MLB Predictions Today, MLB Free Picks & Best MLB Bets Today 08/04

• ⭐ Braves vs. Cubs: Atlanta Braves -1.5 runs (+100) at BetMGM Sportsbook

As we dive into this Braves vs. Cubs prediction, the Braves had a phenomenal 69-37 record, the best in all of baseball. Meanwhile, the Cubs are sitting around .500 (56-53). 

For our best MLB bet today examining this game, the Braves have Max Fried returning to the hill, who hasn’t pitched in a game since early May. 

Fried is a stellar pitcher, finishing with an ERA less than 3.00 in two of the previous three years, and had a 2.08 ERA before getting hurt this year. 

Despite not having Fried to lean on, the Braves have continued to dominate as they score the most runs per game and look borderline unbeatable down the stretch. 

The Cubs aren’t as strong, but they did have a massive eight-game winning streak before the trade deadline, which turned them from sellers to acquiring Jeimer Candelario. 

They’ll start Kyle Hendricks, who’s been OK lately, but he’s allowed three or more runs in four of his last five starts.

Look for Fried to pick up where he left off here. 

Best Betting Pick: Braves vs. Cubs: Atlanta Braves -1.5 runs (+100) at BetMGM Sportsbook

CLICK HERE to bet on the Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Dodgers match!

• ⭐ Cincinnati Reds -1.5 runs (-105) at DraftKings Sportsbook

Despite the Nationals having some recent success, they’re still not scoring many runs, averaging 4.29 (22nd in the league) per game. The Nationals dealt Jeimer Candelario at the deadline. 

Their offense has been stagnant, and their bullpen has also been terrible, but they’ve somehow managed to have some recent success. 

Remember, as we head into this Nationals vs. Reds prediction, they’re still 46-63. Patrick Corbin is starting this one for the Nationals, and he’s 7-11 with a 5.07 ERA. It’s been a rough year. 

The Reds are ninth in the league in runs per game at 4.90 and have Graham Ashcraft starting. He’s 6-7 with a 5.31 ERA, but he’s been pretty stellar lately, allowing just six runs over his last five starts over 29 ⅓ innings. 

As for our best MLB bets today, we’ll side with the Reds here as Ashcraft keeps it strong. 

Best Betting Pick: New York Mets ML (-102) at FanDuel Sportsbook

⭐ CLICK HERE to bet on the Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds match! ⭐

• ⭐ Under 9 Runs (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

The Tigers made some headlines as Eduardo Rodriguez blocked a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline. 

As we evaluate this Rays vs. Tigers prediction, the Rays will send Zack Littell to the mound, and the Tigers have rookie Reese Olson. 

Littell has just four starts on the year, and his most recent one came on July 30 against the Houston Astros, where he allowed two runs over five innings. 

Olson is 1-4 on the year with a 4.71 ERA. 

Scoring-wise, the Rays average 5.16 runs per game while the Tigers score the third-least at 3.93. 

Instead of looking at the run line or moneyline, we’ll look toward the over/under here for our best MLB bets today. Both pitchers don’t present a lot of confidence despite some past performances, but the scoring could be a bit low. 

Best Betting Pick: Under 9 Runs (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

⭐ CLICK HERE to bet on the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Detroit Tigers match! ⭐