New York Yankees
The Yankees have been in some solid form of late, sitting at 35-19 through their first 54 games. While they haven’t had an offensive star, they’ve had 7 players eclipse 20 RBI and 4 go over 10 home runs. James Paxton is slated to pitch here, having gone 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA.
San Diego Padres
The Padres levelled up their series with the Yankees yesterday, moving to 29-26 overall. The hard hitting of Hunter Renfroe and Franmil Reyes has really paid off, the two combining for 29 home runs this season. Probable pitcher Chris Paddack has been very reliable this season, going 4-2 with a 1.93 ERA.
Prediction: Yankees $1.70
While it’s tough to go against Chris Paddack, this Yankees side is very talented and has home field here. James Paxton is a solid enough pitcher himself and if he can keep the runs down here, I’m confident the Yankees have enough on offence to win it.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have been relatively consistent of late, moving to 29-25 on the back of some solid play. Xander Bogaerts and Mitch Moreland continue to lead the way offensively, both managing 34 RBI so far. Ryan Weber will pitch in this one, going 1-0 so far and sporting a very solid 1.29 ERA through 14 innings.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are clinging onto contention at this point, sitting at 26-27 so far. This is primarily due to a lack of offence, with only Carlos Santana over 20 RBI and no player over 10 home runs. Probable pitcher Shane Bieber has been very strong this season, going 3-2 and allowing an ERA of 3.11.
Prediction: Red Sox $1.77
Especially given Weber’s form so far, I’m not sure the Indians have the necessary offensive tools in this one. I expect a relatively low scoring affair, where Boston’s star power on offence ultimately does enough to get the win.
Houston Astros
The Astros continue to look like one of the premier sides in baseball, sitting at 36-19 through their first 55 games. They’ve got great offensive production all around this season, however Center Fielder George Springer leads the way with 17 homers and 43 RBI. Wade Miley has been very solid on the mound this season, going 5-2 with a 3.32 ERA.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are also looking like very strong contenders, winning 30 of their first 52 games this season. Their offensive production has been similarly balanced, with Anthony Rizzo leading the way with 15 homers and 42 RBI. Kyle Hendricks is slated to pitch here, going 4-4 with a 3.34 ERA so far.
Prediction: Astros $1.85
Ultimately, I think the Astros have the better batting lineup and pitcher in this contest, in addition to home field. Especially given their recent form, it’d be tough to overlook them in this spot. At lucrative odds of $1.85, I expect Wade Miley and Co. to get the job done again.