Rating: 2 Units

The Cardinals needed a two out, 8th inning miracle by Tyler O’Neill last night to keep their streak alive at 7 straight wins and now they get to face Jake Arrieta. Arrieta has allowed at least 3 runs in all three of his starts with the Padres. JA Happ has been pitching really well since being traded to the Cardinals going 4-2 with a 4.08 ERA. The Padres have now lost 6 of 8 games and they are 32-41 on the road this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Lost on the Giants at home the past two days, but going back to the well here. SF has clinched a playoff spot but is neck-and-neck with the Dodgers to avoid the wild-card game so there remains plenty of motivation. Logan Webb (10-3, 2.80) is 5-0 with 1.66 ERA at home this year. The Braves were supposed to play Thursday at home but had to wait around for a postponement and then fly across the country. Ian Anderson is a solid pitcher but has a 6.75 ERA in two starts this month. Atlanta has dropped its past four as a dog.

This is one of those times we are betting a lookahead line because we know things are going to change -- Friday's change being that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for the Angels due to a sore arm and probably pitch won't the rest of the way; it won't apparently affect his hitting. The Halos haven't announced a starter Friday yet (likely a bullpen day), but I'd expect the A's to be favored eventually. It will be Cole Irvin for them, and he has a 3.24 ERA in four starts this year vs. LA. Oakland has won six of its past eight in Anaheim.

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh had to play Thursday and travel, while Miami was off. The Bucs enter on a seven-game road skid and scheduled starting pitcher Wil Crowe has a 7.04 ERA in 46.0 away innings. The Marlins have won four straight as favorites and are 6-2 in their past eight at home. Elieser Hernandez allowed one run over five in his lone outing this year vs. Pittsburgh.

The Reds apparently may get All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker back from a long IL stint so that lineup will be that much better, but the pitching matchup is incredibly one-sided in favor of the Dodgers' Walker Buehler over the Reds' Luis Castillo. Plus, Cincinnati has used its three best relievers each of the past two days so they aren't available. LA was off Thursday so no pen worries -- Buehler is capable of a complete game regardless. Frankly, you almost have to take the Dodgers the rest of the way when they are under -200. Cincinnati is 0-5 in its past five after a win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies have won 4 of their last 5 games all on the road and now they face Josiah Gray and the Nats. Gray started off hot but he has struggled lately allowing at least 5 runs in his last 3 starts. German Marquez has been much better at home but he is coming off 6 shutout innings against the Phillies. The Rockies top bullpen guys got the day off yesterday and the Nats bullpen has been miserable. Take the Rockies to win their 4th straight and 5th out of 6.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Giants had their nine-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday when their bullpen day didn't go well. The Padres will use the same pitching strategy for this one with Pierce Johnson expected to sever as an opener followed by Ryan Weathers. It's Kevin Gausman for the Giants, who have to keep the pedal on the medal with the Dodgers now just 1.5 games back in the NL West. Gausman has a 1.42 ERA in three starts vs. SD this year.

Rating: 2 Units

 Still irked the Royals came up one run short of a RL cover last night with the bases loaded and none out in the bottom of the ninth. That's just how my day went. Ah well. We'll go back to the RL as Oakland remains without slugger Matt Chapman again and starts Paul Blackburn, who is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in two road starts. Meanwhile, in four home starts vs. teams not named the White Sox, Royals left Daniel Lynch is 2-0 with a 2.59 ERA. KC is 4-1 in its past five after a loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Completely agree with John Bollman that it's hard to fathom the Giants are home dogs again -- yes, San Diego's Joe Musgrove is a fine pitcher, but he has been worse away and has a 8.10 ERA in two starts vs. the Giants. It apparently will be another bullpen game for SF. Unlike John, I'm going to take the runline safety net on San Francisco at -160.

Rating: 2 Units

Could the Orioles pull off the upset behind their best pitcher in John Means? They certainly could, but I have to take the motivated, better club in the Yanks. Means is 1-2 with a 5.81 ERA in 31 career innings vs. New York and he has allowed a whopping 25 homers in 22 starts this year. The O's also will be without one of their best hitters in Trey Mancini, a late scratch (catcher Pedro Severino also out). Yanks pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. is 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA in nine starts this year. Mancini is the only Orioles batter with much career success off him. Baltimore is 2-9 in its past 11 at home vs. lefties.

