MLB picks: White Sox vs. Blue Jays, Rockies vs. Cubs

Let’s discuss our two favorite plays from Monday’s MLB slate!

First, we’ll dive into a high-profile American League matchup between the Chicago White Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. Then we’ll highlight the series opener between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago White Sox (72-53) at Toronto Blue Jays (64-58), 7:07 p.m. ET

Two of the top seven offenses in baseball by runs per game should combine for an easy Over as the White Sox visit the Blue Jays.

Lance Lynn takes the hill for Chicago, and while he’s the current frontrunner for AL Cy Young honors, he’s looked vulnerable in August. He’s pitched to a 3.60 ERA in three starts this month.

The Indiana native held Toronto to one run over seven frames when these clubs met on June 9, but the White Sox were at home that day. Lynn’s ERA jumps up over 30 points on the road, and his WHIP climbs from 0.950 to 1.282.

Marcus Semien could make an impact in this one for the Blue Jays; he’s 8-for-22 (.364) lifetime against Lynn with a home run, and has gone deep three times over his last four games.

Alek Manoah counters for Toronto, looking to lower his August ERA from 6.14. He held Chicago to one run over five frames on June 9, but the rookie had the advantage over a lineup that didn’t know what to expect from him.

Neither bullpen has played well over the last two weeks, further strengthening the case for the Over. The White Sox are 18th by ERA (4.41) in this span, while the Blue Jays are 26th (5.50).

MLB pick: Over

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Colorado Rockies (57-67) at Chicago Cubs (54-72), 8:05 p.m. ET

Bettors should expect a fairly low-scoring game at Wrigley Field as the Rockies visit the Cubs.

Antonio Senzatela gets the nod for Colorado against freefalling Chicago, which has lost 17 of its last 20 games while plating a mere 3.55 runs per contest. Senzatela has posted consecutive quality starts on the road, and is backed by a Rockies relief corps that’s fifth by ERA over the last two weeks (2.88).

Kyle Hendricks counters for the Cubs against Colorado’s league worst road offense (3.03 runs per game), which was held to just 11 runs in its last six-game road trip. He should be able to pitch deep enough into this game to spare the Chicago bullpen (29th by ERA over the last two weeks at 7.35) from costing Under bettors their money.

MLB pick: Under