GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NLCS GAME 3 TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals combined for just six runs through the first two games of this series (both Nats victories), and I think it's safe to say that runs will come at a premium once again here at Nationals Park Monday night. 

Cards 23-year-old righty Jack Flaherty (1-1, 2.77 ERA) was outstanding following the All Star break. He posted a sub-1 ERA in both August and September and was solid in the NLDS against the Braves with four runs allowed and 16 Ks over 13 innings of work. As for Nats starter Stephen Strasburg (2-0, 2.40 ERA), the veteran righty has allowed only four runs with 21 Ks over 15 innings of work in the playoffs this year and he held St. Louis to three runs with 15 Ks over 11-plus frames during the regular season. 

Under is 6-2 in Nationals last 8 overall. Under is 16-6 in Cardinals last 22 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 13-4-2 in Flaherty's last 19 starts overall. Under is 5-2-1 in Strasburg's last 8 starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

NATIONALS @ CARDINALS NLCS GAME 2 *TOP PLAY*

The St. Louis Cardinals were shut out and were no-hit until the seventh inning in the Washington Nationals 2-0 win in the opener of this NLCS Friday night. I expect another low-scoring contest in Game 2. 

Nats righty Max Scherzer (1-0, 2.77 ERA) held the Dodgers to one run and four hits over seven innings in the NLDS and owns a 3.31 ERA in 11 career meetings with the Cards. As for St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright (0-0, 0.00 ERA), the veteran right-hander held Atlanta to four hits over 7 2/3 shutout innings in their NLDS series and he has a 1.35 ERA versus Washington this season. 

Under is 5-1-1 in Scherzer's last 7 road starts. Under is 18-7-1 in Wainwright's last 26 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 8-3 in Cardinals last 11 playoff home games. Under is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

NATS @ CARDS NLCS GAME 1 MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

I think we're getting a more than fair price on the St. Louis Cardinals to win the opener of their National League Championship Series against the Washington Nationals. 

Nats righty Anibal Sanchez (0-0, 1.80 ERA) was tagged with three runs on five hits and a pair of walks in five innings when he took on the Cardinals back in April. He could be in trouble here against a team that is batting .251 in the postseason with Marcell Ozuna (9-for-21, three doubles, two homers, five RBI) and Paul Goldschmidt (9-for-21, two homers) leading the way. As for Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas (1-0, 1.50 ERA), the right-hander went 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA against the Nationals during the regular season. 

Cardinals are 6-2 in Mikolas' last 8 starts and 7-2 in the last nine meetings with Washington. 

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

CARDINALS @ BRAVES NLDS GAME 5 TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Atlanta Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals for the finale of their NLDS Wednesday. The pitching matchup is the same as in Game 2, a contest the Braves won 3-0, and I predict another low-scoring encounter. 

Cards righty Jack Flaherty (11-8, 2.75 ERA) had an epic second half of the season during which he went 7-2 with a minuscule 0.91 ERA. Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz (8-6, 4.54 ERA) outdueled Flaherty in Game 2 with seven shutout innings and he had a 1.73 ERA over his last seven regular-season starts.

Under is 13-3-2 in Flaherty's last 18 starts overall. Under is 15-7-1 in Braves last 23 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Foltynewicz's last 6 starts overall. Under is 16-5 in Cardinals last 21 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ASTROS @ RAYS SIDE

The Tampa Bay Rays fought off elimination with a 10-3 win in Monday's Game 3, but I think they'll come up well short here in Game 4.

The Houston Astros watched the Yankees sweep the Twins last night, and they'll be looking to close this series ASAP to avoid a rest disadvantage for the ALCS. 

Houston ace Justin Verlander (1-0, 0.00 ERA) knocked out eight through seven innings of a 6-2 Astros win in the opener of this series, and he is 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 10 career starts at Tropicana Field. As for the Rays, they'll open with Diego Castillo who had little success as an opener during the regular season (6.15 ERA in six outings). 

The Astros was 12-3 against the runline as a road favorite of -220 or more during the regular season. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees have played high-scoring contests when facing each other all season long, and the playoffs have been no exception. I expect runs to come fast and easy once again here in Game 3 of their ALDS Monday night. 

Yankees righty Luis Severino (1-1, 1.50 ERA) has pitched just 12 innings this year after missing most of it due to shoulder and lat injuries. He has up a pair of runs on one hit and four walks in three innings of a 9-4 loss at Texas on September 28 and Severino has a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against the Twins.

Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi (15-7, 3.51 ERA) owns a 4.71 ERA in 18 career outings (17 starts) against the Yankees and he was tagged for nine runs on 10 hits in just four innings when he took on the Bronx Bombers here at Target Field back in July. This is a do-or-die spot for the Twins as they face elimination, and I think they'll bring the bats (as per usual). 

Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings, 16-5 in Severino's last 21 starts overall and 7-1-2 in Twins last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MLB MONEYLINE

I absolutely love the price we get on the LA Dodgers as they seek to earn back home advantage in this NLDS after splitting two games home in Chavez Ravine. Here they'll come up against Washington righty Max Scherzer (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who surrendered three runs on four hits (two homers) through five innings of a 6-0 Dodgers win in the series opener. As for Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-5, 2.32 ERA), the left-hander held the Nats to one run and nine hits in two regular season starts covering 14 2/3 innings. 

Washington won the last matchup 4-2, but note that the Dodgers are 22-6 in Ryu's last 28 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game and 17-4 in Ryu's last 21 Sunday starts.

Edit: The Nats have since made a pitching change to Anibal Sanchez (11-8, 3.85 ERA). A motivated LAD team should have no issues to score runs off the veteran who finished the regular season with a 4.24 ERA home at Nationals Park.  

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

SATURDAY ALDS TWINS @ YANKEES TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

We saw a total of 14 runs scored in the opener of this ALDS, and that was with a better pitching matchup than Randy Dobnak vs. Masahiro Tanaka who will take the mound for Game 2. 

On the surface Minnesota righty Dobnak (2-1, 1.59 ERA) has a great ERA, but that mostly boils down to the fact that he has just 28 1/3 big league innings under his belt. As for Yankees righty Tanaka (11-9, 4.45 ERA), while he certainly has more experience, note his mediocre 4.32 ERA in five starts last month. 

Both the Yankees and Twins topped 300 homers during the regular season, and both teams ability to hit the long ball will certainly help to push the score over the total. 

Over is 6-2 in Yankees last 8 playoff home games and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with the Twins (8-2 in the last 10 meetings in the Bronx). 

10* play on OVER. 

MLB PLAYOFFS TOTAL OF THE YEAR 2019

I absolutely love the line we get on the total here in the opener of their ALDS against the New York Yankees, and I expect the final score to fly over the posted total with ease. 

Minnesota righty Jose Berrios (14-8, 3.68 ERA) will make his first postseason start after posting a 4.31 ERA in five September starts. Berrios is 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 17 road starts on the season but has had his struggles with the Yankees overall, and particularly in the Bronx where he has a 9.82 ERA in two starts. 

Southpaw James Paxton (15-6, 3.82 ERA) will also be making his postseason debut for the Yankees. He exited his last start after the first inning in Texas on Sept. 27 due to soreness in his left glute muscle, but only after allowing two runs on three hits. 

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and the two teams combined for 20 home runs and 57 runs in a three-game series in Minnesota back in July. 

10* play on OVER. 

CARDINALS @ BRAVES NLDS OPENER *MAJOR WAGER*

I like the Atlanta Braves as a home favorite here in the opener of this National League Divisional Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cards were just one game above .500 on the road during the regular season and right-hander Miles Mikolas (9-14, 4.16 ERA) went 4-8 with a 5.40 ERA in his seven road starts. As for Braves starter Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 3.75 ERA), the left-hander posted a 2.74 ERA in 10 home starts and he is 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 career postseason outings while this will be Mikolas playoff debut. 

The Braves won four of six meetings during the regular season and I think this is a good enough price to back the home team to get it done. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD BOOKIE BLASTER

I like the Oakland Athletics to get the better of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Wild card game. 

Tampa Bay righty Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 ERA) has owned Oakland this season, but he has never won at the Coliseum. He could also be worn down after putting in nearly 200 innings and note his 7.52 ERA over his last five road starts. 

As for A's ace Sean Manaea (4-0, 1.21 ERA), the left-hander should be fairly fresh. Manaea has made just five regular-season starts covering 29 2/3 innings this year after missing nearly 12 months following surgery on a torn labrum. 

The Rays are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter while the A's are 20-8 in their last 28 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS NL WILD CARD *MAJOR WAGER*

The Washington Nationals will host the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Tuesday night. I think it's safe to assume that runs will come at a premium. 

Washington has had bullpen issues most of the season, but their starters are as solid as they come (second-best ERA in baseball). In a one-and-done game like this, we can most likely expect to see Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin come out of the pen to relieve starter Max Scherzer (11-7, 2.92 ERA). As for the Brewers, they'll hand the ball to Brandon Woodruff (11-3, 3.62 ERA) who has allowed just seven runs over his last six outings. He'll be well rested after making just two abbreviated starts in September and last pitched on September 22. 

