Friday, June 14

Friday, June 14

Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 2:10 am
Braves $1.62

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have been in some improved form of late, using impressive slugging to move to 38-29. Freddie Freeman has been excellent offensively, going for 18 home runs and 43 RBI as well as a .306 batting average. Julio Teheran will pitch here, going 4-4 with a 3.03 ERA in some extensive action so far.

Pittsburgh Pirates

A playoff spot appears to be fading for Pittsburgh, who sit just 30-36 through their first 66 contests. They’d probably be one of the worst sides in the majors without Josh Bell, who currently boasts 18 home runs and 60 RBI. Joe Musgrove returns to pitch in this one, going 4-6 with a 4.40 ERA so far.

Prediction: Braves $1.62

The Braves are a much deeper and more versatile side than the Pirates and have a strong pitching advantage here. I think they can really get after Musgrove in this one, providing Teheran with strong run support. If Teheran keeps up his stellar season, I really like Atlanta here at $1.62.

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 9:05 am
Diamondbacks $1.85

Washington Nationals

Even with some recent improvements, the Nats still find themselves a disappointing 31-36. Anthony Rendon has provided an impressive offensive spark of late, going for 14 home runs and 46 RBI in his 53 appearances. Erick Fedde has been solid when called upon this season, going 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks have largely hovered above .500 all season, currently sitting at 36-33. The contributions of Eduardo Escobar have been huge of late, totalling 17 home runs and 55 RBI on the season. Zack Greinke takes the mound here, going 7-2 with a 2.87 ERA so far.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.85

While Fedde has been a decent contributor this season, it’s tough to go against Zack Greinke against this Nationals side. I expect another fine outing from the D-Backs ace, which should prove too much if he can get some decent run support.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs, 12:10 pm
Cubs $2.65

Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite consecutive losses, the Dodgers are still sitting pretty at 45-23. Cody Bellinger has an outstanding 20 home runs and 54 RBI, while Max Muncy has 15 home runs and 40 RBI of his own. Ace Clayton Kershaw returns here, going 5-1 with an ERA of 3 after his long-term injury.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs continue to look like a strong contender in the NL Central, sitting at 38-29 so far. They boast one of the most dynamic offences in the majors, with 6 players reaching 10 home runs and 30 RBI this campaign. Cubs ace Jon Lester will also pitch in this one, going 5-4 so far with a stellar 3.56 record.

Prediction: Cubs $2.65

While I think the Dodgers are rightly favoured, this is a mere value play on the Cubs. They’ve got an excellent offence that won’t be afraid of Kershaw and a dominant pitcher that can contain the elite Dodgers offence. If they deliver the performance they’re capable of, an update could definitely be on the cards here.

Thursday, June 13

Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays, 9:05 am
Blue Jays $1.85

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have been at the MLB cellar almost all season, currently sitting at 21-45. Dwight Smith Jr has been their most reliable offensive threat, going for 41 RBI to match his 11 home runs. David Hess will pitch in this one, having gone an abysmal 1-8 with a 7.08 ERA so far.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays haven’t fared much better than their opponents, going just 23-43 to start their campaign. Justin Smoak leads the way for them offensively, going for 12 home runs and 33 RBI so far. Pitcher Edwin Jackson has been atrocious when called upon, going 0-4 with an 11.9 ERA so far.

Prediction: Blue Jays $1.85

With two atrocious pitchers in this one, I’ll back the team with the deeper and more versatile batting lineup. I think the Jays have several options from a batting perspective and can really get after Hess here. Jackson isn’t as poor as his stats indicate and I expect a better performance in this one.

Houston Astros vs Milwaukee Brewers, 10:10 am
Astros $1.74

Houston Astros

The Astros continued their impressive recent run, moving to 26-22 with a 10-8 win over Milwaukee last time out. Yuli Gurriel surprisingly led the way, going for 3 hits and 3 clutch RBI. Ace Justin Verlander returns to pitch tonight, sporting a very strong 9-2 record to match his 2.31 ERA.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers lost that aforementioned match yesterday, moving to 38-29 in the process. Catcher Yasmani Grandal did all that he could, leading the way with 3 hits and 4 RBI. Brandon Woodruff has also had a very solid pitching year, going 8-1 with a 3.87 ERA so far.

