Thursday, April 18

Thursday, April 18

Milwaukee Brewers vs St Louis Cardinals, 3:40 am
Brewers $1.74

Milwaukee Brewers

After an impressive series win over the Dodgers, the Brewers have also started nicely against St Louis. They managed an impressive 10-7 win in the series opener, with Christian Yelich going off for 7 RBI. The pitching staff has been somewhat concerning recently, but excellent offensive performances continue to cover for it.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been a very inconsistent side this season, currently sitting at 9-8. Their offence has admittedly been purring at times, with 3 players already registering at least 10 RBI on the season. Michael Wacha on the mound in this one does somewhat concern me, having put up a 5.28 ERA on the season.

Prediction: Brewers $1.74

It’s a relatively simple proposition for me here. I think the Brewers are the more talented side, have the better pitcher, and a strong home-field advantage. At $1.74, I’ll take those advantages all day long.

Seattle Mariners vs Cleveland Indians, 8:40 am
Mariners $2.20

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners started the season very strongly with 13 wins in their first 15, however they have tailed off of late. After getting swept by Houston, they opened their series against Cleveland with a 4-6 loss. This was despite a solid day at the office for Domingo Santana, who had 3 hits and 1 RBI.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians are looking to rebound here after a sweep at the hands of the lowly Royals. Their offence just wasn’t where it needed to be, combining for just 1 run over the first 2 games. The pitching could also stand to improve, having allowed 20 runs over that 3-game series.

Prediction: Mariners $2.20

Both of these sides are in relatively poor form and I’m going to take the home underdog here. I think Seattle are a very talented side and have a chance to rebound in this series. Erik Swanson is an underrated pitcher in the market and I think he gets the job done here.

 

Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants, 9 am
Nationals $1.67

Washington Nationals

The Nationals have been poor this season after Bryce Harper’s departure, winning just 7 of their first 14. They’re on the verge of another upset to the Giants, currently trailing 4-1 in the sixth. While Anthony Rendon does have 17 RBI this year, they’re really missing that second hitter to help lift the offence.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants just aren’t the same team as their early 2010’s championship runs, winning just 7 of their first 17 this year. Buster Posey is still there, however he only has a measly 1 RBI this season. Madison Bumgarner looks to be fully back from his injury, pitching 26 innings this year with an ERA just over 3.

Prediction: Nationals $1.67

While the Nationals haven’t been in strong recent form, the market appears to be undervaluing them here. Too much respect is being paid to Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija for a few solid performances. At $1.67, I’ll take the more talented home fave here.

Wednesday, April 17

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox, 8:30 am
Yankees $1.92

New York Yankees

Things just haven’t gone to plan for the Yankees this season, with just 6 wins in their first 15 matches. This was capped off by a series loss to the lowly Chicago White Sox last time out. The pitching staff simply has to perform better, with Masahiro Tanaka being subbed after allowing 5 runs in 4 innings yesterday.

Boston Red Sox

Coincidentally, things aren’t all that much better for the Red Sox, who are just 6-11 on the season. Things may have reached breaking point yesterday after an embarrassing 8-1 home loss to Baltimore. With guys like Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts manning the batting lineup, you have to think an improvement is coming.

Prediction: Yankees $1.92

With both of these sides in uncharacteristically poor form, I’ll give the edge to the home team here. They’ve got the rest and travel advantage as well as the better pitcher in this lineup. I can see a big day out from Aaron Judge en route to a home win.

Miami Marlins vs Chicago Cubs, 9:10 am
Cubs $1.70

Miami Marlins

The Marlins continue to sit at the MLB cellar, only winning 4 of their 17 games so far. The offence has definitely been a major problem for Miami, who’ve only scored more than 1 run once in their last 7. Things also need to improve from a pitching perspective, with Trevor Richards allowing 5 earned runs yesterday through 4 innings.

Chicago Cubs

Things haven’t been great for the Cubbies this season, however a series with the Marlins could be just what the doctor ordered. They got things off to a nice start in the series opener, registering a comfortable 7-2 win. Wilson Contreras and David Bole both had themselves strong days, knocking in 3 RBI each.

Prediction: Cubs $1.70

Even at $1.70, I think the Cubs are relatively good value here. With ace Jose Quintana on the mound, I just don’t see the Marlins offence having much success. If Contreras and Bole can keep this up, it should be another relatively comfortable win.

