Monday’s baseball didn’t change very much at all in the standings. Oakland is a game back from Cleveland, the Phillies are still a few games back from the Cubs, and the Brewers couldn’t beat the Astros. Will Tuesday change any of that? Let’s take a look, with odds care of Bovada.
We start with a look at the Cubs (-235 ML), who in all likelihood should have an easy time maintaining that lead over Philadelphia as they face the hapless Mariners (+200 ML). They’ll face the well-past-his-glory days Felix Hernandez (1-4, 6.02 ERA), and send the still very competent Jon Lester (11-9, 4.36) to the mound. With one team well out of the playoffs, the other fighting to hold on to a spot, and a very simple line, the conclusion here is easy: pick the Cubbies.
If the Cubs should get that easy win, can Milwaukee (+1.5 -120 RL, +141 ML) stay in the race by pulling out a win against Houston (-1.5 EVEN RL, -162 ML)? It won’t be easy, as they face their former ace Zach Greinke (14-4, 2.99 ERA). They respond with Jordan Lyles (9-8, 4.55 ERA), who’s been fairly good since joining the Brewers. But let’s not get crazy here, the Astros are on a roll, winning even when it looks bad, but usually winning in style. Pick the Astros and the under (O/U 9.0).
The AL Wild Card race can’t stay frozen in time, so will Oakland (-1.5 +105 RL, -173 ML) gain a game as they play the Angels (+1.5 -125 RL, +148 ML)? Well, very simply, I think they will. Mike Fiers (13-3, 3.40 ERA) has been great lately and the A’s are coming off a rest day. Meanwhile, the Angels are on a losing streak, and Jaime Barria (4-7, 6.10 ERA) doesn’t look likely to help that. Pick Oakland and the under here. (O/U 9.5)
Tonin’s record yesterday: 4-5
Tonin’s record this season: 118-100