Prediction: Astros $1.74

It’s tough to back against Verlander and this batting lineup at such a decent price at home. I expect him to contain this strong Brewers offence, while Woodruff’s record has slightly overrated his play this season. As long as the Astros offence stays firing, I think they get another win here.

San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres, 11:45 am
Padres $1.67

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are far removed from their dynasty squad, winning just 40% of their games this season. Buster Posey has been very disappointing with the bat, going for just 3 home runs and 18 RBI. Shaun Anderson is slated to pitch here, going 1-1 in relatively limited action so far.

San Diego Padres

The Padres have hovered above .500 for the better part of the season and continue to do just enough to stay there. The hitting of Franmil Reyes and Hunter Renfroe has been a contributing factor, the two combining for 37 home runs so far. Joey Luchessi returns to pitch in this one, going a solid 5-3 so far.

Prediction: Padres $1.67

The Giants offence just hasn’t got it going all season and I don’t see that changing here. Luchessi is a very solid pitcher at this level and is backed up by a quality relief staff. If their offence can expose Anderson here, they should be in for a relatively comfortable win.

Wednesday, June 12

Cleveland Indians vs Cincinnati Reds, 9:10 am
Indians $1.80

Cleveland Indians

The Indians are still right in the thick of things, sitting just above .500 at 32-33. Carlos Santana is carrying the load offensively, leading the way with 12 home runs and 40 RBI. Trevor Bauer is slated to pitch here, going 4-6 on the year with an ERA just under 4 in his 91 innings.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are starting to fall out of the playoff mix, currently sporting a record of 29-35. They have got some solid offensive production, with Suarez, Dietrich, and Puig all above 10 home runs and 30 RBI. Luis Castillo has been their premier pitcher this season, going 6-1 with a 2.26 ERA so far.

Prediction: Indians $1.80

While Castillo is definitely in strong form, I think the market has overrated him in this spot. Bauer is still a solid option at the other end and the Indians have the better batting lineup in this matchup. Getting generous odds of $1.80, I’ll happily take the home favourite here.

Houston Astros vs Milwaukee Brewers, 10:10 am
Astros $1.74

Houston Astros

The Astros just keep plugging along, getting another win over Baltimore yesterday to move to 45-22. Alex Bregman has stepped up in George Springer’s absence, leading the way with 18 home runs and 44 RBI. Brad Peacock is slated to pitch here, sporting a strong 5-3 record and 3.2 ERA so far.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are no joke either, currently sitting at 38-28 after a win over Pittsburgh last time out. Christian Yelich and Mike Moustakas have carried them offensively, both men already reaching 20 home runs this season. Freddy Peralta will pitch for Milwaukee here, managing a 3-2 record so far despite his poor ERA of 5.11.

Prediction: Astros $1.74

Any time I can get the Astros at home at these kind of odds, I pretty much have to take them. They’re as consistent a team as you’ll find across the majors right now, boasting a deep batting lineup and excellent pitching staff. I see them getting after Peralta in this one, while Peacock has a solid outing on the other end.

Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers, 10:15 am
Royals $1.77

Kansas City Royals

KC have been abysmal all season, moving to 20-45 after suffering consecutive losses to the White Sox. They’re still getting some big hitting from Jorge Soler, who leads the way with 17 home runs and 44 RBI. Jakob Junis has been their best pitcher from a record perspective so far, going 4-6 through his 72 innings.

Detroit Tigers

Things haven’t been much better for the Tigers either, who sit near the cellar themselves at just 24-38. They boast an atrocious offence, with the 8 home runs of JaCoby Jones leading the way. Spencer Turnbull has admittedly been a solid pitcher this season, going 3-5 with an ERA of 3.01.

