It’s a quiet slate across the big leagues for Thursday, July 31, which also happens to be the trade deadline. We have just three games on the schedule.
Keep reading for my favorite MLB picks for today’s action, where I’ll make a moneyline prediction for each contest.
MLB moneyline picks for July 31
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Rays vs  Yankees |
(-106) |
 Braves vs  Reds |
(-172) |
 Rangers vs  Mariners |
(-172) |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel.
Expert MLB moneyline picks for July 31
Rays vs Yankees: Rays (-106)
The Rays have lost the last two games of this AL East series in the Bronx, but I’m picking them to bounce back in the rubber match.
Ryan Pepiot is on the hill for Tampa, and he’s had a solid campaign, posting a 3.42 ERA. His 6-8 record isn’t great, and Pepiot doesn’t always get a ton of run support, but he did throw six innings last time out while allowing two unearned runs. Pepiot’s ERA sits at 3.11 on the road.
The visitors shouldn’t have any issues giving their starter some offense today, though.
Marcus Stroman gets the start for New York, and he’s struggled immensely. The veteran owns a 6.09 ERA in eight outings since making his season debut. His ERA balloons to 7.11 at home as well.
Braves vs Reds: Reds (-172)
If this were any other season, it would be a rare occurrence to see Cincy as such a heavy favorite against the Braves. But Atlanta is nowhere near the same team in 2025, and their entire rotation is on the shelf.
The Reds, meanwhile, hand their ace the baseball tonight in Andrew Abbott, who is nasty.
The left-hander is 8-1 with a 2.09 ERA across 18 starts, striking out 95 in 103 1/3 innings while walking just 28. Abbott has surrendered only three earned runs in his last two appearances.
He already threw a gem versus the Braves earlier in the campaign, going five innings and not allowing a single run.
Atlanta gives Carlos Carrasco his first start in a Braves uniform, and he has a 5.91 ERA this year. The veteran isn’t the same pitcher anymore, so fade him and the Braves today.
Rangers vs Mariners: Mariners (-172)
Seattle is making it known they’re trying to contend immediately. They just acquired both Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez ahead of the deadline.
The AL West title is within reach, and any matchup with a divisional foe is important. The M’s take on the Rangers tonight, and George Kirby gets the call.
He’s found a rhythm in July, posting a 3.86 ERA. Kirby’s ERA sits at 4.50 overall.
Although the Mariners just lost two of three to the Athletics, I’m expecting them to respond here.
Kumar Rocker is on the bump for Texas, and he’s finding little success in the majors. He owns a 5.73 ERA this season and has given up five earned runs across two outings versus the Mariners in 2025.
Seattle has received a major boost with two key acquisitions, and it should give them some much-needed energy. They’ll take the series opener tonight.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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