MLB weekly betting preview: Wheeler, Castillo get favorable matchups
We're back on the grind with our MLB picks as the calendar turns to August, when pennant races heat up as much as offensive production.
Here are our favorite bets heading into the week.
Pirates under 3.5 runs (-125) at Brewers
Aug. 2, 8:10 p.m. ET
Fading the Pirates' offense has been a cash cow this season, and it continues to be late in the campaign. Pittsburgh has plated fewer than three runs in five of its last seven games, and the Pirates have fallen below that mark in each of their last eight contests against the Brewers.
Eric Lauer's last appearance came on July 28, when he went three frames while holding the Pirates to one run on two hits. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since June 14, and Lauer shouldn't struggle to limit Pittsburgh's lineup before handing it off to the Brewers' stellar bullpen.
Nationals under (TBD) vs. Phillies
Aug. 3, 7:05 p.m.
Zack Wheeler has been unhittable for most of this season. The Phillies ace produced a 2.05 ERA over his first 17 starts before allowing 12 runs across his last four outings, though he still hung around for seven innings in each of the previous two - including a complete game against the Nationals as part of Thursday's doubleheader.
Washington's offense was a shaky bet even before a complete teardown prior to the trade deadline, which makes this a tastier matchup for Wheeler on Tuesday. Don't expect any magic from the Nats in this one.
Twins under (TBD) at Reds
Aug. 4, 12:35 p.m.
Wednesday's slate is chock full of favorable pitching matchups, including Freddy Peralta against our beloved Pirates. But nobody is more appealing to back than Luis Castillo, who's been on an absolute tear since his ghastly start to the season.
The Reds star allowed three runs to the Cubs during his last appearance, which was tied for the most he's given up since the end of May. Castillo owns a stellar 1.95 ERA over that stretch, with at least eight punchouts during each of his last three trips to the mound. Good luck to the Twins' already depleted lineup.
C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at cjackson.cowart@thescore.com.