Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks have had a decent season so far, parlaying a 5-game win streak into a solid 16-13 record. Ketel Marte and David Peralta have led the offensive charge, combining for 10 homers and 40 RBI. Pitcher Merrill Kelly has been average this season, allowing an ERA just under 4 through his 29 innings.
New York Yankees
The Yankees have been in some phenomenal form of late, winning 9 of their last 10 before yesterday’s series opener. 1st Basemen Luke Voit has been on an absolute tear, going for 8 homers and 25 RBI. Probable pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has been stellar so far, pitching 35 innings and allowing an ERA of 3.6.
Prediction: Yankees $1.80
With how red hot the Yankees have been lately, I really like them in this spot. Merrill Kelly just doesn’t instill the same confidence in me as Zack Greinke. I think this strong Yankees offence really gets after him en route to a road win.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have been in some really poor form of late, getting demolished 14-1 by Texas in their last game before this series. The offence hasn’t been the problem, with Right Fielder Domingo Santana already going for 30 RBI this year. Where they’ve struggled is on the pitching end, allowing an atrocious 29 runs in their previous two encounters.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs appear to be in much better form of late, entering this series after wins over both the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. Javier Baez has been their offensive linchpin this season, going for 9 homers and 22 RBI so far. Ace Cole Hamels looks to defend his perfect pitching record here, allowing an ERA of 3.16 through 31 innings.
Prediction: Cubs $1.88
The Mariners have been in some atrocious form of late and I really like this pitching matchup for the Cubs. I expect a controlled afternoon from Hamels as he really makes the Mariners batters struggle. As long as Chicago keep this offensive pace up, I expect a tidy road win here.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals appear to have fallen off a cliff this season, winning just 12 of their first 27 games. They’re really a two-man offence, with Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon combining for a solid 12 homers and 40 RBI. Ace Max Scherzer is back on the mound here, although his 4.12 ERA this season isn’t all that impressive.
St Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals, on the other hand, appear to be in much better form, winning 18 of their first 28. Marcell Ozuna continues to be on an absolute tear offensively, going for 10 homers and 28 RBI. Probable pitcher Miles Mikolas hasn’t been the best this season, allowing an ERA of 5.29 through 34 innings.
Prediction: Cardinals $2.40
While Max Scherzer has a stellar reputation, I continue to think the market is overvaluing him here. He has largely struggled this season and the Nats are in atrocious form. If Mikolas can have even an average day on the mound, I fancy his side’s chances as relatively heavy underdogs.