YANKEES @ RED SOX *BASE BRAWLER*

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will open a three-game set at Fenway Park Tuesday night. The Red Sox  recorded an eighth straight victory Sunday while the Yankees fell to 4-5 with a 12-inning loss to  Baltimore in the Bronx their last time out.

Here the Yankees hand the ball to Luis Severino (2-0, 1.38 ERA) who has had an excellent start to the year. Severino went 2-1 with a 3.33 ERA in four starts against Boston last season but I still think he'll find it tough to outduel Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale (0-0, 0.82 ERA). Sale went 0-3 in five outings against the Yankees in his first season with Boston despite a solid 2.65 ERA. He was 4-1 against New York while with the Chicago White Sox and the Red Sox red hot bats should give him more support in this contest. 

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Baltimore Orioles opened the season with three losses at Houston are coming off a successful 3-1 series against the Yankees in the Bronx. They'll play their first home game for the season Monday night, and I think they'll come through with a win. 

Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.69 ERA) is off to a fast start and conceded just one earned run with 15 Ks through 13 innings of work over his first two outings. He's 3-0 mark with an 0.76 ERA in seven career appearances against the Yankees who turn to J.A. Happ (1-1, 5.40 ERA). The left-hander is 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts at Camden Yards and surrendered four runs over 5 1/3 innings against the White Sox his last time out. 

Orioles are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter and 6-2 in Bundy's last eight home starts.

Under is 22-4-1 in the last 27 meetings. Under is 9-2-1 in the last 12 meetings in Baltimore.

8* play on TOR @ BAL to go UNDER the total. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB)

The Baltimore Orioles opened the season with three losses at Houston but are coming off a successful 3-1 series against the Yankees in the Bronx. They'll play their first home game for the season Monday night, and I think the price on the Birds to win this game is a steal.

Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.69 ERA) is off to a fast start and conceded just one earned run with 15 Ks through 13 innings of work over his first two outings. He's 3-0 mark with an 0.76 ERA in seven career appearances against the Yankees who turn to J.A. Happ (1-1, 5.40 ERA). The left-hander is 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts at Camden Yards and surrendered four runs over 5 1/3 innings against the White Sox his last time out. 

Orioles are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter and 6-2 in Bundy's last eight home starts.

10* MLB Game of the Week on Baltimore Orioles. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL TOTAL

The New York Mets have won four in a row and will go for a series sweep of the defending NL East champion Washington Nationals Sunday night. There's definitely some value on Mets as an underdog here, but I have my eyes on the total. 

The Mets hand the ball to Matt Harvey (0-0, 0.00 ERA) who allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his season debut. Under is 6-2-2 in Nationals last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter and Harvey is 1-3 with a 3.86 ERA in six career starts here at Nationals Park.

The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (1-0, 1.29 ERA) who is  is 7-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 17 games (11 starts) against the Mets and went seven innings, allowing a run, four hits and a walk against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Under is 6-1 in Roark's last seven home starts and 9-1 in his last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

8* play on NYM @ WAS to go UNDER the total. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The New York Mets have won four in a row and will go for a series sweep of the defending NL East champion Washington Nationals Sunday night. There's definitely some value on Mets as an underdog here, and I think they'll cover the runline in a low-scoring contest. 

The Mets hand the ball to Matt Harvey (0-0, 0.00 ERA) who allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his season debut. Under is 6-2-2 in Nationals last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter and Harvey is 1-3 with a 3.86 ERA in six career starts here at Nationals Park.

The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (1-0, 1.29 ERA) who is  is 7-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 17 games (11 starts) against the Mets and went seven innings, allowing a run, four hits and a walk against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Under is 6-1 in Roark's last seven home starts and 9-1 in his last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

8* play on NYM +1.5

MLB 3-PACK

The Texas Rangers took an 8-5 loss in the opener of this three-game series but tied it up with an 5-1 triumph on Saturday.

I like Texas here in the rubber match with Cole Hamels (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander struck out 11 while allowing just one run through five innings of a 4-1 win at Oakland his last time out. Toronto turns to Jaime Garcia (0-0, 1.50 ERA) who held the White Sox to one run with seven strikeouts through six innings in his lone start of the season, but I think he'll find it tough to out-duel Hamels at Globe Life Park. Rangers are 26-9 in Hamels' last 35 home starts.

8* play on Texas Rangers. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Brewers look good to cover the runline in a low-scoring game here in the finale of a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs.

Milwaukee hands the ball to Chase Anderson (0-0, 3.60 ERA) who tossed six innings of one-hit ball at San Diego in his season debut and he's 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in seven career starts versus the Cubs.

Jose Quintana (0-1, 9.00 ERA) will take the ball for Chicago. The left-hander is 2-1 with a minuscule 0.90 ERA in four career meetings with Milwaukee but struggled with his command in his first start of the season, so I wouldn't trust him completely here. We can also note that the Cubs won Saturday's matchup 5-2, but they're 0-8 in their last eight games following a win.

Under is 4-1 in both Milwaukee's and Chicago's last five overall. 
Under is 13-3 in Brewers last 16 Sunday games and 12-3-3 in Cubs last 18 Sunday games.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers +1.5

MLB 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Brewers look good to cover the runline in a low-scoring game here in the finale of a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs.

Milwaukee hands the ball to Chase Anderson (0-0, 3.60 ERA) who tossed six innings of one-hit ball at San Diego in his season debut and he's 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in seven career starts versus the Cubs.

Jose Quintana (0-1, 9.00 ERA) will take the ball for Chicago. The left-hander is 2-1 with a minuscule 0.90 ERA in four career meetings with Milwaukee but struggled with his command in his first start of the season, so I wouldn't trust him completely here. We can also note that the Cubs won Saturday's matchup 5-2, but they're 0-8 in their last eight games following a win.

Under is 4-1 in both Milwaukee's and Chicago's last five overall. 
Under is 13-3 in Brewers last 16 Sunday games and 12-3-3 in Cubs last 18 Sunday games.

8* play on CHC @ MIL to go UNDER the total. 

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Toronto Blue Jays' bats really came alive in Friday's 8-5 victory over the Texas Rangers. I like Texas to keep it much closer and maybe even pull off an outright upset here on Saturday. Toronto right-hander Marcus Stroman (0-0, 7.20 ERA) was limited to only two starts in spring training because of a sore shoulder and he conceded four runs in five innings in his season debut. Stroman has posted a 5.73 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers who turn to Mike Minor (0-1, 3.86 ERA). The left-hander is 2-0 in with a 1.69 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against Toronto.

8* play on Texas Rangers +1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Philles and the Miami Marlins are two of the lowest scoring teams in baseball so far this season. The Phillies beat the Fish 5-0 in the first of a three-game set before Friday's off day, and I think we'll see another low-scoring encounter here on Saturday.

Vince Velasquez (0-1, 13.50 ERA) will take the ball for Philly. He was lit up for seven runs (four earned) on nine hits through just 2 2/3 frames against Atlanta in his season debut, but note that he has compiled a 2.84 ERA in six appearances with Miami. 

The Marlins turn to Dillon Peters (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who tossed six scoreless innings in the 6-0 victory over the Cubs on Sunday. The left-hander held the Phillies to two runs and nine hits with 12 strikeouts over 13 innings last season.

Under is 8-2 in Phillies last 10 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on MIA @ PHI to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 6-1 on the season and defeated the Cards 3-1 in the opener of this three-game series on Thursday. 

Here they'll hand the ball to Zack Greinke who held Colorado to one run on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks over 5 2/3 innings in his season debut. Greinke has traditionally has been tough on St. Louis, going 12-4 with a 3.17 ERA in 18 career starts. 

The Cardinals turn to Michael Wacha (0-1, 7.71 ERA) who gave up four runs on five hits (two homers) through 4 2/3 frames against the Mets in his first start of the season. Wacha tossed six scoreless innings against the D'Backs last season but I don't think he'll get enough run support in this contest. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

MLB 3-PACK

Detroit and the Chicago White Sox had Friday off following a 9-7 Tigers win in extra innings on Thursday. I think we'll see way fewer runs here with two gifted pitchers in Michael Fulmer (0-1, 1.13 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (0-0, 4.50 ERA) on the mound. 

Tigers' Fulmer held the Pirates to one run through eight innings of a 1-0 loss in his season debut while Giolito gave up three runs, four hits and four walks in six innings at Kansas City on March 31. Giolito tossed seven shutout innings against Detroit last season. 

Under is 4-0 in Giolito's last four starts overall. Under is 4-1 in Fulmer's last five starts overall.

8* play on DET @ CHW to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays usually means plenty of action over the plate with over 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings overall and 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings at Arlington.

Texas right-hander Matt Moore (0-1, 9.00 ERA) was charged with four runs on seven hits through four innings against World Series champion Houston in his season debut. Toronto right-hander Marco Estrada (0-0, 3.86 ERA) gave up three runs on four hits and three walks with a pair of homers in a non-decision against the Yankees in his first outing of the season. He has a 3.74 ERA in six career starts against Texas and over is 11-1 in Estrada's last 12 starts during Game 1 of a series.

8* play on Toronto @ Texas to go OVER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Baltimore Orioles win the opener of this four-game series 5-2 yesterday. I expect to see quite a few more runs scored in tonight's game. 

Kevin Gausman (0-1, 13.50 ERA) will take the ball for Baltimore. He was lit up for six runs and seven hits over four innings in a loss to Minnesota in his first start of the season. Gausman can't have very fond memories of Yankee Stadium after surrendering 12 runs on 16 hits and eight walks over 9 1/3 frames in two starts here last season.

The Yankees turn to CC Sabathia (0-0, 1.80 ERA) who held Toronto to two runs (one earned) on five hits in five innings on Saturday. Baltimore reached him for 15 runs and 23 hits over 17 frames last season.

Over is 22-6 in the last 28 meetings. 

8* play on Baltimore at NYY to go OVER the total.

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Seattle Mariners will visit the Minnesota Twins for the opener of a three-game series Thursday afternoon. 

