Xam’s Gem(s):
Cubs Money Line -172
If there was ever a team desperate for a win, it’s the Cubs. They are 2-8 in their last 10 games. Fortunately for them, they are still holding onto a wild card spot, but they’re tied with the Reds and only 1/2 a game up on the Marlins! Javier Assad has been really good for the Cubs this year, pitching to the tune of a 3.10 ERA. He’s been even better over his last 15 games, going 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA. The Pirates don’t have an announced starter, which signifies this will likely be a bullpen game for them. They rank just outside the bottom 10 in the league with a 4.49 bullpen ERA.
Guardians Money Line -164
Somehow, some way, the Guardians still have a pulse in the AL Central division race. Logan Allen has pitched well this year, with a 3.60 ERA. He has back-to-back starts with 5 innings pitched against 1 earned run, both of which came on the road. Steven Cruz will serve as the opener for the Royals. He has over a 5 ERA in a few innings this year. Alec Marsh seems like the most likely candidate to take over after Cruz, and he has struggled this year as well, pitching to the tune of a 5.67 ERA. With the Royals using multiple iffy pitchers tonight and the Guardians having a much better bullpen, they should be able to do enough to get the win in KC.
Rangers Money Line -156
After blowing a great start by Jordan Montgomery last night, the Rangers are in desperate need of a win tonight. Fortunately, they have one of their best pitchers going in Nathan Eovaldi. He’s been awesome this year, pitching to under a 3 ERA. In his last 15 games, he has a 2.83 ERA. Boston’s starter, however, has struggled this year. His ERA for the year is a hair under 5. In 3 of his last 5 starts, he’s given up at 3 earned runs or more. He also rarely pitches past 5 innings, which favors Texas. Boston is in the bottom 10 in the league with a 4.53 bullpen ERA. Texas’s isn’t much better as we saw last night, but they’ll be sure to use all their premium relievers tonight.
Astros Money Line -156
The Astros melted down in excruciating fashion last night, blowing a 7-5 lead in the 9th. However, the pitching matchup today is in their favor. Orioles starter Kyle Gibson has just under a 5 ERA for the year, and over his last 15 games, his ERA balloons to over 6! Hunter Brown hasn’t pitched well overall in his last 7 games, but he’s coming off a dominant start his last time out. Simply put, the Astros need this game. Both the Rangers and Mariners are only 1.5 games back for the division lead, and Houston needs the bye in the wildcard round of the playoffs to rest up. The Orioles have a massive lead over Houston for the top seed in the league, and they used multiple premium arms from their bullpen yesterday. Expect Houston to get back to form and even up this series between American League heavyweights.