Atlanta Braves
Despite 3 losses in their last 4, the Braves still enter this one at a respectable 30-26. 1st Baseman Freddie Freeman is having another very strong season, leading the way with 13 home runs and a .308 batting average. Mike Foltynewicz will again take the mound here, sporting a relatively poor 1-3 record with a 5.67 ERA.
Detroit Tigers
Even after a series win over Baltimore, the Tigers have still won just 21 of 53 games this season. Melky Cabrera has helped anchor a dismal offence, leading the clubhouse with 22 RBI. Spencer Turnbull is back to pitch here, having gone 2-4 so far despite a strong 2.97 ERA.
Prediction: Braves $1.56
Even with a slight pitching disadvantage, I think the Braves are the better side in this matchup. They’ve got a particularly strong batting lineup that should be able to get after Turnbull here. As long as Foltynewicz delivers a solid display, I’m very confident in an Atlanta win.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers continue to be a middling team this season, finding themselves .500 through their first 54. Hunter Pence is having a stellar season with the bat, going for 11 home runs and 139 RBI in just 39 games played. Ariel Jurado will pitch in this one, allowing an ERA of just 2.28 through his 23 innings this season.
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City seem to have already given up hope for the playoffs, winning just a third of their games this season. They’ve got good production from the likes of Adalberto Mondesi, who has 41 RBI, but the pitching just hasn’t been consistent. Danny Duffy is one of their rare solid pitchers this season, sporting a 3-1 record so far.
Prediction: Rangers $1.88
Even with Duffy on the mound here, I think there is a strong case that Jurado is even better at the other end. Both batting line-ups are relatively equal but I give the edge to Texas here with home field. Especially after likely losing the series opener, I expect them to rebound here at nearly even money.
Oakland A’s
The A’s keep plugging along, doing just enough to stay above .500 at 29-27. Josh Phegley has improved leaps and bounds of late, taking the clubhouse lead with 33 RBI in just 129 at-bats. Mike Fiers will return to pitch here, going 4-3 so far despite a relatively high ERA of 5.00.
Houston Astros
Current favourites for both the American League and World Series, the Astros have raced out to an impressive 37-20 record. Short Stop Carlos Correa isn’t getting much love for his excellent season, going for 35 RBI’s on a .308 batting average. Brad Peacock will pitch in this one, sporting a solid 5-2 record so far.
Prediction: Astros $1.85
The Astros are as professional a ball club as you’ll find in the majors right now. They’ve got a solid pitching staff with a great bullpen and a range of big hitters. I think they’ve got too much for Oakland in this one and look a very solid price to boot.