Parker Meadows @ Houston Astros
- Meadows has been Detroit’s hottest hitter over the last week, recording eight hits, including a homer and a double.
Adley Rutschman vs Kansas City Royals
- Rutschman has been one of Baltimore’s best hitters against lefties, mashing 7 HR and nine double for a .329 average. He also owns five hits in just seven plate appearances against Cole Ragans.
Francisco Lindor @ Milwaukee Brewers
- Lindor played a huge role in booking the Mets a Wild Card spot when he went yard on Tuesday. He’s also homered against Freddy Peralta in the past.
Fascinating three-game matchup to start with between Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and his former side.
The Astros are the more experienced, playoff conditioned outfit, but there’s something to be said of Detroit’s run during the second half, led by their outstanding rotation.
Future AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has been at the forefront of the Tigers’ success, while their bullpen might be the deepest in the American League.
Skubal has faced the Astros twice this year to mixed results, striking out seven and giving up a couple of runs in late May, and then giving up four runs at Minute Maid Park a month later.
The health of Yordan Alvarez is worth monitoring throughout this series, but the Astros do look the bet in Game 1 based on their 12-8 record this season after a day off.
Keep an eye on Yordan Alvarez’s status, but with Houston’s rotation and bullpen matching that of Detroit’s, this series should go the distance.
- Tip: Back the Astros to Win @ $1.65
- Player Pick: Tarik Skubal Over 1.5 Earned Runs Allowed @ $1.65
Another stellar pitching matchup with Cole Ragans set to face former Cy Young award winner, Corbin Burnes.
After losing 106 games last year, the Royals have been the story of the season in 2024, led by Bobby Witt and Ragans’ surprisingly reliable arm.
The O’s, meanwhile, were the best team in baseball for a stretch, but their second half has seen the bullpen and some of Adley Rutschman’s weaknesses exposed.
This is a tricky series to bet on, but there are a couple of deciding factors that have me leaning towards Baltimore.
Over the last month, we’ve seen Ragans allow only one homer and just three runs, but his walk total has gone up quite significantly in comparison to previous monthly totals.
At the same time, the O’s are better suited to playing at their home park with a lineup full of lefty hitters, while the Royals are relying primarily on righties like Witt and Salvador Perez.
Overall, the Royals have a huge advantage on the mound, but with power from top to bottom, the O’s are the stronger offensive team.
In my mind, whoever wins Game 1 probably wins the series, and with Ragans facing the biggest start of his five-year career off a six-day break, I’m leaning O’s.
- Tip: Back the Orioles to Win @ $1.65
- Player Pick: Corbin Burnes 6+ Strikeouts