WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Nationals are 12-5 in their last 17 games following a loss and look primed to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Washington left-hander Patrick Corbin (9-5, 3.34 ERA) held the Brewers to one run on seven hits with eight strikeouts last time out. The Nationals are 6-2 in Corbin's last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance and we can note that Corbin struck out a season-high-tying 11 over seven innings of one-run ball when he took on the Pirates back in April. 

As for Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove (8-11, 4.59 ERA), he held the Cubs to two runs in 7 1/3 innings Friday but the Bucs are 5-17 in Musgrove's last 22 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

With the Pirates 6-22 in their last 28 overall and 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win, I think the value without a doubt is on the road team here. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED PADRES @ REDS TOTAL

The under is 6-0 in the last six matchups between San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds, and I think we'll see yet another low-scoring encounter Wednesday afternoon.

Reds' righty Luis Castillo (11-5, 3.10 ERA) was roughed up by the Cardinals last time out, but that does not change the fact that he's having an outstanding year. Castillo has given up four runs or more in only four of his 25 starts on the and under is 16-8-1 in Reds' games with Castillo on the hill this year.

As for the Padres, they will open with Matt Strahm (5-8, 5.21 ERA) in what is likely to be a bullpen game for the visitors. Note his eight innings of one-run ball against Cincinnati back in April and that the Friars' relievers have fanned 19 while allowing just one run over their last 13 innings of work.

Under is 18-7-1 in Padres last 26 road games. Under is 7-3 in Padres last 10 during game 3 of a series. Under is 7-2 in Castillos last 9 starts during game 3 of a series.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Yankees look like a great road favorite here at Oakland Tuesday night. The Bronx Bombers got Monday off following an 8-4 loss to the Indians on Sunday. They're 10-4 in their last 14 games following an off day and 26-16 following a loss this season.

Additionally, Yankees righty Domingo German (16-2, 3.96) will seek his eighth consecutive win while Oakland right-hander Homer Bailey (10-8, 5.22 ERA) posted a 7.86 ERA in his first five starts with the team prior to his seven scoreless innings at San Francisco last time out. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings at Chase Field, but I expect this contest to fly over the total with ease. 

Arizona left-hander Alex Young (4-3, 3.98 ERA) was roughed up for a career-worst five runs over five innings of a 7-0 home loss to San Francisco last time out. Young has allowed a total of 11 runs over 14-plus innings in his last three starts and he owns a 4.71 ERA in four starts at Chase Field on the season. 

As for Rockies starter Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.09 ERA), the left-hander has pitched somewhat better lately following an absolutely abysmal first half of the season, but he has nevertheless surrendered five runs or more in five of his last eight starts. Freeland was reached for five runs on eight hits when he faced Arizona at Coors Field on August 14 (Colorado still won the game 7-6) and over is 4-1-1 in his last six starts versus the Diamondbacks.

10* play on OVER. 

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

We lost with the Minnesota Twins as a premium pick yesterday as the Chicago White Sox claimed the opener of this series 6-4 as a rather sizeable underdog. 

The Twins are still 11-3 against the runline as a home favorite of -200 or more this season, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way Tuesday night. 

Note that while the Twins may have scored fewer runs than the White Sox in the series opener, they still out-hit their opponent 15-8. Here they'll get a look at righty Reynaldo Lopez (7-10, 5.29 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in three career starts at Target Field. 

As for Twins starter Michael Pineda (8-5, 4.20 ERA), he owns a solid 3.08 ERA in six career starts against the White Sox and he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts versus the club this season. 

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

I really like the over here at Wrigley Field Tuesday night. Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels (6-4, 3.69 ERA is coming off a pair of ugly starts. His last time out was a nightmare as he allowed eight runs over just two frames against the Phillies. As for Giants starter Tyler Beede (3-7, 5.77 ERA), the right-hander has posted a 6.32 earned run average over his last six starts.

Weather reports suggest strong wind toward center field, and I think we'll see the ball carry out of the park plenty.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Twins will return home to Twin City from a productive 5-1 road trip with stops at Milwaukee and Texas. They're still desperate for wins with Cleveland breathing down their neck in the AL Central standings, and I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business as a sizeable home favorite Monday night. 

Right-hander Ivan Nova (8-9, 4.51 ERA) will toe the slab for the visitors. Nova has posted an 0.49 ERA over his last five starts and tossed a complete game in a 4-1 victory over Houston last time out. However, if anything that makes it even more likely that a bad start is just around the corner for the 32-year-old who's earned run average for the season still is on the high side. 

Facing the Twins at Target Field is never easy, and Nova will not only have to silence their bats but also outduel Kyle Gibson (11-5, 4.28 ERA) who is 2-0 behind a commanding 1.38 ERA in two starts against the White Sox on the season.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The St. Louis Cardinals enter the week tied with the Chicago Cubs at the top of the National League Central and with tonight's opponent Milwaukee just a couple of games behind. To say that this series is huge for both teams would be an understatement, but I'm giving the home team a solid edge here in the series opener. 

The Cards have won each of the last four matchups between the two teams and right-hander Dakota Hudson (11-6, 3.82 ERA) is coming off six scoreless innings against Kansas City. As for Milwaukee starter Zach Davies (8-5, 3.74 ERA), he will make his first start since August 2 following a stint on the injured list (back spasms). Davies was 0-3 with an 11.77 ERA prior to hitting the IL and I don't expect him to be sharp in his first start back.

Cardinals are 13-3 in Hudson's last 16 starts and 7-2 in their last 9 overall. Brewers are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record and 4-12 in Davies' last 16 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* MONEYLINE

The San Francisco Giants have won six of their last seven. They've outscored Arizona 28-17 through the first three games of this series and are going for the sweep Sunday afternoon. The Diamondbacks are trending in the opposite direction with six losses in their last eight games, and I'm happy to take the hotter team with the better pitcher in this matchup. 

Giants' ace Madison Bumgarner (8-7, 3.63 ERA) held Oakland to one run on two hits in seven innings of a 3-2 win last time out. The team has won nine of the left-hander's last 10 starts and he is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in a couple of starts against the D'Backs this season. As for Arizona starter Merrill Kelly (8-12, 4.75 ERA), the team has lost seven of his last eight starts and he has been lit up for 23 runs in his last four outings alone. 

The Giants are 33-28 on the road this season while Arizona is just 27-30 home at Chase Field.

This is simply too good of a price on San Francisco to not go HUGE. 

10* play on San Francisco Giants. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS TOTAL

I think there are plenty of reasons to believe that Sunday's matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals will be of the high-scoring variety. 

The Brew Crew hand the ball to Chase Anderson (5-2, 3.78 ERA) who has posted a 9.00 ERA in two career games against the Nats who counter with Erick Fedde (3-2, 4.09 ERA). The 26-year-old Fedde has made just one relief appearance against Milwaukee, and while he's been sharp in his last two starts, note his 5.59 ERA home at Nationals Park. Over is 6-2 in Feddes last 8 home starts and 6-0 in his last 6 Sunday starts

Additionally, keep in mind that the bullpens will be exhausted after Saturday's 14-inning affair. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* INDIANS @ YANKEES TOTAL

The teams have combined for more than 13 runs per game over the first three contests of this series. I expect another high-scoring affair here in the series finale Sunday afternoon. 

Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger (7-2, 3.34 ERA) owns a 5.65 ERA in three games (two starts) versus the Yankees, and while the Bronx Bombers' CC Sabathia (5-6, 4.78 ERA) has posted a 3.78 ERA in 14 career starts against the Indians, note that he was reached for four runs in five innings when he faced them back in June. 

Over is 6-0 in Clevinger's last 6 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 9-1 in Sabathia's last 10 starts overall and 7-1 in Yankees last 8 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT METS @ ROYALS TOTAL

The New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals combined for just five runs in Game of this series Friday night. I expect to see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in the second game on Saturday. 

Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (7-7, 2.68 ERA) is having a spectacular year and has held seven straight opponents to fewer than three earned runs. As for Royals' righty Jakob Junis (8-10, 4.80 ERA), he has allowed only three runs over 12 innings of work in his last two starts combined and under is 5-2 in Junis' last 7 starts overall. We can also note that this will be Junis' first career start against the Mets while deGrom has not faced KC since the 2015 World Series, with unfamiliarity usually favoring the pitcher.  

Under is 12-3-1 in Mets last 16 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 13-3 in Royals last 16 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals combined for just five runs in Game of this series Friday night. I expect to see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in the second game on Saturday. 

Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (7-7, 2.68 ERA) is having a spectacular year and has held seven straight opponents to fewer than three earned runs. As for Royals' righty Jakob Junis (8-10, 4.80 ERA), he has allowed only three runs over 12 innings of work in his last two starts combined and under is 5-2 in Junis' last 7 starts overall. We can also note that this will be Junis' first career start against the Mets while deGrom has not faced KC since the 2015 World Series, with unfamiliarity usually favoring the pitcher.  

Under is 12-3-1 in Mets last 16 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 13-3 in Royals last 16 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Additionally, we can note that the Mets are 6-3 against the runline as a favorite of -200 or more this season, covering four straight. 

