BEGINNING THURSDAY, MAY 21
Milwaukee at Atlanta (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Brewers have been somewhat respectable over the past 11 days, going 5-6 while scoring 5.9 runs per game over that stretch. But they still own the lowest team BA in the NL (.229) and they rank near the bottom of the barrel in pitching as well (4.71 ERA). They?ll face a difficult assignment here at Turner Field, particularly in night games. Milwaukee owns a pitiful 6-18 record in evening contests this year (-$1270). Shelby Miller will be on the mound for Atlanta at some point, having led the Braves to victories in 7 of his 8 starts (+$725, 1.33 ERA). Stick with the home team when circumstances permit. BEST BET: S. Miller/Braves in night games.
Houston at Detroit (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Astros have been an interesting club to watch in 2015, racking up a substantial profit for their backers along the way (+$1245). This four game set against the formidable Tigers at Comerica could give us some solid underdog value. Houston has been very successful on the road, while Detroit has struggled in night games vs. righthanders (-$470, averaging just 2.8 runs per game). Collin McHugh has gotten off to a spectacular start, leading the Astros to wins in 7 of his first 78 starts (+$565, 3.38 ERA). He?ll be on the mound this weekend and we like his chances. BEST BET: McHugh.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
A year ago it this time the Athletics were a team to beat, but things ended badly in 2014 and this season has been an unmitigated disaster (-$1865 overall). They are mired in another tailspin, having dropped 9 of their last 10 (-$1015) and they?ll be taking on a Tampa team that is moving up steadily in the AL East standing. The Rays check in with the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.46) and a trio of quality starters in Jake Odorizzi (2.36 ERA), Chris Archer (2.47) and Nathan Karns (3.77), all of whom are likely to appear at Tropicana Field this weekend. BEST BET: Odorizzi/Archer/Karns.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 22
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Nationals are the NL?s hottest team at the moment (8-2, +$555 last 10 days, averaging 7.5 runs per game on offense) and now they?ll get to beat up on the hapless Phillies, who are currently buried in the division basement. Philadelphia has scored the fewest runs in MLB by far (less than 3.0 per game) and they?ve compiled a mediocre 4.21 team ERA. They are a pathetic 4-13 outside of Citizens Bank (-$700) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a win in this three game set. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mets have cooled off after rolling through April at such a torrid pace (4-6, -$275 in the last 10 days) and considering their dismal record in night games on the road (only 2-11, -$925) there?s no way we?ll pass up the Pirates in Friday?s opener. It gets trickier after that. Jonathan Niese checks in with a 2.49 ERA after starting seven games, and he should fare well when he takes on the Bucs, most likely in Sunday?s afternoon affair (Pittsburgh only 1-4 -$400 vs. southpaws in 2015). BEST BET: Niese/Pirates in night games.
San Francisco at Colorado (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies took 4 of 5 from this team in earlier meetings (+$320) but it?s been all downhill since that time. They?ve dropped 9 of their last 11 (-$580) and they?ve been terrible at Coors Field (-$680) so we?re favorably inclined towards the visitor in this series. San Francisco has a far better pitching staff (3.51 ERA) but two of their hottest pitchers (Bradley Bumgarner, 3.20 and Tim Lincecum (2.43) are likely to miss this one. That leaves Chris Heston (3.73) who we do expect to take a turn. BEST BET: Heston.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Cubs are closing in on St. Louis in the NL Central thanks to an 7-4 record in their last 11 games (+$250). But their stats suggest they are far from an elite team (4.08 team ERA, .251 BA) so caution is advised where they are concerned. The Diamondbacks have an explosive offense (.269 BA, tops in the NL) that has been on fire in recent days (5-1 runs per game in their last 10). But Arizona is a weak pitching team (4.39 ERA) and they?ve lost money playing here at Chase Field (-$275). We?re not enthusiastic about either of these clubs at this time. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Dodgers are sitting atop the NL West with a healthy lead over their division rivals, remarkable when you consider the multiple injuries to the starting rotation (Ryu, McCarthy) and the shockingly poor start by Clayton Kershaw (-$300, 4.24 ERA in eight appearances). Still, with a 16-3 record vs. righthanders here at Chavez Ravine (+$1065) it?s hard to pull the trigger with the visiting Padres. San Diego has not pitched well as a team (4.28 ERA, 54th worst in the league) and they?ve already dropped 4 of 6 in head play (-$160). A sweep is not unlikely. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Yankees (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rangers have a long road back to respectability, but they might make an intriguing underdog this weekend in the Bronx. They?ve been very profitable on the road this year (+$570) and they have some starting pitchers who look good. most notably Nick Martinez, who?s led Texas to victories in 7 of his first 8 starts (+$815, 1.88 ERA) and Colby Lewis, who?s off to his best start in years (3.06 ERA in eight outings). The Yankees have cooled off considerably at the plate, averaging just 3.5 runs per game in their last 11. We?ll take what could be some attractive prices when those two take the mound for the visitor. BEST BET: N. Martinez/C. Lewis.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mariners have gotten better pitching than expected (3.88 team ERA, 7th out of 15 teams in the American League) but the club remains mired well below the .500 mark (-$785) and they face a hard hitting Toronto team at Rogers Centre this weekend. The Blue Jays have scored the most runs in the majors this year (5.1 per game) and they?ve been perfect at home taking on lefthanded starters (+$300). Seattle currently has a trio of southpaws in the rotation so we?ll probably get a couple of matchups where we can back the home team. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at Boston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Red Sox lost 5 of 7 to the Angels in 2014 (-$180) and things are not looking promising for Boston this year. The team ranks next to last in the AL in both team BA (.231) and in pitching (4.64 ERA) and once again they are burning their backers at Fenway Park (-$480 at home so far, -$2560 last season). The Angels have won 7 of their last 10 (+$515) and their mound corps has the best ERA in the league so far (3.37). Key to their success has been the performance of southpaws CJ Wilson (2.63 ERA in 7 starts) and Hector Santiago (2.42), both of whom are expected to appear this weekend. Back them when they take the mound. BEST BET: C. Wilson/Santiago.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Twins are already 5-2 in head to head play against the White Sox (+$350) and they?ve stayed hot (6-4, +$300 in their last 10, averaging 4.4 runs per game on offense), staying within striking distance of the leaders in the AL Central. However, the White Sox have also asserted themselves in recent days (7-3, +$485 last 10) and they check in here with a 9-3 mark against righthanders here at US Cellular (+$570). Minnesota is only 7-11 outside of Target Field and with nothing but righties in their rotation we?ll look for Chicago to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds have a number of righthanded starters who are putting together some solid numbers. Unfortunately, their bullpen has been the worst in the majors so far this year (5.17 ERA) and it?s holding them down in the competitive NL Central. The Indians picked up the pace over the past few days, with Corey Kluber finally breaking through for his first victory this season. If they can sustain that recent success we might be tempted. But as it stands they are still only 6-12 at Progressive Field (-$945) so we?ll hold off for now and then check back on game day. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Orioles would normally be an appealing choice against the 16-21 Marlins, but they?ve not looked sharp (4-6, -$245 in the last 10 days, averaging just 3.3 runs per game at the plate). Baltimore checks in with a dismal 1-9 record in night games away from Camden Yards (-$815) and they could be vulnerable vs. Miami. But this is a bad spot for the Marlins as well. They are at their best vs. lefty starters, but they figure to see only righties this weekend. They are only 11-20 in that spot (-$1000) so we prefer to hold off on this one for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Intra-state rivalry matchup between a pair of top notch clubs looks like the weekend?s best matchup. The Cardinals own the best pitching staff in baseball (2.92 ERA) but KC?s rotation is formidable as well, and no team can match the home team?s bullpen (1.61 ERA). The Royals have been deadly here at Kaufman Stadium (13-6, +$565) and they average 5.6 run per game vs. righthanders (+$525). The Cardinals have tapered off a bit following their torrid start, but we?re still likely to see reasonable prices on the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Royals vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY, MAY 25
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mets have already taken 5 out of 6 from this team in their prior meetings (+$365) and their numbers here at CiiField are spectacular (15-4, +$1060). The Phillies have an anemic offense to go with their 4-13 record outside of Citizens Bank (-$700). Easy call on New York to take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Mets in all games.
