Welcome back to another day of MLB Underdog picks and MLB player props as we dive into Thursday night's Major League Baseball schedule. With the MLB Trade Deadline now in the rearview mirror, we can have a clearer lens on some teams as the playoff push begins. We'll be targeting a few players in the thick of the playoff races for today's MLB betting picks. Our top MLB picks on Underdog Fantasy tonight feature Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias and Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez. Plus, we have a bonus pick targeting the Chicago Cubs offense against the Cincinnati Reds. Check out these free MLB player props and MLB daily picks on Underdog Fantasy for “Pick'Em” contests tonight. Don't forget to check out the latest MLB weather report and the confirmed MLB lineups when placing those MLB betting picks. Plus, the MLB daily projections and MLB Batter vs Pitcher page will help you find the best matchups for MLB player props and MLB DFS lineups. Let's dive into the top MLB player picks on Underdog Fantasy for Thursday, August 3rd.

 

MLB Underdog Fantasy Top Picks August 3

Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros – OVER 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI

Since returning from injury, Yordan Alvarez has looked just like the MVP-caliber hitter we’re used to. He’s batting .409 with a 1.253 OPS over these last six games back, including nine hits, five runs scored, four RBI, and two homers in this span. He’s gone over 1.5 hits+runs+RBI in four of six games as well. Now Alvarez gets to hit in a Yankee Stadium, a ballpark he’s crushed in over the years. The Houston Astros slugger boasts a .357 BA and a 1.223 OPS in his career at this stadium. Look for Alvarez to keep it going against New York Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, who’s allowing a .290 BA and .376 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season. As for Alvarez, he has a .277 BA and 1.010 OPS vs right-handed pitching this year and should have the advantage in this matchup. 

Luke Weaver, Cincinnati Reds – OVER 3.0 Earned Runs Allowed 

In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Chicago Cubs have scored 36 combined runs over the past two games in this series with the Cincinnati Reds. It’s been a turnstile at the plate for Cubs hitters and it’s hard to see Luke Weaver doing much to slow that down tonight. The Reds starter has struggled to an ugly 6.80 ERA and 1.60 WHIP this season with at least three earned runs allowed in 14 of his 18 starts. Weaver had a 6.33 ERA across five July outings and now has to face this scorching-hot Chicago offense. This spells trouble for the Cincy right-hander. Since the All-Star break, the Cubs are tops in the MLB against right-handed pitching with a .432 wOBA, .344 BA, 1.019 OPS, 174 wRC+, and .258 ISO. The offense is also averaging 7.6 runs per game overall since the break. Meanwhile, Weaver has a 5.76 ERA on the road this season. He’s given up 4+ earned runs in six of his last 10 outings with 3+ runs allowed in nine of 10. To make matters worse, Weaver has an 8.25 ERA in three career starts at Wrigley Field and an 8.59 ERA in seven career outings vs the Cubs. Yikes!

Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers – OVER 0.5 Pitcher Wins

This series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics has not been close and it likely won’t get much better for the visitors tonight. The Dodgers have outscored the A’s, 17-4, in the first two games and will be going for the clean sweep here. The pitching matchup of Julio Urias vs JP Sears has the Dodgers as -290 favorites on the money line at DraftKings Sportsbook. We should see Urias earn the win here. The left-hander has been strong at home with a 5-1 record, 2.47 ERA, and 0.85 WHIP over seven home outings this season. His road numbers leave much to be desired, but Urias consistently gets it done in Los Angeles. He’ll face an Oakland offense that’s been bad against left-handed pitching all season (.298 wOBA) and over the past month (.300 wOBA). On the other side, the Dodgers should provide plenty of run support for Urias in its matchup vs Sears. The A’s lefty has been decent lately, but the LA offense is one of the league’s elite against southpaws this year and over the past couple of weeks. It’s worth noting that DK Sportsbook has Urias to record a win at -110 odds as of this writing. 

 

MLB Best Bets

If you are looking for some MLB Best Bets today, check out our MLB betting picks for today's slate of games.

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