Rating: 2 Units

The Rays have done a great job batting against left-handers and Rodon has struggled on the mound in recent starts, giving up 10 runs in his last three starts. He gave up eight runs in his two starts against the Rays. The Yankees have lost 10 of their last 12 games and five of their last six road games. The Yankees haven’t hit the ball well against right-handers and Littell has done a good job on the mound in recent starts, giving 11 runs in his last six starts. With Tampa Bay’s bullpen also playing well at the moment, they won’t have trouble keeping New York’s offense in check.

Rating: 2 Units

Noah Syndergaard is back on the hill for the Cleveland Guardians this afternoon. He holds a 6.42 ERA and 1.40 WHIP on the year and has surrendered 12 hits and 8 runs in his last 10.1 innings. Overall, Syndergaard simply isn’t the pitcher he once was years ago. He’s on pace for the lowest strikeout rate of his career (5.77 K/9), this is by far the highest season-long ERA he’s recorded and lastly his velocity just isn’t there anymore. Six years ago, Syndergaard was throwing fastballs at an average of 99.6 mph whereas now he only hits 93 mph on a good pitch. I expect him to struggle today against a Blue Jays team that is capable of lighting up the scoreboard as they did in yesterday’s contest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cubs have urgency on their side when they get set to battle the Pirates on Saturday. In addition, starter Assid has been excellent as of late as the team continues to stretch him out as a starter. He should find success against a Pirates' lineup that is ranked just 24th in baseball in runs scored per game this season. With the Pirates likely to employ an opener on Saturday, the Cubs lineup should be able to get into a fairly vulnerable Pirates' bullpen and put up some numbers on Sunday. The Cubs are fifth in baseball in runs scored per game and have scored over six runs per game in the last three games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Brewers will attempt to clinch another series victory tonight in a pairing of right-handers as Freddy Peralta (10-8, 3.97 ERA) starts against the Padres' Pedro Avila (0-0, 1.17). The 27-year-old Peralta is on a roll. The Brewers have won each of Peralta's past five starts and he is 4-0 over those games, allowing five runs on 19 hits and seven walks with 50 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings for a 1.47 ERA while averaging 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Peralta is 1-1 lifetime against the Padres in four games (one start). That start came earlier this season when he gave up five runs on nine hits and a walk in five innings to suffer the Brewers' lone loss in a four-game series in San Diego. Meanwhile, the Padres will be turning to the 26-year-old Avila, whose only other start this season came in a spot/quasi bullpen game on Aug. 1. In 23 innings this season, Avila has given up three runs on 18 hits and nine walks against 28 strikeouts. At Triple-A El Paso this season, Avila had a 1-6 record with an 8.57 ERA over 19 appearances (15 starts) before joining the Padres.

Rating: 2 Units

No need to really over think this matchup.  On the mound for the Orioles will be Kyle Bradish, who has a 2.18 ERA and 0.99 WHIP at home. Starting for the Rockies will be Chris Flexen, who has a 6.31 ERA and 1.68 WHIP since joining their rotation. The Orioles also have the vastly superior lineup, so look for them to earn a convincing victory.

Rating: 2 Units

The current Giants are only 4-for-35 with a double and zero RBI against Spencer Strider. IF Strider continues to pitch at a high level, the Giants won’t stand a chance through the first five or six innings. On the other side, the current Braves are 23-for-88 with three home runs and eight RBI versus Logan Webb. Atlanta has recorded a 126 wRC+ and .844 OPS against right-handed pitchers in the last couple of weeks, whereas San Francisco has registered a 66 wRC+ and .592 OPS against the righties in that span. The Giants’ bullpen has been outstanding for most of the season, but over the last ten days, it has compiled a pedestrian 5.69 ERA and 5.27 FIP in 49 innings of work. The Braves’ bullpen has thrown 28.2 innings during that span while tallying a shiny 2.20 ERA and 3.02 FIP. Give me the Braves at the moneyline odds. Their offense should make a difference. 

Rating: 2 Units

The O's send out the team's leading winner in Gibson on Friday night. He has an ERA over five at home this season but has still managed to go 5-3 at Camden Yards. Gibson is also 2-0 in his last five starts and will fair well against a Colorado lineup that has struggled on the road this season. Additionally, Gibson's ability to get deeper into games with a team-leading 13 quality starts will play well here as he will get the Orioles to one of the league's top bullpens. The Rockies are scoring nearly two runs per game less on the road this season and feature a lineup that has been depleted following the trading of two regulars at the trade deadline. The Orioles have the fifth-best home-winning percentage in baseball and will have their way with a Colorado team that ranks just 28th in baseball in road-winning percentage.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cardinals are going nowhere this season and are merely trying to avoid ending the season in the cellar of the NL Central. Mikolas celebrated his 35th birthday Wednesday but has struggled mightily of late for the Redbirds. In his last five starts, he is 0-4 with a 5.61 ERA over the span of 25.2 innings of work. Facing a Phillies team that has motivation as they are holding the top wild card spot in the National League doesn’t really work in the Cardinals’ favor. Philadelphia has played well at home, posting a 36-25 mark, and Sanchez has looked better in recent outings after a slow start to the year. The Phillies are motivated and stand as the better team right now: that’s enough to tilt the scales in their favor here.

Rating: 2 Units

Merrill Kelly will meet the Reds for the first time this season. He’s 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career starts against Cincinnati, and the current Reds are only 3-for-18 against Kelly. On the other side, the current Diamondbacks are just 2-for-13 with a double versus Brandon Williamson. Arizona has recorded a 78 wRC+ and .173 ISO against left-handed pitchers in the last ten days (49 plate appearances), while Cincinnati has registered a 91 wRC+ and .187 ISO versus the righties in that span (220 PA). The stake is enormous in this series, and today’s opener could easily go either way. I’m backing the Diamondbacks only because they enjoyed a day off on Wednesday, whereas the Reds had to play a doubleheader against the Angels. The Reds’ bullpen has posted a shiny 1.50 ERA to go with a 3.57 FIP in the past ten days, but there will be some tired arms following Wednesday’s twin bill. 

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago has won four of its last six overall, while Pittsburgh has lost 14 of its last 20 when facing a team from the National League Central. Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele is having an excellent season at 14-3 with a 2.80 ERA. Steele is tied for the major league lead in wins with 14 and the southpaw’s 2.80 ERA is second best. Chicago has won each of the left-hander’s last six starts and over that span Steele has allowed 14 earned runs across 34 ⅔ innings. Pittsburgh has lost five of the last seven games started by Mitch Keller. Pittsburgh’s struggles begin but do not end at the plate. The Pirates score an average of only 4.20 runs per game which is 23rd and have a team batting average of just .236 (27th), while sitting 21st in team ERA at 4.55. Chicago in contrast is scoring an average of 5.04 runs per game which is fifth best in baseball with the 10th best team batting average (.254).

Rating: 2 Units

Ryan Pepiot (0-0, 1.80 ERA) of the Dodgers will face Gavin Williams (1-4, 3.02) of the Guardians in a battle of rookie right-handers during the regularly scheduled contest. Pepiot, 26, put his best foot forward after being added to the roster as the 27th man for the Saturday doubleheader against the Miami Marlins. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five in five innings in during a no-decision. Pepiot will make his 11th career appearance and first against the Guardians. Williams, 24, fell to 0-3 in his last seven outings after being undone by a rocky start on Friday. He allowed three runs in the first inning before tossing four scoreless frames in a 4-2 setback to the Detroit Tigers.

Rating: 2 Units

The San Francisco Giants continue to stumble due to a slumping offense and I am not confident they will hold onto a wildcard spot. They have only won two of their road games in August and have dropped seven of their last ten games. The Phillies have won seven of their last ten home games. Giants’ starter Alex Cobb has no confidence these days. He has given up 18 runs in his last 21.1 innings, equating to an abysmal 7.59 ERA. Michael Lorenzen had a dud last time out but has been one of the better pitchers in the big leagues since early July, conceding two or fewer runs in five of his last seven outings. Look for the Phillies to complete the sweep.