San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies, 11:10 am
Padres $1.74

San Diego Padres

The Padres have been a surprise packet this MLB season, winning 11 of their first 17 clashes. They’ve enjoyed strong series wins over the Giants, Cardinals, and Diamondbacks so far. Fernando Tatis has led the way this year, notching 5 homers and 11 RBI to set a great pace for the season.

Colorado Rockies

Things haven’t been as good for the Rockies, winning just 4 of their first 16 encounters this season. This included relatively comfortable series losses to the Rays, Dodgers, Braves, and Giants. The offence has been a major problem, only once scoring more than 2 runs in their 4-game series with the Giants.

Prediction: Padres $1.74

Despite their poor form this season, a lot of early money has come in on Colorado here. I disagree with this sentiment and can see another cruisy win for the Padres at home. If Nick Margevicius can give a solid 5-6 innings, it should be comfortable for San Diego here.

Tuesday, April 16

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets, 9 am
Phillies $1.85

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies got back to winning ways yesterday, moving to 9-5 after beating Miami in a 14-inning thriller. Jean Segura led the way with 2 hits and 2 RBI, while Scott Kingery added a crucial 3 hits late down the lineup. Vince Velasquez was also strong from a pitching perspective, allowing just 1 run through 6 innings/

New York Mets

The Mets have enjoyed a relatively solid start to the season, winning 9 of their first 14 games. Their offence has been in particularly strong form of late, scoring 19 runs in their last 3 full games. The pitching has been somewhat of a mixed bag, however Jake Wheeler enjoyed 8 strikeouts and just 2 earned runs in his last start.

Prediction: Phillies $1.85

Despite some shaky recent form, I think Philly is the better side here and deserve to start as favourites. Aaron Nola gives them the pitching advantage here, one that their elite offence should drive home. Philly should be a firmer favourite in this one and I’ll happily take them at $1.85.

Minnesota Twins vs Toronto Blue Jays, 9:40 am
Twins $1.77

Minnesota Twins

The Twins enter this one in particularly good form, winning both of their recent clashes with Detroit. Eddie Rosario and CJ Cron have been lights out offensively, combining for 5 RBI in their most recent win. Jose Berrios has also pitched very well, striking out 7 and allowing just 2 runs last time out.  

Toronto Blue Jays

It simply hasn’t been a great start to the campaign for Toronto, winning just 5 of their first 16 games after another loss to Tampa Bay. The relief pitching staff has been woeful, allowing a crucial 5-run 8th inning to cost them yesterday’s game. The offence does also need to pick up, with Billy McKinley and Freddie Galvis the only men offering any resistance at the moment.

Prediction: Twins $1.77

Minnesota is flying high, while Toronto is looking like one of the league’s worst sides. The Twins have fared particularly well at home this season, which I expect to continue here. Their offence is hugely consistent right now, making them strong value at $1.77.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds, 12:10 pm
Reds $2.50

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers got back to winning ways last time out, with a solid 7-1 win over Milwaukee. Alex Verdugo and Chris Taylor led the way, both registering multiple hits and RBI. Ross Stripling was also stellar on the mound, allowing just 1 run through 8 innings.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have been somewhat more respectable of late and currently sit at 5-9. Jesse Winker has provided some solid offence of late, pouring in 3 RBI in yesterday’s loss to St Louis. The pitching staff has also been better, allowing 2 runs or less in 4 of their last 5 games.

Prediction: Reds $2.50

In Clayton Kershaw’s return game, everyone is unsurprisingly on the Dodgers. That said, after such a long layoff, I think there might be some value on the dog here. The Dodgers aren’t in great form and I’ll take my chances here with Cincinnati at strong odds.

Monday, April 15

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays, 3:05 am
Rays $1.70

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays got back to winning ways yesterday, beating Tampa 3-1 to move to 5-10 on the year. Clay Bucholz deserves credit for a stellar pitching performance, allowing just 1 earned run through 6 innings. Lourdes Gurriel also managed a couple of clutch late RBI to seal the win.

Tampa Bay Rays

Despite the relatively poor loss yesterday, the Rays are still a very formidable 11-4 on the season. Austin Meadows continued his strong recent form, managing multiple hits in the defeat. Blake Snell also did everything he could from a pitching perspective, striking out 9 batters and allowing 0 earned runs.

Prediction: Rays $1.70

The Rays are comfortably the more talented team and I expect them to right yesterday’s loss here. Charlie Morton is a solid pitcher at this level and I think he gives them the clear matchup advantage. At $1.70, I’ll gladly take the favorite here.

Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Angels, 4:20 am
Angels $2.25

Chicago Cubs

It hasn’t been the start to the season that the Cubs hoped for, currently sitting at a poor 5-9. They’ve split this series with the Angels so far, losing 6-5 yesterday. This was despite a solid offensive performance from ShortStop Javier Baez, who had 3 hits and 3 RBI in the defeat.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels moved above .500 yesterday with a 6-5 win over these very same Cubs. This was in large part due to a strong offensive output, with both Justin Bour and Brian Goodwin registering multiple RBI. Chris Stratton wasn’t the best from a pitching perspective, but the return of Trevor Cahill should be a big boost here.

Prediction: Angels $2.25

While the Cubs are a solid team, it just hasn’t come together for them on the field this season. Especially with ace Trevor Cahill on the mound, I think the Angels can easily claim this one and are great value at $2.25.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres, 6:10 am
Diamondbacks $1.70

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks haven’t been in the best form of late, losing their first 2 games in this series and down comfortably in the 3rd. They just haven’t been getting the consistent offensive production needed to register these wins. The pitching performance has been somewhat better, especially Luke Weaver’s 8 strike-outs on Saturday.

San Diego Padres

The Padres continue to impress this season, winning 10 of their first 15 games. Their offence has kept outperforming expectations, led by some strong late-order hitting from Catcher Austin Hedges. Pitcher Matt Strahm also had another solid outing yesterday, going scoreless through the first 5 innings.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.70

With the D-Backs likely staring at the possibility of a series sweep, I think they come out motivated in this one. Zack Greinke is back on the mound so I can’t see their pitching problems continuing. An improved performance from their offence should see a comfortable home win in this one.

Sunday, April 14

San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies, 6 am
Giants $1.77

San Francisco Giants

Despite a relatively poor start to the season, the G-Men got their series against Colorado underway with a 1-0 win. Jeff Samardzija was excellent on the mound, striking out 7 batters in his 7 innings. Joe Panik led the offense with 2 hits, while Kevin Pillar had the clutch RBI late on.

Colorado Rockies

It has definitely been a poor start to the season for the Rockies, winning just 3 of their first 13 games. This included getting swept by both the Dodgers and Braves before a series opening loss to the Giants. It has been the offense that has struggled the most of late, registering just 3 hits in their last game.

Prediction: Giants $1.77

With ace Madison Bumgarner set to pitch in this one, I don’t see how the Rockies offence improves here. With guys like Panik and Buster Posey, the Giants have enough offensive firepower to get the job done. At $1.77, I really like their price here.

Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies, 8:10 am
Phillies $1.62

Miami Marlins

After a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, the Marlins also lost their first game to Philadelphia last time out. The offence just hasn’t been there, with only Curtis Granderson and Jorge Alfaro showing any promise. Sandy Alcantara also had another poor day pitching, allowing 11 hits and 6 runs in his 5 innings.

Philadelphia Phillies

As predicted, the Phillies got back on track yesterday with a comfortable road win over Miami. Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura, and Bryce Harper continue to lead the offense well, all managing multiple hits in the win. Jake Arrieta also delivered another strong pitching display, striking out 8 and allowing 1 run through 7.

Prediction: Phillies $1.62

This game just continues the mismatch between one of the best sides in baseball and one of the worst. While not their best pitcher, Zach Eflin easily has enough to get the job done here. Especially with the Phillies great offence, $1.62 looks like a steal.

Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals, 9:10 am
Cardinals $1.74

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds continue their home stand after an impressive sweep of the Marlins. Yasiel Puig and Eugenio Suarez were back to their best, both registering 2 RBI in the win. Sonny Gray also did a stellar job pitching, striking out 6 batters and allowing 0 runs in his 4 innings.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have steadied the ship of late, moving to 8-5 after an impressive sweep over the Dodgers. The offence has been on absolute fire recently, scoring 18 combined runs in their last 2 outings. Led by Jack Flaherty, the pitching staff has also improved significantly and looks to be a strong positive going forward.

Prediction: Cardinals $1.74

While the Reds are in impressive form, a lot of that is due to a sweep over the lowly Marlins. The Cardinals really impressed against a strong opponent in the Dodgers and I expect them to make a playoff push. With Adam Wainwright on the mound, I expect the road side to get it done here.

