Tuesday's National League Betting Cheat Sheet and Tips
By Covers.com
Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants (OFF, OFF) (Game 1)
Cold pitching stat: Reds starter Greg Reynolds will make his first start since 2011 as a member of the Colorado Rockies.
Cold batting stat: Reds slugger Joey Votto has just two homers in 20 career games at San Fran's AT&T Park.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-60s with mostly sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 9 mph.
Key betting note: The Reds are 4-12 in their last 16 opening games of a double-header.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals (-105, 8.5)
Cold pitching stat: Since winning his first four starts, Pirates starter Gerrit Cole has lost his last three heading into Tuesday.
Cold batting stat: Pirates slugger Pedro Alvarez was 0-for-8 with three strikeouts this season against Washington heading into Monday's game.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 9 mph.
Key betting note: The Pirates are 11-4 in their last 15 Tuesday games.
Atlanta Braves at New York Mets (+120, 7.5)
Hot pitching stat: Braves SP Kris Medlen is 1-0 in two starts versus the Mets this season. He has 16 strikeouts in 13 innings against the Mets - the most K's against any team he's pitched against this season.
Cold batting stat: The Braves roster hits a collective .136 (22 at-bats) against Mets starter Carlos Torres.
Weather: There is a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s and wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The Braves are 9-1 in Medlen's last 10 Tuesday starts.
San Diego Padres at Milwaukee Brewers (-129, 9)
Hot pitching stat: Tyson Ross is slated to start for the Padres. He has not started since April 17 but limited the Dodgers to one run in 4 2/3 innings of work in that last outing.
Cold batting stat: Milwaukee's Ryan Braun was handed a season-ending suspension Monday.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 12 mph.
Key betting note: The Padres are 3-14 in their last 17 games versus a right-handed starter.
Philadelphia Phillies at St. Louis Cardinals (-182, 8.5)
Hot pitching stat: Phillies starter Jonathan Pettibone is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA in his three starts in July.
Cold batting stat: Prior to Monday's game, the Cardinals were one of just four NL teams that Phils slugger Domonic Brown had not homered against this season.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 11 mph.
Key betting note: The Cardinals are 4-0 in SP Shelby Miller's last four home starts versus a team with a losing record.
Miami Marlins at Colorado Rockies (-139, 9.5)
Hot pitching stat: Marlins starter Jose Fernandez boasts an ERA of 1.80 and 19 strikeouts in 20 innings in July.
Cold batting stat: Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton is just 1-for-6 with three strikeouts versus Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 8 mph.
Key betting note: The Marlins are 4-0 in Fernandez's last four starts versus a team with a losing record.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks (OFF, OFF)
Hot pitching stat: Cubs starter Travis Wood is tied with the Cards' Adam Wainwright and Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw for the NL lead in quality starts with 17.
Hot batting stat: Prior to Monday's game, the Cubbies had swatted 20 dingers in July.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-100s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 10 mph.
Key betting note: The Diamondbacks are 19-2 in SP Patrick Corbin's last 21 starts following a quality start in his last appearance.
San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds (OFF, OFF) (Game 2)
Cold pitching stat: The Giants have lost seven of Barry Zito's last eight starts. Zito owns a 7.50 ERA in three July starts.
Hot batting stat: Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is 8-for-20 (.400) with three doubles and six walks in his career versus Zito.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-60s with mostly sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 9 mph.
Key betting note: Giants are 5-2 in their last seven second games of a double-header.
NOTE: The second game of the Reds/Giants double header is the result of the July 4 game that was postponed due to rain. The Reds will bat last in Game 2 but, for statistical purposes, the Giants are the home team for both games.
Tuesday's American League Betting Cheat Sheet and Tips
By Covers.com
Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox (-152, 9.5)
Cold pitching stat: Sox starter Jon Lester owns a 6.35 ERA while suffering consecutive losses in his previous two starts.
Hot batting stat: Sox DH David Ortiz is 9-for-22 (.409) lifetime versus Rays starter Roberto Hernandez.
Weather: There is a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for gametime. Temperatures will be in the high-70s and wind will blow out to left field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 4-0 in Hernandez's last four road starts.
New York Yankees at Texas Rangers (-165, 9.5)
Hot pitching stat: Rangers starter Alexi Ogando will make his first start since June 5. The Rangers had won his last four starts prior to being placed on the DL.
Cold batting stat: Rangers slugger Adrian Beltre is 3-for-18 (.167) with six strikeouts in his career versus Yanks scheduled-starter Phil Hughes.
