GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The Kansas City Royals put an 11-0 beating on the visiting Chicago White Sox Tuesday night. Here they'll get a look at White Sox righty Ivan Nova (4-8, 5.60 ERA) who has posted a 5.17 ERA in six career starts against the Royals. I don't see visitors getting shut out twice in a row though with the Royals sending Danny Duffy (3-5, 4.64 ERA) to the mound. The 30-year-old southpaw left his last start in the third inning after getting hit on the hand by a line drive, but he still managed to give up four runs during his short time on the hill. 

Over is 18-6-2 in Royals last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 8-3 in Royals last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 6-2 in Nova's last 8 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Arizona Diamondbacks put a 9-2 beating on the Texas Rangers Tuesday night. I think we'll see plenty of action over home plate in the finale of this two-game interleague series Wednesday night. 

Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (7-6, 3.81 ERA) is coming off back-to-back quality starts, but he owns a 5.06 ERA in four career starts against Texas. We also note that Ray has struggled with the long-ball of late, serving up 11 over his last eight starts and that over is 11-3 in Ray's last 14 starts following a quality start in his last appearance.

The Rangers hand the ball to right-hander Jesse Chavez (3-4, 3.84 ERA) who has posted a 4.67 ERA in 12 career outings (one start) versus Arizona. He served up three home runs and was charged with seven runs against Houston last time out. 

8* play on OVER. 

DODGERS @ PHILLIES TOTAL

I think runs will come easy for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the LA Dodgers here Wednesday night. Philly right-hander Nick Pivetta (4-4, 5.81 ERA) owns a 6.99 ERA in his past five starts while Dodgers' righty Kenta Maeda (7-6, 3.82 ERA) was tagged with three runs through just 5 2/3 innings of work of an 8-1 loss at Boston last time out. He served up two homers for the second straight contest and has given up 16 on the season. 

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Minnesota Twins will host the Kansas City Royals for the final contest of a two-game series Wednesday afternoon. I expect the home team to earn the win in a high-scoring slugfest. 

The Twins hand the ball to Martin Perez (8-3, 4.26 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in two career outings (one start) against the Mets. Perez was tagged with four runs in a 15-6 win over Texas last time out. 

The Mets turn to left-hander Jason Vargas (3-5, 4.23 ERA) who has impressive career numbers against Minnesota, but note that the veteran was lit up for six runs in just five innings at Miami last time out. Here he'll face a Twins team that averages 5.65 runs per game home at Target Field. 

The Mets won last night's matchup 3-2, but the Twins are 17-4 in their last 21 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

Over is 7-1 in Perez's last 8 starts overall. Over is 9-4 in Twins last 13 interleague home games vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 12-4-3 in Mets last 19 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Minnesota Twins will host the Kansas City Royals for the final contest of a two-game series Wednesday afternoon. I expect the home team to earn the win in a high-scoring slugfest. 

The Twins hand the ball to Martin Perez (8-3, 4.26 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in two career outings (one start) against the Mets. Perez was tagged with four runs in a 15-6 win over Texas last time out. 

The Mets turn to left-hander Jason Vargas (3-5, 4.23 ERA) who has impressive career numbers against Minnesota, but note that the veteran was lit up for six runs in just five innings at Miami last time out. Here he'll face a Twins team that averages 5.65 runs per game home at Target Field. 

The Mets won last night's matchup 3-2, but the Twins are 17-4 in their last 21 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

Over is 7-1 in Perez's last 8 starts overall. Over is 9-4 in Twins last 13 interleague home games vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 12-4-3 in Mets last 19 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on OVER. 

MONEYLINE MASSACRE *$20 TUESDAY SPECIAL*

The Atlanta Braves won the opener of this series 4-3, but the Brewers have a significant edge on the mound here Tuesday night and should prove well worth the money backing them. 

Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (10-3, 3.67 ERA) has been dominant home at Miller Park all season, boasting an 8-0 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 79-12 K/BB ratio over 60 innings of work. He has allowed just two runs over 13 2/3 frames in his last two starts combined. 

The Braves counter with Bryse Wilson (1-0, 6.14 ERA) who will return to the rotation following a short stint in the minors during the All-Star break. Wilson was tagged with nine runs in 2 2/3 innings for Gwinnett on Thursday and he has posted a 9.39 ERA in his two road starts in the majors this season. 

The Brewers are 10-2 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 11-1 in Woodruff's last 12 home starts.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

REDS @ CUBS TUESDAY NIGHT BOOKIE BLASTER

The Cincinnati Reds have won seven of 10 against the Chicago Cubs here in 2019 following a 6-3 triumph in the series opener Monday night. I think their dominance in the season series will continue here with Anthony DeSclafani on the mound. 

DeSclafani (5-4, 4.26 ERA) has allowed just two runs with 13 Ks in his last two starts. The 29-year-old right-hander has limited the Cubs to four runs through 9 2/3 innings of work on the season and he is 4-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 11 career starts against them. 

Alec Mills will take the ball for Chicago as he makes his first start on the season- Mills is 0-1 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 career games (two starts) in the major leagues and I doubt the Cubs will be able to give him enough run support here. 

The Reds are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings at Wrigley Field, 6-2 in DeSclafani's last 8 road starts and 4-1 in DeSclafani's last 5 starts vs. Chicago.

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals have been of the hottest teams in baseball in recent weeks despite coming off a tough 4-3 walk-off defeat in Philadelphia on Sunday. They're 4-0 in their last four games following an off day and look good to bounce back here against Baltimore. 

The Orioles have the worst record across the major leagues. They've lost both of right-hander Asher Wojciechowski's (0-2, 6.10 ERA) starts in 2019 with the right-hander allowing seven runs over 9 2/3 combined innings of work. 

The Nats hand the ball to Austin Voth (0-0, 5.52 ERA) who has had little success through his first three starts this season. He is, however, coming off six scoreless innings for Harrisburg in the minors and should have little to fear from an Orioles side that averages just 4.15 runs per game. 

Washington is 11-3 SU (9-5 against the runline) as a favorite of -180 or more this season.

10* play on Washington Nationals -1.5.

LATE NIGHT ASTROS @ ANGELS TOTAL

Both the LA Angels and the Houston Astros have been swinging hot bats since the All-Star break, and I think that will continue here when the two teams clash Monday night. 

Angels' righty Griffin Canning (3-5, 4.43 ERA) was tagged with six runs through 3 1/3 innings at Texas last time out while Houston right-hander Josh James will open for struggling southpaw Framber Valdez (3-5, 5.28 ERA). Valdez was also lit up by Texas his last time out, surrendering four runs on just 28 pitches, to make it 15 runs allowed over seven innings in his last three outings combined. 

Over is 6-2 in Astros last 8 road games.  Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Los Angeles. Over is 5-1-2 in the last 8 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NO-BRAINER

The Toronto Blue Jays have been held to two runs or fewer in five of their last six contests, and they should not stand much of a chance here against a high-powered Red Sox team.

Toronto's rookie righty Trent Thornton (3-6, 4.85 ERA) is coming off six scoreless innings of three-hit ball against Baltimore, but he had been tagged with seven runs in just 2 2/3 frames in a 10-6 loss to Boston his last time out prior to that outing.  ''

The Red Sox counter with right-hander Rick Porcello (6-7, 5.33 ERA) who has been knocked around plenty in recent outings, but he should not have much to fear from this weak Toronto lineup.

8* play on Boston Red Sox.

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Cleveland Indians have won seven of their last nine to move 6 ½ games behind Minnesota Twins who still sit top of the AL Central. Tonight the Tribe host the worst team in the division, and I think they'll handle Detroit with ease. 

Adam Plutko (3-1, 4.95 ERA) will toe the slab for Cleveland. The 27-year-old righty has made just seven appearances (six starts) in 2019, but most have been of the better variety. He fanned six over six solid innings of a 13-4 win over Detroit on June 14 and owns a 26/4 K/BB ratio on the season. 

The Tigers hand the ball to Daniel Norris (2-8, 4.96 ERA). They've lost eight of the left-hander's last 10 starts and he was tagged with six runs in five innings of a 7-5 loss to the White Sox last time out. He also gave up six runs in an 8-3 loss at Cleveland on June 23. 

The Indians are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Tigers are 3-9 in Norris' last 12 road starts.

Over is 4-0 in Indians last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 12-3-1 in Norris' last 16 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians have won seven of their last nine to move 6 ½ games behind Minnesota Twins who still sit top of the AL Central. Tonight the Tribe host the worst team in the division, and I think they'll handle Detroit with ease. 

Adam Plutko (3-1, 4.95 ERA) will toe the slab for Cleveland. The 27-year-old righty has made just seven appearances (six starts) in 2019, but most have been of the better variety. He fanned six over six solid innings of a 13-4 win over Detroit on June 14 and owns a 26/4 K/BB ratio on the season. 

The Tigers counter with Daniel Norris (2-8, 4.96 ERA). They've lost eight of the left-hander's last 10 starts and he was tagged with six runs in five innings of a 7-5 loss to the White Sox last time out. He also gave up six runs in an 8-3 loss at Cleveland on June 23. 

The Indians are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Tigers are 3-9 in Norris' last 12 road starts.

10* play on Cleveland Indians. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL MAIN EVENT ~ DODGERS @ RED SOX

The Boston Red Sox and the LA Dodgers have split the first couple of games in this series with one lopsided triumph each. The Dodgers came out victorious on Saturday and I think they'll be the ones to clinch the series. 

Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (10-2, 1.73 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Dodgers. He's been dominant all season long and the Dodgers are 9-2 in Ryu's last 11 starts. The Red Sox turn to a left-hander of their own in David Price (7-2, 3.24 ERA). He has been almost as dominant as Ryu here in 2019, but note that Price has had some issues with his command lately with six walks in his last two starts. 

The Dodgers are hitting southpaws better than the Red Sox, and I think we're getting a great price on the visitors tonight.

8* play on LA Dodgers. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Los Angeles Angels have outscored the Seattle Mariners 22-2 through the first two games three-game series and look good to complete the sweep Sunday afternoon. 

