Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (11-6, 2.99 ERA) vs. Rays RH Austin Pruitt (6-4, 5.37)

Stroman the Blue Jays starter today enters this tilt against the Rays in top form as is evident by  having limited opposition batters to three earned runs or fewer in 20 of 25 starts this season. He has allowed just one homer over his last 10 starts and has recorded  a stingy 2.02 ERA over that time.Among starters with at least 100 batted balls allowed since the All-Star break, Stroman has the lowest average launch angle (-0.8 degrees), according to MLBs Statcast. He also has the second-lowest rate of barreled balls allowed (1.4 percent), surrendering only two total during that time. This will be Stroman's second straight start vs the Rays, as he faced them last Wednesday. On average, Stroman has performed better in the second game of those back-to-back starts. He recorded a 3.48 ERA over 20 2/3 innings in the second starts, and a 5.06 ERA over 16 innings the first time he faced the opponent. Today I'm betting we see the Jays young hurler at his best. Note: Stroman owns a  2.25 ERA over three starts against Tampa Bay. He's struck out 22 Rays over 20 innings this season. Meanwhile, Austin Pruitt (6-4, 5.37 a rookie  and will make his first start against the Blue Jays, though he's seen them three times coming out of the bullpen. He gave up 11 hits AND 6 RUNS  in 7 innings last time out, and according to my own cross reference batter vs pitcher power rankings matches up poorly vs the Jays sometimes explosive offense. Overall, the Rays have lost four of Pruitt’s L/5 starts and the losses in his last three outings have all been at home, and I'm betting things don't get better in this spot as the Jays bounce back from yesterdays 6-5 loss.

Blue Jays are 4-1 in Stromans last 5 starts vs. American League East.Blue Jays are 8-2 in Stromans last 10 starts on astroturf.Rays are 5-11 in their last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter.Blue Jays are 4-1 in Stromans last 5 road starts vs. Rays. Long term team trend: The Blue Jays are  also 19-0 L/19 on the moneyline  as a favorite after a game as a road dog in which their bullpen allowed multiple runs and it is after the All-Star break.

Play on the Toronto Blue Jays to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

DBacks starter Godley (5-6, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to oppose  NY Mets starter Flexen (2-2, 6.55) in a matchup of right-handers.Godley has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 of 18 starts.

Godley is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Mets. Flexen has never faced the Diamondbacks. According to my own power rankings the DBacks have a bigger edge than the moneyline would indicate making them a solid investment opportunity here even a 1.50 + line! Arizona has won all 5 meetings in this series this season and get the nod again.

NY METS are 1-12  against the money line after a 5 game span where the bullpen ERA was 2.00 or better this season and are 1-12  against the money line as a home underdog of +100 or higher this season.

ARIZONA is 32-18   against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse this season. GODLEY team when he starts  is 21-12   against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game .NY METS are 10-34  against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season and 3-14 L/17 in the second half of the season.are 8-31  against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season this season and are 0-11 against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season this season.

Play on Arizona dbacks to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

 Rangers RH Tyson Ross (3-2, 7.02 ERA) vs. Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (6-12, 5.16)

Nolasco the Angels starter tonight has won his last two decisions, including a victory over Washington in his last trip to the hill. Meanwhile, the Angels Tyson Ross is having control issues as is evident by allowing 15 walks in 13 2/3 innings over his last three trips to the hill and 31 on the season in just 42 1/3 innings. That is not a recipe for success and today I'm betting these control issues bite him in the proverbial butt. Ross owns a ugly 8.50 ERA in 4 road starts this season.

The Angels lost yesterday to the Rangers 5-3, but tonight I'm betting they bounce back and add to a 9-3 L/12 run, as they desperately chase Minnesota for a wild card birth.

The Angels are 17-0 L/17 as a moneyline favorite off a game as a favorite when seeking same-season revenge vs their opponents starting pitcher and it is after the All-Star break and not a series opener. (Ross beat the Angels 5-2 on July 8.)

Play on the LA Angels to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Cubs RH John Lackey (10-9, 4.67 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (4-6, 8.44)

Lackey the Cubs starter today vs the Cincinnati Reds  is 5-0 with a 3.06 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break. Needless to say he is in top form and must be given respect here in this spot. Meanwhile, his pitching opponent, Homer Bailey has been highly inconsistent this season, and had a propensity to be bashed around on a consistent basis, He was smashed for  six runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings at Chicago on Wednesday. Bailey is 0-4 in 4 starts at home this season along with a ugly looking 14.33 ERA, and is fade material vs a Cubs team off a 3 game sweep of the Jays and in pursuit of sustaining another play off appearance .