8* play on NY Mets -1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S SUPER EARLY TOP RATED TOTAL

The Pittsburgh Pirates put a bad beat on their opponent Friday night as they scored twice in the ninth inning to earn a 3-2 win. Runs came at a premium for both teams in that contest, but I expect to see more fireworks today. 

Cubs' left-hander Jon Lester (9-8, 4.43 ERA) has been torched for 16 runs on 24 hits through 14 innings of work over his last three starts. Over is 21-6 in Lesters last 27 starts during game 2 of a series and 11-3-1 in his last 15 starts with 5 days of rest. As for Pirates' starter Steven Brault (3-1, 4.33 ERA), the left-hander was reached for four runs in 4 2/3 innings of an 11-9 Pirates loss at St. Louis last time out. 

Over is 20-7-1 in Pirates' last 28 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 6-1 in Lester's last 7 road starts vs. Pirates.

10* play on OVER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians won Game 1 of this four-game set 19-5 Thursday night. I think that will make the Bronx Bombers all the more motivated here in Game 2. 

Cleveland right-hander Aaron Civale (1-1, 1.00 ERA) has made just three starts in the big leagues, and he'll be opposed by Yankee veteran Masahiro Tanaka (8-6, 4.64 ERA) blanked Toronto over eight innings last time out. The Yankees are  10-1 in Tanaka's last 11 starts overall and he has been particularly dominant home in the Bronx this season. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NATIONAL LEAGUE NO BRAINER

The Chicago Cubs enter Friday as owners of the wild cards in the National League, despite dropping five of their last six games. They must like their chances of finally hitting a winning streak here against the Pittsburgh Pirates who are firmly in last in the NL Central and second to last in the NL. 

Cubs' righty Kyle Hendricks (8-9, 3.48 ERA) gave up seven runs on a career-high 12 hits in a 10-1 Cubs loss Saturday at Cincinnati, but he had posted a 2.35 ERA over a dominant seven-game stretch prior to that outing. He is 4-6 with a 3.25 ERA in 14 career starts against the Pirates who counter with right-hander Joe Musgrove (8-11, 4.71 ERA) who is 2-4 with a 6.53 ERA since the All-Star. 

Pirates are 5-21 in their last 26 overall. Cubs are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on Chicago Cubs.

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cubs while the San Diego Padres had lost three on the bounce before putting an end to the skid Thursday night. 

I like the Phillies to keep rolling here against Friars' righty Chris Paddack (7-5, 3.26 ERA) who was tagged with six runs over four innings at LA Dodgers his last time out on the road. The Friars are 2-6 in Paddack's last eight starts away from home and he also struggled when he took on the Phillies back in June when he allowed six runs (five earned) over four-plus innings of a 9-6 loss. 

As for Phillies' starter Vince Velasquez (4-7, 4.30 ERA), the 27-year-old righty owns a 2-0 mark with no runs allowed over 17 1/3 innings against the Padres who have lost nine of their last 13 on the road.

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

LATE MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Oakland Athletics are 37-23 home at the Coliseum on the season. I think we're getting a great price on the home team in this matchup. 

Houston right-hander Aaron Sanchez (5-14, 5.60 ERA) is 2-8 with a 6.41 ERA in 13 road starts on the season while Oakland righty Mike Fiers (11-3, 3.30 ERA) is 7-2 behind a 2.54 ERA in 13 home starts. All but one of those 13 Sanchez starts came before he was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays, but that's still a hideous ERA ...  

Additionally, we can note that Houston is sitting pretty at the top of the division while the A's are battling for one of the two wild cards in the American League. 

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Atlanta Braves opened this series with a 5-3 victory and look good to pick up another W here in Game 2 of the series Wednesday night. 

Atlanta left-hander Dallas Keuchel (3-5, 4.83 ERA) was roughed up for eight runs on 10 hits (three homers) in just 3 2/3 innings against Miami last time out. Keuchel is still an elite pitcher and should bounce back with a big performance here. "I don't think it ever gets easier giving up a bunch of runs, but one thing I can look back on is tomorrow's a new day," Keuchel said after the loss. "It's just one of those days you're happy the game's over with. They hit the ball good, they scored a bunch of runs."

This will be Keuchel's first career start against the Mets who counter with left-hander Steven Matz (7-7, 4.49 ERA). Matz is 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA in three starts against the Braves this season. 

Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Braves are 11-5 in their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter. Mets are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Atlanta.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners have won eight straight matchups with the Detroit Tigers following an 11-5 triumph on Tuesday. 

Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson (2-5, 9.35 ERA) signed a minor league contract with Detroit last month after Toronto cut him loose and impressed with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball in his Tigers debut. He was however battered big time in his eight appearances with the Blue Jays, giving up six runs on five occasions and here he'll face a Mariners lineup that sure looked dangerous yesterday. As for Mariners' starter Marco Gonzales (12-9, 4.25 ERA), the left-hander is 7-3 with a 3.54 ERA over his last 11 outings and he owns a 2.41 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. 

The Tigers are a major league-worst 16-42 at home and the Mariners are 4-0 in Gonzales' last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Colorado Rockies are averaging 6.40 runs per game home at Coors Field while the Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.54 runs per game away from home. The first two games of this series have seen a total of 26 runs scored (both Arizona wins) and I predict the D'Backs to pick up another win in a high-scoring affair in the finale of the three-game set. 

Colorado hands the ball to Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.06 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He has served up 22 homers on the season, and that could spell trouble here as the D'Backs have hit seven homers already in this series. As for Arizona starter Robbie Ray (10-7, 3.99 ERA), the left-hander is 5-5 with a 5.21 ERA in 16 starts against the Rockies. 

Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 6-1 in Ray's last 7 starts. Rockies are 1-5 in Freeland's last 6 starts. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Colorado Rockies are averaging 6.40 runs per game home at Coors Field while the Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.54 runs per game away from home. The first two games of this series have seen a total of 26 runs scored (both Arizona wins) and I predict the D'Backs to pick up another win in a high-scoring affair in the finale of the three-game set. 

Colorado hands the ball to Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.06 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He has served up 22 homers on the season, and that could spell trouble here as the D'Backs have hit seven homers already in this series. As for Arizona starter Robbie Ray (10-7, 3.99 ERA), the left-hander is 5-5 with a 5.21 ERA in 16 starts against the Rockies. 

Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 6-1 in Ray's last 7 starts. Rockies are 1-5 in Freeland's last 6 starts. 

8* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB  MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Toronto Blue Jays are going for the sweep of this three-game series Wednesday afternoon, and they must like their chances against a Texas team that has scored just 13 runs during a 1-6 run.

The Jays are 4-1 in their last five games vs. a left-handed starter and will get to tee off vs. 21-year-old southpaw Kolby Allard (0-0, 4.15 ERA) who will make just his third major league start. The Jays hand the ball to right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (2-2, 2.36 ERA) who has compiled a 1.29 ERA in three starts since being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. 

The Jays have won nine of the last 12 meetings at Rogers Centre. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE ~ $20 SPECIAL!

Runs had been hard to come by for the Pirates before they erupted for 10 in a blowout triumph in the series opener Monday night. The victory put an end to their eight-game slide, but note that Pittsburgh is just 5-24 in its last 29 overall and 2-10 in its last 12 after scoring five runs or more in its most recent contest.

I highly doubt the Bucs can come up with a similar effort two nights in a row and think the Halos will prove well worth the money as a home favorite. 

Tonight the Pirates will face Angels' rookie right-hander Griffin Canning (4-6, 4.76 ERA) who will be activated from the 10-day injured list. He was due to right elbow inflammation but limited Detroit to four hits in six scoreless innings last time out. As for Pirates' starter Trevor Williams (4-5, 5.06 ERA), he was lit up for six runs on eight hits over five innings in a loss to Milwaukee his most recent start and the 27-year-old is 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA over his past five outings. 

The Angels are 4-0 in Canning's last 4 home starts while the Pirates are 0-4 in Williams' last 4 road starts.

8* play on LA Angels. 

CUBS @ PHILLIES MONEYLINE

The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago Cubs for the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night. I think both teams will be ready for a slugfest after getting Monday off. 

Cubs' left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.23 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.29 ERA in three career starts at Citizens Bank Park while Phillies' southpaw Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.09 ERA) is 3-0 lifetime against the Cubs with a 3.95 ERA over seven starts. Vargas has a 4.76 ERA in two starts since coming over from the Mets and over is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

We can also note that the over is 18-8 in Phillies last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter. 

Additionally, I also like the price we get on the home team. The Cubs are just 23-35 away from home this season while Philly is a respectable 34-26 at home. Phillies are 21-6 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago Cubs for the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night. I think both teams will be ready for a slugfest after getting Monday off. 

Cubs' left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.23 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.29 ERA in three career starts at Citizens Bank Park while Phillies' southpaw Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.09 ERA) is 3-0 lifetime against the Cubs with a 3.95 ERA over seven starts. Vargas has a 4.76 ERA in two starts since coming over from the Mets and over is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

We can also note that the over is 18-8 in Phillies last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on OVER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Wins have been hard to come by for the LA Angels of late, but they closed out last week with back-to-back triumphs at Boston to end an eight-game losing streak. I like the Angels to ride that momentum to another victory here against the reeling Pirates. 

