MLB Best Bets & Player Props for August 22, 2025

 

MLB Best Bets & Player Props – Friday, August 22, 2025

 

 

 

 

Rockies vs Pirates – 3:40 PM ET

 

 

Matchup: COL (37–91) vs PIT (54–74)

Probable Pitchers: Antonio Senzatela (COL 4–14, 7.00) vs Braxton Ashcraft (PIT 3–2, 3.02)

Line: COL +160 | PIT −190 | Total: 8.5

 

Best Bet: Pirates −1.5 (+115)

Why: Senzatela has struggled badly all season, while Ashcraft has been solid at PNC. Pittsburgh should control this game with ease.

 

Player Prop: Bryan Reynolds Over 1.5 Total Bases

Why: Reynolds is the Pirates’ best bat against right-handed pitching and is a strong candidate for extra-base hits here.

 

 

 

 

Nationals vs Phillies – 3:45 PM ET

 

 

Matchup: WSH (52–75) vs PHI (74–53)

Probable Pitchers: Cade Cavalli (WSH 1–0, 2.20) vs Taijuan Walker (PHI 4–6, 3.34)

Line: WSH +145 | PHI −175 | Total: 9.5

 

Best Bet: Phillies ML (−175)

Why: Cavalli has been sharp but untested in big spots, while Philadelphia’s lineup is much deeper and Walker has been steady.

 

Player Prop: Bryce Harper Over 0.5 HR

Why: Harper has great numbers at home and matches up well against Cavalli’s fastball-heavy arsenal.

 

 

 

 

Red Sox vs Yankees – 4:05 PM ET (MLBN/Prime Video)

 

 

Matchup: BOS (69–59) vs NYY (69–58)

Probable Pitchers: Brayan Bello (BOS 9–6, 3.23) vs Max Fried (NYY 13–5, 3.26)

Line: BOS +145 | NYY −175 | Total: 8.5

 

Best Bet: Under 8.5 Runs (−110)

Why: Bello and Fried have both been consistent, and Yankee Stadium has played more pitcher-friendly recently.

 

Player Prop: Juan Soto Over 2.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

Why: Soto has been the Yankees’ engine offensively, and Bello has struggled against elite left-handed bats.

 

 

 

 

Astros vs Orioles – 4:05 PM ET

 

 

Matchup: HOU (70–58) vs BAL (59–68)

Probable Pitchers: Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU 2–4, 6.90) vs Cade Povich (BAL 2–6, 4.98)

Line: HOU −110 | BAL −110 | Total: 9.5

 

Best Bet: Over 9.5 Runs (+105)

Why: Both starters have ERAs well above league average, and the bullpens have been shaky. This sets up for a higher-scoring contest.

 

Player Prop: Kyle Tucker Over 1.5 Total Bases

Why: Tucker thrives against lefties and Povich has been inconsistent with command.

 

 

 

 

Royals vs Tigers – 4:10 PM ET (Apple TV+)

 

 

Matchup: KC (66–62) vs DET (76–53)

Probable Pitchers: Ryan Bergert (KC 1–1, 2.75) vs Casey Mize (DET 12–4, 3.63)

Line: KC +135 | DET −160 | Total: 8.5

 

Best Bet: Tigers −160

Why: Mize has been strong all year, especially at home, while Bergert is still inexperienced and may struggle against Detroit’s deep lineup.

 

Player Prop: Riley Greene Over 2.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

Why: Greene has been the Tigers’ most consistent hitter and should have plenty of RBI opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Mets vs Braves – 4:15 PM ET (Apple TV+)

 

 

Matchup: NYM (67–60) vs ATL (58–69)

Probable Pitchers: Nolan McLean (NYM 1–0, 0.00) vs Joey Wentz (ATL 4–3, 4.72)

Line: NYM −110 | ATL −110 | Total: 8.5

 

Best Bet: Mets ML (−110)

Why: McLean impressed in his debut, and the Mets’ offense is far more reliable than Atlanta’s this season.

 

Player Prop: Pete Alonso Over 0.5 HR

Why: Alonso has crushed lefties like Wentz and remains a prime home run threat in this spot.

 

 

 

 

Cardinals vs Rays