Top MLB Betting Picks of the Week – August 6th Ed.

The San Diego Padres have officially mailed it in for the 2018 season as they attempt to land the highest possible draft pick for 2018. Instead of trading starting pitchers Tyson Ross and Jordan Lyles before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, the team simply let them go via waiver claims (to save a bit of money), Ross to the Cardinals and Lyles to the Brewers. If I’m a fan living in San Diego, why would I bother attending a game now? The Friars open a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Here’s a look at two intriguing matchups this week. Check back for MLB odds before placing your betting ticket.

Top MLB Betting Picks of the Week – August 6th Edition

Oh my! What a play by The Final Boss to end the game!! #끝판왕 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/6d7XU2Tu4e
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) 5 de agosto de 2018

Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets

When: Tuesday, 7:10 PM ET (MLB Extra Innings)

The Mets were one of the big stories of the early season with their success but have since fallen off a cliff and are nothing short of an abject disaster. Could that mean manager Mickey Callaway is one-and-done in that role? Previously the Indians pitching coach, Callaway was hired over the winter by GM Sandy Alderson, who took a leave of absence in June to battle cancer. Alderson is not expected to return to his old post. Many GMs like to hire their own manager, but reports out of New York are that Callaway will be allowed to return but certainly could be on a short leash entering 2019. When Mybookie.ag releases a first manager fired prop for next year, Callaway will be one of the favorites. Callaway signed a three-year contract last October. After an 11-1 start, the team plummeted to 27-27 by May 31 and are 45-64 after a 5-4 loss to the Braves in 10 innings on Sunday. Callaway had spent five years as the pitching coach of the Indians and during that time Cleveland led the major leagues in team earned run average, strikeouts (1,614) and strikeouts per nine innings. The Mets were 20th in ERA (4.38) entering Sunday. This looks like one of the worst pitching matchups of the week so there’s going to be a big total. It’s struggling lefty Jason Vargas for New York. Vargas (2-7, 8.23) pitched five innings and took the loss Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks in the 4-2 loss to Atlanta. He struck out seven batters. Vargas was tagged for a run in the first inning from an Ozzie Albies single before allowing three more runs in the third. Vargas hasn’t picked up a win since May 30, dropping his last four decisions. Cincinnati’s Sal Romano (6-9, 5.12) shifted from the bullpen to the rotation Wednesday to throw 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs in a loss to the Tigers. He allowed one run in six innings in a no-decision vs. the Mets on May 9.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies

When: Wednesday, 3:10 PM ET (MLB Extra Innings)

Two wild-card hopefuls here with the Rockies still also in the hunt for the NL West title. Pittsburgh got outfielder Corey Dickerson back from the DL over the weekend and is hopeful of getting first baseman Josh Bell (oblique) as early as Tuesday. Although he’s hit a disappointing six homers, the 25-year-old has lifted his OPS 53 points (.698 to .749) since June 23. He last played on July 27.

The Pirates shouldn't be one of your MLB Betting picks of the week.

The Pirates shocked many by trading for Tampa Bay ace Chris Archer before last Tuesday’s trade deadline and Archer struggled in his Pirates’ debut on Friday, surrendering five runs (four earned) on seven hits across 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Cardinals. He struck out six on the night but also issued four walks. He served up a leadoff homer to Matt Carpenter, then settled in nicely until the Cardinals broke through for three runs while chasing him in the fifth inning. Archer now owns a disappointing 4.49 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over 100 1/3 innings through 18 starts on the season. He won his only career start (6 IP, 2 ER, 11 Ks) at Coors Field in 2016. It’s German Marquez (9-8, 4.70) for Colorado. A blown save with 2 outs in the ninth on Friday in Milwaukee cost Marquez his fifth consecutive victory after the right-hander pitched well once again. In 7 innings, he allowed 2 runs and struck out 9, lowering his ERA to 2.95 over his last 6 starts. Since their eight-game home losing streak ended June 18, the Rockies have gone 16-4 at Coors Field. Over that 20-game span, have outscored opponents 118-73. They have posted a 3.28 team ERA, a 3.01 ERA by the starters and a 3.86 ERA by the bullpen.