Free MLB Picks For Today, Saturday 9/21/2024

Some crucial games will be played today as the playoff race heats up, so make sure to read the MLB Picks for Saturday 9/21/2024.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Pirates at Reds at 1:10 PM ET

On Saturday, Jared Jones will get the start for the Pirates. In his debut season, Jones is 6-7 this year with a 3.85 ERA in 20 starts.

On Saturday, Rhett Lowder will be the Reds’ starting pitcher. After four career starts, Lowder is 1-2 this year with a 1.74 ERA.

The Pick:

In his most recent start, Lowder struggled against Minnesota, giving up three earned runs in 5.1 innings of work. But in his previous two starts, Lowder had gone 1-0 in 11.1 innings with no earned runs. In his last three appearances, Jones is 1-0 with seven earned across 17.1 innings. The Reds won big on Friday thanks to a handful of outstanding offensive efforts. Still, there were several missteps, starting with the bullpen (3.0 innings; three earned). Cincinnati will need to get better all around on Saturday. I am taking the Reds.

Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Nationals at Cubs at 2:20 PM ET

MacKenzie Gore, who is 9-12 this season with a 4.17 ERA and 163 strikeouts, is the pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Over his last 15.2 innings, Gore has given up 3 earned runs and 9 hits. In 65.1 road innings, Gore has a 4.41 ERA and a.258 allowed batting average. In his career, Gore has a 1-2 record, a 7.04 ERA, and 16 strikeouts against the Chicago Cubs.

For the Chicago Cubs, Kyle Hendricks receives the ball; this season, he is 4-11 with a 6.25 ERA and 83 strikeouts. Over his last 15.1 innings, Hendricks has given up 11 hits and 5 runs. In 50.2 home innings, Hendricks has a 5.15 ERA and a.287 allowed batting average. Against the Washington Nationals, Hendricks is 4-2 in his career with a 2.70 ERA and 44 strikeouts. 

The Pick:

Both Kyle Hendricks and MacKenzie Gore have been unreliable this season; Hendricks has been particularly awful at Wrigley Field. The total is not that high. In the third game between the Nationals and Cubs, give me the Over.

Detroit Tigers vs Baltimore Orioles Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Tigers at Orioles at 4:05 PM ET

Reese Olson will be the Tigers’ starting pitcher on Saturday. Olson has made 20 starts this season and is 4-8 with a 3.50 ERA. Olson has played in 41 games (38 starts) and is 9–15 with a 3.75 ERA.

On Saturday, Cade Povich will start for Baltimore. In his first 14 career starts, Povich is 2-9 with a 5.74 ERA thus far. 

The Pick:

In his last two outings, Povich has given up six earned runs over a combined 9.2 innings, earning defeats. Regarding Olson, in his last three starts combined, he has surrendered seven earned runs in 10.1 innings pitched. The Orioles launched five home runs on Friday and received a strong start from Corbin Burnes (7.0 innings; three hits, three walks, no earned). Although I don’t anticipate as many fireworks on Saturday, Baltimore ought to be in a strong position.

Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Braves at Marlins at 4:10 PM ET

On Saturday, Max Fried will open for the Braves. Fried has made 27 starts this season and is 9-10 with a 3.49 ERA. Fried has a 3.11 ERA in 166 career games (149 starts), going 71-36.

Adam Oller will start for Miami on Saturday. Oller has made six starts thus far and is 1-4 with a 5.40 ERA. In 34 career games (21 starts), Oller is 4-13 with a 6.66 ERA.

The Pick:

Miami has been scoring a ton of runs lately—37 total in three games against the Dodgers—so I’ll probably stay away. Fried, though, might present the offense with some chances. In his past 12.0 innings, he has allowed seven earned runs in two losses. A strong first inning helped the Marlins pull off a victory on Friday. Beyond that, though, not much happened as Michael Harris (run) got three of the team’s eight hits. If Miami can maintain momentum in the pen, though, they should have a good chance. Back the Marlins at a great price.

Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Twins at Red Sox at 4:10 PM ET

Pablo Lopez, who has pitched 175.2 innings this year and is 15-8 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, is expected to start for Minnesota. For the past five starts, Lopez has given up two earned runs or fewer in four of them. 

Kutter Crawford, who has tossed 171.2 innings this season and is 8-15 with a 4.19 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, is expected to start for Boston. Three of Crawford’s previous five starts have seen him allow two earned runs or fewer; however, his last two appearances have seen him give up seven earned runs. 

The Pick:

This is a big series since the Twins, who haven’t played well lately, are playing the Tigers for the AL’s final wild-card place. Pablo Lopez, who has been excellent these past several weeks, gets the start for the Twins. Kutter Crawford, who has struggled lately and has had ups and downs this season, will start for the Red Sox. Given that Boston appears to have given up and that Lopez has been excellent for the Twins in recent weeks, give me the Twins in this game. 

