Washington Nationals

Another big-name pitcher starting for the Nationals, another loss. That said, Stephen Strasburg was hardly the problem in yesterday’s defeat, allowing just 2 earned runs in 7 innings. The offence continues to be the major issue, with DH Gerardo Parra the only player to register multiple RBI yesterday.

Miami Marlins

While the Nationals have been poor, the Marlins are still just a measly 16-31 on the season. Garrett Cooper delivered an outstanding display last time out, registering 4 RBI in the 9^th inning to secure the win. Pablo Lopez is back to pitch in this one, sporting a 3-5 record and 5.06 ERA so far.

Prediction: Nationals $1.67

While I’ve made decent money fading the Nationals of late, I think they’re actually solid value in this spot. Kevin McGowan has shown plenty of flashes in his limited outings and I think he can contain this anaemic Marlins offence. If the Nats batting lineup can’t get going against Pablo Lopez at home, there just isn’t much hope for them.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays return home at 20-30 after yet another loss to the Red Sox last time out. 1^st Baseman Rowdy Tellez has emerged as a strong offensive option, going for 9 homers and 25 RBI. Pitcher Trent Thornton hasn’t been all that great this season, going 1-4 with a 4.41 ERA so far.

San Diego Padres

The Padres are still keeping their heads just above water, beating Arizona last time out to move to 26-24. Franmil Reyes has emerged as their key offensive threat, managing 15 homers and 27 RBI on the campaign. Joey Luchessi is back to pitch in this one, having gone 3-3 with a 4.28 ERA this season.

Prediction: Padres $1.77

Ultimately, I think the Padres are the better side with the pitching advantage in this one. They’ve got the batting depth to really get after Thornton and take this comfortably. At $1.77, they’re over the odds for what should be a routine win.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians have come falling back to earth, moving to 25-24 with another loss to Tampa last time out. Their offence has been the major problem of late, with Carlos Santana the only man to eclipse 17 RBI. Shane Bieber has been one of their better pitchers on the year, going 3-2 with a 3.22 ERA through 58 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays appear to be absolutely flying right now, sitting 29-18 through their first 47 games. Their offensive production has been incredibly well-balanced, with 6 players already reaching 20 RBI this season. They haven’t announced a probable pitcher for this one, but I’d imagine it’d be ace Blake Snell, who sports a 3.31 ERA so far.

Prediction: Rays $1.70

The Rays are in excellent form right now and I’m not sure a lacklustre Cleveland offence can stop them. I’d expect at least a few runs from them here, making the job much easier on the pitching staff. Getting $1.70 here, they look very strong to make it 2-0 in this series.

New York Mets

The Mets got back to winning ways yesterday with an ultimately comfortable win over these same Nationals. Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis were the key men offensively, both managing 3 RBI each. Pitcher Steven Matz has been stellar this season, going 3-3 with a 3.96 ERA to this point.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals slumped to yet another defeat yesterday, moving to 19-30 in the process. The offence continues to be the primary problem, managing just 3 hits and 1 RBI last time out. Stephen Strasburg will pitch here, going 4-3 with a 3.32 ERA so far.

Prediction: Mets $2.25

Having had great success fading Max Scherzer, I also think Strasburg continues to be overrated in these spots. The Mets are clearly in much better form right now and the Nats just don’t have the offence to pull these games out. Unless we get a vintage Strasburg performance, I like the value on New York as big underdogs.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been on an absolute tear this season and enter this contest at a strong 29-18. Their offensive production has been very well spread, with 4 players reaching at least 11 homers and 30 RBI. Ace Jon Lester returns to pitch here, sporting a 3-2 record with an impressive 2.09 ERA.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have also emerged as a strong NL contender, sitting at 28-21 through their first 49. Bryce Harper has had a solid debut season for Philly, registering 9 homers and 31 RBI. Big Aaron Nola is probable to pitch in this one, having gone 4-0 so far despite a 4.47 ERA.

Prediction: Cubs $1.88

At close to even money, it’s tough to fade Jon Lester at home. He remains one of the premier pitchers in the MLB and is having yet another stellar campaign. As long as he gets some decent run support here, I think the Cubs are good value at this price.

