Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have lost 2 of their first 3 in their series with the Giants, currently sitting at 14-20 as a result. Derek Dietrich and Eugenio Suarez have been their offensive stalwarts, both hitting 9 homers and eclipsing 20 RBI. Anthony DeSclafani is slated to pitch in this one, currently allowing an ERA of 3.48 through 31 innings.
San Francisco Giants
The G-Men have been in somewhat improved form of late, moving to 15-19 with a couple of recent victories. Kevin Pillar remains their main offensive ace, currently leading the clubhouse with 5 homers and 18 RBI. Drew Pomeranz is probable to pitch here, currently sporting a record of 1-3 to go along with a 4.08 ERA.
Prediction: Reds $1.67
Despite losing 2 of the first 3, I still think the Reds are the better side in this matchup. They’ve got stronger top-end offensive production as well as the pitching edge. Especially with the Giants in the midst of a long road trip, I like Cincinnati at this price point.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers moved to 20-16 on the season with a strong win against the Mets last time out. Christian Yelich is probably due for steroid testing soon, currently leading the side with an astonishing 15 homers and 36 RBI. Probable pitcher Jhoulys Chacin hasn’t been the best this season, going 3-3 with an ERA of 5.24.
Washington Nationals
Washington continues to struggle in the post Bryce Harper era, moving to 14-19 on the season with a loss yesterday. They’ve struggled to find reliable hitting of late, although Victor Robles has enjoyed 6 homers on the season. Ace Max Scherzer is back on the mound here, although he is just 1-4 with an ERA over 4 this year.
Prediction: Brewers $2
I’ve been fading Max Scherzer a ton of late and he just keeps taking L’s. While he is a better pitcher than Chacin, I think the Brewers still have the talent edge here. They’ve got a dominant batting lineup and great home field, making me think they’re excellent value as $2 outsiders.
San Diego Padres
The Padres just keep plugging along, moving to 19-16 with a win over the Dodgers yesterday. Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado have emerged as the main offensive threats, combining for 13 homers and 39 RBI this season. Probable pitcher Chris Paddack has been fantastic all year, allowing an ERA under 2 through 31 innings.
New York Mets
Despite a relatively high-profile roster, the Mets are only 16-18 so far this season. 1st Basemen Pete Alonso has still emerged as an elite offensive threat, leading the clubhouse with 10 homers and 27 RBI. Jacob DeGrom has been an average MLB pitcher so far, allowing an ERA of 3.82 through 33 innings.
Prediction: Padres $2.05
I really don’t understand why the Padres are underdogs in this one. They’ve got home field, a better batting lineup, and a huge pitching advantage here. At $2.05, I expect them to start this series very nicely with a home win.