The Cincinnati Reds (5-8) and Milwaukee Brewers (5-5) start an NL Central rivalry series Friday at Miller Park. First pitch is 8:10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Reds-Brewers’ betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Reds at Brewers: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Trevor Bauer vs. LHP Eric Lauer
Bauer, the vocal right-hander, has made many forget his 4.48 ERA from last year by steamrolling through his first two starts: 1-0, 0.68 ERA, 3 BBs and 20 K’s in 13 1/3 innings.
- Though Bauer struggled upon being traded to the Reds late last season (6.39 ERA in 10 starts), his work with pitching coach Derek Johnson — an idol of his since high school — looks to be paying off.
- This will mark Bauer’s first career matchup with the Brewers and at Miller Park.
Lauer’s sole appearance of the year went quite well. He registered six strikeouts in 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief work July 26.
- The veteran lefty has stonewalled the Reds with a 2.00 ERA in four starts, half coming last year (3.00 ERA in 2019), but these Reds have Nick Castellanos, who butchers lefties and adds depth to an already dangerous lineup card.
Get some action on this game or any other matchup in the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!
Reds at Brewers: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
Reds
- 2B Mike Moustakas (quadriceps) questionable
- SP Wade Miley (groin) questionable
Brewers
- OF Ryan Braun (finger) questionable
- 2B Luis Urias (COVID-19) questionable
- OF Lorenzo Cain (personal) opted out of the season
Reds at Brewers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Reds 4, Brewers 3
Moneyline (ML)
- Reds -121
- Brewers +110
The double-up odds for Milwaukee makes that wager tempting, but I’d rather ride with the hot pitching hand in Bauer. I’d make a nominal BET on the REDS (-121).
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Reds to win returns a profit of $8.26.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
- Reds -1 (+100)
- Brewers +1 (-121)
I’d have to be motivated to bet run lines with the tacked-on “.5” to give more cushion; don’t like either of these, and don’t like many of the alternatives much in either direction; for example, Reds +1.5 (-278). PASS on the normal options.
I would, however, throw another manageable bet on the Reds win by 1 run (+650), given how well Bauer’s dealing but how shaky Cincy’s bullpen remains.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Reds to win by 1 run (+650) would yield a profit of $65.
Over/Under (O/U)
- Over 8 (-121)
- Under 8 (+100)
Since my predicted total was seven, I’ll take the shot at a double-up and BET Under 8 (+100).
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Under 8 (+100) would yield a profit of $10.
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