John Ryan
Philadelphia Phillies at Baltimore Orioles
Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies
5* graded play on Philadelphia as they take on Baltimore in Game 2 of this three-game interleague series. Phils held on to get a much needed win stopping a six game losing streak last night. The simulator shows a high probability that the Phillies will make it two straight today. Baltimore is in the midst of a very tough stretch of games that will more than likely drop them from first place in the AL East. Philadelphia has been a different team away from Citizen?s Bank Park where they are just 12-19 on the season. They and Atlanta have the best road win percentage in the NL and for good reasons. Orioles Tommy Hunter got off to a great start, but he has suffered through his last three starts posting a 6.75 ERA with a 1.625 WHIP. Worley came back from the DL and went a programmed four innings in a 4-3 loss to the Dodgers Monday. he will be stretched in this game and I fully believe he will complete a minimum of 6 ? innings. Hunter has given up 13 home runs in 58 innings of work and the Phillies can exploit him with their makeshift lineup that ranks fourth in MLB with a .267 batting average. Take Philadelphia.
Erin Rynning
Toronto Blue Jays at Atlanta Braves
Recommendation: Toronto
The Jays and Braves continue interleague action with a late afternoon local start in Atlanta. The Blue Jays will send rookie Drew Hutchison to the hill. The right-hander has now made eight starts for the Jays, while showing 4.35 ERA. Keep in mind, his ERA stood at a troubling 6.65 over his first four starts. He’s been outstanding over his last two starts, while holding Baltimore and Boston to a combined one earned run. It’s important to mention his previous two starts as he mentioned how he found his correct arm slot in his start against Baltimore. Against Baltimore and Boston, Hutchison pitched with better command, and more importantly an uptick of about 2-3 MPH on his fastball. Meanwhile, the Braves will counter with Tommy Hanson on the mound. Hanson continues to fight showing any type of strong consistency on the bump. Lingering shoulder issues continue to whisper around on the right-hander, and he’s only cracked the 100 pitch barrier once in his last seven starts. In addition, his velocity is troubling with clear erosion from his top form a few years ago. At a sturdy plus price we’ll back the American League and an ultra-confident young hurler.