San Francisco Giants

After a poor start, the Giants have maintained a .500 pace of late to sit at 21-26. 2^nd Basemen Joe Panik has stepped up of late, managing 2 hits and 2 RBI in their primetime win over Atlanta on Wednesday. They should also be bolstered by the return of ace Madison Bumgarner, who has gone 3-4 with a 4.21 ERA so far.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves still loom as a strong contender in the National League, sitting at 26-23 after their first 49. Ronald Acuna and Freddie Freeman continue to lead the way offensively, each reaching 11 homers and 30 RBI. Kevin Gausman is slated to pitch here, going 2-3 with a 4.31 ERA so far.

Prediction: Braves $1.92

Given his immense previous success, the market seems to still overrate Madison Bumgarner. He just isn’t the same pitcher anymore as his relatively poor record and stats would indicate. I think the Braves are the better side and their offence should propel them to victory here.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians have had a solid but unspectacular start to their campaign, winning 25 of their first 46 games. This is despite a relative lack of offensive production, with Carlos Santana the only man to clear 15 RBI. Jefry Rodriguez is slated to pitch here, having gone 1-3 with a 3.45 ERA so far.

Oakland Athletics

The A’s seem to be finding their feet of late, winning the series opener with Cleveland and taking a lead through 6 innings in game 2. Matt Chapman continues to be an offensive threat, leading the way with 2 hits and 3 RBI. The reliable Frankie Montas is back for this one, sporting a 5-2 record and a 2.67 ERA.

Prediction: Indians $2.10

While the A’s do have the pitching advantage, I still think Cleveland is the better all-round side. Rodriguez is still a solid option and I expect him to contain a quiet A’s batting lineup. Combine that with some solid hitting and they look well over the odds at $2.10.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays will be looking to rebound after a poor series opener to the Red Sox, where they lost 12-2. Their offence is still struggling for the most part, with Justin Smoak leading the way with only 6 homers and 21 RBI. Aaron Sanchez is probable to pitch here, going 3-4 with a 3.88 ERA so far.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have righted the ship after a relatively poor start, sitting at 25-22 through 47 games. Xander Bogaerts and Mitch Moreland have picked up the offensive slack, combining for an impressive 62 RBI. They haven’t listed a probable pitcher yet, but I can see Rick Porcello getting the nod here.

Prediction: Red Sox $1.62

The Jays haven’t been good all season and just aren’t a match for a team that can be one of the most dominant in baseball. I expect a strong day out for their offence, who should be able to get after Aaron Sanchez. Especially if the reliable Porcello gets the nod, $1.62 looks like very strong value.

New York Mets

It hasn’t been the best season for the Mets, who currently sit 21-25 after 46 games. 1^st Baseman Pete Alonso is still absolutely balling out, leading the way with 15 homers and 35 RBI. Jacob DeGrom will pitch in this one, currently sporting a 3-5 record and a 3.98 ERA.

Washington Nationals

Things have been even worse for the Nats this season, who have really struggled to get going without Bryce Harper. Despite very strong starts to the season, both Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto have seemingly faded of late. Big Max Scherzer is back on the mound here, no doubt looking to improve on his dismal 2-5 record.

Prediction: Mets $1.92

As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While Max Scherzer has a stellar reputation in this game, fading him this season has just been incredibly profitable. The Mets have probably been the better side this season and if I can get them at even money, I just have to take it.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates moved to a solid 24-20 after winning each of their last 3 contests with San Diego. 1^st Baseman Josh Bell deserves immense credit for his incredible breakout year, leading the way with 14 homers and 44 RBI. Chris Archer is slated to pitch in this one, going a disappointing 1-3 with a 5.58 ERA so far.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies haven’t been in very solid form, getting swept by the Phillies to bring their record to 20-25. Nolan Arenado is still enjoying a monster offensive campaign, leading the way with 11 homers and 35 RBI. German Marquez is probable to pitch here, going 4-2 with a 3.8 ERA in a mammoth 64 innings so far.

Prediction: Pirates $2

While Colorado probably have the pitching edge, I think Pittsburgh is the overall better side here. They’re in some very strong form of late and they’ve got a strong home field advantage. Expect another big hitting day from Josh Bell to propel them to a home win here.