Under is 23-11-2 in Brewers last 36 overall. Under is 6-2 in Woodruff's last 8 starts with 8 or more days of rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED BRAVES @ METS TOTAL

I think the scorekeepers will have a quiet afternoon at Citi Field here on the last day of the regular season. 

Mets righty Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.30 ERA) will be looking to close out the year with a solid start after getting roughed up in recent outings while Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (13-4, 2.60 ERA) need to stay sharp for the postseason. Soroka has limited the Mets to five runs on 13 hits in 12 1/3 innings on the season and we should expect another strong outing here.

Under is 13-4-1 in Braves last 18 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 9-3-1 in Mets last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Soroka's last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT ASTROS @ ANGELS TOTAL

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels used a combined 18 pitchers in yesterday's 12 inning affair. With a pair of rookie starters and tired arms on both sides, I would not be surprised to see runs dripping in both early and late in this contest. 

Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-3, 5.25 ERA) rarely goes deep into the games and has not pitched more than 61 pitches in any of his last four starts. He gave up three runs in three innings of an 8-4 Halos win at Houston last week. As for Houston starter Jose Urquidy (1-1, 4.63 ERA), the 24-year-old right-hander has made just eight appearances (six starts) on the season. Two of those outings were against the Angels with Urquidy getting tagged with six runs on 12 hits over 5 1/3 frames. 

Over is 9-2-1 in Angels last 12 Friday games. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED TGIF MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *MAJOR WAGER*

The Minnesota Twins have already clinched the division, but they're showing no signs of slowing down and put a 10-4 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. They'll visit the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I expect to see a high-scoring contest. 

KC left-hander Eric Skoglund (0-2, 7.50 ERA) has pitched just 18 innings on the season but has still managed to give up as many as 21 hits, eight walks, and three home runs. He'll face a Twins team that leads the major leagues in several offensive categories and became the first major league team to hit 300 home runs in a season last night. 

As for Minnesota starter José Berríos (13-8, 3.70 ERA), the right-hander surrendered five runs and eight hits over six innings against Kansas City on Saturday. Berrios has not been sharp in recent months, posting a 7.57 ERA in August and a 4.62 ERA so far here in September. 

Over is 10-3 in Royals last 13 home games. The over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER

Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox put the division title out of reach for the Cleveland Indians. They still have a shot at making the postseason, but can not afford another slip-up as they enter Thursday trailing the wild card-leading Rays by two games and Oakland by 1 1/2 games for the second wild card. 

Tonight Cleveland hands the ball to right-hander Aaron Civale (3-3, 1.82 ERA) who's having a great rookie season. He has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his nine career starts and limited Detroit to one run on four hits in 7 2/3 innings last time out. As for White Sox starter Dylan Cease (4-7, 5.79 ERA), the right-hander has not had quite as an impressive rookie season as Civale, and he was tagged with four runs through 6 2/3 innings when he took on Cleveland earlier on September 3. 

Every game is a must-win game for the Tribe down the stretch, and I expect a big win for the visitors in this one. 

10* play on Cleveland Indians. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED BREWERS @ REDS MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Brewers have outscored the Cincinnati Reds 13-4 through the first two games of this series, but I would not be surprised to see their bats take the day off after clinching a playoff spot last night. 

Here they'll face Reds righty Luis Castillo (15-7, 3.25 ERA) who owns a 3.86 ERA in four starts against the Brewers this season. Milwaukee right-hander Chase Anderson (7-4, 4.30 ERA) has less than impressive numbers against the Reds in 2019, but note that he's held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four starts. 

Under is 21-10-1 in Brewers last 32 overall. Under is 10-4-2 in Reds last 16 overall. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Great American Ballpark.

10* play on UNDER. 

RED SOX @ RANGERS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox win Tuesday's matchup with the Texas Rangers 12-10, and I think we'll see another slugfest when the two teams clash in the second contest of a three-game series at Arlington. 

Texas rookie left-hander Kolby Allard (4-1, 4.25 ERA) has a 7.36 ERA in three starts at home while Boston veteran righty Rick Porcello (13-12, 5.56 ERA) has a 5.26 ERA in 12 road starts on the season. We can also note that Porcello's 5.56 ERA overall is second worst among all qualified starters in the majors. 

Over is 7-0-1 in Red Sox last 8 overall and 11-1 in Porcello's last 12 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 10-3 in Rangers last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Yes, this is a big number, but note that the over/under is 5-3 in Red Sox's games with a total of 11½ or higher this season. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays have combined for 12+ runs in five straight meetings, and I am confident we'll see yet another high-scoring affair Wednesday night.

Toronto righty Jacob Waguespack (4-4. 4.75 ERA) has struggled in recent weeks, posting a 5.67 ERA over his last six starts. His very last time out, the 25-year-old served up two homers as he was tagged with three runs in five innings in the Bronx. As for Baltimore starter Gabriel Ynoa (1-9, 5.65 ERA), the right-hander has made most of his appearances out of the bullpen, and he is 0-8 with a 6.12 ERA in 12 starts this season. Ynoa has served up six homers over his last four starts, including a pair in an 8-4 loss at Toronto last time out. 

Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 overall. Over is 9-2-1 in Blue Jays last 12 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Minnesota Twins could clinch an American League Central Division championship with a win over Detroit and a Cleveland loss to the Chicago White Sox. I expect a motivated Twins team to do their part of the equation.   

Minnesota rookie right-hander Randy Dobnak (1-1, 2.01 ERA) has made just four career starts and covered 22 1/3 innings overall this season, but he's been solid. The 24-year-old held KC to one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings his last time out for his first career win. As for Detroit starter Daniel Norris (3-13, 4.58 ERA), the left-hander has worked just three innings in seven consecutive starts. That's likely to be the case here as well, and then he'll hand over the ball to Detroit bullpen that has an ERA that ranks in the bottom third of the major leagues. 

Tigers are 15-61 in their last 76 games vs. a right-handed starter and 5-21 in Norris' last 26 home starts. Twins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Detroit.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

$20 SPECIAL TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE 

The Chicago Cubs enter Tuesday in dire need of a win after getting swept by St. Louis in a four-game series to put them four games out of a wild card in the National League.

Luckily for the Cubbies, they'll face a Pittsburgh team that has lost nine straight games and unlikely to be able to put up much of a fight here with several regulars out of the lineup because of injuries. 

Pittsburgh rookie righty Mitch Keller (1-5, 7.74 ERA) is 0-4 over his past six starts, a stretch that started with six runs allowed over 4 1/3 innings of a 7-1 loss to the Cubs on August 18. Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.37 ERA) has a 2.25 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh this year.

The Cubs have won 11 of the last 16 matchups with the Pirates and they're a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays combined for at least 12 runs three straight games at Camden Yards last week. I think runs will come fast and easy again here in the opener of this three-game set at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Toronto righty Clay Buchholz (1-5, 6.48 ERA) was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings of no decision against Baltimore last time out, a game the Jays still managed to win 11-10. As for Orioles starter Chandler Shepherd (0-0, 4.91 ERA), the 27-year-old right-hander has just three major league starts under his belt, and he was smacked around for three runs on four hits over four frames against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. 

Over is 5-2-2 in Orioles last 9 Monday games. Over is 9-2 in Blue Jays last 11 Monday games. Over is 6-0-1 in Blue Jays last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 7-2-1 in Blue Jays last 10 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

This will be the Atlanta Braves' final home game of the regular season, and I think they'll be amped up and ready put on a show for the home town crowd. 

San Francisco starter Logan Webb (1-2, 6.51 ERA) has made just six career starts, and the 22-year-old rookie is 0-2 with a 10.22 ERA over his last three. As for Atlanta starter Dallas Keuchel (8-6, 3.63 ERA), the veteran southpaw had allowed just four runs during a 5-0 six-game stretch before being tagged with five runs in a 5-4 loss against Philadelphia last time out. 

Braves are 13-3 in their last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter and Keuchel owns a solid 2.72 ERA in nine home starts on the season. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP RATED GIANTS @ BRAVES SATURDAY NIGHT TOTAL

Saturday's matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves have all the signs of a low-scoring affair.  

Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto (1-0, 0.00 ERA) has been excellent since coming back from Tommy John surgery with two scoreless outings covering a total of 10 frames. Braves' southpaw Max Fried (16-6, 4.25 ERA) has been knocked around for five runs in both of his last two outings, but both were on the road. Fried owns a 3.42 ERA in 14 starts at SunTrust Park this year and under is 5-1-1 in his last 7 home starts.