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Phillies at Mets at 4:10 PM ET

Ranger Suarez, who has pitched 143.2 innings this year and is 12-7 with a 3.13 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, is expected to start for Philadelphia. In three out of his last four starts, Suarez has given up at least three earned runs.

Sean Manaea, 11-5 with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 171.0 innings thrown this season, is set to start for New York. Manaea has allowed one or fewer earned runs in three of his last four starts. 

The Pick:

Manaea, who has been excellent lately, is starting for the Mets as they compete for a wild-card berth. Suarez, who has had really good numbers but has been merely mediocre in recent starts, is the player the Phillies will use. Manaea is pitching pretty well, so I’m taking the Mets at home. 

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Blue Jays at Rays at 4:10 PM ET

Here, Yariel Rodriguez, who is 1-6 with a 4.29 ERA and 77 strikeouts this season, will start for the Toronto Blue Jays. Rodriguez will face the Rays for the second time in his career in this start. 

Taj Bradley will start for the Rays on Saturday, and he is 6-11 with a 4.39 ERA and 143 strikeouts this season. Bradley’s career record versus Toronto is 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA and 18 strikeouts.

The Pick:

Toronto, who I believe will perform well in this one, simply could not capitalize on their chances on Friday. There are only so many games you can win by scoring one run before it comes back to get you, and the Rays haven’t been a reliable team at the plate in a while. I believe Toronto gets its retribution on Saturday. I am going with the Blue Jays.

San Francisco Giants vs Kansas City Royals Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Giants at Royals at 5:10 PM ET

Landen Roupp, who is 0-1 with a 3.02 ERA and 40 strikeouts this season, will get the start for the San Francisco Giants. Roupp will be facing Kansas City for the first time in his career.

Brady Singer, who is 9-11 with a 3.53 ERA and 159 strikeouts this season, will get the start for the Kansas City Royals. Singer has a career record of 0-0 versus the Giants, a 5.73 ERA, and nine strikeouts.

The Pick:

Since all of the teams around the Royals are performing well, they are just backing down from their attempts to clinch a postseason berth. I will attempt to catch the falling knife once more in this situation. Having said that, I believe in Singer at home, where he has played some of his greatest ball, and the Royals are too talented to keep having this kind of season. Though there are better alternatives on Saturday’s card, I’ll go towards the Royals.

Seattle Mariners vs Texas Rangers Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Mariners at Rangers at 7:05 PM ET

Emerson Hancock, who is 3-4 with a 4.83 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP in 50.1 innings pitched this year, is expected to start for Seattle. In two of his previous three starts, Hancock has given up two earned runs.

Max Scherzer, who is 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 43.1 innings pitched this season, is expected to start for Texas. In three of his last five outings, Scherzer has allowed two earned runs or fewer, and last week, in his first start since returning from the injured list, he looked respectable through four innings. 

The Pick:

Texas enters this game having lost their last ten games badly, but they are at home, where they have won their last few games this season. Although Seattle is only 33-43 away from home this season, they have improved recently and are now beginning to score some runs. Although I don’t think either team’s pitching matchup is great, I do like how Seattle is hitting at the moment, so give me the Mariners.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Diamondbacks at Brewers at 7:10 PM ET

Aaron Civale, who has tossed 150.2 innings this season and is 7-8 with a 4.48 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, is expected to start for Milwaukee. Civale has made three of his last four starts with two earned runs or fewer allowed. 

Merrill Kelly, who has pitched for 63.0 innings this season and is 4-0 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, will take the mound for Arizona. In two of his previous three appearances, Kelly has given up two earned runs or fewer. 

The Pick:

Milwaukee is playing for very little right now, and they are just above 500 in their last nine games. Although both of these pitchers have shown promise recently, I have to take the Diamondbacks here because of their recent success. 

LA Angels vs Houston Astros Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Angels at Astros at 7:10 PM ET

The LA Angels’ pitcher Reid Detmers is 4-7 this season with a 6.05 ERA and 94 strikeouts. Within his previous 17.1 innings, Detmers has given up 11 runs and 15 hits. In 36 road innings, Detmers has a 5.50 ERA and a. 250-allowed batting average. Against the Houston Astros, Detmers is 1-3 with a 7.17 ERA and 32 strikeouts in his career.

The Houston Astros’ Ronel Blanco is 11-6 this season with a 2.88 ERA and 154 strikeouts when he takes the mound. In his previous 13 innings, Blanco has given up 8 hits and 0 runs. In 81.1 home innings, Blanco has a 3.21 ERA and a.178 allowed batting average. Against the LA Angels, Blanco is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 13 strikeouts in his career. 

