Tuesday, May 7

Tuesday, May 7

Cincinnati Reds vs San Francisco Giants, 2:35 am
Reds $1.67

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 vs Washington Nationals, 9:40 am
Brewers $2

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 vs New York Mets, 12:10 pm
Padres $2.05

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.

Monday, May 6

Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals, 3:10 am
Tigers $1.80

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers enter this one off one of their worst losses of the season yesterday, falling 15-3 to move to 14-16. The offence continues to struggle mightily, with only 3 players reaching at least 10 RBI this season. Probable pitcher Spencer Turnbull has fortunately been very solid so far, allowing an ERA of 2.53 through 32 innings.

Kansas City Royals

Conversely, the Royals enter this one off one of their most dominant wins of the season, bringing them to 12-22. Adalberto Mondessi and Alex Gordon continue to be a 2-man wrecking crew, going for 5 hits and 8 combined RBI. Brad Keller is back on the mound for this one, having allowed an ERA over 4 through his 42 innings so far.

Prediction: Tigers $1.80

I think the Tigers are the better team here and will be looking for revenge at home. They’ve also got the pitching edge in this one, especially with how consistent Turnbull has been. As long as the offence shows up, this is a comfortable win IMO.

Cleveland Indians vs Seattle Mariners, 3:10 am
Indians $1.77

Cleveland Indians

The Indians are now 2-0 in this series after their win yesterday, moving to 18-13 on the year. Carlos Santana continues to lead the way offensively, enjoying a solid season with 5 homers and 19 RBI. Probable pitcher Cody Anderson has only pitched 5 innings this season, so it’ll be interesting to see him back in action here.

Seattle Mariners

After their dominant start to the season, the Mariners have been an unmitigated disaster of late. This is despite a ton of strong offensive production, with 4 players registering at least 20 RBI this year. Probable pitcher Erik Swanson has struggled mightily so far, allowing an ERA of 6.62 through 17 innings.

Prediction: Indians $1.77

The Mariners are one of the worst sides in baseball right now, while the Indians are in very strong form. Even with Anderson’s inactivity, I think they’ve got the pitching advantage in this matchup. Throw in a strong day from the offence and I expect them to get this sweep at $1.77.

Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros, 6:10 am
Angels $2.75

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels continue to be mired in mediocrity, sitting 15-18 after 33 games. Mike Trout is finally looking like a marquee man again, leading the clubhouse with 7 homers and 20 RBI. Probable pitcher Matt Harvey is another man that has struggled mightily, allowing an ERA of 6.54 through 31 innings.

Houston Astros

The Astros are rounding into form nicely, winning 19 of their 33 games this campaign. It’s been the Springer and Altuve show on offence, with the two combining for 18 homers and 44 RBI. Justin Verlander is having another fantastic campaign on the mound, allowing an ERA of under 2.5 through 44 innings.

Prediction: Angels $2.75

While I think Houston is rightly favoured here, this is a pure value play on the Angels. I think they’re quite undervalued right now, particularly with Matt Harvey after some poor performances this year. If they get back to their best, they’re definitely value at this price point.

Sunday, May 5

New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins, 3:05 am
Yankees $1.77

New York Yankees

The Yankees got their series with Minnesota started with a win, moving to a solid 18-13 in the process. Luke Voit continues to lead the way offensively, leading clubhouse with an impressive 9 homers and 26 RBI. Probable pitcher JA Happ has improved of late, although he still has allowed a 4.68 ERA this season.

Minnesota Twins

Despite yesterday’s loss, the Twins have still enjoyed a very solid start to the season, winning 19 of their first 30. Eddie Rosario has been their offensive ace, enjoying an excellent season with 11 homers and 24 RBI. Jake Odorizzi is back on the mound for this one, having allowed an average 3.34 ERA so far.

Prediction: Yankees $1.77

While the Twins are no doubt a quality opponent, the Yankees have been playing some excellent baseball of late. They are firing on all cylinders and I expect another strong offensive output in this one. As long as Happ can deliver a solid performance, I back them to win at a tasty $1.77 price point.

Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals, 9:05 am
Phillies $1.85

Philadelphia Phillies

These two sides play each other yet again, with Philly opening the series yesterday with a comfortable win. 1st Basemen Rhys Hoskins leads the club with 10 homers and 28 RBI, while Bryce Harper recently got his 20th RBI of the season. Jake Arrieta is fortunately back on the mound for this one, having allowed an ERA of 3.46 through 39.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals continue to have a poor season, losing again yesterday to move to 13-18. Juan Soto has been the offensive linchpin with 6 homers and 22 RBI, but he isn’t getting all that much support. Patrick Corbin has been one of the Nats better pitchers this season, allowing an ERA of 3.54 through 37.

Prediction: Phillies $1.85

With Arrieta pitching at home, I can’t see why the Phillies are this high of a price. I think they’re the much better side here, they’re in better form, and look well over the odds at $1.88.

Texas Rangers vs Toronto Blue Jays, 10:05 am
Rangers $1.70

Texas Rangers

The Rangers have enjoyed a middling start to 2019, going 14-15 through their first 29. They have managed to put up some gaudy offensive numbers, with 11 homers and 26 RBI from Joey Gallo leading the way. Probable pitcher Lance Lynn hasn’t been all that reliable this year, allowing an ERA of 5.45 through 34 innings.

Toronto Blue Jays

Likewise, the Blue Jays have had a relatively inconsistent start to the 2019 season. They don’t have one true offensive standout, however Justin Smoak does lead the way with a solid 18 RBI. Probable pitcher Thomas Pannone doesn’t inspire too much confidence, allowing an ERA of 5.4 himself.

Prediction: Rangers $1.70

I think the Rangers have a strong home field advantage and comfortably give them the edge in this one. Despite a poor season so far, I also give Lance Lynn a significant edge in the pitching department. At $1.70, I still think there is stolid value on a good Texas side at home.

Saturday, May 4

Cleveland Indians vs Seattle Mariners, 9:05 am
Indians $1.62

Cleveland Indians

The Indians have been in some strong form of late and currently sport a solid 16-13 record. 1st Basemen Carlos Santana has been their offensive linchpin this season, currently leading the clubhouse with 17 RBI. Shane Bieber has also done a solid job from a pitching perspective, allowing an ERA of 3.68 through 29 innings.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners make the trip to Cleveland in some very poor form, losing each of their last 4 to sit 18-15. This is despite the excellent offensive production of Domingo Santana, who has 6 homers and 30 RBI this season. Probable Pitcher Yusei Kichuki has largely struggled this season, allowing an ERA of 4.54 so far.

Prediction: Indians $1.62

The Indians have been in much better form than the struggling Mariners of late. I think they’ve got a very solid home field advantage and an edge in the pitching matchup here. I expect them to get this series started with a comfortable home win.

Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals, 9:10 am
Tigers $1.62

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have had an up and down start to their season, currently sitting at 13-15 through 28 games. The offence just hasn’t been productive enough this season, with Christin Stewart still leading the way with just 13 RBI. Probable pitcher Matthew Boyd has had a stellar season so far, allowing an ERA of 3.13 through 38 innings.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals got back to losing ways against the upstart Rays yesterday, falling to 11-21 in the process. They just couldn’t get things going offensively, scoring just 1 run and failing to capitalize on a strong pitching performance. Probable pitcher Jorge Lopez has largely struggled on the mound this season, allowing an ERA over 5 through his 33 innings.

Prediction: Tigers $1.62

The Royals are one of the worst sides in baseball and I just can’t see them scoring enough in this matchup. Detroit’s stats indicate that they’re a better team than their record and I can see this being the start of a turnaround. While $1.62 is a bit short, I’m confident Matthew Boyd gets the job done here.

Chicago White Sox vs Boston Red Sox, 10:10 am
White Sox $2.65

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox enter this series with Boston after a solid series win over Baltimore. Jose Abreu continues to impress offensively, topping 30 RBI through just 28 games. Chicago will be hoping for a better performance from Reynaldo Lopez in this one, who has currently allowed an ERA of 6.03 through 31 innings.

Boston Red Sox

A comfortable series sweep over Oakland indicates that the Red Sox might be turning things around. 1st Basemen Mitch Moreland has looked particularly impressive of late, leading the clubhouse with 9 homers and 19 RBI. While Ace Chris Sale is back on the mound here, he has allowed an awful ERA of 6.3 so far.