The visitors hand the ball to left-hander James Paxton (0-1, 11.57 ERA) who was charged with six runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs, in his season debut last week against Cleveland. I expect a much more composed outing from Paxton today. He was 12-5 with a 2.98 ERA last season and 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career starts against the Twins who turn to Kyle Gibson (1-0, 0.00) who was 12-10 with a 5.07 ERA last season. 

Gibson didn't allow a hit but walked five batters through his six innings in the Twins' 6-2 victory over Baltimore in his season debut. He was 2-0 despite a 5.25 ERA in two starts against Seattle last season. I don't think he'll be as lucky today. 

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The LA Dodgers are just 2-4 on the season while the Arizona Diamondbacks are 4-1. The D'Backs won last night's game 6-1 despite LAD starting Clayton Kershaw. Today's Dodgers starter Alex Wood (0-0, 0.00 ERA) held San Francisco to one hit with five strikeouts through eight scoreless innings in his season debut, but the D'Backs are a much different opponent and averaging 6.40 rpg on the season and they're 22-5 in their last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Houston Astros have started the season on fire and picked up their fifth win in six games when they defeated the Orioles 10-6 last night. They've covered the spread in all of their wins and should do so again here with Dallas Keuchel (0-1, 4.50 ERA) on the mound. 

Keuchel wasn't at his best in his season debut when he conceded three runs over six innings at Texas, but he is 3-2 with a solid 2.93 ERA in six career starts against Baltimore. 

The Orioles turn to Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.00 ERA) who worked seven shutout innings on Opening Day against Minnesota, but note that he is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA over two career appearances (one start) against the Astros.

Houston is averaging 6.33 rpg on the season while Baltimore is averaging a lowly 2.40 rpg. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The reigning World Series champions Houston Astros have not shown any sign of a hangover, opening the season 4-1 and covering the runline all of their wins. That includes a 6-1 triumph over the Baltimore Orioles in the opener of a three-game series on Monday, and I predict another easy Astros win tonight. 

Justin Verlander (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season for the Astros after a dominant display in his season debut. He pitched against the Orioles once last season (while still with Detroit), and held them to a pair of runs on six hits with 10 Ks over seven innings of work. Verlander has the current Orioles limited to a .219 batting average over 196 at bats. 

Baltimore hands the ball to Mike Wright who will make his first start of the season. He was lit up for 15 runs - 14 earned - on 26 hits and five walks across 19 innings during spring training and he has posted a bloated 6.22 ERA in 21 career starts in the Majors. 

Baltimore has mustered only six runs through its first four games of the season while Houston has scored 28 in five games. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TRIBE @ HALOS *BASE BRAWLER*

The Los Angeles Angels are off to a good start after taking three of four at Oakland. They've however lost 11 straight to the Cleveland Indians, and the Tribe look good to extend that winning streak Monday night. 

Cleveland hands the ball to Mike Clevinger who owns a 2-0 record and 3.94 ERA in three career starts against the Angels. Indians are 7-0 in Clevinger's last seven starts and he closed out last year with a sub-1.00 ERA over his last 27 1/3 innings of the regular season. 

LAA turns to JC Ramirez who is is 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in five career games (one start) against the Tribe. Ramirez struggled during spring training, posting a 5.40 ERA over 13 1/3 innings of work. 

Cleveland dropped two of three at Seattle in its first series of the season and I doubt the Indians are too happy about that losing record.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

TOP RATED 10* DODGERS @ D'BACKS *BIG HITTER*

The LA Dodgers started the season with back-to-back 1-0 losses to the Giants before claiming the finale of the three-game series 5-0. Here they'll face an Arizona team in a complete opposite situation, coming off a 2-1 loss to Colorado after scoring a total of 17 runs in a pair of wins. 

The D'Backs are 20-6 in their last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter and I think they'll have to trouble to get to Hyun-Jin Ryu who has posted a 4.80 ERA in his previous five starts at Chase Field. We can also note that Ryu posted a 7.04 ERA over 15 1/3 frames in four games during spring training. 

Taijuan Walker will take the ball for the D'Backs. Walker was 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in three starts against LAD last season and the Diamondbacks are 6-2 in Walker's last eight starts during Game 1 of a series. Dodgers meanwhile are 2-8 in Ryu's last 10 starts during Game 1 of a series.

Paul Goldschmidt is hitless in his first eight at-bats of the season, but 9-for-21 with two home runs in previous matchups against Ryu. 

10* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Miami Marlins split four games with the Chicago Cubs in their first series of the season. Pretty impressive considering the Cubs are one of a handful of favorites to reach the World Series this year.

Tonight the Fish hand the ball to 24 year old Trevor Richards who will make his Major League debut. Richards has posted a 12-11 record with a 2.53 ERA in 27 games - 25 starts in the minor leagues and I think he'll give the Red Sox some trouble here. 

Brian Johnson takes the ball for Boston for his seventh start in the big leagues. Last season, he went 2-0 with a 4.33 ERA, but I really feel the Marlins are underrated in this contest.

8* play on Miami Marlins +1.5.

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The St. Louis Cardinals look like good value here when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of a three-game series. 

The Brew Crew hand the ball to Zach Davies. He was 17-9 with a 3.90 ERA overall last season but posted a bloated 5.82 ERA in 17 starts home at Miller Park. 

Davies will pitch opposite Miles Mikolas who is 2-5 with a 6.44 ERA in 10 career starts in the major leagues (all in 2014), but he has spent the last three seasons pitching in Japan, compiling a dominant 31-13 record behind a 2.18 ERA. 

"You can't deny the success that he had in Japan, and I'm hoping that he just stays with his strengths because this isn't Japan," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "But hitters are hitters, and he was able to get some good hitters out over there and we know that that plays here."

Last year the Cardinals were 5-4 at Miller Park, where they are 33-14 since the start of the 2012 season.

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

SUPER EARLY TWINS @ PIRATES *AFTERNOON ASSASSIN*

The Pittsburgh Pirates have opened the season with a 3-0 sweep in Detroit, and I think they'll come out ahead here in their first home game of the year as well. 

Lance Lynn will make his debut as a Twin when taking the ball this afternoon. He saw a lot of the Pirates during his six seasons with the Cardinals, and has a bloated 5.10 ERA in 23 meetings (21 starts). Lynn was lit up in his last visit to PNC Park on Sept. 23 when he conceded eight runs and six hits in just two-thirds of an inning.

The Pirates turn to Jameson Taillon who was 8-7 with a 4.44 ERA in 25 starts during his rookie season, 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in his final three starts. We can also note that he was 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in eight day starts in 2017 and was sharp during spring training, posted a 2.13 ERA in 12 2/3 innings.

8* play on Pittsburgh Pirates. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Pittsburgh Pirates came out ahead of a wild affair on Friday with Gregory Polanco's a three-run homer sealing the deal in the 13th inning. I like the Tigers to get revenge today with Michael Fulmer on the mound. 

Fulmer looked sharp in the spring and tossed seven shutout innings against Atlanta his last time out. This will be his first matchup against the Pirates who turn to Trevor Williams. He tossed 2 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (two earned), against Philadelphia in his final spring appearance. 

Fulmer was 6-4 with a 3.55 ERA in 13 starts here in Comerica Park in 2017 while Williams was 4-6 with a 4.96 ERA in 14 appearances (11 starts) on the road. 

Count on the hungry Tigers to get the job done here in Game 1 of this Sunday double-header. 

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

RED SOX @ RAYS *AFTERNOON ASSASSIN*

The Tampa Bay Rays won the season opener against the Red Sox 6-4. They've lost back-to-back games since, but both by just one run. I like the Rays to salvage a split of this four-game series with a win Sunday afternoon. 

Jacob Faria will take the ball for the Rays. The 24 year old right-hander held the Red Sox to one run on four hits through six innings in his lone start against them last season and added three scoreless innings in a relief outing for a career ERA of 1.00 vs. Boston. Current Red Sox are batting .103 over 29 at bats against him.  

Boston turns to 29-year-old right-hander Hector Velazquez who had plenty of success as a reliever last year, but he was 0-1 with a 5.02 ERA in his three starts. Overall Velazquez tossed 11 scoreless innings home at Fenway Park but he allowed eight runs on 15 hits (four homers) in 13 2/3 frames on the road. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays

TOP RATED 10* TWINS @ ORIOLES *BIG HITTER*

The Minnesota Twins and the Baltimore Orioles have split the first two games of this season-opening three-game series. I like the Twins to come through in the rubber-match as they hand the ball to Jose Berrios. 

Berrios is 2-0 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against Baltimore and although he didn't pitch in April, he did very well in May with a 3-1 record behind a 2.70 ERA in four starts. 

The Orioles turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman who is 2-3 with a 5.88 ERA in 15 career appearances in the month of April and 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in five career starts against the Twins.

The Twins took a 3-2 loss in the season-opener, but their bats came alive yesterday and the Twins went deep three times against Baltimore started Andrew Cashner. 

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB)

The New York Yankees would be looking to set themselves up to sweep this four-game series with a third straight win on Saturday. 

Toronto has mustered just a total of seven hits through the first two games, and here it'll face veteran left-hander CC Sabathia who has the current Jays limited to a .239 AVG through 234 at bats. 

The Bronx Bombers have had no trouble to put runners on base through the first couple of games with 18 hits and six walks. Giancarlo Stanton has already recorded a pair of home runs as a Yankee and we can note the Toronto's Marco Estrada served up five homers in 29 1/3 innings against NYY last season. 

10* MLB Game of the Month on New York Yankees. 

LATE NIGHT MLB *NO-BRAINER*

The Arizona Diamondbacks put an 8-2 beating on Colorado Rockies Thursday night. They got to Colorado's starter Jon Gray early, and that's likely to be the case again Friday night as Rockies left-hander Tyler Anderson has a 4.85 ERA in his previous four starts against the D'Backs.

Arizona hands the ball to another southpaw in Robbie Ray who was 15-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 2017 and led the National League with a rate of 12.11 strikeouts per nine innings. He has a 5.21 ERA in nine career starts against Colorado but recorded 18 Ks in 12 2/3 innings against the Rockies last season. 