Prediction: Royals $1.77

In what will likely be a low-scoring affair, I’ll take the Royals at home as the team with the better offence. I can see Junis shutting down this Tigers attack, while the likes of Soler, Gordon, and Mondesi do enough for a KC win.

Tuesday, June 11

Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 9:05 am
Phillies $1.74

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have been in decent form of late, registering series wins over the Padres and Reds to move to 37-28. Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins have helped carry the offence, combining for 88 RBI already. Jared Eickhoff will pitch here, going a middling 3-3 with a 4.14 ERA this season.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs have also been in some strong form, winning each of their last 4 to move to 34-32. Eduardo Escobar has been their standout offensively, leading the way with 15 home runs and 49 RBI. Taylor Clarke will pitch in this one, sporting a 1-2 record with a 4.43 ERA on the season.

Prediction: Phillies $1.74

While both sides are in strong form, I think Philly is comfortably the better team at home. Their batting lineup can definitely get after Clarke in this one, while I expect a comfortable day at the office from Eickhoff. If both these things hold, Philly are strong value at $1.74.

Miami Marlins vs St Louis Cardinals, 9:10 am
Cardinals $1.70

Miami Marlins

The Marlins moved to 23-40 yesterday with another loss to Atlanta. They actually put up a decent offensive fight this time, with 3 hits and 3 RBI from Austin Dean leading the way. Sandy Alcantara will pitch in this one, going 3-5 on the year to match his 3.80 ERA.

St Louis Cardinals

After getting swept by the Cubs, St Louis now find themselves under .500 at 32-31. While the team offence has faded of late, Marcell Ozuna still leads the way with 17 home runs and 54 RBI. Michael Wacha will pitch in this one, going 3-2 despite a relatively poor 6.30 ERA.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.70

After successfully fading the Marlins yesterday, I plan to continue doing so at the same price. I think St Louis is a better team than their record suggests and they’ve got the offensive talent to score big here. If Wacha can deliver a better performance here, I really like their chances.

Colorado Rockies vs Chicago Cubs, 10:40 am
Rockies $1.67

Colorado Rockies

Despite consecutive losses to the Mets, Colorado still sits above .500 at 33-31. Their offensive standout is still Nolan Arenado, who leads the way with 16 home runs and 55 RBI. German Marquez retakes the mound here, going 6-3 with an ERA just over 4 through his 90 innings so far.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are also looking like a real contender of late, moving to 37-27 off the back of some impressive performances. They’re getting particularly strong offensive from Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo, the two combining for 32 home runs and 89 RBI this season. The enigmatic Yu Darvish will pitch in this one, going 2-3 with a 4.88 ERA on the campaign.

Prediction: Rockies $1.67

The Rockies are one of the best home teams in the majors and I think they can trouble the surging Cubs here. They’ve got a sizeable edge in the pitching matchup and Marquez is as consistent as they come. Especially if their solid offensive production continues, I like Colorado in this spot at home.

Monday, June 10th

Miami Marlins vs Atlanta Braves, 3:10 am
Braves $1.70

Miami Marlins

The Marlins continue to struggle in 2019, falling again to Atlanta yesterday to move to 23-39. Brett Anderson has been one of a few solid offensive contributors this season, leading the clubhouse with 27 RBI. Pablo Lopez is slated to pitch again here, going 4-5 this season with a 4.52 ERA.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have steadied the ship recently and look well-poised for a playoff run at 35-29. Freddie Freeman has been particularly impressive offensively of late, hitting 17 home runs to go with his 41 RBI. Max Fried gets the pitching nod here, going a very solid 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA so far.

Prediction: Braves $1.70

The Braves are ultimately the much better side in this matchup and I believe they’ve got a strong edge in the pitching department. I expect them to get after Lopez in this matchup, while Fried continues his solid season. Even at $1.70, I really like them as road faves in this spot.

