MLB picks: A's vs. Rangers, Reds vs. Twins

It’s not the most crowded Monday MLB slate, but there are still some good games for bettors to choose from. We’ve highlighted our two favorite sides for the evening below.

We’ll lead off with a look at the AL West matchup between the Oakland A’s and the Texas Rangers. Then we’ll preview an interleague battle between the Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins.

Oakland A’s (44-29) at Texas Rangers (25-46), 8:05 p.m. ET

Starting pitchers Frankie Montas and Kyle Gibson shouldn’t give up much early, enabling first five innings Under bettors to cash in this series opener between the A’s and Rangers.

Montas has performed better on the road than at home for Oakland in 2021, producing a 3.13 ERA as the visiting hurler, compared to a 4.67 ERA in his own building. He’s also been sharp in June, limiting batters to a .229 average over three outings (his season mark is .262).

Montas has yet to face Texas in 2021, but their 26th-ranked offense (3.92 runs per game) offers little to fear.

Meanwhile, Gibson has been by far the best starter in the Rangers’ rotation, and he hasn’t lost a step in June (1.56 ERA). He’s been practically untouchable at Globe Life Field in 2021, producing a 0.96 ERA and .191 opponent batting average.

Under bettors would be wise to avoid any late-inning drama with these bullpens, who both rank in the bottom third by ERA over the last two weeks.

MLB pick: Under 4.5 runs (first five innings)

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Cincinnati Reds (35-35) at Minnesota Twins (30-41), 8:10 p.m. ET

The Reds should rout the Twins at Target Field on Monday night.

Tyler Mahle goes for his sixth straight victory on the mound for Cincinnati. He has a 2.15 ERA over his last five outings (29 1/3 innings) to go along with a 36-6 strikeout to walk ratio.

Mahle meets a modest Minnesota offense that’s 17th in runs per game at home in 2021. The Twins thrive on the longball, but Mahle has allowed only one homer over his last five starts.

J.A. Happ counters for the Twins, and his 8.68 ERA since the start of May (eight starts) does not inspire confidence. Nick Castellano and Joey Votto are a combined 21-for-45 (.467) all-time off Happ with two big flies and 11 RBI, so look for them to deal some early damage in this contest.

Trend bettors should note that the Reds have won five straight as the betting favorite, with an identical record in their last five tilts against left-handed starters.

MLB pick: Reds -120