Seattle has lost seven of southpaw Yusei Kikuchi's (4-6, 4.94 ERA) last eight starts and he posted a 7.03 ERA in five starts in June. The Angels have smacked him around to the tune of 17 runs (16 earned) on 29 hits over 11 2/3 innings. Jose Suarez (2-1, 5.40 ERA) will toe the slab for the Halos. The 21-year-old left-hander has had his ups and downs through his first six major league starts, but I count on Suarez to get plenty of help from the Angels bats.

Angels are 18-7 in their last 25 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Angels are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. 

8* play on LA Angels. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Angels have outscored the Seattle Mariners 22-2 through the first two games three-game series and look good to complete the sweep Sunday afternoon. 

Seattle has lost seven of southpaw Yusei Kikuchi's (4-6, 4.94 ERA) last eight starts and he posted a 7.03 ERA in five starts in June. The Angels have smacked him around to the tune of 17 runs (16 earned) on 29 hits over 11 2/3 innings. Jose Suarez (2-1, 5.40 ERA) will toe the slab for the Halos. The 21-year-old left-hander has had his ups and downs through his first six major league starts, but I count on Suarez to get plenty of help from the Angels bats.

Angels are 18-7 in their last 25 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Angels are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Over is 15-2-1 in Kikuchi's last 18 starts overall. Over is 5-0-1 in Suarez's last 6 starts overall.

8* play on OVER.

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

The Oakland Athletics have come out of the All-Star break all guns blazing, and I think they'll put another beating on the Chicago White Sox here in the finale of this three-game series Sunday afternoon. 

Reynaldo Lopez (4-8, 6.34 ERA) will toe the slab for the White Sox. He has allowed at least three runs in each of his last four starts and was tagged with six on nine hits in an 11-5 loss to Detroit last time out. The Athletics are 16-5 in their last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The A's turn to left-hander Brett Anderson (9-5, 3.86 ERA) who has held four of his last five opponents to two or fewer runs. The A's have won five of his last six starts and seven of his last nine. The White Sox are 2-6 in their last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter and the A's are 14-3 in Anderson's last 17 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

Oakland has outscored Chicago 18-3 through the first two games of the series. This looks like it will be another blowout win for the home team. 

10* play on Oakland Athletics -1.5. 

REDS @ ROCKIES MONEYMAKER

The Cincinnati Reds are just 5-14 in day games away from home on the season while the Colorado Rockies are 9-4 in day games home at Coors Field. We can also note that the Reds will see Rockies righty Antonio Senzatela (7-6, 5.32 ERA) for the first time while Cincinnati's Tyler Mahle (2-9, 4.47 ERA) posted a 5.40 ERA against Colorado last year. 

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NO BRAINER

The Colorado Rockies halted a six-game losing streak with a close win over the Cincinnati Reds Friday night. I think they'll make it two on the bounce here, coming up against Reds righty Tanner Roark (5-6, 3.51 ERA) who matched his career high by allowing three home runs last time out. Roark is 1-2 against the Rockies in his career with a 3.71 ERA.

The Rockies turn to left-hander Kyle Freeland (2-6, 7.13 ERA) who has had tough season after being one of the top pitchers in the National League in 2018. Freeland should be extremely motivated to earn back his spot in the rotation after spending the last six weeks in the minors. "I think I was slightly predictable," Freeland told reporters on Friday. "I think hitters had a pretty solid book and game plan going into games against me. At the same time, I was leaving a lot of mistakes over the middle of the plate. You put those two together, and more than likely the ball is going to be flying out."

Still, the Rockies are 16-5 in Freeland's last 21 home starts and 5-1 in his last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

ASTROS @ RANGERS MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Houston Astros should be well up for Game 3 of the series after dropping the first two matchups. Tonight they hand the ball to left-hander Wade Miley (7-4, 3.28 ERA) who has held Texas to a pair of runs on as many hits with seven Ks over six innings this season.

The Rangers turn to left-hander Mike Minor (8-4, 2.54 ERA) who has held the Astros to a 2.25 ERA over two starts this season, but Yuli Gurriel (7-for-18, two homers) and George Springer (9-for-20, home run) a couple of Houston hitters with good numbers off Minor.

We can also note that the Rangers are 1-5 in Minor's last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record while the Astros are 38-15 in their last 53 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Houston Astros. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED TOTAL

The San Francisco Giants claimed the series opener with a grand slam from Matt Albers in the 10th inning Friday night. I think runs will be harder to come by for both teams here Saturday night. 

Giants' left-hander Madison Bumgarner (5-7, 4.03 ERA) has allowed just four runs on 11 hits through 15 innings in his last three starts combined. Bumgarner owns a 2.76 ERA in 13 career starts against the Brewers who counter with right-hander Zach Davies (7-2, 3.07 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 2.81 ERA in three career starts against San Francisco.

Under is 13-4 in Bumgarner's last 17 starts during game 2 of a series. Under is 8-1 in Davies' last 9 starts during game 2 of a series. Under is 20-7-1 in Davies' last 28 starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT BLOWOUT @ THE BALLPARK

I like the price we get on the Atlanta Braves here at San Diego Padres Friday night. Braves' lefty Dallas Keuchel (2-2, 3.60 ERA) will make his fifth start since joining the team, and he has been excellent in recent outings. "I feel like I'm in midseason form," Keuchel said after his most recent start. "It took a few starts to build up. I knew it would take a few, but I think I'm there. Mentally, at first it was just trying to get locked in." Keuchel has faced the Padres twice before and is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA. 

The Padres hand the ball to right-hander Dinelson Lamet (0-1, 5.40 ERA) for his second major league start since returning from Tommy John surgery. He might not get much run support from a Padres team that averages just 3.87 runs per game home at Petco Park while Atlanta averages 5.00 rpg on the road. 

Padres are 0-8 in Lamet's last 8 starts. Braves are 13-3 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians look like decent value here in the opener of a three-game set with American League Central rivals Minnesota Twins. 

Minnesota right-hander Kyle Gibson (8-4, 4.09 ERA) is 3-9 with a 5.46 ERA in 18 career outings against the Tribe and he has had big problems with Jason Kipnis (14-for-33, 11 walks) and Jose Ramirez (10-for-30). Cleveland hands the ball to right-hander Mike Clevinger (2-2, 4.44 ERA) who is 2-2 behind a 3.05 ERA in 10 appearances (seven starts) versus Minnesota. 

Minnesota lost six of its last 10 games before the All-Star break while the Indians have won a season-high six consecutive contests. We can also note that the Twins are just 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Cleveland.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

TOP RATED 10* DODGERS @ RED SOX BEST BET

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All Star break off three consecutive losses, but I think they'll be well up for this World Series rematch against the defending champion Boston Red Sox. 

The Dodgers hand the ball to Kenta Maeda (7-5, 3.76 ERA) who is 0-3 in his last six starts despite pitching rather well. He has allowed more than two runs in just two of those four starts and limited San Diego to three runs on four hits in 7 2/3 innings last time out. 

The Red Sox turn to left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (9-4, 4.65 ERA) who hasn't lost since June 9, despite allowing four runs or more in three of six starts during that stretch. Rodriguez has been inconsistent all season, and I expect the Dodgers to knock him around plenty tonight. 

The Dodgers are 9-3 in their last 12 games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on LA Dodgers. 

TOP RATED 10* THURSDAY NIGHT ASTROS @ RANGERS MONEYLINE

The All Star break could have come at a better time for the Houston Astros who are winners of seven of their last eight contest. The break might very well affect their momentum negatively, and I like the Texas Rangers to get the win here. 

Texas hands the ball to Lance Lynn (11-4, 3.91 ERA) who has pitched very well lately. The 32-year-old right-hander has won four straight starts while limiting opponents to eight runs over 29 innings of work. The Rangers have won seven of his last 10 starts overall and they're 8-1 in Lynn's last nine home starts. We can also note that Lynn has held the current Astros roster to a .203 AVG over 59 at bats. 

The Astros counter with Framber Valdez (3-4, 4.57 ERA). The 25-year-old southpaw has mainly worked out of the bullpen and was lit up for six runs on seven hits in 3 innings of a 14-2 loss to Pittsburgh last time out. Valdez has allowed three runs in five hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings of work against Texas this year. 

10* play on Texas Rangers. 

MLB ALL-STAR GAME: NL VS. AL MIDSUMMER CLASSIC TOTAL

We will see some elite pitchers here in the All-Star game, but keep in mind that we have seen an average of 8.9 runs per game here in the first half of 2019, an improvement of 0.3 rpg since last season. 

Both sides have deep lineups, and this is supposed to be an exciting show for the fans. While a pitching duel can be fun, a back-and-forth slugfest is more entertaining. I think both teams will accommodate. 

8* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY CLOSEOUT TOTAL

The first three games of this four-game series have been low-scoring affairs, but I expect both teams to bring their bats here. The LA Dodgers, in particular, should be well up for this contest as they look to avoid heading into the All-Star break off three straight defeats. 

Ross Stripling (3-2, 3.45 ERA) will toe the slab for the Dodgers, He has posted a 2.61 ERA in 13 career appearances (five starts) against the Padres, but note that he was tagged with four runs in just 4 1/3 innings against Arizona last time out. 

The Friars turn to Joey Lucchesi (6-4, 3.91 ERA) who has surrendered six runs through his last two starts and the over is 6-2 in Lucchesi's last 8 road starts.

Over is 4-1-2 in Stripling's last 7 home starts. Over is 19-7-1 in Padres last 27 Sunday games.

8* play on OVER. 

CARDINALS @ GIANTS SUNDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL

The San Francisco Giants have scored 52 runs over their last six games, with all six going over the total. Here they'll come up against Cards righty Jack Flaherty (4-5, 4.90 ERA) who has posted an 11.37 ERA in two career starts versus the Giants. Jeff Samardzija (5-7, 4.32 ERA) will toe the slab for San Francisco, and he owns a 3.77 ERA in 24 career outings (13 starts) versus the Cardinals.