Arizona came out swinging hot bats last night and I like them to come through again here on Friday. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Boston Red Sox took a 6-4 loss here at Tropicana Field in the season opener yesterday after a six-run eighth inning for the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Very disappointing for Boston and its otherwise solid bullpen, and I think the visitors will bounce back tonight with left-hander David Price on the mound. Price was 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA last season and he has plenty of experience of the Trop since his six-plus seasons with the Rays. We can also note that the Rays struggled offensively against left-handers last year, hitting just .239 as a team.

Tampa Bay turns to a southpaw of their own in Blake Snell who finished last season 5-7 with a 4.04 ERA. Snell has struggled in previous meetings with Boston; he went 0-2 last year with a 5.91 ERA, and for his career, he's 1-3 with a 5.95 ERA against the Red Sox.

10* play on Boston Red Sox. 

SUPER EARLY PIRATES @ TIGERS TOTAL

Thursday's season-opener for Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers got postponed due to rain. We'll see the same pitching matchup Friday afternoon instead, and I think this will be a relatively low-scoring contest with Ivan Nova and Jordan Zimmermann on the mound. 

Nova finished last season with a 4.14 ERA (5.02 ERA on the road) but looks well prepared for this year. He came to camp 10 pounds lighter and will be relied upon here as Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston during the off-season.

Zimmermann posted the worst ERA of his career (6.08) in 2017 but the veteran should be poised to do better this year and has compiled a respectable 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

The Pirates will need to get used to life without Andrew McCutchen after dealing the All-Star center fielder to San Francisco. 

8* play on PIT @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

LATE NIGHT WILD WILD NL WEST *BASE BRAWLER*

The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Colorado Rockies 11-8 in the NL Wild Card game before being swept by the NL champion Dodgers in the Division Series. I like the D'Backs to get the better of their NL West rival in the opener of the new season as well. 

Arizona left-hander Patrick Corbin was 9-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 17 starts home at Chase Field last season while Colorado's right-hander Jon Gray has bad memories of this ballpark after knocked around for seven hits and four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings in the Wild Card game. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB OPENING DAY *BIG HITTER*

The Philadelphia Phillies look like a solid road favorite when taking on the Braves at Atlanta on opening day. 

Aaron Nola will toe the slab for the Phillies. The 24 year old was 12-11 with a 3.54 ERA last year and beat Atlanta in both of his starts behind a 1.20 ERA. Nola has been solid during spring training, finishing with a 3.50 ERA in five starts. 

The Braves turn to Julio Teheran who had a rough 2017, particularly here at SunTrust Park where he went 3-10 with a 5.86 ERA. He has looked sharp in spring training, posting a 1.40 ERA in six starts but note that he gave up 16 runs (15 earned) on 26 hits in 23 1/3 innings against Philadelphia last year. 

Philly dominated the series against Atlanta last year beating the Braves 13 times in 19 matchups. Good value on the road team in this matchup. 

My selection is a 10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

MLB 3-PACK

The reigning World Series champions Houston Astros will open the new season with a matchup against American League West-rival Texas Rangers on Thursday. I think Texas will be able to keep this a close game with left-hander Cole Hamels on the mound. Hamels was 11-6 with a 4.20 ERA last season and owns a 3-1 record with a 2.84 ERA in his past five starts against the Astros. 

Houston hands the ball to veteran Justin Verlander who will be making his 10th Opening Day start in the past 11 years. Verlander has been terrific since being acquired from Detroit, but the Rangers should be more up for this game I would be surprised to see the Astros suffer a slight World Series hangover early in the season. 

8* play on Texas Rangers +1.5. 

CUBS @ MARLINS *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Chicago Cubs have a very strong squad and hands the ball to left-hander Jon Lester who finished last season 13-8 with a 4.33 ERA. They'll face a Marlins team that has lost most of its star players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. Miami hands the ball to Jose Urena who posted a 14-7 record behind a 3.82 ERA in 2017, but I don't see them home team having the firepower to keep up with the Cubs here on Opening Day. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs -1.5. 

WORLD SERIES GAME 7 - WINNERS TAKES IT ALL

The Houston Astros and the LA Dodgers will square up in a winner takes it all Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night. I've liked the Astros in most matchups so far in the series, but I gotta go with the Dodgers tonight. 

Lance McCullers Jr. will take the ball for Houston, and he was knocked around for three runs on four hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings by the Dodgers earlier in the series. His season numbers are far better home in Houston than on the road this season. 

The Dodgers turn to Yu Darvish who will try to rebound from a sub-par effort at Houston when he gave up four runs on six hits in just 1 2/3 innings. He had allowed just a pair of runs with 14 Ks in 11 1/3 innings earlier here in the postseason though, and he'll have a massive support from the home town crowd and Clayton Kershaw ready to step in from the bullpen. 

Note that 14 of the past 16 teams to force a Game 7 by winning Game 6 at home ended up winning the series. 

My selection is an 8* play on LA Dodgers.

TOP RATED 10* WORLD SERIES GAME 6 BOOKIE BREAKER

The LA Dodgers will have home advantage through the last couple of games in the World Series, but it's the Houston Astros who hold a 3-2 lead and I think they'll claim the title tonight with Justin Verlander on the mound. 

Verlander (4-0, 2.05 ERA) has been lights out since coming over from Detroit (9-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 10 total appearances), and the 34 year old must be desperate to finally win the World Series. He allowed three runs on just two hits and a pair of walks in six innings against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the series. The Dodgers will counter with left-hander Rich Hill (0-0, 2.77 ERA) who allowed only one run but three hits and three walks in four innings when pitching against Verlander in that game. Note that the Astros are 7-1 in their last eight interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. 

Hill has struggled to log innings here in the postseason (4, 5, 4), and I think the Astros tremendous bats will be too much to handle. 

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* WORLD SERIES GAME 5 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Houston Astros and the LA Dodgers headed into Game 4 of the World Series tied at 1-1 before the visitors exploded with five runs at the top of the 9th last to earn a 6-2 victory. 

I think runs will be few and far between tonight when Clayton Kershaw (3-0, 2.96 ERA) pitches opposite Dallas Keuchel (2-2, 3.00 ERA). 

Kershaw allowed just three hits and one run (a homer by Bregman) while striking out 11 over seven innings in the Dodgers' 3-1 victory in Game 1. Keuchel took the loss in that contest after conceding three runs in 6 2/3 frames, but he should do better here at Minute Maid Park. 

Without a doubt two of the best pitchers in the game and under is 6-1-1 in Dodgers last eight playoff road games and 4-1-1 in Astros last six playoff home games.

Under is 6-1-1 in the last eight head-to-head meetings.

My selection is a 10* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Houston Astros booked a 5-3 victory in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. They're perfect home at Minute Maid Park here in the postseason, and I predict another Astros victory in front of the home town crowd Saturday night. 

Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62 ERA) will take the ball for the Astros. He has made one appearance at home in the postseason when he tossed five scoreless innings of two-hit ball against the Yankees. Morton was 10-3 with a 3.34 ERA at home during the regular season and Astros are 5-1 in Morton's last six home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

The Dodgers turn to Alex Wood (16-3, 2.72 ERA) who was charged with three runs (all homers) on four hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 3-2 loss against the Cubs in the NLCS on Oct. 18, his lone outing here in the postseason. I'm not sure if that much rest is a good thing and he'll face a very hostile environment at Minute Maid Park. 

The Dodgers are 6-18 in their last 24 games following a loss and I think they'll find it very difficult to turn this around at Houston. 

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

We lost with under 7.5 runs in Game 2 of this series, despite heading into the 9th inning with a 3-2 Dodgers lead. I'm however not afraid to back the under again here Friday night in the first of three matchups at Minute Maid Park. 

The Dodgers' Yu Darvish (2-0, 1.59 ERA) has been excellent in the postseason and he has posted a 2.16 ERA in six career outings against Houston. 

The Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0, 2.08 ERA) was mediocre at best during the regular season, but he's been much better here in the playoffs. We can also note that he posted a 3.04 ERA home at Minute Maid Park during the regular season (compared to a 5.14 ERA on the road). 

Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Houston and 5-1 in the last six meetings overall. We have a great umpire angle as well with under 8-2-1 in Gerry Davis' last 11 games behind home plate in games involving the Astros. 

My selection is a 10* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB GAME OF THE WEEK

The LA Dodgers took command of the World Series with a 3-1 victory last night, and I think we'll see another low-scoring affair here in Game 2 of the series. 

Justin Verlander (4-0, 1.46 ERA) has been absolutely outstanding for the Astros since coming over from Detroit. He took on the Dodgers back in August while still in a Tigers uniform and was terrific, conceding only one run in eight innings.

The Dodgers turn to Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) who has allowed just three runs on six hits in nine innings of work here in the postseason. He has solid career numbers against the Astros, posting a 3-1 record behind a 2.68 ERA. He'll also be backed up by an absolutely phenomenal bullpen. 

Each of the last four meetings between the Astros and the Dodgers have gone under the total. 

My MLB Game of the Week is on HOU/LAD Under. 

TOP RATED 10* WORLD SERIES GAME 1 BIG HITTER

The LA Dodgers will host the Houston Astros for Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Tuesday night. This will no doubt be an exhilarating series, and I like the underdog to make this a very close game. 

Left-hander Dallas Keuchel (2-1, 2.60 ERA) will take the ball for Houston. He'll make his first career start against the Dodgers (considered an advantage for the pitcher) and Keuchel is 4-1 over his six career postseason appearances with a 2.59 ERA. 

The Dodgers turn to another southpaw in Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 3.63 ERA) who is 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA in eight career starts against the Astros but he owns a 4.40 career ERA through 106 1/3 innings of playoff baseball and he has served up six homers in three starts this postseason. 

The price is right to back the Astros on the runline.  

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros +1.5. 

MLB ALCS GAME 7 BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

We'll see Charlie Morton vs. CC Sabathia here in the deciding Game 7 of the ALCS. I think runs will come at a premium in this contest. 

Sabathia (1-0, 2.30 ERA) just tossed six shutout innings against the Astros in Game 3 of this series, and he's 10-0 with a 1.69 ERA in 13 turns following a Yankees loss, which is the situation here after a 7-1 loss to Houston last night. 

