Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are looking like one of the form teams in the National League right now, currently sitting 31-26 on the season. Anthony Rizzo is having an outstanding year at 1st base, going for 16 home runs and 43 RBI. Ace Jon Lester is slated to pitch here, having gone a disappointing 3-4 this season with a 3.59 ERA.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels had a resounding win last time out to move to 29-30, going for 13 runs against Seattle. Big Albert Pujols had a phenomenal day offensively, going for 2 hits and 5 RBI in the win. The struggling Trevor Cahill returns to the mound here, sporting a poor 2-5 record to go with his 6.92 ERA this season.
Prediction: Cubs $1.62
Even though this hasn’t been his best season, it’s tough to back against a Jon Lester led team at home. I expect him to do a good job restricting this Angels offence and just can’t see Trevor Cahill matching this on the other end. As long as he gets solid run support, this should be a relatively routine win for the Cubs.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners appear to be in worse position each time I preview them, currently sitting just 25-37. This is despite some very solid offensive production, where they’ve had 6 players reach at least 10 home runs. Pitcher Wade LeBlanc has largely struggled this season, going 2-2 with a woeful 6.99 ERA.
Houston Astros
A series sweep over Oakland takes Houston to a very impressive 40-20 record. George Springer continues to stand out offensively, going for 17 home runs and 43 RBI in just 48 games this season. Pitcher Corbin Martin hasn’t been great this season, going 1-1 with a 5.51 ERA in limited action.
Prediction: Astros $1.77
With the pitching matchup looking like a wash, I expect Houston’s excellent offence to carry them here. Oakland just don’t have the depth to match guys like Springer, Brantley, Bregman, and Correa. As long as this big 4 keeps firing, I like the Astros here at tasty odds.
San Diego Padres
Despite consecutive home losses to the Marlins, San Diego still find themselves above .500 at 30-29. Hunter Renfroe has been an elite slugger this season, going for 17 home runs in just 165 at bats. Probable pitcher Eric Lauer has had a middling season to date, going 4-4 with a 4.45 ERA so far.
Philadelphia Phillies
Despite a brutal loss at the hands of the Dodgers last time out, Philly still sport a strong 33-26 record this season. Rhys Hoskins has emerged as an elite offensive threat, going for 13 home runs and 42 RBI this season. The 6-0 Aaron Nola will return to pitch here, although his 4.18 ERA is relatively average.
Prediction: Padres $2.15
The Padres have been a strong side at home this season and Lauer is a very reliable pitcher. I can see their offence getting after Nola in this one, scoring just enough to pull off the home upset.