Colorado at Cincinnati (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Rockies are untouchable at the moment, a team lacking a single starter with whom we?re comfortable (5.16 team ERA, worst in baseball by far). The Reds have trouble in day games, but they are 12-6 vs. righthanders in night games (+$640) so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Reds vs. righthanders in night games.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 25th
, 26th, 27th
The Giants are expected to send both Bradley Bumgarner (3.20 ERA) and Tim Lincecum (2.43) to the mound at Miller Park. The Brewers are vulnerable vs. both righties & lefties (-$1145) overall and they lack a pitching staff (4.71 ERA) that can match up effectively vs. those two. PREFERRED: Bumgarner/Lincecum.
Washington at Chicago Cubs (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Nationals are red hot, so caution is certainly advised. With multiple days off leading up to this series it appears Gio Gonzalez will take a turn at Wrigley Field this week. He?s been shaky in recent outings (5.25 ERA last two) and Chicago averages 5.9 runs per game vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. G. Gonzalez.
Arizona at St. Louis (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The mostly righthanded Arizona rotation will have its hands full with first place St. Louis, a club that owns a 13-2 record vs. righties here at Busch Stadium (+$980, averaging almost 5.0 runs per game). Stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Miami at Pittsburgh (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Marlins could steal some wins here at PNC Park if they get the right matchup. Miami is 5-2 (+$315) vs. lefthanders in 2015, averaging 5.1 runs per game), having turned a nice profit vs. southpaws last season (+$725). The Bucs have been a losing proposition thus far (-$485 overall) and they should send at least one lefty to the hill to face Miami. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
Alex Wood has been most effective outside of Turner Field, posting a 2.61 ERA in his five road starts this year. Despite their early success the Dodgers are not effective vs. lefthanders (-$330, averaging just 3.8 runs per game in those contests) so we?ll take a shot with Atlanta?s lone lefty starter. PREFERRED: A. Wood.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Royals spanked the fading Yankees at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, taking 2 of 3 in that series. KC is averaging a healthy 5.6 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$525) and chances are they won?t be facing staff ace Michael Pineda. We?ll happily take the visitor in this one. PREFERRED: Royals vs. righthanders.
Houston at Baltimore (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Astros have enjoyed an unexpectedly strong start, and that is especially true in road games. They boast a 12-4 record outside of Minute Maid Park (+$1070) while the Orioles remain mired at the back of the pack in the AL East. Nevertheless, we expect to see the Orioles favored significantly in these games. If we like the price we?ll jump on the visitor. PREFERRED: Astros at +120 or better.
Boston at Minnesota (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Twins are 14-6 here at Target Field (+$1015) and the Red Sox have been anemic at the plate in recent days (only 2.3 runs per game in their last 10). Mike Pelfrey has bounced back to be a very important member of the Minnesota rotation (+$510, 3.23 ERA in seven starts) and this looks like a great spot. Boston?s pitching remains some of the worst in MLB (4.64 ERA). PREFERRED: Pelfrey.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Rangers have turned a nice profit when playing away from Arlington (+$570) while the last place Indians have performed poorly here at Progressive Field (6-12, -$945). Chances re we?ll catch some terrific underdog prices on Texas, and we?ll happily climb on board. PREFERRED: Rangers at +125 or better.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The surging Tigers took 5 of 7 from a far superior Oakland team in 2014 (+$350) and they?ve been very profitable outside of Comerica (+$550). The Athletics are a pitiful 5-14 at the Coliseum so far this season (-$1405). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The White Sox are a solid choice when playing at home, but they?ve been ineffective in the role of visitor (only 7-12, -$440 on the road so far) and Toronto has a 5-2 record vs. lefties (+$300, averaging 5.1 runs per game). Chicago has a rotation heavy with southpaws, so we like the host club. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mariners are only 4-9 vs. righthanders on the road (-$540, averaging just 3.1 runs per game) and the Rays hold the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.46). Avoid Felix Hernandez, but any other Seattle righty is fair game (Tampa +$535 in that situation). PREFERRED: Rays vs. all righthanders except F. Hernandez.
