August 9 MLB Series Odds: Nationals vs Mets, Rangers vs Brewers

• Seven different MLB series open up Friday, August 9
• The Nationals take on the Mets in an NL East battle
• See the odds for all seven MLB series

A pair of series with serious implications for the NL wild card race getting underway on Friday night.

The streaking New York Mets look to build on a 13-1 run that has lifted them into postseason contention as they host the Washington Nationals, while the Milwaukee Brewers aim to maintain their slender lead over New York in the wild card race as they return home to face the struggling Texas Rangers.

We have odds for each of these new series as well as every other series kicking off on Friday.

Washington Nationals vs New York Mets Series Price

*Odds taken August 9

Red-Hot Mets Look to Extend Win Streak Against Visiting Nationals

The New York Mets look to continue their drive into postseason contention, when they open a three-game series with the Washington Nationals on Friday night. The Mets ride a six-game win streak into the weekend to improve to 13-1 in their past 14.

But while New York’s surge has lifted them to within a half-game of the Milwaukee Brewers in the hunt for the second NL wild card, the club’s recent success has come against inferior opponents, namely the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox.

How will the NL Wild Card race shake out? ?

Fran Charles & @AlexaDatt look at how strength of schedule may impact the chase. #TheRundown pic.twitter.com/buJsC62bDM

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 9, 2019

However, the Mets are well positioned to silence the doubters this weekend. Marcus Stroman takes the mound on Friday for his second start since joining the Mets, followed by Noah Syndergaard, and Jacob deGrom.

The trio have been dominant in recent starts, particularly deGrom, who has surrendered just seven total earned runs in 40.0 innings of work since the start of July, going 3-0 during that stretch.

Nationals vs Mets Probable Starting Pitchers

The Nationals continue a nine-game road trip in the Big Apple after taking three from the San Francisco Giants to record their second road sweep of the season.

Washington is 4-2 overall during the team’s current junket, but has struggled with inconsistency of late, going 12-11 over their past 23 outings. The club has enjoyed steady success when battling NL East rivals on the road, going 9-3 in their past 12 while earning the win in three of their past four series against divisional opponents.

NL Wild Card Standings: #Nationals +2.0#Phillies — #Brewers —#Cardinals -0.5 #Mets -0.5

Which two teams have the advantage in the tight race? pic.twitter.com/11qDlBsoL4

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 8, 2019

However, the Nationals were swept in a four-game series when they last visited Citi Field, back in May, and are 5-10 in their past 15 road dates with the Mets.

Stephen Strasburg is also coming off a season-worst performance last time out, allowing nine earned runs over 4.2 innings in an 18-7 blowout loss to the Diamondbacks. Saturday’s projected starter Patrick Corbin has surrendered seven total earned runs in 11.0 innings over two road starts against the Mets this season, with the Nationals falling to defeat in both of those contests.

Pick: Mets (-160)

Texas Rangers vs Milwaukee Brewers Series Price

Yelich Remains Day-to-Day as Brewers Take on Rangers

The status of slugger Christian Yelich remains uncertain as the Milwaukee Brewers return home on Friday to open a three-game weekend series against the Texas Rangers. A nagging back injury has left the reigning NL MVP on the shelf for the past two games, and listed as day-to-day going into Friday night’s series opener.

Yelich’s absence didn’t slow down the Brewers, who closed out an otherwise dismal nine-game road trip with a sweep of the Pirates to maintain a slim grasp on the second NL wild card.

Counsell on Yelich, who is day to day:

“Christian frankly came in today just not as good as we were hoping, really. So [we’re] hoping Friday is going to be fine, but not good enough today to put him back out there with the day off tomorrow, especially."

— Jake Crouse (@JakeCrouseMLB) August 7, 2019

However, maintaining momentum on home turf at Miller Park has been a challenge for the Brewers, who have racked up a middling 11-11 record over their past 22 home dates, and posting wins in just three of their past seven home series.

Milwaukee has also regularly come up short in interleague matchups this season, going 4-9 in 13 contests while falling to defeat in all four interleague series the club has played.

Rangers vs Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers

The Rangers continue a nine-game road trip in Milwaukee after dropping two of three in Cleveland earlier this week, capped by Wednesday’s 5-1 loss.

The club’s bats fell silent against the surging Indians, scoring just two total runs over the three-game set, and putting the brakes on a five-game win streak that briefly breathed life into their fading postseason hopes.

Up Next: Texas vs Milwaukee

Rangers have been to Miller Park just twice: 2010 (3 game series) & 2013 (2 game series) … Texas (3-2) all time @ Miller Park. #themoreyouknow #InterleaguePlay @dneedles12 #Brewers

— Steve (@stat_man__steve) August 8, 2019

Texas has endured struggles on the road all season. The Rangers have compiled a 5-11 record in their past 16 road dates to fall to 23-34 on the season, and are also win-less in their past six road series.

However, the club enjoys historical success against the Brewers, going undefeated in six series clashes between the two clubs since 1997, and owns a 3-2 record in five dates at Miller Park since 2010.

Pick: Rangers (+190)

Additional MLB Series Odds