The Astros' Morton (0-1, 10.13 ERA) was lit up in his head-to-head showdown with Sabathia in Game 3, allowing seven runs and six hits through 3 2/3 innings. That was in the Bronx though, and we can note that Morton was 10-3 with a 3.34 ERA in 16 turns home at Minute Maid Park during the regular season.

I like the umpire angle as well with under 5-1 in Chad Fairchild's last six games behind home plate.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

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

The Chicago Cubs' bats have been ice cold so far in this series, scoring just a total four runs through the first three games. I think the posted total is set way too high here in Game 4 of the series. 

Alex Wood will take the ball for the Dodgers. He will make his first start here in the playoffs but posted a 16-3 record behind a 2.72 ERA during the regular season. Wood has held the Cubs to one earned run through 8 2/3 innings of work this year and he's 7-1 with a stellar 2.24 ERA in 13 road starts. 

The Cubs turn to Jake Arrieta who is 1-3 with a 3.77 ERA in five career regular-season starts against the Dodgers. He conceded no earned runs in four innings against Washington in the NLDS and was 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA through 10 home starts during the regular season. 

Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings at Wrigley.

My MLB Game of the Week is on Dodgers/Cubs Under. 

NLCS BASE BRAWLER

The Chicago Cubs need a win here to avoid going down a 3-0 hole in the series. The Cubs have had the Dodgers’ number home at Wrigley recently, winning two of three there during last year’s NLCS and taking two of three when the Dodgers visited in April.

Tonight Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 3.27 ERA) will toe the slab for the Cubs. He's 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA through 11 innings here in the postseason and has the current Dodgers limited to a .189 AVG, although admittedly over just 37 at bats. 

The Dodgers turn to Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.80 ERA) who held the D'Backs to one run on two hits in five innings of a 3-1 win in the NLDS, but here he'll run into some particularly desperate Cubbies. We saw the motivation and home town crowd carry the Yankees (who were also 0-2) to an 8-1 victory against the Astros last night, and I like the home team to come through in this matchup. 

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

Houston failed to sweep the Red Sox in the ALDS as Boston managed to claim Game 3 of the series. I do however like the Astros to go clean here in the ALDS with three straight wins against the New York Yankees. 

Charlie Morton will take the ball for Houston. He started Game 4 of ALDS last Monday in Boston and held the Red Sox to two runs through 4 1/3 frames. He does not have great career numbers against the Bronx Bombers, but that's also a reason why we're getting such a great price on Houston in this contest. 

The Yankees turn to CC Sabathia. The left-hander will make his third start of the playoffs and was tagged with six runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks in 9 2/3 innings against the Tribe in the ALCS. Sabathia is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against Houston, but this will be the first meeting of the year and the Astros are playing at a completely different level now compared to previous seasons. 

The Yankees might have a slight advantage on the mound tonight, but the Astros bats are too hot to be silenced, particularly Jose Altuve who is 5-for-8 in this series after going 8-for-15 in the ALDS. 

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

NLCS BASE BRAWLER

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the opener of the National League Championship Series 5-2 on Saturday, but I like the Cubs to take Game 2 and head home to Wrigley with the series tied. 

Here we'll see a battle between two southpaws on the mound, with the Cubs handing the ball to Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA) and the Dodgers going with Rich Hill (12-8, 3.32 ERA). 

Lester was terrific in the NLDS, tossing 9 2/3 innings of two-run ball on just three hits. Lester has a ton of postseason experience and owns a 9-7 record behind a 2.57 ERA in 24 playoff outings (20 starts).

Hill meanwhile may be a regular season veteran, but the 37 year old has just five postseason starts under his belt, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA. He gave up two runs on three hits and three walks in four innings against Arizona in the NLDS, and I think Cubs will give hem plenty of trouble here. 

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Houston Astros prevailed 2-1 in a pitchers duel Friday night in the opener of the American League Championship Series, and I think they'll take a 2-0 lead today with Justin Verlander on the mound. 

Verlander has been outstanding since coming over from Detroit, going 7-0 with a 1.48 ERA in seven games (six starts). This will be the first meeting of the season with the Yankees who hand the ball to Luis Severino. He has allowed six runs on eight hits and a pair of walks in 7 1/3 frames in his last two outings and Houston has reached him for nine runs on 15 hits in 7 2/3 innings on the season.

The Yankees have a losing record on the road (41-44) and the Astros are 12-2 in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. I like the umpire angle too with the home team  8-1 in Hunter Wendelstedt's last nine games behind home plate (Houston 24-8 in his last 32 games behind home plate here at Minute Maid Park).

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* ALCS BIG HITTER

The Houston Astros and the New York Yankees will get the American League Championship Series started with a matchup at Minute Maid Park Friday night. I don't see any other outcome than a home victory here with Dallas Keuchel pitching opposite Masahiro Tanaka. 

Keuchel tossed six scoreless innings of five-hit ball against the Yankees back in May to improve to 5-2 with a 1.24 ERA in seven career meetings. He breezed through 5 2/3 frames in the ALDS, allowing just one run while fanning seven hitters. 

Tanaka held Cleveland scoreless through seven innings of three-hit ball in the ALDS, but he was roughed up for eight runs and seven hits with four homers in just 1 2/3 innings against the Astros back in May. We can also note that Tanaka is 4-7 with a bloated 6.48 ERA in 15 outings on the road this season. 

Yankees are 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Astros are 21-6 in Keuchel's last 27 starts during Game 1 of a series. 

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

NLDS NO BRAINER

Game 4 of this NLDS was supposed to take place last night but got rained out, and the weather was one of the reasons I did not release a pick yesterday. We'll see the same scheduled pitching matchup on Wednesday instead, and I think the day off will benefit the home team here at Wrigley the most. 

Jake Arrieta (14-10, 3.53 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs. He'll make his first start since Sept. 26 as he's been bothered by a minor right hamstring injury, and the extra day off should do him good. Arrieta has been terrific at Wrigley all season going 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 10 starts. 

The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (13-11, 4.67 ERA) despite having the option to trot out Stephen Strasburg on regular rest. Strasburg might not even be available out of the bullpen. Asked about Strasburg's availability (even out of the bullpen) Nationals manager Dusty Baker said Strasburg was "under the weather" and cited a change in weather, air conditioning in the team hotel and mold in Chicago. Well played Cubs, well played. 

Roark was torched four six runs on seven hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings at Philadelphia his last time out on the road, and I just don't see him beating the Cubs here. 

Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 Divisional Playoff games. Cubs are 8-2 in their last 10 Divisional Playoff games. Cubs are 6-2 in the last eight meetings at Wrigley. Let's go with the Cubs to close out the series and advance to the NLCS. 

EDIT: The latest twist from the NLDS is that Stephen Strasburg WILL start Game 4 this afternoon for the Nationals. I'm not convinced he's 100% fit for fight though, and this reeks of desperation from the Nats camp. I still like the Cubs, and now we get them at an even better price. 

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB GAME OF THE MONTH

The Boston Red Sox managed to stay alive and avoid getting swept in this ALDS thanks to a 10-3 victory on Sunday. I think the Astros will get the job done today instead with Charlie Morton on the mound. 

Morton (14-7, 3.62 ERA) closed out the regular season by going 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA in five September starts. That included holding Boston to a pair of runs on four hits in 5 1/3 frames in the very last start. Morton has held the current Red Sox to a .190 AVG over 58 at bats. 

The Red Sox hand the ball to Rick Porcello (11-17, 4.65 ERA) who's had a very mediocre season overall, and he went 2-2 with a 5.93 ERA in five September starts. He has been tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in six innings against the Astros on the season and they're batting .302 over 106 at bats against the right-hander. 

Houston almost matched Boston for hits yesterday (13 vs. 15), and there's no doubt in my mind that the better team (Astros) will win this game. 

My MLB Game of the Month is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Houston Astros are traveling to Boston and Fenway Park with a 2-0 lead in this ALDS against the Red Sox. They won both contests home at Minute Maid Park 8-2, and I like the red hot Astros to deliver the goods once again here with Brad Peacock on the mound. 

Peacock (13-2, 3.00 ERA) held the Red Sox to two runs on four hits in five innings of a 12-2 win here at Fenway on Sep 28, and he's 8-0 behind a 2.88 ERA in 17 appearances (12 starts) on the road this season. The current Red Sox are batting just .218 through 55 at bats against Peacock.

The Red Sox turn to Doug Fister (5-9, 4.88 ERA) who lost to the Astros during the final weekend of the regular season, allowing three runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-2 defeat. Fister is 3-7 with a 4.94 ERA in 10 outings (nine starts) at home this season. 

The Astros are 14-3 in their last 17 after scoring five runs or more in their previous game and had little trouble to beat up on Boston's top two pitchers in the rotation. They should get to Fister with ease as well. Note that the current members of the Astros have a combined .313 AVG through 83 at bats against Fister. 

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

We won with the Chicago Cubs as a massive underdog in Game 1 of this NLDS. The Washington Nationals mustered only two hits in the 3-0 defeat, but I think they'll do much better here in Game 2.  

Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs. He's had a pretty mediocre season and posted a 7.85 ERA in four starts in August followed by a 4.18 ERA in September. He'll face a Nats team might angry for being shut out last night. Gio Gonzalez (15-9, 2.96 ERA) will take the ball for Washington. Gonzalez is 0-1 against the Cubs this year, although he gave up just one run and two hits over six innings in that one start. He has the current Cubs limited to a .191 batting average through 110 at bats. 

The Cubs are 3-7 in Lester's last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record and 0-6 in their last six road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Nationals are 16-5 in Gonzalez's last 21 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

My selection is a 10* play on Washington Nationals. 

LATE NIGHT NLDS ARI/LAD TOTAL

The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the opener of this National League Division Series Friday night. The D'Backs have scored plenty of runs all season and defeated the Colorado Rockies 11-8 in Wednesday's NL wild-card game. I think we'll see enough runs cross the plate to push the score over the posted total. 

The Dodgers hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw (18-4, 2.31 ERA) who is an elite pitcher, but he has had some troubles in the postseason, posting a career mark of 4-7 with a 4.55 ERA in 18 appearances (14 starts). Over is 4-0 in the Diamondbacks last four games vs. a left-handed starter and 26-9-1 in their last 36 games following an off day.

