Top MLB Picks and Predictions Today (Fade White Sox vs. Royals, Dodgers-Mets Pick and One Total on Wednesday)

Are the dogs barking on Wednesday?

The BetSided crew sure seems to think so, as Joe Summers and Peter Dewey each have an underdog pick for the action on Aug. 31.

Plus, Iain MacMillan has a fun total to play in the Detroit Tigers-Seattle Mariners matchup. Let's jump into today's top picks:

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets Odds, Prediction and Pick

Even though Jacob deGrom has been dominant in his five starts this season, the Mets are far from a lock to win in this game. 

New York is 3-2 when deGrom is on the mound in 2022, and it has failed to give him run support in each of his outings this season, which really is the story of deGrom’s Mets tenure. The Mets have scored just 12 runs in deGrom’s outings, scoring more than three runs just once. 

I mean, come on. Things won’t be easy against Tyler Anderson, who’s allowed three or fewer runs in all but four starts this season, with the Dodgers going 19-5 in his outings. 

The Mets may have the pitching edge, but Los Angeles has the better offense right now, ranking second in OPS and fourth in runs scored over the last 15 days while New York is sixth and 12th in those same categories. 

Usually, I’d back deGrom without hesitation, but I think we’re getting some serious value on Los Angeles, especially with how well Anderson has pitched in 2022. 

Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers Odds, Prediction and Pick

After struggling for the span of a month, Mariners' starter, Marco Gonzales, has strung together two solid starts, allowing a combined two earned runs in his last 11.1 innings pitched.

He has an interesting matchup ahead of him tonight in the Tigers. Their offensive numbers certainly aren't impressive, but it's important to note that their OPS this season jumps from .596 against right-handed pitchers, to .695 against left-handed pitchers.

Gonzales will face-off against fellow left-handed pitcher, Tyler Alexander. Ironically, the Mariners OPS also increases from .691 against righties, to .713 against lefties.

So, with both bats having an advantage, and with the weather report calling for some heavy outward wind, I think we're going to see a lot of runs in Detroit tonight.

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Odds, Prediction and Pick

It kind of feels like the White Sox will never win again. Obviously, that won't happen. But look at this exhausted at-bat from Luis Robert the other night and tell me the vibes around this clubhouse aren't a full-on disaster:

Everyone in the organization is just ready to put 2022 in the past. Massive, wholesale changes are needed in the franchise, and it seems the only person who doesn't realize it is owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

The pitching staff is a disaster, though Lance Lynn has legitimately been great this month. Kris Bubic is struggling and the White Sox hit left-handed pitchers well, so Chicago should have the upper hand.

That being said, you can't put a price tag on vibes. Kansas City is certainly having much more fun than the White Sox. The Royals have four straight upset wins over Chicago and I'm happy to back them to keep the streak going.

I've always been an analytics guy and want to shower you with numbers to back up my picks. I'm not doing that today. This is purely a qualitative choice, as I don't think anyone in the White Sox organization actually wants to play this game. Look for the Royals' lineup to take advantage of a slumping Chicago pitching staff in another underdog victory.