Weather: Temperatures in the mid-90s and sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 11 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 9-1-1 in Ogando's last 11 starts overall.
Oakland A's at Houston Astros (+154, 8.5)
Cold pitching stat: While not factoring in the decisions himself, the A's have lost SP Jarrod Parker's last four starts overall.
Cold batting stat: This will be the first time the 'Stros face Parker and the first time the A's face Houston starter Jarred Cosart.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 12 mph.
Key betting note: The Athletics are 7-3 in Parker's last 10 starts versus the American League West.
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox (+116, 9)
Hot pitching stat: Tigers starter Rick Porcello is fresh off a victory over the Pale Hose on July 10. He held the Sox to three runs on seven hits over six innings.
Cold batting stat: Sox SS Alexei Ramirez is 5-for-33 (.152) in his career versus Porcello.
Weather: Temperatures in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.
Key betting note: The White Sox are 1-6 in SP Hector Santiago's last seven home starts.
Baltimore Orioles at Kansas City Royals (-105, 9)
Cold pitching stat: O's starter Jason Hammel was roughed up his last time out. Hammel surrendered 10 hits and six earned runs en route to a 7-3 loss to the Blue Jays on July 13.
Hot batting stat: Orioles slugger Adam Jones has six hits - including one homer and five RBIs - in 16 at-bats in his career versus Royals starter Bruce Chen.
Weather: There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s and wind will blow in from left field at 15 mph.
Key betting note: The Orioles are 0-4 in Hammel's last four starts versus a team with a losing record.
Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels (-171, 8.5)
Cold pitching stat: Tommy Hanson will get the nod for the Angles and it will be his first start since coming off the DL. In his last outing, he gave up seven ER and six hits in two innings of work against the Seattle Mariners on June 20.
Cold batting stat: Twins OF Josh Willingham is 1-for-12 (.083) in his career versus Hanson.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The Angels score an average of 4.09 runs per game and give up 3.64 runs per game when wind blows out to right field.
Cleveland Indians at Seattle Mariners (+102, 8.5)
Hot pitching stat: Zach McAllister is slated to start for Cleveland. He limited the Mariners to two runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings of work as the Indians triumphed 5-4 on May 18.
Cold batting stat: In that same game, Kyle Seager and Michael Morse both finished 0-for-4 against the combination of McAllister and the Tribe pen.
Weather: Sunny skies and temperatures in the high-70s. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The Mariners are 1-4 in SP Erasmo Ramirez's last five home starts.
Interleague
Los Angeles Dodgers at Toronto Blue Jays (-110, 9.5)
Hot pitching stat: Dodgers starter Chris Capuano has not given up an earned run in three of his previous five starts.
Hot batting stat: Collectively, the Blue Jays roster has hit .296 versus Capuano.
Weather: The roof may be closed in Toronto due to a 30 percent chance of rain. Temperatures will be in the low-70s and wind will blow in from left field at 15 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 5-0 in Capuano's last five interleague starts.
Tuesday MLB Thoughts
By Dave Essler
Pirates-Washington: Starters essentially a wash, and I'd much rather play Washington against a RHP, so this one depends on bullpens on Monday (for me, at this point). The weather might be conducive for runs to be scored, and I can see this going to 8.5.
Atlanta-New York: There is no doubt in my mind that Carlos Torres is better than Kris Medlen, and there is no doubt that the Braves have a better lineup, hence they are favored. However, if the Mets don't use a ton of bullpen and someone, say McCann, sits tomorrow, I can see taking Dub's Mets here.
San Diego-Milwaukee: Hard to say how this Braun thing effects these guys, not just from a "he's not playing" standpoint, but perhaps the rest of the team feels "cheated" for lack of a better word. I would be more concerned about that for the next week with this team rather than who's playing whom. Ross gets a rare start, meaning we might see the Padres pen sooner rather than later, and ditto for Hand. Tough game to read.
Phillies-Cardinals: Don't look now but the Phillies are in second place in the NL East. Yes, sub .500, but 7 games out and don't tell them they can't catch they Braves. Motivation matters from here on out as teams start to "quit" or call up next years' potential talent. Miller's been giving up flyballs and he is (has been) simply not the dominant pitcher he was early in the season. Pettibone has kept the Phillies in most games, and that ML for the Cardinals is just too much. Looking at the Phillies RL here.
