MLB Best Bets Today: Monday August 25h Top Picks & Player Props

The first workday of the week is always a little rough, but Monday’s MLB games can help keep the blues at bay.

If you’re looking for a few plays on the baseball slate, we’ve got some picks lined up in our MLB Best Bets.

Games don’t start until late afternoon and early evening, so there’s time to do some homework. Odds below are from FanDuel, but be sure to line shop for the best numbers.

Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins

Atlanta starter Spencer Strider is struggling this season (5-11, 5.24 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .267 OBA), especially on the road (2-5, 5.75 ERA). Over his last three starts, he has allowed 20 runs.

Miami starter Edward Cabrera has been sharp at home with a 4-3 record, 3.21 ERA, and .229 OBA. Atlanta’s bats have improved recently (.265 over the last week vs. .216 the week prior), but Cabrera has the edge in this matchup.

Pick: Marlins ML (+102)

The Braves have the lineup advantage, but Miami’s pitching edge outweighs it. With Atlanta’s road struggles, the Marlins are a live underdog at home.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

The Phillies send Cristopher Sanchez (2.46 ERA) to the mound against Kodai Senga (2.58) for the Mets. Sanchez has held seven of his last nine opponents to two runs or fewer, while Senga has given up 3+ in four of his last six starts.

Philadelphia is the hottest offense in baseball over the last week, batting .335 and averaging seven runs per game. The Mets aren’t far behind, hitting .292 and scoring 6.5 runs per game over that same stretch.

Pick: Phillies ML (-124)

At first glance, the Under looks appealing with two strong pitchers, but Senga hasn’t looked sharp since returning from the IL. Philadelphia should get enough offense to secure the win.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers

Angels starter Jose Soriano has been excellent on the road (6-2, 2.89 ERA in 12 starts). Jacob deGrom has been even better at home for Texas (6-3, 2.11 ERA in 12 starts), though he did allow five earned runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Angels in July.

Soriano has seen the Rangers three times this season with mixed results:

• July 30: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER
• July 8: 4 IP, 3 H, 5 BB, 5 ER
• April 16: 5 2/3 IP, 10 H, 3 ER

The Angels enter cold at the plate, hitting just .192 over the last week, while Texas is batting .271.

Pick: Rangers -1.5 (+122)

Both starters have been tagged recently, but with Los Angeles slumping offensively, deGrom should dominate. Texas has the firepower to win by multiple runs.