Detroit Tigers
The Tigers enter this one off one of their worst losses of the season yesterday, falling 15-3 to move to 14-16. The offence continues to struggle mightily, with only 3 players reaching at least 10 RBI this season. Probable pitcher Spencer Turnbull has fortunately been very solid so far, allowing an ERA of 2.53 through 32 innings.
Kansas City Royals
Conversely, the Royals enter this one off one of their most dominant wins of the season, bringing them to 12-22. Adalberto Mondessi and Alex Gordon continue to be a 2-man wrecking crew, going for 5 hits and 8 combined RBI. Brad Keller is back on the mound for this one, having allowed an ERA over 4 through his 42 innings so far.
Prediction: Tigers $1.80
I think the Tigers are the better team here and will be looking for revenge at home. They’ve also got the pitching edge in this one, especially with how consistent Turnbull has been. As long as the offence shows up, this is a comfortable win IMO.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are now 2-0 in this series after their win yesterday, moving to 18-13 on the year. Carlos Santana continues to lead the way offensively, enjoying a solid season with 5 homers and 19 RBI. Probable pitcher Cody Anderson has only pitched 5 innings this season, so it’ll be interesting to see him back in action here.
Seattle Mariners
After their dominant start to the season, the Mariners have been an unmitigated disaster of late. This is despite a ton of strong offensive production, with 4 players registering at least 20 RBI this year. Probable pitcher Erik Swanson has struggled mightily so far, allowing an ERA of 6.62 through 17 innings.
Prediction: Indians $1.77
The Mariners are one of the worst sides in baseball right now, while the Indians are in very strong form. Even with Anderson’s inactivity, I think they’ve got the pitching advantage in this matchup. Throw in a strong day from the offence and I expect them to get this sweep at $1.77.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels continue to be mired in mediocrity, sitting 15-18 after 33 games. Mike Trout is finally looking like a marquee man again, leading the clubhouse with 7 homers and 20 RBI. Probable pitcher Matt Harvey is another man that has struggled mightily, allowing an ERA of 6.54 through 31 innings.
Houston Astros
The Astros are rounding into form nicely, winning 19 of their 33 games this campaign. It’s been the Springer and Altuve show on offence, with the two combining for 18 homers and 44 RBI. Justin Verlander is having another fantastic campaign on the mound, allowing an ERA of under 2.5 through 44 innings.
Prediction: Angels $2.75
While I think Houston is rightly favoured here, this is a pure value play on the Angels. I think they’re quite undervalued right now, particularly with Matt Harvey after some poor performances this year. If they get back to their best, they’re definitely value at this price point.