Rating: 2 Units

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to ace right-hander Corbin Burnes to extend their winning streak when they host the Minnesota Twins this afternoon in the finale of a two-game interleague series between division leaders. Burnes (9-6, 3.43 ERA) will be opposed by right-hander Kenta Maeda (3-7, 4.13). Burnes is 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA in his past nine starts. In his latest outing, he allowed just two hits en route to seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, but he did not get the decision in the Brewers' 1-0 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday. Burnes is 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA in five career games, including four starts, vs. the Twins. In his last seven starts, Maeda is 1-2 with a 3.19 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago will turn to right-hander Michael Kopech today as it tries to salvage a game from Seattle. Kopech (5-11, 5.12 ERA) is coming off a road loss to Colorado on Friday, when he allowed nine runs and six hits -- including three home runs -- in four innings. Kopech is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Mariners, with 13 strikeouts in 10 innings. Facing host Seattle on June 16, he took a no-decision after allowing one run and six hits in 4 1/3 innings, with six walks and four strikeouts. Kirby (10-8, 3.23) got the start in Seattle's most recent bid for a nine-game winning streak before Wednesday. Facing the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 12, he took a no-decision after scattering three hits and seven strikeouts in nine shutout innings. Baltimore won 1-0 in 10 innings. Kirby hasn't faced the White Sox in his career. Seattle has won 21 of its past 26 road games. A victory Wednesday would give the club a 9-1 road trip. The Mariners are set to begin a six-game homestand against struggling Kansas City and Oakland before opening September with another 10-game trip. Seattle is 4-1 versus the White Sox this season after winning two of three games against Chicago in June. 

Rating: 2 Units

Zac Gallen has been a true ace for the Diamondbacks thus far. I’m behind him in this game even though the current Rangers are 18-for-64 with three doubles, a triple, and a home run against Gallen, who holds a shiny 10-1 record and 1.82 ERA at home this season. On the other side, the current D-backs are 37-for-124 with seven extra-base hits, four dingers, and 17 RBI against Jon Gray, who owns a 4.68 ERA in 50 innings pitched at Chase Field. 

Rating: 2 Units

Clevinger has pitched well of late and took a bitter no-decision in his last start against the Cubs as the bullpen blew a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3. Clevinger has struggled against Seattle in his career. He enters today at 0-2 with a 7.41 ERA in three previous starts versus the Mariners, allowing four home runs in 17 innings. The White Sox have to contend with a Seattle team that has been on fire of late and is more than capable of battering opposing pitchers into the ground. We’ve seen the Mariners record seven different four-hit games from players in the last week, including a torrid run by Julio Rodriguez. Seattle is clicking on all cylinders and they take care of business here to earn another victory.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rays come into this series winners of three of their last four games and still very much alive to win the American League East division and possibly earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Littell has adjusted to his starting role with an ERA of just over two and a half in that time and has pitched into the sixth inning in each of his last three starts. While the Rockies are coming off a good series against the White Sox, they are not the same hitting team on the road this season. The Rockies are scoring just 3.7 runs per game on the road this season, which would be the second-worst mark in baseball. Tampa Bay has hit extremely well at home this year and will take advantage of the Rockies' road woes.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago, long out of the playoff picture despite lofty expectations, has lost six of its past eight while Seattle come in on a six-game winning streak. Seattle will turn to right-hander Luis Castillo (9-7, 3.23 ERA), who has won two consecutive starts and three of four. In two career starts against Chicago, covering 12 1/3 innings, Castillo is 0-0 with a 2.92 ERA. Righty Touki Toussaint (1-5, 4.47) is set to start for the White Sox. He is coming off a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, when he allowed three runs and three hits in four-plus innings. Toussaint struggled in his only previous appearance against Seattle, allowing four runs and three hits in 2 2/3 innings last August. The Mariners took two of three games from the visiting White Sox when the clubs met in Seattle from June 16-18.

Rating: 2 Units

Winans will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to face visiting New York in the series opener. Left-hander David Peterson (3-7, 5.45 ERA) will start for the Mets. Winans (1-0, 1.59) will be called up to make his third career start. On Aug. 12 he was added to the big-league roster for a doubleheader against the Mets and pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits, two walks and striking out nine. Atlanta won that game 21-3. Peterson will be making his 10th career appearance (ninth start) against the Braves. He is 3-4 with a 4.83 ERA versus Atlanta. In his last start against the Braves on April 28, Peterson gave up four runs in five innings.  Braves are 7-1 in their last eight home games with six wins coming by multiple runs. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Chicago offense, one of MLB's top-five run-scoring units, gets to open this game against a starting pitcher with an ERA above 6.00 in his home park. That sounds like an early lead to me. Once Chicago gets in front, it'll be on the pitchers to hold down one of the league's worst offenses. The Cubs' pitching staff will also be aided by Comerica Park's pitcher-friendly dimensions. Javier Assad has been solid, Chicago's bullpen has also delivered enough, and the offense is red-hot. Against a Detroit team that only seems to succeed against their rivals, that'll be plenty for a multi-run win.

Rating: 2 Units

A pair of second-year major-leaguers will get the ball this afternoon when right-hander Kyle Bradish and the visiting Baltimore Orioles look to complete a three-game sweep against lefty JP Sears and the Oakland Athletics. Bradish (7-6, 3.18 ERA) has pitched the Orioles to three straight wins in August, going 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA against the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Seattle Mariners. He has struck out 19 over 17 2/3 innings in that stretch. The Fujinami trade has created more opportunities for Oakland's young pitchers, including the 27-year-old Sears (2-9, 4.27), who hasn't won since July 28. He has gone 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in his three August starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals. Sears took his first loss of the season in the April series in Baltimore, allowing three runs in five innings in a 5-1 setback. Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle homered off him in that game.

Rating: 2 Units

Scherzer has always been a big-game pitcher and he has brought that mentality with him to Texas in the early going. He is a perfect 3-0 in his three starts and has an ERA under two thus far. In addition, Scherzer has excelled while pitching in front of the home crowd with a perfect 5-0 record when pitching at home this season. Scherzer faces a Milwaukee lineup that scored just three runs total in the three losses in Los Angeles. He has done an exceptional job of keeping the ball out of play with his 11.7 K/9 rate since arriving in Texas. Scherzer should get plenty of support from baseball's second-highest run-producing team against the Brewers' Houser. Texas is #1 in baseball in runs per game at home this season with over six per contest.

Rating: 2 Units

Greene was pitching well before he went on the 60-day IL, he hasn’t pitched well at home this season and gave up 11 runs in his last three home starts. He will also be dealing with some rust and he’s facing a Toronto team that has done a good job hitting right-handers this season. Toronto starter Ryu has looked good on the mound since his first start of the season, giving up two runs in his last two starts. He has also had a lot of success against the Reds, with a 5-2 record in eight starts against them. He didn’t give up a run in his last two starts against the Reds.

Rating: 2 Units

Oakland may have won the final game of their series against the Cardinals on the road but the fact remains that they own the worst record in the American League. The A’s have been brutal both at the plate and on the mound this season: facing an Orioles team that has pushed to the top of the AL East is not a good matchup for them. A's pitcher Cole Irvin will face off against his ex teammate in Ken Waldichuk. Irvin has not surrendered an earned run in four consecutive appearances and has solid splits pitching at the Coliseum. Waldicuk has struggled this season posting an ERA over 6.00 this year.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mariners are back in the playoff hunt! Since July 20, they are 20-7 and have been playing excellent baseball. They won as underdogs in the series opener against the Houston Astros yesterday and will be looking to extend their winning streak to 5 while claiming a huge divisional series in the process. Remove his no-hitter from the equation and Houston’s Framber Valdez has been mediocre at best recently. Without the no-hitter, Valdez has a 7.40 ERA over his last 5 starts. Since he accomplished the rare feat, he has surrendered 9 runs and 14 hits in 14.2 innings. I believe Valdez will have a hard time slowing down this red-hot Mariners’ offense that ranks top 5 in BA and OPS over the last 30 days. Seattle has also been cranking lefties recently with a 134 wRC+ and .819 OPS against left-handed pitching this month.