Arizona hands the ball to Taijuan Walker (9-9, 3.49 ERA) who is getting the start as the D'Backs had to use both Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray in the Wild Card game. Walker will make his first postseason appearance, and we've seen better pitchers than him buckle under the pressure. We can also note that Walker was far from sharp through his last three starts of the season, surrendering a total of 12 runs (eight earned) on 16 hits and seven walks in just 13 2/3 innings of work.  

Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings, and the over looks like value to me in this contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals will open their NLDS at Nationals Park Friday night. I like the price we get on the Cubs here with Kyle Hendricks on the mound. 

Hendricks (7-5, 3.03 ERA) was 1-1 with a 2.01 ERA in five starts during September and he's 3-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 11 starts on the road for the season. He has the current Nats roster limited to a .217 batting average through 92 at bats. Note that Hendricks is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA and 30 strikeouts in his postseason career. 

The Nats turn to Stephen Strasburg (15-4, 2.52 ERA) who was 4-0 behind an outstanding 0.83 ERA in September to make it two sub 1.00 ERA months in a row. The current Cubs are batting a combined .257 over 113 at bats against him. 

The Nats are just 1-5 in their last six Divisional Playoff home games, and they seem to come up short in the playoffs time and time again, no matter how good they look during the regular season. Let's back the reigning World Series champions at a great price. 

My selection is a 10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB GAME OF THE WEEK (BOS/HOU)

The Houston Astros closed out the regular season by taking three of four against the Boston Red Sox here at Minute Maid Park, and I like them to clinch the opener of this ALDS Wednesday afternoon. 

The Astros hand the ball to veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (15-8, 3.36 ERA) who is 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in five starts since coming over from Detroit. Verlander has plenty of postseason experience and he has this Red Sox roster limited to a .211 batting average through 180 at bats. 

The Red Sox turn to left-hander Chris Sale (17-8, 2.90 ERA) who will make his first postseason appearance ever. He's 5-1 with a 1.31 ERA in six career starts against Houston, but this will be the first meeting of the season and he'll face an Astros team that led the American League in team batting average at .282 during the regular season. We can also note that Sale has struggled somewhat lately going 3-4 with a 4.30 ERA through his last eight starts. 

The Astros have won 11 of their last 13 home games, and I don't see them losing this game. 

My MLB Game of the Week is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

NL WILD CARD SHOWDOWN - ROCKIES/D'BACKS

These two teams know each other extremely well, but note that Arizona Diamondbacks have won seven of the last nine meetings. I think they have a clear edge here in the NL Wild Card game with home field advantage and Zack Greinke on the mound. 

Greinke (17-7, 3.20 ERA) struggled at Chase Field in his first season as a Diamondback, but he has really learned to master the ballpark and is 13-1 behind a 2.87 ERA in 18 home starts here in 2017. Greinke is 2-1 with a 3.41 ERA and 37 Ks through 34 1/3 innings of work against Colorado this season. 

The Rockies hand the ball to Jon Gray (10-4, 3.67 ERA) who has been dominant in two starts at Chase Field on the season, fanning 20 through 13 innings while winning two out of two starts. We can however note that he usually puts a fair amount of runners on base against Arizona, and the current Diamondbacks are batting a combined .330 against the right-hander despite Paul Goldschmidt going 0-for-11.

I expect Goldy to do much better in this contest and lead the Diamondbacks to a victory and a spot in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

My selection is an 8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER - MIN/NYY

Anything can happen in a win-or-go-home matchup like this, and I will not pass up on the extra run on the Minnesota Twins at this price. 

The Yankees hand the ball to Luis Severino (14-6, 2.98 ERA) who's had a terrific year and he closed out the regular season strong going 9-2 with a 2.28 ERA in his final 14 starts. He did however allow three runs on five hits in just three innings against Minnesota on Sept. 20, and I would not be surprised to see the Twins give him problems tonight as well. 

The Twins turn to Ervin Santana (16-8, 3.28 ERA) who allowed a pair of runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 2-1 loss here in the Bronx on Sept. 18. I think he'll keep Minnesota in the game again. 

The Twins are 36-22 against the runline as an underdog on the road this season. 

My selection is a 10* play on Minnesota Twins +1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Kansas City won't make it to the postseason, but they have the opportunity to close out the season with a three-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks after two low-scoring victories (2-1, 4-3). I think runs will come at a premium once again here on Sunday. 

The D'Backs hand the ball to Robbie Ray (15-5, 2.86 ERA). The left-hander is 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 road starts this season and he was 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA in five September outings. Under is 6-2 in Royals last eight home games vs. a left-handed starter.

KC turns to Jason Vargas (18-10, 3.94 ERA) who has surrendered just five earned runs covering 22 1/3 frames through his last four starts. Vargas' ERA home at Kauffman Stadium is almost a run lower than his ERA on the road, and under is 14-6 in the left-hander's last 20 home starts. Under is 5-2 in Diamondbacks last 7 interleague games when facing a souhtpaw starter.

My selection is a 10* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Kansas City Royals have just two games left of the season as they're set to miss the playoffs for the second straight time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Arizona Diamondbacks meanwhile are preparing for their Wild Card game against the Rockies, and I think they'll be looking to enter the postseason on a good note.

Tonight the D'Backs hand the ball to Taijuan Walker (9-9, 3.54 ERA) who is 6-5 with a 2.99 ERA in 15 road starts this year. He needs to come up with a big performance here after getting knocked around in each of his last two starts. 

The Royals turn to Jake Junis (8-3, 4.39 ERA) who has been tagged with 10 runs (six earned) in 12 frames in his last two starts combined. He better prepare to feel the fury of a Diamondbacks lineup seeking to bounce back from just one run and six hits in Friday's 2-1 KC win. 

The Diamondbacks are 8-2 in their last 10 interleague road games vs. a team with a losing record and the Royals are 2-6 in their last eight games following a win.

My selection is a 10* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

MLB 3-Pack

The Miami Marlins have won four straight games home at Marlins Park following Thursday's dominant 7-1 victory against the Atlanta Braves. I like the Fish to pick up another victory in a high-scoring contest Friday night. 

Luiz Gohara (1-3, 4.63 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors for his mere fourth career start. The 21 year old rookie fanned nine through seven innings of one-run ball against Philadelphia on Sept. 24, but I don't think anyone can argue the fact that the Marlins have much better bats than the Phillies. The Fish have averaged 6.90 runs per game in their last 10 contests and hand the ball to Dan Straily (10-9, 4.08 ERA). The right-hander was lit up in his first three starts of the month but has bounced back strong and surrendered just a pair of runs covering 11 innings in his last two outings. I reckon the Marlins will do enough damage at the plate to bail out Straily even if he has an off-game. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over.

MLB 3-Pack

The Miami Marlins have won four straight games home at Marlins Park following Thursday's dominant 7-1 victory against the Atlanta Braves. I like the Fish to pick up another victory in a high-scoring contest Friday night. 

Luiz Gohara (1-3, 4.63 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors for his mere fourth career start. The 21 year old rookie fanned nine through seven innings of one-run ball against Philadelphia on Sept. 24, but I don't think anyone can argue the fact that the Marlins have much better bats than the Phillies. The Fish have averaged 6.90 runs per game in their last 10 contests and hand the ball to Dan Straily (10-9, 4.08 ERA). The right-hander was lit up in his first three starts of the month but has bounced back strong and surrendered just a pair of runs covering 11 innings in his last two outings. I reckon the Marlins will do enough damage at the plate to bail out Straily even if he has an off-game. 

My selection is an 8* play on Miami Marlins.

MLB 3-Pack

Neither the Tampa Bay Rays or the Baltimore Orioles will play postseason baseball, but that doesn't mean that they've stopped to care as they battle to avoid the division cellar. 

The Orioles have however dropped 16 of their last 20 games and hand the ball to Wade Miley (8-14, 5.52 ERA). The left-hander is 0-4 with a 9.92 ERA so far this month and he served up two homers when he surrendered six runs on five hits and four walks in 4 1/3 frames of a 9-0 loss to the Red Sox his last time out. He's 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay on the year. 

The Rays turn to Jake Odorizzi (10-8, 4.26 ERA) who limited the Orioles to one run on three hits with nine Ks through six innings of a 9-6 win at Baltimore his last time out. He has won four of his last five starts and conceded just three earned runs on eight hits over 22 1/3 innings on the month. 

The Rays are 5-2 in Odorizzi's last seven home starts vs. Orioles.

My selection is an 8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Oakland Athletics opened the week by dropping two of three to Seattle, but they're still sizzling 15-5 in their last 20 games and I think they'll get the better of the Texas Rangers Thursday night. 

Texas has been outscored 45-8 through its last four games and tonight's starter Miguel Gonzalez (8-12, 4.62 ERA) has posted a 7.16 ERA in four starts since coming over from the White Sox at the end of last month. The A's turn to Sean Manaea (11-10, 4.56 ERA) who missed his last scheduled start due to back tightness. He allowed just one earned run in five innings of a 6-3 win at Philadelphia on Sept. 17 his last time out though and he should be good to go here. 

The Rangers are 0-6 in their last six overall and their motivation could not be any lower right now with just four games left of the season. Oakland meanwhile seems determined to close out the season on a good note and my money is on the A's to keep rollin'. 

My selection is a 10* play on Oakland Athletics.

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Pittsburgh Pirates are already eliminated from playoff contention since long ago, but that fact has not stopped the Bucs from winning four straight games and five of their last six. I think they'll keep it close here in the nation's capital Thursday night. 

Edwin Jackson (5-6, 5.40 ERA) will toe the slab for Washington. He's 0-3 with an enormous 12.38 ERA through his last four starts, and we can note that Jackson gave up four hits and two runs in 2 2/3 innings when he took on the Pirates in his major league season debut on June 7. 

The Pirates turn to Ivan Nova (11-14, 4.14 ERA) who is 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA in two starts in his career against Washington. Nova has allowed just four runs (three earned) through 11 1/3 innings of work in his last two starts combined. 

The Nats are coming off back-to-back losses to the Phillies, and with the National League East wrapped up since Sept. 10 it's all about staying healthy for the postseason. Take the run on offered on the visitors. 

My selection is an 8* play on Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5.