Milwaukee Brewers

After a tied series with Atlanta, the Brewers return home for this clash at 28-21. Despite cooling off slightly of late, Christian Yelich still comfortably leads the way with 19 homers and 41 RBI. The solid Gio Gonzalez will pitch here, having gone 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA so far in limited innings.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds continue their road trip at 21-26 after a series loss with the Dodgers last time out. Eugenio Suarez has quietly emerged as an elite offensive option, registering 13 homers and 31 RBI so far. Ace Sonny Gray is back on the mound here, sporting a poor 0-4 record and 4.30 ERA.

Prediction: Brewers $1.77

The Brewers are comfortably the better team here, especially in the batting department. I also really like what I’ve seen from Gio Gonzalez, while Sonny Gray looks past his best. Especially at home, I think a $1.77 price point is great value for Milwaukee.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have had a middling season so far and currently sit 22-24 through their first 46. This is despite a stellar season from high-profile slugger Mike Trout, who has 10 homers and 27 RBI to his name. Big Trevor Cahill is back on the mound here, sporting a surprisingly poor 2-4 record and 6.95 ERA.

Minnesota Twins

Things have been very good for Minnesota this season, who travel to LA with a strong 30-16 record. Their offence has been fantastic all year long, with 7 players eclipsing 20 RBI already. Michael Pineda admittedly hasn’t been their best pitcher, going 3-3 with a 5.55 ERA this season.

Prediction: Twins $2

The Twins are too good a side to be underdogs to Trevor Cahill and this Angels team. They’re in impeccable form offensively and should be able to slug Cahill all over the park here. Especially if Pineda can deliver a solid display, I really like their odds.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians moved to a solid 25-20 with a thumping 10-0 win over Baltimore yesterday. Carlos Santana continues to be their main man offensively, comfortably leading the clubhouse with 7 homers and 27 RBI. Carlos Carrasco is slated to pitch here, having gone 4-3 with a 4.18 ERA so far.

Oakland Athletics

The A’s make the trip to Cleveland after their game with Detroit was suspended yesterday. Khris Davis and Matt Chapman are their main men offensively, combining for 22 homers and 53 RBI this season. Brett Anderson returns to pitch here, sporting a 4-3 record with a 4.41 ERA.

Prediction: Indians $1.56

The Indians are the better all-round team with a strong home-field advantage in this one. I think they’ve got a pitching edge as well as a deeper batting lineup. At $1.56, I’d expect them to open this series with a comfortable win.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers got back to winning ways last time out, moving to 21-23 in the process. Left Fielder Joey Gallo is having an outstanding year on offence, going for 13 homers and 32 RBI so far. Mike Minor is on the mound here, having gone 4-3 with an impressive 2.61 ERA.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners also got a much-needed win last time out, beating Minnesota 7-4 to move to 23-26. Designated Hitter Edwin Encarnacion is enjoying another strong year, going for 13 homers and 33 RBI so far. Mike Leake will pitch in this one, sporting a 3-4 record and 4.0 ERA this season.

Prediction: Rangers $1.67

With home field and the strong pitching advantage, I like the Rangers at this price point. I think their offence can get after Leake here, while Minor does enough to secure the win with a solid pitching performance.

San Diego Padres

Despite a strong start to the campaign, poor recent form has seen the Padres fall to 23-24. Right Fielder Franmil Reyes is now their main man offensively, going for 14 homers and 25 RBI so far this season. The reliable Chris Paddack is back to pitch here, going 3-2 with an ERA under 2.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks make the trip to San Diego after a surprise home loss to the Giants yesterday. They just couldn’t get things going offensively, scoring just 2 runs and registering 3 hits all afternoon. Luke Weaver is slated to pitch here, going 3-2 with a 3.16 ERA this season.

Prediction: Padres $1.65

Especially with Chris Paddack on the mound, I have to give the edge to San Diego here. I think he can contain this Diamondbacks batting lineup while the resurgent Padres offence gets it done on the other end.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have lost both games to Houston in this series so far, falling to 23-22 in the process. They are still getting very consistent production from their offence, with 7 players eclipsing 20 RBI this season. Chris Sale is back on the mound for this one, having gone 1-5 with a 4.24 ERA so far.

