MLB Picks

MLB Picks: Saturday, 9/5

by
Jonathan Moreland
September 5, 2020

You probably have better things to do this Labor Day weekend than research your baseball bets. Let us help! We’ll make the picks for you, so you can enjoy the profits! Our resident MLB expert Jonathan Moreland is back to share his best bets for Saturday, September 5.

Today’s picks use lines provided by PointsBet. If you’re new to sports betting, be sure to create your account using PointsBet promo code FREE 100 when signing up to receive a 100% deposit bonus. See our full PointsBet review for details.

Reds (-131) – 2 units

Reds-Pirates under 10 (-125) – 1 unit

This is a matchup between two pitchers with extreme splits. Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani gets crushed by LHBs, while Trevor Williams has strong home-road splits given his ability to minimize damage from the long ball when pitching at PNC Park. I do think runs are scored tonight, but don’t see how this is a shootout. Both pitchers grade out as serviceable starters in my projections tonight and Pittsburgh’s lineup isn’t anything worth fearing, even with a pitcher as volatile as DeSclafani. I think the Reds win and neither team quite racks up enough runs to clear the total.

Braves -1.5 (-140)

Washington will be without Juan Soto tonight and have announced a lineup that simply lacks the firepower to keep up with Atlanta tonight. Max Fried should be in-line for a quality start and Eric Fedde will do Eric Fedde things before turning over a small lead to the defending champion’s beatable bullpen. The NL East leaders should cover tonight in the latest L for the Nats in a forgettable 2020 campaign.

Twins -1.5 (-145)

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal has a long and productive MLB career ahead of him, but is going to look like he’s in over his head tonight. Kenta Maeda projects to be one of tonight’s top performers and should have all the run support he needs to lead the Twins to a comfortable win.

Yankees -1.5 (-145)

Orioles under 3 (-105)

Breakout darling Anthony Santander isn’t in the lineup tonight, and I’m not sure it would have mattered with Baltimore facing Gerrit Cole. The early-season Cy Young favorite has had his share of struggles, but faces an Orioles order that’s far from intimidating. It remains to be seen whether New York’s lockdown bullpen is asked for 3 innings or 3 outs, but runs will be in short supply for the home team. Baltimore rookie Keegan Aiken shouldn’t pose much of a challenge, but even if. he surprises tonight, the Yankees shouldn’t need to score much to cover.

Rangers-Mariners 5-inning total: under 4.5 (-121)

Rangers-Mariners under 8.5 (-121)

My projections say both Kyle Gibson and Justus Sheffield are in line for quality starts tonight. Both have been volatile this season, as have their respective bullpens, but both lineups are beyond beatable tonight. Both unders should hit, but I’m splitting my bet here to cover my bases.

White Sox -1.5 (-150)

Lucas Giolito grades out as one of the top starting pitching options taking the mound tonight. The White Sox bats are blistering hot and, while Kauffman Stadium is one of the more pitcher-friendly parks in baseball, tonight’s weather calls for heat, humidity, and moderate winds blowing out. Take the Pale Hose to cover. If you don’t like the run line value at -150, you can consider the alternate run line at -2.5 (-105). I personally won’t go there, but I wouldn’t talk you off it.