Rating: 2 Units

I might be a TOTAL fool here, but the Reds simply can't be losing games to the Pirates as they chase the NL's second wild-card spot. They did show at least some heart in nearly rallying from a 6-0 hole in Tuesday's series opener. This is basically fading Bucs start Mitch Keller, who is 2-8 at home with an 8.19 ERA. In two starts vs. Cincinnati, he's 0-2 with an 11.88 ERA. Even with Tuesday's loss, Cincy is 9-2 in the season series. Reds starter Vladimir Gutierrez allowed one run over six in his lone outing vs. Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

 Seattle has generally been the American League runline version of Colorado in that the Mariners have been money at home on the RL. The M''s also are 30-22 in day games, while Boston is 24-28 for what that's worth. Seattle lefty Marco Gonzales is 7-0 with a 2.54 ERA in his 11 starts. The Sox are 3-10 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Boston rookie Tanner Houck has been a bit worse on the road (4.12 ERA) and during the day (4.08 ERA). A couple of Sox regulars are taking a seat (but none of their All-Stars).

Rating: 2 Units

The Rays are sitting four semi-regulars in Austin Meadows, Joey Wendle, Ji-Man Choi and Kevin Kiermaier (and Wander Franco remains on the IL). That's a fair amount of power on the bench other than Kiermaier, who is one of the best defensive outfielders in the majors. It's the end of a nine-game road trip, so the Rays as a whole might be dragging. It's Jays ace lefty and Cy Young contender Robbie Ray (11-5, 2.69) on the mound. He has a 2.00 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 27 innings this year vs. TB. The Jays are 6-1 in their past seven after a loss.

Rating: 2 Units

The Marlins are starting a really weak lineup with Jesus Aguilar and Jorge Alfaro injured and stellar rookie second baseman Jazz Chisholm getting the game off. Miami rookie lefty Trevor Rogers hasn't been the same guy he was in the first half of the season. The Nats have scored five runs in 10 innings off him. It's rookie lefty Josh Rogers for Washington and he has been pretty good in his first two big-league starts. This will be the first matchup between two rookie starters with the same last name since brothers Greg and Mike Maddux squared off on Sept. 29, 1986.

Rating: 2 Units

Getting a pretty cheap price on the Dodgers runline at -125. Six of their past seven wins are by multiple runs, including 5-1 Monday vs. the Snakes. Closer Kenley Jansen is available after being activated off the injured list, although I am obviously hoping there isn't a situation where he's needed in a one-run game in the ninth. Arizona starting pitcher Luke Weaver has been great at home this year but has an 8.20 ERA in four road starts. He also has a 7.25 ERA in 22.1 innings career vs. LA.

Rating: 2 Units

The Giants have one of the best bullpens in the league and they are going with a bullpen day. Yu Darvish has been extremely inconsistent and he has struggled since the sticky substance. The Padres actually have the 6th worst record in the league since the trade deadline at 14-21 and they are 5-12 on the road. The Giants are 28-11 in the same time span. Take this line before it moves.

Rating: 2 Units

Adam Wainwright has found his fountain of youth this season, he is 7-1 with a 1.86 ERA since the trade deadline. Rich Hill has pitched well but he doesn’t get deep into games, and I think the Mets could be drained after a late, emotional game last night. The Cardinals just took two out of three games from the Reds and they are 11-5 on the road since the trade deadline. The Mets are just 9-9 at home since the trade deadline and the Cards are solid at hitting lefties. Take the Cards.

Rating: 2 Units

Drew Rasmussen has now made five starts this season and he hasn’t allowed more than 1 run in a start yet. However, I think that ends today. The Blue Jays are as hot as can be right now and the Rays don’t really have anything to play for with the division wrapped up. The Rays have been really good at 26-12 since the trade deadline, but the Blue Jays have been right there with them at 27-15 including 15-7 at home. The Rays have only played 3 games at Rogers Centre this season and lost 2 of them. Alek Manoah is 3-0 with a 2.97 ERA at home and he isn’t your typical rookie. He should have success with the Rays being a strikeout team. Take the Blue Jays at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 We've seen this situation a few times this year where a club has to fly in for a makeup game and then fly right back out. It usually doesn't go well for that team. I don't expect it to for Minnesota, either. Aaron Judge is in the lineup for the Yanks after leaving Sunday night's game with some dizziness. New York's Luis Gil is the first Yankees pitcher to start his first four MLB appearances and allow just three total runs over those first four starts -- the previous team record was five runs by Chase Whitley in 2014 and Slow Joe Doyle in 1906. Slow Joe Doyle. That's awesome.

Rating: 2 Units

This isn't backing the Yankees at all but fading the Mets (on the runline anyways) and their starting pitcher, Carlos Carrasco. In five home starts, he's 0-1 with a 7.45 ERA. Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt isn't very good, either, but he won't be out there long. I of course will be watching Bears-Rams but at least now I'm interested enough in this one to flip over during commercials. Wait, you can watch sports on computers now

Rating: 2 Units

Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta has turned into a bit of a pumpkin in allowing four runs in three straight outings. Boston apparently will be without JD Martinez (25 HR, 89 RBI) again, so that's a nice break for Chicago's Lance Lynn (10-4, 2.59). He has a 1.53 ERA in day games this year.

