BEGINNING, THURSDAY, JUNE 2
Milwaukee at Philadelphia (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Phillies took 2 out of 3 when they visited Miller Park, but they?ve been losing ground steadily in recent days (2-7, -$605 last 10, averaging just 2.7 runs per game at the plate) and they could be vulnerable to an improving Milwaukee club (Brewers 6-4, +$280 last 10). The Philly offense continues to under-achieve (only 3.3 runs per game vs. righties) and they?ll face a pair of tough ones in Jimmy Nelson (+$365, 2.88 ERA) and Junior Guerra (+$605, 3.30), both of whom are expected to see action at Citizen?s Bank. Great opportunity for the Brewers to get close to .500 as June gets underway. BEST BET: Nelson/Guerra.
Kansas City at Cleveland (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Despite a plague of injuries the defending World Series champs are a hot team at the moment (7-2, +$595, averaging 5.6 runs per game) but caution is advised. The Indians are hot on their heels in the AL Central and they are generating almost a full run per game more at the plate than the Royals. They have a trio of strong righthanders in Corey Kluber (1.88 ERA last two starts), Josh Tomlin (+$885, 3.35 ERA) and Danny Salazar (2.39 ERA in 10 outings), all of whom are likely to see action at Progressive Field. Kansas City has been a losing proposition vs. righties on the road (-$360) so stick with Cleveland this weekend. BEST BET: Kluber/Tomlin/Salazar.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Twins are coming off a productive series at Safeco Field, but they remain mired deep in the AL Central basement (15-34, -$1525) and their statistics are anything but encouraging (4.98 team ERA, worst in the AL, .237 BA, 3rd worst). But the Rays have fallen into dead last in the AL East and they?ll face a steady diet of righthanders at Target Field, a situation that has not been favorable for them in 2016 (-$545, averaging just 3.6 runs per game). We?ll stay on the sidelines in this battle of last place teams. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
It?s been a disappointing year for the Diamondbacks, who made two big pitching acquisitions during the off-season, neither of which has panned out as expected (Zack Greinke 4.71 ERA, Shelby Miller 7.10). They lost 3 of 4 to the Cubs at Chase Field (-$190) and things are unlikely to go much better at Wrigley Field. Chicago is already 20 games over .500 (+$970), they have the best pitching in MLB (2.65 ERA) and they are averaging 5.7 runs per game at the plate. All five starters have been spectacular, so Arizona will be fortunate to salvage a victory this weekend. BEST BET: Cubs in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Mets have won 6 of their last 10 (+$210) and their pitching looks solid as ever (3.26 ERA, 3rd best in the league), but this could be a challenging venue. The Marlins have exceeded expectations, winning 2 of 3 from New York at CitiField earlier, and they check in with a stellar 7-1 record vs. lefthanders (+$970, averaging 6.0 runs per game). Steven Matz is expected to take the mound in Miami, and although he?s been huge for the Mets (2.36 ERA), we?ll take the home team when he goes. BEST BET: Marlins vs. Matz.
Washington at Cincinnati (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Reds are dying a miserable death in 2016 (1-9, -$765 in the last 10 days), and could fall below Atlanta for worst record in MLB after this visit by the Nats. Washington?s team ERA (2.99) is wildly better than Cincinnati?s (5.54) and their team BA (.228) is next to last in the NL. The Nationals have turned a nice profit on the road so far (15-10, +$390) and they need to take advantage of weak teams if they hope to hold off the Mets in the competitive NL East. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
San Francisco at St. Louis (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Giants have taken command in the NL West (8-2, +$660 last 10 days, with a 1.74 ERA among starters) and they could build on their division lead here at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals are a far less formidable club than the one we?ve seen in recent years, limping along near the .500 level and well off the pace in the NL Central. They?ve been a losing proposition here at Busch Stadium (-$635), due in large part to an under-achieving mound corps (4.31 ERA). San Francisco has turned a nice profit outside of ATT Park (+$705) so we?ll try our luck with off-season pickups Johnny Cueto (+$800, 2031 ERA) and Jeff Samardzija (+$275, 2.54), both of whom should see action this weekend. BEST BET: Cueto/Samardzija.