CINCINNATI is 1-11  against the money line after scoring 1 run or less this season. BAILEY team when he starts is 1-9  against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 in his career.Cubs are 11-0 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.Reds are 0-5 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Cubs are 7-0 in Lackeys last 7 starts.Cubs are 20-7 in their last 27 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30

The Cubs are 24-1 L/25 on the moneyline  in the first game of a series as a 140-plus favorite off a home game when playing a team that has a worse record and it is after the All-Star break.

MLB Home underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like the Reds - with an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game, with a cold starting pitcher- WHIP  2.000 or worse over his last 3 starts is 13-58 for a go against conversion rate of 81% for bettors.

Play on the Chicago Cubs to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Hamels (8-1, 3.48 ERA) has a stellar career record against the Angels. In   seven turns against the Halos he owns a  3-1  record along with a 2.45 ERA and one complete game. The southpaw hurler has opposed the Angels twice this season, going 1-0 along with a minuscule 0.61 ERA. Meanwhile, the Angels Tyler Skaggs (1-3, 3.63 ERA) will start for Los Angeles on Monday, and is still not 100% after his  return to the rotation after missing three months with a strained oblique.Skaggs is 2-1 with a 5.46 ERA in six career starts against the Rangers, and that includes two starts in April this year before his injury. Skaggs got a no-decision in both games, giving up six runs in 10 innings of very average at best work.Angels are 2-5 in Skaggs' last 7 home starts.  It must be noted that the Rangers have done their best offensive work against left handed starters this season averaging 5.1 rpg .

Angels are 4-10 in their last 14 during game 1 of a series.Angels are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.Angels are 24-49 in their last 73 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

HAMELS team when he starts  is 15-1 L/16  against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.4 or less runs/game in the second half of the season dating back to last season. SKAGGS team when he starts is 4-12 L/16   against the money line in home games in the second half of the season in his career.

Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning record.

MLB favorites with a money line of -110 or higher like Angels - below average hitting team (AVG .265 or less) against a very good starting pitcher (ERA 3.50 or better) -AL, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 to 1.400 on the season-AL  are 27-53 for a go against 67% conversion rate for underdog bettors.

Play on the Texas Rangers to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

KCs starter Jason Hammel (5-9, 4.74 ERA) will start the series finale for the Royals this afternoon knowing he has pitched well against the Indians this season, going 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in two starts. He has limited them a .178 batting average. After beginning the season, 1-6 with a 6.18 ERA, Hammel is 4-3 with a 3.89 ERA since June. Meanwhile, Danny Salazar the Indians starter, despite of pitching well of late is  is 0-2 with a 4.63 ERA over 11 2/3 innings against the Royals this year.Indians are also just 1-4 in Salazars last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

I know the Indians are hot, but I'm betting on the Royals getting the win here on a value line.

KANSAS CITY is 25-11 L/36 against the money line in home games vs. AL teams allowing 3.9 or less runs/game on the season .KANSAS CITY is 33-24   against the money line as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season.Royals are 23-9 in their last 32 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

MLB Home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like the Royals - average offensive team (4.4 to 4.9 runs/game) against a good starter (ERA 4.20 or less) (AL), with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 to 1.400 on the season-AL are 37-18 for a 67% underdog conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the KC Royals to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (3-7, 4.33 ERA) vs. Giants LH Ty Blach (8-8, 4.37)

Eickhoff the Phillies starter has been pitching better of late, but seems to find ways not to get wins for himself or his team as he only has 3 wins since June 7th. Eickhoff dropped his first career start against San Francisco on June 2 after giving up five runs on six hits and five walks over only 2 2/3 innings of sub par work. Meanwhile, Ty Blach the Giants starter, is off a down performance last time out, but prior to that made three strong quality starts, and is more than capable of bouncing back here.

The Giants have not had a great season, but they have played close to .500 ball here at home (29-32) and have played decently of late, winning 8 of their L/13 and are of a 10-2 win vs the Phillies yesterday. Meanwhile, the Phillies have lost 8 of their L/9 and 6 in a row, and are fade material.

PHILADELPHIA is 1-13  against the money line after a loss by 6 runs or more this season.PHILADELPHIA is 9-32   against the money line after scoring 4 runs or less 3 straight games this season

PHILADELPHIA is 1-11   against the money line in road games vs. poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game this season. PHILADELPHIA is 9-26   against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse this season

Phillies are 0-6 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record.Phillies are 1-5 in Eickhoffs last 6 starts vs. National League West.Phillies are 8-23 in Eickhoffs last 31 road starts.Giants are 4-1 in Blachs last 5 home starts.Giants are 4-0 in their last 4 home games. Giants are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.Phillies are 1-9 in the last 10 meetings in San Francisco.

