Cole Ragans is back on the hill for the Royals on Tuesday in the first of a back to back set against their division rival.
Normally, Ragans has been money when it comes to betting on strikeouts, but I’m happy to fade him in this spot against a Guardians team that ranks top five in runs scored against left-handed pitching, and towards the bottom of the league in terms of strikeout rate.
Ragans found this out the hard way when he faced Cleveland earlier in June, surrendering five earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work.
Coming off back to back wins over the Rangers, I’m happy to back the Guardians here to put up some numbers.
- Tip: Back the Guardians to Win
- Player Pick: Cole Ragans Under 6.5 Strikeouts
Nestor Cortes was kind to us last week when he cashed his strikeout total, but I think this is a different kettle of fish against a Nats side that hits lefties well.
Surprisingly, Washington ranks towards the top of the league in hits against southpaws, while they’ve also compiled one of the lowest strikeout totals against.
Cortes has been hit and miss this year, particularly in inter-league play where he’s posted a sub 4.00 ERA to go with six homers allowed.
- Tip: Back the Nationals Over 3.5 Runs
The Red Sox have been cold over the last seven days, batting a lowly .220 with only 45 hits collectively as a team.
Fortunately, their numbers against Jays starter Jose Berrios lend themselves to optimism, particularly Jarren Duran, who has slugged two homers against the veteran in just 11 plate appearances.
On the flip side, the Jays have been much-improved during that same seven-day stretch, leading the league in hits and sitting fourth in runs scored.
This is a tricky AL East battle to get a feel for, but I like the Jays to win as they look to extend their winning streak to five.
- Tip: Back the Blue Jays to Win
- Player Pick: Jarren Duran to Hit a Home Run