Rating: 2 Units

The Giants are playing their ideal starting lineup and while they are using a bullpen day, the first two guys planned have been lights out. I used to stay away from fading the Cubs when Kyle Hendricks was on the mound, but he has really fallen off of late overall and has an ERA of 5.56 at home and 5.08 during the day (used to be money in home day games). San Francisco is 35-15 in day games. The Giants were off Thursday or I'd worry about the early Pacific time start. Will Kris Bryant homer in his return to Wrigley?

Rating: 2 Units

Not risking the Braves at -220 as that is the sort of thing that got me into a funk. So, runline at -115 it is. Not clear which Washington relievers will be available after the team went with a bullpen game yesterday, and it's not like Erick Fedde (6-9, 5.27) likely will last long as the starter here. He has been hammered the past two times out and has an 11.12 ERA in three starts against the Braves this year. They counter with Huascar Ynoa, who has faced the Nationals twice this season and has yet to allow an earned run.

Rating: 2 Units

Going to change betting tactics a bit as I'm tired of late-inning losses. Will wager lines the night before where I think there's value and hit the runlines where possible ... at least for a while (not perhaps where an obvious pitching mismatch like in MIN-CLE on Thursday). Won't win as much but should lose a lot less and had been pretty successful for the most part. Not sure why I got off it. Not sure why the Blue Jays are even underdogs here with how they've played in the Bronx so far this week. Pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. has been a huge surprise for the Yankees, but I still trust Toronto's Jose Berrios more. The Yanks haven't seen him since 2018. Cortes, meanwhile, has to turn back into a pumpkin at some point because he was garbage his first three seasons in the majors.

Rating: 2 Units

The Indians have scored just two total runs in a three-game skid to Minnesota, but this is such an apparent pitching mismatch I have to take Cleveland. The Twins go with Andrew Albers (1-1, 7.30) in place of a scratched Randy Dobnak. Albers was obliterated last time out by the Rays. I've been cashing for weeks on the Tribe's Cal Quantrill -- yeah, he was hit around a bit last time but that will happen at Fenway Park when the wind is blowing out, and he had been spectacular for about two months prior. Quantrill is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA at home this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

The White Sox ended an eight-game regular-season losing streak in Oakland on Tuesday and burned me, but I'm going back to the A's. First off, I'm quite sure that Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez will not play after leaving Tuesday with a knee injury. Nothing too serious, but the Pale Hose will not push the injury-prone Jimenez with such a big division lead -- shortstop Tim Anderson remains out. Second, the weak Sox pitching link (when healthy) is lefty Dallas Keuchel, who has a 5.22 overall ERA, 5.89 on the road and has allowed exactly six runs in each of his past three. The A's are 10 games over .500 against southpaws. Oakland's Frankie Montas is among the AL leaders in many pitching categories since the All-Star break.

Rating: 2 Units

The Yankees have lost 4 straight games and 8 of their last 10 while the Blue Jays have won 6 straight games and 9 of their last 10. Aaron Boone is shaking things up by moving DJ Lemahieu down in the lineup and leading off Brett Gardner but I think Alek Manoah should still have success with his wipeout slider. Luis Gil has been good too but the way these teams are trending, the wrong team is favored.

Rating: 2 Units

Mike Minor has been very good lately going deep into games and pitching well. Matt Harvey is still Matt Harvey and shouldn’t get deep into this game. Adalberto Mondesi is in the lineup and the Royals are 8-4 on the road in the last 3 weeks while the Orioles are 3-8 at home.

Rating: 2 Units

This play is mainly on Triston McKenzie as he has been absolutely dominant pitching five straight quality starts. Joe Ryan made one start allowing 3 runs in 5 IP and the Twins have used all their top bullpen pieces winning the first two games of this series. Take the Indians at home.

Rating: 2 Units

As I expected, the Giants are resting two regulars, although I thought one might be Kris Bryant because he's a bit banged up: It's Evan Longoria and Buster Posey. The SF players could be running on fumes without a day off as a whole since Aug. 23 and probably looking ahead to Thursday's day off. Anthony DeSclafani has a 6.26 ERA in six day starts this year. Colorado's Jon Gray comes off the IL and has been better at home (3.67 ERA) and during the day (3.38 ERA). The Rox have been a RL money machine at home but have failed to cover the past three. They are due.

Rating: 2 Units

Things couldn't have gone much worse for the A's in Toronto. They blew a six-run, eighth-inning lead, lost a slugfest and then were blown out. Fortunately, they had Monday off and are now at home. Also, the White Sox's rotation is down three men, meaning they have to start Jimmy Lambert. The righty has a 9.00 ERA in the majors in eight innings and 4.98 ERA in 59 2/3 Triple-A innings. Also, the White Sox have a losing road record and are just 29-33 against teams .500 or above.

