Paolo Espino Total Strikeouts O/U 5.5
Most people looking at this game will see Sandy Alcantara facing off against the Nationals and focus on his strikeout prop. But I am going to zag while everyone zigs and take a look at his mound opponent Paolo Espino against a struggling Miami offense. Espino has provided some stability for the Nationals’ rotation over the past month and has exceeded 5.5 strikeouts in three of his last four starts, reaching five in the only other start. The Marlins lead the Majors with a 28.1 K% over the last two weeks and the team’s lowly .268 wOBA in that time makes me think that Espino will be able to pitch fairly deep into this game. At +110, I like Espino’s payout way better than Alcantara’s -140 and I’ll take the chance on the 34-year old.
Pick: OVER 5.5 Ks (+110 DK)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers Total Runs O/U 8
Clayton Kershaw makes his return to the mound on Monday as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on budding frontline starter Zac Gallen and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona’s offense has struggled all season to score runs and that theme has continued the last two weeks as they have put up a .290 wOBA and 78 wRC+. A typically strong offense, the Dodgers have not been much better of late, posting a .300 wOBA and 90 wRC+. Kershaw and Gallen are two of the more talented pitchers in the NL West and should be able to limit these two struggling offenses. Eight runs should be hard to come by as long as these pitchers can find the zone and limit baserunners. Take the under and enjoy a quality late-season pitching matchup.
Pick: UNDER 8 Runs (-115 DK, -112 FD)
Red Sox @ Mariners Run Line
Seattle’s struggles against LHP this season have been well documented as the team has the fifth-worst wOBA against southpaws. Eduardo Rodriguez is certainly a very enigmatic pitcher but the 28-year-old has the stuff to dominate a team like the Mariners. In April, Rodriguez threw a quality start against Seattle, allowing three ERs with eight Ks over seven innings.
Facing Boston is former top prospect Logan Gilbert and his 5.10 ERA. The 24-year-old has struggled to go deep into games and has been lit up several times against quality opponents. The Red Sox are an experienced offense with patient hitters that will prove to be difficult outs for Gilbert. Boston should have the edge in this matchup and will be looking to win convincingly as they fight to maintain a hold on a playoff spot.
Pick: Red Sox -1.5 (+120 DK, +128 FD)
Kyle Stanzel’s Overall Record: 46-55-3
Net Money (Assuming all wagers are $100): –$30.62
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)