Houston Astros

The Astros are looking like the form team in baseball at the moment, moving to 31-15 with another impressive win yesterday. Their offence continues to be led by George Springer, who has put up fantastic numbers of 17 homers and 42 RBI. Brad Peacock is probable to pitch here, sporting a 4-2 record and 4.01 ERA.

Prediction: Astros $2.45

Given that the Astros have won the first 2 games, I believe there’s been an over adjustment the other way due to the revenge factor. Houston is simply the better team here, with a stronger batting lineup and an in-form pitcher. $2.45 is way over the odds for this side, who I expect to take another road win.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers moved to 18-26 with another disappointing home loss to Oakland last time out. A poor offence has been their downfall all season long, with 6 homers and 17 RBI from Ronny Rodriguez currently leading the side. The relatively unknown Gregory Soto will pitch here, having gone 0-2 in some poor starts so far.

Oakland A’s

The A’s appear to be rounding into some decent form of late, moving to 22-25 with another win last time out. Khris Davis and Matt Chapman continue to lead the way on offence, combining for 22 homers and 53 RBI so far. Mike Fiers will pitch in this one, having gone 3-3 with a 5.12 ERA so far.

Prediction: Tigers $2.65

I think the Tigers price is somewhat overinflated here due to the doubts surrounding Gregory Soto. Him and Mike Fiers are at a relatively even level and home field should favour Detroit here. Their offence isn’t exactly rolling right now but I think they do just enough to get the job done here as heavy outsiders.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are looking like a playoff contender out west, starting the season 25-21. Marte, Escobar, and Peralta have shared the offensive load, each reaching 30 RBI already. Robbie Ray is probable to pitch here, sporting a strong 3-1 record to go with his 3.14 ERA.

San Francisco Giants

The G-Men have been somewhat better of late, but still appear well out of playoff contention. A poor offence has also held them back considerably this season, with Kevin Pillar’s 6 homers and 21 RBI leading the way. Probable pitcher Drew Pomeranz doesn’t inspire much confidence, having gone 1-4 with a 5.93 ERA so far.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.56

I think the Diamondbacks are comfortably the better team in this matchup and they’ve got a strong edge in the pitching department. Their offence has also been very solid of late and should get after Pomeranz here. Even at $1.56, I see some value in what should be a routine win.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins enter this one off the back of a rare win, beating the Mets 8-6 to move to 11-31. Jorge Alfaro led the way in this one, registering 2 hits and 3 RBI to help get them over the line. Pablo Lopez is back on the mound here, having gone 2-5 this season with an ERA just under 6.

New York Mets

Given that the Marlins had lost their last 7 games, the Mets can’t be happy about losing to them yesterday. While Pete Alonso has impressed with 14 homers and 34 RBI, they’ve largely struggled for consistent offence outside of him. The reliable Steven Matz will pitch in this one, having gone 3-2 with a 3.8 ERA so far,

Prediction: Mets $1.80

Any time I can fade the Marlins at close to even money, I have to consider doing it. This is especially true in this one, given how much Pablo Lopez has struggled this year. If Matz delivers his customary solid 6 innings, I really like the Mets in this one.

Washington Nationals

As has become the trend of late, Max Scherzer and the Nationals struggled as huge favourites yesterday. The bullpen struggled enormously, allowing 6 earned runs within their first 2 innings. Stephen Strasburg is back on the mound here, having gone 3-3 with a 3.63 ERA this season.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies improved to 26-16 with another solid showing on the road yesterday. Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant led the hitting very well, combining for 4 hits and 5 RBI. After missing out yesterday, ace Jon Lester will pitch in this one, having gone 3-1 with an incredible 1.16 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cubs $2.30

While Strasburg’s stats aren’t as bad as those of Max Scherzer, I’ve still had reasonable success fading him this season. This is especially true against a strong Cubs side with a very in-form batting lineup. Combine that with one of the best pitchers in the league in Jon Lester and they’re great value at this price point.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves moved to 24-21 yesterday with a high-scoring win over the Brewers. Ronald Acuna and Dansby Swanson led the way at the top of the order, each managing 3 RBI. Kevin Gausman is probable to pitch in this clash, sporting a 2-3 record and 4.5 ERA so far.