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Dodgers took 2 out of 3 from the Braves when they visited Turner Field, but we?re tempted to use the visitor this weekend. Atlanta has been a total disaster at home, but they?ve managed to turn a tidy profit in their road games (+$270) while the Dodgers have lost money at home (-$630). Julio Teheran has posted a 2.77 ERA in his 11 starts this year, and will likely be a hot commodity come the July trading deadline. He?ll be an enormously inflated underdog vs. LA, especially if, as expected, he?s matched up with Clayton Kershaw. In any case, we?ll grab the fat price when he takes the mound here at Chavez Ravine. BEST BET: Teheran.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Padres have taken 4 of 6 from the Rockies in head to head competition this year (+$260) but we?re inclined to use the Rockies at Petco Park. San Diego ranks dead last in hitting in the NL (.226), so Colorado?s poor pitching won?t be as vulnerable as usual. The Rockies are potent at the plate (.272 BA) and they?ve turned a nice profit outside of Coors Field (+$735). We?ll steer clear of San Diego?s tough lefthander Drew Pomeranz (2.48 ERA in 10 starts), but the rest of the San Diego rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Rockies unless opposed by Pomeranz.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
After a disastrous start to the 2016 campaign the Yankees have turned things around somewhat (7-3, +$430 last 10 days) with the starting pitching showing considerable improvement during that stretch (2.53 ERA). But they?ve already dropped 2 of 3 to the Yankees in the Bronx, and Baltimore is deadly here at Camden Yards, particularly when taking on righthanders (15-4, +$990 in that situation). The O?s will miss C.C. Sabathia (2.83 ERA), New York?s lone lefthander, and staff ace Masahiro Tanaka (2.89), so this should be a good weekend for the home team as they look to keep pace with Boston in the AL East. BEST BET: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The White Sox collapse has been sudden an ugly. After building a seemingly comfortable lead in the AL Central they?ve been in a terrible tailspin (3.8, -$710 in their last 11) and they could well fall into 4th place and below .500 after this series. The Tigers have fought their way up in the standings in recent days (6-4, +$195 last 10), but they?ve been terrible vs. southpaws this year (only 3-7, -$520, averaging just 3.2 runs per game) and they?ll be fed a steady diet of lefthanders this weekend at Comerica. We?ll take a closer look on game day before jumping in. BEST BET: None.
Toronto at Boston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
These team have already played each quite a bit this year, splitting their first 10 head to head contests. Toronto has made their way back to .500 after going 7-3 in their last 10 (+$320) but they?ll face a brutal offense here at Fenway Park. Boston has out-scored the rest of the league by a considerable margin (.295 team BA) and they?ll send a tough righthander in Steven Wright, who?s posted a 2.52 ERA in nine starts, by far the best in the Boston rotation. Toronto?s offense (.238 team BA, 11th in the AL) has a way to go in order to get back to where they were in 2015. BEST BET: S. Wright.
Seattle at Texas (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Rangers are back on top in the AL West (7-2, +$645 in the last 10 days), but Seattle has been a pleasant surprise in 2016, and they?ve emerged as Texas?s top competition in the division. The Mariners have been at their best playing outside of Safeco Field, posting an 18-7 record so far (+$1355). They have the top rated pitching staff in the league (3.37 ERA) and they?ve scored the 3rd most runs in the AL as well. But Texas is 18-9 when playing here at Arlington (+$1035) so we can?t see an edge with either side. We?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
Oakland at Houston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
These teams are tied for last place in the AL West, and neither appears likely to challenge the division winners in 2016. The Astros had high hopes after finally reaching the post-season last year, but they?ve been a mess so far (.231 team BA, last in the league, 4.34 ERA, 12th best in that department), with Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel the biggest disappointment (-$690, 5.58 ERA in 11 appearances). The Athletics are no better, but Rich Hill has emerged as a dominant force (+$510, 2.25 ERA in 11 starts). A groin pull may sideline him here, but with Houston averaging just 2.8 runs per game vs. lefties (-$860), we?ll try our luck on the visitor if he?s able to take his next scheduled turn this weekend. BEST BET: R. Hill.
