Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have had a decent campaign to date, sitting 3^rd in the NL Central at 80-69. They’ve gone 43-31 at home this season and won an impressive 9 of their last 10. Right Fielder Christian Yelich has had an outstanding season, leading the way with 44 home runs and 97 RBI. Zach Davies will pitch here, going 9-7 with a 3.77 ERA through 145 innings.

San Diego Padres

San Diego’s season is all but done, now sitting 4^th in the NL West at 68-81. They’re just 33-41 on the road this season and have only 4 wins in their last 10. Eric Hosmer has been their chief offensive contributor so far, going for an impressive 94 RBI. Garrett Richards is slated to pitch here, making his season debut in the process.

Prediction: Brewers

For me, this is one of the bigger talent and motivational mismatches on the board. Milwaukee simply has to win this game for their playoff chances and they’re up against a pitcher making his season debut. I expect Zach Davies to continue his strong start to the campaign in a relatively comfortable win.

Chicago Cubs

Chicago currently finds themselves second in the NL Central, sporting an 81-68 record. They’ve been a very strong 50-24 at home this season and have gone .500 over their last 10 overall. Anthony Rizzo is their main man offensively, going off for 26 home runs and 93 RBI so far. Cole Hamels will pitch here, sporting a decent 7-7 record and 3.89 ERA through 131 innings.

Cincinnati Reds

Cincy just haven’t impressed this season, now 4^th in the NL Central at 70-80. They’re a poor 30-45 on the road, also going .500 over their last 10. 3^rd Baseman Eugenio Suarez has still been hugely impressive, going for 47 home runs and 100 RBI. Kevin Gausman will pitch here, going 0-1 with a 4.02 ERA through 15 innings in Cincy.

Prediction: Cubs

This is another game on today’s slate with a strong talent and motivational edge. Chicago is also one of the better home teams in the league, while Cincinnati has struggled all year on the road. I like what I’ve seen from Cole Hamels and expect him to shut down a top-heavy Cincy offence en route to victory.

LA Angels

The Angels are finishing their relatively poor campaign, now 67-82 and 4^th in the AL West. They’ve struggled in this series so far, losing the opening two to Tampa by a combined score of 15-5. This means their home record is just 35-39 this season, with only 2 wins in their last 10. Patrick Sandoval will pitch here, going 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA so far.

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa continue to look impressive, losing just 61 of their 150 games to sit 2^nd in the AL East. They’re now 46-29 on the road this campaign, with 7 wins in their last 9 contests. Tommy Pham has been a decent second option this year, second behind Austin Meadows with 20 home runs and 64 RBI. Ryan Yarborough will pitch here, sporting an 11-3 record with a 3.51 ERA this season.

Prediction: Rays $1.60

Much like my rationale for game 1 in this series, Tampa is comfortably the better side and they’ve got much more on the line. Yarborough has been an outstanding pitcher this season and LA just don’t have the hitters outside of Trout. Sandoval hasn’t filled me with confidence so far, and I think Tampa exploit him en route to another routine win.

Seattle Mariners

It has been a poor season for Seattle, who now sit 5^th in the AL West with a 60-88 record. They are just 31-42 at home this year, managing wins in only 2 of their last 9 overall. Dan Vogelbach is a rare bright spot offensively, leading the way with 30 home runs and 76 RBI. Justus Sheffield is slated to pitch here, going 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA so far.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have also been poor, sitting 3^rd in the AL Central at 65-82. They are just 30-43 on the road this season, winning 5 of their last 10 overall. 1^st Baseman Jose Abreu continues to produce offensively, going for 33 home runs and 116 RBI. Ivan Nova is slated to pitch here, going just 10-12 with a 4.69 ERA through 172 innings.

Prediction: Mariners $1.77

Although this is a rather evenly matched game, I give the Mariners the slight edge at home. I like what their offense has shown of late and think that Sheffield is one to watch going forward. Nova has been especially inconsistent on the road and likely doesn’t have the juice to claim a road win here.

