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.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles are in the midst of an awful season, going 46-94 and sitting 5^th in the AL East. They’ve gone a very poor 22-47 at home this season, winning 4 of their last 10 overall. 3^rd Baseman Renato Nunez has impressed offensively, going for 29 home runs and 80 RBI on the season. Dylan Bundy is slated to pitch here, going 6-13 with a 4.96 ERA through 138 innings.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers are an average 69-73, currently sitting 3^rd in the AL West. They’ve gone just 29-44 on the road this season and managed 5 wins in their last 10 overall. Rougned Odor has been their main offensive weapon, going for 22 home runs and 71 RBI overall. Brock Burke will pitch in this one, going 0-1 with a 1.5 ERA through his 18 innings.

Prediction: Rangers $2.10

Although Burke is somewhat inexperienced, I struggle to see why Baltimore are favoured here. They’ve been one of the worst home sides in the league all season and Bundy is an average at best pitcher. Their batting lineup also isn’t all that inspiring, with Nunez and Mancini offering the only resistance. If the Texas offence can fire in this one, I really like them as road underdogs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are a relatively poor 61-79, a record that has them in the NL Central cellar. They’ve gone just 30-39 at home on the season, although they do have a positive 6-4 record in their last 10. Josh Bell is the obvious offensive standout, going for 36 home runs and 112 RBI so far. Joe Musgrove looks set to start this one, going 9-12 with a 4.67 ERA through 154 innings.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have gone 79-61 this season, good for top spot in the NL Central. They’re a somewhat poor 33-35 on the road, although they’ve been in strong form, going 7-3 over their last 10. 1^st Baseman Paul Goldschmidt has excelled of late, going for 29 home runs and 79 RBI on the year. Miles Mikolas will pitch here, going just 8-13 with a 4.32 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.77

While these odds seem relatively fair, I think the situation really favours the Cardinals here. They are the much more motivated side and have huge playoff implications in this one. Pittsburgh have struggled at home all season and Musgrove hasn’t pulled up any trees. If we get even a decent road performance from Mikolas, this is a value play that cashes more often than not.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals are in the midst of another pedestrian campaign, going just 51-89 to sit 4^th in the AL Central. They’re a relatively poor 29-43 at home this year, managing to go .500 over their last 10 overall. Jorge Soler is their main man offensively, putting up 40 home runs and 101 RBI so far. Glenn Sparkman will pitch here, going a poor 3-10 with a 5.86 ERA.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have had an even worse campaign, going just 40-97 to sit last in their division. They’ve gone just 22-48 on the road this season and won just 1 of their last 10 matches overall. Miguel Cabrera is one of their few offensive weapons, leading the squad with 53 RBI on the season. Matt Boyd will pitch in this one, going 7-10 with a 4.58 ERA.

Prediction: Royals $2

In a matchup between two awful sides, I’ll take the slightly better one at home at decent $2 odds. The Royals have the significantly better offence of the two sides and should be able to get after Boyd here. Sparkman hasn’t been fantastic although he is usually better at home and comes up against a weak offence in this one. Combine that with Detroit’s dreadful form and road record and I quite like KC as underdogs.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have been impressive this year, going 83-59 to sit 2^nd in the division. They’re a decent 39-32 in home games, winning 6 of their last 10 games overall. Right Fielder Austin Meadows has produced offensively, leading the way with 26 home runs and 73 RBI. Austin Pruitt will pitch here, going 2-0 with a 4.78 ERA through 37 innings.

Toronto Blue Jays

Baseball hasn’t been kind to Toronto this year, a 55-85 record sitting them 4^th in the AL East. They’ve been a pedestrian 28-43 on the road, managing wins in just 3 of their last 10 games. Center Fielder Grichuk has stepped up offensively, leading the squad with 24 home runs and 62 RBI. Trent Thornton is slated to pitch here, going 4-9 with a 5.34 ERA through 129 innings.

Prediction: Rays $1.50

In one of the bigger mismatches of the day, I really like another home win for Tampa. Thornton has been especially poor on the road this season and I see him struggling against an improving Tampa offence. The Jays have been dreadful on the road so far and their struggling offence should get little relief against Pruitt. Tampa hasn’t been the best home side this season, but with all their matchup advantages I just can’t see them losing here.

Cincinnati Reds

A poor campaign sees Cincinnati 4^th in the NL Central with a record of 64-75. They are a solid 37-33 at home this season, although they’ve won just 4 of their last 10 overall. Eugenio Suarez is the man to watch offensively, comfortably leading his side with 40 home runs and 87 RBI. Trevor Bauer is slated to pitch here, going a rather poor 1-4 with an 8.4 ERA through 30 innings this season.

Philadelphia Phillies

A solid but unspectacular campaign from Philly sees them 3^rd in the NL East at 72-65. They’ve been a pedestrian 31-34 on the road this season, still managing to win 6 of their last 10 overall. Right Fielder Bryce Harper has really come good of late, leading the squad with 30 home runs and 100 RBI. Aaron Nola will pitch here, going a strong 12-4 with a 3.45 ERA through a 175-inning sample size.

Prediction: Phillies $1.77

I think the Phillies are the better of these two sides and that they’ve got much more to play for here. I especially like the pitching matchup, with Nola likely to contain a relatively anaemic offence. Bauer hasn’t filled anyone with confidence of late and I can’t see anything but a tough day at the offence for him. Especially with some solid recent form from Philly, I expect a well-rounded performance to lead to another road win here.

St Louis Cardinals

A strong campaign from St Louis sees them atop the NL Central at 78-60 so far. They’ve gone an outstanding 45-25 at home this season, winning 8 of their last 10 matches to boot. Left Fielder Marcell Ozuna has been immense when healthy, putting up 25 home runs and 78 RBI. Michael Wacha is likely to start here, going an average 6-6 with a 5.07 ERA through 110 innings so far.

San Francisco Giants

A recent dip in form has seen the G-Men slip to 66-72 and 3^rd position in the NL West. They’re a decent 36-34 on the road this season, although they’ve managed just 3 wins in their last 10 matches overall. Kevin Pillar has been one of few bright spots offensively, leading the clubhouse with 20 home runs and 75 RBI. Ace Madison Bumgarner will pitch here, having rebounded nicely to enjoy a 9-8 record and 3.62 ERA through his 176 innings this season.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.85

St Louis is comfortably the better of these two sides and has a ton on the line in this matchup in terms of playoff seeding. Wacha has been solid but unspectacular this season, although coming up against an anaemic Giants offence should favour him. Bumgarner has been decent on the campaign, although this Cardinals offence is a different beast at home and should prove tough to contain. Ultimately, there is too much in St Louis’ favour for me to ignore them at home at $1.85.