Rating: 2 Units

While Royals' starter Singer has pitched better as of late, he has struggled on the road all season. Singer has an ERA over six away from home and has struggled with his command. He's also given up 61 hits in 49.2 innings on the road which will not play well against a Cubs offense that has been thriving up and down the roster. Cubs' starter Steele has had a dominant season with 13 wins in 16 decisions and an ERA under three. He's been even better at home this season with a 9-2 record and a 2.63 ERA. Over his last five starts, Steele is undefeated and won four times. The Cubs are very much alive in the chase for the NL Central Division crown and can't afford a letup against a team they should beat.

Rating: 2 Units

The Astros have lost five of seven games to the Mariners this season. With the M's playing even better since the All-Star break, they'll have the Astros full attention today. Miller got the best of Houston in his second big league outing, surrendering just two hits and no runs in six innings. While he's been pretty consistent since his dominant start, he's also had some putrid performances, surrendering six-plus runs on four occasions. The Astros should be more confident in their second game against the rookie right-hander today. Houston is slashing .264 BA/.349 OBP/.454 SLG/.803 OPS in the second half, a significant improvement from the first half of the season (.247/.316/.407/.723). It's scoring 1.3 more runs per game, too. With the dependable France on the hill (zero runs in five innings vs. the Mariners on May 6), it's the Astros for the win tonight.

Rating: 2 Units

Milwaukee starter, Woodruff still working his way back from injury, questions remain as to how he'll hold up against one of baseball's top offenses. Heaney on the other hand, has been one of the American League's best pitchers over the last month and against a Milwaukee lineup that has struggled on offense, will give them another upper hand. The Rangers have been one of baseball's best teams at home this season and combining their advantages in the lineup, on the mound, and in the avenue this one will be played, the Rangers will come away with an easy win to set the tone tonight for the weekend.

Rating: 2 Units

The San Francisco Giants are stumbling, losing seven of their last ten bouts after a series loss to the Rays. The Atlanta Braves continue to dominate, winning eight of their last nine home clashes after sweeping the Yankees. Giants’ starter Alex Cobb has not been a reliable option. The right-hander has issued a disastrous 8.04 ERA in his three starts this month and the Giants have lost in three of his last four outings. Spencer Strider has conceded two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. I can’t see a slumping Giants offense getting to MLB's strikeout leader. I recommend the run line considering nine of the Braves' last ten wins have occurred by two or more runs.

Rating: 2 Units

Over his last eight starts, Burnes is 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings. The worst of those eight outings came in his most recent start, on Friday against the host Chicago White Sox, when he gave up five runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in a game Milwaukee won 7-6 in 10 innings. Now he meets the Dodgers, against whom he is 2-2 with an 8.50 ERA over six career outings (four starts). It is his second-worst ERA against any team, better than just his 9.16 mark vs. the Atlanta Braves. Dodgers right-hander Lance Lynn (9-9, 5.88 ERA) takes the mound on Thursday, having posted a 3-0 record with a 2.00 ERA in three starts with his new club. Lynn was acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline. The Dodgers have no concerns at the present time when it comes to winning. In addition to their winning streak, they have gone 14-1 in August.

Rating: 2 Units

The Arizona Diamondbacks are playing better after a slump and just won two of three against this Padres squad this last weekend followed by a series win at Coors Field. The Padres continue to be a huge disappointment and have dropped seven of their last ten decisions. D-Backs’ starter Zac Gallen has excelled against the Padres this season, limiting the rivals to only five runs (four earned) in 19 innings pitched including six shutout innings against them last Saturday in a 3-0 win. The ace has registered a 3.34 ERA in his career against the Padres. Rich Hill is struggling, surrendering nine runs in his two starts in a Padres uniform, lasting less than four innings in each outing.

Rating: 2 Units

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright is getting one more chance to steer his farewell season back on track. In his past two starts, Wainwright (3-7, 8.78 ERA) retired just 12 batters while allowing 15 runs on 18 hits. The Cardinals will start him today against the visiting New York Mets in the opener of a four-game series. However, this is the last opportunity team management is promising him. The 41-year-old right-hander allowed eight runs on nine hits in one-plus inning during his last start, a 12-8 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The Mets will counter Wainwright with former Cardinals hurler Jose Quintana (0-4, 3.03 ERA), who will make his sixth start since recovering from rib surgery. He allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of five starts this season. Quintana is 5-4 with a 4.42 ERA in 12 career starts against the Cardinals.

Rating: 2 Units

Blake Snell, who’s issued four free passes in each of his last three starts, will have a tall task to keep the Orioles in check. Baltimore is very dangerous when hitting the southpaws and sports a .266/.324/.427 triple-slash, 102 wRC+, 8.0 BB%, and 16.1 K% across 137 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers in August. San Diego owns a .246/.309/.401 triple-slash and 97 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers in August (369 PA). The current Padres are 3-for-19 against Dean Kremer, so I’m going with the Orioles at plus money. San Diego desperately needs to start winning in sequences, but the Padres’ offense has been underperforming all season long.  The Orioles are undefeated in Kremer’s last seven starts even though Dean has had a couple of rough outings in that stretch. Over the last ten days, Baltimore’s bullpen has thrown 29 innings while recording a 3.72 ERA and 3.86 FIP, whereas San Diego’s bullpen has registered a 4.33 ERA and 4.52 FIP across 35.1 innings of work. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Rangers have been firing on all cylinders going 12-2 in August and are scoring 5.6 runs per game and should drive in runs at will against the Angels pitchers with Carey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and the rest of the lineup making contact and crushing pitches to easily drive in runs. The Rangers should limit the Angels' lineup with Jon Gray on the mound and giving way to the bullpen to close out the game with a comfortable lead.

Rating: 2 Units

The Yankees have struggled all season as injuries to both their lineup and their pitching staff has left the team scrambling to avoid the cellar of the AL East, where they currently reside. This was a team that was expected to contend instead of being mired in mediocrity. Having to throw a rookie like Vasquez, regardless of how sharp he has looked in limited innings at the big league level, against a lineup like Atlanta’s is like walking around with a kick me sign on your back. Morton got in the win in his last start despite reverting to his early career wildness. The Braves’ bats are more than capable of putting up big numbers.

Rating: 2 Units

Seattle starter, Lyles has struggled on the mound this season and gave up 17 runs in his last four starts. He gave up 10 runs in his last three starts against the Mariners, and with Kansas City having the second-worst bullpen in the league, they will have a hard time slowing down the Mariners in this game. Seattle hasn’t hit the ball well against right-handers and Hancock looked good on the mound in his first start and with Seattle having the second-best bullpen in the league, they won’t have trouble keeping Kansas City’s offense in check.

Rating: 2 Units

The pitching matchup today features Atlanta's Bryce Elder (8-4, 3.64 ERA) and New York's Luis Severino (2-7, 8.06). Severino will make his 15th appearance, 14th start, of the season. He last pitched on Wednesday in his first relief outing of the year, following an opener. He took the loss after allowing four runs in two-plus innings against the Chicago White Sox. Severino yielded five hits and one walk while striking out two. In his last start, on Aug. 4 against the Houston Astros, he gave up five runs in four-plus innings during a losing effort. Severino missed the first 48 games of the season because of a right lat strain. He has yet to find the form that made him a two-time All-Star (2017-18). The Braves have scored six runs or more in five straight games and have won four of those games by six runs or more. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Marlins will start right-hander Johnny Cueto (0-3, 5.33 ERA) today as they go for a series win. In 15 career starts against Houston, Cueto is 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA. Miami is just 1-5 in Cueto's six games this year, but he is giving the Marlins decent length, going six innings in three of his past four starts. Houston will start Cristian Javier (8-2, 4.36). The right-hander, who has never faced the Marlins, has a high spin rate on his fastball and curve. His slider, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the best in baseball. Astros are a healthy 15-7 this year when Javier pitches, including an 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles last Wednesday. Javier gave up two runs on four hits in five innings during that contest. 

