Ricky Dimon
The week in Major League Baseball continues with a modest 9-game slate on Thursday. It includes Brewers vs Cubs, Giants vs Padres and Red Sox vs Yankees. The Pickswise team has been in fine form this season, with a 129-101-8 record in this MLB best bets series. Let’s build on that momentum and hopefully deliver some more winners today! You can also check out our MLB picks for every game on Thursday, August 21.
MLB best bet: Kansas City Royals ML over Texas Rangers (-112)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
You have to absolutely love Kansas City’s chances in this finale of a 4-game series on Thursday afternoon. The Royals lost on Wednesday night after surrendering 3 runs in the top of the 9th inning, but they have won 5 of their last 6 contests and 7 of their last 9. Kansas City is 5 games over .500 at home in 2025, while Texas is 13 games under .500 on the road.
The pitching matchup also favors Kansas City. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen has been mediocre overall this season, but he has not allowed a single run in his last 2 appearances (11.0 innings). Moreover, the right-hander is sporting a 3.40 ERA at home compared to a 5.06 mark on the road. The Rangers are countering with Patrick Corbin, who was perhaps the worst pitcher in baseball nonstop from 2021 through 2024. He has been better this year (4.45 ERA), but the southpaw has cooled off to the tune of a ridiculous 12.10 ERA through 3 starts in the month of August. I’m backing KC with a ton of confidence.
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MLB best bet: San Diego Padres ML over San Francisco Giants (-170)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Although it has been a Hall of Fame career for Justin Verlander, the end of the road appears to be nearing. That’s not to say the 42-year-old has been terrible in 2025, but he hasn’t been good – and he isn’t getting any help from his team. The Giants are 1-10 in Verlander’s last 11 starts and he comes in with a 1-9 record. San Francisco has scored 2 runs or fewer in an unbelievable 9 of the righty’s last 11 appearances.
It has also been a forgettable season for Dylan Cease, but there are reasons for optimism on Thursday. The right-hander boasts a 3.61 ERA at home, light years better than his 5.65 effort on the road. Through 3 August outings, he has compiled a 3.14 ERA. San Diego is an awesome 40-21 at Petco Park this year and its home dominance has every reason to continue. Even with significant juice (-170), there is still good value on the Padres.
