Best MLB Bets Today – Free (Thursday 9/8)

Welcome to the FTN’s free MLB Picks of the Day, featuring our favorite or best MLB bets today. FTN will be posting a play or two from the MLB card — for free!

Today, MLBdream provides his picks. 

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Best MLB Bets and Picks Today

Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs

Cubs -135 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Reds +115 @ Cubs -135 – Total 8 (DraftKings Sportsbook)

MLB stuck us with a lackluster Thursday slate as the NFL kicks off, and we’re actually lucky to have a play on the diamond. It’s an early start, so I’ll keep this brief. The Reds and Cubs finish off their series at Wrigley Field, as two teams with fewer than 60 wins play out the rest of their schedule. We’re backing the Cubbies and right-handed pitcher Adrian Sampson at -135.

The Cubs have a 92 wRC+ vs right-handed pitchers this season — since Aug. 1 their offense has been 3% better with a 95 wRC+. Meanwhile, the Reds rank 23rd since Aug. 1 with a 86 wRC+. 

Sampson is on the rubber for the Cubs. He has been solid in his limited innings this season. His 3.95 ERA and 4.34 SIERA aren’t going to blow you away (neither is his 93 MPH fastball) but I certainly give Sampson and the Cubs the pitching advantage over Luis Cessa. Cessa is a converted reliever who is making his 24th career start and fifth of the season. The 30-year-old righty hasn’t had much success in either role this season. Cessa has a 6.86 FIP as a starter this year and 5.02 out of the bullpen. It’s a small sample but hitters are slashing .340/.380/.617 against Cessa as a starter. These are two of the worst bullpens in baseball, but the Cubs clearly have the starting pitcher advantage. 

This isn’t a matchup you love to bet, but I found the Cubs moneyline to be playable at -135 with the advantages they have. Be sure to check out FTN’s Free Live Odds screen to ensure you’re betting the best available number. 

Bet: Cubs -135