The Pick:

The LA Angels appear to be a squad that has been counting down the days until the offseason for months, while the Houston Astros are just one or two wins away from securing the AL Central. Since Reid Detmers has struggled this season, it seems unlikely that he will be able to adjust to this Astros lineup. Ronel Blanco has performed admirably this year, particularly during his previous three starts. Here’s the only way to go. For the highest betting value, give me the Astros and the RL.

Cleveland Guardians vs St. Louis Cardinals Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Guardians at Cardinals at 7:15 PM ET

Matthew Boyd will start for the Guardians on Saturday. Boyd has made seven starts thus far and is 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA. Boyd has played in 181 games (167 starts) and is 46-68 with a 4.85 lifetime ERA.

On Saturday, Miles Mikolas will get the start for the Cardinals. Mikolas has made 30 starts this season and is 8-11 with a 5.49 ERA. With a 4.16 ERA in 208 games played (180 starts), Mikolas is 62-64.

The Pick:

Boyd does require a fresh start, though. Boyd gave up two earned runs on five hits and three walks in 2.2 innings against the Twins in his most recent appearance. But Boyd had only recorded two earned in 10.1 innings before then. In his last three combined outings, Mikolas has given up 11 earned runs in 11.0 innings pitched. The Guardians won on Friday thanks to three home runs. Although Jose Ramirez put up a strong showing with three hits and two RBI, the pitching staff should have received most of the praise. Back Cleveland in this one.

Chicago White Sox vs San Diego Padres Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

White Sox at Padres at 8:40 PM ET

Chris Flexen of the Chicago White Sox will get the start. This season, Flexen is 2-14 with a 5.09 ERA and 113 strikeouts. Flexen’s record versus the Padres is 1-2 with an 8.74 ERA and 11 strikeouts during his career.

Starting for the Padres in this game, Martin Perez is 4-5 with a 4.36 ERA and 98 strikeouts so far this season. With a 6.15 ERA and 18 strikeouts in his previous five outings against the White Sox, Perez is 1-2.

The Pick:

San Diego should have been ahead by a lot more than the 3-2 final score that we received on Friday, so perhaps they can open it up a little more here. With Chris Flexen starting for the White Sox, the team has only won three games this season due to Flexen’s struggles. The majority of Perez’s starts while wearing a Padres uniform have gone to San Diego, who has made a nice acquisition of Perez. Here, I will back  San Diego.

New York Yankees vs Oakland Athletics Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Yankees at Athletics at 9:07 PM ET

The New York Yankees’ Carlos Rodon is 15-9 this season with a 4.12 ERA and 186 strikeouts when he takes the mound. In his last 17.1 innings, Rodon has given up 12 hits and 5 earned runs. In 88 road innings, Rodon has a 5.01 ERA and a.262 allowed batting average. In his career, Rodon has a 4-1 record, a 2.68 ERA, and 40 strikeouts against the Oakland Athletics.

The Oakland Athletics’ JP Sears, who is 11-11 this season with a 4.24 ERA and 127 strikeouts, gets the ball. In his last 18 innings, Sears has given up 16 hits and 9 runs. In 75 home innings, Sears has a 4.92 ERA and a.270 allowed batting average. Against the New York Yankees, Sears is 0-3 with a 5.48 ERA and 19 strikeouts in his career. 

The Pick:

This season, Carlos Rodon hasn’t played well, particularly away from home. This price seems a little excessive. The Yankees must continue to succeed in order to maintain their #1 seed in the AL, though, as the Athletics are a poor squad. The Yankees are trailing the Guardians, and a mistake might lose the Bronx squad the number one spot. For maximum betting value, give me the Yankees and the RL.

Colorado Rockies vs LA Dodgers Prediction MLB Picks 9/21/24

Rockies at Dodgers at 9:10 PM ET

Cal Quantrill of the Colorado Rockies will get the start on Saturday. This season, Quantrill is 8-10 with a 4.68 ERA and 105 strikeouts. Quantrill has a record of 0-5 with an 8.37 ERA and 12 strikeouts in his previous five outings versus the Dodgers.

Walker Buehler, who is 1-5 with a 5.54 ERA and 54 strikeouts this season, will start for the Dodgers in this game. In his last five starts against the Rockies, Buehler is 2-1 with a 6.66 ERA and 24 strikeouts.

The Pick:

Although Walker Buehler hasn’t played at his best, the Dodgers lineup behind him has been strong, and the Rockies are still among the easiest teams in baseball to beat on the road this year. The Dodgers as a team are benefiting from Los Angeles’s handling of business and Shohei Ohtani’s current level of play. Here, I believe the Dodgers add another victory. Give me Los Angeles.