San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:05 am
Dodgers $1.60

San Francisco Giants

It’s been a season to forget for the G-Men so far, currently sitting at a measly 26-37. Brandon Belt has been the best of a bad bunch offensively, leading the way with 9 home runs and 27 RBI. Ace Madison Bumgarner gets the nod here, having regressed this season to a 3-5 record and 4.05 ERA.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have had a much better campaign than their division rivals this season, sitting at an impressive 44-21 through their first 65. Cody Bellinger has of course led them offensively, but the 18 RBI of Joc Pederson can’t be overlooked. Probable pitcher Walker Buehler has been excellent all year, going 6-1 on the campaign.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.60

Even with Bumgarner pitching, I expect this talented Dodgers offence to have a ton of success. Given the struggles SF have had offensively, I’m not sure they’ll be able to score much on Walker Buehler either. As long as he gets some decent run support, I expect a solid win for Buehler and the Dodgers here.

San Diego Padres vs Washington Nationals, 6:10 am
Padres $2

San Diego Padres

After a series loss against the Phillies, the Padres came out strong against Washington to take the first 2 games. The steady offensive contributions of Eric Hosmer have made a huge difference, leading the clubhouse with 36 RBI. They’re yet to announce a starting pitcher for this one, although their 5 starters have been largely very solid.

Washington Nationals

It continues to be a disappointing season for the Nationals, who’ve won just 40% of their games this season. Anthony Rendon has been solid when healthy, leading the way with 11 home runs and 40 RBI. Stephen Strasburg will pitch in this one, having had a relatively impressive 6-3 season so far.

Prediction: Padres $2

Despite his strong record this season, I’ve had decent success when fading Stephen Strasburg. He tends to fare much better at home than on the road and could definitely struggle against the solid Padres hitters. Ultimately, I think the Padres are the better of these two sides and just shouldn’t be home underdogs here.

Sunday, 9th June

Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds, 6:05 am
Phillies $1.67

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have built on their solid start to the campaign, currently sitting at 36-27 on the season. Bryce Harper is having a strong first season with his new squad, going for 11 home runs and 44 RBI so far. Nick Pivetta is slated to pitch in this one, going 3-1 with a 6.14 ERA so far.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds playoff hopes look to be slowly fading away, now 28-34 on the season. The big hitting of Derek Dietrich has been a highlight so far, leading the clubhouse with 17 home runs. Tanner Roark will pitch here, going 4-4 this season with a 3.47 ERA.

Prediction: Phillies $1.67

Ultimately, I think the Phillies are the better of these two sides in almost every facet. They’ve got a much stronger batting lineup that I’d expect to really get after Tanner Roark here. As long as Pivetta can minimize the damage on the other end, I’d expect a comfortable win in this one.

Milwaukee Brewers vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:10 am
Brewers $1.65

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers continue to loom as one of the main contenders in the NL Central, now 35-28 this season. Christian Yelich is having an other-worldly season, going for 23 home runs and 51 RBI so far. Zach Davies is slated to pitch here, going a very impressive 6-0 with a 2.20 ERA.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have largely struggled of late and now find themselves below .500 through their first 62 games. They’ve only been able to rely on Josh Bell for offence this season, the big 1st Baseman going for 18 home runs and 56 RBI so far. Jordan Lyles has been one of their better pitchers this campaign, going 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA this season.

Prediction: Brewers $1.65

It’s very tough to overlook a Brewers side with Zach Davies pitching at home. Their batting lineup is among the most stellar in the majors and they’ve also got a very strong bullpen. As long as Bell doesn’t pull another rabbit out the hat, I like the Brewers here at $1.65.

Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees, 6:10 am
Indians vs Yankees

Cleveland Indians

The Indians finally climbed back over .500 with a solid win over the Yankees last time out. Carlos Santana added 2 more RBI, now giving him the clubhouse lead of 39 this season. Adam Plutko is slated to pitch here, going 1-1 with a 6.35 ERA this season in limited action.