Pittsburgh has dropped eight straight and tonight's starter, right-hander Mitch Keller (0-1, 10.50 ERA), has made just three starts in the big leagues. He has not pitched in the majors since June 18 after getting knocked around for 14 earned runs across 12 frames. As for Halos' Jose Suarez (2-3, 6.22 ERA), while he also has struggled in recent outings the left-hander should not have much to fear from this weak Pittsburgh lineup. 

Pirates are 1-7 in their last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter. Angels are 7-0 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter. Pirates are 5-23 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on Los Angeles Angels. 

DIAMONDBACKS @ DODGERS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Arizona Diamondbacks were held to just four hits and a walk in Saturday's contest here at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers were not much better with four hits and five walks, but at least they managed to get a couple of runners over home plate to earn a 4-0 victory. 

Only one of the Dodgers last eight games have gone over the total, and I think this will be another low-scoring affair. 

Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (11-2, 1.53 ERA) will toe the slab for the home team. He leads the NL in ERA by a wide margin and has limited Arizona to one run on seven hits over 13 innings on the season. 

As for Arizona starter Mike Leake (9-8, 4.24 ERA), he did not have the best game in his debut in a Diamondbacks uniform on Tuesday, but note his respectable 2.37 ERA in five career games at Dodger Stadium. 

8* play on UNDER. 

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

The under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings at Busch Stadium and I think Sunday's matchup will be another low-scoring affair. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are losers of seven straight and they've been held to three runs or fewer in five of those games. Here they'll face Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (7-12, 3.94 ERA) who has held the Pirates to eight runs over 27 innings of work on the season, and he owns a spectacular 1.98 ERA over 11 home starts in 2019. Under is 12-3-2 in Mikolas' last 17 starts overall.

As for Pirates starter Steven Brault (3-1, 4.09 ERA), the left-hander has fanned 15 through his last 14 innings of work while allowing only four runs. We can also note that under is 4-0 in Cardinals last four games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-1-1 in their last 12 Sunday games.

10* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins are all tied at the top of the American League Central standings following a red hot run for the Tribe which includes back-to-back wins in the first two games of this series. The home team can't be happy about this at all, and I expect the Twins to make it right in front of the home town crowd tonight. 

Cleveland hands the ball to right-hander Adam Plutko (4-2, 4.55 ERA) who held the Angels to one run over five-plus innings last time out. That was at home though, where he has been more comfortable than on the road all season. Plutko has posted a somewhat bloated 5.31 ERA in four appearances (three starts) away from home and the Twins sure know how to swing their bats in their own ballpark. 

As for Twins starter Jake Odorizzi (12-5, 3.61 ERA), he's been money at Target Field with a 6-1 record behind a 3.59 ERA. Odorizzi has faced Cleveland twice this season and held them to two earned runs on four hits with 13 Ks over 11-plus innings of work. 

The last two games of this series will be huge for both teams, but this is where I think the home advantage will kick in.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Houston Astros won the opener of this series 3-2 Friday night despite going 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. I expect better efficiency at the plate from both sides tonight to push the final score over the total. 

Houston right-hander Aaron Sanchez (4-14, 5.76) opened his career with six no-hit innings of a combined no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners last Saturday. Quite a turnaround after posting a 12.00 ERA in June and a 5.26 ERA in July and Sanchez owns a 6.83 ERA in 12 road starts on the season. 

As for Baltimore starter Aaron Brooks (2-5, 5.45 ERA) he has posted a respectable 3.86 ERA in 11 outings (six starts) home at Camden Yards on the season, but note that the Astros roughed him up for five runs on nine hits in five innings of a 6-0 defeat at Houston on April 6.

Over is 18-7-1 in Orioles last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on OVER. 

NATIONALS @ METS TGIF BOOKIE BLASTER 

The Washington Nationals will visit the New York Mets for the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I think runs will be hard to come by for both teams with two very capable hurlers on the mound. 

The Mets hand the ball to Marcus Stroman (6-11, 3.07 ERA). He gave up three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in 4 1/3 innings at Pittsburgh in his first start in a Mets uniform on Saturday, but I think he has a big advantage here in his home debut and first career start against the Nats. 

As for Washington starter Stephen Strasburg (14-5, 3.72 ERA), the right-hander owns a 2.82 ERA in 20 career starts against the Mets. Under is 13-3 in Nationals last 16 road games and 19-9-1 in Strasburg's last 29 road starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

NL CENTRAL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Chicago Cubs have won six of their last seven after opening this series with a 12-5 rout. They look good to pick up another win here in Game 2 Friday night. 

Cubs righty Yu Darvish (4-5, 4.36 ERA) has been dominant of late and he is 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA in six career starts against Cincinnati. Darvish fanned seven in six scoreless innings in a 5-2 win against the Reds on July 17. As for Reds starter Trevor Bauer (9-8, 3.85 ERA), the right-hander owns a dominant 0.46 ERA in three career starts vs. the Cubs, but he has not faced them yet this year. Bauer has been tagged with 11 runs (10 earned) on 16 hits and seven walks over nine innings in his last two starts combined. 

The Cubs have had their woes on the road this season, but note that the Reds are just 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The New York Yankees opened this four-game series by putting a 12-6 beating on the Baltimore Orioles. The teams combined for six home runs in last night's matchup and the Yankees have hit 21 homers over their last five contests.

Here the Yankees hand the ball to veteran left-hander J.A. Happ (9-6, 5.24 ERA) who has served up six homers in his last four outings. He has allowed a total of 10 runs over 15 innings through his last three starts and the over is 9-4 in the Blue Jays last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

As for Toronto starter Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 2.49 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in four innings of a 6-5 loss at Baltimore last time out. He has issued eight walks in his last two starts and 14 over 21 2/3 innings of work on the season. Over is 9-1 in Yankees last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Yankees have covered the total by themselves in their last two games and the over is 16-3 in their last 19 overall.

8* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees opened this four-game series by putting a 12-6 beating on the Baltimore Orioles. The teams combined for six home runs in last night's matchup and the Yankees have hit 21 homers over their last five contests.

Here the Yankees hand the ball to veteran left-hander J.A. Happ (9-6, 5.24 ERA) who has served up six homers in his last four outings. He has allowed a total of 10 runs over 15 innings through his last three starts and the over is 9-4 in the Blue Jays last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

As for Toronto starter Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 2.49 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in four innings of a 6-5 loss at Baltimore last time out. He has issued eight walks in his last two starts and 14 over 21 2/3 innings of work on the season. Over is 9-1 in Yankees last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Yankees have covered the total by themselves in their last two games and the over is 16-3 in their last 19 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

One could easily argue that the New York Yankees own the hottest bats in baseball. They have scored 32 runs through their last three games alone and hit 16 homers during that stretch. 

Here they'll face Toronto left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has been decent as a reliever, but really struggled as a starter going 0-3 with an 8.86 ERA. 

As for Yankees starter Domingo German (14-2, 3.98 ERA), he is undefeated in six starts since returning from the injured list July 3, despite a mediocre 4.24 ERA. In other words, he's received plenty of run support and we can also note that over is 9-2-1 in German's last 12 road starts.

Toronto owns the fifth-worst record across the major leagues this season, but it has played better lately and scored plenty of runs. 

Over is 15-3 in Yankees last 18 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles have been swinging hot bats of late and the two teams have combined for 28 runs through the first two games of this series. I expect to see another slugfest here Wednesday night. 

James Paxton (6-6, 4.61 ERA) will toe the slab for the Yankees. He is coming off six solid innings of two-run ball versus Boston in his first start of the month, but both June and July were months to forget for the 30-year-old southpaw. Paxton has faced Baltimore twice already this season, allowing six runs (five earned) over 11 innings for a 4.09 ERA. 

The Orioles counter with left-hander John Means (8-6, 3.12 ERA) for his first start after a short spell on the IL. Means posted a 5.24 ERA in four July starts while serving up six homers over 22-plus innings of work. Here he'll face a Yankees team that homered six times in last night's contest alone ... 

Over is 14-3 in Yankees last 17 overall. Over is 8-3-1 in Orioles last 12 overall. Over is 22-5-1 in the last 28 meetings in Baltimore.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees opened this series with a 9-6 triumph on Monday and I expect Game 2 to be another high-scoring affair. 

The Bronx Bombers have scored six runs or more in five of their last six games. Here they'll get to tee off versus Baltimore right-hander Asher Wojciechowski (2-4, 4.15 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on six hits (two homers) in an 11-2 loss to Toronto on Thursday. The Yankees will open with righty Jonathan Holder (5-2, 6.28 ERA) who has faced Baltimore four times already this season resulting in seven runs allowed over 5 2/3 innings of work. The Yankees have yet to announce who will follow Holder, but whoever it is may find it hard to slow down a Baltimore side that has scored six runs in three straight games. 