Rating: 2 Units

Scherzer (11-4, 3.88 ERA) won his first two starts with Texas following his trade from the New York Mets at the end of July and owns three straight wins overall. He most recently took limiting a weak Oakland squad to one run and three hits in seven innings of a 6-1 win on Tuesday. Scherzer has faced the Angels six times in his career and is 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA. The Angels plan to start left-hander Patrick Sandoval. Sandoval (6-8, 3.86) is going through a solid stretch of his own, posting a 2-1 mark and 1.86 ERA over his past five starts. Sandoval is 1-2 in six career appearances against the Rangers, including five starts, with a 3.07 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a young, hungry team, excelling against strong competition. They recently played the Brewers and won two of four road bouts and followed by another two wins in four meetings against the Braves last week. The Mets have several rookies in the lineup after making so many deals and have been a disaster, dropping eight of their last ten games. Mets’ starter Carlos Carrasco has been obliterated by the opposition in most of his starts. The veteran has surrendered 15 runs in his last five outings spanning only 20.1 innings. The Pirates have scored 17 runs in three games against the Mets this season.

Rating: 2 Units

After Miami took two of three games last season in this series, Houston will have revenge on their mind, which will drive home a road win for one of baseball's best road teams. Their depth is key, while their ability to generate runs has been unmatched this season, especially in the middle of the lineup. The depth for Miami simply isn't there and their run production, or lack thereof, will come back to haunt them in this one. Braxton Garrett will be on the mound for the Marlins and Houston is excellent versus opposing lefties.

Rating: 2 Units

A rookie pitcher with nearly as many home innings (26.0) as runs allowed at home (25) is tasked with taking down one of MLB's hottest offenses. One loaded with stars and that just faced the Arizona ace on Saturday night. Brandon Pfaadt is being fed to wolves. Usually, the Diamondbacks could at least hope the offense could save them, but they've been nonexistent for over a month. The Padres, who have already been dominating this matchup in 2023, will win easily.

Rating: 2 Units

Cole (10-3, 2.75 ERA) will square off against Miami rookie Eury Perez (5-4, 2.79) in a battle of right-handers in the series finale. The Yankees are 9-1 this season when Cole pitches after his team loses its previous game, although that setback came to pass in his last outing. Cole, 32, looks to rebound after sustaining his first loss in over a month in his last outing. The six-time All-Star was charged with four runs on five hits in seven-plus innings of a 5-1 setback against the Chicago White Sox on Monday. Perez, 20, has lost his last three decisions with the Marlins, including a 5-2 setback against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday that marked his first big-league start since July 6. The 6-foot-8 hurler permitted four runs on five hits -- including homers on consecutive pitches in the fourth inning -- in that contest.

Rating: 2 Units

In the first game today, left-hander Brandon Williamson (4-2, 4.54 ERA) gets the nod for Cincinnati, while Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (9-8, 4.39) will start for Pittsburgh. Williamson, who has never faced the Pirates, will be making his 16th career start and appearance. Over his past seven starts, he is 3-1 with a 3.19 ERA. Keller, after asserting himself as the Pirates' ace and pitching in his first All-Star Game, has seen a regression. He has lost his past five decisions, is coming off a no-decision, and will be looking for his first win since June 28. Keller is 2-4 with a 6.49 ERA in 13 career starts against the Reds, including 1-0 with a 5.06 ERA in two starts this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Today's scheduled starting pitcher, left-hander Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.14 ERA), has led the way in two of the Rangers' past nine wins. He hasn't allowed a run in either of his two August starts, a 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox and 6-0 triumph over the Miami Marlins. The 32-year-old went a total of 11 2/3 innings in those games, allowing six hits while striking out 15, extending his unbeaten streak to four games in his past five starts, including wins in each of the past three. San Francisco starter, Cobb is winless in his past five starts. He's coming off an 8-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday in which he did not get a decision after allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Walker has been exceptional at home this year in what has thus far been a career year for the right-hander. He has an ERA under three at home and his hits to innings pitched numbers at home are vastly superior to his numbers on the road. He faces a Twins' lineup that will be without its best hitter, Buxton, and leads baseball in strikeouts per game. Expect the Twins to see a number of split-fingered fastballs out of the zone from Walker until they can lay off the pitch. The Phillies will not put up big numbers in this game either facing Lopez who has had his best strikeout season as a big leaguer. With that in mind, I'm going to lean toward the better lineup in this matchup and that advantage clearly falls to the Phillies. The Phillies 1 through 9 are better suited to face Lopez than the depleted Twins' lineup is to battle Walker. Minnesota is under .500 on the road while the Phillies are one of the better home teams in baseball.

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Sox are still very much in the fight for a playoff spot and will prosper against Manning, who has an ERA over six in his last five starts. The Red Sox are hitting nearly .290 at home this season and have hit 65 home runs in 59 home games as well as 142 doubles. The Red Sox's left-handed heavy lineup will thrive against Manning today with three starters hitting .290 or better against righties this season. The Tigers are 28th in batting average overall and dead last in batting average on the road this season. Sox starter Bello has been sharp at home with an ERA of just over three this season and 54 strikeouts in just over sixty innings pitched. Expect the Sox to take advantage of the inexperienced Manning making his first start at Fenway

Rating: 2 Units

The most noteworthy aspect of this game is that the Rays are impressive at home (38-19), while the Cardinals are not good on the road (24-32).  After that, breaking down the individual matchups makes this pick pretty clear.  Tampa Bay has the edge in starting pitching, relief pitching, batting and base running.  Defensively, these teams are even.  Take the better team who also has the home field advantage.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto will turn to Alek Manoah (3-8, 5.72 ERA) in the finale against Cleveland's Noah Syndergaard (1-5, 6.75) in a battle of struggling right-handers. Manoah, 25, posted his first win in nearly one month on Friday despite allowing three runs on six hits -- including two homers -- in 6 2/3 innings of a 7-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Syndergaard, 30, endured a horrific night during his initial outing at Progressive Field. He yielded a career-high four homers and five runs total in six innings during a 7-4 setback to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Dean Kremer (10-4, 4.61 ERA) will take the mound for the Orioles in the finale. He's looking for his first win since July 14.Kremer, 27, has received a no-decision in each of his past four starts. He allowed two runs and two hits in 5 1/3 against the New York Mets on Friday in his last outing. Kremer tossed his only career shutout against the Astros when he allowed four hits on Sept. 23, 2022. Overall, he is 2-0 with a 0.54 ERA in two career outings versus Houston, both coming last season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Houston Astros needed a ninth-inning rally to win on Tuesday. The Baltimore Orioles have been a resilient team all season and continue to shine, winning seven of their last ten games including three wins against the Blue Jays followed by a sweep of the Mets. They have won four of their last five home bouts. Astros’ starter Cristian Javier has not been a reliable option. The veteran has squandered 19 runs in his last five outings spanning 25.2 innings. He just surrendered three runs in only 4.2 innings against the Yankees last time out. O’s starter Jack Flaherty posted a 3.03 ERA in July and was brilliant in his team debut, limiting the potent Blue Jays offense to one run in six innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Montgomery will make his second start since a deadline trade from the St. Louis Cardinals today, seeking a second straight win. He had a successful Rangers debut, limiting the Miami Marlins to two runs in six innings in a 6-2 Rangers' home win on Friday. The 30-year-old has yet to get a decision with a 3.80 ERA in four career starts against Oakland. The A's are expected to give right-hander Freddy Tarnok (0-1, 6.75) the bulk of the work early in the game. The 24-year-old will make his fifth appearance for Oakland this season after beginning the year in the minors. He's never gone more than three innings, those coming when he threw the seventh, eighth and ninth innings of a 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros last month. Tarnok's only previous start came in an 8-3 road loss to the San Francisco Giants. He served up three runs in 2 2/3 innings, striking out four.

