Oakland Athletics
The A’s are in the midst of a surprisingly solid campaign, going 76-56 so far. They’ve been in particularly good form of late, winning 9 of their last 13. 3rd Baseman Matt Chapman has been their major offensive weapon, putting up 30 home runs and 74 RBI. Chris Bassitt is slated to pitch here, going 9-5 with a 3.59 ERA so far.
Kansas City Royals
Despite a rare win yesterday, the Royals still find themselves at 47-87. They’ve struggled mightily of late, managing just 4 wins in their last 14. Jorge Soler is their only offensive weapon of note, totalling 36 home runs and 93 RBI so far. Glenn Sparkman will pitch here, going 3-9 with a 5.52 ERA so far.
Prediction: Athletics $1.50
This is one of the bigger mismatches of the day, with Oakland having huge advantages all over the field. They’ve been excellent at home all season and I expect Bassitt to thrive in the pitcher friendly conditions. Sparkman has faded even further of late and I don’t think he has the juice to contain Oakland. Combine that with terrible recent form and road play from KC and $1.50 looks like strong value for the win.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have had a disappointing campaign so far, 5th in the NL West at 59-75. Their recent form has been especially poor, winning just 3 of their last 11. Nolan Arenado has still enjoyed a decent campaign, putting up 34 home runs and 103 RBI. Chi Chi Gonzales will pitch here, having struggled to an 0-5 record and 6.43 ERA so far.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have been similarly disappointing, now at 56-77 on the campaign. They’ve been on a mini uptick of late, winning 4 of their last 6 games. Josh Bell remains their offensive standout, putting up 34 home runs and 106 RBI so far. Trevor Williams is slated to pitch here, going 6-6 with a 5.35 ERA this season.
Prediction: Rockies $1.92
Despite their poor form of late, I’d still say the Rockies are the better of these two sides. They’ve been much better at home this season, with the Pirates also largely struggling on the road. Chi Chi Gonzales has been poor so far, although a 1-man offence in Pittsburgh is a decent remedy for that. I expect the Colorado hitters to fire against Williams, which should prove enough here.