Detroit Tigers
The Tigers enter this one at 5-3 after winning the series opener against the Royals last time out. Josh Harrison and Nick Castellanos led the lineup incredibly well, combining for all 5 runs. Spencer Turnbull was also solid behind the mound, striking out 10 batters and allowing only 2 earned through 6 innings.
Kansas City Royals
After a 2-0 start to the campaign, the Royals enter this one mired in a 4-game losing streak. This is despite some solid offensive displays from Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler, both of whom had 2 hits last time out. The pitching staff could ultimately do better in relief, with Kyle Zimmer allowing 2 crucial late runs to lose the game.
Prediction: Tigers $1.80
With the consistent Matt Moore on the mound, I like the Tigers chances to get another home win here. I think they’re the better team in this matchup and the Royals are definitely struggling right now. As long as the offence continues to show up, $1.80 is great value.
Atlanta Braves
After losing each of their first 3 games to Philly, the Braves righted the ship with a 3-game sweep over the Cubs. Nick Markakis took all the headlines last time out, registering 5 hits, 5 RBI, and an impressive 3 runs himself. The starting pitchers also continue to do a good job, with Max Fried allowing 0 earned through 6.
Miami Marlins
It hasn’t been as good a start to the season for Miami, who were just swept by the Mets in a 3-game series. Aside from Curtis Granderson, the Marlins offence does look rather lacklustre and should struggle this season. The pitching staff has also been in poor form, allowing 6 or more runs in each game against New York.
Prediction: Braves $1.60
I’m high on this Braves team and I expect them to continue their winning run here. They’ve got a very favourable pitching matchup and I expect another solid outing from Kyle Wright. This hard-hitting offence should also dominate against Sandy Alcantara, making the Braves look solid value at $1.60.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The D-Backs return home after a solid road series in San Diego, where they won 2 out of 3. David Peralta and Wilmer Flores continue to provide the bulk of the offence, while Pitcher Zack Greinke even managed 4 RBI in his last start. The pitching staff has been solid yet unspectacular, doing just enough to get the job done.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox road woes continue, winning just 1 out of 4 in their recent series with Oakland. Andrew Benintendi and Mitch Moreland are key offensive contributors that will need to lift their game. The pitching staff also deserves some blame, having allowed 6 or more runs in 6 of their first 7 games.
Prediction: Red Sox $1.70
Despite their horrendous recent form, I continue to think the Red Sox are undervalued in this market. They are the much more talented team on paper and I rate David Price as a quality left-handed pitcher. I think they can build some momentum in Arizona and tonight’s the night to do it.