Under is 6-2 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 8-2 in Braves last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SAT NIGHT RUNLINE

The Milwaukee Brewers have won 13 of their last 15 after putting a 10-1 beating on the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night. Still, every remaining game is a must-win game for the Brewers down the stretch as they look to hang on to one of the wild cards in the National League, and I expect a focused Brew Crew side to get the W here. 

The Buccs are losers of six straight games and have not covered the runline in any of those contests. Here they'll start 26-year-old rookie right-hander James Marvel (0-2, 9.00 ERA) who has just two career starts under his belt, and his hideous ERA should tell you how they went. As for Milwaukee starter Zach Davies (10-7, 3.70 ERA), the Brewers have won and covered the runline in each of his last four starts with the right-hander allowing only five earned runs through 19 innings of work.

10* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TGIF MLB 3-PACK

The Miami Marlins are averaging 3.76 runs per game on the season, and here they'll face a hot pitcher in Anibal Sanchez (9-8, 3.86 ERA) who is coming off seven scoreless innings against Atlanta. Under is 5-2 in Sanchez's last 7 road starts and he owns a solid 3.31 ERA in three starts against the Marlins this season.

As for Miami starter Robert Dugger (0-2, 3.95 ERA), the 24-year-old righty owns a 1.80 ERA in two starts home at Marlins Park on the season and he has three quality starts in five tries overall this season. 

Miami's season ended a long time ago while the Nats are trying to hold on to one of the wild cards in the National League. While I don't think we'll see a ton of runs scored between the two teams, the Nats will put up enough to win this contest by at least two runs. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

TGIF MLB 3-PACK

The Miami Marlins are averaging 3.76 runs per game on the season, and here they'll face a hot pitcher in Anibal Sanchez (9-8, 3.86 ERA) who is coming off seven scoreless innings against Atlanta. Under is 5-2 in Sanchez's last 7 road starts and he owns a solid 3.31 ERA in three starts against the Marlins this season.

As for Miami starter Robert Dugger (0-2, 3.95 ERA), the 24-year-old righty owns a 1.80 ERA in two starts home at Marlins Park on the season and he has three quality starts in five tries overall this season. 

Miami's season ended a long time ago while the Nats are trying to hold on to one of the wild cards in the National League. While I don't think we'll see a ton of runs scored between the two teams, the Nats will put up enough to win this contest by at least two runs. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TGIF MLB 3-PACK

There will be plenty at stake for both teams in this interleague series with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians still hoping to make the postseason. With no lack of motivation, I expect to see two focused teams play out a low-scoring game. 

Phillies left-hander Drew Smyly (4-6, 6.22 ERA) blanked the New York Mets for seven innings his last time out on the road and under is 4-1 in Smyly's last 5 road starts.

Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (14-7, 3.26 ERA) should be primed to bounce back from his worst outing of the season. Bieber had held the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox to a combined three runs over 14 frames in his last two starts prior to that. 

Under is 10-2 in Indians last 12 overall and 4-1 in Phillies last 5 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Minnesota Twins' bats took the night off and generated just one run on three hits in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. I expect them to come back in full force here and put a beating on the Kansas City Royals. 

The Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and here they'll face a Royals team that is just 27-50 on the road. The visitors hand the ball to left-hander Mike Montgomery (3-9, 4.70 ERA) who has an ugly 7.85 ERA through 36-plus innings of work on the road this season. He has served up 12 homers over those frames, and Minnesota leads the majors with a single-season record 289 home runs ... 

Minnesota counters with Kyle Gibson (13-7, 4.76 ERA) who will make his second start and third appearance since returning from a 12-day stint on the injured list. Gibson has not been sharp in recent starts, but a matchup with KC could be just what the doctor ordered as he is 2-0 with a 3.26 ERA in three starts against the Royals this season.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

TIGERS @ INDIANS TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both sides when the Detroit Tigers visit the Cleveland Indians Thursday evening. Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger (11-3, 2.68 ERA) has not given up more than two earned runs in his past six outings and he has held the Tigers to one run in 14 innings while striking out 22 this season. As for Detroit starter Daniel Norris (3-12, 4.62 ERA), the left-hander has had his struggles with Cleveland, but he held Baltimore scoreless on one hit on Saturday. 

Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 overall and  9-2-1 in their last 12 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 10-2 in Indians last 12 overall and 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

8* play on UNDER. 

PHILLIES @ BRAVES TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both sides when the Atlanta Braves visit the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday afternoon. 

Philadelphia righty Aaron Nola (12-5, 3.62 ERA) struck out nine while allowing just one run in seven innings of a 2-1 Phillies loss to the Red Sox last time out. Under is 7-1 in Braves last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter. As for Atlanta starter Mike Soroka (12-4, 2.57 ERA), the right-hander is having a tremendous year and fired six shutout innings of one-hit ball against Washington last time out. Under is 7-3-1 in Phillies last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Under is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 overall. Under is 20-8-1 in Braves last 29 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S BEST REGULAR SEASON TOTAL 2019

The Minnesota Twins came from behind not only once, but twice in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Chicago White Sox. I am extremely confident that this matchup will be another wild high-scoring affair. 

Here they'll get a look at White Sox righty Ivan Nova (10-12, 4.86 ERA) for an inning or two as Dylan Covey, who originally was scheduled to start Wednesday, has been scratched due to a sore shoulder. Nova gave up five runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings in Chicago's 11-10 loss at Seattle on Sunday. As for Twins righty Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.60 ERA), he has been solid lately but has not made it past the sixth inning in any of his last 10 starts. We can note that both teams were forced to dig deep into the bullpen in last night's marathon ...

Over is 6-2 in White Sox last 8 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY (EARLY START)

The Oakland Athletics have plenty on the line down the stretch as they're in a tight race with Cleveland and Tampa Bay for the two wild cards in the American League. I like them to come away with a comfortable win here, facing a KC team with left-hander Danny Duffy on the mound. 

Duffy (6-6, 4.55 ERA) is coming off a pair of solid outings, but he's still struggled with his command and issued six walks across those two games. Duffy has also had trouble with the long ball, serving up seven homers over his last five starts, and that could spell big trouble here against the A's who are one of the home run happiest team in baseball. 

As for Oakland starter Homer Bailey (13-8, 4.76 ERA), the 33-year-old righty has been sharp in recent months and held opponents to two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts. Bailey is 3-0 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts at Oakland Coliseum on the season, with Oakland winning four of those contests.  

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

TOP RATED TUESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE MAJOR WAGER

The Colorado Rockies defeated the NY Mets 9-4 in Monday night's opener of this three-game set. The Mets will now enter Tuesday five games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card in the National League with just 12 games remaining. I do not think they're ready to give up on the season just yet though, particularly not with Marcus Stroman on the mound Tuesday night. 

Stroman (8-13, 3.35 ERA) is coming off six-plus innings of one-run ball against Arizona and the team has won five of his eight starts since coming over from Toronto. The losses came against Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia x 2, two teams far stronger than the 66-85 Rockies. 

As for Colorado starter Tim Melville (2-2, 5.16 ERA), the 29-year-old right-hander has just nine major league starts under his belt, and he has allowed 10 runs on 12 hits (five homers over his last five innings here at Coors Field. 

Mets are 15-5 in their last 20 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 15-6 in their last 21 Tuesday games. Rockies are 1-10 in their last 11 Tuesday games.

10* play on New York Mets. 

MLB 3-PACK

Huge edge for the Minnesota Twins here as they continue their quest on locking up the American League Central crown.

White Sox left-hander Ross Detwiler (2-5, 6.79 ERA) has an ugly 6.43 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Twins this year while Twins left-hander Martin Perez (10-7, 4.89 ERA) held the White Sox to three runs in six innings in his lone meeting with the team. 

White Sox are 2-9 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record and 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Twins are 52-20 in their last 72 vs. a team with a losing record and they've won nine of the last 11 encounters with the White Sox here at Target Field. 

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

MARINERS @ PIRATES TUESDAY NIGHT $20 SPECIAL

Neither the Pittsburgh Pirates nor the Seattle Mariners are heading to the postseason, and I think we're getting value on the underdog here considering questionable motivation for both sides. 

Mariners' left-hander Marco Gonzales (15-11, 4.30 ERA) is having a great year (by his standards) and held Cincinnati to two runs through seven innings last time out. This will make his first career start against the Pirates who turn to the struggling rookie right-hander Mitch Keller (1-4, 8.29 ERA) who was tagged with five runs and nine hits in five innings in a 5-4 loss to San Francisco last time out. 

Pirates are 5-14 in their last 19 games vs. a left-handed starter. Seattle has won four of its past six games and it is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings with the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

TOP RATED MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Twins look like a good favorite here in the opener of a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox in Minneapolis. 

Twins righty Jose Berrios (12-8, 3.63 ERA) is coming off seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball in a 5-0 win against Washington. Berrios is 10-2 with a 2.40 ERA in 13 career starts against the White Sox, and he has limited them to 16 runs over 27 innings of work (3.00 ERA) this season. As for White Sox starter Reynaldo Lopez (9-13, 5.35), the right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.30 ERA in six career starts against the Twins. 

