Let's break down each of these plays.
MLB pick today: Cincinnati Reds ML over Pittsburgh Pirates (+130), 6:35 pm ET
The Pirates snapped an 8-game losing streak on Saturday, but followed it up with an 8-3 loss on Sunday. With that loss, the Pirates are now 7-16 in September and 5-17 in their last 22 games at home. The Pirates had a clean and rather comfortable 4-game sweep of the Reds in their last meeting. But since then, Pittsburgh is 1-9 with a -29 run differential and Cincinnati is 4-7 with a -13 run differential. Those Reds numbers are nothing to brag about but they are much better than the Pirates have been able to muster, therefore backing the Reds will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates predictions
MLB pick today: Atlanta Braves ML over Washington Nationals (-250), 7:05 pm ET
The Nationals have been the worst team in baseball throughout the season. That makes this an opportunity that the Braves cannot let go by without capitalizing. It was meant to be rookie sensation Spencer Strider on the mound for them today, but he was placed on the injured list over the weekend. That puts Bryce Elder back on the hill. He's a rookie the Braves have worked into the rotation recently, including his last start against the Nationals. He gave up just 1 run and 4 hits, and now his lineup will be facing a young starter as well.