Top MLB Picks and Predictions Today (A Short Road Dog, Plus Two Totals in NL East Ballparks to Bank On)

There's 16 Major League games to choose from today, and rather than have just one of us decipher the best bets of the day, it's easier to be more informed when we put our collective heads together.

For today's slate, we're targeting the early game of the Cleveland Guardians - Chicago White Sox doubleheader from the South Side of Chicago, as well as two NL East home matchups focusing on the total.

Here are the BetSided team's favorite MLB bets of the day for Saturday's action, with odds coming from consensus books. For even more game-by-game betting previews and picks, be sure to check out our MLB Picks page here.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Game 1 Odds, Prediction and Pick

Run Line: Guardians -1.5 (+165) | White Sox +1.5 (+125)
Moneyline: Guardians +100 | White Sox -120
Total: 8.5 (OVER +100 | UNDER -120)

Triston McKenzie might be leveling up before our eyes. He struggled in June but has focused on throwing more sliders and curveballs recently, and his results speak for themselves.

He's traditionally struggled with command vs. Chicago, but he's issued one or fewer walks in five of his last six starts so that problem may be fixed.

And as is the norm for a poorly managed team with a horrific defense and lackluster bullpen, the White Sox are terrible at home. They're 4-8 in their last dozen at Guaranteed Rate Field, while the Guardians had won eight of nine on the road before a hiccup before the All-Star Break.

Johnny Cueto has pitched well, but his underlying metrics imply regression is coming and he ranks in just the 38th percentile in expected batting average. Cleveland's contact-heavy approach will put pressure on Chicago's AL-worst defense, and all we'll need is one big mistake to open the flood gates.

Back the Guardians to open today's double-header by improving to 7-1 in McKenzie's last eight starts as his ascension continues.

Pick: Guardians ML +100

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Odds, Prediction and Pick

Run Line: Cubs +1.5 (-145) | Phillies -1.5 (+125)
Moneyline: Cubs +145 | Phillies -170
Total: 8 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

It may look like Cubs SP Marcus Stroman has struggled this season, but it's not all that bad. His 4.69 ERA is underwhelming this year, but most of his poor starts come at Wrigley Field. He has a 7.94 ERA at home but that number drops to 2.45 on the road in six starts this season.

I expect another solid showing from the groundball-inducing pitcher against the Phillies, but Wheeler should be in line to dominate the Cubs. While he allowed six earned runs in his final start before the All-Star break, he pitched back-to-back shutout outings against the Cardinals each time.

Wheeler has a 2.89 ERA this season and his numbers look very similar to last season when he finished second in Cy Young voting. I expect him to roll on Saturday, but I'm not going to lay this big of a price on the Phils, but look to the under.

Both pitchers should have the upper hand. -- Reed Wallach

LEAN: UNDER 8 (-110)

Track all of Reed's bets at Betstamp HERE!

San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets Odds, Prediction and Pick

Run Line: Padres +1.5 (-165) | Mets -1.5 (+140)
Moneyline: Padres +125 | Mets -145
Total: 7.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

There's a few reasons why I'm backing the over at Citi Field tonight between the Padres and Mets.

Blake Snell vs. Chris Bassitt at first glance appears to be somewhat of a pitcher's duel, but their numbers this year indicate the opposite. Snell has a 5.22 ERA through 10 starts this season, including a 5.89 ERA away from Petco Park. His walks-per-nine innings is also inferior on the road: walking nearly double the amount of hitters away from home.

As for Bassitt, the veteran right-hander has had a solid campaign, but has also seen his HR/9 (1.24) go up to its highest level since 2019 (1.31). When it's a fly ball in play, hitters are leaving the yard 13.5% of the time.

The weather should also play a prominent factor, as wind gusts will reach up to 12 mph with muggy high 80's temperatures and humidity in the 60% range. A warning track fly ball at Citi Field should carry significantly further, yet the books have yet to account for it.

With several sportsbooks already moving the line towards the over, I'll take advantage of the -110 odds still available at a number I deem far too low.

Follow all of Ben's betting plays in real-time HERE!