L.A. Angels at Pittsburgh (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Pirates have a potent attack (.283 team BA, tops in the National League) and they have turned a profit here at PNC Park (+$280). They trail the Cubs in the NL Central, but they are playing well (7-3, +$385 last 10 days) and should handle the floundering Angels without much difficulty (LA 4-6, -$245 last 10 days). Gerrit Cole has been the Bucs? most reliable starter (+$225, 2.53 ERA in nine outings) and he?s expected to take a turn in this series. The Angels are only 4-8 in inter-league play (-$370) so we?ll lay the fat price in the Pittsburgh ace when he?s on the hill. BEST BET: Cole.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, JUNE 6
Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cubs swept a three game set at Wrigley Field earlier (+$300) and their top rated pitching staff (2.65 ERA) should make short work of a Philadelphia team that averages just 3.2 runs per game at the plate. The Phillies have lost 7 of their last 9 (-$605) and will be lucky to pull out a single win. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Bucs have averaged more than a full run per game than the Mets on offense, and their rotation is heavy with lefthanders. That?s bad news for a New York squad that averages just 2.7 runs per game vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Atlanta at San Diego (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Braves are actually profitable outside of Turner Field (+$270) and they have a promising pitcher in Matt Wisler (3.13 ERA in nine starts), who?s expected to see action at Petco Park. San Diego is only 13-24 vs. righties (-$530), averaging just 3.2 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Wisler.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Rockies are 5-2 on the road vs. lefthanders this year (+$585) and they?ve averaged 5.1 runs vs. southpaws overall. The Dodgers are heavy with lefthanders, and they?ve dropped a bundle here at home (-$630). Avoid Clayton Kershaw, but go against rest of the LA lefties. PREFERRED: Rockies vs. all lefthanders except Kershaw.
L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels are in the red vs. lefties (-$380), averaging just 3.1 runs per game in that situation. They?ll have their hands full with C.C. Sabathia, who has been flashing the best form we?ve seen from him in years (2.83 ERA in his first 7 starts this year). LA?s pitching is in disarray at the moment. PREFERRED: Sabathia.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Royals are back on top in the AL Central (7-2, +$595 last 10 days) but they are only 11-15 outside of Kaufman Stadium (-$315) and they are facing a Baltimore team that has dominated the competition here at Camden Yards, particularly vs. righthanders (+$995). Tough spot for the visitor, as they look to capture the division once again in 2016. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Detroit (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Blue Jays have had an excellent run in recent days (7-3, +$320 last 10) and they?ve gotten terrific work from RA Happ in his 10 starts so far (3.20 ERA). The Tigers rank 3rd worst in the AL In team ERA (4.47) and they?ve averaged just 3.2 runs per game vs. southpaws (-$520). PREFERRED: Happ.
Houston at Texas (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The last place Astros are winless vs. Texas after six head to head meetings (-$880) and they are a pitiful 9-16 outside of Minute Maid Park this year (-$870). The Rangers have a stellar record here at Arlington (18-9, +$1035) so the visitor will be fortunate to salvage a win in this four game set. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games
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Cleveland at Seattle (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners have emerged as strong contenders in the AL West, but they?ve been a losing proposition here at Safeco Field, posting a disappointing 10-14 mark so far (-$1075). The Indians have made up considerable ground in their division, dominating the competition in night games (+$705). We should catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Tampa Bay at Arizona (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Rays are fading fast in the AL East (3-7, -$565 last 10 days) but the pitching is decent (3.94 team ERA) and they?ve averaged a healthy 5.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders so far in 2016. Arizona?s southpaws have been losing (Patrick Corbin -$260, Robbie Ray -$470) and the Diamondbacks have hemorrhaged money here at Chase Field (-$1330). PREFERRED: Rays vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, JUNE 7
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
Pitching has been an issue for the Cardinals so far, but Jaime Garcia has a 3.47 ERA after 10 starts, and the Reds have averaged just 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders. St. Louis has a dominant offense (5.5 runs per game so far) and should generate plenty of support for their lone lefty starter. PREFERRED: J. Garcia.
Oakland at Milwaukee (2) 7th, 8th
The Brewers are 6-4 in their last 10 games (+$280) and their all-righty rotation should do well against a weak Oakland team that averages just 3.7 runs per game vs. righties (-$685). The A?s have lost 7 of their last 10 (-$435) so a sweep of this two game set by Milwaukee is not unlikely. PREFERRED: Brewers in both games.
Washington at Chicago W. Sox (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nats are 5-0 vs. lefthanders on the road (+$535) and the White Sox are imploding (3-8, -$710 in their last 11). Washington will see plenty of lefties at US Cellular, and their rotation should shut down the fading Chicago attack. PREFERRED: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Miami at Minnesota (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins are only 12-29 vs. righthanders so far (-$1505) and Miami?s pitching has been better than expected (3.95 team ERA). Minnesota has fared poorly in inter-league play (2-5, -$370) so stick with the road team. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Twins.
Boston at San Francisco (2) 7th, 8th
The surging Red Sox are a profitable road team (+$195) and they?ve cleaned up in night games in all settings (+$785). San Francisco averages a full run less per game on offense, so take the visitor in both games. A split should generate a modest profit for the visitor. PREFERRED: Red Sox in both games.
