Mark Franco
Tigers vs. Royals
Play:Tigers -109
Michael Fulmer began his four-start winning streak by falling one out shy of a complete game versus the Kansas City Royals last month. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year looks to continue his winning ways at the expense of the Royals on Thursday as the Detroit Tigers aim to exit Kauffman Stadium with a third victory in the finale of the four-game series.
The Tigers erupted for 19 runs in the first two contests of the series and 36 during their season high-tying four-game winning streak before seeing their offense go limp until Mikie Mahtook's two-run homer in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-3 setback.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (10-6, 3.06 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (5-6, 3.51)
Fulmer improved to 4-0 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in his last four outings on Saturday after allowing one run and only two hits in eight innings of an 11-1 rout versus Toronto. The 24-year-old struck out just three in that contest, but that's of little concern considering his pitch count stayed low as he worked at least eight frames for the third time in four contests. "I'm worried about getting outs, and strikeouts mean more pitches," Fulmer told reporters. "There are times when you want to try to strike a guy out, but I'm happy with a weak grounder to short."
Duffy sustained his second straight loss and third in four outings on Saturday despite yielding one run and five hits in 8 1/3 innings of a 1-0 setback versus Texas. The lone run came in the ninth after the 28-year-old allowed a leadoff single by Jonathan Lucroy and, eventually, a game-winning base hit by Shin-Soo Choo. In addition to Upton, Duffy has struggled with Nicholas Castellanos (7-for-21) and Victor Martinez (12-for-35, three homers).
Tigers are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Royals are 0-7 in Duffys last 7 starts vs. American League Central.
Bob Balfe
Mariners +120
These two teams are pretty similar in talent and it shows in the standings as they both have won the same amount of games. I don’t think New York should be favored at this price considering their offense has been struggling as of late. This Seattle Ballpark is not kind to teams trying to ramp up offensive numbers.
Bruce Marshall
Braves at Dodgers
Play: Braves +192
Why would we want to pick against the Dodgers, winners of 32 of their last 36? But a tough travel schedule after playing last night in Chicago can't be a plus, and if anyone can knock off the Blue it might be a hot pitcher like Atlanta's Mike Foltynewicz, in whose last six starts Atalnta has won, and has a chance to outpitch Dodger counterpart Brandon McCarthy.