Prediction: White Sox $2.65

The Red Sox do appear to be in better form of late, but a price this high represents good value on Chicago. I don’t think Chris Sale is at his best and the market is overvaluing him here. If Lopez can deliver at least a solid performance, I love the White Sox at these odds.

Friday, May 3

Minnesota Twins vs Houston Astros, 3:10 am
Astros $1.88

Minnesota Twins

The Twins have enjoyed a relatively strong start to the campaign, winning 17 of their first 27 contests. Eddie Rosario has been the chief destroyer offensively, leading the club with 11 homers and 24 RBI. Probable pitcher Jose Berrios has also enjoyed a solid start, allowing an ERA under 3 through 40 impressive innings.

Houston Astros

The Astros also loom as one of the most impressive sides in baseball, going 18-12 through their first 30 games. Springer and Altuve continue to carry the offensive load, combining for 18 homers and 44 RBI so far. Brad Peacock is scheduled back on the mound for this one, having allowed an ERA of 3.67 through his 27 innings.

Prediction: Astros $1.88

Having lost 2 of the first 3 in this series, I’m backing the Astros to get revenge in this one. I think they’ve got a very solid offensive lineup and should be able to get after Berrios here. Brad Peacock is also as consistent as they come and I expect him to do enough to hold onto the road win.

Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays, 4:05 am
Rays $1.62

Kansas City Royals

The Royals finally got back to winning ways yesterday, thumping Tampa Bay 8-2 to move to 11-20. Mondesi and Gordon continue to be two of the most productive players in baseball, already combining for an impressive 49 RBI. Danny Duffy is probable to start this one, pitching just 5 innings so far and allowing an ERA of 5.4

Tampa Bay Rays

While the Rays had a bit of a clunker yesterday, they’ve still been a dominant side all season long, winning 19 of their first 30. Yandy Diaz has stepped up in Austin Meadows’ absence, registering 18 RBI and leading the club with 7 homers. Ace Charlie Morton is back pitching for this one, having allowed a very respectable 2.76 ERA through his 32 innings.

Prediction: Rays $1.62

In a relatively small slate of games, this is probably the easiest bet on the board to make. I think Tampa are considerably the better side here and will be looking to put things right after yesterday’s shocker. Expect a vintage Charlie Morton performance here as they contain this KC offence.

Washington Nationals vs St Louis Cardinals, 6:05 am
Cardinals $2.40

Washington Nationals

The Nationals have been absolutely atrocious of late, falling to 12-17 after yet another loss to St Louis yesterday. Anthony Rendon’s absence is huge on offence, leaving a ton of the burden on Left Fielder Juan Soto. Heralded Pitcher Stephen Strasburg is probable for this one, although he’s allowed an ERA of 3.82 so far.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals did the business over Washington yet again yesterday and now have a chance to sweep. The Ozuna and Molina partnership continues to be lethal, with the two combining for 48 RBI on the season. Pitcher Dakota Hudson admittedly hasn’t been great this season, allowing an ERA of 5.6 through 24 games.

Prediction: Cardinals $2.40

We’ve had some great success fading Washington of late and I plan to continue with that here. Despite the pitching disadvantage here, I think their offensive advantages more than make up for it. Getting a very tasty $2.40, I see another strong St Louis performance as they claim the well-earned sweep.

 

Thursday, May 2

Arizona Diamondbacks vs New York Yankees, 5:40 am
Yankees $1.80

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks have had a decent season so far, parlaying a 5-game win streak into a solid 16-13 record. Ketel Marte and David Peralta have led the offensive charge, combining for 10 homers and 40 RBI. Pitcher Merrill Kelly has been average this season, allowing an ERA just under 4 through his 29 innings.

New York Yankees

The Yankees have been in some phenomenal form of late, winning 9 of their last 10 before yesterday’s series opener. 1st Basemen Luke Voit has been on an absolute tear, going for 8 homers and 25 RBI. Probable pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has been stellar so far, pitching 35 innings and allowing an ERA of 3.6.

Prediction: Yankees $1.80

With how red hot the Yankees have been lately, I really like them in this spot. Merrill Kelly just doesn’t instill the same confidence in me as Zack Greinke. I think this strong Yankees offence really gets after him en route to a road win.

