Well, the NL Wild Card is finally starting to look set unless a team really starts to put a win streak together, so it looks like the AL Wild Card will have to be a big source of entertainment until October. There’s still a virtual three way tie for the two AL spots, and the Red Sox are still hoping to make up 5.5 games somehow. We turn back to the odds, care of Bovada.
The Chicago White Sox (+1.5 -105 RL, +170 ML) are hoping they can be a bit more of a spoiler against Cleveland (-1.5 -115 RL, -200 ML) than they were on Wednesday. They send Reynaldo López (8-12, 5.41 ERA) to the mound to counter Zach Plesac (7-5, 3.61 ERA). López’s line represents fairly well how he’s been, as he’s had a 5.03 ERA in his last seven starts, getting hit hard by good teams. Bet on the Indians to pile on some runs here, and pick the over (O/U 9.5)
That means the Blue Jays (+1.5 -110 RL, +180 ML) will have a chance to put Tampa Bay (-1.5 -110 RL, -210 ML) behind in the standings. They will call on Trent Thornton (4-9, 5.34 ERA) who has been consistent, but not particularly great. Tampa responds with Austin Pruitt (2-0, 4.78 ERA), who had one bad start against Baltimore on August 24, but has been great otherwise in his short season so far. This looks like it could be a good game for Tampa to keep pace with; bet them and the under (O/U 9.0).
Finally, the Twins (+1.5 -135 RL, +127 ML) disappointed me, losing game one against the Red Sox (-1.5 +115 RL, -147 ML). The Twins weren’t able to put up any runs against Shane Bieber, but managed two runs against the relief. They face Nathan Eovaldi (1-0, 6.23 ERA) today, who has been used sparingly since coming back from injury. They will start Martín Pérez (9-6, 4.89 ERA), who’s last 7 starts have seen him go 1-3 and post a 6.38 ERA. I think the Red Sox might win again here, but I don’t expect either starter to be a big factor. Pick Boston and the over (O/U 11.5)
Tonin’s record yesterday: 2-7
Tonin’s record this season: 124-110