Miami-Colorado: Fernandez is clearly the Fish's best option more often than not, and I have never felt that Chacin was worth all the fuss, at least in Coors. Because Miami CAN hit, there is no chance of laying -150 on Colorado. Miami RL or nothing, but this is one that clearly depends on what happens Monday night.
Rays-Red Sox: I simply can't back Jon Lester coming off the rest/DL whatever. He may well be the Lester of old, but I can't lay that price. Fausto has been reborn in Tampa Bay, and there's no trusting Boston's bullpen with Lester perhaps on a pitch count. Have to lean Rays here, inasmuch as it hurts Kyle.
Yankees-Rangers: Again, simply not laying -160 on a pitcher coming of the DL. Just not an option.That's even more the case with a 100 degree heat and a pitch count. We all know Hughes has been better on the road, and he's beaten the Rangers once this season already. Looking again at the Yankees or the Yankees RL.
Orioles at Royals: Have to wonder here if Chen isn't a little motivated to pitch against one of his former teams. He certainly looked good against the Indians, so I wouldn't rule out taking the Royals here. Lefties CAN take SOME of the pop out of Davis and Markakis, and he's done well against Weiters. Hammel has regressed quite a bit since the good start, so it's (gulp) Royals or nothing.
Oakland-Houston: So Jarred Cosart shuts down the Rays on two hits and is a home dog to the vaunted A's. The kids from League City which is not far from Houston at all. Just how will he handle 50% of the crowd being free tickets he probably had to get. Parker giving up a lot more bombs on the road (as you'd expect) so I wouldn't rule out the Astros here.
Detroit-Chicago: Again, the White Sox and their impending personnel implosion are probably not something I wany my money behind, regardless of how good Santiago CAN be. I have never been a Porcello fan for some reason, but he just beat the White Sox last start, so perhaps Chicago returns the favor. I have not looked at the weather, but somehow think their may be some runs scored.
Twins-Angels: Once again, there is no chance of taking Hanson at any price, let alone -175, coming off the DL. If he was that good he'd still be in Atlanta, so I lean Twins and/or Twins RL here or nothing whatsoever.
Cleveland-Seattle: Ramirez has had his moments, but two weeks ago (his last/only start) he needed 101 pitches and could get out of the 5th inning. But, yes, McAllister another DL casualty returning so there is not too much chance of taking either side, and maybe the roof will be open.
Dodgers-Jays: I will back the Jays against most LHP's at home, but Capuano is pretty tough on left handed hitters, so this one might need more thought, as he's also been actually better away from Chavez Ravine. Redmond can be had, and may not pitch deep, so at this point I am inclined to take the Dodgers.
Tuesday's AL Action
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Rays at Red Sox
Probables: R. Hernandez (5-10, 4.90 ERA) vs. J. Lester (8-6, 4.58 ERA)
Series review: Tampa Bay won opener, 3-0 on Monday as $1.30 road favorites, while the 'under' of nine easily cashed.
Recent streaks: The Rays have won 17 of their past 19 games, including an 8-1 record the last nine away contests. Tampa Bay's pitching has stepped up, resulting in a 9-1 'under' mark the previous 10 games. The Red Sox haven't lost consecutive home games since May 11-12 against Toronto, while posting a 5-0 record at Fenway Park the last five off a home defeat.
Yankees at Rangers
Probables: P. Hughes (4-9, 4.57 ERA) vs. A. Ogando (4-2, 2.93 ERA)
Series review: Texas rebounded from a home sweep by Baltimore to blank New York on Monday, 3-0 as heavy $1.90 'chalk.' The 'under' of 8 ½ was never threatened, as the Rangers are 7-1-1 to the 'under' the last nine games.
Recent streaks: Since winning three straight in mid-July, the Yankees have lost five of their past six contests. New York fell to 3-6 the last nine opportunities as a road underdog, while dropping three straight meetings with Texas. The Rangers have struggled at home in spite of Monday's victory, going 4-6 the last 10 contests in Arlington. Since July 10, Texas has won two of nine games, while sitting behind Oakland in the AL West.
Orioles at Royals
Probables: J. Hammel (7-6, 5.24 ERA) vs. B. Chen (3-0, 2.04 ERA)
Series review: The O's crushed the Royals, 9-2 to improve to 4-0 in the second half. Baltimore cruised as $1.10 road favorites, while the 'over' of nine hit by the sixth inning.
