Miami Marlins
The Marlins had one of their better wins of the season yesterday, beating St Louis 9-0 to move to 24-42. Their offence just hasn’t been strong all season, with the 28 RBI from Anderson currently leading the way. Trevor Richards will pitch in this one, sporting a poor 3-6 record despite a decent 3.31 ERA.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have continued their recent descent, losing to Washington last time out to move to 30-38. Who knows where they’d be without Josh Bell, who currently leads the majors with 61 RBI. Stephen Brault takes the mound here, sporting a 2-1 record with a 5.05 ERA so far.
Prediction: Pirates $2
Any time you can take a Marlins opponent at underdog prices, it’s very tempting to do so. While they’re heavily reliant on Bell, I believe Pittsburgh is still the superior team in this matchup. I think they can get after Richards here and steal one on the road as outsiders.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox continue their middling campaign, managing a win over the Yankees last time out to move to 33-34. Jose Abreu continues to be their main man offensively, leading the way with 16 home runs and 52 RBI. Lucas Giolito returns for this one, sporting a very impressive 9-1 record so far.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are still sitting pretty at the top, having won 41 of their first 67 contests. Gary Sanchez has been impressive offensively in limited action, going for 20 home runs and 40 RBI in under 50 games. Big CC Sabathia will pitch in this one, having gone 3-3 with a 3.96 ERA so far.
Prediction: Yankees $1.96
While Giolito is one of the more impressive pitchers in the major, CC Sabathia is more than up to the task in this one. He’s got a stronger pitching support staff as well as a deeper batting lineup that can help him out. As the overall better team, I like the Yanks for this road upset at $1.96.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are looking like the form side in the National League, going 46-23 to start their season. Cody Bellinger is rightfully getting a lot of plaudits, registering 2 home runs and 57 RBI so far. Rich Hill will pitch in this one, going an impressive 3-1 with a 2.4 ERA when called upon this season.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are also looming as a very strong contender, going 38-30 through a relatively tough schedule to date. The hitting of Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo has carried them, both men going for at least 17 home runs and 45 RBI. Pitcher Kyle Hendricks is enjoying an impressive campaign, going 7-4 with a 3.0 ERA.
Prediction: Dodgers $1.74
Especially in their current form, it’s tough to go against the Dodgers at home. Hill is a solid pitcher at this level and will get great support from his batters and relievers here. At $1.74, I think they’re value to overcome a tough opponent.