Washington Nationals
Things just haven’t gone to plan for the Nationals this season, who currently find themselves 22-31. They’ve showed some promising signs of late, with Howie Kendrick and Brian Dozier both registering 3 hits last time out. Fade merchant Max Scherzer is again scheduled to pitch here, sporting a poor 2-5 record this season.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins continue to loom as one of the worst teams in baseball, winning just 16 of their first 50 games this season. They’ve struggled mightily on offence, with only Brian Anderson eclipsing 20 RBI. Jose Urena will pitch here, having gone 2-6 with a 4.3 ERA so far.
Prediction: Marlins $3.50
With all the success I’ve had fading Max Scherzer this season, now isn’t the time to shy away. The Marlins certainly aren’t a tough opponent but this Nationals side can self-destruct at any moment. These two teams are closer than the odds suggest and I think there is strong value on the huge underdog.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies enter this one at 24-27 after a narrow win over the Orioles last time out. Nolan Arenado is their key man offensively, going for 15 homers and 44 RBI on the season. Jon Gray is probable to pitch here, having gone 4-4 with a 4.62 ERA through 60 innings.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks got back to winning ways with a solid 6-2 win over the Giants last time out. Ketel Marte continued his very strong offensive form, adding 2 hits and an RBI for good measure. Zack Greinke is slated to pitch here, sporting a strong 6-2 record coupled with a 2.89 ERA.
Prediction: Rockies $1.85
In a relatively evenly-matched affair, I’ll gladly take the Rockies at home. Greinke is a very solid pitcher but the Rockies have a deep and powerful batting lineup that can take advantage. Assuming we get a strong day out of Jon Gray, the home side looks a solid bet on this one.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins continue to rack up the wins, moving to 36-16 with a dominant 7-0 home victory last time out. Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario did most of the damage, combining for 3 hits and 7 RBI. Michael Pineda gets another start here, sporting a 4-3 record despite a poor 5.43 ERA.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have emerged as a strong force in the NL Central, going 30-24 to start the campaign. Christian Yelich appears to have unmatched power across the majors, already reaching 21 homers and 43 RBI. Gio Gonzales is scheduled to pitch here, having gone 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA.
Prediction: Twins $1.85
While Pineda has struggled at times this season, I think he’ll get good support from his batters and bullpen in this one. The Twins are in truly excellent form and I’m not sure the Brewers have what it takes to match that. At $1.85, I’ll take the comfortably better side at home.