Play on the SF Giants to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

.

Right-hander Collin McHugh (0-2, 4.88 ERA) makes the  start of thefor the Astros (75-47) here vs Oakland tnight. McHugh  missed the first three-plus months of the season, but after some key starts should be now rounding in to game form. The top tier hurler  is 6-1 with a 3.02 ERA over nine career starts against Oakland.MCHUGH is 13-2 L/15  against the money line against division opponents. Meanwhile, Oakalnd responds with Right-hander Kendall Graveman (3-3, 4.70 ERA). In three starts since coming off the the 10-day disabled list on Aug. 3, Graveman is 1-1 with a bloated 7.53 ERA and a .359 opponents batting average.Against the American League West Graverman is 1-3 in his career along with a 7.20 ERA in five starts on the road. He and the Athletics once again look like fade material in this the 2nd game of this series.

The Astros are a franchise perfect 15-0 as a favorite of more than 135 with McHugh when they won his last start vs this team.Astros are 6-0 in McHughs last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.Astros are 6-0 in McHughs last 6 home starts vs. Athletics.Athletics are 0-5 in Gravemans last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.Athletics are 0-7 in Gravemans last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.Athletics are 0-4 in Gravemans last 4 road starts.

OAKLAND is 11-34 L/45   against the money line in road games vs. a starting pitcher whose strikes out 5 or more batters per game.

MLB favorites with a money line of -110 or higher like the Astros - with a starting pitcher who is winless after 5 or more starts, with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 3.00 the last 10 games are 89-35 dating back 20 seasons.

Play on the Houston Astros to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Marlins RH Vance Worley (2-2, 4.97 ERA) vs. Mets RH Rafael Montero (1-8, 5.80)

Worley the  Marlins starter,  has won each of his last six starts and once again has the edge here against a Mets pithing staff that has had just one quality start in their starting pitchers last 8 starts. It was actually Montero the Mets starter who gave them the quality start, but,he was clobbered for five runs in 3 2/3 innings of his first start of the year May 5 against Miami. He has allowed 26 hits and 17 walks in 21 2/3 innings in his career versus the Marlins. Mets are 0-5 in Monteros last 5 home starts. He is 0-4 with a 5.95 ERA in his last eight games (seven starts).

The Mets are struggling, and essentially in my humble opinion have completely given up on their season and just going through the motions at this time.

NY METS are 18-32   against the money line after 2 or more consecutive home games this season.

Play on the Miami Marlins to win on the moneyline

The starters for this tilt at Coors Field are Milwaukee's Matt Garza (6-6, 4.38 ERA) and Colorado's German Marquez (9-5, 4.13).

Garza the Brewer starter tonight pitched decently last time out and got the win, but has been far from a work horse, and  has not pitched six innings in any of his past six starts.Garza is 2-5 with a 6.10 ERA in seven career starts against the Rockies and 0-3 with an 8.82 ERA in three starts at Coors Field. Meanwhile,  Marquez, the Rockies starter took at loss last time out, after 4 straight quality starts sand wins and is now ready to bounce back in a place where he seems to flourish as is evident by a   5-0 record along with a very stable  2.72 ERA in his past seven starts at Coors Field.

The Rockies are 12-0 L/12 a 140+ favorite vs a team that has won at least their last four game games. I know the Rockies have not exactly been consistent of late as they have lost seven of their past 10 games overall but are 37-23 at home and most be respected in this spot.

COLORADO is 9-1  against the money line when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 54%) this season.Brewers are 2-7 in Garzas last 9 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.Brewers are 1-4 in Garzas last 5 road starts.Rockies are 7-0 in Marquezs last 7 home starts.

Play on the Colorado Rockies to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Drew Pomeranz the BoSox starting pitcher tonight at Fenway is, one of the most underrated players on this year's Red Sox squad.The left-hander was in top form while notching a victory vs the Yankees on Aug. 12, giving up just seven hits and three runs over 6 2/3 innings. Pomeranz has given up three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts. Meanwhile, Montgomery, the Yankees starter despite of being a quality pitcher, I'm betting will be in a natural letdown situation, after a hyped up appearance against this same Boston squad last Sunday night, against the ace of the Red Sox rotation Chris Sale. You could tell the kid was running high on emotion, which I really don't think will serve him well in the rematch. Boston hitters up and until now have seen him no more than 6 times ,but with each at bat should find the sledding easier against the big hard throwing young man.

It must also be noted that NYY Chapman has struggled against Boston this season (two blown saves, 8.44 ERA), while Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel has a 1.80 ERA and a .105 opponents' batting average in four appearances against New York.