Milwaukee Brewers

Despite yesterday’s loss, the Brewers have still started the season very strongly and currently sit at 27-21. Their offence is as strong as ever, with Yelich, Moustakas, and Braun making for a very formidable trio. Probable pitcher Chase Anderson has also been solid this year, going 2-0 with a 3.2 ERA.

Prediction: Braves $1.80

While this is a tough one to call, I have to give the edge to the Braves at home. Their batting lineup is in great form and has proven they can get after the Brewers bullpen. If Kevin Gausman can deliver a solid outing at home, I really like them at this price.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals got a much-needed win yesterday, moving to 18-25 with a 7-6 victory over New York. Gerardo Parra was the main man offensively, going off for 3 hits and 3 RBI. The infamous Max Scherzer is back on the mound for this one, sporting a 2-4 record with a 3.64 ERA so far.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs continue to be one of the best sides in baseball, currently sitting at 25-15 through their first 40. Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo are starting to form a very impressive offensive duo, combining for 58 RBI so far. They haven’t listed a probable pitcher for this one, however their prior rotations suggest this should be ace Cole Hamels.

Prediction: Cubs $2.30

I’ve had great success fading Max Scherzer this season and plan to continue doing so here. The Cubs are easily the better side here and have a talented batting lineup that can go after Scherzer. Especially if Hamels pitches, I really like the Cubs as substantial underdogs in this one.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds enter this series at 19-24 after a narrow win over the Cubs last time out. Eugenio Suarez is having a very strong season with 13 homers and 29 RBI, however Cincinnati need more from stalwart Joey Votto. Anthony DeSclafani is slated to pitch here, allowing a 4.17 ERA through 41 innings so far.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Baseball’s glamour side travel to Cincinnati buoyed by a very strong 29-16 record. Cody Bellinger continues to lead the way offensively with 15 homers and 41 RBI, but some big hitting from Joc Pederson has brought him to 13 homers of his own. Rich Hill is scheduled to pitch in this one, currently 0-1 with a 4.2 ERA.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.74

While Hill isn’t the most established pitcher, I think the Dodgers are in such good form that it just doesn’t matter. Their lineup can definitely get after DeSclafani and I expect runs on the board here. At $1.74, I’m confident LA can get their 30^th win of the season.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have improved mightily from their early-season slump, moving to 23-20 with a win over Colorado last time out. 1^st Baseman Mitch Moreland has emerged as a solid offensive leader, going for 12 homers and 30 RBI this season. Rick Porcello is slated to pitch here, going 3-3 with a 5.15 ERA so far.

Houston Astros

The Astros enter this one in fantastic form, winning 11 of their last 12 to sit 29-15. Led by the 16 homers and 40 RBI of George Springer, the dynamic Astros offence has 4 players with at least 10 homers and 27 RBI. Gerrit Cole is back on the mound for this one, going 4-4 with a 3.88 ERA so far.

Prediction: Astros $1.70

While the Red Sox are an improving side, I can’t go against this in-form Astros side. They’ve got a very strong batting lineup that should get after Porcello in this one. Combine this with a solid pitching day from Cole and I like them here at $1.70.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies enter this one at 24-18 after a home loss to Milwaukee yesterday. 1^st Baseman Rhys Hoskins has been on fire offensively of late, contributing 11 homers and 35 RBI. The reliable Zach Eflin is back on the mound for this one, having allowed an ERA of just 2.47 through 51 innings.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers took the lead in their series with Philly with another impressive road win yesterday. Christian Yelich and Mike Moustakas form a very strong offensive duo, combining for 26 homers and 65 RBI so far. Zach Davies is set to pitch here, having gone 4-0 with just a 1.54 ERA through 46 innings.

Prediction: Phillies $1.85

This is a marquee matchup between two very evenly-matched sides. While both pitchers are excellent, I think Philly has a slight edge in the versatility of their batting lineup. Combine that with a strong home field and I expect them to get the job done at $1.85.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals continue to struggle, falling to just 15-28 with another home loss yesterday. This is despite some very solid offensive production, with 5 players having reached 20 RBI already. Pitcher Homer Bailey is one of many that has struggled so far, allowing a 4.83 ERA through 41.

