MLB Picks and Predictions for Monday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Monday, June 1.
Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals, 8:15PM ET
The Cincinnati Reds just got swept in a three-game series against an NL Central rival, but second baseman Brandon Phillips isn't willing to concede that they were matched up against a better team.
He might find visiting the St. Louis Cardinals more humbling.
Phillips and the Reds look to avoid a season-high tying fourth straight loss - and sixth straight at Busch Stadium - as they open a four-game series against the Cardinals on Monday night.
Cincinnati (26-23) was outscored 17-9 in dropping three straight at division-leading Milwaukee over the weekend. The Reds batted .219 and posted a 6.38 ERA in the series, but Phillips didn't waver on his stance that Cincinnati is the superior club.
MLB Free Pick: St. Louis | Best Line: -120 SPORTSBETTING
Oakland A’s at Chicago White Sox, 8:11PM ET
After a strong finish on their road trip to close out May, the Chicago White Sox are looking forward to returning home - especially given the way they hit at U.S. Cellular Field last June.
The White Sox begin a season-high 12-game homestand Monday when they take on the Oakland Athletics in the opener of a four-game series.
Chicago (24-25) is trying to win its season-high fourth straight Monday after sweeping a weekend set at Kansas City. The White Sox went 5-1 on their road trip and won for the ninth time in 12 games overall with a 7-4 victory Sunday.
Chicago scored four runs off Zack Greinke, who came in with an ERA of 0.84 over 10 starts, erasing a 4-1 deficit. Chris Getz snapped a 4-all tie with a two-run single in the ninth.
MLB Free Pick: Oakland | Best Line: +125 SPORTSBETTING
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:10PM ET
Despite missing their opening day starter since the beginning of the season and their top slugger for the past 3 1/2 weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have the best record in the majors.
They're about to get a little closer to full strength, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the NL West.
Hiroki Kuroda is expected to be activated from the disabled list and pitch for the first time since the season opener Monday night, when the first-place Dodgers start a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Very little has slowed down Los Angeles (35-17), which finished May an NL-best 20-9 and opens June atop the major league standings with an 8 1/2-game lead in the West.
MLB Free Pick: Los Angeles | Best Line: -180 SPORTSBETTING
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