Rob Refsnyder @ New York Yankees
- Refsnyder has ripped three doubles against Yankees righty Nestor Cortes in just 16 plate appearances.
Spencer Steer @ St Louis Cardinals
- Steer has gone yard twice against Reds veteran Spencer Steer. His hardest hit ball registered a 99.4 MPH average exit velocity off the bat.
There hasn’t been a better pitcher over the last 30 days, at least among qualified starters, than Astros lefty, Framber Valdez.
The two-time All-Star has been dealing since mid-August, posting a 1.11 ERA across five starts with zero home runs allowed and only nine walks.
Most importantly, Valdez has struck out exactly 40 hitters during that time frame, which doesn’t bode well for an A’s team that ranks 26th in runs scored against southpaws, and 11th in strikout percentage.
- Tip: A’s Under 2.5 Runs
- Player Pick: Framber Valdez Over 7.5 Strikeouts
Kumar Rocker makes his long-awaited MLB debut on Friday after waiting nearly two years to take the mound in The Show.
The former first round draft pick has had a delayed start to his career due to injury, opting for Tommy John surgery last year that ruled him out for the entirety of the season.
At his best, the 24-year-old boasts an electric fastball that he can throw over 100 MPH, which has been on full display at Triple A recently where he’s posted a 1.80 ERA across two starts to go with 18 strikeouts and just one walk.
Promotion to the Big Leagues poses an entirely different set of challenges, though, especially against a Mariners side that ranks Top 5 in runs to go with 9 HR over the last seven days.
- Tip: Mariners Over the Run Total
- Player Pick: Kumar Rocker Under Strikeout Total