The Red Sox pitching staff have also been able to slow down the explosive bat of Aaron Judge this season, holding him to a .174 average and one home run in 12 tilts.

Yankees are 1-6 in Montgomerys last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.Red Sox are 6-0 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.Red Sox are 6-0 in Pomeranzs last 6 starts vs. American League East.Red Sox are 14-3 in Pomeranzs last 17 starts vs. a team with a winning record.Red Sox are 4-0 in Pomeranzs last 4 starts vs. Yankees.POMERANZ team when he starts is 11-1   against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season.NY YANKEES are 1-11 L/12  against the money line in road games after a game where the bullpen was hit hard for 4 or more earned runs .

MLB underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like the Yankees - good offensive team (5.1 or more runs/game) against a very good starting pitcher (ERA 3.50 or less) (AL), with a bad bullpen that blows 38% or more of their save opportunities are just 9-37 dating back 5 seasons for a go against  80% conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the Boston Red Sox to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Mariners RH Erasmo Ramirez (4-4, 4.73 ERA) vs. Rays RH Austin Pruitt (6-3, 5.07)

The Rays have lost 10 of their last 13 contests to fall three games back of the second AL wild card and currently playing at a very low operational performance level. In 13 games since Aug. 4, the Rays have totaled 23 runs. They are hitting .196 (82-for-419) overall and .105 (8-for-76) with runners in scoring position in those games and even below average pitchers have looked like cy Young award winners against them. Meanwhile, Seattle has won 2 in a row, and I'm betting they ride the momentum of those tilts and take out a struggling team here in game 1 of their series.

Mariners are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings and have won 7 of the L/9 meetings in TB. SEATTLE is 7-1   against the money line in road games after a one run win this season ( Mariners won yesterday 7-6)Seattle is 9-0 L/9 as a dog off a game as a favorite in which they allowed 6+ runs and it is post All-Star break.Rays are 1-5 in their last 6 home games.Rays are 1-7 in their last 8 during game 1 of a series.

Play on Seattle to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Tyson Ross (3-2, 7.11)

Ross the Rangers starter  recorded a no decision against the White Sox on July 2 when he allowed four runs and four hits over five innings and is 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against Chicago and gets the nod from me here in this spot.  The Rangers are playing some good ball at the moment and are going for their 4th straight win. With momentum on their sides after a 12-6 win yesterday I like their chances today against a very inconsistent Pale Hose team.

Texas is 16-0 in the first game of a series with no rest as a 140+ favorite off a game as a favorite in which they scored five-plus runs.

White Sox are 6-16 in their last 22 games vs. a right-handed starter.White Sox are 14-37 in their last 51 road games.Rangers are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.Rangers are 36-16 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.CHI WHITE SOX are 17-42 L/59  against the money line in road games in the second half of the season dating back to last season.TEXAS is 60-34 L/94 against the money line when the money line is -100 to -150.

Play on the Texas Rangers to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (12-5, 4.87 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.50)

Last night the Cardinals blew a lead late and lost to the Bosox by a 5-4 count. Their manager,Mike Matheny was ejected and will come in here with a chip in his shoulder, as will the rest of the Cardinals. The Cards had won 8 straight prior to a current 3 game losing streak, and are more than capable of up ending their losing run vs a Pittsburgh Pirates team that is mired in a slump, after losing their 4th straight yesterday to the Brewers by a 7-6 count. The Pittsburgh dressing room after the game according to media accounts was not in a up mood. PITTSBURGH is 11-26 L/37  against the money line after a one run loss.

I know both these teams need wins, but I like the Cards overall form better than the inconsistent bats and arms  of the Pirates. With that said, I expect Cards starter Adam Wainwright to out duel Taillon of the Pirates. It must be noted that In his career, Adam Wainwright has never lost on the road vs a team on a 4-plus game losing streak.

Wainwright  earned the win in his last trip to the hill  limiting Atlanta to one run over five innings to improve to 5-0 over his last eight mound appearance's.

WAINWRIGHT is 11-2 L/13 against the money line after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing. WAINWRIGHT team when he starts is 25-8 against the money line when the total is 8.5 to 10 dating back to last season.Cardinals are 10-1 in Wainwrights last 11 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.Pirates are 4-9 in their last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter.Cardinals are 4-1 in Wainwrights last 5 starts vs. Pirates

St. Louis has won six of its last nine games at PNC Park.