Over is 8-2 in Samardzija's last 10 starts with 5 days of rest. Over is 4-0-1 in Samardzija's last 5 home starts. Over is 7-2-1 in Flaherty's last 10 road starts.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY AFTERNOON RUNLINE RIPPER

The Miami Marlins snapped an overall five-game losing streak and an eight-game losing streak to the Atlanta Braves with a 5-4 victory on Saturday. I do not like their chances of making it two on the bounce though. Note that the Braves are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a loss and 12-2 in their last 14 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Here the Braves hand the ball to Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 4.08 ERA) for his fourth start of the season. He limited Philadelphia to a pair of runs through seven innings of work last time out and owns a 1.50 ERA in two career starts against Miami. 

The Marlins hand the ball to Trevor Richards (3-9, 4.02 ERA) who has held the Braves to one run over 11 1/3 innings in two starts this season, but I think they'll get to him today. Note that the Marlins have lost each of Richard's last five starts and he has been tagged with nine runs in the last two alone.  

10* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks managed to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Rockies with an 8-0 victory Friday night. I think Colorado will reestablish its dominance with a win here in the middle-game of the three-game set. 

Colorado hands the ball to right-hander Jon Gray (9-5, 3.84 ERA) who has allowed just three earned runs over his last three starts. The Rockies have won seven of his last nine starts and Gray owns a 1-0 record behind 2.38 ERA in two starts against Arizona this season. 

The D'Backs counter with left-hander Robbie Ray (5-6, 4.10 ERA) who has been tagged with three runs or more in four straight starts. The team has won just one of his last seven starts, a stretch that includes two losses to Colorado. 

Rockies are 14-4 in Gray's last 18 starts during game 2 of a series. Diamondbacks are 3-14 in their last 17 during game 2 of a series. Rockies are 18-5 in the last 23 meetings.

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

SUPER EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Minnesota Twins put a 15-6 beating on the Oakland Athletics Friday night. Here they'll come up against A's righty Jesse Chavez (3-3, 2.97 ERA) who owns a 2.35 ERA in 11 career games (three starts) against Minnesota, but the 2019 Twins are just something different than what he's ever faced before. The Twins have already set a major league record for home runs before the All-Star break (165) and are averaging 5.76 runs per game on the season. 

Michael Pineda (5-4, 4.78 ERA) will toe the slab for the Twins. He has held three of his last four opponents to one run and Minnesota is 6-2 in Pineda's last eight starts.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MONEYLINE

The Milwaukee Brewers have owned Pittsburgh here in 2019 winning eight of the first 10 meetings, but the Pirates enter this contest as the hotter of the two teams and I'm happy to back the home team at this price. 

Pirates left-hander Steven Brault (3-1, 4.29 ERA) is coming off a solid month of June where he went 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA. That stretch included two solid starts against Milwaukee with just three runs allowed over 11 innings of work. 

The Brewers hand the ball to righty Zach Davies (7-2, 3.24 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three encounters against the Pirates this season, but note that he has posted a 5.08 ERA in 12 career starts against them. The current Pirates roster is batting a combined .305 over 151 at-bats against Davies. 

Brewers are 1-6 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Brewers are 1-10 in their last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Pirates are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Pirates are 6-2 in Brault's last 8 home starts. Brewers are 2-5 in Davies' last 7 road starts.

10* play on Pittsburgh Pirates. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Atlanta Braves put a 9-2 beating on the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night. While I expect another win for the Braves here on Thursday, I think it will be in a much lower scoring game. 

Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (9-1, 2.13 ERA) has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the major leagues this season. The Braves have won all but one of his last nine starts overall and Soroka has served up just four home runs through 14 starts in 2019. This will be Soroka’s first career start versus the Phillies who turn to Zach Eflin (7-7, 3.34 ERA). Eflin has allowed four homers while allowing nine runs in his last two starts alone. Eflin has the current Braves roster limited to a .220 AVG over 41 at bats, but will find it very hard to outduel Soroka. 

The Phillies have struggled in Atlanta in recent years and I'm happy to back the home team in this matchup. 

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

3-PACK

The Atlanta Braves put a 9-2 beating on the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night. While I expect another win for the Braves here on Thursday, I think it will be in a much lower scoring game. 

Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (9-1, 2.13 ERA) has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the major leagues this season. The Braves have won all but one of his last nine starts overall and Soroka has served up just four home runs through 14 starts in 2019. This will be Soroka’s first career start versus the Phillies who turn to Zach Eflin (7-7, 3.34 ERA). Eflin has allowed four homers while allowing nine runs in his last two starts alone. Eflin has the current Braves roster limited to a .220 AVG over 41 at bats, but will find it very hard to outduel Soroka. 

The Phillies have struggled in Atlanta in recent years and I'm happy to back the home team in this matchup. 

8* play on UNDER.

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Twins battled back from a three-run deficit to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they posted a 4-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. They're one of the absolute strongest road teams in baseball for the season, and I think they'll come through with a big win here Thursday afternoon.

Twins righty Jose Berrios (8-4, 2.89 ERA) is without a winning decision through his last four starts, but this looks like a good spot for Berrios. He's a dominant 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA while holding opponents to a .207 AVG through seven afternoon starts on the season.  

The A's turn to right-hander Tanner Anderson (0-3, 7.13 ERA) for his fifth start in 2019. They've lost all his previous turns and Anderson's last start was the worst of the bunch with seven runs allowed in just 2 2/3 innings. 

Twins are 6-1 in Berrios' last 7 road starts. Athletics are 6-13 in their last 19 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

LATE NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened this series with a 5-4 victory on Tuesday. I think runs will be harder to come by for both teams in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday. 

The Dodgers hand the ball to Walker Buehler (8-1, 3.43 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 3.47 ERA in four career starts against the D'Backs. He has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his last nine starts. Arizona counters with Merrill Kelly (7-8, 4.00 ERA) who boasts an 1.83 ERA in his last three starts away from home. 

Under is 15-3-3 in Buehler's last 21 home starts. Under is 20-5-5 in Dodgers' last 30 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 7-2 in Kelly's last 9 starts overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers enter Game 3 of this four-game series all squared at 1-1 following a 5-4 extra-innings win for the Reds on Tuesday. I like the home team to come through with another triumph here on Wednesday night. 

Reds righty Sonny Gray (4-5, 3.94) limited the Cubs to a pair of runs over 6 1/3 innings of a 6-3 win last time out. The Reds have won seven of his last eight starts, a stretch that includes two victories over Milwaukee. 

Brewers' right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (3-8, 5.60 ERA) is 0-5 through his last eight starts with Milwaukee losing six of those. Chacin is 1-7 with a 6.94 ERA in eight starts on the road in 2019 and the Reds have reached him for seven runs through 10 innings. 

Brewers are 0-7 in Chacin's last 7 road starts. Reds are 4-1 in Gray's last 5 home starts. Reds are 6-2 in their last 8 home games.

10* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers will clash in Game 2 of a three-game series at Great American Ballpark Tuesday night. I like the home team to come through with a win with Tanner Roark on the mound.

Roark (5-6, 3.36 ERA) has been sharp in his last two starts, allowing just two runs on seven hits and a pair walks against 13 Ks over 11 1/3 innings of work. He is 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in two starts against Milwaukee on the season.

The Brew Crew turn to Chase Anderson (4-2, 4.42 ERA) who held the Mariners to a pair of runs (one earned) last time out, but he had been knocked around for six runs in five innings of an 11-7 loss to Cincinnati in his last start prior to that. 

Brewers are 1-5 in their last 6 road games (prior to Monday). Reds are 6-1 in their last 7 home games (prior to Monday).

10* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

MONDAY NIGHT MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been playing rather well lately, winning seven of their last 10 games despite coming off back-to-back losses to Milwaukee. I like the Pirates to come through with a win here against the inconsistent Chicago Cubs. 

Tonight Pittsburgh hands the ball to Trevor Williams (2-2, 4.25 ERA) who has struggled in two starts since spending almost a month in the injured list, but this looks like a good spot to get back on track. Note that Williams has the current Cubs roster limited to a .234 AVG and he posted a 2.50 ERA over three starts against them in 2018.  

The Cubs counter with 24-year-old Adbert Alzolay (1-0, 2.08 ERA for his third major league start. The rookie right-hander has kept the Mets' and the Braves' bats in check through his first couple of outings, but this will be his first start on the road. 

Cubs are 3-10 in their last 13 road games. Pirates are 6-1 in their last 7 home games. Pirates are 5-1 in Williams' last 6 home starts.

8* play on Pittsburgh Pirates. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Colorado Rockies have won two of the first three games of this four-game series. The teams have combined for 50 runs so far in the series, and I expect the Dodgers bats to tie it up here in the finale. 

Dodgers' right-hander Kenta Maeda (7-4, 3.76 ERA) owns a 6-3 record with a 2.30 ERA against Colorado and he's had no trouble pitching at Coors Field, going 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA in nine games, six of them starts.

The Rockies' counter with Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1, 5.40 ERA) who has made just one start here in 2019 when he was tagged with three runs on six hits and four walks in five innings of a 4-2 loss at San Francisco on June 25. Gonzalez has limited big league experience despite making his debut back in 2015 and I think the Dodgers' will do plenty of damage off the 27 year old righty. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers.

TOP RATED 10* TWINS @ WHITE SOX PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago White Sox are 11-4 in Lucas Giolito's 15 starts this season. Giolito (10-2, 2.87 ERA) has been particularly efficient in the early games as he enters this contest 5-1 with a 1.99 ERA in seven afternoon starts on the season. Minnesota on the other hand will put its trust in left-hander Lewis Thorpe who will make his big leagues debut. The Twins are a better baseball team (as their record would indicate), but I think the home team's advantage on the mound here will be too much for the Twins to overcome.

10* play on Chicago White Sox. 

SUPER EARLY CUBS @ REDS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Cincinnati Reds have dropped five of their last six games after getting shut out by the Cubs in a 6-0 loss on Saturday. I think they'll come up short again here in the rubber match of this three game series. 

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester (7-5, 3.83 ERA) is 7-1 with a 3.88 ERA in 16 career starts against Cincinnati. He limited Atlanta to two runs (zero earned) on five hits with seven Ks over six innings in an 8-3 victory on Monday. 

The Reds counter with right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (4-4, 4.70 ERA) who owns a 3-3 record with a 4.24 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Cubs. He was tagged with four runs and served up three homers in 3 2/3 innings against Chicago on May 24 and was smacked around for six runs in 4 1/3 innings of a 7-5 loss at Milwaukee last time out. 