Rating: 2 Units

Monday was a disaster for the Red Sox. With Chris Sale on the hill, they needed to use six relievers -- including most of their important ones that aren't on the shelf -- and still lost in extras. The Rays didn't even need to use Andrew Kittredge or Pete Fairbanks. Tuesday, the Rays start Drew Rasmussen. He hasn't given up more than a run since July 5, a span of 11 outings and 32 1/3 innings of pitching to a 1.95 ERA. The Red Sox counter with Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been awful at home. He held down the Rays last week, but they'll get to him with a second look on a quick turnaround.

Rating: 2 Units

Jackson Kowar looked much better in his most recent stint in the Major Leagues allowing just 2 runs in 6 IP. Alexander Wells has been very hit or miss and he will be making a spot start today. The Orioles are 5-15 in their last 3 weeks including 2-8 at home while the Royals are 13-8 and 8-3 on the road in the same time span. Trey Mancini is out of the lineup again, take the Royals.

Rating: 2 Units

Carlos Carrasco has been decent since returning to the starting rotation but he has already faced the Marlins twice including in his last start. Edward Cabrera is making just his third career start and his last start was against the Mets. The Mets are 13-21 since the trade deadline and they are 6-13 on the road. The Marlins are 13-19 since the trade deadline and 12-8 at home. The Marlins are 5-2 against the Mets at home this season, this game should be much closer to 50-50. Take the value in the home dog.

Rating: 2 Units

Aaron Civale makes his return from the IL for his first start since June. John Gant has struggled since being traded and inserted into the starting rotation, but most notably he hasn’t been getting deep into games. The Indians are 11-8 in the past 3 weeks including 6-4 at home, while the Twins are 8-11 in the same time span and 4-7 on the road. The Twins used all their top bullpen guys in the win yesterday as well, take the Indians at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Both these starters have actually been pitching very well lately but the Twins struggle against lefties. The Indians have been much better at home while the Twins have struggled on the road. The Indians are 11-7 in the past 3 weeks and 6-3 at home while the Twins are 7-11 and 3-7 on the road in the same timeframe. Jose Ramirez should be back in the lineup after an off day yesterday and the Twins only have 27 road wins all season. Take the home dogs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies and the Giants actually have the same record at 11-8 in the past three weeks, and the Rockies are one of the best teams at home in the league. The Giants are coming off multiple high leverage bullpen games against the Dodgers so their bullpen should be worn out. Not ideal for Coors Field. Kevin Gausman has yet to pitch at Coors Field this season and he allowed 5 ER in 10.1 IP in Coors Field last season. Kyle Freeland has been pitching really well lately including one run allowed in 6 IP against the Giants in his only start against them this season. The Giants tend to struggle against lefties and Buster Posey should be out of the lineup after playing back to back nights. Take the Rockies at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds have the fifth worst wOBA in the league against lefties this season and they face Justin Steele today who allowed just 1 hit in 5 IP in his last start. The Cubs have sneakily won 6 straight games and 7 of their last 10 games including a 3 run 9th inning yesterday to walk off the Pirates. In the past three weeks, the Cubs are 11-7 while the Reds are 9-10. The Cubs are 3-4 against the Reds at home this season and they just won 2 out of 3 games in Cincy in August. Take the home dog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Jays bats have awoken after their onslaught of the Athletics relievers continued. They have now won 4 straight games and 7 of their last 10 while the take on the slumping Yankees. The Yankees just lost 2 straight to the Orioles and have lost 6 of 10. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Jameson Taillon are both capable of pitching gems or getting lit up so I will take the value on the dog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Giants have withstood everything that's gone against them this season, but now the starting rotation has some holes. Los Angeles RHP Walker Buehler has faced San Francisco's two aces this season, and the Dodgers lost two of the three games, even though Buehler allowed a total of two earned runs. Los Angeles will get the win - and sole possession of first place in the NL West - on Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mariners are riding a four-game winning streak and are only four games out for the final AL wild-card spot. Seattle winning five straight looks strong, and it’s fairly cheap behind RHP Chris Flexen, as the team has gone 17-8 behind him. Opponents have hit Arizona LHP Tyler Gilbert hard since he tossed a no-hitter in his first major-league start. Take the Mariners to win.

Rating: 2 Units

Getting the Rockies at plus-money at home? No-brainer as I've said many times. Yes, it's the MLB debut of Rox pitcher Ryan Feltner, but he has some very good minor-league numbers and the Braves obviously don't have a "book" on him. All three games in this series have been decided by one run.

Rating: 2 Units

Dylan Cease is 5-4 with a 5.37 ERA on the road this season. However, he has been very good lately and he has faced the Royals four times already this season. Brady Singer has been pitching well lately also but he has only faced the White Sox one time this season as opposed to Cease. The Royals have been hitting well lately and these two teams have split their meetings this season 9-9. Adalberto Mondesi is back in the lineup. Take the value in the Royals at home.