Seattle Mariners vs Chicago Cubs, 8:40 am
Cubs $1.88

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have been in some really poor form of late, getting demolished 14-1 by Texas in their last game before this series. The offence hasn’t been the problem, with Right Fielder Domingo Santana already going for 30 RBI this year. Where they’ve struggled is on the pitching end, allowing an atrocious 29 runs in their previous two encounters.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs appear to be in much better form of late, entering this series after wins over both the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. Javier Baez has been their offensive linchpin this season, going for 9 homers and 22 RBI so far. Ace Cole Hamels looks to defend his perfect pitching record here, allowing an ERA of 3.16 through 31 innings.

Prediction: Cubs $1.88

The Mariners have been in some atrocious form of late and I really like this pitching matchup for the Cubs. I expect a controlled afternoon from Hamels as he really makes the Mariners batters struggle. As long as Chicago keep this offensive pace up, I expect a tidy road win here.

Washington Nationals vs St Louis Cardinals, 9:05 am
Cardinals $2.40

Washington Nationals

The Nationals appear to have fallen off a cliff this season, winning just 12 of their first 27 games. They’re really a two-man offence, with Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon combining for a solid 12 homers and 40 RBI. Ace Max Scherzer is back on the mound here, although his 4.12 ERA this season isn’t all that impressive.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals, on the other hand, appear to be in much better form, winning 18 of their first 28. Marcell Ozuna continues to be on an absolute tear offensively, going for 10 homers and 28 RBI. Probable pitcher Miles Mikolas hasn’t been the best this season, allowing an ERA of 5.29 through 34 innings.

Prediction: Cardinals $2.40

While Max Scherzer has a stellar reputation, I continue to think the market is overvaluing him here. He has largely struggled this season and the Nats are in atrocious form. If Mikolas can have even an average day on the mound, I fancy his side’s chances as relatively heavy underdogs.

Wednesday, May 1

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland A’s, 9:10 am
A's $2.40

Boston Red Sox

The Sox started their series nicely against Oakland yesterday, winning 9-4 to move to 12-17 on the year. Xander Bogaerts has emerged as the main offensive threat this season, leading the club with 16 RBI. Projected Pitcher Rick Porcello hasn’t had the best year, allowing an ERA of 7.43 through 23 innings.

Oakland A’s

The A’s admittedly haven’t been in the best recent form either and moved to 14-17 with yesterday’s loss. Khris Davis is still having an elite offensive season, leading the way with 10 homers and 23 RBI. Aaron Brooks is definitely having a down pitching year so far, allowing an ERA over 5.3 through his 27 innings.

Prediction: A’s $2.40

I just can’t trust the Red Sox as such a heavy favourite in this matchup. These two sides are about even right now and I can see Oakland getting revenge for yesterday’s defeat. With a solid pitching day from Brooks, they look great value at this price.

New York Mets vs Cincinnati Reds, 9:10 am
Mets $2.15

New York Mets

The Mets moved back to .500 with an opening game loss to the Reds. 1st Basemen Pete Alonso has been their offensive linchpin this season, putting up 9 homers and 25 RBI. Probable pitcher Jason Vargas has admittedly had his struggles, allowing an ERA over 7 through 15 innings.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds appear to be in much better form lately, opening their series against the Mets with a win. Things have definitely picked up offensively, with both Yasiel Puig and Eugenio Suarez going for 15 RBI each. Luis Castillo has also been an ace on the mound this season, allowing an ERA of just 1.23 through 36 strong innings.

Prediction: Mets $2.15

This is a classic buy low and sell high spot. While Castillo has done incredibly well so far, I think the market is overrating him and underrating Vargas here. The Mets are the better side and I’ll gladly take them as a home dog.

Texas Rangers vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 10:05 am
Rangers $1.80

Texas Rangers

The Rangers enter this one in incredible form, scoring 29 runs and allowing just 2 in their last 2 combined outings. Joey Gallo and Elvis Andrus have really led the way offensively, combining for 14 homers and 43 RBI so far. Projected Pitcher Adrian Sampson has been subpar so far, allowing an ERA of 4.5 through 23 innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Things haven’t been as great for Pittsburgh, who make the trip to Texas with an average at best 12-14 record. A lot of this has been down to their offensive struggles, with 1st Basemen Josh Bell the only man to eclipse 4 homers and 11 RBI. Pitcher Jordan Lyles has looked strong so far, allowing an ERA just over 2 through his 22 innings.