Over is 13-3 in Yankees last 16 overall. Over is 7-3-1 in Orioles last 11 overall. Over is 21-5-1 in the last 27 meetings in Baltimore.

10* play on OVER. 

The surging New York Mets have won 11 of their last 12 games and are one of several teams battling for the two wild cards in the National League. They had no trouble to take care of business in Monday's doubleheader with the Miami Marlins, and I expect the Mets to keep rolling here. 

Miami hands the ball to right-hander Jordan Yamamoto (4-2, 3.94 ERA) who has been lit up for 15 runs through his last three starts. The Mets counter with Zack Wheeler (8-6, 4.45 ERA) who tossed seven innings of shutout ball in Thursday's 4-0 win at the Chicago White Sox. Wheeler is 6-2 with a 1.95 ERA in 12 career starts against the Marlins and the Mets are 6-1 in his last seven home starts.

Edit: the Marlins have now announced Hector Noesi as the starter. I still like the Mets to win easily. 

Marlins are 0-6 in the last 6 meetings at Citi Field.

10* play on NY Mets -1.5. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Pittsburgh Pirates have dropped 13 of their last 15 games after taking a 9-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night. 

Here the Pirates are asked to solve Milwaukee righty Chase Anderson (5-2, 3.73 ERA) who has limited them to six runs through 15 frames this season Anderson has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight straight starts. 

Pittsburgh counters with Steven Brault (3-1, 4.15 ERA) who is likely to be rusty in his first major league start since going on the injured list four weeks ago with a shoulder strain. Brault walked five, threw a wild pitch and gave up three hits and two runs in four-plus innings in his rehab assignment in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Brewers are 9-3 in the last 12 meetings. Brewers are 8-3 in Anderson's last 11 starts vs. Pirates.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

MLB 3-PACK

The red hot Cleveland Indians are coming off a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels and have won 16 of their last 21 contests. They hit three homers on Sunday, and here they'll face Texas' Mike Minor (9-6, 3.21 ERA) who has served up eight homers in his last four starts. The 31-year-old southpaw allowed four runs or more in each of those starts and we can note that the Indians are 14-3 in their last 17 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Aaron Civale (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will toe the slab for Cleveland for his second career start. The former third-round draft pick has impressed in the minors and fanned six through six scoreless innings against Detroit in his major leagues debut on June 22. 

The Rangers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, but they're 2-8 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record and 6-20 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Tampa Bay Rays look like a solid home favorite against American League East rival Toronto Blue Jays Monday night. The Rays have won six on the bounce following a dominant 7-2 triumph over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. Here they'll get a look at Toronto's rookie right-hander Jacob Waguespack (2-1, 4.60 ERA) who they've already reached for six runs (five earned) over nine innings. The Rays will counter with right-hander Charlie Morton (12-3. 2.78 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in four career starts against Toronto. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped six of their last seven games and got swept by the Chicago Cubs over the weekend to fall four games behind them in the division. The Brewers are in desperate need of putting some Ws together, and I like them to at least get one on the board here against a Pirates team that has lost 18 of 22 games since the All-Star break. 

The Brewers hand the ball to right-hander Jordan Lyles (6-7, 5.15 ERA) for his second start since joining from Pittsburgh. Lyles should be pumped up to take on his former team, and he impressed with five innings of one-run ball at Oakland in his Brew Crew debut. "A breath of fresh air," Lyles said. "A new start. A division race. New life, I guess you can say."

The Pirates turn to righty Dario Agrazal (2-2, 3.65 ERA) who has been tagged with a total of eight runs on 10 hits (five homers!) through nine innings of work over his last two starts. 

Brewers are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Dodgers and the San Diego Padres have combined for only 12 runs through the past two games of this four-game series. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair in the finale Sunday afternoon. 

Dodgers righty Kenta Maeda (7-8, 4.07 ERA) was roughed up at Colorado last time out, but he owns a 2.53ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts) home at Dodger Stadium this season. He has faced the Friars three times already in 2019, limiting them to seven runs on 10 hits with 24 Ks over 20 1/3 innings of work. 

The Padres hand the ball to right-hander Chris Paddack (7-5, 2.78 ERA) who held Baltimore to one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings of work last time out. He has also pitched rather well in his two starts against the Dodgers this year, holding them to three earned runs over 10 1/3 frames. 

Under is 13-3 in Padres last 16 road games. Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games. Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The red hot New York Mets had recorded seven straight victories before taking a loss in the second game of this series with the Pirates Friday night. 

They bounced back with a 7-5 triumph on Saturday, and I think they'll close out this series with another win behind Noah Syndergaard (7-5, 4.10 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander had a poor first half of the season, but he has really stepped up his game since and owns a 1.91 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break. 

Syndergaard has posted a 1.77 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates who counter with righty Joe Musgrove (8-9, 4.23 ERA). Musgrove was rocked by the Cards his last home start and owns a 4.52 ERA in 12 outings (11 starts) at PNC Park on the season. 

Pirates are 1-8 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on New York Mets -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays have averaged 10 runs per game through the first three games of this series, with the most recent landing just on the number. We'll need a higher scoreline than that average here in the finale of this four-game series, and I think the two clubs will oblige and light up the scoreboard. 

Toronto hands the ball to Sean Reid-Foley (1-1, 2.55 ERA) who gave up five runs (three earned) on four hits over just two innings in his only career start against Baltimore on April 1. The Orioles meanwhile will use right-hander Tom Eshelman (0-2, 6.35 ERA) behind opener Jimmy Yacabonis (1-2, 7.34 ERA), and a look at the two pitchers' ERA says it all really. Eshelman will put in the bulk of the work, and he has served up seven home runs over just 22 2/3 innings of work this season. 

"We give up a ton of home runs," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said following Saturday's matchup in which both teams hit two homers. "It's pretty annoying. But it's kind of where we are. We play in a hitter's ballpark in the American League East, and when we don't throw -- a lot of times, we just don't execute very well." The Blue Jays lead the majors with 83 homers since June 16 and should do plenty of damage with the long-ball today as well.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Houston Astros put a 10-2 beating on the Seattle Mariners in the opener of this three-game series Friday night. Here they'll get a look at Seattle left-hander Marco Gonzales (12-8, 4.21 ERA) who is 0-3 with a 7.58 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Astros. We can also note that Astros are 15-3 in their last 18 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Houston meanwhile hands the ball to right-hander Aaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.07 ERA) for his team debut since joining as part of a four-player trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. Sanchez is 2-0 with a 1.31 ERA over six appearances (three starts) against the Mariners. 

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Toronto Blue Jays have scored 16 runs while taking the first couple of games of this series and they've averaged more than seven runs per game over a five-game winning streak. 

I think they'll keep swinging hot bats tonight as they get a look at Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.24 ERA) who has posted a 6.16 ERA home at Camden Yards on the season. Over is 10-2 in Bundy's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and he could be in big trouble against a Blue Jays side that has hit a major-league best 81 homers since June 16.

The Jays counter with left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has made just four starts on the season and was 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in three starts in July. Over is 5-1-2 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

In addition to the over, I also like the price we get on the Jays to keep dominating the Orioles and roll to a sixth straight victory. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

TOP RATED 10* BLUE JAYS @ ORIOLES TOTAL

The Toronto Blue Jays have scored 16 runs while taking the first couple of games of this series and they've averaged more than seven runs per game over a five-game winning streak. 

I think they'll keep swinging hot bats tonight as they get a look at Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.24 ERA) who has posted a 6.16 ERA home at Camden Yards on the season. Over is 10-2 in Bundy's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and he could be in big trouble against a Blue Jays side that has hit a major-league best 81 homers since June 16.

The Jays counter with left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has made just four starts on the season and was 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in three starts in July. Over is 5-1-2 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Over is 5-2 in Blue Jays last 7 overall. Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Chicago Cubs had no trouble to roll past the Milwaukee Brewers Friday afternoon and have now won nine of their last 11 home at Wrigley Field. I expect an easy win for the home team here in Game 2 of this three-game series early Saturday. 

Cubs' left-hander Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.98 ERA) will make his first start since June 28 after a stint on the IL. Hamels had posted a white hot 1.22 ERA in his last six starts prior to the injury, and I think he'll take up right where he left off. Hamels is 1-0 behind a 2.08 ERA in two turns against Milwaukee this season. The Brewers counter with southpaw colleague Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 3.48 ERA) who left his last outing on July 26 against the Cubs with shoulder tightness.

Brewers are 3-10 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 33-16 in their last 49 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

SUPER EARLY RED SOX @ YANKEES DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees bats combined for six runs in the first inning before going ice cold through the rest of the game in Friday night's matchup. I expect to see the teams score at a decent clip in all nine innings here in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday to push the total score over the posted number. 

Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale (5-10, 4.26 ERA) is 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA against the Yankees this season. Sale was tagged with six runs on five hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings when he took on the Yankees last Sunday. NYY righty Domingo German (13-2, 4.08 ERA) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings in that same matchup, a 9-6 Yankees win.  