Milwaukee at Philadelphia (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Phillies took 2 out of 3 when they visited Miller Park, but they?ve been losing ground steadily in recent days (2-7, -$605 last 10, averaging just 2.7 runs per game at the plate) and they could be vulnerable to an improving Milwaukee club (Brewers 6-4, +$280 last 10). The Philly offense continues to under-achieve (only 3.3 runs per game vs. righties) and they?ll face a pair of tough ones in Jimmy Nelson (+$365, 2.88 ERA) and Junior Guerra (+$605, 3.30), both of whom are expected to see action at Citizen?s Bank. Great opportunity for the Brewers to get close to .500 as June gets underway. BEST BET: Nelson/Guerra.
Kansas City at Cleveland (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Despite a plague of injuries the defending World Series champs are a hot team at the moment (7-2, +$595, averaging 5.6 runs per game) but caution is advised. The Indians are hot on their heels in the AL Central and they are generating almost a full run per game more at the plate than the Royals. They have a trio of strong righthanders in Corey Kluber (1.88 ERA last two starts), Josh Tomlin (+$885, 3.35 ERA) and Danny Salazar (2.39 ERA in 10 outings), all of whom are likely to see action at Progressive Field. Kansas City has been a losing proposition vs. righties on the road (-$360) so stick with Cleveland this weekend. BEST BET: Kluber/Tomlin/Salazar.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Twins are coming off a productive series at Safeco Field, but they remain mired deep in the AL Central basement (15-34, -$1525) and their statistics are anything but encouraging (4.98 team ERA, worst in the AL, .237 BA, 3rd worst). But the Rays have fallen into dead last in the AL East and they?ll face a steady diet of righthanders at Target Field, a situation that has not been favorable for them in 2016 (-$545, averaging just 3.6 runs per game). We?ll stay on the sidelines in this battle of last place teams. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
It?s been a disappointing year for the Diamondbacks, who made two big pitching acquisitions during the off-season, neither of which has panned out as expected (Zack Greinke 4.71 ERA, Shelby Miller 7.10). They lost 3 of 4 to the Cubs at Chase Field (-$190) and things are unlikely to go much better at Wrigley Field. Chicago is already 20 games over .500 (+$970), they have the best pitching in MLB (2.65 ERA) and they are averaging 5.7 runs per game at the plate. All five starters have been spectacular, so Arizona will be fortunate to salvage a victory this weekend. BEST BET: Cubs in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Mets have won 6 of their last 10 (+$210) and their pitching looks solid as ever (3.26 ERA, 3rd best in the league), but this could be a challenging venue. The Marlins have exceeded expectations, winning 2 of 3 from New York at CitiField earlier, and they check in with a stellar 7-1 record vs. lefthanders (+$970, averaging 6.0 runs per game). Steven Matz is expected to take the mound in Miami, and although he?s been huge for the Mets (2.36 ERA), we?ll take the home team when he goes. BEST BET: Marlins vs. Matz.
Washington at Cincinnati (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Reds are dying a miserable death in 2016 (1-9, -$765 in the last 10 days), and could fall below Atlanta for worst record in MLB after this visit by the Nats. Washington?s team ERA (2.99) is wildly better than Cincinnati?s (5.54) and their team BA (.228) is next to last in the NL. The Nationals have turned a nice profit on the road so far (15-10, +$390) and they need to take advantage of weak teams if they hope to hold off the Mets in the competitive NL East. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
San Francisco at St. Louis (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Giants have taken command in the NL West (8-2, +$660 last 10 days, with a 1.74 ERA among starters) and they could build on their division lead here at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals are a far less formidable club than the one we?ve seen in recent years, limping along near the .500 level and well off the pace in the NL Central. They?ve been a losing proposition here at Busch Stadium (-$635), due in large part to an under-achieving mound corps (4.31 ERA). San Francisco has turned a nice profit outside of ATT Park (+$705) so we?ll try our luck with off-season pickups Johnny Cueto (+$800, 2031 ERA) and Jeff Samardzija (+$275, 2.54), both of whom should see action this weekend. BEST BET: Cueto/Samardzija.