New York Yankees

Despite their loss last time out, the Yankees are still sitting pretty at 39-23 this season. DJ LeMahieu is now the clubhouse leader in RBI, going for 40 to complement his 7 home runs. Big CC Sabathia takes the mound again here, going 3-2 with a 3.61 ERA so far.

Prediction: Yankees $1.70

The Yankees are the far better of these two sides and I’d expect them to put yesterday’s loss right here. Sabathia tends to perform very well in his returns to Cleveland and I can see him delivering another masterclass here. Assuming their solid offence can continue, the Yankees look decent value as road faves here.

Saturday, 8th June

Miami Marlins vs Atlanta Braves, 9:10 am
Braves $1.62

Miami Marlins

The Marlins moved to a dismal record of 23-37 with yet another loss last time out. They’ve struggled to generate offence all season, with not a single player reaching 10 home runs or 30 RBI. Pitcher Jose Urena has been average at best this season, going 4-6 with a 4.14 ERA so far.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have come back down to earth of late, losing against Pittsburgh last time out to move to 33-29. Dansby Swanson has emerged as their premier offensive threat this season, going for 13 home runs and 43 RBI. Mike Soroka will return to pitch here, sporting an excellent 6-1 record to match his 1.41 ERA.

Prediction: Braves $1.62

The Marlins have struggled all season while the Braves are still a more than formidable road opponent. Soroka has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season and should have no trouble containing this offence. As long as he can get some run support, I really fancy the Braves here.

Texas Rangers vs Oakland A’s, 10:05 am
Rangers $1.88

Texas Rangers

The Rangers keep managing to hang in there, winning 32 of their first 60 games this season. Center Fielder Joey Gallo has kept this team afloat with his excellent offence, going for 17 home runs and 41 RBI this season. Lance Lynn is slated to pitch in this one, going 7-4 with a 4.5 ERA on the season.

Oakland A’s

The A’s have been essentially the inverse of their opponents this season, winning 30 of their first 61 contests on the year. Matt Chapman has been a consistent offensive force so far, leading the way with 16 home runs and 34 RBI. A probable pitcher hasn’t been announced yet for this one, although they’ve largely struggled on the road so far.

Prediction: Rangers $1.88

While this is a relatively even matchup, I’ll give the slight edge to Texas playing at home. I think they’ve got the more versatile batting lineup and a pitching edge in this one. At just under even money, I expect them to extend their very solid 21-10 home record this season.

Kansas City Royals vs Chicago White Sox, 10:15 am
White Sox $2.10

Kansas City Royals

The Royals continue to set in the MLB’s cellar, moving to 19-43 after another loss last time out. This is despite some solid offensive production, with Jorge Soler’s 16 home runs and 42 RBI particularly notable. Probable pitcher Homer Bailey has largely struggled so far, going 4-6 with a 6.05 ERA so far.

Chicago White Sox

It has been a relatively mixed season for the White Sox so far, who currently sit 29-32. Hitters like Jose Abreu are still enjoying impeccable seasons, going for 16 home runs and 52 RBI so far. Ivan Nova is slated to get the start here, sporting a 3-5 record with a 6.24 ERA.

Prediction: White Sox $2.10

Although the starting pitching matchup is relatively even, I still believe the White Sox are the better of these two sides. They’ve got a stronger batting lineup and a much better bullpen. Especially if Nova can give them a few solid innings, I really like their chances here.

Friday, June 7

Chicago Cubs vs Colorado Rockies, 4:20 am
Cubs $1.74

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs moved to a very solid 34-26 record with a strong 9-8 win over Colorado last time out. 2nd Baseman David Bote had an offensive game for the ages, going for 4 hits and 7 RBI in the win. Jose Quintana returns to pitch here, sporting a 4-4 record with a 3.78 ERA so far.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are still largely hovering around .500 and currently sit 31-29 through their first 60 games. Nolan Arenado has still been an elite offensive threat, leading the way with 16 home runs and 54 RBI. Top prospect Peter Lambert is said to make his pitching debut here in a tough road encounter.