DeSclafani is 2-3 with a 6.52 ERA in eight day starts in 2019 while Lester is 3-2 with a 2-32 ERA in his six afternoon starts. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals have scored just eight runs during an 0-4 skid, including a 3-1 loss to the San Diego Padres Friday night. 

Here in Game 2 of the series on Saturday they'll come up against Friars' right-hander Chris Paddack (4-4, 3.18 ERA) who has posted a 2.50 ERA in six starts home at Petco Park on the season. 

Cardinals right-hander Dakota Hudson (6-3, 3.36 ERA) has pitched well lately and has allowed one run in four of his last five starts and two or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts. 

Under is 6-1 in Hudson's last 7 starts overall. Under is 5-1 in Paddack's last 6 home starts. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in San Diego. Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The Cincinnati Reds claimed the opener of this three-game set with a 6-3 triumph Friday night, and I like the price we get on the Reds to secure the series with a win here in Game 2. 

Reds' righty Luis Castillo (7-2, 2.56 ERA) was smacked around at Milwaukee last time out, but he is 4-1 behind a 2.01 ERA in eight starts home at Great American Ball Park on the season. Castillo is 3-1 with a 3.75 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs. 

Chicago left-hander Jose Quintana (4-7, 4.50 ERA) will be under a lot of pressure as Cubs' bullpen will be taxed after covering seven innings in Friday night's loss. Quintana has posted an 0-6 mark with a 5.40 ERA over his past nine starts and was torched for a season-high nine runs (eight earned) in 4 1/3 innings in a 10-2 loss to the Yankees last time out.

Cubs are 2-9 in their last 11 road games. Reds are 5-0 in their last 5 home games. Reds are 14-6 in Castillos last 20 home starts.

8* play on Cincinnati Reds.

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Arizona Diamondbacks look like good value here in the second contest of a four-game series with the San Francisco Giants Friday night. 

D'Backs right-hander Merrill Kelly (7-7, 3.93 ERA) has held four of his last five opponents to two or fewer runs. That includes seven solid innings of a 3-2 victory over the Giants on June 23 last time out. For the season, the 30-year-old rookie has allowed just two runs through two starts covering 11 1/3 innings of work. 

The Giants turn to Shaun Anderson (2-2, 3.94 ERA) who gave up both runs in the loss to Arizona and Kelly on June 23. On the season, Anderson has been charged with eight runs (six earned) over 11 innings against the D'Backs. 

Diamondbacks are 7-3 in their last 10 road games. Giants are 7-17 in their last 24 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Diamondbacks are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in San Francisco.

San Francisco mustered only three hits in Thursday's 5-1 defeat. Under is 7-1 in Kelly's last 8 starts overall. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* D'BACKS @ GIANTS PLAY OF THE DAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks look like good value here in the second contest of a four-game series with the San Francisco Giants Friday night. 

D'Backs right-hander Merrill Kelly (7-7, 3.93 ERA) has held four of his last five opponents to two or fewer runs. That includes seven solid innings of a 3-2 victory over the Giants on June 23 last time out. For the season, the 30-year-old rookie has allowed just two runs through two starts covering 11 1/3 innings of work. 

The Giants turn to Shaun Anderson (2-2, 3.94 ERA) who gave up both runs in the loss to Arizona and Kelly on June 23. On the season, Anderson has been charged with eight runs (six earned) over 11 innings against the D'Backs. 

Diamondbacks are 7-3 in their last 10 road games. Giants are 7-17 in their last 24 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Diamondbacks are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in San Francisco.

10* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

SUPER EARLY MLB BOOKIE BLASTER

Two teams trending in opposite directions will clash as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Seattle Mariners at Miller Park Thursday afternoon.

The Brew Crew have dropped seven of their last nine games while the Mariners have won 11 of their last 19 and six of their last seven. I'm well happy to back the red hot underdog at this price. 

Seattle right-hander Mike Leake (7-6, 4.54 ERA) was lit up by Baltimore in his most recent start, but the M's still won that contest 10-9. They've won four of Leake's last five starts and the 31-year-old right-hander has this Milwaukee roster limited to a .214 AVG over 98 at bats. He is 5-2 with a 4.23 ERA in 10 starts against the Brewers here at Miller Park.

Chase Anderson (3-2, 4.70 ERA) will take the ball for the Brewers. Much like Leake, he's coming off a subpar outing as he was tagged with six runs over just five innings of an 11-7 loss to Cincinnati last time out to fall to 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA through his last four starts. This will be his first career start against Seattle, but we can note that Anderson has posted a 5.04 ERA in eight appearances (five starts) home at Miller Park this season. 

8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

SUPER EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Philadelphia Phillies have seemingly turned a corner and have answered an ugly seven-game skid with three consecutive victories. They're going for the sweep of this three-game series with the NY Mets Thursday afternoon and I think the Phillies will prove well worth the money. 

Mets' right-hander Zack Wheeler (6-5, 4.69 ERA) is coming off seven solid innings of one-run ball at Chicago Cubs, but he had been knocked around plenty in his last two outings leading up to that contest. Wheeler has owned the Phillies in two previous meetings in 2019 but we can note that he has posted a 5.01 ERA in nine road starts on the season. 

Phillies' right-hander Aaron Nola (6-2, 4.55 ERA) is coming off his best outing of the season as he limited Miami to one run in a complete game setback. Nola is 3-1 behind a 3.19 ERA in 10 home starts on the season and he is 6-1 with a 3.90 ERA in 10 career meetings with New York Mets. 

Mets are 8-24 in their last 32 road games. Mets are 2-5 in Wheeler's last 7 road starts. Mets are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Philadelphia. Phillies are 12-4 in Nola's last 16 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. Phillies are 5-1 in Nolas last 6 starts vs. Mets.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Philadelphia defeated the NY Mets 7-5 on Tuesday and have now answered a seven-game slide with back-to-back wins. The Mets on meanwhile have dropped three in a row and seven of their last 10. 

Tonight the Phillies hand the ball to Nick Pivetta (4-2, 5.54 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander will be looking to bounce back from his worst start of the season after giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Washington. He did, however, hold Cincinnati to one run in a complete-game victory last time out home at Citizens Bank Park where he's 4-1 on the season. 

The Mets turn to left-hander Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.75 ERA) who was tagged with four runs in 4 2/3 innings at the Chicago Cubs last time out. His mind might not be at the right place at the moment after receiving a fine for a verbal altercation with a reporter from Newsday. "It's unfortunate for all parties," Vargas said in a statement to the media. "An unfortunate distraction."

Phillies are 5-1 in Pivettas last 6 home starts. Phillies are 20-6 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Phillies are 29-11 in their last 40 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER RUNLINE

The red hot LA Dodgers have won seven of their last eight. The lone loss during that stretch came in the opener of this series Monday night, but they bounced back with a 3-2 triumph in Game 2 and look good to make it two on the bounce here as two inexperienced pitchers will clash on the mound Wednesday afternoon. 

Dodgers' right-hander Tony Gonsolin is set to make his MLB debut after posting a 2.77 ERA in eight minor league starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The timing is perfect as he'll face a reeling Diamondbacks side that has struggled to manufacture runs while losing seven of its last nine games. 

Arizona hands the ball to rookie right-hander Taylor Clarke (1-3, 6.48 ERA) who has been smacked around plenty lately going 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA in his last five starts. His very last start, Clarke was tagged with six runs on seven hits (two homers) in just three innings of an 11-5 loss against a weak Giants lineup. 

The Dodgers' bats are among the best in the major leagues, and I expect an easy win for the visitors. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

SUPER EARLY BLUE JAYS @ YANKEES TOTAL

The first game of this three-game series saw a total of 18 runs scored while the teams combined for just seven runs in Game 2 Tuesday night. I think the finale will be a relatively low-scoring affair and stay under this bloated number.

Toronto rookie right-hander Trent Thornton (2-5, 4.25 ERA) is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in his past four starts and has allowed just a pair of runs while striking out 14 over his last two trips to the mound. Thornton has compiled a 2.96 ERA in nine road starts on the season. 

The Yankees hand the ball to left-hander James Paxton (5-3, 3.75 ERA) who has allowed three runs on 13 hits with 14 strikeouts in 11 innings in two starts since coming back from the injured list. Paxton is 3-3 with a 4.69 ERA in seven career starts against the Blue Jays who rank among the worst in the leagues for runs scored (26th) with 4.11 rpg.

8* play on UNDER. 

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

The Cleveland Indians needed extra innings to take care of business in the opener of this three-game series Monday night. They're a red hot 9-2 over their last 11 games and 6-1 in their last seven, and I expect a more comfortable win for the surging Tribe Tuesday night. 

Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (6-3, 3.86 ERA) held Texas to two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts in six innings last time out. He has recorded 20 Ks over his last two starts combined and should have little to fear from this weak KC lineup. 

The Royals counter with right-hander Glenn Sparkman (2-3, 3.62 ERA) who held Minnesota to one run over a career-high seven innings of a 4-1 victory versus Minnesota on Thursday. That was home at the K though; note that Sparkman has struggled on the road this year posting a 7.82 ERA over five appearances (two starts). 

Royals are 12-42 in their last 54 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Royals are 1-4 in Sparkman's last 5 starts. Indians are 5-1 in Bieber's last 6 home starts.

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Phillies snapped a seven-game slide with a 13-7 triumph over the NY Mets Monday night. I think they look good to make two on the bounce here with Jake Arrieta on the mound. 

Arrieta (6-6, 4.12 ERA) is coming off back-to-back quality starts and limited Washington to two hits and one run in six innings in his last start. He has already faced the Mets twice this season, allowing just five earned runs over 14 innings of work and owns a 2.50 ERA in 12 career starts against them. 

The Mets hand the ball to Walker Lockett (0-1, 23.14 ERA) for his second start of the season. He suffered plenty in his first start when he was smacked around to the tune of six runs in just 2 1/3 innings of a 7-4 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. 

It's also worth noting that we will see two of the worst bullpens in baseball at display tonight with the Mets' (5.36 ERA) even worse than the Phillies' (4.67 ERA). 

Mets are 8-23 in their last 31 road games. Phillies are 20-7 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Mets are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia.