The White Sox have dropped four of their last five games and should not stand much of a chance here against an amped up Twins team who will be looking to take one step closer to the division title. 

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUPER EARLY MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER*

The Detroit Tigers earned Saturday's matchup 8-4 with a John Hicks walk-off grand slam in the 12th inning, and I thinke they look primed to play out another high-scoring contest here in the third game of this four-game series on Sunday. 

Detroit right-hander Edwin Jackson (3-9, 9.76 ERA) allowed six runs in just two innings against the Yankees last time out (game Detroit still won 12-11) has been tagged with four earned runs in five consecutive starts. Over is 6-2-1 in Jackson's last 9 home starts. 

As for Baltimore starter Asher Wojciechowski (2-8, 5.51 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in just two innings of a 10-4 home loss to Texas last time out. He has a 7.05 ERA over his last eight starts and over is 7-2 in Wojciechowski's last 9 starts. 

Over is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game and runs should come fast and easy for both teams here.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SATURDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers combined for 13 runs through the first three frames alone in Friday night's matchup. Neither starting pitcher made it to the fourth inning, and with depleted bullpens I think we'll see another high-scoring affair on Saturday. 

Additionally, we can note that Oakland starter Mike Fiers (14-4, 3.97 ERA) was tagged with nine runs on as many hits with five homers while recording just three outs in a 15-0 loss to Houston last time out. In his last start prior to that, he gave up four runs in five innings while serving up two homers against the Halos. 

As for Texas starter Mike Minor (13-3, 3.08 ERA), the 31-year-old southpaw is coming off eight innings of two-run ball at Baltimore, but his ERA at home is higher than on the road and over is 4-1 in Minor's last five home starts.

Over is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in Texas and 12-5 in the last 17 meetings overall.

10* play on OVER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off back-to-back losses at Texas, but I like them to bounce back here in the opener of a three-game series against the Halos. 

Angels' left-hander Andrew Heaney (4-4, 4.30 ERA) has been roughed up in his two most recent starts, and here he'll face a motivated Rays team that is 11-3 in their last 14 overall and trying to cling on to one of the wild cards in the American League. 

As for Tampa Bay starter Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.11 ERA), the right-hander has recorded eight strikeouts or more in six of his last nine starts. The Rays are 8-0 in Morton's last eight road starts vs. a team with a losing record and Morton is 3-1 with a 4.31 ERA in eight career starts against the Angels.

LAA has scored a total of just six runs during an 0-4 slide, and I think we're getting a great price on the better team with arguably the better pitcher. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

ATHLETICS @ RANGERS FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Texas Rangers have averaged more than seven runs scored over their last six games. Here they'll face Oakland righty Chris Bassitt (10-5, 3.64 ERA) who gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings his last visit here at Globe Life Park back in June. Bassitt is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against Texas.

As for Texas starter Brock Burke (0-1, 3.52 ERA), the 23-year-old rookie southpaw has made just three major league starts, and he was smacked around for six runs through five innings against the Orioles last time out. 

Over is 4-0 in Bassitt's last 4 starts overall. Over is 8-3 in Rangers last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings at Globe Life Park.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the division wrapped up, but they still can't be happy with yesterday's 7-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. I like the Dodgers to bounce back with a big win here on Thursday. 

Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (6-13, 5.06 ERA) has been tagged with nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits through 12 innings of work in his last two starts. He has served up three homers during that stretch and 28 homers in 144 innings on the season, which could spell trouble against the homer happy Dodgers. 

As for LA starter Rich Hill (4-1, 2.55 ERA), the left-hander will make his first start since June 19, having recovered from a flexor tendon injury. He was 3-0 in his last four starts (all Dodgers wins) with only five runs allowed over 20 innings of work before going on the IL, and the team cover the runline in all those games. 

In addition to the Dodgers to cover the runline, I also think this contest score will fly over the posted total.

8* play on LA Dodgers. 

DODGERS @ ORIOLES TOTAL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the division wrapped up, but they still can't be happy with yesterday's 7-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. I like the Dodgers to bounce back with a big win here on Thursday.

Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (6-13, 5.06 ERA) has been tagged with nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits through 12 innings of work in his last two starts. He has served up three homers during that stretch and 28 homers in 144 innings on the season, which could spell trouble against the home run happy Dodgers.

As for LA starter Rich Hill (4-1, 2.55 ERA), the left-hander will make his first start since June 19, having recovered from a flexor tendon injury. He was 3-0 in his last four starts (all Dodgers wins) with only five runs allowed over 20 innings of work before going on the IL, and the team covered the runline in all those games.

In addition to the Dodgers to cover the runline, I also think this contest score will fly over the posted total.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY (RUNLINE)

The Colorado Rockies have won the first two games of this series by identical 2-1 scores, but I think the St. Louis Cardinals look like a solid road favorite here in the finale of a three-game series. 

The Rockies hand the ball to 29-year old right-hander Tim Melville (2-1, 3.66 ERA) who has made just four starts on the season. He gave up five runs on seven hits in just two innings of an 11-4 loss to Pittsburgh his last time out here at Coors Field. As for Cardinals' starter Miles Mikolas (8-13, 4.25 ERA), the righty has pitched very well lately allowing a total of only five runs on 11 hits while covering 17 innings over his last three starts. 

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

WEDNESDAY TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detroit Tigers claimed Tuesday night's matchup 12-11, but I like the Bronx Bombers to bounce back with a big win here on Wednesday. 

CC Sabathia (5-8, 4.93 ERA) will come off the injured list and take the ball for the Yankees. He got through a bullpen session on Monday without any issues. "This is way better than I thought," Sabathia told reporters. "I didn't think I was going to get to this point, not with this knee. I think we knew coming into this season, it was going to be a battle. To still be able to have a chance to make starts is all I wanted." Sabathia may not go all that many innings, but we can note that the solid Yankee right-hander Domingo German (17-4, 4.21 ERA) is expected to be the first reliever out of the bullpen.

As for Detroit starter Matthew Boyd (8-10, 4.57 ERA), the left-hander has struggled since the All Star break and he has surrendered eight runs on 16 hits (four homers) over 12 1/3 innings of work in his last two starts alone. 

The Yankees are 8-2 SU (7-3 against the runline) as a favorite of -190 or more and coming off a loss. 

10* play on New York Yankees. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Seattle Mariners earned a 4-3 win in Tuesday night's matchup thanks to a two-run homer from Kyle Seager in the eighth inning. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings, and I think we have a solid case for another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday. 

Seattle southpaw Marco Gonzales (14-11, 4.37 ERA) has been lit up in back-to-back starts, but both were on the road. Gonzalez limited the Blue Jays to one run on three hits over seven innings of a 3-1 win his last time out at T-Mobile Park, and he has held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four home starts. 

The Reds counter with right-hander Sonny Gray (10-6, 2.75 ERA) has had a great second half of the season, and he has held opponents to one or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts, with four of those outings being of the scoreless variety. 

Under is 4-1 in Reds last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in Mariners last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.

I also think we're getting a good enough price to back the Reds as a road favorite. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

LATE TOP RATED 10* MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE TOTAL

The Seattle Mariners earned a 4-3 win in Tuesday night's matchup thanks to a two-run homer from Kyle Seager in the eighth inning. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings, and I think we have a solid case for another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday. 

Seattle southpaw Marco Gonzales (14-11, 4.37 ERA) has been lit up in back-to-back starts, but both were on the road. Gonzalez limited the Blue Jays to one run on three hits over seven innings of a 3-1 win his last time out at T-Mobile Park, and he has held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four home starts. 

The Reds counter with right-hander Sonny Gray (10-6, 2.75 ERA) has had a great second half of the season, and he has held opponents to one or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts, with four of those outings being of the scoreless variety. 

Under is 4-1 in Reds last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in Mariners last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

PIRATES @ GIANTS TUESDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to earn a 6-4 win. I expect the home team to bounce back here at Oracle Park Tuesday night. 

The Giants hand the ball to Johnny Cueto for his first start of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Cueto was 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 2018 and he has dominated Pittsburgh over his career with an outstanding 2.19 ERA in 30 starts. He might be rusty, but considering his career numbers against Pittsburgh I still like the Giants. 

As for Pirates starter Mitch Keller (1-3, 8.18 ERA), the 23-year old rookie has been lit up for six or more runs in four of seven starts before getting knocked out early when catching a line drive off the bat in the second inning his last time out. 

Pirates are 2-6 in Kellers last 8 starts. Giants are 12-4 in Cuetos last 16 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

10* play on San Francisco Giants. 

DIAMONDBACKS @ METS TUESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The New York Mets opened this series with a 3-1 win, and I think Game Tuesday night will be another low-scoring affair. 

Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen (3-4, 2.50 ERA) is coming off the best start of his rookie season as he allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings in a 4-1 victory over the Padres last time out. He has posted a 2.25 ERA in six starts since coming over from Miami with five games going under the total and one push during that stretch. 

As for Mets' starter Zack Wheeler (10-7, 4.33 ERA), the 29-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.42 ERA in eight starts since coming off the injured list and he held the Nats to one run over five innings last time out. Wheeler is 3-1 with a 2.82 ERA in six career starts against the Diamondbacks. 

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings at Citi Field. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Boston Red Sox will be looking to get back on track following three straight home losses to the Yankees and getting shut outin the finale of the four-game series Monday. 

The Red Sox are 6-1 in right-hander Nathan Eovaldi's last 7 road starts. Eovaldi (1-0, 5.77 ERA) is 1-1 with a 3.90 ERA in five career games (four starts) versus Toronto who counters with righty T.J. Zeuch (0-0, 4.50) who will make his first major league start. He could certainly have asked for an easier opponent as facing a Boston team off a loss (never mind three!) often spells disaster for the opposing pitcher. I seriously doubt the Jays bats will be able to give 24-year old Zeuch the help he needs. 

The Blue Jays have lost seven straight and the Red Sox are 20-6 in the last 26 meetings in Toronto. 

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

CUBS @ PADRES TOTAL MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The under is 7-2-1 in the Chicago Cubs last 10 overall while the San Diego Padres have played five straight unders. I think we have good reasons to believe that runs will be hard to come by for both teams Monday night as well. 

San Diego's rookie Cal Quantrill (6-6, 4.57 ERA) has been lit up for 16 runs on 18 hits and four walks in just 9 1/3 innings over his last two starts (against Arizona and LA Dodgers). I think the 24-year-old right-hander will bounce back with a solid outing here against a Cubs team that has scored just seven runs over its last three games. 

The Cubs counter with Kyle Hendricks (9-9, 3.39 ERA) who has held eight of his last 10 opponents to two or fewer runs, with three scoreless outings. Hendricks has a 5-2 career record in nine starts against the Padres, with a 2.98 ERA. 

Under is 21-7 in Hendricks' last 28 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-0 in Padres last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

PIRATES @ GIANTS TOTAL

The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings, and I think we'll see another low-scoring affair when the San Francisco Giants host the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night.

Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams (7-6, 5.16 ERA) owns a 1.42 ERA in three career starts against San Francisco, and he has its current roster limited to a .195 batting average over 41 at bats. As for Giants' starter Madison Bumgarner (9-8, 3.81 ERA), the left-hander owns a 3.22 ERA in eight career matchups with the Pirates.

We can also note that Pittsburgh was shut out in a 2-0 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, and under is 10-4-1 in Bumgarner's last 15 starts when the opponent scored two or fewer runs in its previous game.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY *BIG BET ALERT*

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the division more or less wrapped up, but they should be triggered and motivated for this one after getting blanked on Saturday to make it back-to-back losses to the Giants.

Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias (4-3, 2.55 ERA) owns a 1.47 ERA over 30 2/3 innings of work versus San Francisco who counters with Dereck Rodriguez. 

Rodriguez (5-8, 5.15 ERA) has been rocked in previous meetings with the Dodgers and don't let his seven innings of one-run ball (a solo homer) at St. Louis last time out fool you; the 27-year-old righty had allowed 11 runs on 14 hits (four home runs) over just nine innings in his last two starts prior to that. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

PHILLIES @ METS TOTAL

I think Sunday's matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the NY Mets will be of the low-scoring variety, particularly with it being a "Getaway Day" for the home team. 

Phillies righty Vince Velasquez (6-7, 4.80 ERA) has allowed only three runs over his last two starts while Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (10-7, 3.97 ERA) is coming off seven scoreless innings against the Nats. 

Under is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 7-3-1 in Syndergaard's last 11 Sunday starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays combined for 10 runs in the opener of this series, but the next two games have both been low-scoring affairs staying under the total. I think runs will come at a premium in the finale of this four-game series Sunday afternoon. 

The under is 6-1-1 in Toronto's rookie right-hander Jacob Waguespack (4-3, 3.97 ERA) last eight starts, and he has limited Tampa Bay to five earned runs over 15 innings of work this season. 

As for Rays' starter Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.86 ERA), this will be his first appearance since May 10 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm, but we can note that the under is 12-3-3 in Glasnow's last 18 starts and that he'll face a Blue Jays team that scored just 12 runs during a six-game slide. 

Under is 5-1-1 in Blue Jays last 7 overall. Under is 4-1 in Rays last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE *TOP PLAY*

The San Francisco stunned the LA Dodgers with a 5-4 win on Friday. I expect the home team to bounce back with a multiple-run triumph on Saturday. 

Dodgers rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin (2-1, 2.89 ERA) has made just six major league appearances (five starts), but apart from his debut, they've all been solid. He has allowed just one run on four hits over 11 innings of work over two starts at Dodger Stadium, beating the Cards and the Yankees. 

As for San Francisco starter Tyler Beede (3-9, 5.61 ERA), the team has lost each of the 26-year-old right-hander's last eight starts and has not covered the runline once during that stretch. Beede himself has surrendered at least three runs in all those starts while not making it through the fifth inning once.  

10* play on LA Dodgers. 

TOP RATED GIANTS @ DODGERS FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The LA Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. I really like the pitching matchup here and expect to see a low-scoring affair. 

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's (13-4, 2.96 ERA) 23 career wins against San Francisco is more than against any other opponent and he has a sparkling 1.68 ERA to go with them. As for Giants starter Jeff Samardzija (9-11, 3.61 ERA), the right-hander has posted a 2.61 ERA versus Los Angeles this season and he had a terrific month of August when he posted a 1.84 ERA over five starts. 

Both Kershaw and Samardzija are both coming off their worst outing of the season, but we can note that under is 5-0 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-4 in Dodgers last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Oakland Athletics are in a dogfight with Tampa Bay and Cleveland for the two wild cards in the American League, so they must look forward to pick up an easy victory against the lowly Detroit Tigers Friday night.  

Detroit righty Spencer Turnbull (3-14, 4.45 ERA) has lost 10 straight decisions and he has been rocked for 15 runs over 12 2/3 innings in his last two starts alone. He made his first career start against the A's back in May, a game the Tigers lost 17-3 ... As for Oakland starter Homer Bailey (12-8, 4.96 ERA), the right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in four career starts against Detroit and he has held it to just two runs and nine hits in 12 innings on the season. 

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

ANGELS @ WHITE SOX FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

I think we'll see runs come fast and easy for both teams in this matchup. 

For as dominant as White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (14-8, 3.30 ERA) has been in day games this year, he has a rather mediocre 4.28 ERA in 17 starts under the lights.

As for Angels starter Dillon Peters (3-2, 4.13 ERA), the left-hander has a 4.56 ERA in his 11 appearances (six starts) in evening games.

Peters has been tagged with eight runs over his last two starts while Giolito has allowed six runs over his last two outings while serving up four home runs. 

We can also note that the White Sox are back home from a long road swing, and the over is 11-3-1 in their last 15 home games following a road trip of seven or more days.

8* play on OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB BALLPARK BLOWOUT

The Tampa Bay Rays look like a solid home favorite over Toronto Blue Jays Thursday night, and I expect the home team to win by at least a couple of runs. 

Blue Jays righty Trent Thornton (4-9, 5.34 ERA) was tagged with four runs (three earned) over five innings of a 7-4 loss to Houston last time out. Thornton is 0-1 with an 11.12 ERA in three starts against the Rays who counter with Austin Pruitt. 

While Pruitt (2-0, 4.78 ERA) has made just one start this season, he has also made 10 relief appearances. Pruitt tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a 4-0 win over the Cleveland Indians last Friday, and he is 2-0 with a 4.29 ERA in eight career appearances (one start) against the Blue Jays. 

Every game matters for the Rays who enters Thursday as the owner of the top wild card in the American League while Toronto is just playing out the season. Let's go with the motivated home side. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER *MAX PLAY*

The Cleveland Indians have won two of the first three games of this series following an 8-6 triumph Wednesday night. They've covered the runline in each of their last nine wins, and I expect an easy win for the Tribe here Thursday afternoon. 

Cleveland righty Zach Plesac (7-5, 3.61 ERA) is a dominant 5-1 behind a 3.09 ERA home at Progressive Field on the season, and the Indians have won each of his last seven home starts. 

As for Chicago starter Reynaldo Lopez (8-12, 5.41 ERA), the 25-year-old right-hander was tagged with six runs on as many hits in two-thirds of an inning at Atlanta last time out to fall to 3-7 with an ugly 6.18 ERA in 14 road starts this year. The Indians are 8-1 in their last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter, and we can also note Lopez's 5.40 ERA in five career starts against Cleveland. 