Saturday, April 13

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays, 9 am
Rays $1.74

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays haven’t had the best start to the campaign, winning just 4 of their first 12 games. They did enjoy some success against the fancied Red Sox, where their stellar offence managed to put up 7 runs in game 1. The Pitching staff has generally been a work in progress and they’ll be hoping for more from Trent Thornton here.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays enter this one in very strong form, sweeping the White Sox to sit an impressive 10-3. They’ve performed particularly well on the road, notching a stellar 5-1 record so far. This is in large part due to the strong offensive production of Austin Meadows and Tommy Pham, who combined for 6 RBI last time out.

Prediction: Rays $1.74

The Rays have been in incredible recent form and I don’t think this is the time to start fading them. I think their offence is looking particularly dangerous and should keep up their fine form here. Ryne Stanek has been solid on the mound this year and I’m confident he gets the job done at $1.74.

Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9:10 am
Phillies $1.60

Miami Marlins

The Marlins enter this one at a disappointing 3-10 after being swept in their last series by Cincinnati. A large part of this blame has to fall on the pitching staff, who allowed an average of 7 runs in those 3 games. The offence hasn’t been much better, only managing 1 run in that entire series.

Philadelphia Phillies

Despite a largely solid 7-4 season, the Phillies enter this one after an embarrassing 15-1 loss to Washington. The usually strong Nick Pivetta was atrocious, allowing 7 earned before being pulled midway through the 4th. The offence failed to show up either, with the team combining for just 3 runs all afternoon.

Prediction: Phillies $1.60

While the Phillies have been poor in their last 2, I know they’ve got the talent to bounce back. They’ve got a huge talent advantage here and should be very motivated. With Jake Pivetta back behind the mound, I’m very confident they get the job done here.

Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Indians, 10:15 am
Indians $1.65

Kansas City Royals

While it was a more valiant effort, the Royals fell to 2-10 with another loss to Seattle yesterday. Designated Hitter Jorge Soler did his best to turn things around, leading the way offensively with 3 RBI. Jorge Lopez was also much better from a pitching perspective, allowing just 2 earned and striking out 5 batters through 6 innings.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians continued their strong recent form, moving to 8-4 with a road series win over the Detroit Tigers. Leonys Martin and Carlos Santana both did the damage, combining for 6 hits and all 4 RBI in the win. Shane Bieber also had another excellent day on the mound, allowing 0 runs and striking out 6 opposing batters through 7.

Prediction: Indians $1.65

These are simply two teams travelling in opposite directions. The Royals are in the league’s basement, whilst the Indians are establishing themselves as an early frontrunner. Taking the far better team here feels like a steal at $1.65.

Friday, April 12

Kansas City Royals vs Seattle Mariners, 3:15 am
Mariners $1.72

Kansas City Royals

The Royals have had a relatively disastrous start to the campaign, losing 8 of their first 10 games this season. A lot of this blame can be heaped onto the pitching staff, who allowed 19 runs in their first 2 games against Seattle. Adalberto Mondesi has been the only real contributor offensively, registering multiple hits and RBI last time out.

Seattle Mariners

Conversely, the Mariners look like one of the form teams in baseball with 11 wins in their first 13. Dan Vogelbach has been anchoring the batting lineup, while Dee Gordon and Jay Bruce both had multiple RBI last time out. The pitching staff also deserves some credit, with Marco Gonzales allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings.

Prediction: Mariners $1.72

The Royals have been absolutely atrocious this year and will be hard-pressed to turn things around here. I expect the Mariners batting lineup to have far too much quality in this one en route to a comfortable road win.

Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets, 9:20 am
Braves $1.80

Atlanta Braves

The Braves enter their series with the Mets at 7-4 after their game with Colorado was postponed yesterday. The offense has been soaring lately, with Dansby Swanson managing an impressive 3 RBI last time out. Max Fried delivered another masterclass on the mound, striking out 4 batters and allowing 0 runs through 6.

New York Mets

The Mets continue their long road trip in Atlanta after stints in both Washington and New York. Things have been solid offensively for New York, who scored a combined 17 runs in their games on Tuesday and Wednesday. The pitching staff will need a bit of work however, after allowing 26 runs in that same 2-game stretch.

Prediction: Braves $1.80

If you’re having pitching problems, Atlanta certainly isn’t the team you want to face. Their lineup has been on fire lately and I expect it to continue here. With the reliable Kevin Gausman on the mound, I like them at this $1.80 price point.

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 10 am
Cubs $1.70

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs haven’t had the best start to 2019, winning only 3 of their first 10 games. They did get off to a promising start in their series opener with Pittsburgh, thrashing them 10-0. Ben Zobrist and Kyle Schwarber led the way offensively, both coming home with multiple RBI.