Over is 10-3-1 in Mets last 14 overall.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Phillies snapped a seven-game slide with a 13-7 triumph over the NY Mets Monday night. I think they look good to make two on the bounce here with Jake Arrieta on the mound. 

Arrieta (6-6, 4.12 ERA) is coming off back-to-back quality starts and limited Washington to two hits and one run in six innings in his last start. He has already faced the Mets twice this season, allowing just five earned runs over 14 innings of work and owns a 2.50 ERA in 12 career starts against them. 

The Mets hand the ball to Walker Lockett (0-1, 23.14 ERA) for his second start of the season. He suffered plenty in his first start when he was smacked around to the tune of six runs in just 2 1/3 innings of a 7-4 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. 

It's also worth noting that we will see two of the worst bullpens in baseball at display tonight with the Mets' (5.36 ERA) even worse than the Phillies' (4.67 ERA). 

Mets are 8-23 in their last 31 road games. Phillies are 20-7 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Mets are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia.

Over is 10-3-1 in Mets last 14 overall.

8* play on OVER.

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The LA Dodgers are winners of nine of their last 11 games while the Arizona Diamondbacks had dropped six straight before finally ending the skid with a 3-2 win over Colorado on Sunday. I think the D'Backs find it very hard to build on that victory here as the Dodgers hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw. 

Kershaw (7-1, 2.85 ERA) tossed seven shutout innings of three-hit ball in a 9-0 triumph over San Francisco last time out. That was his second scoreless outing in his last four starts and the Dodgers have won 11 of his 12 starts on the season. 

The D'Backs counter with Zack Greinke (8-3, 2.91 ERA) who was knocked around by the Dodgers back in March when he was charged with seven runs and four homers in 3 2/3 innings of a 12-5 loss. Pair that with Greinke's' struggles home at Chase Field lately with nine runs allowed in his last two starts and this could very well turn ugly.

Dodgers are 8-2 in Kershaw's last 10 starts vs. Diamondbacks. Dodgers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees had won eight straight both straight up and against the runline before taking a 9-4 beating by the Houston Astros on Sunday. This looks like a good spot for the Bronx Bombers to bounce back in a big way against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night. 

Yankees' left-hander CC Sabathia (4-4, 4.14 ERA) held the Rays to one run over six innings of a 12-1 triumph last time out to improve to 3-1 behind a 2.18 ERA in six starts home at Yankee Stadium on the season. He is 18-12 with a 3.65 ERA in 35 career starts against the Jays who counter with Aaron Sanchez (3-9, 5.49 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander has been lit up in each of his last three starts, allowing a total of 19 earned runs covering just 12 2/3 innings of work. 

Blue Jays are 1-10 in their last 11 during game 1 of a series. Blue Jays are 1-9 in Sanchez's last 10 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 29-10 in Sabathia's last 39 home starts.

10* play on NY Yankees -1.5. 

ANGELS @ CARDINALS SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL BOOKIE BLASTER

The Los Angeles Angels have mustered only three runs through the first two games of this series. I think runs will be hard to come by for both teams here in the finale of the three-game series Sunday night. 

Angels' left-hander Tyler Skaggs (6-6, 4.61 ERA) held the Toronto Blue Jays to one run and three hits in 7 1/3 innings of a 3-1 win on Tuesday. "Usually, this time of year, everyone is starting to feel like they have mid-season form, so I'm feeling pretty good," Skaggs told reporters afterward.

Cards' right-hander Miles Mikolas (5-7, 4.48 ERA) delivered six scoreless innings of a 5-0 win against the visiting Miami Marlins on Monday. He owns a solid 2.55 ERA in eight starts home at Busch Stadium this season. 

Under is 12-2 in Cardinals' last 14 home games. Under is 8-1 in Mikolas' last 9 starts overall. Under is 24-6-2 in Angels' last 32 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 12-3-2 in Skaggs' last 17 starts overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Baltimore Orioles managed to snap a 10-game losing streak with an 8-4 win here at T-Mobile Park on Saturday. The Birds' bats have come alive and I expect to see a high-scoring affair here on Sunday with two unreliable pitchers on the mound. 

Orioles' right-hander Gabriel Ynoa (0-4, 5.65 ERA) was tagged with six runs on seven hits (three homers) in 5 1/3 innings of a 16-2 loss at Oakland last time out. He has served up seven homers through his last three starts and has posted a 6.86 ERA through 21 innings of work on the road in 2019. 

Seattle left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (3-5, 5.15 ERA) was also tagged with six runs last time out and has allowed six runs in three of his last four starts. He has served up eight homers during that stretch and has struggled to find his footing home at T-Mobile Park where he's 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA in seven starts. 

Over is 21-6-2 in Mariners last 29 home games. Over is 6-0-1 in Kikuchi's last 7 home starts and 13-2-1 in his last 16 starts overall. Over is 8-2-1 in Orioles last 11 overall.

The Mariners have enough firepower to outscore the Orioles, so even if Baltimore manage to put a decent amount of runs on the board the Mariners should easily score more.

8* play on Seattle Mariners

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles managed to snap a 10-game losing streak with an 8-4 win here at T-Mobile Park on Saturday. The Birds' bats have come alive and I expect to see a high-scoring affair here on Sunday with two unreliable pitchers on the mound. 

Orioles' right-hander Gabriel Ynoa (0-4, 5.65 ERA) was tagged with six runs on seven hits (three homers) in 5 1/3 innings of a 16-2 loss at Oakland last time out. He has served up seven homers through his last three starts and has posted a 6.86 ERA through 21 innings of work on the road in 2019. 

Seattle left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (3-5, 5.15 ERA) was also tagged with six runs last time out and has allowed six runs in three of his last four starts. He has served up eight homers during that stretch and has struggled to find his footing home at T-Mobile Park where he's 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA in seven starts. 

Over is 21-6-2 in Mariners last 29 home games. Over is 6-0-1 in Kikuchi's last 7 home starts and 13-2-1 in his last 16 starts overall. Over is 8-2-1 in Orioles last 11 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The San Diego Padres saw their four-game winning streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss here at PNC Park Friday night. I like the price we get on the Friars to bounce back with a win here in Game 2 of the series with right-hander Chris Paddack on the mound. 

Paddack (4-4, 3.15 ERA) has struggled through his most recent starts but will enter this contest well-rested and eager to get back on track. Paddack compiled a 1.55 ERA over his first seven starts in the big leagues so there's no doubt that this 23-year-old right-hander got some serious talent.  

The Pirates hand the ball to Chris Archer (3-6, 5.85 ERA) who is having a bad year. Archer has been tagged with 11 runs on 15 hits (six homers!) over 11 frames through his last two starts combined. Archer has served up at least one home run in nine straight starts and 17 over 12 starts (64 2/3 innings of work) on the season. His 69/33 K/BB ratio is nothing to brag about either ... 

The Padres are averaging a healthy 5.06 runs per game on the road and should be able to do plenty of damage off Archer. 

8* play on San Diego Padres. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Minnesota Twins tied this series at one apiece with an 8-7 triumph on Friday, but today's matchup on the mound would suggest that a much lower scoring contest is in the cards for Game 3 of the four-game series. 

Twins' righty Jose Berrios (8-3, 2.86 ERA) has been one of the most reliable hurlers across the major leagues this season. He has allowed one earned run in four of his last five starts and matched a season-high with 10 strikeouts over eight innings of a 2-0 loss to Boston last time out. Berrios has posted a 2.86 ERA over his last six starts against the Royals. 

KC southpaw Danny Duffy (3-3, 4.64 ERA) has struggled in recent outings, but note that he has posted a 3.10 ERA in four day starts this season, considerably better than his 5.56 ERA in his six starts under the lights. Duffy has owned the Twins throughout his career, going 6-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 17 starts. 

Minnesota is just too good, particularly with Berrios on the hill. I expect the visitors to claim a low-scoring victory.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY (TOTAL)

The Minnesota Twins tied this series at one apiece with an 8-7 triumph on Friday, but today's matchup on the mound would suggest that a much lower scoring contest is in the cards for Game 3 of the four-game series. 

Twins' righty Jose Berrios (8-3, 2.86 ERA) has been one of the most reliable hurlers across the major leagues this season. He has allowed one earned run in four of his last five starts and matched a season-high with 10 strikeouts over eight innings of a 2-0 loss to Boston last time out. Berrios has posted a 2.86 ERA over his last six starts against the Royals. 

KC southpaw Danny Duffy (3-3, 4.64 ERA) has struggled in recent outings, but note that he has posted a 3.10 ERA in four day starts this season, considerably better than his 5.56 ERA in his six starts under the lights. Duffy has owned the Twins throughout his career, going 6-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 17 starts. 

Minnesota is just too good, particularly with Berrios on the hill. I expect the visitors to claim a low-scoring victory.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

I really like the price we get on the LA Angels here in the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis Friday night. 

Cardinals' right-hander Michael Wacha (4-3, 6.00 ERA) will make his first career start against the Halos on the heels of surrendering six runs (five earned) on seven hits in four innings of an 8-7 loss to the New York Mets last time out. Wacha has been tagged with at least six runs in fewer than five innings in three of his last five outings and he has allowed 19 runs (18 earned) over 22 innings of work at home this season. 

The Angels counter with Griffin Canning (2-3, 3.93 ERA) who allowed four runs on six hits in six innings of a 6-5 defeat to the Rays at Tampa Bay on Sunday, but that was one of few rough outings during an otherwise solid rookie season. 

Note that this will be 39-year-old Albert Pujols' first trip back to St. Louis since leaving the club he spent his first 11 major league seasons with. "I think it's just going to be emotional for myself," Pujols said. "When I got to St. Louis, I was 21, and when I left, I was 32. I got there as a baby and left as a man. You can't ignore the success I had there, individually and team accomplishments, winning championships. It's pretty awesome. I'm excited."

10* play on LA Angels. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Houston Astros have dropped five in a row following a 10-6 loss here in the Bronx on Thursday. I don't like their chances of ending that skid tonight as they take on a Yankees team that expects to have slugger Aaron Judge back in the lineup for the first time since he suffered an oblique strain April 20.