Over is 10-2 in Yankees last 12 overall. Over is 14-3 in Red Sox last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on OVER.

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros are coming off a 7-1 victory at Cleveland on Thursday look like a good home favorite with left-hander Wade Miley (9-4, 3.06 ERA) on the mound. They're 6-1 SU (5-2 against the runline) in his seven starts as a home favorite this season and Miley himself was a red hot 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA in five turns in August. The Mariners counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi (4-7, 5.21 ERA). He limited Detroit to two runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings as a home favorite last time out, but the team is 0-5 SU and 1-4 against the runline in his last five starts closing as an underdog. Kikuchi took on Houston on June 29 and was tagged with five runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks over five innings. 

Astros are 14-3 in their last 17 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Mariners are 2-9 in Kikuchi's last 11 starts.

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The red hot New York Mets enter this contest on an eight-game winning streak, and here they'll face a shorthanded Pittsburgh team that has lost 10 of its last 11 and has been hit hard by suspensions following a benches-clearing brawl in Tuesday's matchup with the Cincinnati Reds. 

Additionally, we can note that Mets' left-hander Steven Matz (6-6, 4.32 ERA) fanned seven in a complete-game shutout against the Pirates on Saturday to improve to 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career starts against the club. Pirates' righty Trevor Williams (3-4, 4.87 ERA) was charged with the L in that matchup and the Pirates have lost each of his last three starts.

Pirates are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Mets are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on NY Mets. 

TOP RATED 10* RED SOX @ YANKEES TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox have suffered a sweep by the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays to open the week, and that despite scoring a respectable 14 runs through the three-game series. They took three of four when they took on the Yankees in an extremely high-scoring set (16.5 runs per game) at Fenway last week, and I expect both teams to produce plenty of runs here in the opener of a four-game series in the Bronx. 

Yankees left-hander James Paxton (5-6, 4.72 ERA) served up four homers and was tagged with seven runs in just four innings of a 10-5 loss to Boston last time out. Red Sox righty Eduardo Rodriguez (13-4, 4.13 ERA) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings in a 9-5 win over Yankees last time out. 

Over is 12-1 in Rodriguez's last 13 road starts. Over is 10-1 in Yankees last 11 overall. Over is 9-4-1 in Paxton's last 14 starts overall.

10* play on OVER. 

CUBS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals won the series opener 2-1 on Tuesday, but Chicago bounced back to win the second game of the series 2-0 on Wednesday. I expect another low-scoring affair here in the finale of the three-game set. 

Cards righty Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.17 ERA) has posted a 1.48 ERA (four earned runs allowed over 24 1/3 innings) over his past four starts. He's still 0-1 in those outings getting just nine runs of support. 

The Cubs turn to left-hander Jon Lester (9-6, 3.63 ERA) who tossed seven scoreless innings of a no-decision at Milwaukee last time out. 

Under is 11-2-1 in Cubs last 14 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Cardinals last 6 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ASTROS @ INDIANS TOTAL

American League rivals Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians will clash in the finale of their three-game series Thursday night. The Tribe homered four times in Wednesday's 10-4 victory, but I don't think runs will come quite as easy for either team in this matchup. 

Cleveland will hand the ball to Danny Salazar for his first start of the season. He missed the first half after undergoing major shoulder surgery but has posted a 2.60 ERA with 28 strikeouts against five walks in six rehab appearances. He owns a 2.25 ERA in four career starts against the Astros who counter with Gerrit Cole (12-5, 2.94 ERA). Cole has posted an outstanding 1.96 ERA in his last 12 contests and he owns a 3.27 ERA in three career meetings with Cleveland. 

Under is 9-3 in Astros last 12 overall. Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

CUBS @ CARDS TOTAL

Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (7-8, 3.26 ERA) boasts a 2.93 ERA in 16 career matchups with St. Louis. Cards righty Miles Mikolas (7-10, 4.19 ERA) owns a 1.88 ERA in previous meetings with the Cubs.

Under is 10-2-1 in Cubs last 13 overall. Under is 21-6 in Cardinals last 27 home games.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The New York Mets defeated host Chicago White Sox in a low-scoring affair in the opener of this three-game series Tuesday night. I don't think we'll see much fireworks here in Game 2 of the series either. 

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (11-5, 3.52 ERA) has struggled since his red hot start to the year and was smacked around for seven runs by Minnesota last time out. We can however note that under is 5-2 in Giolito's last 7 home starts, and under is 5-2-1 in the Mets last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The visitors hand the ball to Jacob deGrom (6-7, 2.86 ERA) who is enjoying a great campaign but with little to show for it in the win column due to poor run support. He has been sharper than usual here in July, boasting a 1.04 ERA in four starts. 

Under is 8-2 in Mets last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 overall. 

The Mets are a rather big road favorite here, but I still think they'll prove worth the price. 

8* play on NY Mets. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Mets defeated host Chicago White Sox in a low-scoring affair in the opener of this three-game series Tuesday night. I don't think we'll see much fireworks here in Game 2 of the series either. 

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (11-5, 3.52 ERA) has struggled since his red hot start to the year and was smacked around for seven runs by Minnesota last time out. We can however note that under is 5-2 in Giolito's last 7 home starts, and under is 5-2-1 in the Mets last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The visitors hand the ball to Jacob deGrom (6-7, 2.86 ERA) who is enjoying a great campaign but with little to show for it in the win column due to poor run support. He has been sharper than usual here in July, boasting a 1.04 ERA in four starts. 

Under is 8-2 in Mets last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 overall. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TWINS @ MARLINS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins claimed the opener of this series with a 2-1 triumph, and I think runs will come at a premium again here in Game 2 of the series. 

The Twins hand the ball to right-hander Jose Berrios (9-5, 2.94 ERA) who fanned eight through seven innings of three-run ball at Chicago White Sox last time out. Under is 3-1-1 in Berrios' last 5 road starts and 5-1-1 in his last 7 starts overall.

The Marlins turn to righty Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 4.18) who is coming off six solid innings of two-run ball against Arizona. Under is 7-2 in Alcantara's last 9 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

Under is 8-2 in Twins last 10 road games.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL BIG HITTER

The Oakland Athletics will host the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of a three-game interleague series Monday night. Six straight head-to-head meetings have gone under the total, but the last matchup took place in 2016 ... I think we'll see runs come fast and easy for both sides tonight. 

The A's hand the ball to Chris Bassitt (7-5, 4.09 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on five hits in six innings of a 4-2 loss at Houston last time out. Over his last 12 starts, Bassitt has a 5.23 ERA and over is 5-0 in his last five home starts. The Brewers turn to Adrian Houser (4-4, 4.19 ERA) who has made most of his appearances out of the bullpen this year. Houser has really struggled as a starter, posting a 7.83 ERA in six starts. 

Over is 6-1 in Brewers last seven road games.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into this contest on a nine-game losing streak following an 11-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Monday night. Here they'll face Reds righty Tanner Roark (6-6, 3.95 ERA) who is 2-0 in his last six starts and has allowed just four runs with 11 Ks through 10 innings in his last two starts. The Pirates counter with right-hander Joe Musgrove (7-9, 4.29 ERA) who surrendered six runs (five earned on seven hits (three homers) in five innings of a 6-3 loss to the Cardinals last time out. 

The Reds have won five of seven to position themselves only 6 1/2 games out of the division and NL wild-card races. They'll be well motivated and look good to keep the momentum going against a reeling Pirates side. 

Additionally, I also expect this game to stay under the posted total. Note that the under is 7-2 in the Pirates last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 7-3 in Roark's last 10 home starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into this contest on a nine-game losing streak following an 11-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Monday night. Here they'll face Reds righty Tanner Roark (6-6, 3.95 ERA) who is 2-0 in his last six starts and has allowed just four runs with 11 Ks through 10 innings in his last two starts. The Pirates counter with right-hander Joe Musgrove (7-9, 4.29 ERA) who surrendered six runs (five earned on seven hits (three homers) in five innings of a 6-3 loss to the Cardinals last time out. 

The Reds have won five of seven to position themselves only 6 1/2 games out of the division and NL wild-card races. They'll be well motivated and look good to keep the momentum going against a reeling Pirates side. 

10* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

EARLY ORIOLES @ PADRES DAYTIME DESTROYER TOTAL

The under is 5-1-1 in Orioles last 7 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter, and here they'll face Dinelson Lamet (0-2, 5.00 ERA) who held the Mets to two runs and four hits while fanning six over four innings last time out. Under is 8-3 in Lamet's last 11 starts overall and 9-2-1 in Padres last 12 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game, which they did in Monday's 8-1 victory. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are sitting pretty at the top of the National League West with the closest team 14.5 games back. I still think they'll be careful not to lose any momentum which is why a bounce back from Sunday's 11-4 loss at Washington is likely. A win should come fairly easy against a Colorado Rockies team that sits dead last in the division and has dropped 11 of its last 14 games.  