Recent streaks: Baltimore remains on fire with eight wins in its last nine games, including five consecutive away victories. Since taking the first two in the Bronx earlier this month, the Royals have lost seven of nine, while falling to 1-5 the last six home openers.
Athletics at Astros
Probables: J. Parker (6-6, 3.95 ERA) vs. J. Cosart (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Series review: Oakland rallied for a 4-3 triumph on Monday to cash as $1.60 road favorites. The A's own a perfect 10-0 record against the Astros this season, including a 7-0 mark at Minute Maid Park.
Recent streaks: The A's have cashed the 'under' in 10 consecutive games, including seven straight on the highway. Oakland has split its last eight contests, but have compiled a 3-6 record the previous nine away games against division opponents. The Astros have lost nine of their past 10 games, while posting a 1-10 record the last 11 home contests.
Tigers at White Sox
Probables: R. Porcello (6-6, 4.80 ERA) vs. H. Santiago (3-5, 3.30 ERA)
Series review: Detroit cruised to a 7-3 victory in Monday's opener, as Max Scherzer picked up his 14th win on the season. The Tigers rebounded after dropping two of three to the White Sox prior to the All-Star break by cashing as $1.20 road favorites, while the total of 7 ½ cashed late.
Recent streaks: The Tigers are struggling to stay consistent by splitting their last 10 games, while going 1-5 the last six contests off a victory. The Sox have lost five of their last six home Game 2's of a series, with the lone win coming against the Braves this past weekend. Chicago has cashed the 'over' in four of the last five home games, while going 5-5 since July 9.
Twins at Angels
Probables: K. Gibson (2-2, 6.45 ERA) vs. T. Hanson (4-2, 5.10 ERA)
Series review: Minnesota edged Los Angeles, 4-3 to come through as $1.55 road underdogs. The Twins have scored over four runs just once in the last six games, but Minnesota has found a way to win five times in this stretch.
Recent streaks: The Twins are riding a nice 'under' stretch by posting a 9-1 mark to the 'under' the last 10 games. The Angels have helped 'under' bettors in each of the last six contests, while scoring three runs or less in six of the previous seven games.
Indians at Mariners
Probables: Z. McAllister (4-5, 3.43 ERA) vs. E. Ramirez (0-0, 13.50 ERA)
Series review: In a game that featured three solo home runs, Seattle did enough to edge Cleveland, 2-1 as short home favorites. The Mariners beat the Indians for the first time in five meetings this season, while knocking off Cleveland for the fourth straight time at Safeco Field.
Recent streaks: Seattle is riding a season-high seven-game winning streak, including each of the last six in the favorite role. Following last night's 'under,' the Tribe has hit the 'under' in seven of the previous eight games, while dropping to 1-5 in the last six road contests.
MLB Odds and Picks – Rays looking to take over first place in AL East
By: The Linemakers
Sportingnews.com
The Red Sox and Rays sit atop the American League East with only a half game separating the two clubs. The Rays took the opening game of their current series behind a gem from Matt Moore and look to ensure at least a split when they send Roberto Hernandez (4.90 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) to the hill against Jon Lester (4.58, 1.37 WHIP) Monday night.
While the total is posted at 9.5, neither pitcher has performed well this season, setting the stage for a potential slugfest. Also, the Red Sox and Rays are first and fifth, respectively, in MLB in runs scored.
Pirates getting back on track
The Pirates have hit a bit of a rough patch out of the All-Star break, but it looks like a trip to the nation's capitol could get them back on track. They won the series opener against the Nationals behind a pair of Andrew McCutchen homers and send Gerrit Cole (3.89 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) to the mound against fellow rookie Taylor Jordan (3.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). The Nationals are a bottom five team offensively, one of the reasons we're going with the Bucs tonight.
Dodgers in first place
It didn't look like this was the Dodgers' season, but they have made the climb into first place after a rough start. They currently lead the Diamondbacks by a half game and look to maintain or extend that lead when they continue their series against the Blue Jays tonight.
Chris Capuano (4.63 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) faces Todd Redmond (4.32 ERA, 0.96 WHIP), who is making only his fourth career big league start.
Even without Matt Kemp, who will remain out with an ankle injury, we like the Dodgers to stay hot and come away with the win tonight.
Tuesday's Selections
Rays (R. Hernandez) +145 at Red Sox
Pirates (Cole) +100 at Nationals
Dodgers (Capuano) +102 at Blue Jays
Rays/Red Sox OVER 9.5
Second-half record: 12-6 (+725)