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The over is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings and 15-7 in the last 22 meetings at Kauffman Stadium. Both starting pitchers have struggled all season long and I think we'll see plenty of runs here. 

The Royals hand the ball to Jason Hammel (8-13, 5.32 ERA) who has been lit up to the tune of 19 runs (18 earned) on 29 hits in just 12 2/3 frames through his last three starts combined. Hammel is 3-2 with a 6.27 ERA in 13 career appearances (10 starts) against Detroit. Over is 6-1-1 in the Tigers last eight games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Tigers turn to Jordan Zimmermann (8-13, 6.19 ERA) who has good career numbers against KC, but he is 0-2 with an 8.00 ERA in his first two September starts, allowing eight runs on 17 hits over nine innings. Zimmermann has battled back problems all season and over is 25-12-2 in his last 39 starts overall (14-3 last 17 starts against American League Central opponents).

KC is expected to sit some players after being officially eliminated from playoff contention last night, but I still think the teams will combine enough runs to push this game over the posted total with ease. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* RUNLINE RIPPER

The Houston Astros destroyed the Texas Rangers yesterday, and I think they'll put another beating on their in-state rival here on Wednesday. 

Justin Verlander (14-8, 3.38 ERA) will take the ball for Houston. He's perfect 4-0 with just two runs allowed and 32 Ks through 28 innings of work since coming over from Detroit. Verlander is 10-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 19 career starts against the Rangers who turn to Nick Martinez (3-7, 5.42 ERA). The 27 year old right-hander has been roughed up to the tune of 11 runs on 16 hits in just 12 innings through his last three starts, and he's 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against Houston on the season. 

The Astros are still trying to catch Cleveland for the best record in the American League while Texas is playing for nothing but pride.  

My selection is a 10* play on Houston Astros. 

MLB 3-Pack

Both the Texas Ranges and the Houston Astros trot out their respective ace, and I think runs will come at a premium at Globe Life Park Tuesday night. 

The Astros' left-hander Dallas Keuchel (13-5, 2.96 ERA) has allowed just three runs with 11 strikeouts in six innings of work through his last two starts. He has held the Rangers to seven runs in 18 2/3 innings on the season. 

The Rangers turn to a left-hander of their own in Cole Hamels (11-4, 3.80 ERA) who is undefeated 7-0 behind a 3.50 ERA in 10 home starts this season. Hamels has allowed just three runs in 15 1/3 innings of work in his last two starts combined, and he held the Astros scoreless through seven innings of work earlier this season. 

Under is 6-2 in Astros last eight overall. Under is 4-1 in Rangers last five overall.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

MLB 3-Pack

The Cleveland Indians are 29-2 through their last 31 games and 24-7 against the runline during that stretch. I like them to put a beating on the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night. 

The Twins hand the ball to Bartolo Colón (6-14, 6.63 ERA) who has been lit up this month, posting a 9.17 ERA through four starts. He is 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA in two career starts at Progressive Field.

The Indians turn to Josh Tomlin (9-9, 4.98 ERA) who is unbeaten through his last nine starts and has held six straight opponents to two runs or fewer. 

The Twins scored a total of 39 runs in four wins against the Tigers in their last series, but I don't think they got what it takes to keep up with the Tribe. Note that both teams had Monday off, and the Twins are 4-10 in their last 14 games following an off day while the Indians are 7-0 in their last seven games following an off day.

My selection is an 8* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

MLB 3-Pack

The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday night, and I think we'll see this contest stay under the posted total.

The Pirates' rookie right-hander Trevor Williams (6-9, 4.18 ERA) has compiled a 2.12 ERA through his last five starts while the Orioles' right-hander Kevin Gausman (11-10, 4.61 ERA) has pitched to a 1.71 ERA in his last five starts. Under is 9-2 in Gausmans last 11 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 14-2 in Williams' last 16 starts overall.

Neither team has anything to play for, and odds are we'll see young and inexperienced lineups for both teams.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Chicago Cubs are 10-2 through their last 12 games and just two wins away from clinching the National League Central, but I think they'll come up short here in the opener of a four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cards hand the ball to Luke Weaver (7-1, 2.05 ERA) who's enjoying a terrific season. He is on a seven-game winning streak with a 1.69 ERA through his last eight starts and the 24 year old right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA in six appearances (four starts) at home this season. 

The Cubs turn to Jon Lester (11-8, 4.56 ERA) who owns a 5.91 ERA in his past four starts, and we can note that the Cardinals are 9-1 in their last 10 home games vs. a left-handed starter. The Cubs meanwhile are 2-7 in Lester’s last nine starts vs. a team with a winning record.

The Cubs have won five straight meetings and they lead the season series 11-4, but this series mean so much more for the home team in order to stay alive in the Wild Card chase. 

My selection is a 10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL

The slumping Los Angeles Angels have lost six straight games, and I think they're in for another tough matchup at Houston Sunday night. 

The Astros hand the ball to Lance McCullers (7-3, 3.97 ERA) who is 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA home at Minute Maid Park on the season. He has struggled through his last couple of starts, but should come out fresh here as he will make his first start since Sept. 6. McCullers has held the Halos to one unearned run in 13 2/3 innings this season. 

The Angels turn to Tyler Skaggs (2-6, 4.30 ERA) who is 1-5 through his last nine starts. He's 0-3 with a 3.93 ERA in seven starts on the road and the Angels are 2-5 in those games. 

The Astros have won 10 of their last 11 home games and six of the last seven meetings with LAA. 

My selection is an 8* play on Houston Astros. 

MLB MONEYMAKER

The St. Louis Cardinals run for the 2nd Wild Card position in the National League took a tumle on Saturday. They still scored six runs, and I think they would have had that game if Lance Lynn had not been lit up for eight runs in the first inning. 

I like the Cards to bounce back here as they get a look at Jameson Taillon (7-7, 4.73 ERA). The 25 year old right-hander is just 3-5 with a 5.25 ERA in 14 starts home at PNC Park on the season and he has surrendered 10 runs on 19 hits in 16 innings against the Cards on the year. 

St. Louis hands the ball to John Gant (0-0, 3.86 ERA), a 25 year old right-hander who will make his sixth appearance (first start) this season. The Pirates have struggled at the plate lately (last night excluded), and I think Gant will do well enough for the Cardinals to win this game. 

My selection is an 8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

LATE MLB MONEYMAKER

The Colorado Rockies had lost four straight games prior to defeating the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Friday. I think they'll be back to their losing ways here though in Game 3 of the series. 

Chad Bettis (1-3, 6.23 ERA) will take the ball for the Rockies. He was tagged with five runs on three hits and three walks in one-third of an inning at Arizona his last time out. Bettis has really struggled on the road this season, going 1-2 with an 11.32 ERA in three starts.

The Padres turn to Jhoulys Chacin (12-10, 4.12 ERA) who is 8-3 behind a 1.91 ERA home at Petco Park on the season. The Padres have won each of his last three starts. This is a good enough price on the Padres to beat the sinking Rockies. 

My selection is an 8* play on San Diego Padres. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The St. Louis Cardinals pulled off some late inning magic last night when they scored two in the top of the ninth to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. They've now won four on the bounce and remain in contention for a trip to the postseason while the Pirates just wish the season would end already. 

Saturday night the Cards hand the ball to Lance Lynn (11-7, 3.09 ERA). They've won just one of his last seven starts, but the right-hander has been solid most outings. He's 5-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 17 road starts on the season and 2-1 behind a 3.32 ERA in three starts against the Pirates. 

The Pirates turn to Gerrit Cole (11-11, 4.13 ERA). They've have lost six of his last seven starts and the 27 year old has been tagged with four runs or more in all but two of those starts. Cole has held the Cards to five runs in 18 innings of work on the season, but I think the motivated Cards will do a lot of damage tonight.

The Cardinals are 14-3 in their last 17 vs. a team with a losing record. The Pirates are 2-13 in their last 15 overall.

My selection is a 10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

TOP RATED 10* BOOKIE BREAKER

The Chicago Cubs claimed the opener of this four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers in dramatic fashion on Thursday to move 4.5 games ahead at the top of National League Central. We could see how much this set means for both teams, and I think the reigning World Series champions will get the better of their division rival tonight as well in Game 2 of this crucial series. 

John Lackey (11-11, 4.62 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs. He's 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 14 career starts against the Brewers but just 1-2 on the season despite a decent 3.79 ERA and 18 Ks through 19 innings of work. Lackey has allowed just a total of four runs through 18 2/3 frames in his last three turns combined. The Cubs are 10-2 in Lackeys last 12 starts.

The Brew Crew turn to Brandon Woodruff (2-2, 3.28 ERA) who will make his seventh start in the big leagues. He did really well through his first four, but the 24 year old has surrendered nine runs on 15 hits in 12 innings through his last two starts. The Cubs are 8-1 in their last nine overall and they should take full advantage of this inexperience pitcher tonight. 

The Cubs are 5-1 in the last six meetings at Miller Park.

My selection is a 10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

MLB MONEYMAKER

The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. They still have a chance of making it to the postseason and I like the Cards to win again here with Michael Wacha on the mound. 

Wacha (12-8, 4.02 ERA) has won three of his last four starts behind a 2.45 ERA. That includes eight scoreless innings against the Pirates on Sept. 10 and he's 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh on the season. 

The home team turns to Ivan Nova (11-14, 4.20 ERA) who has hit a rough patch. The Pirates have lost six of his last seven starts and he was tagged with five runs in five innings when pitching opposite Wacha in a 7-0 loss earlier this month. Nova is 1-2 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts against the Cards on the season. 

The Pirates are 2-12 in their last 14 overall, the Cardinals are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.

My selection is an 8* play on St. Louis Cardinals

TOP RATED 10* MLB GAME OF THE WEEK

The Chicago Cubs had won seven on the bounce prior to an 8-1 setback at Tampa Bay on Wednesday. They'll visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of a huge series between the top two teams in the NL Central, and I like the division-leading Cubs to claim Game 1 of the set with Jake Arrieta on the mound. 

