MLB Picks Today: Expert Predictions & Best Bets for Friday, August 21, inc. Pirates vs Dodgers
The dog days of August are in full swing as the 2026 Major League Baseball season continues on with a compelling slate of games on Friday, August 21. The full 15-game card features some intriguing matchups, including the Rays vs Orioles at 7:15 pm ET and Angels vs Rangers at 8:15 pm ET live on Apple TV, along with Twins vs Padres, Blue Jays vs Yankees and Giants vs Red Sox. The action gets underway at 4:10 pm ET with Braves vs Brewers and goes right the way through to Pirates vs Dodgers at 10:10 pm ET. Let's break down my MLB best bets for today, while you can also find out our expert MLB picks for EVERY GAME today and throughout the rest of the 2026 campaign!
MLB best bet: Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins Over 8 (-115)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
On paper, the Nationals have most of the ingredients of a playoff team. After all, Washington is among the best offenses in baseball — ranked at the top of the sport in runs scored, home runs and SLG, while sitting at second in team OPS. The Nationals have a formidable lineup that is averaging nearly 5.3 runs per game and should see more success against Miami starter Ryan Gusto (4.70 ERA) on Friday. However, Washington's Achilles heel is its dreadful bullpen, which holds the worst team ERA in the National League (4.81) to this point. It just so happens that Washington is opting to start Brad Lord in this matchup, and he'll likely be used as an opener for what's sure to be a bullpen game. With that in mind, we can expect plenty of runs in this NL East series opener.
Check out our full Nationals vs Marlins prediction for today's MLB game
MLB best bet: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 over Pittsburgh Pirates (-105)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -120.
Much like the previous two season, the Dodgers hit a major wall following the all-star break, and that has largely carried over into what is becoming a customary August swoon. However, following defeats in four of their last five series, Los Angeles appeared to right the ship with a sweep of the Rockies at Coors Field earlier this week. It was just what the doctor ordered for an offense that had been struggling, and the good vibes should continue for this Dodgers group against Pirates starter Bubba Chandler — who holds mostly below average metrics in most statistical categories. As for the hosts, it's fairly easy to project what Yoshinobu Yamamoto will give the Dodgers when he takes the mound. We can expect one of the best in the game to remain in great form, having allowed just 19 runs over his last 10 outings, including five starts where he limited the opposition to 1 run or fewer. With that in mind, I'll trust Los Angeles to pick up its fourth consecutive win on Friday.
Read our full Pirates vs Dodgers prediction for today's MLB matchup
