Xam’s Daily Gems:
Mets -1 -134 DraftKings
After a blowout win yesterday, the Mets are going for the series win against the Athletics. They’re sending southpaw Jose Quintana to the mound, who’s been significantly better at Citi Field than he has on the road this year. At home, he has a 3.38 ERA, .221 batting average against, and 1.14 WHIP. Compare that to his road stats of a 4.81 ERA, .249 batting average against, and 1.35 WHIP. He’s facing a very weak A’s lineup that’s struggled to score all year long. Those problems have particularly manifested themselves on the road, as they are averaging a paltry 3.73 runs per game as the road team this season. That’s bad news for A’s starter, Mitch Spence, who’s been bad both on the road and during day games this season. On the road, he has a 4.96 ERA and .256 batting average against. That goes up to 6.06 and .275 respectively during the day! Jose Quintana has been really good over his last 15 games and the Mets have a rested bullpen as well. If the Mets can stay hot offensively, Quintana and the bullpen SHOULD be able to contain Oakland’s hitters and get the Mets a MUCH needed series win!
Orioles Money Line -148 FanDuel
The Orioles open up a wildly important 4-game series with the rival Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards tonight. Zach Eflin takes the ball as the Orioles once again look to move into a tie with the Yankees atop the AL East. The Red Sox are coming off a very disappointing loss in extra innings last night. Unfortunately for them, tonight’s starter, Nick Pivetta, has struggled significantly recently. He has an UGLY 5.02 ERA over his last 7 starts. He’s ALSO been a lot better pitching on the road compared to at home Fenway Park, so there should be some negative regression coming over his next few road starts. The Orioles have been a great hitting team all year and it remains to be seen how Boston will quickly put last night’s loss behind them for this matchup. Their bullpen has been nothing short of AWFUL this season. They have the 5th worst ERA among bullpens and are top 10 in terms of worst WHIP as well. That’s a BAD combination when facing the Orioles. The crowd will be revved up and ready to go. If Eflin and the Orioles bullpen can contain a solid Red Sox lineup, look for Baltimore to start fast and take the first game of this series!
Phillies -1 -232 DraftKings
The Phillies are sending ace Zack Wheeler to the mound to start a 4-game set with the division rival Washington Nationals. Wheeler has been nothing short of PHENOMENAL this year, putting himself squarely in the Cy Young conversation in the National League. Just about every single time he’s gone to the mound, he’s given the Phillies an excellent chance to win. Young southpaw Mitchell Parker goes for the Nationals, and his home and road splits are DRASTIC this season. On the road, he has an UGLY 4.78 ERA, .257 batting average against, and 1.39 WHIP. Washington’s bullpen also leaves A LOT to be desired, as they currently sit in the top 10 for worst ERA and worst WHIP in the league. That’s bad news for a team that’s DOMINANT at home like the Phillies are. They come into play with the BEST home record in baseball at 39-22 and are averaging an INCREDIBLE 5.25 runs per game at home! This is all shaping up to be a GREAT night for the Phillies!