Washington Nationals

The Nats have been solid but unspectacular this year, sitting 2^nd in the NL East at 81-65. They are 41-29 at home this season, although they’ve won just 4 of their last 10 contests. Rendon and Soto have carried the offence all year, combining for 67 home runs and 222 RBI. Austin Voth will pitch here, going 1-1 with a 4.0 ERA through 27 innings.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have been even better, dominating the NL East at 92-57. They’re a stellar 44-29 on the road and have won 7 out of their last 10 matches. 1^st Baseman Freddie Freeman has been a stud all year, putting up 38 home runs and 117 RBI. Mike Foltynewicz will pitch in this one, going 6-5 with a 5.0 ERA through 99 innings.

Prediction: Nationals $1.85

Despite losing the series opener 5-0, I’ve got faith the Nationals can turn things around in this matchup. They’ve been an excellent home side this year and possess a very solid 2-headed batting lineup. If Voth can build on his early decent starts, I really like them at a value price of $1.85.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers’ playoff hopes are slipping away, the team sitting 3^rd in the AL West at 74-75. They’re a solid 42-30 at home, with recent form allowing them to win 7 of their last 10. Rougned Odor has been their offensive leader so far, going for 26 home runs and 79 RBI. Mike Minor is slated to pitch here, going 13-8 with a 3.08 ERA in extensive action this season.

Oakland A’s

Oakland are sporting an excellent 88-60 record, one that has them 2^nd in the AL West. They are 39-33 on the road this season, managing an excellent 8 wins in their last 10. Short Stop Marcus Semien has been a consistent offensive producer, taking the team lead with 83 RBI. Ace Mike Fiers will pitch here, going 14-4 with a 3.97 ERA through 170 innings.

Prediction: A’s $1.88

The A’s have been really consistent of late and have much more on the line here. Both sides have elite starting pitchers, although I think Oakland has the stronger batting lineup and bullpen. If Semien, Chapman, and Co can get going offensively, I think they win this one quite comfortably.

LA Angels

2019 hasn’t gone to plan for the Angels, sitting 4^th in the AL West at 67-80. They’ve gone 35-37 at home this season and won just 2 of their last 10 overall. Mike Trout is comfortably their best offensive player, putting up 45 home runs and 104 RBI so far. Andrew Heaney will pitch here, going 4-4 with a 4.3 ERA through 81 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are looking in good shape, sitting 2^nd in the AL East at 87-61. They’ve been a stellar 44-29 on the road, winning 7 of their last 10 overall. Austin Meadows has been very productive, leading the squad with 29 home runs and 82 RBI. Charlie Morton will pitch here, going an excellent 14-6 with a 3.11 ERA so far.

Prediction: Rays $1.70

This is a huge mismatch with one team playing for much higher stakes than the other. LA haven’t been a good home side all season, while Tampa are in excellent form and are an elite road side. Morton is also one of the better pitchers in the majors and I think he shuts down this one-man offence en route to victory.

SF Giants

The season is all but over for San Fran, who sit 3^rd in the NL West at 70-77. They are just 31-41 at home this season, winning 4 of their last 10 overall. Evan Longoria is having a stellar offensive season, second on the team with 19 home runs and 64 RBI. Tyler Beede is slated to pitch here, going a relatively poor 4-9 with a 5.33 ERA so far.

Miami Marlins

Miami have been one of the worst sides in baseball, 5^th in the NL East at 51-95. They are 22-46 on the road this season, winning 3 of their last 10 overall. Starlin Castro is enjoying a decent campaign with the bat, putting up 19 home runs and 78 RBI so far. Sandy Alcantara will pitch here, going 5-12 with a 4.04 ERA through 171 innings.

Prediction: Giants $1.67

Both sides are out of playoff contention but I think the Giants have the clear motivational edge, especially playing at home. Miami has been a dreadful road side this season and I can’t see their anaemic offence finding form here. Alcantara hasn’t inspired much confidence either and I think the Giants pick him apart en route to a comfortable win.

