Pittsburgh Pirates
Things just haven’t gone to plan for Pittsburgh this season, who currently sit 51-70. Their home form has been less than stellar, going just 25-32 on the season. Josh Bell is their lone bright spot this season, going for an impressive 31 home runs and 98 RBI. Steven Brault is slated to pitch here, going 3-1 with a 4.33 ERA on the season.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs look in decent playoff shape at the minute, now sitting at 64-58. They have been an oddly poor road team, going just 23-39 on their travels this season. Javier Baez is their premier offensive option, putting up 28 home runs and 81 RBI on the season. Ace Jon Lester will pitch here, recent struggles taking him to a 9-8 record and 4.43 ERA.
Prediction: Cubs $1.67
Despite their road woes this season, it’s tough to fade the Cubs in this spot. I still like Lester as a pitcher and think their offense is due for another strong day here. Especially with some strong bullpen support, this $1.67 price is very good value.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies got this series off to an impressive start yesterday, claiming an 8-4 home win. This builds on a strong run of recent form, where they’ve won each of their last 4 contests. Bryce Harper was at his brilliant best, managing 2 hits and 3 clutch RBI to seal the win. Zach Eflin will pitch in this one, having struggled to a 7-11 record and 4.49 ERA so far.
San Diego Padres
I was curious as to why San Diego was even money yesterday and that seemed to bare fruit in their series-opening loss. They’ve been in the midst of a pretty bad spell of form, winning just 1 of their last 5. Right Fielder Josh Naylor led the way with 3 hits yesterday, although none of them resulted in RBI. Dinelson Lamet will pitch here, going 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA as a Padre so far.
Prediction: Phillies $1.96
Despite a comfortable win yesterday, it appears the market is still undervaluing Philly in this series. Lamet hasn’t really impressed me so far and I can see him struggling against a strong Philly offence. Zach Eflin tends to perform much better at home and I expect him to contain a top-heavy San Diego lineup. Combine these two factors and Philly look like great value as home underdogs here.