Play on the St.Louis Cardinals to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Braves LH Sean Newcomb (1-7, 4.45 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (11-7, 3.70)

Freeland a Denver native, enjoys pitching in his own digs, and  is 6-4 with a 3.19 ERA in 11 home  starts. Growing up in Colorado and being accustomed to thin air, he has no problems pacing himself in this environment, and has an edge here tonight vs Atlanta batting order and team that has lost six of its last seven contests overall and have lost 11-straight games  at Coors Field after being shut out yesterday.

Braves are 0-7 in Newcombs last 7 starts.Braves are 1-8 in their last 9 road games.Braves are 8-22 in their last 30 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.Braves are 17-35 in their last 52 road games vs. a left-handed starter.Rockies are 5-1 in Freelands last 6 home starts.Rockies are 21-8 in their last 29 home games.

COLORADO is 34-17 L/51  against the money line with a team slugging percentage .400 or worse on the season (NL) this season.COLORADO is 14-4   against the money line after allowing 1 run or less this season.Atlanta is 0-13 L/13 when their opponent’s starter has an ERA of higher than 4.00 and , their opponent is not on a three-plus game losing streak and it is not a series opener.

Play on Colorado Rockies to win on the moneyline

Cardinals RH Mike Leake (7-10, 3.48 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (6-14, 4.63)

Porcello enters this game in good form after a  two-start winning streak and finally starting to get some support from his offense, which has totaled 17 runs in his last two trips to the hill. Meanwhile, the Cards starter Leake is winless in his last three starts and was smacked  around for five runs - four earned - and 11 hits over five innings against Kansas City on Wednesday. These two hurlers are currently operating at the opposite end of the proverbial performance spectrum.

Both these teams are off losses, but Boston has proven itself consistently off of negative results, and get my backing here today. (.BOSTON is 27-7  against the money line in home games after a loss by 4 runs or more and 17-4 at home on the season after a loss including 4 straight overall wins of late after a loss. )

Porcello is 17-8 lifetime in interleague play, while Leake is just 6-10.Red Sox are 8-1 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.Red Sox are 81-27 in their last 108 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.Red Sox are 10-2 in their last 12 overall.Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a loss.

ST LOUIS is 10-20   against the money line vs. a team with a very good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.250 or better this season.ST LOUIS is 4-12  against the money line when playing with a day off this season. LEAKE's team when he starts is 17-34 in his career against the money line in road games in the second half of the season

MLB Home favorites with a money line of -110 or higher like the BoSox- average AL offensive team (4.4 to 4.9 runs/game) against a good NL starter (ERA 3.70 or less ) are 51-17 dating back 5 seasons for a 75% conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the Boston Red Sox to win on the moneyline 

: Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (3-7, 4.45 ERA) vs. Padres LH Travis Wood (2-4, 6.71)

San Diego's starting hurler Travis Wood  enters this game against the Phillies.  in struggling form. Since coming to the Padres from the Kansas City Royals in a late-July trade,  he has been sub par  in three starts, going 1-1 along with a bloated 6.19 ERA.Last time out against the Reds on Wednesday, he allowed six runs (five earned) and seven hits in five innings. Meanwhile, Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff,  is 3-0 along with a 2.00 ERA lifetime against the Padres, and  is coming off one of his best starts of the current campaign, as he threw a season-high 6 2/3 innings and surrendered two runs on nine hits against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. He is currently  in very good form and  owns a 3.04 ERA in a recent 23 2/3 inning span. Considering both hurlers current form it will not be difficult for me to take the value moneyline situation with the Phillies.

Padres are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.Padres are 4-9 in their last 13 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.Phillies are 25-8 in the last 33 meetings in San Diego.

WOOD team when he starts in his career is 7-23   against the money line in home games vs. an NL team with an slugging percentage .400 or worse in the second half of the season.EICKHOFF is 10-3 L/13  against the money line vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the second half of the season .SAN DIEGO is 17-37 L/54  against the money line when the total is 8.5 to 10 this season.

Play on the Philadelphia Phillies to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Royals RH Jake Junis (4-2, 4.70 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jharel Cotton (5-9, 5.72)

Cotton the Athleitc's starter tonight vs the KC Royals is winless in his last four starts after  Wednesdays down performance which saw him smacked around for six runs and eight hits - three homers - in six innings of a loss to Seattle.Royals are 22-8 in their last 30 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30, which Cotton has. Meanwhile, Junis is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make  a start in place of Trevor Cahill. The rookie  was out standing against Seattle on Aug. 6, allowing one run and four hits while striking out a career-high seven in a victory, and is a pitcher that must not be under estimated.

KC has looked good in back to back games, after an ugly slump, and won yesterday by a 14-6 count. I'm expecting they use that momentum of that game to continue gearing up into a top level of play here tonight in Oakland. Note:KANSAS CITY is 14-2 L/16  against the money line after scoring 10 runs or more.