Rating: 2 Units

These two teams continue to play close games as the Indians tied the game in the 9th yesterday only for the Red Sox to walk it off in the 10th. Nick Pivetta has been placed on the COVID IL and it looks like the Red Sox will be going with a bullpen game. Zach Plesac has been very good lately and he is coming off one of his best starts if the season. The Indians have been playing well lately and the Red Sox are still without many key players including Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers is getting the day off, take the value on the Indians.

Rating: 2 Units

First place in the NL West on the line -- the Dodgers come in with a full bullpen after being off Thursday, while the Giants aren't hitting and were lucky to avoid a four-game home sweep at the hands of the Brewers on Thursday. Arguably San Francisco's best reliever, Tyler Rogers (1.80 ERA), has pitched in the past two games and thus likely won't be available. Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani is 0-3 with a 9.43 ERA in five starts against the Dodgers this year. I don't love LA starter David Price, but getting that loaded lineup at just -115 against anyone is a must-play. I expect this ML to jump in the morning.

Rating: 2 Units

Won yet again on the Rockies RL on Thursday, and I see no reason to stop Friday at -120. Their pitcher Thursday, Chi Chi Gonzalez, is one of the NL's worst (probably why they lost 6-5), but Friday's starter Antonio Senzatela has always been better in Denver (3.89 ERA this year) and has a 2.93 ERA in five starts overall since coming off the injured list. Atlanta's Huascar Ynoa is a fine young pitcher, but this will be his first time at Coors Field. It's a totally different experience. I'm going to take the Rox +1.5 at home pretty much always when they are -120 or better.

Rating: 2 Units

You know what I like to say ... Stick With What Works! The Rockies are back home, where they are 43-22. That means they play like a 107-win team at home. They've gone 10-2 in their last two homestands and we went 4-0 on the last one. Why stray? Meantime, the Braves have lost six of eight against tough competition after getting fat against mostly weaklings. The Rockies might not look as tough as the Yankees, Giants or Dodgers, but when in Coors Field, they absolutely are that tough. Ride 'em until they buck ya.

Rating: 2 Units

Indians starter Triston McKenzie is throwing the ball very well of late. In four starts in August he had a 1.93 ERA and 28 strikeouts against two walks in 28 innings. He's also totally shut down the Royals in three outings this season, having allowed only one run in 15 2/3 innings. On the other side, it's been a while since Mike Minor wasn't bad. The Royals are 2-9 in his last 11 starts and he has a 6.46 ERA in that time. So we've got the better team having a much better pitching matchup with very playable odds. Take 'em.

Rating; 2 Units

he Red Sox broke the Rays' nine-game winning streak on Wednesday, but that was with Chris Sale on the hill. This time around it's Eduardo Rodriguez in front of a COVID-ravaged bullpen. He's been terrible this season with a 5.12 ERA. Even if he holds the Rays down one time through the order, it won't take much longer for them to bust through offensively. The Rays send rookie sensation Shane McClanahan, who has a 2.84 ERA in his last eight starts, seven of those Rays wins. He's 6-1 at home and the Rays are 43-24 at home. Play the winner. Stick with what works.

Rating: 2 Units

 I can't fathom the Giants being swept four games at home and was going to back them here ... until I saw their lineup. No Buster Posey. Down to their fourth-string second baseman due to injuries. A starting outfield of Austin Slater, Darin Ruf and Mauricio Dubon. Yikes! So, I'll take the Brewers RL at -130 behind Eric Lauer (2.76 day ERA). I'd take the Under if the wind wasn't blowing out a bit.

Rating: 2 Units

The Angels just announced that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch Tuesday night (he will be able to DH through a minor injury), so this moneyline is clearly going to rise overnight with Jaime Barria (2-2, 5.56) taking his place. It's Jameson Taillon for the Yanks. He is 7-0 with a 3.05 ERA in his last 13 starts, allowing three earned or fewer in 11 of those.

Rating: 2 Units

I haven't faded my Cubs for a while! Pitcher Zach Davies has not been good this month, going 0-3 with a 7.94 ERA. Chicago is 1-8 in its past nine vs. the American League and 1-8 in its past nine series openers. The Twins actually will finish August with a winning record, their first winning month of the year. They are 6-1 in their past seven at home vs. right-handers. I expect this ML to rise to around -160ish by the morning.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore pitcher Keegan Akin is 0-5 with an 8.25 ERA on the road and was shelled for six runs in 4.1 innings in his lone 2021 start vs. Toronto. The Blue Jays offense, which already is the best at home in the AL, welcomed back George Springer from injury Monday. In 50 games as a Blue Jay, he has now scored 42 runs and reached base safely 79 times. Toronto pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu is 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA this year vs. the Birds (who are resting one of their top hitters in Trey Mancini). Obviously not going to risk -320 or whatever so Jays at -150 on runline it is.

