Have bettors gotten to the point where they should simply take the Dodgers any time they are underdogs? More so, is LA a solid bet anytime they are listed at less than -200 on the ML? The Dodgers have been heavy favorites in most of their matchups lately, but not in the August 16th MLB betting free pick where the Braves are listed at -111 at home. There’s value on Atlanta too as they send a possible Cy Young candidate to the mound but where will the public side?
Hard to Not Like the Dodgers in This One
LA has won 9 of their last 10 but they are far from invincible as evidenced by Thursday’s 7-13 loss to the Marlins. It was getaway day in South Beach for the Dodgers but they hardly looked like the team that had taken the first two games in the series vs. Miami by a combined score of 24-2. The loss also broke a 4-game win streak for Dave Roberts’ team in which they had put up 37 total runs. The Dodgers have belted out 15 HR over the past 5 games with Justin Turner hammering 4 of those. With that offense, LA can win any game they are in.
LA still hadn’t confirmed their starter for the August 16th MLB betting free pick as of publishing time Thursday night but it should be Kenta Maeda’s spot due up. He last pitched August 10th vs. Arizona, holding the D’Backs scoreless on 3 hits over 7.0 IP. It was a nice bounce back start for the right-hander who had allowed 5ER in each of his previous two starts. Maeda does have a 5.66 ERA going away this season though.
Atlanta Ready For the Challenge
If these two squads are going to meet in the postseason (which is looking more and more likely) Atlanta better start tallying some wins if only for their own self-confidence. The Braves have lost 8 of the last 11 to the Dodgers at home. LA has won 36 of the last 53 meetings between the teams overall including a sweep at Chavez Ravine in early May. The Dodgers won those three games by a combined score of 23-7. The Braves have looked good lately though, winning 6 of 8 ahead of their series finale with the Mets on Thursday. Atlanta has scored at least 5 runs in 7 of those contests.
The Dodgers are a solid bet any time they are an underdog but does that tenet still hold true with Atlanta’s Mike Soroka taking the hill in the August 16th MLB betting free pick? Soroka holds an improbable 10-2 record with a 2.32 ERA in his first full season in the majors. The 22-year-old has allowed 1ER or less in 3 of his last 4 starts – all which have come on the road. Soroka has actually been better on the road though with a 1.32 ERA compared to 4.08 at home. Friday will be his first appearance vs. the Dodgers this season.
Top Trends:
- Dodgers are 3-8 in Maeda’s last 11 road starts
- Dodgers are 2-5 last 7 Friday games
- Braves are 4-1 last 5 overall
- Braves are 19-7 in Soroka’s last 26 starts
- Under is 5-1 in Maeda’s last 6 road starts
- Dodgers are 8-3 last 11 in Atlanta
MLB Free Betting Pick
The total for this one seems sky high at 10, especially in a game that should come down to be a pitching duel. The number is set that high for a reason however. If this game were in LA, it would probably be a 3-2 contest. Soroka hasn’t been as good at home compared to on the road and Maeda also struggles a lot more away from LA. Looks like a 7-4 contest is in the works.
MLB Free Pick: Dodgers / Braves *Over* 10
