Top MLB Picks and Predictions Today (Back Orioles as Underdog, Two Totals to Play on Monday)

Looking to bet on the action in Major League Baseball on Monday?

The BetSided team of Peter Dewey and Joe Summers has you covered with a few picks for the seven-game slate on Aug. 8.

Let's jump into today's action:

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds, Prediction and Pick

• Run Line: Blue Jays -1.5 (+115) | Orioles +1.5 (-140)

• Moneyline: Blue Jays: -131| Orioles: +121

• Total: 9.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

There isn’t a single team in baseball that is better on the run line than the Baltimore Orioles, who are 70-38 on the run line and 35-17 on the run line at home this season. 

The Blue Jays offense is the main reason why Toronto is favored in this spot, as Kikuchi has arguably been their worst starter this season. The Jays are just 6-12 in Yusei Kikuchi’s starts and just 3-6 over his last nine outings. 

The veteran lefty has also gone more than five innings in a start just once in his last 11 outings. Not ideal. 

I think there’s value in backing a hot Orioles squad at home, and the O’s clearly have the bullpen advantage, ranking third in baseball in bullpen ERA. 

Lean: Orioles ML (+121) -- Peter Dewey

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Odds, Prediction and Pick

• Run Line: Nationals +1.5 (-135) | Cubs -1.5 (+112)

• Moneyline: Nationals: +175 | Cubs: -190

• Total: 7.5 (Over -125/Under +105)

Anibal Sanchez looks like one of MLB's worst starters through his first several outings. His fastball velocity is low, his command is off, and his ability to prevent hard contact is all but gone.

The Cubs' lineup is sputtering but a matchup with Sanchez is a great opportunity to get back on track. Sanchez's team hasn't won a road game he started since 2019, and Chicago won three of its last four as home favorites.

Keegan Thompson is struggling too, allowing five runs in two of his last three starts. His expected ERA of 4.28 implies he's been lucky to amass only a 3.48 ERA on the season. Thus, I see Washington putting up some runs as well.

With these pitchers on the mound, 7.5 feels too low for the total. I like the over, but I also can't deny Washington's struggles on the road. Chicago's lineup should hammer Sanchez, and I'll take the plus money on its run line in a high-scoring win.

Pick: Cubs -1.5 (+112) and Over 7.5 (-125) -- Joe Summers

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Odds, Prediction and Pick

• Run Line: Yankees -1.5 (+150) | Mariners +1.5 (-180)

• Moneyline: Yankees: -107 | Mariners: -103

• Total: 7.5 (Over -120/Under +100)

The last time these two teams faced off with this pitching matchup there were 14 runs scored in the game. 

I don’t think it’s going to be that high-scoring again, but the Yankees' pitching staff has let them down several times over this losing streak, including both starter Frankie Montas and the bullpen getting rocked by the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. 

All three games these teams played went well over 7.5 runs last week, and even in a pitcher's park in Seattle, I think 7.5 is way too low.

Jameson Taillon has struggled lately, allowing five or more earned runs in three of his last six starts. I simply don’t trust these starters enough to not go OVER on this low total. 

Lean: OVER 7.5 (-120) -- Peter Dewey

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.