Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been in strong form of late, now 10 games above .500 at 68-58. They’ve been an excellent home side all season, compiling a 43-19 record. Javier Baez remains their chief offensive contributor, going for 28 home runs and 81 RBI so far. Kyle Hendricks is slated to pitch here, sporting an 8-9 record with a 3.37 ERA.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have been solid but unspectacular of late, exactly .500 at 63-63. They are generally a better side on the road, going 34-31 so far. Kevin Pillar continues to impress offensively, leading the way with 18 home runs and 68 RBI. Jeff Samardzija will pitch in this one, going 9-9 with a 3.54 ERA this season.
Prediction: Cubs $1.60
Given their outstanding record at home this season, I do really like the Cubs at this solid price point. Hendricks has a very strong ERA despite an average record and I expect him to contain this anaemic Giants offence. If Baez and Co can step up on the other end, $1.60 looks like very good value for the Cubs.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are basically playing out the string, now sitting at 57-69. They’re certainly a better side at home, going .500 through 62 games. 1st Baseman Jose Abreu is having a truly elite campaign, leading the team with 28 home runs and 96 RBI. Ross Detwiler will pitch here, going 1-3 with a 6.1 ERA in 41 innings during his time in Chicago.
Texas Rangers
Texas are in danger of slipping out of the playoff race, now at a precarious 62-65. Their road form is nothing to write home about, just 25-38 on the campaign. They’ve also been in a bit of a recent form slump, winning just 3 of their last 10 contests. Ariel Jurado will pitch here, going 6-9 with a 5.38 ERA this season.
Prediction: Rangers $1.85
This is quite a tough one to predict, but I have to go with the side that is still well in the playoff mix. Despite fading of late, Jurado started the season strongly and could recover that form against a top-heavy batting lineup. Detwiler has been an awful pitcher of late and Texas should also be able to get after him here. The real price should be somewhere around $1.75, so I’ll gladly take the extra 10 cents of value.