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Dodgers took 2 out of 3 from the Braves when they visited Turner Field, but we?re tempted to use the visitor this weekend. Atlanta has been a total disaster at home, but they?ve managed to turn a tidy profit in their road games (+$270) while the Dodgers have lost money at home (-$630). Julio Teheran has posted a 2.77 ERA in his 11 starts this year, and will likely be a hot commodity come the July trading deadline. He?ll be an enormously inflated underdog vs. LA, especially if, as expected, he?s matched up with Clayton Kershaw. In any case, we?ll grab the fat price when he takes the mound here at Chavez Ravine. BEST BET: Teheran.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Padres have taken 4 of 6 from the Rockies in head to head competition this year (+$260) but we?re inclined to use the Rockies at Petco Park. San Diego ranks dead last in hitting in the NL (.226), so Colorado?s poor pitching won?t be as vulnerable as usual. The Rockies are potent at the plate (.272 BA) and they?ve turned a nice profit outside of Coors Field (+$735). We?ll steer clear of San Diego?s tough lefthander Drew Pomeranz (2.48 ERA in 10 starts), but the rest of the San Diego rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Rockies unless opposed by Pomeranz.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
After a disastrous start to the 2016 campaign the Yankees have turned things around somewhat (7-3, +$430 last 10 days) with the starting pitching showing considerable improvement during that stretch (2.53 ERA). But they?ve already dropped 2 of 3 to the Yankees in the Bronx, and Baltimore is deadly here at Camden Yards, particularly when taking on righthanders (15-4, +$990 in that situation). The O?s will miss C.C. Sabathia (2.83 ERA), New York?s lone lefthander, and staff ace Masahiro Tanaka (2.89), so this should be a good weekend for the home team as they look to keep pace with Boston in the AL East. BEST BET: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The White Sox collapse has been sudden an ugly. After building a seemingly comfortable lead in the AL Central they?ve been in a terrible tailspin (3.8, -$710 in their last 11) and they could well fall into 4th place and below .500 after this series. The Tigers have fought their way up in the standings in recent days (6-4, +$195 last 10), but they?ve been terrible vs. southpaws this year (only 3-7, -$520, averaging just 3.2 runs per game) and they?ll be fed a steady diet of lefthanders this weekend at Comerica. We?ll take a closer look on game day before jumping in. BEST BET: None.
Toronto at Boston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
These team have already played each quite a bit this year, splitting their first 10 head to head contests. Toronto has made their way back to .500 after going 7-3 in their last 10 (+$320) but they?ll face a brutal offense here at Fenway Park. Boston has out-scored the rest of the league by a considerable margin (.295 team BA) and they?ll send a tough righthander in Steven Wright, who?s posted a 2.52 ERA in nine starts, by far the best in the Boston rotation. Toronto?s offense (.238 team BA, 11th in the AL) has a way to go in order to get back to where they were in 2015. BEST BET: S. Wright.
Seattle at Texas (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Rangers are back on top in the AL West (7-2, +$645 in the last 10 days), but Seattle has been a pleasant surprise in 2016, and they?ve emerged as Texas?s top competition in the division. The Mariners have been at their best playing outside of Safeco Field, posting an 18-7 record so far (+$1355). They have the top rated pitching staff in the league (3.37 ERA) and they?ve scored the 3rd most runs in the AL as well. But Texas is 18-9 when playing here at Arlington (+$1035) so we can?t see an edge with either side. We?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
Oakland at Houston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
These teams are tied for last place in the AL West, and neither appears likely to challenge the division winners in 2016. The Astros had high hopes after finally reaching the post-season last year, but they?ve been a mess so far (.231 team BA, last in the league, 4.34 ERA, 12th best in that department), with Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel the biggest disappointment (-$690, 5.58 ERA in 11 appearances). The Athletics are no better, but Rich Hill has emerged as a dominant force (+$510, 2.25 ERA in 11 starts). A groin pull may sideline him here, but with Houston averaging just 2.8 runs per game vs. lefties (-$860), we?ll try our luck on the visitor if he?s able to take his next scheduled turn this weekend. BEST BET: R. Hill.