10* play on Cleveland Indians. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE (TOTAL)

The Oakland Athletics and the visiting LA Angels combined for 12 runs in the opener of this series Tuesday night. I think this will be another high-scoring affair. 

Halos' rookie left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-1, 5.24 ERA) is coming off five scoreless innings against Texas, but he took a 6.75 ERA into that start. He has yet to pitch more than five innings and Tuesday night's starters combined for just nine innings, so both teams will have tired arms in the bullpen for this one. 

As for Oakland right-hander Tanner Roark (8-8, 4.04 ERA), he was tagged with four runs in six innings of a 6-4 loss at Kansas City last time out. 

Over is 4-0-1 in Athletics last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter and 8-2 in Angels last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on OVER. 

TWINS @ RED SOX MLB TOTAL

Twins right-hander Jose Berrios is coming off an absolutely dreadful month after posting a 7.57 ERA in his five August starts. Boston left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (16-5, 3.97 ERA) had a better month (3.41 ERA over six starts), but he did not look comfortable last time out when he gave up three runs on nine hits and three walks in five innings at Colorado. We or also note that he was tagged with four runs on eight hits over seven innings when he took on the Twins back in June and the over is 7-2 in Twins last 9 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Over is 11-4 in Rodriguez's last 15 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-0-1 in Berrios' last 7 starts overall. This game flies over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Chicago White Sox have won eight of 14 meetings this season, but I like the Cleveland Indians to bounce back from a 6-5 loss and not only win but also cover the runline Monday night.

Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (12-7, 3.27 ERA) was 2-3 in August despite a solid 2.83 ERA, and I think his teammates will make sure to give him more support tonight. We can also note his 2.84 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox. 

Chicago right-handed starter Ivan Nova (9-11, 4.48 ERA) owns a 3-2 mark with a 3.29 ERA in six career encounters with Cleveland, but he has struggled on the road lately and was tagged with five runs (four earned) on eight hits in four innings of a 10-7 loss at Atlanta last time out. 

Cleveland is in a tough battle in the AL wild-card race and enters this contest just outside of the playoff picture, currently losing the tiebreaker with Oakland. The Indians NEED a win here, and they'll get it.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BLASTER

The LA Angels have dropped eight of their last 10 games. Here they'll face an Oakland team battling to stay in the American League wild card race, and the A's must be desperate for a win after closing out last week with back-to-back losses to the Yankees. 

Oakland righty Mike Fiers (13-3, 3.40 ERA) has been on fire for quite some time now, boasting an undefeated 11-0 record with 2.41 ERA through his last 20 starts. Fiers has had plenty of success against the Halos this season (3-0, 1.93 ERA in three starts) and we can note that the Halos are 2-6 in their last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

As for LAA starter Jaime Barria (4-7, 6.10 ERA), the 23-year-old right-hander is 0-4 with a 5.25 ERA in his last five appearances and note that the A's are 22-8 in their last 30 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Both teams had Monday off, and while the Athletics are 8-2 in their last 10 games following an off day the Angels are just 1-4 in their last 5 games in the same situation.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

TUESDAY NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER

The Chicago Cubs are a sizable home favorite over the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night, but I don't think they'll prove well worth the money as they shouldn't have any trouble to run up the score. 

Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez (1-4, 6.02 ERA) was tagged with four runs on eight hits in six innings here at Wrigley Field back in April, and he is still without a win against the club throughout his career. As for Cubs starter Jon Lester (11-9, 4.36 ERA), the left-hander struck out eight through seven scoreless frames in an 11-0 win at Seattle back in May. 

The Mariners are dead last in the American League West standings while the Cubs are trying to hunt down the Cardinals who sit top of the NL Central standings, or at the very least hold on to a wild card. The motivation factor certainly favors the home team. Let's roll with the Cubbies. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER *TOP PLAY*

The Atlanta Braves made it five wins in a row (straight up and against the runline) with a 6-3 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. They've scored 41 runs during that stretch and look good to pick up another easy win here in the finale of this two-game series. 

Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 5.59 ERA) is not having a great year, but the Braves have won each of his last eight starts and Foltynewicz went 2-0 with a 3.90 ERA in five starts in August. He closed out the month with 4-plus innings of two-run ball in a 9-4 win at Toronto. 

As for Toronto's pitching situation, Wilmer Font (3-3, 4.22 ERA) will most likely serve as the opener, but who will follow is still unclear. T.J. Zeuch will follow Font as the bulk reliever, and I don't think the red hot Braves will have any trouble producing runs against anyone from the Jays' pitching staff. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The New York Mets won the opener of this series 7-3 on Monday, but I think we'll see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in Game 2. Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.66 ERA) has limited the Nats to four runs over 17 innings for a 0.53 ERA this year while Scherzer owns a 2.70 ERA in three starts versus the Mets on the season. Under is 6-2 in deGrom's last 8 starts overall and 7-3-1 in Scherzer's last 11 starts overall.

This is indeed a low number, but keep in mind that the under has hit at a solid 56.4% clip for totals closing at under 8 runs in 2019. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians sit just one-half game ahead of Oakland for the second wild card in the American League, so they're no doubt in desperate need of stringing a couple of wins together after getting swept in three games at Tampa Bay over the weekend. 

Here the Tribe will host a Chicago White Sox team coming off six straight losses, and the visitors' starter Ross Detwiler (2-4, 6.45 ERA) has struggled all season long. Detwiler has been particularly poor on the road (0-2, 11.05 ERA) and Cleveland is a solid 41-27 home at Progressive Field. 

As for Cleveland starter Aaron Civale (2-3, 1.96 ERA), he may have made just six big league starts, but the 24-year-old rookie's earned run average speaks for itself. We can also note his 30/6 K/BB ratio over 36-plus innings of work. 

Cleveland took an 8-2 beating at Tampa Bay on Sunday, but the team is 25-10 SU (22-13 against the runline) following a loss where it scored two or fewer runs in 2019. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

SUPER EARLY DAYTIME DESTROYER (RUNLINE)

The Atlanta Braves look good to pick up an easy win as they host the Toronto Blue Jays Monday afternoon. 

The Jays were no-hit by the Houston Astros' Justin Verlander on Sunday, and here they'll come up against Braves' righty Mike Soroka (10-3, 2.44) who has one of the lowest ERAs in baseball this year. Soroka held Toronto to two runs in six innings last Tuesday, a game the Braves still somehow managed to lose 3-1. I expect his teammates to make up for it and then some today against Jacob Waguespack (4-2, 3.93 ERA) who was tagged with five runs (three earned) on six hits over three innings against the Braves last Wednesday. 

Atlanta is a red hot 12-2 in its past 14 contests and has covered the runline in three of its last four as a home favorite of -200 or larger.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Minnesota Twins put an 8-3 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, and I think they'll come through with another blowout win here in the finale of this four-game series Monday afternoon. 

Twins righty Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.55 ERA) is 3-0 with an outstanding 1.93 ERA in four career outings at Comerica Park and the Twins are 6-0 in his last six starts versus the Tigers.

Detroit right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (1-9, 6.24 ERA) meanwhile is 0-6 with a 7.38 ERA in eight home starts on the season and 4-5 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 career starts against the Twins. They smacked him around for five runs on eight hits in just three innings back in April ... 

The Twins are 9-3 against the runline as a road favorite of -170 or larger this season. Additionally, we can note that the over is 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

EARLY MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *MAX BET*

The Minnesota Twins put an 8-3 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, and I think they'll come through with another blowout win here in the finale of this four-game series Monday afternoon. 

Twins righty Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.55 ERA) is 3-0 with an outstanding 1.93 ERA in four career outings at Comerica Park and the Twins are 6-0 in his last six starts versus the Tigers.

Detroit right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (1-9, 6.24 ERA) meanwhile is 0-6 with a 7.38 ERA in eight home starts on the season and 4-5 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 career starts against the Twins. They smacked him around for five runs on eight hits in just three innings back in April ... 

The Twins are 9-3 against the runline as a road favorite of -170 or larger this season.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in this early game between Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals Sunday afternoon. 

Washington left-hander Patrick Corbin (10-6, 3.15 ERA) owns a 2.25 ERA in seven day starts on the season and he has a 1.83 ERA in 13 home starts. Miami southpaw Caleb Smith (8-8, 4.05 ERA) has nowhere near as impressive splits, but under is 3-1-2 in Smiths last 6 road starts and 5-1 in Nationals last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S SUNDAY AFTERNOON RUNLINE *TOP PLAY*

The Minnesota Twins saw their six-game winning streak come to an end with a 10-7 loss here at Detroit Tigers on Saturday. They're 7-1 SU (6-2 against the runline) as a -200 favorite or more off a loss this season, and I have no doubt they'll bounce back with an easy win here. 

