Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox fell to a disappointing 11-16 on the season with a 2-1 home loss to Tampa yesterday. No offensive player has truly stood out this year, with Mitch Moreland leading the way with just 14 RBI. Usual pitching ace Chris Sale has also been atrocious, allowing an ERA of 7.43 through 23 innings.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays continued their very solid form, moving to 17-9 with their upset victory yesterday. Center Fielder Austin Meadows continues to ball out, having registered 19 RBI so far this season. Projected pitcher Tyler Glasnow has also been very solid, allowing an ERA of just 1.53 through 29 innings.
Prediction: Rays $2.35
I think the Rays are comfortably the better team right now and represent great value at this price point. While he may have dominated in the past, Chris Sale is outmatched in the pitching matchup here. I expect a solid offensive day from the Rays hitters as they claim another upset win.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks won their series opener with the Cubs to move to a stellar 16-11. 2nd Basemen Ketel Marte is having another strong offensive year, leading the club with 21 RBI so far. Projected Pitcher Luke Weaver has been solid yet unspectacular, allowing an ERA of 3.3 through 27 innings.
Chicago Cubs
It hasn’t been the best start to the season for the Cubs, who find themselves at .500 through their first 24 games. 2nd Basemen Javier Baez has been an offensive bright spot, leading the way with 9 homers and 22 RBI. Jose Quintana has also been a middling pitcher this season, allowing an ERA of 3.21 so far.
Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.92
While I think these are two relatively close sides, I give the edge to Arizona at home here. They’ve got the more versatile offensive lineup and what I consider to be a more versatile pitcher in Luke Weaver.
Houston Astros
The Astros moved to a strong 16-11 after a narrow home win over Cleveland last time out. George Springer and Jose Altuve continue to lead the way offensively, combining for 17 homers and 42 RBI on the campaign. Projected pitcher Wade Miley has been relatively consistent, allowing an ERA of 3.58 through 27 innings.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians have also enjoyed a relatively solid start to the campaign and currently find themselves 15-11. They’ve struggled somewhat offensively, with Carlos Santana leading the way with only 13 RBI so far. Projected Pitcher Carlos Carrasco has also struggled so far, allowing an ERA of 6 through his 21 innings.
Prediction: Astros $1.85
The Astros are one of the premier teams in baseball and it’s not too often you’ll get them at such a strong price at home. They’ve also got the pitching edge in this matchup as you know what you’ll get with Miley. I expect their offence to go after Carrasco in what could be a big home win.