Cincinnati Reds
A relatively poor Cincinnati season sees them 4th in their division at 72-81. They’re a decent 40-35 at home this season, winning 6 of their last 10 overall. Eugenio Suarez has continued his stellar offensive season, going for 48 home runs and 102 RBI so far. Luis Castillo has been their best pitcher, going 15-6 with a 3.22 ERA through 178 innings.
New York Mets
The Mets find themselves 3rd in the NL East at a decent 79-73. They’re just 36-42 on the road this season but have managed 7 wins in their last 10. Pete Alonso has carried this team all year, putting up 49 home runs and 113 RBI. Jacob DeGrom will pitch here, going 9-8 with a 2.61 ERA so far.
Prediction: Mets
Despite Castillo’s excellence on the mound this season, I believe he has been more than matched by DeGrom. The Mets should also be the much more motivated side, with clear playoff implications on the line. Their offence is also much deeper and more versatile, which should ultimately prove the difference.
Detroit Tigers
An awful season from Detroit sees them 45-107 so far. They’re just 21-55 at home, with only 3 wins in their last 11 clashes. No one has topped 15 home runs or 55 RBI so far, indicative of their terrible offensive season. Jordan Zimmerman will pitch here, going 1-11 with a 6.32 ERA through 104 innings.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox haven’t been great either, sitting 66-86 and 3rd in their division. They are just 31-47 on the road this season, winning only 4 of their last 10. 1st Baseman Jose Abreu has been their offensive standout, going for 33 home runs and 119 RBI. Dylan Cease will pitch here, sporting a relatively poor 3-7 record and 6.18 ERA through 67 innings.
Prediction: White Sox
Fading the Tigers has been a consistent money maker all season and I can see that continuing here. They’re an awful home side and Zimmerman has been one of the worst performing pitchers all season. Assuming Abreu and Co can really get after him offensively, I see Chicago winning this one quite comfortably.