Miami Marlins

The miserable Miami campaign continues, currently 5^th in the NL East at 51-94. They have a disastrous 29-48 home record so far and have only won 3 of their last 10 overall. They’ve struggled mightily against Milwaukee in this series, easily losing each of the first 3. Caleb Smith is slated to pitch here, going 8-9 with a 4.11 ERA so far.

Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee have been solid but unspectacular, 2^nd in the NL Central at 77-68. Their 34-37 road record isn’t great, but 8 wins in their last 10 represents very solid form. Yelich and Moustakas continue to dominate offensively, combining for 77 home runs and 178 RBI. Gio Gonzalez is slated to pitch here, going 2-2 with a 3.98 ERA as a Brewer.

Prediction: Brewers $1.74

Miami have been atrocious and really have nothing to play for here, while Milwaukee are right in the thick of the playoff mix. Gonzalez has looked especially solid pitching of late and I really think they can get after Smith here. Combine the offensive edge with strong motivation and excellent recent form and the $1.74 on offer looks very tempting.

San Diego Padres

The Padres find themselves 4^th in the NL West, now 68-77 on the season. They have a relatively poor 35-39 home record and have gone .500 over their last 10 overall. They’ve won 2 of the first 3 here and will no doubt be looking to close out a series win. Dinelson Lamet will pitch here, going 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA through 57 innings.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are equal second with Milwaukee, also at 77-68. They’ve struggled to a 30-44 record on the road, winning just 4 of their last 10 overall. Kyle Schwarber has been striking them very cleanly of late, leading the side with 35 home runs. Yu Darvish is slated to pitch here, sporting a 5-6 record and 4.12 ERA through 157 innings.

Prediction: Cubs $1.67

This is another matchup on the slate that really only has playoff ramifications for one side. I’m banking on Chicago to be the much more motivated side here, avenging their earlier losses and improving their playoff position. I expect a solid day from Yu Darvish against a top-heavy offence, which should make the difference at $1.67.

Baltimore Orioles

An atrocious season is nearly over for Baltimore, who sit 5^th in the AL East with a dreadful 46-98 record. They are just 22-50 at home this season and have won only 2 of their last 10 overall. Right Fielder Trey Mancini has been a rare bright spot, the only Oriole to reach 30 home runs this season. John Means has been one of their better pitchers, going 10-10 with a 3.5 ERA so far.

LA Dodgers

The Dodgers continue to soar atop the NL West, now sitting at 94-52. They’ve been a decent 37-32 on the road this season and have gone .500 over their last 10. Cody Bellinger continues to dominate offensively, going for 44 home runs and 106 RBI so far. Ross Stripling will pitch here, going 4-4 with a 3.42 ERA through 81 innings.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.50

This is one of the bigger mismatches in baseball and I don’t see any trouble for the Dodgers here. While Means has been a stellar pitcher so far, LA have the depth and versatility to get after him in this one. I’ve also liked what I’ve seen lately from Stripling, who should shut down this relatively anaemic offence.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays currently sit 4^th in the NL East, sporting a record of 56-89. They are 27-42 at home this season, with 2 wins in their last 10 overall. Fortunately, one of those wins was this series opener yesterday, where they managed a rare 4-3 win over Boston. Trent Thornton is slated to pitch here, going just 4-9 with a 5.23 ERA so far.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox remain in the mix, now 3^rd in the AL East at 76-69. While they’re a decent 40-29 on the road, their recent run of 4 wins in 10 is somewhat concerning. Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers continue to form a dynamic duo, combining for 60 home runs and 212 RBI so far. Jhoulys Chacin will pitch here, having only pitched 3 innings since joining Boston mid-season.

Prediction: Red Sox

While the Blue Jays managed a frisky win yesterday, they’re still a poor side in some atrocious form. I think Boston will be much more motivated in game 2 and should really get after Trent Thornton in this one. Especially if Chacin can get back to his best, I like the Red Sox at early odds around $1.66.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are in the midst of a relatively poor campaign, currently 63-80 and 3^rd in the AL Central. They’ve gone 34-37 at home this season and managed wins in just 3 of their last 10 outings. Jose Abreu is easily their prime offensive threat, going for 31 home runs and 112 RBI this season. Ivan Nova will pitch here, going 9-12 with a 4.69 ERA so far.

