Editor's Note: Monday's Astros-White Sox game has been postponed because of inclement weather and will be made up on Tuesday at 2:07 p.m. ET.
The White Sox win over the Astros on Sunday night guaranteed us another full and probably crazy day of MLB postseason action today.
All four Division Series' are in action, with games beginning as early as 1:07 p.m. (Brewers vs. Braves) and as late as 9:37 p.m. (Giants-Dodgers). Two series could end today, as the Astros look to close out the White Sox and the Red Sox will attempt to finish off the Rays.
With such a busy day, there will be plenty of opportunities for chaos to reign. We have picks on three games today, including moneyline plays on a favorite and an underdog, as well as a first five innings run line to consider.
Here are our best best for Monday's Major League Baseball postseason action.
MLB Odds & Picks
| 9:37 p.m. ET | |
Brewers vs. Braves
PRO Report: As recently as Sunday afternoon, Milwaukee sat as a +105 underdog against Atlanta for Monday’s NLDS Game 3.
But that line now sits at -110 thanks to sharp betting action.
Action Labs’ Bet Signals have tracked two separate waves of smart money flowing on the Brew Crew, which is responsible for the odds movement we’ve seen thus far.
In addition, one of The Action Network’s top MLB bettors has already gotten down on the Brewers, aligning their position with the wiseguys in this NLDS Game 3 matchup.
And while shops like PointsBet and DraftKings are at -110 both ways, BetMGM is hanging Milwaukee -105 so be sure to check in with our MLB Live Odds Page to peruse the market for the best possible price.
Astros vs. White Sox
Editor's Note: Monday's Astros-White Sox game has been postponed because of inclement weather and will be made up on Tuesday at 2:07 p.m. ET.
Collin Whitchurch: Home field advantage seems like kind of a big deal in this series, as the Astros easily won the first two games in Houston before the White Sox bats came alive in a wild, 12-6 win in Game 3 to keep the series alive.
The big story on Monday will be the arm of Carlos Rodón, who looked like a legitimate Cy Young contender this season when he was on, but who saw a velocity dip as he battled arm issues during the last couple months of the season.
The White Sox insist Rodón is good to go, and if so, the White Sox have a significant advantage in the starting pitching department. In two starts against the Astros this season, Rodón has thrown 14 innings and allowed just one run on four hits with three walks and 18 strikeouts.
José Urquidy has been solid when healthy for the Astros this season. His main asset is his control as he only walked 19 batters in 107 innings, but he has also had issues with the long ball this season, so while he keeps the ball in the zone, occasionally it gets smashed.
Rodón being on today is a big "if," but the White Sox offense showed on Sunday what it can do at home, even when facing a big deficit. I don't necessarily trust the bullpen to get the job done and send us back to Houston for Game 5, but through the early innings, Chicago at -0.5 and +100 is too good to pass up.
Giants vs. Dodgers
| 9:37 p.m. ET |
DJ James: The Giants are really good offensive against right-handed pitchers, and will be facing one of the best around today in Max Scherzer. They have a 111 wRC+ against righties since August 1 with the fifth-most homers in baseball in that timespan at 63. Seven of their hitters are above that 100 wRC+ threshold since the start of September. This is a complete lineup and one that contrasts the Cardinals' lineup Scherzer faced in the NL Wild Card Game.
Mad Max is clearly the superior pitcher against Alex Wood, but Wood is not someone to write off. He owned an above-average xERA on the season at 3.89. He has a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings in September. He utilizes his slider often, and the Dodgers have only maintained a collective .309 xwOBA on sliders from southpaws this season.
The Dodgers have a strong lineup, but Wood should be able to hold them in check with a good mix in his arsenal. Mad Max will have to show better control compared to his Wild Card Game start to defeat a far better lineup for San Francisco. Take the Giants at +184 and play to +155. There is enough value on them as underdogs here.