Arrieta (14-9, 3.48 ERA) is 2-0 behind a 2.08 ERA in a pair of starts against Milwaukee on the season, striking out 16 batters through 13 innings of work. He's 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four career starts here at Miller Park and has compiled a 2.15 ERA over his last 10 starts overall.

Milwaukee turns to Zach Davies (17-9, 3.89 ERA) who is enjoying a strong season, but he's been far better on the road than at home. Davies is 8-7 with a bloated 6.05 ERA in 15 home starts and he's posted a 4.08 ERA in nine career starts against CHC. The current Cubs are batting a combined .280 over 161 at bats against the right-hander with Kris Bryant going 9-for-25. 

The Brew Crew are 9-3 through their last 12 games, but I'll think they'll come up short against the superior Cubs in this contest. 

My selection is a 10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

LATE NIGHT MLB CA$H COW

The Cleveland Indians have won 25 of their last 26 games and they've already clinched the division. A good time to start fading the Tribe? I don't think so as they probably don't want to risk losing the momentum for the postseason.

Tonight they'll hand the ball to Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.04 ERA) who has been excellent lately. The 32 year old right-hander has won five straight decisions and held the opposition to two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts. The Indians are 6-1 in Tomlin's last seven starts.

The Halos turn to Ricky Nolasco (6-14, 5.11 ERA) who has had a rough season. The veteran right-hander is winless through his last five starts, and he has not fared well in previous meetings with the Tribe. He's 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) against the Indians and gave up three runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings of a loss earler this season.

This is a bad spot for Nolasco who most recently held Houston to a pair of runs through six innings on Sept. 14. The Halos are 3-12 in his last 15 starts with five days of rest and 2-7 in Nolasco's last nine starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

My selection is an 8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Desperation breeds motivation, and the St. Louis Cardinals should have plenty of both right now as they try to make up ground in the National League Wild Card race. The Cards entered this three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds on the heels of three losses to the Cubs at Wrigley but showed good grit when they claimed the opener of this set 8-7 in extra innings on Tuesday. 

Tonight Luke Weaver (6-1, 1.89 ERA) will take the ball for the Cards. The 24 year old right-hander has been excellent in his 10 appearances (seven starts) on the season and he is 5-0 with a 1.15 ERA through his last five starts. He struck out six while limiting the Reds to one run on two hits in six frames his last trip to the mound. 

The Reds hand the ball to Rookie Davis (1-2, 7.71 ERA) who will make his seventh appearance (sixth start). The 24 year old right-hander surrendered two runs on four hits in two innings of relief pitching against the Cards on Sept. 12, and I think they'll put the pressure on him early tonight.   

Note that Davis has compiled a 2.24 WHIP (admittedly over just 21 innings of work so not a huge sample), and the Cardinals are 9-2 in their last 11 games against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

My selections is an 8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

SUPER EARLY BASE BRAWLER

The Miami Marlins had lost 17 of their last 20 games prior to this three-game series, but they've outscored the Mets 18-5 through the first two games and I think they'll complete the sweep Wednesday afternoon. 

Jose Urena (13-6, 3.62 ERA) will take the ball for the Marlins. He's 1-1 with an excellent 2.25 ERA in four outings (two starts) against the Mets on the season and the right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last three starts overall. The Marlins are 8-1 in Urena's last nine starts vs. a team with a losing record and the 65-86 Mets certainly fit that criteria. 

Rafael Montero (5-10, 5.08 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors. In six games against the Marlins this year, including two starts, Montero is 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA. The right-hander has a 1.70 WHIP on the season and he has allowed eight runs on 16 hits and 12 walks through 15 innings in his last three starts combined. 

The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 games after losing the first two games of a series. Take the Marlins for the sweep. 

My selection is an 8* play on Miami Marlins. 

LATE NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Cleveland Indians are winners of 24 of their last 25 games, and a big reason has been amazing performances on the mound as Cleveland has conceded four or fewer runs in 24 games during that span. 

I expect another solid outing from a Tribe pitcher as they hand the ball to Mike Clevinger (10-5, 3.21 ERA) tonight. He has allowed just one earned run through his last four starts and under is 19-6-1 in Clevinger's last 26 starts overall.

The Halos turn to left-hander Tyler Skaggs (2-5, 4.37 ERA) who tossed  seven scoreless innings against Houston his last time out. He has not had much success in previous meetings with Cleveland but this looks like a good spot for the 26 year old. Under is 7-3-1 in Skaggs' last 11 home starts and under is 21-10-2 in Indians' last 33 road games against a left-handed starter.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The current owners of the two Wild Cards in the American League will clash in the Bronx Tuesday night. The Yankees claimed the series-opener 2-1 on Monday to make it eight wins in their last 10 games, and I like the Bronx Bombers to keep rolling here with  CC Sabathia on the mound. 

CC Sabathia (11-5, 3.85 ERA) has held three of his last four opponents to one run. The veteran southpaw is 18-9 with a 3.16 ERA in 37 career starts against Minnesota and has the current Twins limited to a .216 batting average. The Twins are 3-10 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Yankees are 7-1 in Sabathia's last eight starts against the Twins who turn to Jose Berrios (12-7, 3.84 ERA). The 23 year old held the Yankees to one run in 6 2/3 innings at Target Field back in July, but he has been far better at home than on the road where he's 4-6 with a bloated 5.14 ERA on the season. 

The Twins are 0-9 in Berrios' last nine road starts. The Yankees are 8-1 in their last nine games vs. a right-handed starter and 6-1 in their last seven home games.

My selection is a 10* play on NY Yankees.

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Marlins return home to Miami for the first time since Hurricane Irma when they host the New York Mets at Marlins Park Monday night. Neither team will make it to the postseason, but I think they'll entertain us with a high-scoring contest here. 

Dan Straily (9-9, 4.24 ERA) will take the ball for the Marlins. He's been lit up all month long and posted a 8.44 ERA in three September starts. The worst of them all was his last time out when he was tagged with eight runs on 13 hits in six innings at Philadelphia. 

The Mets turn to Matt Harvey (5-5, 6.14 ERA) who was charged with five runs on seven hits through 3 1/3 frames of a 17-5 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday. Harvey held the ball in the park in that contest but has served up 17 homers in 16 starts on the season. 

Over is 8-2-2 in Straily's last 12 starts overall. Over is 3-0-1 in Harvey's last 4 starts overall. Over is 45-25-5 in the Mets 75 road games on the season. 

My selection is a 10* play on Over. 

#MLB 3-Pack

The Minnesota Twins remain in control of the second spot in the American League wild card spot despite coming off back-to-back losses to the Blue Jays. I think they'll earn a split of this four-game set with a win in the series-finale Sunday afternoon. 

Kyle Gibson (10-10, 4.97 ERA) will take the ball for Minnesota. He's 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his last five starts and held the Blue Jays to two runs in 6 2/3 innings at Toronto on Aug. 27. The Jays turn to Joe Biagini (3-10, 5.07 ERA) who gave up five runs in 3 2/3 innings when pitching opposite Gibson in that matchup. He's 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA lifetime versus Minnesota and 2-9 with a 5.40 ERA as a starter this season. 

The Blue Jays are 1-5 in Biagini's last six starts. The Twins are 5-0 in Gibson's last five starts.

My selection is an 8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

MLB 3-Pack

The New York Yankees have outscored the Baltimore Orioles 30-10 through the first three games of this series. I think they'll complete the four-game sweep with another blowout win in a high-scoring game Sunday afternoon. 

Sonny Gray (9-10, 3.17 ERA) will take the ball for the Bronx Bombers. He's 2-3 with a 4.39 ERA in five career starts against Baltimore. Gray is 3-5 despite a very respectable 2.66 ERA in eight starts since coming over from Oakland as he has struggled to get run support. 

Run support should not be an issue here as the Orioles send Ubaldo Jimenez (5-10, 6.75 ERA) to the mound. Jimenez is 0-3 with a 9.27 ERA over his last five starts and he has posted a 7.15 ERA in 23 starts on the season. The Yankees have torched him for 12 runs (11 earned) through 8 2/3 innings this season alone and he is 4-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 14 career starts (13 starts) against the Yankees. 

It’s always a bit risky backing the home team on the runline, but note that the Yankees are 18-6 against the runline as a home favorite of at least -175 this season. Over is 6-2 in the Yankees last eight when their opponent allows five runs or more in their previous game and I like the Yankees -1.5 and Over in this contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on NYY -1.5

MLB 3-Pack

The New York Yankees have outscored the Baltimore Orioles 30-10 through the first three games of this series. I think they'll complete the four-game sweep with another blowout win in a high-scoring game Sunday afternoon.

Sonny Gray (9-10, 3.17 ERA) will take the ball for the Bronx Bombers. He's 2-3 with a 4.39 ERA in five career starts against Baltimore. Gray is 3-5 despite a very respectable 2.66 ERA in eight starts since coming over from Oakland as he has struggled to get run support.

Run support should not be an issue here as the Orioles send Ubaldo Jimenez (5-10, 6.75 ERA) to the mound. Jimenez is 0-3 with a 9.27 ERA over his last five starts and he has posted a 7.15 ERA in 23 starts on the season. The Yankees have torched him for 12 runs (11 earned) through 8 2/3 innings this season alone and he is 4-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 14 career starts (13 starts) against the Yankees.

It’s always a bit risky backing the home team on the runline, but note that the Yankees are 18-6 against the runline as a home favorite of at least -175 this season. Over is 6-2 in the Yankees last eight when their opponent allows five runs or more in their previous game and I like the Yankees -1.5 and Over in this contest.

My selection is an 8* play on Over

PAIR OF ACES

The Arizona Diamondbacks are holding a firm grip of the top Wild Card in the National League. They're coming off three straight victories and defeated the Giants 3-2 here at AT&T Park Friday night. 

Tonight Zack Greinke (16-6, 2.99 ERA) will take the ball for the D'Backs. He's allowed just six runs in 26 2/3 innings through his last four starts overall, and he's 10-2 against the Giants in his career behind a 2.56 ERA in 16 starts.

The Giants' left-hander Madison Bumgarner (3-8, 3.55 ERA) has been tagged with 11 runs on 15 hits in 11 innings through his last two starts overall. The Giants have lost each of his last four starts overall and they're 0-8 in Bumgarners' last eight starts against team from the National League West division.