Kansas City Royals

KC are still 4^th in the AL Central, now sporting a 53-90 record this season. They are just 24-47 on the road so far, although they do have a positive 6-4 record in their last 10 overall. Jorge Soler is the only real offensive threat, going for 41 home runs and 102 RBI. Jakob Junis will pitch here, going 9-12 with a 4.94 ERA through 167 innings.

Prediction: White Sox $1.88

This is another scenario where the Royals appear to be overvalued in the betting market. Chicago have several slight matchup advantages here as well as home field, which should be enough to get the job done. I expect their offence to have a particularly good day against Junis, who has struggled immensely on the road of late.

San Francisco Giants

The G-Men are now 69-75, sitting 3^rd in the NL West. They’ve gone just 30-39 at home this season and won 3 of their last 10 overall games. Kevin Pillar has become their main offensive weapon, going for 21 home runs and 79 RBI so far. Veteran Jonny Cueto returns to pitch here and it’ll be interesting to see how he gets on.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates sit at the cellar of the NL Central, now at just 63-81. They’re 32-40 on the road this season, winning 6 of their last 10 overall. They started this series nicely, winning the opening contest 6-4. Mitch Keller is slated to pitch here, going 1-3 with an 8.18 ERA in 33 innings as a Pirate.

Prediction: Giants $1.77

While both team’s seasons are essentially over, the Giants have the motivational edge here. Pittsburgh aren’t a great road side and Mitch Keller has been atrocious of late, making me think San Fran should have no trouble scoring. Add in a strong debut from an excellent pitcher in Cueto and I think the Giants are good value at this price.

Houston Astros

The Astros have had an outstanding campaign, currently sitting 1^st in the NL West at 94-50. They enjoyed another sweep over Seattle last time out, winning by an incredible 21-1 scoreline. They’ve gone an impressive 55-17 at home this season, winning 7 of their last 10 contests overall. Zack Greinke will pitch here, going a solid 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 37 innings as an Astro.

Oakland A’s

The A’s are second in the AL West, also enjoying a solid record of 84-59. They’ve been a decent 36-32 on the road this season, going 7-3 in their last 10. Matt Chapman continues to lead the way offensively, putting up 32 home runs and 80 RBI on the season. The solid Mike Fiers will take the mound here, going 14-3 with a 3.51 ERA through 169 innings so far.

Prediction: Astros $1.60

While Fiers has been an outstanding pitcher this season, I still think Houston are set for another home win here. They are one of the best home sides in the league and Greinke has continued his excellence since the trade. They’ve got enough talent offensively to still put up runs here, which should ultimately make the difference.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have had a very disappointing campaign to date, sitting just 67-77 and 4^th in the AL West. They’re only 35-34 at home this season, managing 3 wins in their last 10 overall. Mike Trout remains their only threat offensively, going off for 45 home runs and 104 RBI on the season. Patrick Sandoval will pitch here, going 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA through 25 innings.

Cleveland Indians

Cleveland have had a much better campaign, now 2^nd in the AL Central at 83-61. They’ve been a stellar road side all season, going 40-32 away from home. 1^st Baseman Carlos Santana has been excellent offensively, putting up 33 home runs and 86 RBI. Shane Bieber will pitch here, going a strong 13-7 with a 3.24 ERA through an astounding 188 innings.

Prediction: Indians $1.62

The Angels have practically nothing to play for, while Cleveland are right in the playoff mix. Bieber has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season and I expect him to stop a 1-man offence here. Sandoval has also struggled mightily in limited action and I can’t see that changing against a versatile Cleveland lineup.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are enjoying a stellar campaign, currently sitting 2^nd in the AL East at 85-59. They’ve gone 42-32 at home this season and have managed 9 wins in their last 10 outings. This series has been particularly kind to them, winning the first 3 matchups before today’s finale. Tyler Glasnow will pitch here, going an outstanding 6-1 with a 1.86 ERA so far.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have been awful all season, currently 55-88 and 4^th in the AL East. They’ve gone just 28-46 on the road this year and have won only 2 of their last 8 contests. Randal Grichuk remains their primary offensive weapon, going for 24 home runs and 62 RBI so far. Jacob Waguespack will pitch here, having gone 4-3 with a decent 3.97 ERA through 59 innings.