San Diego at L.A. Angels (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Angels have a couple of of notch lefties in their rotation who will be heavily favored if they appear. But the Padres average 5.4 runs per game vs. southpaws, so we?ll grab the fat underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Brewers have been somewhat respectable over the past 11 days, going 5-6 while scoring 5.9 runs per game over that stretch. But they still own the lowest team BA in the NL (.229) and they rank near the bottom of the barrel in pitching as well (4.71 ERA). They?ll face a difficult assignment here at Turner Field, particularly in night games. Milwaukee owns a pitiful 6-18 record in evening contests this year (-$1270). Shelby Miller will be on the mound for Atlanta at some point, having led the Braves to victories in 7 of his 8 starts (+$725, 1.33 ERA). Stick with the home team when circumstances permit. BEST BET: S. Miller/Braves in night games.
Houston at Detroit (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Astros have been an interesting club to watch in 2015, racking up a substantial profit for their backers along the way (+$1245). This four game set against the formidable Tigers at Comerica could give us some solid underdog value. Houston has been very successful on the road, while Detroit has struggled in night games vs. righthanders (-$470, averaging just 2.8 runs per game). Collin McHugh has gotten off to a spectacular start, leading the Astros to wins in 7 of his first 78 starts (+$565, 3.38 ERA). He?ll be on the mound this weekend and we like his chances. BEST BET: McHugh.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (4) 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
A year ago it this time the Athletics were a team to beat, but things ended badly in 2014 and this season has been an unmitigated disaster (-$1865 overall). They are mired in another tailspin, having dropped 9 of their last 10 (-$1015) and they?ll be taking on a Tampa team that is moving up steadily in the AL East standing. The Rays check in with the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.46) and a trio of quality starters in Jake Odorizzi (2.36 ERA), Chris Archer (2.47) and Nathan Karns (3.77), all of whom are likely to appear at Tropicana Field this weekend. BEST BET: Odorizzi/Archer/Karns.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 22
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Nationals are the NL?s hottest team at the moment (8-2, +$555 last 10 days, averaging 7.5 runs per game on offense) and now they?ll get to beat up on the hapless Phillies, who are currently buried in the division basement. Philadelphia has scored the fewest runs in MLB by far (less than 3.0 per game) and they?ve compiled a mediocre 4.21 team ERA. They are a pathetic 4-13 outside of Citizens Bank (-$700) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a win in this three game set. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mets have cooled off after rolling through April at such a torrid pace (4-6, -$275 in the last 10 days) and considering their dismal record in night games on the road (only 2-11, -$925) there?s no way we?ll pass up the Pirates in Friday?s opener. It gets trickier after that. Jonathan Niese checks in with a 2.49 ERA after starting seven games, and he should fare well when he takes on the Bucs, most likely in Sunday?s afternoon affair (Pittsburgh only 1-4 -$400 vs. southpaws in 2015). BEST BET: Niese/Pirates in night games.
San Francisco at Colorado (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies took 4 of 5 from this team in earlier meetings (+$320) but it?s been all downhill since that time. They?ve dropped 9 of their last 11 (-$580) and they?ve been terrible at Coors Field (-$680) so we?re favorably inclined towards the visitor in this series. San Francisco has a far better pitching staff (3.51 ERA) but two of their hottest pitchers (Bradley Bumgarner, 3.20 and Tim Lincecum (2.43) are likely to miss this one. That leaves Chris Heston (3.73) who we do expect to take a turn. BEST BET: Heston.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Cubs are closing in on St. Louis in the NL Central thanks to an 7-4 record in their last 11 games (+$250). But their stats suggest they are far from an elite team (4.08 team ERA, .251 BA) so caution is advised where they are concerned. The Diamondbacks have an explosive offense (.269 BA, tops in the NL) that has been on fire in recent days (5-1 runs per game in their last 10). But Arizona is a weak pitching team (4.39 ERA) and they?ve lost money playing here at Chase Field (-$275). We?re not enthusiastic about either of these clubs at this time. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Dodgers are sitting atop the NL West with a healthy lead over their division rivals, remarkable when you consider the multiple injuries to the starting rotation (Ryu, McCarthy) and the shockingly poor start by Clayton Kershaw (-$300, 4.24 ERA in eight appearances). Still, with a 16-3 record vs. righthanders here at Chavez Ravine (+$1065) it?s hard to pull the trigger with the visiting Padres. San Diego has not pitched well as a team (4.28 ERA, 54th worst in the league) and they?ve already dropped 4 of 6 in head play (-$160). A sweep is not unlikely. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Yankees (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rangers have a long road back to respectability, but they might make an intriguing underdog this weekend in the Bronx. They?ve been very profitable on the road this year (+$570) and they have some starting pitchers who look good. most notably Nick Martinez, who?s led Texas to victories in 7 of his first 8 starts (+$815, 1.88 ERA) and Colby Lewis, who?s off to his best start in years (3.06 ERA in eight outings). The Yankees have cooled off considerably at the plate, averaging just 3.5 runs per game in their last 11. We?ll take what could be some attractive prices when those two take the mound for the visitor. BEST BET: N. Martinez/C. Lewis.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Mariners have gotten better pitching than expected (3.88 team ERA, 7th out of 15 teams in the American League) but the club remains mired well below the .500 mark (-$785) and they face a hard hitting Toronto team at Rogers Centre this weekend. The Blue Jays have scored the most runs in the majors this year (5.1 per game) and they?ve been perfect at home taking on lefthanded starters (+$300). Seattle currently has a trio of southpaws in the rotation so we?ll probably get a couple of matchups where we can back the home team. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at Boston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Red Sox lost 5 of 7 to the Angels in 2014 (-$180) and things are not looking promising for Boston this year. The team ranks next to last in the AL in both team BA (.231) and in pitching (4.64 ERA) and once again they are burning their backers at Fenway Park (-$480 at home so far, -$2560 last season). The Angels have won 7 of their last 10 (+$515) and their mound corps has the best ERA in the league so far (3.37). Key to their success has been the performance of southpaws CJ Wilson (2.63 ERA in 7 starts) and Hector Santiago (2.42), both of whom are expected to appear this weekend. Back them when they take the mound. BEST BET: C. Wilson/Santiago.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Twins are already 5-2 in head to head play against the White Sox (+$350) and they?ve stayed hot (6-4, +$300 in their last 10, averaging 4.4 runs per game on offense), staying within striking distance of the leaders in the AL Central. However, the White Sox have also asserted themselves in recent days (7-3, +$485 last 10) and they check in here with a 9-3 mark against righthanders here at US Cellular (+$570). Minnesota is only 7-11 outside of Target Field and with nothing but righties in their rotation we?ll look for Chicago to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds have a number of righthanded starters who are putting together some solid numbers. Unfortunately, their bullpen has been the worst in the majors so far this year (5.17 ERA) and it?s holding them down in the competitive NL Central. The Indians picked up the pace over the past few days, with Corey Kluber finally breaking through for his first victory this season. If they can sustain that recent success we might be tempted. But as it stands they are still only 6-12 at Progressive Field (-$945) so we?ll hold off for now and then check back on game day. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Orioles would normally be an appealing choice against the 16-21 Marlins, but they?ve not looked sharp (4-6, -$245 in the last 10 days, averaging just 3.3 runs per game at the plate). Baltimore checks in with a dismal 1-9 record in night games away from Camden Yards (-$815) and they could be vulnerable vs. Miami. But this is a bad spot for the Marlins as well. They are at their best vs. lefty starters, but they figure to see only righties this weekend. They are only 11-20 in that spot (-$1000) so we prefer to hold off on this one for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Intra-state rivalry matchup between a pair of top notch clubs looks like the weekend?s best matchup. The Cardinals own the best pitching staff in baseball (2.92 ERA) but KC?s rotation is formidable as well, and no team can match the home team?s bullpen (1.61 ERA). The Royals have been deadly here at Kaufman Stadium (13-6, +$565) and they average 5.6 run per game vs. righthanders (+$525). The Cardinals have tapered off a bit following their torrid start, but we?re still likely to see reasonable prices on the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Royals vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY, MAY 25
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mets have already taken 5 out of 6 from this team in their prior meetings (+$365) and their numbers here at CiiField are spectacular (15-4, +$1060). The Phillies have an anemic offense to go with their 4-13 record outside of Citizens Bank (-$700). Easy call on New York to take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Mets in all games.