The Yankees have had little trouble to put runs on the board even without Judge and have scored 49 runs during a six-game winning streak.

Here they'll get a look at Astros right-hander Brad Peacock (6-4, 3.67 ERA) who is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in his last three starts and has posted a  6.75 ERA in his previous matchups with the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees hand the ball to left-hander James Paxton (4-3, 3.93 ERA) who is 7-4 with a 3.33 ERA in 13 starts against the Astros. 

Yankees are 6-2 in Paxton's last 8 starts. Yankees are 6-1 in the last seven meetings at Yankee Stadium.

8* play on New York Yankees. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* RUNLINE RIPPER

The Minnesota Twins look like a road favorite well worth the money at Kansas City Thursday night. Royals right-hander Glenn Sparkman (1-3, 4.01 ERA) is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in five career games (one start) against Minnesota. He last faced the Twins at Target Field on Saturday when he gave up all five runs (four earned) through five innings of the 5-4 loss. Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi (10-2, 2.24 ERA) was charged with all four Royals' runs in that contest. We can however note that in his last eight starts prior to that contest, Odorizzi had allowed a total of four runs with six of those outings of the scoreless variety.

Minnesota averages 6.64 runs per game on the road and should have no trouble covering the runline. 

10* play on Minnesota Twins -1.5. 

EARLY ROCKIES @ DIAMONDBACKS TOTAL

The Colorado Rockies have won seven in a row against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with four of the last five going over the total. The Rockies lead the majors with a .273 batting average and roughed up Arizona ace Zack Greinke for five runs on 11 hits last night. "These guys can hit," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said of the Rockies. "They hit mistakes. They are up there free-swinging. You put a ball in the zone and make a mistake, they are going to make you pay for it."

Considering today's starting pitchers' history with their respective opponent, I think this will turn into a high-scoring affair. 

Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (5-4, 3.83 ERA) has been tagged with 10 runs (five earned) in 10 1/3 innings in two starts vs. Colorado this season. Over his career, Ray has a 5.57 ERA in 14 starts against the Rockies. Colorado right-hander Jeff Hoffman (1-3, 7.04 ERA) who owns a hideous 9.00 ERA in three starts and two appearances as a reliever against the D'Backs. 

We can also note that games with umpire John Tumpane behind home plate have seen an average of 10.91 runs per game. 

8* play on OVER. 

LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks should be well up for this contest as they seek revenge for losing the opener of this three-game series to their National League West rival by seven runs. 

Tonight the D'Backs will hand the ball to right-hander Zack Greinke (8-2, 2.65 ERA) who has tossed 13 1/3 scoreless innings of six-hit ball through his last two starts. Greinke has compiled a dominant 12-6 record behind a 3.71 ERA in 32 career games (31 starts) against the Rockies. 

Colorado right-hander Jon Gray (6-5, 4.38 ERA) on the other hand has posted a bloated 5.15 ERA in eight career starts against Arizona and he has allowed eight runs on 17 hits and six walks over 12 innings in his last three starts combined. 

Diamondbacks are 35-16 in Greinke's last 51 home starts. Diamondbacks are 6-0 in Greinke's last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Arizona Diamondbacks should be well up for this contest as they seek revenge for losing the opener of this three-game series to their National League West rival by seven runs. 

Tonight the D'Backs will hand the ball to right-hander Zack Greinke (8-2, 2.65 ERA) who has tossed 13 1/3 scoreless innings of six-hit ball through his last two starts. Greinke has compiled a dominant 12-6 record behind a 3.71 ERA in 32 career games (31 starts) against the Rockies. 

Colorado right-hander Jon Gray (6-5, 4.38 ERA) on the other hand has posted a bloated 5.15 ERA in eight career starts against Arizona and he has allowed eight runs on 17 hits and six walks over 12 innings in his last three starts combined. 

Diamondbacks are 35-16 in Greinke's last 51 home starts. Diamondbacks are 6-0 in Greinke's last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record. 

Under is 15-6-2 in Gray's last 23 starts during game 2 of a series. Under is 18-7-1 in Greinke's last 26 starts during game 2 of a series. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. 

8* play on UNDER

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

Eighteen of the last 26 meetings in the Bronx have gone under the total, and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here early Wednesday afternoon. 

Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia (3-4, 4.42 ERA) has extensive experience of the Rays and boasts a 3.63 ERA in 50 career starts against them. Sabathia owns a solid 2.33 ERA at home on the season and under is 10-4-1 in his last 15 home starts.

The Rays turn to a left-hander of their own in Blake Snell (4-5, 3.70 ERA) who has allowed two runs or fewer five times over his last seven starts. Snell last pitched here at Yankee Stadium on May 18, when he limited NYY to one run over six innings of work and he owns a 3.97 ERA in 13 career starts against the Yankees. 

Under is 19-6-1 in Snell's last 26 road starts.

10* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks own a losing record home at Chase Field on the season, but I like the price we get on the D'Backs here in the opener of a three-game series with NL West rival Colorado Rockies who are 1-6 in their last seven road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Colorado right-hander Antonio Senzatela (5-5, 5.48 ERA) was smacked around by the Cubs last time out when he allowed eight runs (six earned) on eight hits and four walks over just four innings of a 10-1 loss.

Senzatela is 1-4 with a 5.60 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against Arizona who turns to Merrill Kelly (7-6, 3.73 ERA). The right-hander tossed 7 2/3 shutout innings of three-hit ball on Wednesday in a 2-0 victory at the Philadelphia Phillies. Kelly has allowed just two runs in his last three starts, covering 22 1/3 frames.

The D'Backs won the first two head-to-head matchups of the season followed by five straight Colorado triumphs. This will however be the first meeting at Arizona. We can also note that both teams had Monday off and that Arizona is a solid 8-0 in its last eight games following an off day.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Texas Rangers are 25-12 home at Globe Life Park this season following a dominant 7-2 triumph over the Cleveland Indians Monday night. I like them to keep rolling here behind right-hander Adrian Sampson (5-3, 4.21 ERA) who is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA in eight appearances (five starts) in front of the home town crowd in 2019.

The Indians hand the ball to rookie right-hander Zach Plesac (1-2, 2.92 ERA) who's coming off his worst start in the big leagues so far when he gave up four runs on five hits (three homers) over 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati Reds. Does the 24-year old have the composure to bounce back with a solid outing?

Indians are 5-11 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter. Rangers are 14-6 in their last 20 games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on Texas Rangers. 

LATE NIGHT BREWERS @ PADRES TOTAL

The San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies combined for 92 runs through a four-game series at Coors Field Thursday-Sunday. Here they'll take on the Milwaukee Brewers at pitcher friendly Petco Park, but I still think we'll see plenty of runs scored. 

Brewers right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (3-7, 5.74 ERA) who has been smacked around for 11 runs on 13 hits and seven walks over just 7 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Chacin has struggled on the road all season, entering this contest with a hideous 7.39 ERA in seven road outings this season. Padres' left-hander Joey Lucchesi (5-4, 4.11 ERA) has pitched rather well of late, but note that over is 6-1 in Lucchesi's last seven home starts vs. a team with a winning record and that Milwaukee is averaging a healthy 5.08 runs per game on the season. 

Over is 7-0 in Padres last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 3-0-2 in Brewers last 5 road games.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros suffered a 12-0 beating by the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Cincinnati Reds meanwhile are coming off an 11-3 triumph over Texas and  I think they'll keep rolling here in the opener of a three-game series. 

The Reds hand the ball to Luis Castillo (6-1, 2.20 ERA) for his first career start against Houston. Castillo is having an outstanding year, and he has been particularly sharp home at Great American Ball Park where he boasts a 1.87 ERA through seven starts. The Astros counter with Wade Miley (6-3, 3.14 ERA) who much like Castillo has been at his best at home. Miley owns a 4.50 ERA over seven road starts on the season while giving up 41 hits and nine walks against 22 Ks over 38 innings of work. 

Reds are 9-3 in Castillos last 12 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB NO BRAINER

The Colorado Rockies are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with the San Diego Padres and I expect their dominance over the National League West foe to continue Sunday afternoon. 

San Diego left-hander Nick Margevicius (2-6, 5.02 ERA) is 0-4 with a 6.33 ERA over his last six starts and has already been smacked around for 10 runs over nine innings of work this season. The Rockies are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Peter Lambert (2-0, 1.50 ERA) will toe the rubber for the home team for this third start of the season. He's been excellent in his first two outings (both against the Cubs), allowing just two runs on seven hits and three walks with 12 Ks through 12 frames. 

Padres are 1-6 in their last 7 overall. Padres are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Rockies are 14-6 in their last 20 overall.

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

SUPER EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON  MLB TOTAL

The Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers combined for six runs in Saturday's matchup, and I expect another low-scoring affair here in the finale of this three-game set. 

Spencer Turnbull (3-5, 2.78 ERA) will toe the slab for the Tigers. He's coming off six scoreless innings of four-hit ball at Kansas City and under is 9-3 in Turnbull's last 12 starts overall.

Cleveland hands the ball to Trevor Bauer (4-6, 3.71 ERA) who limited Cincinnati to one run through 7 2/3 innings of work of a 2-1 Indians' win last time out. Under is 46-11-7 in Bauer's last 64 road starts.

The Tigers' 3.51 runs scored per game average is among the worst numbers in baseball and the Indians are also in the lower half with their 4.23 rpg. 

8* play on UNDER. 

CARDS @ METS TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals had won four of five before coming up just short in an 8-7 loss to the NY Mets on Saturday. I like them to bounce back with a win Sunday afternoon with Dakota Hudson on the mound. 

Hudson (5-3, 3.47 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA ovr his last six starts and limited the Marlins to one run over a season-high seven innings last time out. The Cardinals are 5-0 in Hudson's last five starts and he has one career start against the Mets, a contest the Cards won 6-4. 

The Mets counter with left-hander Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.68 ERA) has compiled a 2.20 ERA in his last eight starts, but note that he is 1-2 with a 4.99 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against the Cardinals.

Under is 4-1 in Hudson's last 5 starts overall. Under is 10-0-1 in Vargas' last 11 home starts. Under is 5-1-2 in Vargas' last 8 starts overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *EARLY START*

The St. Louis Cardinals had won four of five before coming up just short in an 8-7 loss to the NY Mets on Saturday. I like them to bounce back with a win Sunday afternoon with Dakota Hudson on the mound. 