Kansas City is 10-0 on the moneyline in the first game of a series with no rest after a game as a road favorite in which they scored in more innings than their opponent. Oakland is also off a blowout win vs Baltimore, but they don't do so well in this type of situation as the A’s are 0-9  on the moneyline at home when their line is within 20 cents of pickem after a five-plus run win.

MLB teams like the Royals - with a team on base percentage .310 or worse on the season (AL), after a win by 8 runs or more are 75-36 L/111 opportunities dating back 5 seasons for a 68% conversion rate.

Play on the KC Royals to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Detroit closes its weekend series with Minnesota on Sunday with southpaw Matthew Boyd (5-6, 5.64 ERA) going o the hill. Boyd is 5-1 with a 3.52 ERA in eight starts against the Twins, with his team winning his L/4 starts in this series including 2-0 in three starts this season. Note: The Twins have struggled against lefties like Boyd this season averaging just 3.9 rpg via BA well below the mendoza line (.241).Minnesota counters with right-hander Ervin Santana (12-7, 3.27 ERA). Santana's shortest start of the season, 3 1/3 innings, came against the Tigers on July 21 at Target Field, and my own cross reference power rankings suggest that the Tigers batting order matches up well against him

Twins are 1-6 in Santana L/7 starts in game 3 of a series. Twins are -1-6 in game 3 of a series if their opponent scored 5 or more runs.Tigers are 5-1 in Boyds L/5 starts.

.MINNESOTA is 6-15 against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs/game on the season this season.DETROIT is 35-15  against the money line after scoring 8 runs or more(Tigers won 12-11 yesterday vs the Twins)

Play on the Detroit Tigers to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

 Mets LH Steven Matz (2-5, 5.77 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (8-7, 3.12)

Phillies stater today vs the NY Mets Nola is finally coming into his own as a Major League Hurler . The 24-year-old right-hander has been over powering in his last nine starts recording a 1.76 ERA, .207 batting average against and a 10.3 K/9 rate since June 22. Meanwhile, Matz his NY Mets southpaw pitching opponent is in a big time funk,  as is evident by garnering a ugly  11.03 ERA in his last six starts. Opponents are hitting .418 with a 1.149 OPS against him during the 22 2/3-inning span and is fade material here in this spot.

NY METS are 21-31  against the money line when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.Phillies are 7-1 in their last 8 during game 3 of a series.Phillies are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. National League East.Mets are 7-21 in their last 28 during game 3 of a series.

MLB Road underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like the Mets - with a slugging percentage of .500 or better over their last 3 games against opponent with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts are 14-63 over the 5 seasons, and have failed to get a win all 5 times this league wide trend has been effect this season. MLB Road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like the Mets - with a slugging percentage of .500 or better over their last 3 games against opponent with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts are 33-109 dating back 5 seasons, and 1-15 this season.

Play on the Philadelphia Phillies to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Indians RH Mike Clevinger (5-4, 4.00 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (8-6, 3.80)

Clevinger the Indians starter returns to the rotation after a brief spell in the bullpen and will make his first start since July 31 in Boston, and now I expect he will have a quality start with a fresh arm. He goes against a TB team that has lost 5 of their L/7 and that has suddenly gone into a offensive slump as is evident by being shut out in 4 of their L/7 games, as was the case yesterday in a 5-0 loss to the Indians. I know the Indians have not been playing all that well of late either, but have consistently shown they can bust out of temporary slumps. CLEVELAND is 41-14  against the money line after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games.

TBs starter -ARCHER has seen his team go 3-12 when he starts   against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season and 4-11 L/15  against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -150 .

Indians are 5-1 in Clevingers last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.Rays are 3-8 in Archers last 11 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.Rays are 0-6 in Archers last 6 starts vs. Indians.

Indians are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Tampa Bay.

Play on the Cleveland Indians to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Cubs RH John Lackey (9-9, 4.81 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (6-5, 3.60)
Lackey has pitched well since the All-Star break, going 4-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four starts.Lackey also owns a 4-0 record and 2.76 ERA in five career starts against Arizona with his team winning all 5 starts. Meanwhile, The DBacks respond, with T Walker who's winless streak reached seven starts after his last trip the hill. The Snakes right hander,  owns a 4.14 ERA in eight starts at home - more than a full run higher than his 3.11 road ERA.

Cubs are 5-0 in Lackeys last 5 starts.Diamondbacks are 0-5 in Walkers last 5 starts.Cubs are 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

ARIZONA is 9-20 L/29  against the money line in home games vs. good power teams - averaging 1.25 or more HR's/game. CHICAGO CUBS are 62-32 L/94  against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -150.