L.A. Angels at Pittsburgh (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Pirates have a potent attack (.283 team BA, tops in the National League) and they have turned a profit here at PNC Park (+$280). They trail the Cubs in the NL Central, but they are playing well (7-3, +$385 last 10 days) and should handle the floundering Angels without much difficulty (LA 4-6, -$245 last 10 days). Gerrit Cole has been the Bucs? most reliable starter (+$225, 2.53 ERA in nine outings) and he?s expected to take a turn in this series. The Angels are only 4-8 in inter-league play (-$370) so we?ll lay the fat price in the Pittsburgh ace when he?s on the hill. BEST BET: Cole.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, JUNE 6
Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cubs swept a three game set at Wrigley Field earlier (+$300) and their top rated pitching staff (2.65 ERA) should make short work of a Philadelphia team that averages just 3.2 runs per game at the plate. The Phillies have lost 7 of their last 9 (-$605) and will be lucky to pull out a single win. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Bucs have averaged more than a full run per game than the Mets on offense, and their rotation is heavy with lefthanders. That?s bad news for a New York squad that averages just 2.7 runs per game vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Atlanta at San Diego (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Braves are actually profitable outside of Turner Field (+$270) and they have a promising pitcher in Matt Wisler (3.13 ERA in nine starts), who?s expected to see action at Petco Park. San Diego is only 13-24 vs. righties (-$530), averaging just 3.2 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Wisler.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Rockies are 5-2 on the road vs. lefthanders this year (+$585) and they?ve averaged 5.1 runs vs. southpaws overall. The Dodgers are heavy with lefthanders, and they?ve dropped a bundle here at home (-$630). Avoid Clayton Kershaw, but go against rest of the LA lefties. PREFERRED: Rockies vs. all lefthanders except Kershaw.
L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels are in the red vs. lefties (-$380), averaging just 3.1 runs per game in that situation. They?ll have their hands full with C.C. Sabathia, who has been flashing the best form we?ve seen from him in years (2.83 ERA in his first 7 starts this year). LA?s pitching is in disarray at the moment. PREFERRED: Sabathia.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Royals are back on top in the AL Central (7-2, +$595 last 10 days) but they are only 11-15 outside of Kaufman Stadium (-$315) and they are facing a Baltimore team that has dominated the competition here at Camden Yards, particularly vs. righthanders (+$995). Tough spot for the visitor, as they look to capture the division once again in 2016. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Detroit (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Blue Jays have had an excellent run in recent days (7-3, +$320 last 10) and they?ve gotten terrific work from RA Happ in his 10 starts so far (3.20 ERA). The Tigers rank 3rd worst in the AL In team ERA (4.47) and they?ve averaged just 3.2 runs per game vs. southpaws (-$520). PREFERRED: Happ.
Houston at Texas (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The last place Astros are winless vs. Texas after six head to head meetings (-$880) and they are a pitiful 9-16 outside of Minute Maid Park this year (-$870). The Rangers have a stellar record here at Arlington (18-9, +$1035) so the visitor will be fortunate to salvage a win in this four game set. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games
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Cleveland at Seattle (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners have emerged as strong contenders in the AL West, but they?ve been a losing proposition here at Safeco Field, posting a disappointing 10-14 mark so far (-$1075). The Indians have made up considerable ground in their division, dominating the competition in night games (+$705). We should catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Tampa Bay at Arizona (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Rays are fading fast in the AL East (3-7, -$565 last 10 days) but the pitching is decent (3.94 team ERA) and they?ve averaged a healthy 5.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders so far in 2016. Arizona?s southpaws have been losing (Patrick Corbin -$260, Robbie Ray -$470) and the Diamondbacks have hemorrhaged money here at Chase Field (-$1330). PREFERRED: Rays vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, JUNE 7
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
Pitching has been an issue for the Cardinals so far, but Jaime Garcia has a 3.47 ERA after 10 starts, and the Reds have averaged just 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders. St. Louis has a dominant offense (5.5 runs per game so far) and should generate plenty of support for their lone lefty starter. PREFERRED: J. Garcia.
Oakland at Milwaukee (2) 7th, 8th
The Brewers are 6-4 in their last 10 games (+$280) and their all-righty rotation should do well against a weak Oakland team that averages just 3.7 runs per game vs. righties (-$685). The A?s have lost 7 of their last 10 (-$435) so a sweep of this two game set by Milwaukee is not unlikely. PREFERRED: Brewers in both games.
Washington at Chicago W. Sox (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nats are 5-0 vs. lefthanders on the road (+$535) and the White Sox are imploding (3-8, -$710 in their last 11). Washington will see plenty of lefties at US Cellular, and their rotation should shut down the fading Chicago attack. PREFERRED: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Miami at Minnesota (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins are only 12-29 vs. righthanders so far (-$1505) and Miami?s pitching has been better than expected (3.95 team ERA). Minnesota has fared poorly in inter-league play (2-5, -$370) so stick with the road team. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Twins.
Boston at San Francisco (2) 7th, 8th
The surging Red Sox are a profitable road team (+$195) and they?ve cleaned up in night games in all settings (+$785). San Francisco averages a full run less per game on offense, so take the visitor in both games. A split should generate a modest profit for the visitor. PREFERRED: Red Sox in both games.
