Xam’s Gem(s):
Blue Jays Money Line -152
The Blue Jays will officially punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win today. They are facing the Rays who have absolutely nothing to play for, and look like they’re just resting guys for the playoffs. Hyun Jin Ryu has been good for the Blue Jays this year, pitching to a 3.31 ERA and a 3.16 ERA at home. His last time out against the Rays didn’t go well last week, but that was in Tampa and the Rays still had something to play for in that series. In limited innings this year, Shawn Armstrong has pitched well. However, in his last 7 games, covering just 6.1 innings, he has a 5.68 ERA. This can be another game where the Rays use lesser pitchers out of the pen, and the Blue Jays should be able to take advantage.
Marlins Money Line -146
The Marlins are inching ever closer to their first full season playoff berth in decades, and they have JT Chargois starting today. He’s going to act as an opener today, as he only has 41.2 innings pitched in 45 appearances. The Marlins need every win they can get, so they’ll be sure to use most, if not all, of their premium relievers today. The Pirates are countering with Quinn Priester, who has a dreadful 7.86 ERA this year. The Pirates lost a tough game late last night, and they could be looking to just pack it in at this point. The Marlins have everything to play for, and are simply the better team in this spot.
Reds Money Line -130
The Reds need to win out to have a shot at the playoffs, and luckily for them, they are facing a rookie with a 7.98 ERA. Drew Rom has simply been disastrous for the Cardinals this year. The Reds have their own rookie going in Connor Phillips. He has struggled at times in limited innings, but in his last 2 starts he’s gone 12 innings and given up 2 runs. The Cardinals have checked out for the year, and the Reds have all their top relievers available after winning in a blowout last night.
Mariners Money Line -148
The Mariners have won the first 2 games in this monstrous series against the Rangers, and now they have their ace on the mound in Luis Castillo. Castillo was acquired by the Mariners for games like exactly like this one. Castillo has been solid this year, with a 3.20 ERA overall and a sparkling 2.81 ERA at home. He’s also been better as the season has gone along. Andrew Heaney, on the other hand, has had an up and down year. He has a 4.28 ERA for the year, but in his last 7 games he has a 5.28 ERA. He’s been more recently used out of the bullpen, so he likely won’t be around for too long. This isn’t good news for the Rangers, who are in the bottom half of the league in bullpen ERA.
Astros Money Line -130
The Astros will officially be postseason bound with a win tonight, and there’s no one else they’d rather have on the mound than Justin Verlander. All he did in his last start was go 8 innings and give up just 1 earned run on the road against the Mariners. Overall, he’s been very good with a 3.32 ERA. The Diamondbacks are countering with Merrill Kelly. He’s been good this year, but has struggled recently. He has a 4.14 ERA in his last 7 starts, and this is a big spot against a team with championship pedigree. Look for the veteran and winning established Astros to get it done tonight.
Xam’s Prop(s):
Jalen Milroe Over 216.5 Passing Yards -114
Milroe has gone over this number in each of the last 2 games, and he’s shown to be an efficient passer who throws the ball down the field. Mississippi State is giving up 400 yards of offense per game, so Milroe and company should find ways to exploit this defense. Frankly, the biggest concern is whether or not Mississippi State will keep it close enough to force Milroe to keep passing the ball. They’ve given up 24 or more points in 3 games this year, but Mississippi State has scored 30 or more 3 times this year. If their offense can keep them in this game, Milroe should be forced to attack a suspect defense.