Hudson (5-3, 3.47 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA over his last six starts and limited the Marlins to one run over a season-high seven innings last time out. The Cardinals are 5-0 in Hudson's last five starts and he has one career start against the Mets, a contest the Cards won 6-4. 

The Mets counter with left-hander Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.68 ERA) has compiled a 2.20 ERA in his last eight starts, but note that he is 1-2 with a 4.99 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against the Cardinals.

Mets are 3-8 in Vargas' last 11 starts with 4 days of rest.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER

The Atlanta Braves scored three runs at the bottom of the ninth inning to claim a 9-8 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night. They're a perfect 8-0 through their last eight games and look good to pick up another win here with left-hander Sean Newcomb on the mound. 

Newcomb (1-0, 2.59 ERA) struggled as a starter to start the season and was as a result demoted to the minors. He has however notched 21 strikeouts while posting a 1.42 ERA through 19 innings since returning as a reliever, and he should be eager make the most of this chance filling in for injured starter Kevin Gausman. 

The Phillies counter with right-hander Aaron Nola (6-1, 4.58 ERA) who has had some issues with his command of late, walking three or more batters in four straight starts. Nola gave up six runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 1/2 innings of an 8-2 loss at San Diego last time out on the road and has posted a 6.75 ERA in five road starts on the season. Nola has owned the Braves throughout his career boasting a 2.05 ERA in 13 career starts, but he's never faced the Braves as hot as they are right now. 

Phillies are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets have combined for 23 runs through the first two games of this series. I still expect a low-scoring affair in Game 3 of the series on Saturday with Michael Wacha vs. Noah Syndergaard on the mound. 

Wacha (4-2, 5.63 ERA) is coming off back-to-back scoreless outings, covering a total of 8 1/3 innings of work. He's had plenty of success in previous meetings with the Mets, compiling a 2.53 ERA in seven matchups. Mets' right-hander Noah Syndergaard is coming off seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball against Colorado. He enters this contest at 1-3 with a 3.73 ERA in five career starts against the Cards. 

Under is 7-0 in Wacha's last 7 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 9-3-2 in Syndergaard's last 14 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 51-23-2 in Cardinals' last 76 during game 3 of a series. Under is 9-4 in Mets' last 13 during game 3 of a series.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON MLB TOTAL *EARLY START*

I think runs will come at a premium for both teams when the San Francisco Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park Saturday afternoon.

Milwaukee hands the ball to Jimmy Nelson (0-1, 12.00 ERA) who was roughed up in his lone start so far here in 2019. This looks like an easier spot for the 30-year-old right-hander, facing a San Francisco team that averages just over three runs at home this season. 

Left-hander Madison Bumgarner (3-6, 3.83 ERA) will toe the slab for the home team. The Giants' ace has allowed only six runs while covering 19 innings over his last three starts but is still 0-2 in those outings due to a lack of run support. The 29-year-old southpaw has gone 7-4 with a 2.63 ERA in 12 starts against the Brewers in his career

Under is 7-1-1 in Bumgarner's last 9 Saturday starts and 12-3-1 in Brewers last 16 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BLASTER

The Milwaukee Brewers have played just two games this week and scored 14 runs while splitting a couple of games against Houston Tuesday/Wednesday. I expect the Brew Crew's bats to generate plenty of fireworks here in the opener of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants. 

Milwaukee right-hander Zack Davies (7-0, 2.41 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA over his last three starts. We can also note that performing on the road has not been an issue for the Brewers’ ace this season; he's a perfect 3-0 with a sparkling 1.88 ERA in seven starts away from home. Davies owns a 1.64 ERA in two career starts vs. San Francisco. 

The Giants turn to Drew Pomeranz (1-6, 7.16 ERA) who is coming off five scoreless innings against the Dodgers, but he's still 0-2 with an abysmal 13.00 ERA over his last three starts. The 30-year-old southpaw has yet to record a W home at Oracle Park in 2019 and he is 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA in two career starts against the Brewers. 

The Brewers have averaged 6.33 runs per game over their last three contests while the Giants have averaged 3.33 rpg over that same span. 

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Philadelphia Phillies have dropped eight of their last 13 games, and I think they're in for a tough one here at Atlanta Friday night. 

The Braves hand the ball to left-hander Max Fried (7-3, 3.75 ERA) who has held the Phillies to one run over 9 2/3 innings in six relief appearances. Fried worked six innings and allowed three runs while striking out seven against Miami last time out. The Phillies are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Nick Pivetta (4-1, 4.93 ERA) will toe the slab for the visitors. He has compiled a 1.80 ERA since returning to the minors after posting an 8.35 ERA in his first four starts of the season. Only one of the last three starts were on the road though, a contest the Phillies lost 8-0, and they're 0-5 in Pivetta's last five road starts. Pivetta took on the Braves on March 30 and was charged with four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

The Braves are a perfect 7-0 in their last seven games vs. a right-handed starter and 5-0 in the last five when hosting Philadelphia. 

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

FRIDAY NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians took a 7-2 home loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday, but I think they look good to bounce back here in the opener of a seven-day road trip. They'll face a Detroit Tigers team that has dropped six of its last eight and will hand the ball to Ryan Carpenter. 

Carpenter (1-3, 7.89 ERA) was charged with eight runs on 10 hits over 3 2/3 innings in a 12-2 loss to Minnesota last time out. Last season, the 28-year-old left-hander allowed five earned runs in five innings while losing his only career start against Cleveland. 

The Tribe hand the ball to Adam Plutko (2-1, 5.19 ERA) for his fourth start this season. Plutko held the Yankees to two runs on three hits in six innings in an 8-4 win on Sunday. Note that the Tigers are 5-21 in their last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a loss. Indians are 5-0 in their last 5 games following an off day.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

TOP RATED 10* TOTAL ~ MIKE'S MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks shut out the Washington Nationals in a 5-0 triumph Thursday night, and I expect another low-scoring affair here with two quality pitchers on the mound. 

Arizona lefty Robbie Ray (5-3, 3.54 ERA) held the Blue Jays to pair of runs over 6 2/3 innings last time out. "I felt really good tonight," Ray told reporters after that game. "I felt like my command was the best it has been this all year. I was padding the zone, keeping them off balance with my off-speed." Ray fanned 10 batters in that matchup to put his tally at 34 over his last four starts alone and 101 over 76 1/3 innings of work for the season. 

Washington counters with Max Scherzer (4-5, 2.83 ERA). The veteran right-hander has allowed just two runs with 39 Ks over his last four starts and he is 6-0 with a 2.89 ERA in six career starts against Arizona.

Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER

The New York Yankees look like a solid road favorite at Chicago White Sox Thursday night. They're averaging a solid 6.00 runs per game on the road this season and here they'll get a look at struggling White Sox righty Ivan Nova (3-5, 6.28 ERA). Nova was charged with four runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings at Kansas City last time out and he is 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA in five home starts this season.

The Bronx Bombers hand the ball to left-hander J.A. Happ (6-3, 4.48 ERA) who held Toronto to one run on four hits in seven innings of a 6-2 win last Thursday to improve to 5-0 with a 3.82 ERA over his past six starts. The Yankees are 10-3 in Happ's 13 starts on the season. 

White Sox are 2-10 in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Yankees are 21-6 in their last 27 vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on New York Yankees. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER ALERT (TOTAL)

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles are among the lowest scoring teams in the league, and I think the total is set way too high for this contest. 

Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman (3-8, 3.31 ERA) was smacked around for six runs by the Diamondbacks last time out, but he had allowed just a total of six runs through his last five starts prior to that. Stroman did a good job containing Baltimore on April 2, holding them to two runs through 5 2/3 innings of work, but Toronto still lost the game 2-1. The Blue Jays have scored two runs or fewer in eight of Stroman’s starts this year ... 

The Orioles hand the ball to Gabriel Ynoa (0-2, 4.96 ERA) for his fourth start of the season. The 26-year-old right-hander has worked mostly out of the bullpen but has been solid when getting the nod. He held the Astros scoreless until serving up a pair of homers in the fifth last time out and allowed just three hits during his time on the mound. 

Under is 4-1 in Stroman's last 5 road starts. Under is 5-0 in Ynoa's last 5 starts overall. Under is 4-2-1 in Blue Jays last 7 road games. Under is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MLB TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox have dropped five of their last six following back-to-back losses to Texas Rangers, the most recent a 9-5 setback Tuesday night. I think we'll see far fewer runs for both sides here Wednesday afternoon. 

Texas hands the ball to Lance Lynn (7-4, 4.39 ERA). The 32-year-old right-hander has held opponents two runs or fewer in four of this last six starts and allowed only three runs in the other two. Lynn has compiled a solid 1.91 ERA in six career appearances against the Red Sox who counter with Rick Porcello (4-6, 4.86 ERA). He's been roughed up in his first couple of starts this month but is usually solid home at Fenway Park (3.93 ERA compared to a 6.37 ERA on the road). 

Under is 6-1 in Rangers last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Rangers last 13 overall. Under is 4-0 in Lynn's last 4 starts overall. Under is 16-5 in Red Sox last 21 vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY ATHLETICS @ RAYS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Tampa Bay Rays have won six of their last eight overall and look like a solid home favorite here against Oakland early Wednesday afternoon. 

Rays' Yonny Chirinos (7-2, 2.87 ERA) is coming off eight shutout innings of two-hit ball in a 5-1 win at Boston on Friday. The 25-year-old right-hander has allowed just five runs over his last five starts and he's 3-1 behind a 2.01 ERA in four day starts this season. 

Oakland left-hander Brett Anderson (6-4, 3.98 ERA) gave up three runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings at Texas last time out. He has compiled a 4.20 ERA in seven road starts and owns a 5.11 ERA in five day starts on the season. The 31-year-old has gone 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in four career starts against Tampa Bay. 

Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Athletics are 3-8 in their last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres for the opener of a two-game set Tuesday night. The Giants have dropped four of their last five games and I think we're getting a fair price on the visitors in this matchup. 

