ERA and a total of 217 strikeouts.

The Pick:

The Houston Astros are clearly the overwhelming favorites, as they approach clinching a division title with Justin Verlander taking the mound. Nevertheless, Verlander has not performed at his typical level this season and has faced difficulties in his last three outings. On the other hand, regardless of one’s opinion of the LA Angels as a team, Tyler Anderson has demonstrated impressive form this season. He was selected for his second All-Star team this year and has excelled particularly in away games. Given the opportunity to nearly double our investment, I am going to take a chance on the Angels.

Cleveland Guardians vs St. Louis Cardinals Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Guardians at Cardinals at 8:15 PM ET

Ben Lively is set to assume the starting position for the Guardians on Friday. This season, Lively has recorded a 12-9 win-loss record alongside a 3.87 ERA across 27 starts. Throughout his career, which includes 72 games played (59 of which were starts), he holds a record of 20-26 with a 4.57 ERA.

Kyle Gibson will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Cardinals on Friday. This season, he has recorded an 8-7 win-loss record with a 4.11 ERA across 28 starts. Throughout his career, which spans 328 games (322 of which were starts), Gibson has achieved a record of 112 wins and 107 losses, accompanied by a 4.51 ERA.

The Pick:

Gibson has been showcasing solid performance on the mound lately, despite a record of 1-1 in his last three starts. During this stretch, he has permitted only two earned runs over 19.0 innings pitched. In comparison, Lively has been outstanding, yielding no earned runs in 7.0 innings during his last two appearances, achieving a 1-0 record. On Thursday, the Cardinals had a rather unproductive offensive outing, recording just six hits as a team, with Brendan Donovan responsible for four of those hits, including two runs batted in. Paul Goldschmidt contributed the other two hits and scored twice. The rest of the batting lineup will need to step up for the opener on Friday. I’ll pick the Cards.

New York Yankees vs Oakland Athletics Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Yankees at Athletics at 9:40 PM ET

Gerrit Cole will take the mound for the New York Yankees in this matchup. Currently, Cole holds a record of 6-5, with a 3.97 ERA and 87 strikeouts for the season. In his last five appearances against the Oakland Athletics, he has achieved a perfect 4-0 record, with a commendable 2.23 ERA and 43 strikeouts.

The Athletics will have J.T. Ginn as their starting pitcher, who has a season record of 0-1, an ERA of 4.94, and has achieved 23 strikeouts thus far. This game will represent Ginn’s first-ever start against the Yankees.

The Pick:

The A’s have been an impressive team to observe as they progress this season. If they can sustain their foundational players, they might become a noteworthy contender in 2025, particularly with some strategic additions similar to those made by the Royals this year. For the time being, however, the Yankees are the team with a pressing goal, and I believe that any residual effects from their clinching on Thursday have worn off, allowing New York to rebound with a victory in this contest.

Chicago White Sox vs San Diego Padres Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

White Sox at Padres at 9:40 PM ET

Garrett Crochet will be on the mound for the Chicago White Sox, with a season record of 6-12, a 3.78 ERA, and 195 strikeouts. In his last 9.1 innings, he has given up 11 hits and 6 runs. Crochet’s performance in 59 innings pitched away from home includes a 4.42 ERA and a .221 batting average against. This game will mark Crochet’s second encounter with the San Diego Padres in his career.

Joe Musgrove will be the starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres, boasting a record of 6-5 this season, with an ERA of 4.23 and 86 strikeouts to his name. In his last 16.1 innings, he has surrendered 14 hits and 6 runs. His home statistics show a 4.25 ERA and a .248 batting average allowed over 59.1 innings. Throughout his career against the Chicago White Sox, Musgrove has not allowed any runs, maintaining a record of 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 9 strikeouts.

The Pick:

I have consistently supported the San Diego Padres during the latter part of the season, and there is no justification for discontinuing this trend as they approach a potential playoff berth. Furthermore, I have repeatedly stated throughout this season that the Chicago White Sox rank among the least successful teams in baseball history. A bettor who has wagered $100 on the White Sox is currently facing a loss exceeding $5,800 this season. It is advisable to avoid placing bets on the White Sox. I recommend backing the Padres along with the run line for optimal betting value.

Colorado Rockies vs LA Dodgers Prediction MLB Picks 9/20/24

Rockies at Dodgers at 10:10 PM ET

Kyle Freeland is set to take the mound for the Colorado Rockies, currently holding a record of 5-7 with an ERA of 4.89 and a total of 79 strikeouts this season. In his most recent 18 innings, he has permitted 16 hits and 4 earned runs. Over the course of 52.2 innings pitched on the road, Freeland has recorded a 5.98 ERA and has allowed opponents to bat .317 against him. Historically, he has faced the LA Dodgers with a career record of 5-10, an ERA of 4.75, and has accumulated 109 strikeouts.

The Dodgers haven’t announced their starting pitcher at the time of writing this article.

The Pick:

I do not have information regarding the pitcher the LA Dodgers will be deploying, but it seems irrelevant. The Dodgers are in excellent offensive form and are now up against Kyle Freeland, who has been ineffective in away games. The current Dodgers roster has achieved a .263 batting average, and a .330 on-base percentage, and has recorded 10 home runs against Freeland over 209 at-bats. I suggest wagering on the Dodgers with the run line to maximize betting value.

 

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