This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
Previous article (8/11): 2-2, -0.21 RW Bucks
Season: 51-53-5, -4.64 RW Bucks
We have two quality starters returning from injuries on Friday, and I focus on each performing well in their first outings back for my four total wagers tonight.
St. Louis Cardinals 
at Kansas City Royals 
8:10 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Jack Flaherty vs. Mike Minor
The Pick: Under 8.5 runs (-105) for 1 RW Buck
Secondary Pick: Inning 1 result: Tie (-125) for 1 RW Buck
The Cardinals have been one of the weakest teams in all of MLB against lefties on the road, posting a .168 average, -12.9 wRAA and .235 wOBA in that split the last two months of play. Flaherty is making his return from a long absence due to an oblique injury, but he was masterful before going down and built up to four innings in his rehab outings. Both starters are also backed up by bullpens that have been excellent in August, with each allowing sub-.200 averages and sub-.260 wOBAs this month.
Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants, 9:45 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Austin Gomber vs. Anthony DeSclafani
The Pick: Innings 1 to 5 Winner- Giants (-130) for 1 RW Buck
Secondary Pick: Giants -1.5 (+100) for 1 RW Buck
Gomber has been very good on a very bad Rockies squad, but he's been prone to an occasional stumble and was lit up by these Giants for nine earned runs over 1.2 innings the one time he faced them this season. San Fran has a .282 average and .329 wOBA against lefties at home since July 1, and DeSclafani, despite his recent performance/injury struggles, has blanked Colorado over 15 innings across two starts this season.