Prediction: Cubs $1.74

Especially against a rookie pitcher, I back this strong Cubs offence to have their way in this one. Quintana is a strong pitcher at this level and I fancy him to get the job done at home. Getting $1.74 in this one, Chicago are strong value to get another win in this series.

Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros, 5:40 am
Astros $1.52

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners pulled off one of the most curious wins of the season last time out, somehow beating Houston 14-1. They had 3 players all manage 3 RBI, indicative of the struggles Houston’s pitching staff had. Tommy Milone will pitch in this one, going 1-1 with a 3.6 ERA in limited action so far.

Houston Astros

Despite yesterday’s horrendous loss, the Astros are still sitting pretty at an impressive 42-21. Their offence has been absolutely stellar all season, with both Alex Bregman and George Springer going for 17 home runs and 43 RBI. Ace Justin Verlander returns to the mound here, sporting a very strong 9-2 record and 2.27 ERA so far.

Prediction: Astros $1.52

After getting absolutely destroyed yesterday, I think Houston will be motivated to put things right in this one. They’ve got one of the best pitchers in the league against a batting lineup without much depth. As long as they get decent run support, I’d back them to pull off the win here.

San Diego Padres vs Washington Nationals, 12:10 pm
Padres $1.88

San Diego Padres

The Padres are back at exactly .500 after a loss to Philadelphia last time out. Eric Hosmer is still leading the way offensively for this side, going for 36 RBI on the season. The reliable Joey Lucchesi will pitch in this one, going a strong 4-3 with an ERA under 4 this season.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals appear to be in a thin vein of form, winning again last time out to move to 28-33 on the season. Anthony Rendon has been particularly solid on offence, going for 11 home runs and 40 RBI to lead the side. Patrick Corbin is projected to pitch here, sporting a 5-3 record to be one of the better Washington pitchers this season.

Prediction: Padres $1.88

Despite their recent uptick in form, I still don’t think the Nationals are all that good. San Diego remain a very solid side at home and have one of their better pitchers on deck here. If the offence can get after Corbin, I really like them as narrow favourites in this one.

Thursday, June 6

Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees, 9:05 am
Yankees $1.55

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have largely struggled all season, currently sitting at 21-38 through their first 59 games. Their lack of offence has been the major problem, with only Justin Smoak registering over 25 RBI this season. Trent Thornton will pitch in this one, having struggled so far to the tune of 1-4 and a 4.53 ERA.

New York Yankees

The Yankees, on the other hand, have been roaring this season and look like a 2nd favourite to Houston in the American League. Catcher Gary Sanchez has been fantastic in limited game time, going for 18 home runs and 35 RBI in just 40 games.  Probable pitcher James Paxton has been solid all season, going 3-2 with a 2.81 ERA so far.

Prediction: Yankees $1.55

Ultimately, I think the Yankees are the significantly better team in this matchup. They’ve got a much stronger batting lineup and should really get after Trent Thornton here. As long as James Paxton delivers another solid performance, I see a relatively straightforward win in this one.

Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins, 9:10 am
Twins $2.20

Cleveland Indians

The Indians finally got back to .500 with a strong win over Minnesota last time out. Francisco Lindor did an excellent job in the lead off role, going for 3 hits and 3 RBI. Carlos Carrasco will pitch in this one, having gone 4-6 with a 4.68 ERA through his 65 innings this season.

Minnesota Twins

Despite yesterday’s loss, the Twins are certainly still sitting pretty at 40-19. Left Fielder Eddie Rosario continues to dominate offensively, leading the way with 18 home runs and 50 RBI this season. Martin Perez will pitch in this one, sporting a very strong 7-2 record to go with his 3.71 ERA.