Rating: 2 Units

Apparently, this will be the MLB debut of Angels pitcher Kyle Tyler, a 20th-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2018. He has solid minor-league numbers overall but was hit around in five Triple-A games this year, going 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA. The Yankees seem due a big offensive night after scoring just three runs in back-to-back losses in Oakland. Corey Kluber starts for NYY but will be on a pitch count off the injured list. New York has won five straight series openers.

Rating: 2 Units

Rain might affect a part of this game but it should be played. I also think this total may drop to 8, so I'll jump now at 8.5. The Phillies are without All-Star catcher JT Realmuto (and of course lost Rhys Hoskins for the season last week). It's a pretty weak lineup other than Bryce Harper, and young Nats right-hander Josiah Gray has a 2.89 ERA since being acquired from the Dodgers. Phils ace Zack Wheeler should be able to hold that meh Washington lineup to just a few runs. This feels like a 4-3 maybe 5-3 game, so Under it is.

Rating: 2 Units

Generally speaking, teams that have to travel to a city for a one-game makeup and then fly right back out to another location don't fare well in that makeup game because they just don't want to be there. That's the position the Twins are in here. They played a home series over the weekend vs. the Brewers, now have this meaningless game and then fly back home for another series starting Tuesday vs. the Cubs. Minnesota is a pretty lousy road team as it is. We'll take the Tigers on the RL -- behind former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize on the mound -- to be safe.

Rating: 2 Units

Are the playoff-hopeful Mariners really going to get swept at home by the Royals? I have a tough time seeing that. KC starter Brady Singer has allowed at least four runs in three of his past four. M's lefty Marco Gonzales has a 1.36 ERA this month. Hey, for what it's worth, the Mariners are 8-0 in their past four in Game 4 of a series. OK, reaching, but it's the end of a long trip for the Royals and they likely are on fumes. Always fade teams on the end of long trips, regardless of sport.

Rating: 2 Units

When the Houston Astros send Zack Greinke to the hill against Texas today they will do so knowing his is 10-0 this season in his team-starts against the Rangers. He also sports a 2.34 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP in his road starts this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Matt Boyd is making his first start since June 14th but he has been much better at home with a 2.47 ERA. Jose Berrios has really struggled lately going 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA since arriving in Toronto. The Blue Jays are struggling, having won just 4 of their last 10 games. Akil Baddoo is back in the lineup and the Tigers have most of their regulars in. Take the value in the Tigers at home.

Rating; 2 Units

Tyler Mahle is much better on the road going 7-1 with a 1.84 ERA. Jesus Luzardo has struggled all season, but he has allowed at least 3 ER in all of his starts with Miami. The Reds play well on the road and they are 5-1 against the Reds in the past 2 weeks so they should have no problem today. Take the Reds to win the series.

Rating: 2 Units

he main reason I’m betting the Yankees tonight is that they’ve won 12 straight. On a lesser level, I’m betting them because the A’s have lost five straight. Gerrit Cole starting is a bonus, especially since he’s been dominant in his last two starts, allowing just one run total in two Yankees wins. The A’s have lost three of Sean Manaea’s last four starts, including one where the Rangers scored seven runs off him. Yankees to win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds lead the majors in OPS versus right-handed pitching (.786) and should have success against Zach Thompson. The Marlins have lost seven of Thompson's last nine starts. Wade Miley faces a Miami lineup that ranks 27th in OPS versus southpaws (.677). These teams just met last week, with the Reds sweeping four at home. Look for the Reds to beat Miami for the 11th time in their last 12 tries.

Rating: 2 Units

The White Sox get Cy Young candidate Carlos Rodon back from the injured list and he's supposedly ready to go a normal length -- but even if not, the Sox's top three relievers, Michael Kopech, Craig Kimbrel and Liam Hendriks, are all available. The Jays' Hyun Jin Ryu has been rather hit or miss in his past handful of starts. Toronto also is starting a bit of a watered-down lineup after its Big 4 (Alejandro Kirk at DH?).

Rating: 2 Units

Brett Anderson vs. Sonny Gray and the Brewers are going for the sweep. Brett Anderson is much better at home with a 3.13 ERA and the Reds struggle against lefties with the 5th worst wOBA in the league. He has already faced Cincy this season and pitched two good outings and one bad one. Sonny Gray is better on the road but he was hit hard in his last start against the Brewers. I just don’t trust the Reds bullpen even if they take an early lead. The Brewers have all their top relievers available as well, so Ill take the Brewers at home to sweep. The Brewers have won five straight against the Reds and two of the last three series between these two teams have been sweeps.

