MLB Picks Today: Expert Predictions & Best Bets for Wednesday, September 2, inc. Brewers vs Cubs
Before college football returns in earnest tomorrow with Week 1, we have another strong 15-game MLB slate on Wednesday, September 2. The full card features some intriguing matchups, including Blue Jays vs Guardians and Cubs vs Brewers at 7:40 pm ET on MLB Network. Also on the docket today are Braves vs Nationals, Orioles vs Rockies and Mariners vs Red Sox. The action gets underway at 12:40 pm ET with Padres vs Reds and goes right the way through to Cardinals vs Dodgers at 10:10 pm ET.
Let's break down my MLB best bets for today, while you can also find out our expert MLB picks for EVERY GAME today and throughout the rest of the 2026 campaign!
MLB Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Under 8.5 (-115)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
To start off my best bets column, let's head to Milwaukee for a date with this pivotal clash in the NL Central. This total is priced a bit too high given the starting pitching matchup on hand, and it could be at least partially due to the weather report. Winds are supposed to be blowing out in Chicago on Wednesday, but the worst of it will take place prior to first pitch. The weather shouldn't be as much of a factor by the time Jacob Misiorowski (1.74 ERA, 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings) gets the ball, and the odds-on Cy Young favorite in the National League should have little trouble with this Cubs lineup. As for the hosts, David Peterson's numbers aren't pretty on paper, but his expected metrics do point toward some positive regression (top 15% ground-ball rate, 4.05 FIP) as he continues to limit hard contact. All things considered, I'll roll with the under in the Windy City.
Check out our full Brewers vs Cubs prediction for today's MLB game
MLB Best Bet: Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals Over 9 (-110)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
The Nationals are not exactly a hard team to figure out. On paper, their offense is one that could do real damage in the postseason -- but their pitching has been a major source of concern. Unfortunately for Washington fans, I expect that to continue on Wednesday against a Braves lineup ranks inside the top 10 in a myriad of categories (including SLG, OPS, runs scored, etc). Atlanta should be set up for success against Brad Lord (4.11 xERA, bottom 10% whiff rate and exit velocity), whose numbers indicate that he doesn't exactly miss many bats.
On the other side, it will be difficult for Grant Holmes (4.71 xERA, bottom 15% hard-hit rate and extension) and the Atlanta arms to hold down a very competitive Washington offense, but the Nationals arguably have the worst bullpen in the majors and have repeatedly squandered games in advantageous situations after leading in the late innings. Therefore, we could certainly see extra innings in this one if things break the wrong way. I'll take the over in the nation's capital.
Read our full Braves vs Nationals prediction for this afternoon's MLB matchup
