Thursday’s Betting Tips
Covers.com
Weather to watch
Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds: It’ll be hot again this afternoon in Cincy. The forecast says it’ll feel like 102 F on the field with the humidity. Thundershowers are expected and there is a 65 percent chance of precipitation.
Miami Marlins at Chicago Cubs: The wind is blowing in at Wrigley Field, about 13 mph toward the home dugout. There’s a 30 percent chance of rain today and a thunderstorm could run through, too.
Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers: We’ve got a 60 percent chance of rain at Comerica Park, again with a possibility of thunderstorm.
Who’s hot?
San Francisco Giants – The Giants are on a five-game winning streak, the last two coming at Atlanta against the sizzling hot Braves. San Fran is a +108 road dog this afternoon facing Atlanta start Tim Hudson.
Detroit Tigers – They’ve won nine of their last 11 including two of three against the Angels. The Tigers look to secure the series win against the Halos in this afternoon’s game. Detroit is a -136 fave.
Who’s not?
Phoenix Mercury – They’re 0-6 straight up and 1-5 against the spread in their last six games. The under is also 4-1 in their last five contests. The Mercury visit Seattle on Thursday to play the Storm.
New York Mets – The Mets are on a six-game losing streak and are underdogs again today against the Washington Nationals.
Key stat
42 – Games in a row the Yankees have scored at least three runs. According to ESPN baseball writer Buster Olney, only the 1994 Cleveland Indians have a longer streak in the live-ball era. Surprisingly, the under is 24-18 during the Yankees' three-run plus streak.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox – The Bo-Sox are going to miss Ortiz during his stay on the 15-day DL. Big Papi has been Boston’s most consistent hitter this season. He’s batting .316 and slugging .609.
Notable quotable
“We’ll be talking this week, and we are talking, and there’s no question that he’ll be signed for the beginning of training camp and ready to go. No doubt about it.” – Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay talking to the Indianapolis Star about contract negotiations with rookie Andrew Luck. The Colts season win total is set at 5.5.
Notes and tips
The Blue Jays lost 3B Brett Lawrie after a nasty spill during Wednesday’s game. It’s the second injury to a Toronto regular position player this week. Jose Bautista went on the DL on Monday with a bum wrist. The Jays are 0-3 in their last three games and you’ve got to think all these injuries are going to lead to a longer cold spell.