Many pitchers fear Coors Field, but not Dodgers' righty Kenta Maeda (7-7, 3.81 ERA) who is is 5-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 10 career games at the ballpark. Colorado right-hander Jon Gray (9-7, 4.05 ERA) meanwhile was tagged with six runs on 11 hits his last time out in front of the home town crowd. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The morale in the Toronto Blue Jays camp is questionable following a disappointing Sunday. First they coughed up a seven-run lead after the fifth inning to eventually lose to the Tampa Bay Rays, and later on, they traded right-hander Marcus Stroman to the New York Mets.

The Kansas City Royals have at least some kind of momentum after avoiding a four-game sweep against Cleveland with Sunday's 9-6 victory and I like the price we get on the home team. 

KC right-hander Brad Keller (7-9, 3.95 ERA) will be looking to close out an impressive month of July; he is 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four starts after limiting Atlanta to four hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings last time out. Blue Jays southpaw Thomas Pannone (2-4, 6.39 ERA) meanwhile has made just three major league starts on the season and has surrendered eight runs over 8 2/3 innings of work this month. 

Royals are 7-1 in Keller's last 8 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and 10-4 in the last 14 meetings with the Blue Jays at The K. 

8* play on Kansas City Royals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SUNDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL

The first two games of this three-game series were both low-scoring affairs with the teams combining for a total of just nine runs. I don't see runs come easy for either side here in the series finale either. 

The Giants hand the ball to their ace Madison Bumgarner (5-7, 3.66 ERA) who has posted a 1.96 ERA in four starts this month. He owns a 3.41 ERA in 34 career games (33 starts) versus the Padres and the under is 17-8-3 in Bumgarner's last 28 starts vs. National League West foes and the under is 7-0 in the Padres last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Padres counter with 20-year-old left-hander Adrian Morejon for his third major league appearance. While he lacks experience, pitching at pitcher-friendly Petco Park should help him out and San Francisco has mustered only four runs through its last three games. 

Under is 14-2 in Padres last 16 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Tampa Bay Rays must be very disappointed after coughing up a six-run lead over the last two frames and eventually losing in extra innings on Saturday. I expect the Rays to bounce back with a more complete performance today. 

The Blue Jays will send Aaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.06 ERA) to the mound. The team had lost his last 11 starts prior to a 2-1 win over Cleveland on July 23 and the 27-year-old right-hander is without a winning decision over consecutive 16 starts.

The Rays counter with right-hander Yonny Chirinos (8-5, 3.29 ERA) who has pitched at least five innings in all of his 15 starts this season and held eight of his last nine opponents to fewer than four runs. 

The Rays have won six of the eight games between the teams this season and picked up an 8-3 victory when these to pitchers went toe-to-toe on May 27. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Atlanta Braves put a 15-7 beating on the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The Phillies will however have a huge advantage on the mound here on Sunday, and I expect the home team to pick up an easy victory and deny the Braves a sweep of the series. 

Phillies' ace Aaron Nola (8-2, 3.64 ERA) has been dominant against the Braves throughout his career, boasting a 9-3 record behind a 2.26 ERA in 15 starts. This year alone, Nola is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA against the club and he tossed eight scoreless innings when he took on the Braves on July 2. In his five starts in July this year, Nola is 2-0 with a superb 1.93 ERA. 

Braves' right Kevin Gausman (3-5, 5.71 ERA) has not had nearly as much success against Philadelphia, going 0-2 with a 5.51 ERA in three career starts against the club.

Phillies are 27-11 in Nolas last 38 home starts. Phillies are 4-0 in Nola's last 4 starts vs. Braves.

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The AL West-leading Houston Astros had won seven of eight before taking a 5-3 loss to the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of this three-game series at Busch Stadium Friday night. I think this looks like an excellent spot to back the Astros to bounce back in the middle game. 

Tonight, right-hander Gerrit Cole (11-5, 3.03 ERA) will toe the slab for the visitors. He is undefeated through his last 11 starts and has limited six of his last seven opponents to one or fewer runs while reaching double-digits Ks in four of those outings.

Cole owns a solid 3.09 ERA in 14 career starts versus the Cardinals who counter with Daniel Ponce de Leon (1-0, 2.82 ERA) for his seventh start of the season. Ponce de Leon held Pittsburgh to one run over three innings last time out, but gave up three hits and four walks. He rarely goes deep into the games and I expect the Astros powerful lineup to get the better of him.

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY (10*)

We lost with the over when the Minnesota Twins claimed the opener of this three-game series 6-2 Friday night. With seven runs after just three innings that must be considered somewhat of a bad beat. I'm expecting the teams to make up for it by keeping the scorekeepers busy tonight. 

Minnesota lefty Martin Perez (8-3, 4.37 ERA) was reached for five runs on seven hits (three homers) and four walks in just four innings against the Yankees last time out. He owns a 4.97 ERA in nine outings (seven starts) on the road this season and he has a 4.88 ERA in four career starts against Chicago. Over is 9-1 in Perez's last 10 starts overall.

White Sox righty Ivan Nova (5-9, 5.49 ERA) held Miami to one run over a complete game last time out, but he had allowed 10 runs over 10 2/3 innings of work in two starts prior to that. Nova has a 6.02 ERA home at Guaranteed Rate Field this year and Twins powerful lineup should have no trouble to manufacture runs off Nova. 

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the series opener 4-2 on Friday night, and I expect another comfortable triumph for the Dodgers here on Saturday with three-time NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Kershaw (8-2, 2.84 ERA) has dominated the Nats throghout his career, entering this contest with an 11-3 record behind a 2.18 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) against the club. The Nats hand the ball to Joe Ross (0-2, 9.45 ERA) for his mere second start of the season. 

Edit: The Nats will use left-hander Matt Grace as an opener for Ross. He has posted a 6.23 ERA in 44 appearances out of the bullpen this year.

The Dodgers have won the last four meetings in Washington. 

8* play on LA Dodgers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners opened this four-game series with a 10-2 triumph, and I expect another high-scoring affair here in Game 2 Friday night. 

Seattle southpaw Yusei Kikuchi (4-7, 5.37 ERA) gave up seven runs on nine hits over five innings of a 9-3 home loss to the Halos last time out. He has a 5.79 ERA in 10 starts at T-Mobile Park. The Tigers hand the ball to left-hander Daniel Norris (2-8, 5.02 ERA) who had allowed 11 runs over his last two turns (both on the road) before tossing four innings of one-run ball against Toronto home in Detroit last time out. For the season, Norris owns a 5.28 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts) away from home. 

Over is 12-4-1 in Tigers last 17 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 8-1-1 in Kikuchi's last 10 home starts. Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings in Seattle.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Minnesota Twins had no trouble to manufacture runs off White Sox starter Lucas Gioloti in Thursday's 10-3 triumph.

I think runs will come fast and easy once again here Friday night as they get a look at Chicago right-hander Dylan Cease (1-2, 6.19 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on three hits and four walks over five innings last time out.

I would not be surprised to see the White Sox putting plenty of runs on the board either through with Minnesota righty Michael Pineda (6-5, 4.41 ERA) owning a 4.87 ERA in eight road starts on the season. 

Over is 5-0 in Twins last 5 overall. Over is 5-1-1 in White Sox last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The New York Yankees entered Thursday off a high-scoring series with the Twins, and yesterday's 19-3 defeat to the Boston Red Sox suggest we might see runs come fast and easy for both teams here Friday night.  

Boston righty Andrew Cashner (9-5, 4.19 ERA) has been tagged with nine runs over 11 innings since coming over from Baltimore. He's faced the Yankees three times already this season while still with the O's, with little success though, posting a 6.19 ERA. The Yankees counter with lefty James Paxton (5-5, 4.20 ERA) who gave up seven runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks in just 3 1/3 frames of an 8-4 loss to Colorado last time out. Paxton has had a couple of games like that this year, and Boston's dangerous lineup should be able to do plenty of damage off him. 

Over is 40-13-2 in Yankees last 55 road games. Over is 8-3 in Red Sox last 11 home games. Over is 7-1-1 in the last 9 meetings at Fenway Park. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Twins have started the week by dropping two of three to the Yankees despite winning Game 1 and producing 27 runs throughout the three-game series. I expect them to stay hot at the plate here, coming up against White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (11-4, 3.12 ERA) who had compiled a 6.48 ERA in his last five starts before holding Tampa Bay to one run through 6 2/3 innings of work last time out. 

Meanwhile, runs are not likely to come easy for the home team as The Twins counter with right-hander Jose Berrios (8-5, 2.96 ERA). He has posted a respectable 3.45 ERA over his three July starts and owns an 8-2 career record behind a 2.21 ERA in 11 career starts versus the White Sox.

White Sox are 3-9 in Giolito's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a winning record and 3-10 in their last 13 overall. Twins are 21-7 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a losing record and 29-12 in their last 41 games following a loss.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S SUPER EARLY TOP RATED TOTAL

The San Diego Padres and the New York Mets will clash at Citi Field for the opener of a four-game series Thursday afternoon. With both sides on the lower end of scoring average in MLB and two quality pitchers on the mound, I'm confident we'll see this game go under the total despite the low number. 