Texas Rangers

Things haven’t been all that much better for the Rangers, who’ve won just 18 of their first 40 games this season. Left Fielder Joey Gallo has been leading the way with some strong offensive production, going for 12 homers and 30 RBI so far. The inconsistent Lance Lynn is back on the mound here, going 4-3 with a 5.48 ERA this season.

Prediction: Rangers $1.92

While the pitching matchup is relatively even here, I think the Rangers are the more talented side overall. They’ve got a much deeper batting lineup and a better bullpen that can bail them out if needed. At even money, I’ll take the better side on the road here.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners enter this one after consecutive wins over Oakland, moving to 22-23 in the process. Domingo Santana leads the clubhouse with an impressive 37 RBI, while both Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce have 12 homers. Projected pitcher Erik Swanson has been atrocious this season, allowing an ERA of 6.35 through 21 innings.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins racked up yet another win yesterday, moving to 27-15 with an 8-7 thriller over the Angels. Their batting lineup was particularly strong, with a trio of hitters managing multiple hits and RBI. Probable pitcher Michael Pineda has largely struggled in this one, allowing an ERA of 5.85 through 40 innings.

Prediction: Twins $1.80

Even though the pitching matchup isn’t all that favourable, I can’t ignore Minnesota’s excellent form right now. Their offence has been incredible of late and their bullpen has saved them in a few situations. Especially at $1.80, I’ll keep riding with the Twins.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins have enjoyed a very solid season so far, going 25-15 through their first 40 games. Left Fielder Eddie Rosario has been the main offensive threat, going for 13 homers and 32 RBI so far. Jake Odorizzi is probable for this one, having allowed an ERA of just 2.32 through 42 innings.

Los Angeles Angels

Despite their star power, the Angels have had an average start to the campaign, sitting at 20-21 at the season’s quarter mark. Mike Trout has been stepping up of late, leading the club with 25 RBI to go along with his 9 homers. Ace Trevor Cahill has been very disappointing this season, going 2-3 with a 6.35 ERA.

Prediction: Twins $1.70

Especially on recent form, the Twins are the better of these two sides and they’ve got home field here. They’ve got a deeper and more versatile batting lineup, which I think can exploit Trevor Cahill here. Throw in a strong effort from Odorizzi and you get a comfortable home win.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs are looking like contenders in the NL West, currently sitting in 2^nd place at 23-19. Despite a somewhat poor .261 batting average, Ketel Marte continues to lead the way with 9 homers and 29 RBI. Ace Zack Greinke is back on the mound for this one, having allowed a 3.16 ERA through a whopping 57 innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have been solid yet unspectacular this season, currently sitting just above .500. While Josh Bell is having a monster season with 10 homers and 35 RBI, none of his teammates have managed even half of this output. Chris Archer is probable to pitch here, although he’s struggled so far to an ERA of 4.33.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.62

While I think the starting pitcher can sometimes shift the price too far, it’s clear Arizona has a huge edge here. With an in-form Zack Greinke on the mound, I’m not sure how Pittsburgh generates reliable offence in this one. I expect the D-Backs to cruise to another home win here, even at $1.62.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds moved to 18-24 yesterday after a disappointing home loss to the Cubs. A lack of offensive production was the main problem, with the lineup combining for just 3 total hits and 1 run. Sonny Gray is back on the mound here, although he’s only 0-4 with a 4.15 ERA on the season.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs, on the other hand, moved to a very strong 25-14 with another professional road win yesterday. Kyle Hendricks did an excellent pitching job, striking out 7 batters and allowing just 1 run in his 8 innings. The controversial Yu Darvish is scheduled to pitch here, going 2-3 with a 5.4 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cubs $2.05

I’ve had some success fading Sonny Gray of late and I think the market continues to overvalue him. Darvish may be in a slump but he’s still a reliable option that is better than his numbers suggest. The Cubs are overall the much better side and I’ll happily take them as comfortable underdogs here.