Prediction: Rangers $1.80

Ultimately, I think the Pirates lack of offensive ability hurts them here on the road. The Rangers are in full swing offensively and I can see them still enjoying success against Lyles. They should be priced shorter here and I see great value at $1.80.

Tuesday, April 30

Washington Nationals vs St Louis Cardinals, 9:05 am
Cardinals $2.30

Washington Nationals

The Nationals moved to 12-14 after finally getting on the board in their series with San Diego. Juan Soto continued his very strong form, leading the way with 2 hits and 3 RBI. Patrick Corbin is scheduled to be back on the mound today, having allowed a solid 2.48 ERA through 32 innings so far.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals had yet another strong win last time out, moving to 17-10 after defeating Cincinnati. Left Fielder Marcell Ozuna continues to be absolutely en fuego, going for 10 homers and 26 RBI on the season. Michael Wacha is back on the mound today, having allowed a relatively 4.64 ERA so far.

Prediction: Cardinals $2.30

Despite Washington having the pitching edge here, I continue to think that they’re overvalued in the market. The Cardinals offence is in tremendous form right now and I see no reason why this won’t continue here. As long as they get a solid outing from Wacha, $2.30 is definitely reasonable value.

Chicago White Sox vs Baltimore Orioles, 10:10 am
White Sox $1.74

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have gotten back to winning ways of late, winning both of their contests with the Tigers. Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada continue to carry the offensive load, both eclipsing 20 RBI this season. Manny Banuelos is back on the mound here, having allowed a very respectable ERA of 2.54 so far.

Baltimore Orioles

Despite a poor 10-19 record, Baltimore will be confident in this series after beating the White Sox just last week. Dwight Smith and Renato Nunez have continued to be very productive offensively, going for 11 homers and 37 RBI between them. Jon Means has arguably been Baltimore’s best pitcher this season, allowing an ERA of just 1.74 through 20 innings.

Prediction: White Sox $1.74

I think the White Sox are the better team in this matchup and will be looking for revenge after their series loss last week. I don’t see the Orioles offence getting going against Banuelos and expect stars like Abreu and Moncada to do just enough here.

Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays, 10:15 am
Rays $1.80

Kansas City Royals

The Royals moved to a dismal 9-19 with yet another loss last time out. This is despite the strong offensive seasons of Alex Gordon and Adalberto Mondessi, both of whom have over 20 RBI. Brad Keller has been a respectable option at Pitcher this season, allowing a middling 3.41 ERA.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays came through yet again yesterday, winning in Boston to move to 18-9. Yandy Diaz and Daniel Robertson did the bulk of the damage, combining for 3 hits and 4 RBI. There is some flux about Tampa’s pitching situation for this one, although they’ve had a reliable staff all year.

Prediction: Rays $1.80

Many predicted the Royals to be one of the league’s worst teams in the pre-season and this has played out so far. I just don’t think their pitching staff or defence is good enough against a team like Tampa. At the tasty $1.80 price point, I expect another professional road win from the Rays.

Monday, April 29

Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays, 3:05 am
Rays $2.35

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox fell to a disappointing 11-16 on the season with a 2-1 home loss to Tampa yesterday. No offensive player has truly stood out this year, with Mitch Moreland leading the way with just 14 RBI. Usual pitching ace Chris Sale has also been atrocious, allowing an ERA of 7.43 through 23 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays continued their very solid form, moving to 17-9 with their upset victory yesterday. Center Fielder Austin Meadows continues to ball out, having registered 19 RBI so far this season. Projected pitcher Tyler Glasnow has also been very solid, allowing an ERA of just 1.53 through 29 innings.

Prediction: Rays $2.35

I think the Rays are comfortably the better team right now and represent great value at this price point. While he may have dominated in the past, Chris Sale is outmatched in the pitching matchup here. I expect a solid offensive day from the Rays hitters as they claim another upset win.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago Cubs, 6:10 am
Diamondbacks $1.92

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks won their series opener with the Cubs to move to a stellar 16-11. 2nd Basemen Ketel Marte is having another strong offensive year, leading the club with 21 RBI so far. Projected Pitcher Luke Weaver has been solid yet unspectacular, allowing an ERA of 3.3 through 27 innings.