My selection in this matchup between a pair of aces is an 8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

We won with the New York Yankees -1.5 as a free pick yesterday, and I think they'll prove themselves worthy of a bigger bet on the runline as a premium pick on Saturday. 

Jeremy Hellickson (2-4, 6.54 ERA) will take the ball for Baltimore. He gave up five runs (three earned) in 2 1/3 innings earlier this month. The Yankees are perfect 6-0 in their last six games when facing a right-handed starter and they’ve covered the runline in 13 of their last 14 victories.

Jordan Montgomery (7-7, 4.24 ERA) will take the ball for the Bronx Bombers. The 24 year old rookie southpaw has held the Orioles to eight earned runs and knocked out 24 batters through 21 innings of work on the season. 

It’s always a bit risky backing the home team on the runline, but note that the Yankees are 17-6 against the runline as a home favorite of at least -175 this season.

My selection is a 10* play on the New York Yankees -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Philadelphia Phillies bats have come alive as they enter this three-game series with the Oakland Athletics on the back of a three-game sweep of the Marlins, scoring 27 runs in the process. 

Here they'll come up against Daniel Mengden (0-1, 7.07 ERA) who has made just three starts on the season. He missed several months due to a rib injury and allowed three runs (two earned) in six innings against the Astros in his comeback last week. Over is 8-3-2 in Phillies last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter and I think Mengden will be in for a tough outing here. 

Mark Leiter Jr. (3-5, 4.84 ERA) will toe the slab for the Phillies. The 26 year old rookie is 1-2 with an 8.44 ERA in his last three starts and he has served up a total of four homers through the last two outings alone. The A's have averaged a healthy amount of runs over the last couple of weeks, and I don't see Leiter Jr. lasting long in this contest. We can also note that both bullpens rank in the bottom third in baseball for ERA. 

Over is 9-3 in Athletics last 12 overall. Over is 5-2-2 in Phillies last nine overall.

My selection is a 10* play on Over. 

DOG OF THE DAY

I like the price we get on the Toronto Blue Jays as they travel to Minnesota to take on the Twins at Target Field Thursday night. 

The Blue Jays hand the ball to left-hander Brett Anderson (3-3, 5.90 ERA) who has allowed just six runs through 17 2/3 innings in three starts since coming over from the Cubs. He is 3-3 with a decent enough 3.80 ERA in eight career appearances (six starts) against the Twins.

Minnesota turns to José Berríos (12-7, 3.94 ERA) who is coming off a seven-inning, two-run outing against Kansas City. He has been very inconsistent lately though, and I don't think he should be this big of a favorite against Anderson. 

My selection is an 8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

PADRES/TWINS TOTAL

The San Diego Padres took a 16-0 beating in the opener of this three-game series with the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night. I think we'll see way fewer runs scored at Target Field tonight. 

The Twins hand the ball to Ervin Santana (15-7, 3.45 ERA). He's 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA through five career starts against the Padres. Under is 12-3-1 in Santana's last 16 starts when the opponent scored two runs or fewer in their previous game.

The Padres turn to Dinelson Lamet (7-7, 4.32 ERA) who will be facing Minnesota for the first time in his career. The 25 year old rookie has four quality starts in his last five appearances and he has allowed just a total of four runs in 18 innings in his last three starts combined. 

My selection is an 8* play on Under.

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Miami Marlins 9-8 in 15 innings yesterday. I think we'll see another slug-fest here in Game 2 of the series Wednesday night. 

The Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (10-10, 3.71 ERA) is a terrific prospect, but he is 0-3 with a 10.67 ERA in three starts this season against the Marlins. Over is 4-1 in Nola's last five starts against Miami.

The Marlins Dan Straily (9-8, 3.95 ERA) is 3-1 despite a somewhat swollen 4.76 ERA in four starts against the Phillies on the season. Over is 4-0 in Straily's last four starts against the Phillies. 

The Marlins are averaging a healthy 5.01 runs per game on the road this season but they're still just 32-41 away from home as most of their pitchers are struggling outside of Miami. Straily is no exception, and we should see an entertaining back and forth at Citizens Bank Park Wednesday night. 

My selection is a 10* play on Over. 

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians are eyeing their 20th straight victory when they host the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night. I don't like going against Cleveland on the ML as they'll be determined to keep the winning streak going, but this looks like a ridiculously good price on the Tigers +1.5.

Left-hander Matt Boyd (5-9, 5.93 ERA) will take the ball for Detroit. Not impressive numbers, but note that he's 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA in three starts against Cleveland on the season. The Tribe turn to Corey Kluber (15-4, 2.56 ERA) who has posted a 5.24 ERA in four starts against Detroit on the season, so I think they'll be able to keep this a close contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Detroit Tigers +1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* AL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Baltimore Orioles have dropped five in a row following Monday's 4-3 loss in the opener of a three-game set here at Toronto Monday night. I really like the price we get on the visitors here in Game 2 with Dylan Bundy (13-9, 4.12 ERA) on the mound. Bundy has held the Jays to one run on nine hits in 13 innings of work on the season, and we can note that Baltimore has won seven of his last eight starts. 

The Blue Jays turn to Joe Biagini (3-10, 5.29 ERA). The 27 year old has pitched just a total of 14 innings in Aug/Sep combined and he is 2-9 with a 5.77 ERA in 14 games as a starter on the season. The Blue Jays are 0-5 in Biagini's last five starts.

The Orioles still have a shot at one of the wildcard slots in the American League, and I think they'll put an end to their losing streak tonight.

My AL Game of the Week is a 10* play on Baltimore Orioles. 

MLB UNDERDOG DELIGHT

The Seattle Mariners failed to complete a three-game sweep of the Angels over the weekend as they took a 5-3 loss on Sunday. Tonight they visit the Texas Rangers. Both teams are battling for a Wild Card spot in the American League, and I like the price we get on the Mariners in the opener of this super important series. 

Left-hander Ariel Miranda (8-6, 4.72 ERA) will take the ball for Seattle. He held the Astros to one run (no hits) in six innings his last time out but has struggled a bit with his control lately, giving up plenty of walks. I think he'll be just fine tonight and he should get plenty of run support as the Rangers hand the ball to Cole Hamels. 

Hamels (9-3, 4.03 ERA) is 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA through his last three starts and the left-hander has posted a bloated 5.06 ERA in 12 career matchups with the Mariners. 

The Mariners are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings overall.

My selection is an 8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB MONEYMAKER

The Seattle Mariners are going for the sweep of this three-game set when they host the LA Angels Sunday afternoon. 

They hand the ball to Erasmo Ramirez (5-5, 4.35 ERA) who is  4-2 with a 2.19 ERA in 11 games (seven starts) against the Angels. The Halos turn to Parker Bridwell (7-2, 4.00 ERA) who has been tagged with 13 runs in just six innings of work in his last two starts (both against Oakland). The 26 year old right-hander is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts against the Mariners on the year. 

Let's go with the hot home team. 

My selection is an 8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Oakland Athletics have scored a total of 31 runs through the first three games of this series. They're going for the sweep Sunday afternoon, but I don't think the AL West-leading Houston Astros will allow that to happen. 

Today Houston will send out Dallas Keuchel (12-3, 2.88 ERA) to the mound. The left-hander is 5-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 17 career appearances (15 starts) versus the Athletics and 3-0 with an 0.83 ERA in three meetings on the season. The A's are 2-7 in their last nine games vs. a left-handed starter.

Kendall Graveman (4-4, 4.70 ERA) will take the ball for Oakland. He has been charged with nine runs on 11 hits and six walks with three homers in 10 innings through his last two turns. Graveman has held Houston to a total of three runs in 11 innings, but should feel the full force of the Astros bats today as they try to avoid the sweep. 

My selection is an 8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

RUNLINE RIPPER

The San Francisco Giants have scored a total of 20 runs in their last two games, and I think their red hot bats combined with a solid pitcher make the Giants -1.5 a good play Saturday night. 

Jeff Samardzija (9-12, 4.31 ERA) will take the ball for San Francisco. Shark is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA over his last eight starts and he held the Cardinals to one run on two hits in seven frames his last turn. Samardzija pitched for the White Sox in 2015 and has allowed just four earned runs in 36 innings in his career against them. 

James Shields (2-6, 5.72 ERA) will take the ball for the White Sox. The veteran right-hander has been tagged with eight runs on 11 hits and seven walks in 11 1/3 innings in his last two starts. He's 2-4 with a 5.88 ERA in nine starts home at Guaranteed Rate Field on the season. 

The White Sox are slumping big time, losing nine of their last 11 games. 

My selection is an 8* play on San Francisco Giants -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Minnesota Twins opened this four-game series at Kauffman with a 4-2 victory. Friday night they hand the ball to Ervin Santana, and this looks like a very reasonable price on the Twins. 

Santana (14-7, 3.35 ERA) was charged with four runs in 6 2/3 innings against KC without factoring in the decision his last time out. He's still 3-0 through his last eight starts and 8-2 behind a 2.48 ERA in 13 road starts on the season.

Ian Kennedy (4-10, 5.37 ERA) will take the ball for Kansas City. The right-hander was tagged with four runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 frames when pitching opposite Santana in a no-decision his last start. Kennedy is 0-7 with a 6.71 ERA in 13 home starts on the season. 

The Twins’s offense have averaged 6.8 runs per game in their last 11 contests, and I think their hot bats will be too much to handle for Kennedy. 

My selection is a 10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB BANKROLL BUILDER TOTAL

The Chicago White Sox have scored just a total of 10 runs during a four-game losing streak. The under is 10-3 in White Sox last 13 home games and 12-3-1 in their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter.

They will indeed face a southpaw tonight, and the Giants' Matt Moore (4-13, 5.42 ERA) has had great success in previous meetings with the White Sox going 4-1 with 1.45 ERA in five career meetings, including an 0.79 ERA in two starts here at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The White Sox hand the ball to 23 year old Lucas Giolito (2-1, 2.25 ERA). He has won back-to-back starts and held the Rays to just a run and three hits over seven innings in his last outing. Under is 10-4 in Giants last 14 games vs. a right-handed starter.

My selection is an 8* play on Under.