Jacob deGrom O/U 9.5 strikeouts
In his first start this season, Jacob deGrom was his usual great self. He pitched six scoreless and struck out seven hitters. Shockingly, the Mets could not pull out a win. Today though, the question begs, can he strike out 10 hitters?
In 12 starts last season, deGrom struck out 10 hitters five times. In four of those starts against the Marlins, he did it once. Looking at the Marlins so far in this young season, they have the tenth lowest strikeout rate in baseball (22.7%).
Although the Marlins have not been good through seven games (they’re 1-6), they have found ways to put the ball in play. No starter this season has recorded more than six strikeouts in an outing against them this year.
That includes guys like Tyler Glasnow and Jack Flaherty. On the other hand, deGrom is the best pitcher in the sport. In his last start, his fastball hit 102 mph. The dude has the potential to strike out 15 hitters in any given start. Today though, I do not believe that he will reach 10.
Pick: Under 9.5 strikeouts (FD +104)
Rays vs Yankees O/U 9
In his first start of the season, Domingo German struggled against the Toronto Blue Jays. Over three innings pitched, German allowed three earned runs including two home runs. Today, he gets the start and will oppose Chris Archer.
Like German, Archer also struggled in his first pitching appearance with the Rays. Over two innings pitched out of the bullpen, he allowed four runs (three earned). When it comes to German, I feel like there is a decent chance of a bounce-back outing. For Archer though, I do not share those feelings, especially against a potent Yankees offense.
Perhaps I’m a jaded Pirates fan that just wants to see Archer fail. As we all know, the Pirates traded Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows, and Shane Baz to the Rays in 2018. I am forever scarred by the Archer experience.
Yes, I know that it’s not Archer’s fault that he was involved in the worst baseball trade of the decade, but I don’t care. It’s fun to be an irrational fan sometimes! In all seriousness though, I think Archer is washed up. Today he will struggle and runs will be scored at a high clip.
Pick: Over 9 (FD -102)
Twins vs Mariners Run Line
In three of their five wins this season, the Twins have outscored their opponents by at least two runs. In all four of their losses this season, the Mariners have been outscored by at least two runs. What does this mean? Nothing, we’re barely a week into the season.
That said, I like the Twins big in this game. They have big Michael Pineda on the mound. He was solid in his first start against the Brewers, tossing five innings of shutout ball. For the Mariners, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will take the hill.
In his one start against the Giants last week, Kikuchi was decent, allowing three earned over six innings. Looking at the Twins’ lineup, all I can think about is Nelson Cruz and Byron Buxton’s torrid hot start. In today’s matchup against a lefty, I think the hot streak will continue.
Pick: Twins -1.5 (FD +106)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: 3-3-0
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): $50
Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)