The Twins have won five of right-hander Michael Pineda's last six starts, covering the runline in each of the last four wins. Pineda (10-5, 4.16 ERA) is coming off five innings of one-run ball at Chicago White Sox and has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his last nine appearances. As for Tigers starter Spencer Turnbull (3-13, 4.18 ERA), the team has lost his last 12 starts, 11 of the losses by at least two runs.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in this early game between Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays Sunday afternoon. 

Rays' righty Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.11 ERA) owns a 2.69 ERA in 12 matinee starts on the season while Cleveland righy Adam Plutko (6-3, 4.34 ERA) has a 2.25 ERA in his two day starts. 

Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Tampa Bay.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in the first game of a double-header between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals Sunday afternoon. 

Cards' righty Miles Mikolas (8-13, 4.32 ERA) owns a 2.80 ERA in 13 home starts on the season and under is 6-2-1 in Mikolas' last 9 starts overall. As for Cincinnati starter Tyler Mahle (2-10, 4.93 ERA), he has been lit up lately but note that under is 24-8 in Cardinals last 32 home games vs. a right-handed starter and 10-3-2 in their last 15 Sunday games.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks have won five on the bounce, including back-to-back wins over the LA Dodgers. 

I highly doubt the Dodgers will lose another one here though as they hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw (13-3, 2.76 ERA). The Dodgers' ace had won five straight starts before losing to the Yankees last time out. It was far from a terrible start with three solo homers allowed over seven innings of work, and Kershaw has this Arizona roster limited to a .229 AVG over 118 at-bats.

Arizona starter Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.86 ERA) is a familiar face for the Dodgers. He is 0-2 with a 4.07 ERA in four starts against the team on the season and I think they'll give him plenty to work with tonight. 

The Dodgers are 38-18 in their last 56 games after losing the first two games of a series and 8-3 in Kershaw's last 11 starts versus the Diamondbacks.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER *TOP PLAY*

The Atlanta Braves came through with a 10-7 triumph over the Chicago White Sox Friday night. I expect this to be another easy win for the red hot Braves who are 9-2 in their last 11 games. 

For this one Atlanta hands the ball to Dallas Keuchel (5-5, 3.78 ERA). He has allowed just one run in 19 innings of work over his last three starts overall and the 31-year-old left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.29 ERA in six home starts on the season. As for Chicago starter Reynaldo Lopez (8-11, 5.08 ERA), he is 3-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 13 road starts on the season. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL MAX BET

The Minnesota Twins hit three home runs in their 10-5 triumph over Chicago White Sox on Thursday. I expect they to keep hitting the ball well here against Detroit righty Edwin Jackson (3-7, 8.70 ERA) who has served up five homers over 21-plus innings of work since coming over from Toronto. He owns a 6.33 ERA in 11 career appearances against the Twins (including seven starts) and they smacked him around for six runs over five frames on August 24. 

As for Minnesota starter  Kyle Gibson (12-6, 4.49 ERA), the right-hander has allowed 19 runs through 21 1/3 innings over his last four starts and the over is 6-0-1 in Gibson's last 7 starts overall. We can also note his 5.37 ERA in 21 career starts against Detroit.  

Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Houston Astros are coming off an 8-2 homestand, and should be well up for this trip to Toronto looking to better their recent road record (1-5 last six).

The Astros hand the ball to left-hander Wade Miley (13-4, 3.13 ERA) who is having a great year and an undefeated 7-0 over his last 12 starts. Miley owns a pedestrian 4.47 ERA in 10 career starts against the Blue Jays, but this will be the first matchup of the season. 

As for Toronto right-hander Trent Thornton (4-8, 5.34 ERA), Toronto has lost his last four starts and he was tagged with four runs (three earned) on nine hits over four innings of a 7-4 loss at Seattle last time out. Thornton tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings against Houston on June 16, but note his ugly 6.90 ERA in seven starts since the All Star break.

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE *PLAY OF THE DAY*

The Kansas City Royals earned a come-from-behind 6-4 win Wednesday, a big blow for the Oakland Athletics who are trying to hold on the second wild card in the American League. I think the motivated Athletics look primed to bounce back and win the series finale Thursday afternoon. 

The pitching matchup is in massive favor of the visitors. Note that Oakland righty Chris Bassitt (9-5, 3.59 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.05 ERA in his past five starts while KC righty  Glenn Sparkman (3-9, 5.52 ERA) has gone 0-4 with a 7.50 ERA in his past seven starts.

Royals are 3-13 in Sparkman's last 16 starts and 2-9 in their last 11 home games. The A's are 21-5 in their last 26 games following a loss and 10-3 in the last 13 meetings with the Royals in Kansas City.

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

SUPER EARLY MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The Cleveland Indians look to continue their domination of the Detroit Tigers as they go for the sweep of this three-game series Thursday afternoon. 

Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger has held opponents to two or fewer runs in eight of his last 10 starts. The Tribe won eight of those, covering the runline in all wins. Clevinger struck out 12 while limiting Detroit to one run in six innings of a 7-2 Cleveland win on July 17. 

As for Tigers' starter Daniel Norris (3-10, 4.70 ERA), the 26-year-old southpaw is coming off a pair of solid outings, but he's 1-6 with a 5.29 ERA home at Comerica Park on the season. We can also note that Cleveland has smacked him around for 11 runs on 16 hits over 12 2/3 frames in 2019. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals are massive favorites here against the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night, and for a good reason as they're still in the top wild-card spot in the National League despite taking a 2-0 loss in the opener of the series Tuesday night. I do not see value on either side, but I expect the score to stay under the posted number. 

Washington right-hander Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.41 ERA) is 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Orioles while Baltimore righty Asher Wojciechowski (2-6, 4.67 ERA) has a 2.92 ERA in three games (one start) against the Nationals. 

The under is 7-1 in Orioles last 8 overall, 18-5 in Nationals last 23 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter and 14-2-1 in Scherzer's last 17 interleague starts.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The New York Yankees put a 7-0 beating on the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, and I expect another easy win for the Bronx Bombers in the finale of this three-game series Wednesday afternoon. 

The Yankees are a perfect 5-0 in left-hander James Paxton's (10-6, 4.43 ERA) last five starts and covered the runline in all but one of those contests. This will be Paxton's first career start against the Mariners, the team he spent his first six seasons of his career with.

As for Seattle starter Justus Sheffield (0-0, 6.43 ERA), this will be his second career start and fifth major-league appearance. Sheffield was tagged with three runs on seven hits and three walks in just four innings against Toronto on August 24, and this could get ugly as he will face a Yankees team that has scored 28 runs over its last five games.

8* play on NY Yankees -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers played out a high-scoring affair Monday night, and both sides were forced to go to the bullpens early. 

Cardinals' starter Miles Mikolas has been smacked around for a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts, serving up five homers during that stretch. As for Milwaukee starter Adrian Houser (6-5, 3.62 ERA), the right-hander limited the St. Louis to three runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 win on Aug 21, but it should help the Cards to see him again this soon. 

We can also note that the Cardinals have scored six runs or more in five straight games since that defeat ... 

10* play on OVER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Indians are battling for on the American League Wild Cards and need to get back on track ASAP following a 9-8 loss to Kansas City on Monday. 

The Indians have won 12 of 13 matchups with the Tigers in 2019 and Detroit righty Spencer Turnbull (3-12, 4.05 ERA) is 0-4 with a 6.30 ERA in four starts versus the Tribe this season. As for Cleveland starter Adam Plutko (5-3, 4.54 ERA), the right-hander has an ugly 5.56 ERA in two starts against Detroit this year, but he's had a solid month (3.86 ERA in four starts) and the team is 11-4 in Plutko's last 15 starts.

The Indians are 9-4 in their last 13 games following an off day and 19-7 in their last 26 games following a loss. The Tigers are 0-7 in their last 7 games following an off day and 1-10 in Turnbull's last 11 home starts.

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

I like the price we get on the LA Dodgers to bounce back from a 5-1 home loss to the NY Yankees. They'll be on the road, but will also face an easier opponent in the San Diego Padres who have a losing home record on the season. 

The Padres hand the ball to Eric Lauer (6-8, 4.47 ERA) who owns a 4-0 record and 1.72 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers. It will only be a matter of time before they figure him out though, and Lauer might not be able to count on much run support from a team that has scored just 11 runs over its last five games. As for Dodgers' starter Dustin May (1-2, 4.26 ERA), he'll be looking to state his case for why he should be included in the team's postseason roster. Plenty at stake for Dodgers' top prospect, and I think he'll be up for the task.

Dodgers are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

This looks like a good spot to back the Oakland Athletics as they seek to bounce back from a pair of losses to San Francisco over the weekend. They're 20-6 in their last 26 games following a loss, and right-hander Homer Bailey (11-8, 5.06 ERA) has been solid over his last two outings with only one run allowed while covering 12 2/3 innings of work. As a former Royal, he should be well up for this game.  

As for KC starter Brad Keller (7-13, 3.95 ERA), the 24-year-old right-hander has lost his last four decisions. Royals manager Ned Yost has said they will be limiting Keller's pitches and innings through the remainder of the season, and then he'll hand over the ball to one of the worst bullpens in baseball. 