The Mets hand the bal to righty Jacob deGrom (5-7, 3.02 ERA) who has posted a 1.42 ERA in three starts on the month. deGrom' owns a 1.79 ERA in seven career outings against the Padres and the under is 4-1 in his last five starts versus the club.

The Padres turn to Eric Lauer (5-7, 4.31 ERA) who had allowed just one run in each of his last three outings prior to getting smacked around by the Cubs in Chicago on Friday. That was his first game back after some time on the bereavement list, and I expect a much more focused appearance today. 

Under is 12-2 in Padres last 14 overall. Under is 4-1 in Mets last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank top three for runs scored per game in 2019. They've certainly shown why through the first two games of this series, combining for 40 runs(!), and I don't see any reason why they would slow down tonight.  

The Yanks hand the ball to left-hander J.A. Happ (8-5, 4.86 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 7-3 loss to Minnesota on May 4. Over is 23-11-3 in Twins last 37 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Jake Odorizzi (11-4, 3.18 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Twins. He has allowed three or more runs in five of his last six starts and made it through the fifth inning just once during that stretch. He tossed six scoreless innings against the Yankees earlier this season but owns a 4.06 ERA in 17 career outings (16 starts) versus them. Over is 35-16-2 in Yankees last 53 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings. Over is 16-7-2 in the last 25 meetings at Target Field. 

10* play on OVER. 

INDIANS @ BLUE JAYS TOTAL

The teams enter the finale of this three-game series tied at 1-1 following a 2-1 triumph for the home team Tuesday night. I expect another low-scoring affair here in the rubber match.  

Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Marcus Stroman (6-10, 3.06 ERA) fanned five through seven scoreless innings of six-hit ball last time out. I think he'll be able to keep the Tribe in check tonight as well. Note that he owns a 3.15 ERA in seven career outings versus Cleveland and the under is 6-1 in those games. As for the Indians, they hand the ball to Shane Bieber (9-3, 3.69 ERA) who's having a solid season, and he's been particularly effective on the road where he owns a 3.19 while limiting opponents to a .189 batting average over 10 outings (nine starts). 

Under is 14-5-1 in Biebers last 20 starts overall. Under is 9-3 in Stromans last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings in Toronto.

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON NO BRAINER

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday night and can complete the sweep of this three-game series Wednesday afternoon. We can however note that they have a really poor record in day games on the road this season (5-16) while the Milwaukee Brewers are a solid 15-5 in day games home at Miller Park. 

Additionally, the Brewers are 12-4 in their last 16 during game 3 of a series and 20-8 in their last 28 games after losing the first two games of a series.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB NO BRAINER

The Cincinnati Reds won the opener of this series 6-5 Monday night. The Brewers are still 5-2 in their past seven games and I like the Brew Crew to tie the series here with Zach Davies on the mound. Davies (8-2, 2.79 ERA)  has held opponents to a total of two earned runs over 23 1/3 innings in his past four outings for a 0.77 ERA. The Reds meanwhile hand the ball to Tanner Roark (5-6, 3.97 ERA) who has a 7.16 ERA in his past three outings ... 

The Brewers are 13-3 in Davies' last 16 starts vs. a team with a losing record and 5-0 in his last 5 home starts vs. Cincinnati.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank top three for runs scored per game in 2019, and they did not disappoint as the teams combined for 14 runs Monday night. I expect to see another slugfest here in Game 2 of the series. 

Yanks righty Domingo German (12-2, 3.38 ERA) has been dominant in three starts since returning from the injured list, but only one of those was on the road. For the season, German owns a 4.53 ERA in eight road starts and over is 7-2-1 in his last 10 starts away from home. Minnesota hands the ball to right-hander Kyle Gibson (9-4, 4.02 ERA) who has allowed a total of only six earned runs over his past four starts, but he has a bloated 6.50 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees. 

Over is 7-2 in Gibsons last 9 starts vs. Yankees. Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE ~ $20 TUESDAY SPECIAL

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (8-2, 3.77 ERA) was tagged with four runs in five innings against the Dodgers last time out, but he should have a better night here against a Detroit side that averages just 3.31 runs per game home at Comerica Park. Nola held the Tigers to one run across 5 2/3 innings earlier this year to make it 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the club.  

Detroit hands the ball to Matthew Boyd (6-8, 4.13 ERA) who has surrendered between three and five earned runs in his last eight starts. The team lost seven of those contests and Boyd was charged with five runs in a 6-3 loss to Cleveland last time out.

Phillies are 6-1 in Nola's last 7 road starts. Phillies are 20-7 in Nola's last 27 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

MLB 3-PACK

The reeling Texas Rangers travel to Seattle off their seventh straight defeat following a 5-3 setback at Houston on Sunday. Here they'll face an almost equally struggling Seattle team that has dropped eight of its past nine games, but I like the home team to come through with a win in a high-scoring game Monday night. 

Left-hander Marco Gonzales (10-8, 4.48 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mariners. He was roughed up at Oakland last time out and owns a 5.46 ERA in 10 home starts on the season, but I expect the M's bats to bail him out against Texas right-hander Adrian Sampson (6-6, 4.92 ERA) who was tagged with five runs in just 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen last time out. Sampson has made just one starts this season, one the 27-year-old  probably rather forget as he was reached for seven runs in 3 1/ 3 innings of a 15-6 loss at Minnesota. 

The Rangers are 1-7 in their last 8 road games. Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Seattle.

8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB 3-PACK

The reeling Texas Rangers travel to Seattle off their seventh straight defeat following a 5-3 setback at Houston on Sunday. Here they'll face an almost equally struggling Seattle team that has dropped eight of its past nine games, but I like the home team to come through with a win in a high-scoring game Monday night. 

Left-hander Marco Gonzales (10-8, 4.48 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mariners. He was roughed up at Oakland last time out and owns a 5.46 ERA in 10 home starts on the season, but I expect the M's bats to bail him out against Texas right-hander Adrian Sampson (6-6, 4.92 ERA) who was tagged with five runs in just 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen last time out. Sampson has made just one starts this season, one the 27-year-old  probably rather forget as he was reached for seven runs in 3 1/ 3 innings of a 15-6 loss at Minnesota. 

The Rangers are 1-7 in their last 8 road games. Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Seattle.

8* play on Over. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs have been among the hottest teams in baseball coming out of the All-Star break. 

The Giants are in a bad spot here though after needing 47 innings to take three of four from the NY Mets to close out last week. Here they hand the ball to Shaun Anderson (3-2, 4.87 ERA) who has allowed 13 runs through his last three outings and made it through the fifth inning just once in his last six starts. 

With a depleted bullpen another short outing could spell disaster tonight, especially as the Cubs have averaged a healthy 5.2 rpg through nine games since the All-Star festivities. 

The Cubs counter with Alec Mills (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who limited the Reds to three runs on five hits over six innings in his season debut last week. The Giants have much like the Cubs been swinging hot bats of late, and I expect this contest to fly over the total with ease. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank in the top three for runs scored per game in 2019. I expect to see a real slugfest here in the opener of a three-game set between the two American League foes. 

The Yanks hand the ball to CC Sabathia (5-4, 4.06 ERA) who sports an impressive 3.09 ERA in 39 career starts against Minnesota, but keep in mind that the Twins of this season are more lethal than in many years. This looks like a good time for them to do some damage off the veteran southpaw home at Target Field as Sabathia has a 5.84 ERA on the road this season. At the same time, one must certainly like the Yankees to keep scoring runs against lefty Martin Perez (8-3, 4.10 ERA) who owns a bloated 9.68 ERA in four career starts against the club. 

Over is 7-1 in Sabathia's last 8 starts overall. Over is 8-1 in Perez's last 9 starts overall.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK - TOTAL OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners mustered only five hits in Saturday's 6-2 defeat. I think they'll have more success at the plate here on Sunday, coming up against Angels' left-hander Dillon Peters (1-0, 4.15 ERA) for his first start of the year. Peters has already been tagged with three runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings of work against Seattle this season, and over is 18-7-1 in Seattle's last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Mariners hand the ball to a left-hander of their own in Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 5.01 ERA). Kikuchi is 1-2 with a 10.91 ERA in four starts against the Angels this season and he has posted a 7.29 ERA over his last nine starts.

Over is 15-3-1 in Kikuchi's last 19 starts overall. Over is 5-1-2 in the Angels last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on over. 

3-PACK OF MLB TOTALS

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled since the All-Star break but came through with a well needed 3-2 win on Saturday. Calling a winner here in the finale of this series with the LA Angels is hard, but I'm confident we'll see plenty of runs scored.

Note that Reds' righty Anthony DeSclafani (5-4, 4.29 ERA) has served up two homers in each of his last two starts while Cards righty Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.41 ERA) also has struggled with the long-ball of late. The weather report suggests that the ball will carry, and both pitchers could get in trouble here. Over is 7-3-1 in Flaherty's last 11 road starts and his ERA is 5.97 away from home.

Over is 7-0 in DeSclafani's last 7 Sunday starts.

8* play on OVER. 

3-PACK OF MLB TOTALS

The Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles have combined for 36 runs through the first two games of this series, and I predict another high-scoring affair here in the finale Sunday afternoon. 