Rating: 2 Units

Milwaukee starter, Houser picked up the win in his most recent start, allowing one run on four hits in six innings in a 14-1 victory over Pittsburgh last Thursday. Houser is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies. Flexen will be making his third start for the Rockies since being acquired off waivers from the Mets on July 13. In his last start, he got his first win with Colorado, giving up three runs on 10 hits over five innings in a 9-4 win over the Cardinals last Friday. Flexen began the season with Seattle, going 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA, before being traded to the Mets, who designated him for assignment the same day. He is 0-2 with an 8.68 ERA in three career appearances, including one start, vs. the Brewers.

Rating: 2 Units

Even with Oakland's best starter on the mound for this one, they shouldn't stand a chance. Scherzer amid one of his worst seasons is still capable of shutting down the Athletics lineup. Sears won't keep Texas off the board, or at least hasn't done it yet with two tries. Oakland's bullpen is probably going to get rocked by the Rangers' lethal lineup. Take Texas for an easy win in game two.

Rating: 2 Units

The red-hot Cubs offense will have its way with Carrasco who has struggled both over his last five games and at home overall this season. Carrasco has an ERA over eight at home this season and faces a Cubs team that is hitting .284 in the last ten games heading into this series and 19 home runs in 10 games. The Cubs' Taillon has been pitching like an ace over his past five starts, going 4-0 with an ERA of just over two in that span. He faces a Mets' lineup that is hitting just .224 over the last ten games heading into this series and has been shut out twice in that span. The Cubs are streaking and the Mets are fading. Ride those trends in this matchup.

Rating: 2 Units

The Royals are playing better recently however they have lost eight of their last ten road games. The Red Sox will be desperate. They view this game and series as a must-win as they look to keep their wildcard hopes intact. Royals’ starter Brady Singer is poor on the road, issuing a 6.91 ERA in 43 road innings this season. Red Sox’ starter Kutter Crawford has been reliable, conceding only five runs in his last 20.2 innings. This includes stellar performances against the Cubs, Giants and Mariners. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Rangers send Dane Dunning (9-4, 3.14 ERA) to the mound today. The right-hander is coming off one of his best starts of the season. He held the visiting Chicago White Sox to one run on three hits and a walk in 7 1/3 innings, and struck out a career-high 11 in an 11-1 win. Dunning has faced the A's six times, including five starts, and is 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA spanning 24 2/3 innings. He had 23 strikeouts and 13 walks along the way. Oakland counters with rookie lefty Ken Waldichuk (2-7, 6.52), who has been used as a starter and as a reliever this season. His last appearance came in a start on Tuesday. He gave up four runs on one hit and three walks with five strikeouts in a 7-3 loss to the host Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-hander wasn't effective against the Rangers in his lone appearance against them this year. He ended up with a no-decision after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and five walks over five innings during a 9-7 win in 10 innings on May 12.

Rating: 2 Units

Ace right-hander Gerrit Cole is set to start for the New York Yankees against the host Chicago White Sox today in the opener of a nine-game road trip. After going 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five July starts covering 32 2/3 innings, Cole defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, scattering two runs and four hits in seven innings. He struck out eight. White Sox righty Dylan Cease (4-5, 4.61), who is set to oppose Cole, was nowhere near as sharp in his most recent outing. Cease was chased from Wednesday's start at Texas after allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings. Cease is 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees over 13 1/3 innings. In four starts against the White Sox, Cole is 3-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 25 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Chicago Cubs are one of the hottest teams in the majors, winners of 15 of their last 19 contests. The New York Mets, in turn, can stake a claim to being one of the coldest. Chicago will turn to left-hander Drew Smyly (8-7, 4.71 ERA) in the series opener today against right-hander Kodai Senga (7-6, 3.25). Smyly, 34, started the season strong by posting a 7-4 record with a 3.38 ERA in his first 15 outings, but he is just 1-3 with an 8.40 ERA in his last seven. He received a no-decision on Wednesday after allowing five runs on six hits -- including three homers -- in 4 2/3 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. Smyly improved to 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in seven career games (five starts) versus the Mets after permitting two runs on four hits in five innings of a 7-2 victory on May 23. Senga, 30, sustained his first loss since June 23 on Wednesday after yielding three runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 3-0 setback to the Kansas City Royals. He dropped his lone career encounter with the Cubs on May 24 after allowing three runs on six hits in five innings of a 4-2 setback in Chicago.

Rating: 2 Units

Alcantara has looked more like the pitcher that won the NL Cy Young last season in his last few starts, though the Marlins’ inability to put runs on the board has hampered him again in 2023. He has five starts this season where he threw at least seven innings and allowed two or fewer runs that ended up without a victory. The inability of Miami to generate much in the way of offense could prove to be a problem against a Rangers team that is the most prolific offense in all of baseball. Heaney has been decent this season and is coming off one of his best starts of the year his last time out. With the major edge at the plate and playing at home, you have to back the Rangers in this contest.

Rating: 2 Units

Bradish and the Orioles should be favorites against a Mets team that seems to have lost steam since dealing away the team's best two pitchers. The Mets came to Baltimore after three straight losses to the woeful Royals prior to the weekend. Quintana is making just his fourth start of the season and faces an Orioles team hitting .260 vs. lefties this season. Bradish has pitched exceptionally well at home this season with an ERA of just 2.38 in eight home starts this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Chicago White Sox have nothing to play for while the Cleveland Guardians are seeking first place in the AL Central. The White Sox look demoralized and have been abysmal, dropping seven of their last ten games including a 4-2 loss on Friday. The Guardians are a solid 7-4 in their last 11 home bouts. Guardians’ Xzavion Curry is now being used as a starter. He has been dominant out of the bullpen, registering a 2.90 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Curry has contained the White Sox, limiting them to only two runs in 7.1 innings this season. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Braves have a distinct advantage on the mound on Saturday with Elder and his under-three ERA on the road taking on the Cubs who will utilize a bullpen game in this spot. The Braves' offense has been the best in baseball over the last three months and they come into this series after hitting six home runs in the final two games of their series with the Angels. Warm weather and summer breezes at Wrigley Field should be welcomed by the powerful Braves' lineup this weekend. The Cubs have been playing excellent baseball but this one will be tough to overcome. I like the Braves to cool off the Cubs on Saturday with some offensive fireworks.

Rating: 2 Units

Civale, who was dealt by the Cleveland Guardians to the Tampa Bay Rays for first base prospect Kyle Manzardo, will make his Rays debut against the host Detroit Tigers. Civale posted victories in his last two starts for the Guardians. He allowed just one run in eight innings against the Kansas City Royals on July 25, then blanked for the Chicago White Sox for six innings on Sunday. He has been dominant against the Tigers in his career, going 7-0 with a 2.06 ERA in 10 starts. Tigers starter Skubal has struggled a bit in his last three starts, even with his improved control, and the Tigers have issues offensively.

Rating: 2 Units

The Astros are 13-7 since the All-Star break, and they evened the four-game series with a 7-3 victory on Friday. Yainer Diaz hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Yordan Alvarez hit a solo shot in the fifth. Kyle Tucker added a two-run double in the sixth, giving him eight RBIs over his past six games. Verlander posted a 6-5 record and a 3.16 ERA for the Mets in the first year of a two-year, $86.7 million contract he signed in December after helping the Astros capture their second World Series title in team history. Verlander is 10-7 with a 3.24 ERA in 25 regular-season starts against the Yankees. He last faced them on July 25 in New York, when he pitched six shutout innings in a 9-3 win to improve to 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA in his past eight regular-season starts against the Yankees.

