MLB picks: Mets vs. Reds, Mariners vs. Rockies

We have an intriguing Tuesday MLB slate to consider – let’s not waste any time and get right to our two best bets of the evening.

First up is a meeting between the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds. Then we’ll discuss a matchup between the Seattle Mariners and the Colorado Rockies.

New York Mets (49-42) at Cincinnati Reds (48-46), 7:10 p.m. ET

The Reds should end their four-game slide out of the All-Star break against the Mets on Tuesday night.

Robert Stock will toe the rubber for a New York squad short on starters, and his 7.88 ERA and 2.000 WHIP on the year do not inspire confidence. Cincinnati is tied for third in the majors in runs per game at home this year (5.51), so look for them to pounce on Stock early. Perhaps outfielder Tyler Naquin – who had five hits in Monday’s wild 15-11 extra-innings loss – can keep the momentum going.

Once Stock departs, the Mets’ struggling bullpen (5.24 ERA in July, 19th in the majors) will take over.

Wade Miley counters for the Reds, and he’s arguably been the club’s most reliable arm in 2021. He threw a no-hitter in May, had a 2.81 ERA in June, and has allowed only two earned runs through two starts in July (14 2/3 innings).

Miley can give Cincinnati enough length and avoid overtaxing their mediocre bullpen (4.74 ERA in July, 16th). The Mets are next-to-last in the majors in runs per game this year (3.92)

MLB pick: Reds -152

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Seattle Mariners (50-44) at Colorado Rockies (41-53), 8:40 p.m. ET

After beginning July with a 10.00 ERA through two starts, the Mariners’ Marco Gonzales (1-5, 5.88 ERA) is hoping for a reversal of fortune in the second half of the season. The fly-ball pitcher couldn’t have picked a worse venue than the Rockies’ Coors Field for his first start after the break.

Gonzales will face Colorado’s third-ranked home offense (5.51 runs per game) on Tuesday night. Bettors should expect C.J. Cron to do some damage against the Seattle southpaw, as he owns a .944 OPS against lefties this year.

All-Star selection German Marquez responds for the Rockies, and he’s pitched to an impeccable 0.75 ERA over his last five starts (36 innings), three of which came at home. That includes his eight innings of one-run ball against the Mariners on June 23.

Handicappers will want to be wary of the significant advantage Seattle has in the bullpen department (the Mariners are sixth by ERA in July while the Rockies are 23rd), and make a creative wager to ensure a solid profit.

MLB pick: Rockies -141 (Lead After 5 Innings - 3-way)