Prediction: Twins $2.20

Given the two pitchers in this matchup, I think the Twins are hugely undervalued here. They’re very much the stronger side and boast a much more formidable batting lineup. I expect another consistent outing from Perez while Carrasco could easily struggle here, giving good value on Minnesota as underdogs.

St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds, 10:15 am
Cardinals $1.77

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have hovered around .500 all season, managing their 30th win earlier this week. Marcell Ozuna has emerged as one of the MLB’s elite offensive threats, going for 16 home runs and 51 RBI this season. Dakota Hudson will pitch in this one, going 4-3 with a 3.94 ERA so far.

Cincinnati Reds

Despite a slight recent uptick in form, the Reds are still comfortably below .500 this season. Big-name addition Yasiel Puig has been decent but unspectacular, going for 10 home runs and 32 RBI this season. Anthony DeSclafani will pitch in this one, having largely struggled with a 2-3 record and 4.97 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.77

In a relatively even matchup, I’d have to favour the Cardinals at home with a better pitcher. I just don’t see Cincinnati generating enough offence to trouble the Cards here. Especially if Ozuna and Goldschmidt keep up their offensive form, I like St Louis here as slight underdogs.   

Wednesday, June 5

Washington Nationals vs Chicago White Sox, 9:05 am
White Sox

Washington Nationals

The Nationals got back to winning ways last time out, moving to 26-33 with a solid win over Cincinnati. They’ve largely struggled on offence without Bryce Harper, although Anthony Rendon does have 35 RBI and some very strong batting averages. Big Stephen Strasburg will pitch here, allowing a 3.19 ERA through 79.

Chicago White Sox

As predicted, the White Sox also got back to winning ways last time out with a solid 2-0 win over Cleveland. Lucas Giolito continued his excellent start to the campaign, striking out 9 batters through 7 innings. Probable pitcher Reynaldo Lopez hasn’t been as good, allowing an ERA of 6.20 to match his 3-5 record.

Prediction: White Sox

Despite putting up great stats on paper, Strasburg has been great fade material of late. It seems the market continues to overvalue him, giving us a good price on Chicago here. If Lopez can give 6 solid innings, I back the White Sox offence to get the job done in this one.

Detroit Tigers vs Tampa Bay Rays, 9:10 am
Rays

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers continue to sport one of the worst records in baseball, sitting just 22-34 on the season. Their lack of explosive offence is probably the main reason for this, with no player eclipsing 6 home runs this season. Ryan Carpenter is slated to pitch here, allowing a horrific 7.58 ERA in his 0-2 start.

Tampa Bay Rays

Despite a loss to Minnesota last time out, the Rays are still sitting pretty at 35-22. Austin Meadows has been excellent on offence this season, going for 12 home runs and 37 RBI in just 41 games. Probable pitcher Blake Snell has been consistently solid this season, allowing an ERA of just 3.06 so far.

Prediction: Rays

Even on the road, I think Tampa Bay is comfortably the better of these two sides. They’ve got a much stronger batting lineup and a better all-round pitching staff. I expect their offence to go wild in this one, while Snell contains a relatively anaemic Detroit offence.

New York Mets vs San Francisco Giants, 9:10 am
Mets

New York Mets

The Mets continue to hover just below .500, currently sitting at 28-31 this season. Pete Alonso has been comfortably their best offensive player, leading the way with 19 home runs and 44 RBI. Probable pitcher Noah Syndergaard has largely struggled this season, going just 3-4 with a 4.90 ERA so far.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants head to New York after 2 impressive wins over Baltimore that move them to 24-34. Their offence has been very poor this season, with the 25 RBI of Kevin Pillar still leading the team. Ace Madison Bumgarner will return to pitch here, although he is only 3-5 with a 4.01 ERA.

Prediction: Mets

The Giants have been largely poor on the road all season and I just don’t see that changing here. Syndergaard isn’t the best pitcher, but I think he’ll hold up just fine against a struggling Giants offence. As long as the Mets attack can get after Bumgarner, they should win this comfortably.