Don’t look now, but the kid’s getting hot. I hit that Brewers-Reds game perfectly while Blake Snell had his lowest strikeout total of the season. The no-stress (3-0) afternoon brought my overall record to 17-15-1 (+2.3u) and we are looking to continue this roll here today!
Rays vs Red Sox Money Line
All eyes were on Wander Franco for his MLB debut yesterday. The #1 overall prospect in baseball did not disappoint lacing a home run and double while also showing off some slick glove-work and a fantastic eye at the plate. Lost in the hoopla was the Rays dropping their seventh consecutive game to the Red Sox in 11 innings.
Tampa Bay has not won a game since losing Tyler Glasnow and their pitching staff is much less menacing without the long-haired right-hander. Moreover, they had to burn through most of their bullpen yesterday since Ryan Yarbrough was only able to give them two innings in the extra-inning affair. Plenty of responsibility falls on starter Rich Hill to give length against the Red Sox offense, something I’m not entirely confident in. There is lots of value on the Sox here.
Pick: RED SOX (+128 DraftKings, +126 FanDuel)
Diamondbacks vs Brewers O/U 7.5 Runs
I’ve made a habit of taking day-game unders and that trend is going to continue. The Diamondbacks are allowing more than five earned runs per game, worst in baseball, but Caleb Smith has been one of the few bright spots for this pitching staff. He’s struck out 25.9% of opposing batters since rejoining the rotation (4 GS, 20.1 IP). I’m not saying he’s a world-beater, but he’s good enough to keep the Brewers’ meek offense at bay.
As for Milwaukee, Brandon Woodruff will be on the hill. He has given up more than three ER just once this season and that outing came last Thursday in Denver. Additionally, Arizona will likely be without star centerfielder Ketel Marte today after he left last night’s game with hamstring tightness. Smash that under button.
Pick: UNDER 7.5 Runs (-109 DK, -110 FD)
Shohei Ohtani O/U 6.5 Strikeouts
Ohtani’s Angels will be facing off with Kevin Gausman and the Giants in what I’m calling the game of the day. The Giants’ rise has been a marquee story so far this season and their offense is a massive reason why. Veterans like Brandon Crawford, Buster Posey, and Brandon Belt are turning in career years while much of the rest of their lineup has excelled in platoon-like roles.
As the team’s offensive output has exceeded expectations (111 wRC+), their strikeout totals have increased as well. The Giants strike out at the ninth-highest rate in the league at 25.2%. That rank jumps up to 27.9% (third-highest) when split for road games against right-handed pitchers. Ohtani may not have a smooth outing, but he will hit this total.
Pick: OVER 6.5 Ks (-113 DK)
Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)