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
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
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.