With the Red Sox getting devastated by the Yankees over the weekend, the playoff picture is starting to look a lot more certain in the American League, with the A’s, Indians and Rays fighting for the two Wild Card spots. The NL central continues to look like the most fun division going into the final stretch. We take a look at the odds once again thanks to Bovada.
Oakland (+130 ML) is half a game back and plays the NL Central leading Cubs(-150 ML) in interleague play. Kyle Hendricks (8-8, 3.07 ERA) takes the mound for the Cubbies against visiting Chris Bassitt (7-5, 3.84 ERA). Both pitchers have been great as of late, but Oakland feels like a team with more momentum. I pick them and the under here (O/U 9.5, no RL available at the time of writing).
If the Cubs drop a game, Milwaukee (-1.5 +125 RL, -132 ML) will be hoping that an easy win over Pittsburgh (+1.5 -145 RL,+112 ML) could bring them within a game of the division lead, after having lost a lot of ground to the Cubs over the weekend. Jordan Lyles (6-7, 5.15 ERA) gets the start against the Pirates Dario Agrazal (2-2, 3.65). I don’t expect the starters to matter here, I’m betting on lots of runs, with the Brewers winning big and the over (O/U 10.0).
The outcomes of both those games will matter plenty to St. Louis (+1.5 -135 RL, +154 ML), who have the tough task of facing the league leading Dodgers (-1.5 +115 RL,-170 ML). Both teams are testing out new starters, as the Dodgers will try Tony Gonsolin (0-1, 5.63 ERA) against Michael Wacha (6-4, 5.15). I have a bit more faith in Wacha based on his recent relief appearances, and the Dodgers feel like they’re just trying anything while they have a 17 game lead on their division. Take the Cardinals with the over here (O/U 9.5).
Tonin’s record yesterday: 5-4
Tonin’s record this season: 36-23
