MLB weekend best bets: Orioles will tee off on rusty Kluber

We split our MLB picks in the final week of August, but we're ready to get back on track with a loaded slate in the first weekend of September. Here are a few of our favorite plays.

Rockies over 5 runs (-110) vs. Braves
Sept. 3, 8:40 p.m. ET

The Rockies' offense has been in a bit of a slump as of late, plating four or fewer runs in seven of their last 11 games. Nine of those came during Colorado's lengthy August road trip, which ended with Thursday's five-run effort at home against the Braves.

Expect a similar showing Friday at Coors Field. The Rockies have scored at least five runs in 10 of their last 11 home games, averaging 7.5 runs and 2.4 homers per contest. That could be an issue for Atlanta starter Huascar Ynoa, who's allowed nine home runs in his last 10 starts and has struggled to limit contact in his return from the IL.

Mets -1.5 (TBD) at Nationals
Sept. 4, 1:05 p.m.

One of the lone bright spots for the Mets this year has been Marcus Stroman, who is quietly putting together the best season of his seven-year career after a taking year off in 2020. The 2012 first-round pick has posted a 2.85 ERA - ninth-best among qualified starters - on the campaign and allowed a combined three runs through 11 1/3 innings against the Nationals in August.

On the other side, Washington starter Erick Fedde ceded five runs and eight hits in Sunday's blowout loss to the Mets, which followed a two-run outing in just four innings against New York on Aug. 12. Both of these teams have been disastrous in August, so back the better pitcher in this one.

Orioles +1.5 (TBD) at Yankees
Sept. 5, 1:05 p.m.

The Orioles have been the worst team in baseball this year, and they've lost 24 of 28 games in August. So why bet on them keeping it close against the Yankees? Two words: Corey Kluber.

The two-time Cy Young winner looked like his old self in May when he threw nine shutout innings against the Rangers to lower his ERA to 2.86. Then came yet another injury, which sidelined him until Monday's uninspiring start against the Angels, who tagged him for five runs in four labored innings.

Kluber ran into trouble the last time he faced the O's on May. 14 when he allowed four runs in seven frames. If he isn't sharp in the rematch - and his most recent start suggests he won't be - expect Baltimore to take advantage.

C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at [email protected].