Baltimore righty Asher Wojciechowski (0-3, 5.74 ERA) has made just four appearances (three starts) here in 2019, over which he has served up four homers over 15 2/3 innings of work. His last time out, Wojciechowski was tagged with three runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings of an 8-1 loss to Washington. The Red Sox turn to ex-Oriole Andrew Cashner (9-4, 4.09 ERA) who left the club just over a week ago. It's likely that they're very familiar with his stuff and we can note that Cashner was smacked around for six runs (five earned) on eight hits over five innings in his Red Sox debut. 

Over is 13-3-2 in Red Sox last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 11-5-2 in Orioles last 18 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

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

The reeling Colorado Rockies are losers of six straight, but the New York Yankees have shown no mercy over the first couple of games in this series and I don't see Sunday's finale being any different. 

The Yankees hand the ball to left-hander James Paxton (5-4, 3.94 ERA) who has posted a 2.50 ERA in his last three starts. Paxton allowed just two runs in six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays his last time out and owns a 3.52 ERA in three career starts against Colorado.

The Rockies turn to German Marquez (8-5, 5.12 ERA) who is winless in his last three starts and has posted a 7.55 ERA over his last seven. Bad time to take on a Yankees team that is raking at the moment with 38 runs scored over its last five games, all wins straight up and against the runline. 

10* play on New York Yankees. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Baltimore Orioles put an 11-2 beating on the Red Sox Friday night. I think the Red Sox will return the favor roúting the O's in a high-scoring contest here on Saturday. 

Boston hands the ball to Rick Porcello (7-7, 5.37 ERA) who's had a poor year. The veteran righty has been tagged with six and four runs in his last two starts, but his teammates bats bailed him out both times with a pair of 10-run performances. 

The Orioles turn to Tom Eshelman (0-1, 5.06 ERA) for his third start in the big leagues. Eshelman was tagged with four runs on five hits (two homers) in 5 2/3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay last time out, and I don't see him being able to slow down the World Series defending champions. 

Over is 12-3-2 in Red Sox last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 10-3-1 in Orioles last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 6-2 in Porcello's last 8 road starts. Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on Boston Red Sox -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Baltimore Orioles put an 11-2 beating on the Red Sox Friday night. I think the Red Sox will return the favor roúting the O's in a high-scoring contest here on Saturday. 

Boston hands the ball to Rick Porcello (7-7, 5.37 ERA) who's had a poor year. The veteran righty has been tagged with six and four runs in his last two starts, but his teammates bats bailed him out both times with a pair of 10-run performances. 

The Orioles turn to Tom Eshelman (0-1, 5.06 ERA) for his third start in the big leagues. Eshelman was tagged with four runs on five hits (two homers) in 5 2/3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay last time out, and I don't see him being able to slow down the World Series defending champions. 

Over is 12-3-2 in Red Sox last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 10-3-1 in Orioles last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 6-2 in Porcello's last 8 road starts. Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Detroit Tigers have dropped five on the bounce and 21 of their last 24 games, and a big reason for the slide has been poor performances from their pitching staff. I don't see that changing tonight as they hand the ball to Daniel Norris (2-8, 5.14 ERA) who has posted a 5.98 ERA over his last seven starts. The 26 year-old southpaw has surrendered 11 runs in his last two starts alone ... 

The Jays counter with rookie right-hander Trent Thornton (3-7, 5.25 ERA) who conceded five runs in just 1 1/3 innings of a 10-8 loss at Boston his last start, the third time in his last four starts he gave up five or more runs. 

Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 overall. Over is 5-1 in Thornton's last 6 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings at Comerica Park.

8* play on OVER. 

TGIF MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-3 on Thursday to put an end to a season-high three-game losing streak. I like the Twins to pick up another win here Friday night with Jake Odorizzi (11-4, 3.06 ERA) on the hill. They've won 13 of Odorizzi's 18 starts on the season and he limited the White Sox to one run over 5 1/3 innings of a 6-2 triumph last time out. Odorizzi was smacked around in an 8-6 loss to the A's on July 2, a contest he was forced to exit due to a blister on his right middle finger. I think he'll be looking to make up for that outing tonight. 

Chris Bassitt (6-4, 3.98 ERA) will toe the slab for Oakland. He's coming off six scoreless innings of four-hit ball of a home win against the White Sox, but note that Bassitt's ERA on the road is almost a full run higher than his ERA at home. 

The Twins are 14-2 in Odorizzi's last 16 home starts and 9-1 in their last 10 Friday games. The A's are 0-4 in Bassitt's last four Friday starts.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

TGIF MLB NO BRAINER

The Detroit Tigers closed out a 1-6 road trip with a 6-3 setback in Cleveland on Thursday. They'll be back home at Comerica Park Friday night, but with a 12-32 home record that might not make much of a difference. 

I like the visiting Toronto Blue Jays in this matchup as they hand the ball to their ace Marcus Stroman (5-10, 3.25 ERA) who has held 10 of his last 11 opponents to three or fewer earned runs. He owns a 2.17 ERA in four career starts against the Tigers who counter with Jordan Zimmermann (0-6, 7.01 ERA) who hasn't won a game since last September. Over his last two starts, Zimmerman has been tagged with a combined 14 runs on 21 hits in 7 1/3 innings and he has a 9.23 ERA through his last nine starts. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

ASTROS @ ANGELS THURSDAY NIGHT NO BRAINER

The Houston Astros scored just two runs despite recording 13 hits in yesterday's 7-2 defeat. Over is 8-1-2 in their last 11 after allowing two runs or fewer in their previous game, and I expect both teams to score fast and easy here in the finale of this four-game series Thursday night. 

Matt Harvey (3-4, 6.88 ERA) will toe the slab for the Halos. He has posted a 16.20 ERA in two career starts versus the Astros and gave up five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 10-4 loss to them on May 5. 

The Astros turn to Wade Miley (7-4, 3.32 ERA) who owns impressive career numbers against the Angels, but he could be in big trouble here as Mike Trout expects to return to the lineup after missing the first three games of this series due to a right calf strain. "I feel good. Just being cautious," Trout said Wednesday. "I should be fine to play (Thursday)."

Miley was tagged with five runs (three earned) in 6 2/3 innings against Texas last time out. 

Over is 17-5-4 in Angels last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 7-2-2 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The St. Louis Cardinals are 4-2 coming out of the All-Star break following a 6-5 triumph over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Tonight they'll be on the road at Cincinnati, and I like the Reds to get the better of their NL Central rival. 

Tanner Roark (5-6, 3.99 ERA) will toe the slab for the Reds. He was roughed up at Colorado last time out, but he's far from the only pitcher to have struggled at Coors this season and it happened after sitting through a rain delay of over three hours. The preparations should be better for this contest, and we can note that he limited the Cards to one run through 5 1/3 innings of a 5-2 Reds win back in April.

The Cardinals counter with Dakota Hudson (8-4, 3.48 ERA) who is having a great year, but his K/BB ratio of 73/45 does note bode well. Don't be surprised if we see some regression for the 24-year-old righty in the second half of the season, and we can note that his ERA on the road is more than a full run higher than at home in St. Louis. 

The Reds are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning record while the Cardinals are 6-13 in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

10* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

This series is all tied at 1-1 following a come-from-behind win for the New York Yankees on Tuesday. I like the Bronx Bombers to get the better of their American League East rival Tampa Bay Rays again here in the first game of a double-header on Thursday.

Domingo German (11-2, 3.40 ERA) will toe the slab for the Yankees. They've won nine of his last 11 starts and German is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in two starts since returning from a hip injury.

The Rays hand are 1-5 in right-hander Yonny Chirinos' (8-4, 3.11 ERA) last six starts and the Yankees are 39-13 in their last 52 games vs. a right-handed starter 

The Rays are 2-6 in the Bronx this year and I expect the home team to prove well worth the money tonight. 

We have a free pick on the Yankees to win this game straight up, but I also like this contest to fly over the total. Note that the over/under is 22-13-2 in Yankees' day games in 2019.

8* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* PADRES @ MARLINS TOTAL

The over/under is 8-21 in Miami Marlins' day games this season, and I think we'll see a low-scoring affair when they visit the San Diego Padres Thursday afternoon.  

The Padres hand the ball to Dinelson Lamet (0-2, 6.30 ERA) who has made just two major league appearances since the end of 2017 due to Tommy John surgery. He has given up seven runs through 10 innings on the season, but also fanned 14. This could be a turning point against a Marlins team that averages just 3.65 runs per game. 

"Lamet's stuff is there," Padres manager Andy Green claims. "The control hasn't been. We know it will be. His last bullpen (session) was a step in the right direction. Commanding the fastball is something he has been working on since his surgery. There are days when it has been really good and days when he's fought with it a little bit."

The Marlins counter with Caleb Smith (5-4, 3.46 ERA) who has posted a 2.04 ERA through six starts home at Marlins Park here in 2019. 

Under is 7-2 in Padres last 9 overall. Under is 7-3-1 in Marlins last 11 overall.

10* play on UNDER.