Chris Jordan
My free winner for today is on the low-low, between the Baltimore Orioles and Angels, in Anaheim. I expect a dandy of a pitching gem between both scheduled starters.
Hard-throwing Gausman, who can touch 100 miles per hour with his heater, has been outstanding for the Orioles of late, turning in four consecutive quality starts for the first time all season. The right-hander was the Orioles' best pitcher in the final two months last season, and embarks on the final two months today with a solid showing in Anaheim.
Scribner, meanwhile, steps to the hill after making his first Major League start last Friday, when he allowed five runs (two earned) over four innings against the Oakland Athletics. He is set to make his first career appearance against the Orioles in this matinee, and I think he'll be dealing.
Take the Under.
2* Orioles/Angels Under
Jack Brayman
Let's play the Detroit Tigers tonight, over the Pittsburgh Pirates, and be sure you're listing both scheduled starting pitchers: Ivan Nova and Justin Verlander.
Verlander heads to the mound after recording his third 10-plus strikeout outing of the season, against the Baltiimore Orioles last Friday. The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on six hits through seven innings without giving up a walk for the first time this season.
On the other hand, Nova was last up on Friday, when he faced the San Diego Padres, who got him for four runs over six innings. Remember, the Tigers know him well, as the former Yankee owns an 8.25 ERA in three career appearances in Detroit.
Take the Tigers and list both.
2* TIGERS
Brad Wilton
Wednesday's comp play winner will be for Ivan Nova and Justin Verlander to make life miserable for the batters tonight, as Pittsburgh and Detroit hold Under the posted price.
The Pirates are 35-14-2 Under the total in their last 51 games contested, and Nova is certainly part of the reason for all of those Unders. Nova has struggled of late, but 8 of his last 10 starts overall have played Under the total.
Justin Verlander has allowed 2 runs or less in 5 of his last 6 starts, and the Under has also banked in 5 of those 6 starts for the Tigers hurler.
After playing over by a hook last night, this game tonight stays well Under the posted price.
Pirates-Tigers Under.
3* PITTSBURGH-DETROIT UNDER
Stephen Nover
Minnesota at Milwaukee
Play: Minnesota
The Brewers were huge overachievers during the first half of the season. They are tumbling back to Earth now, losers of 15 of their last 22.
The Twins, meanwhile, are hanging in just 1 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. They have won three in a row and have back All-Star power hitter Miguel Sano.
So why then are the Brewers such huge favorites here? Two words - Bartolo Colon.
The 44-year-old Colon is more craft than substance. He has a 5.18 ERA in four starts with Minnesota. That's a lot better, though, than the 8.14 ERA he recorded in 13 starts with the Braves before coming to the Twins.
Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff is at the opposite spectrum. He's just beginning his career. This will be his second big league start. He blanked Tampa Bay in 6 1/3 innings six days ago.
I like Woodruff's potential. But he's going to go through growing pains. He was 6-5 with a 4.46 ERA in 15 Triple A starts before coming up.
The combination of Woodruff's wonderful debut and Colon's presence has created a line that is too high. So I'll make a value play and go with the 'dog at a nice mid-sized price.
Bob Balfe
Pirates +115
The Pirates are trying to get back to .500 baseball and can do so with a win tonight. Nova has slightly better numbers than Verlander this season, but the Pirates bullpen is much better. Detroit is riding a 4 game losing streak and tonight it won’t be easy if they continue to slump with the bats.