Pittsburgh Pirates

It has been somewhat of a mixed bag for Pittsburgh this season, who have won 5 of their first 9 contests. The offence was firing in a series win over Cincinnati, with Melky Cabrera and Francisco Cervelli leading the way. The pitching staff has been hit and miss and they’ll be looking to Joe Musgrave to turn that around here.

Prediction: Cubs $1.70

Despite their poor start to the campaign, I think the Cubs are the better team here. They’re starting to find an offensive groove and should continue that in this one. I also think they’ve got the pitching advantage, making them strong value at $1.70.

Thursday, April 11

Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals, 9 am
Phillies $1.60

Philadelphia Phillies

It was a rare poor day out for the Phillies yesterday, as they allowed a whopping 10 runs in a loss to Washington. The blame can’t be levelled at star Bryce Harper, who led the way with 3 RBI. Relief pitcher Jose Alvarez just wasn’t at the races, allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs in just over an inning.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals, on the other hand, had one of their most impressive displays of the season. Things were just clicking offensively, with Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman, and Victor Robles all registering multiple RBI. It was oddly an off day for Stephen Strasbourg, who allowed all 6 runs in just 4 innings on the mound.

Prediction: Phillies $1.60

While yesterday was a disaster for Philly, ace Nick Pivetta just won’t let that happen again. I think the Phillies are comfortably the more talented side and will be motivated to right yesterday’s wrong with a strong performance here.

New York Mets vs Minnesota Twins, 9:10 am
Twins $2.75

New York Mets

The Mets fell to 6-3 yesterday after a 14-8 loss to Minnesota in a high-scoring thriller. Things were great offensively for New York, with Alonso, Conforto, and Davis all registering multiple RBI. The pitching staff just wasn’t all there, with Jacob deGrom and Jason Vargas allowing 10 runs combined.

Minnesota Twins

Yesterday was one of Minnesota’s biggest offensive outputs of the season, putting away 14 runs to move to 6-3. Jonathan Schoop led the way with an impressive 4 RBI, while Mitch Garver held things together with 4 hits. Despite a poor effort from Chase De Jong, the pitching staff did just enough to hold on.

Prediction: Twins $2.75

I think Minnesota is definitely a playoff contender this season and look over the odds at $2.75. Jake Odorizzi has had his struggles but I think he is way undervalued in this spot. This is close to a coin-flip game, so I’ll happily take the heavy underdog.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers, 11:40 am
Diamondbacks $1.70

Arizona Diamondbacks

A strong flurry in the bottom of the 9th got things done for Arizona yesterday as they moved to 6-5. Christian Walker and Eduardo Escobar did the bulk of the damage, both registering multiple hits. Zack Greinke also had a solid day on the mound, striking out 9 batters and allowing 3 runs.

Texas Rangers

It was heartbreak for the Rangers yesterday, who led the whole way through only to fall in the 9th inning. Shin-Soo Choo continues to lead off admirably, while Elvis Andrus had multiple hits and RBI. Mike Minor also delivered a solid pitching performance, which was ultimately undone by Jose LeClerc.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.70

Despite a nervy win yesterday, I’m still bullish about the Diamondbacks in this series. Robbie Ray is as consistent as they come and he gives them the pitching edge again here. Back that up with a very solid offence and I like them at this $1.70 price point.

Wednesday, April 10

Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians, 3 am
Tigers $2.40

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers enter this one at a solid 7-3 after a 3-game series sweep of the Royals. Left Fielder Christin Stewart has been leading the way offensively, going off for 2 hits and 2 RBI in the 3-1 win last time out. Tyson Ross also deserves credit for his excellent pitching display, allowing 1 earned and striking out 8 batters through 7.

Cleveland Indians

Things have also gotten off to a great start in Cleveland, with a 4-game sweep of the Blue Jays taking the Indians to 6-3. Right Fielder Tyler Naquin has been feeling it offensively, going 3/3 last time out. The pitching staff has also been very impressive, with Mike Clevinger striking out 10 batters and allowing 0 runs last time out.

Prediction: Tigers $2.40

Personally, I’m not quite sure why Detroit are such large home underdogs in this one. They’ve been in fantastic form and have shown a real home-field advantage this season. Especially with the in-form Jordan Zimmerman on the mound, I like the Tigers at a tasty $2.40.

St Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers, 9:45 am
Dodgers $1.74

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals continue their series against LA after a disappointing home series loss to San Diego beforehand. Marcell Ozuna has remained a key offensive figure for the Cards, notching in another 2 RBI yesterday. Miles Mikolas was also solid from a pitching perspective, allowing 3 earned through 6 solid innings.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are arguably the form team in baseball, winning an impressive 8 of their first 10 games this season. Justin Turner, Corey Seager, and Cody Bellinger all managed multiple hits in their series finale with Colorado. Hyun-jin Ryu’s injury was costly yesterday, with the Korean starter exiting early in the 2nd inning.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.74

After what happened yesterday, I think this is a very good spot for the Dodgers. Ross Stripling is very consistent and durable as a pitcher and should be in for a good outing here. Combine that with the usually strong LA offence and $1.74 seems a very strong price indeed.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers, 11:40 am
Diamondbacks $1.74

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks enter this one at a middling 5-5 off the back of a solid 2-1 series win over the Red Sox. Eduardo Escobar and Carson Kelly have been particularly clutch of late, combining for 5 hits and 3 RBI in their last win. The pitching staff also can’t really be faulted, with Merrill Kelly allowing just 1 run and striking out 9 batters through 8 innings last time out.

Texas Rangers

Things have cooled off in Texas as of late, with 3 straight losses sending the Rangers to 5-5. The offence is struggling to get going, with only Nomar Mazara registering multiple hits last time out. The pitching staff hasn’t been much better, with starter Shelby Miller lasting just 2 innings after allowing 4 runs.

Prediction: Diamondbacks $1.74

I really like this pitching matchup at home for the Diamondbacks. Zack Greinke is still a very solid #1 option, while Mike Minor is inconsistent in the opposing dugout. Expect Arizona to continue their strong home form with a comfortable win here.

Tuesday, April 9

Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals, 9 am
Phillies $1.74

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies enter this one at 6-2 after yet another good win, beating Minnesota 2-1 at home last time out. Rhys Hoskins was the main man offensively, registering 2 hits and 2 clutch RBI to seal the win. Zach Eflin was also fantastic on the mound, striking out 5 and allowing only 1 earned through 7.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals got back to winning ways last time out with an impressive 12-9 win over the Mets. Anthony Rendon starred offensively with 3 RBI, while Adam Eaton and Kurt Suzuki both had 2 a piece. Max Scherzer had another controlled display on the mound, striking out 7 batters through 6 innings.

Prediction: Phillies $1.74

I’ve been riding with the Phillies of late and don’t plan to stop in this one. Led by Bryce Harper, I think they’ll be well up for this against his former side. I also think they’ve got a favourable pitching matchup here, making $1.74 look like great value.

Houston Astros vs New York Yankees, 9:10 am
Astros $1.65

Houston Astros

The Astros got back on track with a season sweep of Oakland, winning yesterday’s tilt 9-8. Aldemys Diaz led the way with 4 RBI, while Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman both had 3 hits apiece. The pitching staff could stand to improve somewhat, however Justin Verlander should help with that here.

New York Yankees

The Yankees have also righted the ship of late, sweeping Baltimore with a 15-3 win yesterday. Gary Sanchez was absolutely outstanding with 6 RBI, overshadowing a very strong 4 RBI day from Clint Frazier. Domingo German delivered a solid display on the mound, allowing just 2 runs through 6 innings.

Prediction: Astros $1.65

While these two sides are relatively evenly matched, the Astros have a huge pitching edge here. Justin Verlander is still one of the premier MLB pitchers, whilst Masahiro Tanaka is erratic at best. I’ll continue to ride with Verlander here in this high-profile clash.

San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres, 11:45 am
Giants $1.80

San Francisco Giants

The Giants slumped to 3-7 with another disappointing loss to Tampa Bay, a game where they were held scoreless. Offensively, the G-Men just couldn’t get anything going, with 2 Yangervis Solarte the only man to register multiple hits. They’ll also need more from the pitching staff, with starter Drew Pomeranz only going 4 innings.

San Diego Padres

The Padres finished up their series in St Louis with a relatively poor 4-1 loss to sit 6-4. They dominated the Giants earlier this season, winning 3-1 in their season opening series. Manny Machado and Hunter Renfrow are their main offensive threats and they’ll need to keep producing for San Diego to make the playoffs.

Prediction: Giants $1.80

I think this is a good revenge spot for the Giants here at home. The Padres will be tired from a cross-country flight where the Giants will want to rectify their early-season losses. Especially with ace Maddison Bumgarner pitching, I think they’re rightfully favourites here.