MLB Picks August 15: Dodgers and Mets Battle in Possible Playoff Preview

With nearly three-quarters of the MLB season in the books, the divisional and league playoff races are heating up. There is a full slate of games for August 15 with the Dodgers and Mets headlining the action.

Cincinnati Reds versus Philadelphia Phillies

Both teams are battling for playoff positions in the National League. The Phillies have a +17 to +10 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Sonny Gray is scheduled to start on the mound for the Reds and the Phillies have yet to name their starter. Gray is 4-6 with a 4.40 ERA and -$245 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The Totals Predictor shows the teams trending “over” the line, however, the Scores Predictor shows a low-scoring game won by Reds, 4-3 with 76 percent confidence.  Avoid the over/under and the feeling is the Phillies will take advantage of home field and win the game.

St. Louis Cardinals versus Kansas City Royals

In this midwest, interleague battle, the Cardinals have a +19 to +14 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. St Louis has been playing great ball lately, “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator versus “ice cold down” for the Royals. J.A. Happ is scheduled to pitch for the Cardinals and Kris Bubic will get the ball for the Royals. Happ is 6-6 with a very high ERA of 6.34 and -$199 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Bubic has been much more profitable at $580 and is 3-5 with a 4.43 ERA. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the over/under line and the Scores Predictor gives the Cardinals a 7-4 win, but with only 38 percent confidence. I like the Cardinals to win, but don’t bet the over/under.

Atlanta Braves versus Washington Nationals

In this National League East matchup, the Braves are battling with the Phillies and Mets for first place. Atlanta is “burning hot” versus “dead” and +24 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Drew Smyly is scheduled to pitch for the Braves and the Nationals have yet to name their starter. Smyly is 8-3 with a 4.41 ERA and a very solid +$505 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The teams have been trending “over” the line and the Scores Predictor has the Braves on top by a 9-3 score with 69 percent confidence. I feel “over” and the Braves are both excellent plays in this game.

Los Angeles Dodgers versus New York Mets

The Dodgers look to make a run at the Giants in the National League West against the Mets, who battle the Phillies and the Braves in the National League East. The Dodgers have a +28 to +5 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Max Scherzer is set to pitch for the Dodgers. Despite a 9-4 record and 2.63 ERA, he’s been a relatively poor bet at -$63 dollars on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator.  The Totals Predictor shows the teams trending on opposite sides of the line and the Scores Predictor gives the Dodgers a huge margin of win, 8-3 with 68 percent confidence. I like the Dodgers to win comfortably but would avoid the over/under bet.

New York Yankees versus Chicago White Sox

The Yankees are looking up in the American League East, while the White Sox are dominating the American League Central. New York has a +16 to +13 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average up” against “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Neither team has set their starting pitcher for this game. The Totals Predictor shows both teams are trending “under” and the 3-1 margin of win for the Yankees with 65 percent confidence on the Scores Predictor screams to bet “under”.  As for the outcome of the game, stick with the Yankees for a road win.

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