The Marlins have had their struggles coming out of the All-Star break as they entered Thursday 5-12 since that point. Miami does have Luzardo on the hill in this contest but he has had his share of issues lately, failing to record a win in his last three starts and failing to make it through the fifth inning in two of those. The Marlins have sputtered offensively all season long and that doesn’t work well when your opposition is the most explosive offensive team in the league. Texas bolstered their rotation with the addition of Max Scherzer and Montgomery. With better offensive support, Montgomery should be able to turn that win-loss record around relatively quickly. The Rangers are tough at home and that helps them earn the win in this contest.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown has had two consecutive solid outings, allowing 10 hits and four runs in 12 innings with Houston winning both of the games. New York starting pitcher Luis Severino is coming off his worst outing of the season after allowing 10 hits and nine runs in just 3 ⅓ innings when losing to Baltimore 9-3 last Sunday. Houston has won four of its last five games and have dominated the Yankees of late winning each of the last seven head to head with New York. Houston's trio of power is back together with the return of Yordan Alvrez.  Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and Alvarez have combined to hit 55 home runs with 202 RBIs, which will be tough on Yankees pitching.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds send their hottest pitcher to the mound in the series opener in right-hander Graham Ashcraft (6-7, 5.31 ERA). In Sunday's 9-0 win over the Dodgers, Ashcraft allowed just five hits in six shutout innings to record his third win in five starts. Ashcraft limited the Nationals to one run and seven hits over six innings on July 5, earning the win in Cincinnati's 9-2 victory. In his brief career, Ashcraft has made two starts against the Nationals and won them both, posting a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings. He has allowed two runs and 11 hits. Washington sends lefty Patrick Corbin (7-11, 5.07) to the mound on today. Corbin, who is making his 23rd start of the season, is coming off a win in his last start. Against the New York Mets on Saturday, he surrendered four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings in an 11-6 victory. Things didn't go as well when Corbin started against the Reds on July 4. He was tagged for six runs on 10 hits, three walks and a hit batter over five innings and took the loss in Cincinnati's 8-4 win.

Rating: 2 Units

Ohtani (9-5, 3.43 ERA), who had his turn skipped in Atlanta because of blister issues, is scheduled to make his first mound start in a week today against Mariners rookie right-hander Bryan Woo (1-3, 4.96). Ohtani is coming off his first career shutout, a one-hitter in a 6-0 victory over the host Detroit Tigers on July 27. He walked three and struck out eight in the 111-pitch outing. In eight career starts against the Mariners, Ohtani is 5-0 with a 2.02 ERA. He beat them 4-3 in Seattle on April 5, allowing one run on three hits over six innings, with four walks and eight strikeouts. Ohtani didn't get a decision in a 5-4 Angels win on June 9 over Seattle in Anaheim, giving up three runs on three hits in five innings, with five walks and six strikeouts. Woo, who is 0-2 with a 8.16 ERA in his past three starts, will be facing the Angels for the second time. On June 10, he allowed two runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings during a no-decision. 

Rating: 2 Units

After falling 6-5 to the National League Central-leading Reds on Monday, Chicago tied a club record with seven homers in Tuesday's 20-9 victory. Then Wednesday, the Cubs went deep five times and overcame two three-run deficits for a 16-6 win. The Cubs, who enter Thursday's action in third place in the division but just three games behind the Reds, have averaged 8.1 runs while batting .321 with 30 homers during their current 12-3 stretch. Scheduled Reds starter Luke Weaver comes in with a 2-3 record and 6.80 ERA. Weaver is 1-3 with an 8.59 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rangers dominated the first two games, outscoring the White Sox by a combined 13-1. Texas starters Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning struck out 11 batters apiece in the first two games of the series. Enter Scherzer, who has 121 strikeouts in 107 2/3 innings. Scherzer (9-4, 4.01 ERA) will be appearing for his sixth team in 16 seasons after the New York Mets traded him to the Rangers for shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuna. The deal also included cash to pay roughly half of the $58 million that is owed to the right-hander for the rest of this season and next season. On Friday, in his last start for the Mets, Scherzer allowed six hits and a run in seven innings against the visiting Washington Nationals. Scherzer has made 24 career starts against the White Sox, but none since 2016. He is 13-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 163 innings against them. The Rangers also got a big boost to their lineup after Corey Seager returned last night and picked up where he left off going 2-4 with a home run.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams have completely different directions moving forward. The visiting Chicago White Sox (43-64 entering the series) traded away a solid chunk of their roster. Hosting them is a Texas Rangers (60-46) team that is furiously trying to fend off the Astros for the AL West crown. t was a busy trade deadline for the South Siders, who said goodbye to Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, Jake Burger, and Kenyan Middleton. Offensively, there's no need to worry about the Rangers. Led by Adolis Garcia, Texas is driving in more runs than every other team in the league. They also lead baseball in batting average and OBP. Don't be concerned about pop, as Texas is second in slugging and seventh in home runs. A top-10 walk rate rounds out the AL's best offense. There is a massive difference in offensive production. It's unlikely that the White Sox will hold down the Rangers' bats, while it's much more likely that Chicago is silent. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies have been selling ahead of the deadline while the Padres have kicked the tires on adding pieces. San Diego reportedly added Rich Hill to their pitching staff ahead of the deadline and were looking at other pieces. The Padres are the better team with plenty of talent that has underachieved all season long. With that said, Musgrove has been rolling along, posting an 8-1 mark with a 1.66 ERA over 11 starts since June 1. Meanwhile, Freeland leads the National League in losses and has dropped his last seven decisions with his last victory coming back on May 14. San Diego knows that they have to take care of business here if they want to make a run. Look for Musgrove to handcuff the Rockies and deliver the victory here.

Rating: 2 Units

The additions of both Santana and Canha should bring about a big increase in the Brewers' lineup overall and specifically against left-handed pitching. Canha has 43 home runs in his career vs. left-handers and Santana has an average of .274 in his career against lefties including 74 home runs. Brewers' starter Miley has been excellent on the road this season with an ERA of just 2.73 and a 2-1 record. The Brewers have much more at stake in this series than the Nats and should play with more urgency. 

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona ace Zac Gallen (11-5, 3.36 ERA) is set to start. The right-hander is winless in his past three starts, allowing 11 runs and 18 hits in 18 1/3 innings in team losses to the Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. One night after he had to be scratched from a scheduled start because of an upset stomach, Giants right-hander Alex Cobb (6-3, 2.97 ERA) will attempt to go in the rematch. Cobb is coming off one of his best outings of the season, having shut out the A's on three hits over six innings in a no-decision on July 25. The 35-year-old veteran will be facing the Diamondbacks for the second time this season, having shut them out on seven hits for 7 1/3 innings in a 6-2 road win on May 11. He is 3-2 with a 4.93 in seven career starts against Arizona.

Rating: 2 Units

The Yankees head into their first game after today's trade deadline passes with 13 losses in their last 20 games. In their final game of July, the Tampa Bay Rays resembled the group that won their first 13 games and dominated the opening weeks of the season. Zach Eflin (11-6, 3.64 ERA), who has tied a career high in victories, will start on today much to the relief of the Rays. Eflin exited his start last Wednesday against the Miami Marlins due to left knee discomfort after allowing five runs in four innings but avoided an injured list stint and was cleared to start. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees. He earned the win on May 14 in New York when he allowed four runs on seven hits over six innings in Tampa Bay's 8-7 victory. Carlos Rodon (1-3, 5.75) makes his fifth start since returning from a lengthy IL stint due to a forearm injury and subsequent back ailment. After losing his first three outings, Rodon allowed one run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 3-1 win over the Mets last Wednesday. Rodon is 0-1 with a 4.19 ERA in four career starts against the Rays.

Rating: 2 Units

Phillies’ starter Ranger Suarez has not been reliable. The veteran has squandered four runs in back-to-back starts and has an ERA over six on the month. Miami scored four runs in 5.2 innings in a 5-3 Marlins victory in the lone meeting against Suarez this season. Marlins’ starter Sandy Alcantara is starting to resemble the ace we saw in last year’s Cy Young season. He just dazzled in a complete game against the Rays and has conceded two or fewer runs in three of his last four outings. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Sox have consistently played up to their competition this season. In fact, Boston has the most wins in the big leagues against teams that are .500 or better this season. Pivetta has thrived in his role as the primary innings eater in games the Red Sox have turned to an opener. His WHIP is an impressive 0.50 over his last three appearances and he's not allowed a run in any of those appearances. He also comes into this game with five full days of rest since pitching five shutout innings against the Braves last Tuesday night. The Red Sox seem to have found their offense again after struggling through the early part of July. They are batting .265 as a team in the last ten games and averaging close to five runs per game in that span. Additionally, they have hit 12 home runs in those ten games. Look for Boston's left-handed heavy lineup to get to Kirby in this one and pick up a much-needed win in Seattle.