Rating: 2 Units

 I am a tad worried that Phillies ace and former Cy Young favorite Zack Wheeler has been a bit off his past two starts, but he has been much better at home all year and the Rays are sitting a ton of offensive thunder in Nelson Cruz, Mike Zunino, Austin Meadows and Manuel Margot essentially in favor of defense (plus obviously no DH). Tampa starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough (4.57 ERA) is nothing special.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies were the victims of a bullpen blowup last night and ended up blowing a 4-0 lead, but the Rockies have the third highest wOBA in the league against lefties and Trevor Story was out of the lineup yesterday. The Cubs are still one of the worst teams in the league since the trade deadline, take the Rockies on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

 I expect Houston to take off now that Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman are both back from injury/COVID -- Bregman is being activated today. The Astros should rough up Royals lefty Mike Minor (5.34 ERA) as Kansas City has lost his past four overall, and he's a bit worse away from home. Houston leads the AL in OPS vs. southpaws. The Astros' Lance McCullers (10-4, 3.21) has a 2.73 ERA in five career starts vs. the Royals. Tempted to take Houston without the runline (at -120), but -245 is a big number.

Rating: 2 Units

The Giants are going with a bullpen game today starting with Sammy Long. Long hasn’t been great, but he should be fine against a Mets team that struggles against lefties. Tylor Megill faced the Giants last week and pitched well, but the hitters should have the advantage second time around. Kris Bryant is out of the lineup but Buster Posey is in. Bryant should get an important at bat too if this game is close. Take the value on the Giants.

Rating: 2 Units

 Griffin Jax has been pitching well lately having allowed three runs or fewer in five straight starts. Tanner Houck has also been pitching well but he hasn’t been getting deep into games, and the Red Sox bullpen has been bad lately. The Twins were playing well until they ran into their kryptonite in the Yankees and the Red Sox were very close to losing two of three at home to the Rangers. Take the value in the Twins.

Rating: 2 Units

Erik Fedde has struggled this season, but Jesus Luzardo has struggled much more. The Marlins are sitting their top RBI guy in Jesus Aguilar and the Nats have multiple guys like Lane Thomas and Yadiel Hernandez hot right now. The Nats have the highest wOBA in the league against lefties and the Marlins have lost 7 straight games. Take the Nats.

Rating: 2 Units

Watered-down lineup for White Sox with no Tim Anderson, Cesar Hernandez or Andrew Vaughn. The latter two are resting, but Anderson (minor injury) is the key to that entire lineup and it's not a coincidence that Chicago has lost three straight without him. Jays starter Jose Berrios' 3.52 ERA is sixth best in the AL as is his opponents' average of .223. Right-handers really can't hit him (.184) and Berrios has been great in two home starts since being traded to Toronto from Minnesota. Sox starter Dylan Cease has a 5.86 road ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

The Orioles have now lost 18 straight games, and they get Ohtani and the Angels next at home. Dylan Bundy has struggled this season but maybe he focuses a little more pitching against his old team tonight. The Orioles bullpen has been terrible lately and Spenser Watkins has allowed at least four runs in 5 straight starts. Fade the Os until they win.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a battle of bullpens and I like the Rays to win that one every time. Ranger Suarez has pitched well but he has struggled getting deep into games now that he is stretched out. The Rays have many more options after Rasmussen who can open with four innings and they were off yesterday. They lose the DH but with a bullpen game, they should be able to pinch hit and make double switches at will. Take the Rays on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

Close losses have been the story with the Oakland A's, as they lost another game by one run Sunday against the Giants. It should be a different story Monday as Oakland has kept Marco Gonzales from pitching beyond six innings twice this season. Moreover, they were the last team to score multiple runs against Gonzales, on July 25.

Rating: 2 Units

This will be only the third game in MLB history in which both teams enter on nine-game win streaks (or better) and the first since 1901. Perhaps small advantage Yankees in that their Sunday game was rained out so they will have a full bullpen -- but also lose the DH (Giancarlo Stanton is playing right field). Maybe it's a bad thing the Braves are at home? They are on a franchise-record 13-game road winning streak. I was going to take whichever team here was getting +1.5 on the runline. Do trust Yanks starter Jordan Montgomery a bit more than Atlanta's Huascar Ynoa. New York has won its past six vs. the National League, while the Braves are 1-9 in their past 10 at home vs. the AL.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Jays are just 3-7 in their last 10 games and the White Sox have won their past two series openers before dropping the series. Lance Lynn is a legitimate Cy Young candidate and hasn’t been able to get that deep lately, but the White Sox have a much better bullpen. Alek Manoah is still a rookie despite the good start to his career. Take the White Sox to win the series opener.

Rating: 2 Units

Makeup of Sunday's postponed game and the only matinee on Monday. The Red Sox should be able to tee off on Texas lefty Kolby Allard, who has a 5.59 ERA on the road and 5.11 in day games. Boston's Nathan Eovaldi leads Sox starters in wins (10), ERA (3.91), innings (138.0), and WHIP (1.20). He has been quite a bit better at home (3.24 ERA).