Chicago Cubs

It hasn’t been the best start to the season for the Cubs, who find themselves at .500 through their first 24 games. 2nd Basemen Javier Baez has been an offensive bright spot, leading the way with 9 homers and 22 RBI. Jose Quintana has also been a middling pitcher this season, allowing an ERA of 3.21 so far.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.92

While I think these are two relatively close sides, I give the edge to Arizona at home here. They’ve got the more versatile offensive lineup and what I consider to be a more versatile pitcher in Luke Weaver.

Houston Astros vs Cleveland Indians, 9:05 am
Astros $1.85

Houston Astros

The Astros moved to a strong 16-11 after a narrow home win over Cleveland last time out. George Springer and Jose Altuve continue to lead the way offensively, combining for 17 homers and 42 RBI on the campaign. Projected pitcher Wade Miley has been relatively consistent, allowing an ERA of 3.58 through 27 innings.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians have also enjoyed a relatively solid start to the campaign and currently find themselves 15-11. They’ve struggled somewhat offensively, with Carlos Santana leading the way with only 13 RBI so far. Projected Pitcher Carlos Carrasco has also struggled so far, allowing an ERA of 6 through his 21 innings.

Prediction: Astros $1.85

The Astros are one of the premier teams in baseball and it’s not too often you’ll get them at such a strong price at home. They’ve also got the pitching edge in this matchup as you know what you’ll get with Miley. I expect their offence to go after Carrasco in what could be a big home win.

Sunday, April 28

Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles, 4:10 am
Orioles $3.25

Minnesota Twins

The Twins opened their series against Baltimore with a comfortable home win last time out. Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz was the main man, going off for 3 hits and 2 RBI. Pitcher Martin Perez was also very solid, allowing just 1 earned run through 6 productive innings.

Baltimore Orioles

After an impressive series win against the White Sox, Baltimore lost their series opener with Minnesota. Renato Nunez and Dwight Smith Jnr have been surprisingly productive offensively, each going for 18 RBI on the season. Projected pitcher Dan Straily has admittedly struggled, going for an ERA of 8.59 so far.

Prediction: Orioles $3.25

While the Twins should definitely be favourites here, I think $3.25 represents too much value on Baltimore. I get that Dan Straily has been woeful this season, however it has been on a rather small sample size. If the Orioles offence can get going here, a road upset definitely wouldn’t surprise me.

St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds, 4:15 am
Cardinals $1.74

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals lost their series opener with Cincinnati, moving them to a respectable 15-10. Marcell Ozuna and Paul Goldschmidt have led the way offensively, combining for a very solid 40 RBI so far. Projected pitcher Dakota Hudson hasn’t been the best this season, allowing an ERA of 5.89 through 18 innings.

Cincinnati Reds

Despite a relatively poor start to the season, the Reds opened this series with a solid road win yesterday. Yasiel Puig has been performing much better of late and currently sits 2nd in the clubhouse with 12 RBI this season. Projected pitcher Tyler Mahle has had a middling campaign so far, allowing an ERA of 3.52 through 23 innings.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.74

I think the Cardinals are the better side here and they’ll be looking to avenge yesterday’s series opening loss. They have a strong home field advantage and I expect their offence to prove too much in this one.

Washington Nationals vs San Diego Padres, 6:10 am
Padres $2.50

Washington Nationals

The Nationals lost their series opener with San Diego yesterday to move to a dismal 11-13. Yan Gomes was the only player who could get anything going offensively, managing 3 hits and 2 RBI. Stephen Strasburg is back on the mound here, although his 4.11 ERA this season suggests he’s not at his best yet.

San Diego Padres

As predicted, the Padres pulled off a huge upset in their series opener in Washington yesterday. Matt Strahm was excellent from a pitching perspective, striking out 8 batters and allowing just 2 runs in the win. Eric Hosmer also continued his strong recent form, leading the side with 2 hits here.

Prediction: Padres $2.50

After predicting yesterday’s result correctly, I’m doubling down in this spot. Eric Lauer is a very solid option and I think Strasburg continues to get overvalued in the market. This is another coin-flip type game, one where I’ll happily take the $2.50 underdog.