Rating: 2 Units

Riding a 16-inning scoreless stretch, Abbott aims for a third straight victory when the Reds visit Stroman and Cubs tonight in the opener of a four-game series. Cincinnati is a half-game ahead of Milwaukee, and Abbott (6-2, 1.90 ERA) continues to shine since making his major league debut on June 5. The left-hander has endured one rough outing in 10 starts, allowing six runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Brewers on July 7. The Cubs have totaled 44 runs while winning five of their last six home games. However, Stroman (10-7, 3.51) is 1-3 with an 8.00 ERA in his last six starts after going 9-4 with a 2.28 ERA in his first 16. The right-hander allowed seven runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. 

Rating: 2 Units

While Bassitt was hit hard by the O's in his earlier matchup against them, that game was on the road. Bassitt has been dominant at home this season with an ERA of just 2.24 and six wins in seven decisions. He also gets the advantage of facing an Orioles lineup that has struggled as of late. Baltimore is hitting just .194 as a team over the course of the last ten games. Orioles' starter Gibson defeated the Blue Jays earlier this season but has an ERA close to five overall and relies on pitching to contact. He has just a 7.3 K/9 rate on the season and that can be dangerous against a Blue Jays' lineup that has power and can hit to all fields. This is a critical series for the Blue Jays if they want to get back in the division title hunt. The Jays have already dropped five of six to Baltimore so they'll be with a bit of desperation here.

Rating: 2 Units

The Diamondbacks have lost three of their last five games. Despite their slump, they have scored 13 runs in their last three games and have done a good job batting against right-handers and Castillo has been shaky on the mound in recent starts, giving up 15 runs in his last five starts. He gave up 10 runs in his last three starts in Arizona. The Mariners have struggled against right-handers this season and Kelly has done a good job on the mound for the Diamondbacks, especially at home where he gave up seven runs in his last four starts. He gave up four runs in his last two home starts. Diamondbacks are 7-2 in Merrill Kelly's last nine starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Chicago Cubs are one of the hottest squads in the big leagues. They are in NL wildcard contention after winning nine of their last ten games. This is a motivated team playing with confidence. The Cardinals have only won two of their last eight games and are out of Wildcard contention. Cubs’ starter Kyle Hendricks has been reliable, allowing just four runs in his last two outings spanning 10.1 innings. The veteran usually silences the Cardinals, sporting a stellar 2.69 ERA and a 13-3 record in 25 career meetings against the rivals. The Cubs' hot offense should hit Matz. He has yet to earn a win at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Chicago White Sox have lost six of their last seven overall, five of their last six played at home and Chicago has lost seven of its last eight when playing against a team from the American League. Chicago is just 23rd and runs scored and does not score enough, as the White Sox are 24th in team ERA at 4.62. Cleveland struggles as well producing runs and is just 24th with 434 but the Guardians have a far better pitching staff that is 6th in baseball in team ERA at 3.83. Cleveland starting pitcher Aaron Civale has held each of his last five opponents to two earned runs or less while allowing a total of six runs in 36 ⅓ innings. Chicago starting pitcher Michael Kopech gave up four runs last time out when losing to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday 7-5 and has allowed four earned runs in two of the last three outings.

Rating: 2 Units

I do not understand how the Reds keep winning with Weaver taking the mound, but I do know that he is going to give up a bunch of runs in very few innings. He always does. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will turn to Emmet Sheehan, and I suspect his days as a starter are numbered as the Dodgers buy up pieces at the trade deadline. Sheehan has made 6 starts, and he has gotten progressively worse in each one. In his last 3 starts, he has only gotten out of the 4th inning once, and he has given up 17 runs in a combined 12.1 innings. He walked 12 in those 3 starts, and those free bases have usually scored. The devil-may-care Reds shouldn’t have trouble scoring on him either. The weather forecast is for hot temperatures with winds blowing out. Look for plenty of runs to be scored by both sides.

Rating: 2 Units

Rookie right-hander Taj Bradley (5-6, 5.30 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Rays on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision of his most recent start against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday after allowing three runs on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts over five innings in a 5-3 loss. Bradley is winless over his past five starts, going 0-3 with an 8.46 ERA. Bradley earned the victory in his lone career appearance against the Astros on April 24, allowing three runs on four hits with six strikeouts over five innings in an 8-3 home win. Rookie right-hander Hunter Brown (6-7, 4.19 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros. He logged a quality start but did not get a decision against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday after allowing two runs on six hits while recording four strikeouts over six innings in the Astros' 3-2 victory. Even with that solid outing, Brown is 0-4 with a 6.30 ERA over his last six starts. Brown is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA over three career appearances (one start) against the Rays. He tossed seven scoreless innings at Tampa Bay on April 26, allowing two hits and two walks while notching eight strikeouts in a 1-0 victory.

Rating: 2 Units

Lyles is one of the worst pitchers in baseball. He has a 6.19 ERA paired with a 5.01 xERA and 5.45 FIP in 19 starts this season. If the Royals weren’t so bad, he would have been gone weeks ago. But, Kansas City is at the bottom of the division and the American League, so Lyles will continue to throw batting practice on the mound every 5 days. That day is today, and I’m expecting another bashing of Lyles. The veteran ranks in the 8th percentile in xSLG, 17th in barrel rate, 22nd in xBA and 11th in whiff rate among pitchers this season. At home with Lyles on the mound, the Royals are 0-9 straight up and 2-7 against the spread.  Bailey Ober has allowed 3 runs or less in 15 of his 16 starts. He has a 2.76 ERA paired with a 3.52 xERA and a 3.59 FIP and has been even better away from Minnesota. On the road, Ober is 4-1 with a 2.41 ERA and 0.830 WHIP in 6 starts. He’s limited hitters to just a .196 batting average and .552 OPS during those 37.1 innings which gives me confidence he can limit a struggling Royals lineup. 