Padres' right-hander Chris Paddack (4-4, 2.97 ERA) ranks second in the National League among rookies in ERA despite getting roughed up in his last two starts. Good spot for the 23-year-old to regroup here against a Giants team that averages just 2.90 rpg home at AT&T Park. 

Tyler Beede (0-2, 8.15 ERA) will toe the slab for the Giants. He was bombed for five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 10-1 loss to the Friars last April and surrendered six runs (five earned) on five hits and four walks in five innings of a 7-0 loss at NY Mets last time out. 

Padres are 14-4 in their last 18 games following an off day. Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 games following an off day.

8* play on San Diego Padres. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Twins closed out a 10-game road trip with a 12-2 beatdown of the Tigers at Detroit on Sunday. I think they'll pick up another comfortable win here as they host the Seattle Mariners for the opener of a three-game set Monday night.

Minnesota hands the ball to left-hander Martin Perez (7-2, 3.72 ERA) who held the Seattle to one run on five hits through 6 2/3 innings of a 7-1 win on May 17. He owns an 8-5 record and 3.26 ERA in 22 career appearances and 20 starts against the Mariners who counter with right-hander Mike Leake (5-6, 4.30 ERA). The 31-year-old right-hander is coming in off a complete-game 14-1 victory over the Houston Astros which puts him on a letdown spot here.

Leake has posted a 4.32 ERA in four career starts against the Twins and their current roster owns a combined .368 AVG over 68 at-bats against him. 

The Twins are 9-1 SU and against the runline as a home favorite of -175 or more. The Mariners are 0-5 in Leake’s last 5 road starts.

10* play on Minnesota Twins RL. 

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BLASTER

The LA Dodgers look like a great "road" favorite here in the late game on Monday's MLB card. 

They've won six straight games with Hyun-Jin Ryu's (9-1, 1.35 ERA) on the mound and the southpaw has allowed just two earned runs during that stretch. Ryu is 2-0 behind a stellar 0.83 ERA in three career starts versus the Angels who turn to right-hander Griffin Canning (2-2, 3.52 ERA). The 23-year-old rookie was tagged with four runs in six innings of a 4-2 loss to the Oakland A's on Tuesday and I think he'll find it hard to slow down one of the most powerful lineups in the major leagues. 

Dodgers are 13-3 in their last 16 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record. Angels are 3-8 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 2-9 in their last 11 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks travel to Philadelphia riding a four-game winning streak, but I think the value is on the Phillies as a home favorite in this matchup. 

Jerad Eickhoff (3-3, 4.14 ERA) will toe the slab for Philadelphia. The Phillies have won six of his last eight starts overall and he held San Diego to three runs on four hits over six innings while striking out five without a walk last time out. "He pitched a great game," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "He was very aggressive with his pitches."

Eickhoff owns a solid 3.24 ERA in three career starts against the D'Backs who turn to rookie right-hander Taylor Clarke (1-2, 4.43 ERA) for just his fifth major league start. This figures to be a tough game for the 26-year-old as he'll face a Philadelphia team that averages a healthy 5.18 runs per game home at Citizens Bank Park. 

We can also note that the Diamondbacks have dropped six of their last eight as road dogs while the Phillies have won seven of their last eight as home favorites. 

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

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

The LA Dodgers won Saturday's matchup 7-2, but I think we'll see the teams combine for far fewer runs here on Sunday with two very capable pitchers on the mound. 

Dodgers' right-hander Walker Buehler (6-1, 3.69 ERA) held Arizona to one run on two hits with 11 Ks over eight innings of work last time out. He has allowed just a total of eight runs over his last five starts.

Giants' left-hander Madison Bumgarner (3-5, 4.05 ERA) has allowed seven runs over his last three starts but he has dominated the Dodgers in two meetings this season, limiting them to one earned run on nine hits over 12 innings of work. 

Under is 7-1-1 in Dodgers last 9 overall. Under is 6-2-1 in Buehler's last 9 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 6-2 in Giants last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 12-3-2 in Bumgarner's last 17 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings. 

10* play on UNDER. 

3-PACK

Jake Odorizzi (8-2, 1.96 ERA) will take the ball for the Twins. The 29-year-old right-hander has been lights out lately with zero runs allowed in six of his last seven starts. Over his last nine starts, Odorizzi has compiled a stunning 1.02 ERA and he tossed five scoreless frames against Detroit on May 10. The Tigers counter with southpaw Ryan Carpenter (1-2, 6.23 ERA) has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last three outings. 

Under is 5-2 in Twins last 7 Sunday games. Under is 5-1 in Odorizzi's last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 Sunday games. Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Detroit.

8* play on UNDER. 

3-PACK

Phillies' right-hander Aaron Nola (6-1, 4.63 ERA) was tagged with six runs in five innings at San Diego last time out. Nola was however coming off a solid month of May during which he went a 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA in six May starts. The 26-year-old right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA in four starts against the Reds over the last three seasons. 

Reds' right-hander Sonny Gray (2-5, 3.54 ERA) has allowed just three runs on 15 hits covering 17 innings of work through his last three starts. The current Phillies’ roster is batting a combined .143 in 23 at bats off of Gray. 

Philadelphia won Saturday's matchup 4-1 and under is 20-6 in Reds last 26 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Gray's last 5 road starts. Under is 10-2 in Phillies last 12 Sunday games. Under is 13-5-2 in Nolas last 20 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY 3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT (ALL MLB TOTALS)

The Milwaukee Brewers handed the Pittsburgh Pirates a 10-4 beating Friday night. They had however managed just eight runs through a three-game series against the Marlins prior to this set, and I think runs will be harder for both teams to come by here Saturday afternoon.

Pittsburgh righty Jordan Lyles (5-3, 3.38 ERA) owns a 2.67 ERA in five starts away from home on the season.  Milwaukee right-hander Zach Davies (6-0, 2.20 ERA) has been just about equally good no matter where he pitches and held the Buccos to a pair of runs over eight innings earlier this season. 

Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 17-4 in Davies' last 21 starts vs. National League Central. Under is 5-0 in Davies' last 5 starts vs. Pirates.

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY SATURDAY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Yankees have dropped four of their last five following a 5-2 loss in the opener of this three-game series against the Cleveland Indians. This looks like a good price on the Bronx Bombers to get back in business with left-hander CC Sabathia on the mound. 

Sabathia (3-2, 3.61 ERA) is 4-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 13 career starts against the Tribe. The 38-year-old southpaw racked up eight strikeouts while surrendering three runs on seven hits over his six innings of work against the Red Sox last time out. Cleveland right-hander Adam Plutko (1-1, 6.35 ERA) has made just two starts this season and was tagged with seven runs in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 defeat to Tampa Bay last time out. This will be Plutko’s first appearance against the Yankees.

Yankees are 7-1 in their last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter and I expect them to rake against Plutko. 

8* play on NY Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Philadelphia Phillies are a solid 21-11 home at Citizens Bank Park this season and they're 7-1 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record.

Philly right-hander Nick Pivetta (3-1, 6.14 ERA) had a poor start to the season and was sent down to the minors for a period, but he has allowed just three runs on six hits over 11 innings since being recalled to the big leagues. He fanned nine through six scoreless innings of three-hit ball at LA Dodgers last time out. "It's nice to get back to the pitcher that I am," Pivetta told reporters. "I think there's still room for improvement. There's always more. Yes, I had a good outing, but it's the consistency of the baseball game that I need to prove to everybody. To my teammates, this coaching staff, to the fans. And that's what it's going to take to move forward."

Reds right-hander Tanner Roark (4-4, 3.47 ERA) is 3-6 with a 5.30 ERA in his career at Citizens Bank Park and he gave up six hits and four runs in six innings in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Nationals last time out. Roark will have to be careful with hot-hitting Jay Bruce has four homers in as many games since joining the Phillies from Seattle. 

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

SATURDAY 3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT (ALL MLB TOTALS)

The Arizona Diamondbacks won the opener of this three-game set 8-2. I expect Saturday's contest to be a lower scoring affair with a solid pitching matchup on the mound. 

Arizona right-hander Zack Greinke (6-2, 3.09 ERA) has posted a 2.70 ERA in seven day starts this season and he'll face a Blue Jays team that has the worst batting average in the major leagues (.220). Aaron Sanchez (3-6, 3.95 ERA) will toe the slab for Toronto. Sanchez has posted a 3.41 ERA in six day starts on the season and tossed seven innings of one-run ball in his lone career start against Arizona, back in 2016.

Under is 5-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in Greinkes last 5 road starts. Under is 4-1 in Blue Jays last 5 overall. Under is 6-1 in Sanchezs last 7 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY 3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT (ALL MLB TOTALS)

The Kansas City Royals claimed the opener of this series 6-4 Friday night. I don't expect to see nearly as much action over home plate when the series continues Saturday. 

White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito (8-1, 2.54 ERA) has been on fire for most of the season. He fanned nine over 7 1/3 scoreless innings of a 2-0 win over Cleveland last time out and has 28 Ks through his last three starts. Giolito has limited six of his last eight opponents to one run or fewer. KC right-hander Brad Keller (3-7, 4.50 ERA) gave up three runs in seven innings of a 5-1 loss at Texas last time out. I expect a solid outing from the 23-year-old here as he's posted a 2.89 ERA in six day starts on the season compared to a 5.98 ERA under the lights. 

Under is 20-8 in White Sox last 28 overall. Under is 6-0 in Giolitos last 6 starts overall. Under is 5-2 in Royals last 7 overall. Under is 5-1 in Kellers last 6 starts overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians look like a solid home dog here in the opener of a three-game series against the NY Yankees. 

Yankees righty Domingo German (9-1, 3.66 ERA) has been knocked around for 10 runs on 16 hits through his last two starts. German owns an 0-1 mark with a 5.40 ERA in two career starts versus Cleveland who turns to righty Zach Plesac. 

Plesac (0-1, 1.46 ERA) has just two starts under his belt, but both were solid outings. First, he limited Boston to one run over 5 1/3 innings followed by seven innings of one-run ball at Chicago White Sox. We can also note that the rookie will be backed up by the best bullpen in baseball (3.23 ERA). 

8* play on Cleveland Indians.