Prediction: Rays $1.50

I’ve had a fair bit of success backing Tampa recently and see no reason to deviate from that here. They’re comfortably the better of these two sides and have everything to play for in terms of playoff positioning. Tyler Glasnow has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season and should comfortably shut down the anaemic Toronto offence. Add in a strong effort from the Tampa offence and I think they claim a 4-game sweep here.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have been solid but unspectacular so far, going 73-68 to sit 3^rd in the NL Central. They’re an impressive 42-31 at home and have managed 6 wins in their last 10. Right Fielder Christian Yelich continues to lead the offence, going for 44 home runs and 97 RBI on the season. Adrian Houser will pitch here, going 6-5 with a 3.45 ERA through 91 innings.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in a similar spot, with a slightly better 76-65 record and 2^nd position in the AL Central. They’ve been a relatively poor 29-41 in road games, although they’ve managed to win 6 of their last 10 overall. Kyle Schwarber leads the side with 34 home runs, while Anthony Rizzo has an impressive 87 RBI to his name. Ace Jon Lester will pitch here, going 12-9 with a 4.19 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cubs $1.85

The Cubs haven’t been the greatest road side this season, although Lester is still as strong a pitcher as they come. Milwaukee has faded somewhat offensively of late and are heavily reliant on Yelich at the top of the order. If Chicago’s offence can get after Houser effectively, they’ve got a good shot at extending their lead over Milwaukee and managing the upset.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have had a poor campaign to date, going just 66-75 and sitting 4^th in the AL Central. They have been a decent 39-33 at home, although they’ve won just 4 of their last 10 overall. Eugenio Suarez is comfortably their best offensive player, going for 41 home runs and 88 RBI so far. Luis Castillo will pitch here, sporting a strong 14-5 record and 3.25 ERA through 166 innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks have been relatively impressive, going 73-67 and sitting 2^nd in the NL West. Their road record is a decent 37-34, going 9-1 over their last 10. 3^rd Baseman Eduardo Escobar leads the way offensively, putting up 33 home runs and 110 RBI. Alex Young will pitch here, going 6-3 with a 3.84 ERA this season.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $2.35

Although Castillo has been a solid pitcher this season, I like Arizona in this spot. They are one of the form teams in the majors and Young has been a particularly solid pitching option. They also possess the deeper and more versatile batting lineup, one which can give Castillo some trouble. I think they should really be slight favourites here, making $2.35 look like outstanding value.

Miami Marlins

Things have been bad all season for Miami, going 50-90 and sitting 5^th in the NL East. They’ve gone just 28-43 at home this season, winning only 3 of their last 10. Starlin Castro leads the way offensively, although he’s only managed 17 home runs and 74 RBI. Caleb Smith will pitch here, going a somewhat respectable 8-9 with a 4.3 ERA.

Kansas City Royals

KC Haven’t been much better, going just 52-90 and sitting 4^th in their division, only above the lowly Tigers. They did win the series opener between these two sides, a relatively lacklustre affair that they won 3-0. I wouldn’t count on that road form continuing, evidenced by a poor 22-46 road record this season. Danny Duffy will pitch here, going 5-6 with a 4.89 ERA so far.

Prediction: Marlins $1.85

This is another matchup between two atrocious sides, although Miami has a few slight edges. They’ve performed somewhat better at home this season, while KC have been amongst the worst road sides in the league. Caleb Smith is also one of their best pitchers, putting up a decent 8-9 record so far. Especially with Danny Duffy’s road struggles, I think their hitters score enough to secure the win at $1.85.