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Cristian Javier (7-2, 4.32 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Astros today. He allowed two runs on one hit with five strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday but tied a career high with six walks and took the loss in a 4-1 defeat. Javier is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA over three career starts against Tampa Bay. He twirled six shutout innings at Tampa Bay in his final regular-season start last season, allowing two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in a 2-1 victory. Left-hander Shane McClanahan (11-1, 2.89 ERA) is scheduled to start the series opener for the Rays. He did not factor into the decision of his last start on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles after surrendering five runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts over four innings in the Rays' 6-5 loss. McClanahan held Baltimore hitless over his first three innings before allowing five runs in the fourth. He is winless over his last four starts and has pitched to a 7.02 ERA during that span. McClanahan is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in two career starts against the Astros, both of which came down the stretch last season. He has recorded five strikeouts and five walks over nine innings. The Rays continued their slumping ways on Wednesday, falling 7-1 to the Miami Marlins to complete a 2-4 homestand. Tampa Bay has dropped eight of 10 games, fell to 5-15 in July and is 1-5-1 in its last seven series.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are expected to go with bullpen games on Friday, with Chicago turning to Touki Toussaint (0-3, 4.06 ERA) against Cleveland's Xzavion Curry (3-0, 2.98). Toussaint, whom the White Sox claimed off waivers from Cleveland in June, allowed seven runs and six hits in 1 1/3 innings in his lone career appearance against the Guardians in 2019. Curry has pitched to a 2.08 ERA in three career appearances against the White Sox, all this year, covering 4 1/3 innings. His longest outing of the season, five innings, came in his first appearance on April 3 against the Oakland A's. Two of his 26 appearances have been starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Since the All-Star break, the Angels are hitting .259 BA/.354 OBP/.491 SLG/.846 OPS, averaging 6.4 runs per game. Even without Mike Trout, this lineup can make things difficult for Jays starter Gausman, who gave up four long balls in his last start (LA has the third-most HRs in MLB). Giolito held the Blue Jays to two runs and four hits in six frames on July 4 and is coming off a nine-strikeout game in his last outing with the White Sox. Toronto has been hot at the dish this month, but it's an inconsistent ballclub, with a 7-5 post-All-Star break record despite its impressive hitting stats. It's struggled to cover the run line as betting favorites no matter the venture, but especially at home, where it scores just 4.2 runs per game this year. LA, averages 5.2 runs on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Guardians are seeking first place in the AL Central and continue to excel, winning three consecutive series. The Chicago White Sox continue to be a disappointment, losing five straight and seven of their last eight games. Guardians’ starter Tanner Bibee has quietly been one of the better young pitchers in the entire big leagues. The rookie just completed seven shutout innings against the Phillies and is sporting a dazzling 1.14 ERA in his five outings this month. I expect his success to continue against an inconsistent White Sox offense that has plated four or fewer runs in four of their last five games.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele has enjoyed more success against the St. Louis Cardinals than against any other opponent this season. He will get another crack at them today when the Cubs face the Cardinals to open a four-game series in St. Louis. Steele (10-3, 2.95 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals in 2023. In his latest outing, the left-hander allowed two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings as the Cubs beat St. Louis 4-3 on Friday. St. Louis will counter Steele with Miles Mikolas (6-5, 4.33 ERA), who will try to rebound from one of his worst starts of the season. The right-hander allowed the Cubs five runs on 11 hits and a walk in five innings during a no-decision on Saturday. Mikolas is 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA in two starts against the Cubs this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams could be drastically different as far as their roster composition is concerned by the time the trade deadline passes next week. Stroman has struggled at times of late after a strong start to the season but is still a solid option at the front of the rotation. The Cubs are the lone team in the NL Central with a positive run differential and hope to make up some ground in a weak NL Central. Meanwhile, Lynn has been inconsistent as you don’t know if he’ll give you seven shutout innings or get blitzed for five-plus runs in any given start. The fact that he’s been scorched by the long ball all season doesn’t bode well for the Pale Hose, especially with as sizzling as Bellinger has been in the month of July. The Cubs still have something to play for at this point, which is something that can’t be said for the White Sox. Look for Stroman to get back on track as the Cubs earn the win on getaway day on the south side.

Rating: 2 Units

The Orioles are a team that finds ways to win even when it seems like the odds are stacked against them. On Saturday, they faced Rays' lefty McClanahan who had been dominant at home and jumped out to a 5-0 lead on their way to a 6-5 win. On Monday, working without their top two relievers in Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano, the Orioles pulled out a 3-2 win over the Phils. On Wednesday night, the Orioles have Bradish on the mound against a struggling Phillies team. Bradish has an ERA under one in his last three starts and has a K/9 rate of nearly 10 on the road. Phillies' starter Suarez has struggled at home with an ERA approaching six and has gone 0-2 in his last three starts with an ERA of 5.40. Look for the Orioles to once again find a way and pull out a victory to close the series with the Phillies.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona starter Zac Gallen has been lights out pitching at home this season where he sports a sterling 1.48 ERA and a flawless 9-0 record. St. Louis starter, Flaherty hasn’t been as sharp on the road, where he gave up 13 runs in his last four starts. He gave up eight runs in his last three starts against the Diamondbacks. The Cardinals have lost three of their last four road games. 

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh has lost 11 of its last 14 overall and the Pirates have dropped 16 in the last 21 playing on the road. Pittsburgh is well down the standings in the run line, as the Pirates are 45-54 against the run line. The Padres have won four of the last six and have won five of the last six at home. Pittsburgh starting pitcher Rich Hill has been hit hard in each of the last five starts allowing a total of 19 runs in only 26 ⅔ innings with the Pirates losing three of the five. In contrast, San Diego starting pitcher Blake Snell has had 11 consecutive strong outings allowing one earned run or less in 10 of the 11. Snell was on the mound in late June when San Diego lost to Pittsburgh, but the left-hander gave up just two earned runs and received little run support as San Diego scored just one run. 

Rating: 2 Units

Burnes (9-5, 3.49 ERA) will be opposed by rookie left-hander Andrew Abbott (5-2, 2.10) in the matchup of the top two teams in the National League Central standings. Burnes is 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 17 career appearances, including seven starts, against the Reds. He is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts against them this season. Milwaukee took the series opener 3-2 on Monday night on Christian Yelich's walk-off single in the ninth off Alexis Diaz to move the Brewers 1 1/2 games in front of the Reds in the Central. The Brewers, who swept three games at Cincinnati to open the second half, improved to 9-2 this season against the Reds, who had their five-game winning streak snapped. Burnes is returning to the form that earned him the 2021 NL Cy Young Award, winning his last four starts with a 1.33 ERA, giving up just four runs over 27 innings. He has 36 strikeouts, including 13 and 10 in his last two starts, while walking nine over the four-game span. Abbott will be making his 10th career start and fourth against Milwaukee. Abbott won his first start versus the Brewers, allowing just one hit over six scoreless innings, but was tagged for six runs in 4 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss in the second matchup on July 7.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cubs come into this matchup as the hotter team after taking each of their last three games. The White Sox return home after a 3-6 road trip and are nearly 20 games under .500 at this point and likely to be trading away some veteran players as they try to fix their roster. Cubs starter Hendricks is not a power arm but does tend to keep the ball on the ground which should play well against a White Sox team that has become reliant on the long ball to score runs. The Cubs, however, can play more of a contact style of play and have a superior defense to their crosstown rivals. White Sox starter Kopech has an ERA over six and has struggled with his command all season. Look for the Cubs to exploit his struggles and pick up a win in the series opener.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dodgers will send rookie right-hander Michael Grove (2-2, 6.40 ERA) to the mound today. Grove, who has never faced the Blue Jays, is coming off consecutive wins for the first time in his young career, giving up one run over five innings on Tuesday at Baltimore. Grove had a bit of a breakthrough against the Orioles, using a cut fastball to deal with left-handed hitters, who have been giving him trouble. The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Jose Berrios (8-7, 3.39), who has a 1.47 ERA over his last three starts but does not have a win to show for his efforts. In his most recent outing, Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, Berrios gave up two runs over six innings while tying a season high with nine strikeouts. Berrios has faced the Dodgers once. In a start in 2017, he gave up four runs in four innings while taking the loss as a member of the Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays have lost five in a row against the National League club. Los Angeles has also won nine of the last 10 meetings between the teams.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Brandon Bielak (5-5, 3.46 ERA) will start the series opener for the Astros today. He twirled 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, allowing one hit and three walks while recording four strikeouts. Bielak is 2-1 with a 1.02 ERA in three starts since returning from Triple-A Sugar Land on July 3. In seven career relief appearances against the Rangers, Bielak is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA. He last faced Texas on June 15, 2022, logging one scoreless inning. Right-hander Jon Gray (6-5, 3.31) will get the nod for the Rangers today. He is winless over his last seven starts, pitching to an 0-4 record with a 4.66 ERA during that span. Gray last recorded a victory on June 2 against the Seattle Mariners when he worked seven scoreless innings while allowing two hits and one walk. Gray is 1-3 with a 3.94 ERA in six career starts against the Astros. He was Texas' pitcher of record in a 5-3 loss on June 30 after allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

Rating: 2 Units

The 2020 runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award behind Cleveland's Shane Bieber, Maeda missed nearly two months earlier this season with a triceps injury. He is 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA in five starts since his return, allowing 18 hits while striking out 36 in 26 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old Maeda, who missed the entire 2022 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is 0-0 with a 2.61 ERA in two career starts against the Mariners. The Mariners' Luis Castillo has been vulnerable to left-handed bats this season (.747 OPS). Left-handed batters have accounted for 12 of the 19 homers he has surrendered. The Twins are an MLB-best 8-2 since the All-Star Break.