Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have had an overall disappointing campaign, currently sitting at 48-55. Eugenio Suarez has emerged as their chief offensive contributor, playing in every game and putting up a clubhouse-leading 28 home runs and 69 RBI. Former Dodger Yasiel Puig has also been stellar, adding 22 home runs and 59 RBI of his own. Sonny Gray will pitch in this one, going a mediocre 5-6 with a 3.29 ERA this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have really tailed off of late, falling all the way to 46-59. Josh Bell has carried them offensively all season with his 27 home runs and 86 RBI, although he remains an injury doubt for this one. CF Starling Marte has also stepped up recently, placing second on the squad with 17 home runs and 60 RBI. Jordan Lyles is slated to pitch here, going 5-7 with a 5.36 ERA this season.
Prediction: Pirates $2.50
While the Reds are deserved favourites, I think their inconsistency means they’re overvalued at current odds. Even if Bell can’t play in this one, the Pirates have enough offensive weapons to keep things competitive. If the improving Lyles can deliver a solid performance, I think the Pirates are definitely overs at $2.50.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies continue to fade away from the playoff picture, currently sitting at 49-57. 3rd Baseman Nolan Arenado is having a career year so far, putting up 22 home runs to go with 77 RBI. Blackmon and Story have also been dependable contributors, combining for 43 home runs and 120 RBI. Jon Gray will pitch at home here, going 9-7 with a 4.05 ERA so far.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Baseball’s glamour side continue to impress, now sitting at 69-38. Cody Bellinger has maintained his elite pace, leading the clubhouse with 34 home runs and 79 RBI. 1st Baseman Max Muncy has also really come on of late, adding 26 home runs and 70 RBI of his own. Kenta Maeda is slated to pitch in this one, going 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA on the season.
Prediction: Dodgers $1.67
The Rockies have long been heralded for having an excellent home field advantage, although it just hasn’t been the same of late. Maeda is a better pitcher than his record would indicate and I think he can contain a Rockies offence that is very top heavy. As long as Bellinger, Muncy, and Co can keep this pace up, the Dodgers look like a strong best bet today at $1.67.