The A's are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

I like the price we get on the Cincinnati Reds to bounce back from an embarrassing three-game sweep at Pittsburgh. They're 14-3 in right-hander Sonny Gray' (9-6, 2.92 ERA) last 17 starts and Gray owns a 1-0 record with a 3.38 ERA in three career starts against Miami. As for Marlins starter Pablo Lopez (5-5, 4.23 ERA), the right-hander is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in his one start against the Reds this year. We can also note that Lopez has been out since June 15 due to strained right shoulder. 

The Marlins defeated Philadelphia 3-2 on Sunday, but they are 6-14 in Lopez's last 20 starts and 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

TOP RATED 10* YANKEES @ DODGERS SUNDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees will clash in the finale of this heavy-weight series Sunday night. The teams are tied at 1-1 following a 2-1 Dodgers triumph on Saturday, and I expect this to be another low-scoring affair. 

The Dodgers hand the ball to their ace Clayton Kershaw (13-2, 2.71 ERA). He has posted a 1.80 ERA over his last three starts overall and a spectacular 0.90 ERA in three career starts against the Bronx Bombers. Additionally, Kershaw is an undefeated 9-0 with a 2.42 ERA in 13 home starts on the season. As for Yankees' starter Domingo German (16-3, 4.15 ERA), he has a rather ugly 5.82 ERA in 12 road starts on the season, but keep in mind that the Dodgers will see him for the first time and that the under is 6-0 in Dodgers' last 6 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.

Under is 6-2-1 in Kershaw's last 9 home starts vs. a team with a winning record and 9-1 in Yankees' last 10 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Houston Astros came through with a 5-2 win over the LA Angels Saturday night. They've won six of their last seven straight up and covered the runline in four of those victories. 

Angels' righty Jaime Barria (4-6, 6.35 ERA) is 0-2 with a monstrous 9.00 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) on the road in 2019. As for Houston starter Framber Valdez (3-6, 5.58 ERA), the left-hander had been roughed up over several starts before getting sent down to Triple-A Round Rock to recalibrate. The 25-year-old Dominican should be eager to prove himself here, and we can note that his 4.23 ERA home at Minute Maid Park is significantly better than his 7.25 ERA away from home. 

Houston is one of the absolute best hitting teams in baseball and should have no trouble to bail out Valdez if he can't deliver the goods. Therefore, I also recommend taking the over, particularly with the over 21-7-2 in Angels last 30 during game 3 of a series and 5-0 in their last 5 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

8* play on OVER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros came through with a 5-2 win over the LA Angels Saturday night. They've won six of their last seven straight up and covered the runline in four of those victories. 

Angels' righty Jaime Barria (4-6, 6.35 ERA) is 0-2 with a monstrous 9.00 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) on the road in 2019. As for Houston starter Framber Valdez (3-6, 5.58 ERA), the left-hander had been roughed up over several starts before getting sent down to Triple-A Round Rock to recalibrate. The 25-year-old Dominican should be eager to prove himself here, and we can note that his 4.23 ERA home at Minute Maid Park is significantly better than his 7.25 ERA away from home. 

Houston is one of the absolute best hitting teams in baseball and should have no trouble to bail out Valdez if he can't deliver the goods. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

LATE MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE TOTAL

The Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants will be back in action for the opener of a two-game series between the two Bay Area rivals after getting Friday off. 

Both sides rank in the bottom third for batting average in 2019 (Giants are 27th), and with two elite pitchers on the mound, runs should be particularly hard to come by tonight. 

The Giants hand the ball to their ace Madison Bumgarner (8-8, 3.72 ERA). He last faced the A's on Aug. 13 when he limited them to one run on two hits over seven innings of a 3-2 victory.

As for Oakland starter Chris Bassitt (9-5, 3.61 ERA), the 30-year-old right-hander has made just one career start against San Francisco (back in 2015) and note his outstanding 1.80 ERA over his last four starts.  

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT TIGERS @ TWINS TOTAL

The Detroit Tigers opened this series with a 9-6 victory, and while they're unlikely to come away with a win tonight I think they'll contribute enough runs to push the score over the total. 

Detroit hands the ball to right-hander Edwin Jackson (3-6, 8.46 ERA) who was tagged with five runs (four earned) through five innings at Houston on Monday and he owns a 5.73 ERA in 10 career outings against Minnesota. As for Twins starter Kyle Gibson (11-6, 4.40 ERA), the right-hander has been roughed up for 13 runs over his last three starts and he owns a 5.30 ERA in 20 career starts against the Tigers.

Over is 5-0-1 in Gibsons last 6 starts overall, 6-2-1 in his last 9 starts versus the Tigers and 11-5-2 in Twins last 18 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros look good to pick up an easy win against the Los Angeles Angels with a pair of southpaws taking the mound Saturday night. Note that Houston ranks third in baseball with a .285 batting average against left-handers this year while the Angels are among the worst, hitting just .242 as. 

Angels left-hander Dillon Peters (3-1, 3.92 ERA) has a 4.13 ERA in five appearances (three starts) on the road this season. His last start away from home was an ugly one, as Peters was five runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks in four innings of an 8-7 team loss at Texas on August 19. 

As for Houston starter Wade Miley (12-4, 3.18 ERA), the veteran southpaw is 6-1 with a dominant 2.25 ERA in 11 starts home at Minute maid Park on the season. Additionally, Miley is 2-0 with a 2.28 ERA in two starts against the Halos in 2019. 

The Astros have been a profitable bet against the runline as large home favorites all season, and I like them to get the job done here. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED FRIDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox will clash in the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and plenty of signs point toward runs being hard to come by for both teams. 

Padres righty Chris Paddack (7-6, 3.44 ERA) owns a 2.60 ERA in three starts against AL opponents and he has a 2.53 ERA in nine starts home at Petco Park on the season. As for Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez (14-5, 4.10 ERA), the left-hander shut out the Orioles over 7 1/3 innings last time out and this will be his first career start against the Padres, a situation usually favoring the pitcher. 

Under is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 10-4 in Padres last 14 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall and 8-1 in the last 9 meetings in San Diego.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians head home to Progressive Field with a chip on their shoulder after opening the week with an 0-3 trip to New York. While they couldn't beat the Mets at Citi Field, the Tribe should come through with an easy win here against the lowly Kansas City Royals. 

KC right-hander Jakob Junis (8-11, 4.78 ERA) is 1-3 with an ugly 6.52 ERA in four starts against the Indians this season while Cleveland righty Zach Plesac (6-4, 3.53 ERA) has held the Royals to four earned runs over 15 2/3 innings of work. 

We can also note that Cleveland is 22-10 over its last 32 games overall and 22-6 in its last 28 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game (it was shut out Thursday night).

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Houston Astros closed as a -490 favorite on Wednesday, but that did not deter the Detroit Tigers who walked away as a 2-1 winner! The Astros look like they'll close in the same range again, and while I don't see value on either side I do like the score to stay under the total.

Note that since 2004, five teams have closed as a -450 favorite or more with all those games going under the total. 

Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole (14-5, 2.87 ERA) owns a 2.65 ERA in six career starts against the Tigers, and while Detroit righty Jordan Zimmermann (1-8, 6.66 ERA) is having an awful season, note his 3.51 ERA in eight career starts against Houston.

Under is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 overall. Under is 9-4-1 in Astros last 14 home games.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals put an 11-0 beating on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. While I think runs will be hard to come by for the Bucs for a second straight night, don't expect the visitors to light up the board either.

Pittsburgh left-hander Steven Brault (3-2, 4.06 ERA) fanned eight while limiting the Cubs to one run on two hits over seven innings in a 2-0 setback last time out. Brault has been rock solid lately, allowing a total of 16 runs over his past 10 starts and the under is 4-1 in the Nationals last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Nats counter with right-hander Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.41 ERA). He has not made an appearance since July 25 after a couple of turns on the IL with back and shoulder injuries, but the reeling Pirates could be just the perfect opponent for his comeback. Note that Pittsburgh has scored a total of only six runs over its last five games, getting blanked twice and that Scherzer owns a 2.81 ERA in previous meetings with the team. 

Under is 6-2-1 in Scherzer's last 9 starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BREWERS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

St. Louis Cardinals' starter Adam Wainwright (9-8, 4.33 ERA) owns a rock-solid 2.19 ERA home at Busch Stadium on the season.

Wainwright has compiled a 2.33 ERA in 39 appearances (32 starts) against the Brewers who counter with Adrian Houser (5-5, 3.76 ERA). While he owns a gaudy 6.53 ERA in three career appearances against the Cardinals, note that he pitched a career-high seven innings with just one run allowed at Washington on Friday. 

The under is 26-8 in the Cards' last 34 home games and 35-16 in the Brewers last 51 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on UNDER.