Colorado at Cincinnati (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Rockies are untouchable at the moment, a team lacking a single starter with whom we?re comfortable (5.16 team ERA, worst in baseball by far). The Reds have trouble in day games, but they are 12-6 vs. righthanders in night games (+$640) so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Reds vs. righthanders in night games.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 25th
, 26th, 27th
The Giants are expected to send both Bradley Bumgarner (3.20 ERA) and Tim Lincecum (2.43) to the mound at Miller Park. The Brewers are vulnerable vs. both righties & lefties (-$1145) overall and they lack a pitching staff (4.71 ERA) that can match up effectively vs. those two. PREFERRED: Bumgarner/Lincecum.
Washington at Chicago Cubs (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Nationals are red hot, so caution is certainly advised. With multiple days off leading up to this series it appears Gio Gonzalez will take a turn at Wrigley Field this week. He?s been shaky in recent outings (5.25 ERA last two) and Chicago averages 5.9 runs per game vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. G. Gonzalez.
Arizona at St. Louis (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The mostly righthanded Arizona rotation will have its hands full with first place St. Louis, a club that owns a 13-2 record vs. righties here at Busch Stadium (+$980, averaging almost 5.0 runs per game). Stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Miami at Pittsburgh (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Marlins could steal some wins here at PNC Park if they get the right matchup. Miami is 5-2 (+$315) vs. lefthanders in 2015, averaging 5.1 runs per game), having turned a nice profit vs. southpaws last season (+$725). The Bucs have been a losing proposition thus far (-$485 overall) and they should send at least one lefty to the hill to face Miami. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
Alex Wood has been most effective outside of Turner Field, posting a 2.61 ERA in his five road starts this year. Despite their early success the Dodgers are not effective vs. lefthanders (-$330, averaging just 3.8 runs per game in those contests) so we?ll take a shot with Atlanta?s lone lefty starter. PREFERRED: A. Wood.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Royals spanked the fading Yankees at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, taking 2 of 3 in that series. KC is averaging a healthy 5.6 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$525) and chances are they won?t be facing staff ace Michael Pineda. We?ll happily take the visitor in this one. PREFERRED: Royals vs. righthanders.
Houston at Baltimore (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Astros have enjoyed an unexpectedly strong start, and that is especially true in road games. They boast a 12-4 record outside of Minute Maid Park (+$1070) while the Orioles remain mired at the back of the pack in the AL East. Nevertheless, we expect to see the Orioles favored significantly in these games. If we like the price we?ll jump on the visitor. PREFERRED: Astros at +120 or better.
Boston at Minnesota (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Twins are 14-6 here at Target Field (+$1015) and the Red Sox have been anemic at the plate in recent days (only 2.3 runs per game in their last 10). Mike Pelfrey has bounced back to be a very important member of the Minnesota rotation (+$510, 3.23 ERA in seven starts) and this looks like a great spot. Boston?s pitching remains some of the worst in MLB (4.64 ERA). PREFERRED: Pelfrey.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Rangers have turned a nice profit when playing away from Arlington (+$570) while the last place Indians have performed poorly here at Progressive Field (6-12, -$945). Chances re we?ll catch some terrific underdog prices on Texas, and we?ll happily climb on board. PREFERRED: Rangers at +125 or better.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The surging Tigers took 5 of 7 from a far superior Oakland team in 2014 (+$350) and they?ve been very profitable outside of Comerica (+$550). The Athletics are a pitiful 5-14 at the Coliseum so far this season (-$1405). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The White Sox are a solid choice when playing at home, but they?ve been ineffective in the role of visitor (only 7-12, -$440 on the road so far) and Toronto has a 5-2 record vs. lefties (+$300, averaging 5.1 runs per game). Chicago has a rotation heavy with southpaws, so we like the host club. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mariners are only 4-9 vs. righthanders on the road (-$540, averaging just 3.1 runs per game) and the Rays hold the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.46). Avoid Felix Hernandez, but any other Seattle righty is fair game (Tampa +$535 in that situation). PREFERRED: Rays vs. all righthanders except F. Hernandez.
San Diego at L.A. Angels (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Angels have a couple of of notch lefties in their rotation who will be heavily favored if they appear. But the Padres average 5.4 runs per game vs. southpaws, so we?ll grab the fat underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