Both these teams are struggling at the moment, but I'm betting the Cubs having the edge here today in the desert.

Play on the Chicago Cubs to win on the moneyline

Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-6, 3.94 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (11-5, 5.00)

Braves starter tonight . Foltynewicz is pitching well, but he was clobbered for seven runs in four innings of a loss to the Cardinals on May 5 in Atlanta. My own cross reference power rankings suggest the Cards batting order matches up very well against the Braves right hander. Note: . The Cardinals outscored the Braves 21-7 in sweeping a three-game series May 5-7 in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Cards starter Wainwright struggled early in the season, but has since righted his ship, and has now won 11 of his L/13 decisions and gives his team a very good chance at victory in this spot.

Braves are 8-21 in their last 29 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.Braves are 0-5 in their last 5 road games.Braves are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a right-handed starter.Braves are 3-8 in Foltynewiczs last 11 starts vs. National League Central.Cardinals are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.Cardinals are 9-2 in their last 11 home games.Cardinals are 41-13 in Wainwrights last 54 starts vs. a team with a losing record.Cardinals are 9-3 in Wainwrights last 12 starts vs. Braves.Braves are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings.

The Cardinals are 19-0 L/19 on the moneyline in the first game of a home series as a favorite of more than 130 after playing as a home favorite when facing a team that has lost at least their last three games with the average margin of victory coming by 4.53 rpg.

Play on the St.Louis Cardinals to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 4.08 ERA) vs. Yankees LH Jaime Garcia (5-8, 4.49)

Since returning from a knee injury July 17, Rodriguez the BoSox starter today is 0-1 with a 5.66 ERA in four starts.  .Meanwhile, Since the All-Star break, Garcia the Yankees starting hurler tonight  is 3-1 with a 4.26 ERA in four starts and gives an edge to the Yanks at home in this spot.

I know the Yankees were shut out yesterday 4-0 by the Jays but, I expect they will rebound in game 1 of this series vs their long time rivals the Bosox.

NY YANKEES are 23-8 L/31  against the money line after a 5 game span where the bullpen ERA was 2.00 or better this season.Yankees are 9-3 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning record.Red Sox are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in New York.

The Red Sox are 0-11 L/11 on the moneyline  as a dog in the first game of a series when they are off a road game in which they had multiple multiple-run innings and it is after the All-Star break losing by an average of 3.27 rpg. 

MLB Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 like the Red Sox - after allowing 2 runs or less 2 straight games against opponent after getting shut out are 108-189 dating back 5 seasons.

Play on the NY Yankees to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

 Indians RH Danny Salazar (4-5, 4.32 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (0-6, 4.98)

Salazar has produced three strong starts since coming off the disabled list and is in top form and pitching some of his best  baseball of the season. Danny Salazar also owns  a 2-0 record and 0.66 ERA at Tropicana Field Meanwhile, the Indians seem to love playing here in Tropicana Field as is evident by winning 7 of their L/8 games here and are my choice here tonight.

Rays starter Snell is   0-5 in his last 5 starts vs. American League Central.

MLB Home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher TB - ice cold hitting team - batting .175 or worse over their last 3 games against opponent ice cold hitting team - batting .225 or worse over their last 10 games are just 14-47 L/61 for a go against 77% conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the Cleveland Indians to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

The Mets have garnered victories in six of their last seven tilts and nine of their last 12 in Philadelphia including a three-game sweep at Citizens Bank Park in April and look primed to grab this game here vs the Phillies again with starting hurler DeGrom on the hill  . The ace of the Mets staff is 5-0 with a 2.34 ERA in nine career starts against the Phillies. ( The Mets have won all 9 of those starts). Meanwhile, his pitching opponent from the Phillies V. Velasquez  is   1-4 with a 5.54 ERA in seven appearances in Philadelphia.Velasquez was slapped around for eight runs over 11 innings over back-to-back starts against the Mets in April and once again looks like fade material.

Mets are 4-0 in deGroms last 4 starts vs. National League East.Mets are 10-2 in deGroms last 12 starts during game 1 of a series.Phillies are 3-9 in Velasquezs last 12 home starts.Mets are 4-0 in deGroms last 4 road starts vs. Phillies.DEGROM is 14-1 L/15  against the money line vs. an NL team with a batting average of .255 or worse in the second half of the season .

