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MLB best bets, picks, predictions for Fri. 8/23

Originally posted on Action Network | Last updated Aug 23, 2024 11:32 AM ET

We made it to Friday again!

Let's celebrate with our two MLB best bets for Friday, Aug. 23.

Check out Yardbarker's betting hub for odds, picks, predictions and analysis — and start winning TODAY!

Tony Sartori's Rockies vs. Yankees Best Bet: The Over/Under Pick

Friday, Aug. 23

7:05 p.m. ET

MLB.TV

Over 8.5 (-105, Bet365)

By Tony Sartori

Let's start with the hitting. Both lineups rank in the league's top half in hits per game, BA, SLG and OPS.

So, where does the starting pitching leave us? The pitching matchup is Kyle Freeland versus Carlos Rodon.

Both guys rank in the league's bottom half in xERA, average exit velocity, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.

That leaves the bullpen, which again points us toward the under.

Both relief staffs rank in the league's bottom half in both FIP and xFIP. Considering these variables, it's worth betting the over.

Pick: Over 8.5 (-105)

Justin Perri's Phillies vs. Royals Best Bet: Fade The Struggling Taijuan Walker

Friday, Aug. 23

8:10 p.m. ET

MLB.TV

Royals F5 TT Over 2.5 (-125, DraftKings)

By Justin Perri

Taijuan Walker enters today's start against the Royals, allowing three or more runs in each of his last three starts, never escaping the fifth inning.

There's no excuse for his performance, especially considering his last two opponents were Miami and Washington. On Friday, he faces the Royals in Kansas City, and we all know about the Royals' home/road splits.

It's pretty easy to be better offensively at a stadium that, per StatCast Park Factors, is experiencing 11% fewer strikeouts than the average MLB park. Kauffman is the top run-scoring environment in baseball outside of Coors and the stadium in Mexico City.

I will keep it simple and bet on the Royals to score in this plus hitting environment against a pitcher who has been bleeding runs all year.

Walker is coming off a start that saw him throw more bad pitches than quality pitches. If that form is maintained, this should be a very strong opportunity for the Royals to punch in three runs in the first half. The Royals had the day off on Thursday, so they should be rested and ready to take a winnable game against a strong opponent to open this three-game interleague series.

Trust Bobby Witt Jr, Salvador Perez, and the rest of the Kansas City crew to score early against one of the worst starters in baseball.