We have reached the final series of the season for teams. Yesterday we saw a lot of champagne pop as the Cubs, White Sox, Padres, and Guardians all clinched their playoff spots. That means we might have some rather tired teams today. There is still importance to a lot of games, but because of football this weekend, this will be my last piece for baseball’s regular season. Instead of focusing on just one game, I’ll share my thoughts on a few of them.
Cubs vs. Red Sox, Game 1, 1:05 ET
The Cubs finally clinched their playoff spot, but they still need to figure out which Wild Card spot they will take. They also spent a ton of time yesterday afternoon drinking beers and pouring booze on each other. You don’t really stop the party right away and then travel to Boston in the evening. Now you have to play a game at 12 CT. I think the Cubs have no shot at winning this one and probably will be unlikely to win either of the games today. I’m taking Boston in Game 1 and likely will take them in Game 2 as well.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez (61) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. (Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports)
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Rays vs. Phillies, 6:40 ET
Freddy Peralta vs. Christopher Sanchez is one of the better games on today’s schedule. Peralta is looking like the guy the Mets tried to trade for. In his last 28.2 innings, he has allowed just three earned runs. That is a span of five starts, going back to his last start in August. Peralta has plenty of experience against the Phillies and has allowed just 28 hits in 124 at-bats. Sanchez has been an elite starter all year and is looking for his 19th win. For the season, he is 18-6 with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The total on this game is just 6.5, but I think the under is still probably the correct play. The only real question is how long the starters last in this game. The Rays are certainly a live dog. I’ll sprinkle on their moneyline.
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Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. runs after hitting a two-run homer against the Miami Marlins in the third inning Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Braves vs. Marlins, 7:10 ET
The Braves have nothing left to play for, but neither do the Marlins. Atlanta sends out Ray Kerr to the mound, and you have to wonder if he is going to make the postseason roster. He has been solid since coming up to the team, with 15.1 innings pitched and just three earned runs allowed. Eury Perez is a decent starter for Miami. He is 7-11 with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP this year. Perez has been rocked in the past by the Braves, allowing them to hit .380 against him. I’ll back the Braves at -125, even if this will be a bullpen game for them.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) delivers to the plate during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
Rangers vs. Twins, 8:10 ET
Texas is still fighting for a playoff spot. They are currently tied with the Astros for first place in the American League West. The good news for them is they have Jacob deGrom going, a guy who they brought in specifically for these moments. The pitching matchup in this one is fantastic, with Joe Ryan pitching for the Twins. I like the Rangers in this one, as deGrom is a big-game pitcher.
Angels vs. Mariners, 10:10 ET
One last game that I like on today’s slate is between two teams that have been eliminated. The Angels are sending out Reid Detmers to the hill. He’s been great this season for them and probably the lone bright spot in the Los Angeles pitching staff. Bryce Miller is solid, but I do think Detmers is the better arm in this one. The Mariners lineup may be better, but this is a good chance to take the Angels in the first five innings.
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