Play on the NY Mets to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Yankees RH Sonny Gray (6-6, 3.41 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-7, 5.12)

The Blue Jays bats have been inconsistent  this season, but it must be noted that when NYY starter GRAY goes to the hill, his team is 3-11   against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.4 or less runs/game on the season. GRAY when he starts  is 1-10   against the money line on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 dating back to last season I know Estrada the Jays starter has not had a great season, but he has garnered a tight 2.84 ERA in his L/3 starts, and is capable of holding the Yankees batters down. 

Blue Jays are 6-1 in Estradas last 7 starts vs. Yankees.Yankees are 4-11 in the last 15 meetings in Toronto.

The Yanks are public favorites, so sometimes their lines are skewed, and today, with the unfortunate Sonny Gray on the hill I'm betting we have a value line to bet into with the Jays.

Play on the Toronto Blue Jays to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Padres LH Travis Wood (2-3, 6.49 ERA) vs. Reds RH Asher Wojciechowski (2-1, 4.15)

I am betting on Votto and the Cincinnati offense to unload on Wood tonight and for rookie Wojciechowski to do just enough to get us to the promised land tonight.

Reds are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.Padres are 29-59 in their last 88 road games vs. a right-handed starter.Padres are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.

The Reds are 24-0 L/24 as a home 140+ favorite off a game as a favorite in which they allowed 6+ runs which happened yesterday.

MLB teams with a money line of -100 to -150 like the Reds- after 5 straight games where they had less than 10 hits, with a cold starting pitcher- ERA >= 7.00 over his last 3 starts are long term 158-84 for a 65% conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the Cincinnati Reds to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Cleveland starter today vs Colorado is Trevor Bauer (10-8, 5.00 ERA). Bauer has won each of his past three starts, and has garnered a stingy 2.25 ERA and  is tied with Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco for the team lead in wins. Meanwhile,Right-hander Antonio Senzatela (10-4, 4.78 ERA) will start Wednesday for the Rockies. Over his last five starts, he is 1-2 with an 8.05 ERA and is not in good form.

COLORADO is 3-20 all time  against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.4 or less runs/game in the second half of the season .Rockies are 3-15 in their last 18 road games vs. a right-handed starter.Rockies are 0-4 in Senzatelas last 4 road starts.Rockies  are.e 15-36 in their last 51 interleague road games.Indians are 13-3 in their last 16 home games.Indians are 8-1 in their last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter.Rockies are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Cleveland.

MLB underdogs with a money line of +150 or more like the Rockies- NL team with a low on-base percentage (.350 or less) against a team with a good bullpen (WHIP 1.350 or better), hot hitting team - batting .280 or better over their last 20 games are 22-90 for a go against conversion rate of 81% for bettors .Indians manager FRANCONA is 38-13 L/51 against the money line in home games vs. a starting pitcher whose gives up 1 or more HR's/start .

Play on the Cleveland Indians to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

Birdwell the Orioles starter today is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA. Los Angeles is 9-1 in the games the rookie has pitched this season. Meanwhile, the O's will counter with newly acquired  Hellickson (7-5, 4.45 ERA).

The Orioles took out the Angels yesterday by a 6-2 count wasting Trouts 1000th career hit, and a HR , but today I'm betting they rebound and get us the win.

BALTIMORE is 0-14  against the money line in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or better this season. BRIDWELL team when he starts is 7-1 against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season.BALTIMORE is 0-10  against the money line in road games after 2 straight games where they committed no errors this season. BRIDWELL team when he starts  is 5-0  against the money line against AL East opponents this season.

MLB Home teams when the money line is +125 to -125 like the Halos - team with a terrible OBP (.310 or worse) against a very good starting pitcher (WHIP 1.300 or less ) -AL, with a starting pitcher whose gives up 1 or more HR's/start are 77-38 dating back 20 seasons.

Play on the LA Angels to win on the moneyline 1 unit reg selection

The Pirates starter Kuhl is coming off his best start of the season; he threw seven scoreless innings against the Reds on Thursday. Kuhl has really hit a groove  after a rough start to the season, posting a 2.70 ERA and .620 opponents’ OPS since July 1. The hard throwing hurler,  has not tired easily either ,  as his 96.6-mph average this season on fastballs thrown in the seventh inning or later ranks fourth among all pitchers who have thrown at least 10 of them that late in a game. Meanwhile ,Boyd the Tigers starter  in nine road starts this season,  has posted a bloated 5.61 ERA sand is fade material here today.

Tigers are 0-6 in their last 6 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.Pirates are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter.Pirates are 23-8 in their last 31 interleague home games vs. a team with a losing record.

MLB Home favorites with a money line of -150 or more like the Pirates - cold hitting team - batting .190 or worse over their last 3 games, starting a pitcher who gave up 1 or less earned runs last outing are 74-19 for a 80% conversion rate for bettors dating back 5 seasons.