Rating: 2 Units

This game is in Williamsport for the Little League Classic so I'm not about to bet the total not knowing the field all that well. Make sure you double check if you look at those weather MLB sites like I do because many of them are giving Cleveland's forecast. Frankly, this might get rained out. I don't know if I'm related to Cal Quantrill or what but it sure seems so as I manage to pick all of his games. Quantrill is generally going to give us six innings and allow three earned or fewer. The Angels might be out of gas as they haven't had a day off in a few weeks and are playing in their fifth city in a week.

Rating: 2 Units

It's almost getting boring backing the Rockies at home. Why the oddsmakers don't have this north of -200 is mystifying. Rox starter Jon Gray has been better both at home and during the day. This time of year on a bad team, always back the guy pitching for a contract.

Rating: 2 Units

Here is another ML I can't say I understand being under -200. Seattle pitcher Tyler Anderson has been pretty good since coming over from Pittsburgh in a trade, but the Astros eat lefties for lunch. On the flip side, it's Framber Valdez for Houston and Seattle, well, is not good against southpaws (3-7 in past 10). Valdez is 4-0 with a 1.48 ERA in six career games vs. the Mariners.

Rating: 2 Units

Vladimir Gutierrez has been dominant lately going 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA in August and pitching five straight quality starts overall. Sandy Alcantara is also pitching well lately but he is worse on the road, just like the Marlins are. The Marlins have lost six straight games and the Reds have won seven of their last 10 games. The Reds are tied with the Padres for the second Wild Card spot right now, Jonathan India is sitting but he will probably pinch hit if there is a crucial situation.

Rating: 2 Units

ohn Means has allowed at least four runs in four of his six starts since returning from the IL, including nine home runs allowed in those six starts. Touki Touissant has had one bad outing but he hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his other five starts. The Orioles have now lost 17 straight games while the Braves have won 8 straight games. The Braves also add the DH so they could give one of their main guys a break while keeping him in the lineup. Take the Braves.

Rating: 2 Units

OK, I am going to hang out with my wife now by the pool. But I can't not take this. Rox at just -140 against the worst road team in MLB? Sure. I could give a bunch of pitching stats but that's enough.

Rating: 2 Units

Scary-good price on Houston at home. Frankly, I don't get it. Sometimes, I can throw stats at you, etc., but this is crazy. It's not like the Stros are starting the Lupus kid from Bad News Bears (Kelly Leak, different story). I guess it's because Houston starter Jake Odorizzi has been a bit hit or miss lately but I'll take my chances at this number.

Rating: 2 Units

Kris Bubic was hit hard last time out against the Cardinals, but that was his second time seeing the lineup in a row and he had been pitching well before that. The Cubs also tend to struggle against lefties. Keegan Thompson has been good but he should only go 2 innings or so in a bullpen game. Sal Perez is in the lineup after getting banged up yesterday, take the Royals.

Rating: 2 Units

 Pretty surprised this ML is so low. Dallas Keuchel is the weak link of the Chicago rotation. Stud Rays rookie Randy Arozarena (yeah, he's tech a rookie even though he dominated the 2020 postseason) is also back in the lineup for the Rays. He got Friday off.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams are equally putrid on the road -- literally the same record away -- but Colorado is a monster at home. It also was off Thursday, while Arizona had to use closer Taylor Clarke for 26 pitches to hold off the Phillies, so he's probably out. Rox starter Austin Gomber has a 1.70 home ERA. He's countered by Mr. Shocking No-Hitter Tyler Gilbert. Tend to think things will go a tad differently in his second big-league start -- first start after no-hitters, many pitchers really struggle because of that previous high pitch count -- and first in Denver.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'm a White Sox fan so I hope they win (and probably would go to one of these games if the Trop wasn't such a dump and in an out-of-the-way location), but the Pale Hose are basically a .500 team on the road and the Rays are an absolute juggernaut at home. Yes, Tampa starting pitcher Michael Wacha has been pretty bad lately as Larry Hartstein mentioned on Early Edge in playing a Wacha Under prop, but the Rays have a very deep bullpen and I'm guessing Wacha has an incredibly short leash. On the flip side, the White Sox's Lucas Giolito has been wildly inconsistent. Frankly, whichever team was the underdog I would have taken at +1.5 in this one. Rays it is at -150.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota rookie lefty Charlie Barnes probably will be a bit intimidated in his first-ever start at Yankee Stadium, and he was roughed up in his lone road start so far (Cincinnati). On the flip side, Yanks pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. continues to surprise and has a 1.45 home ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Going to jump this one early as a few books have already seen the total drop to 8 and that half-run could easily be the difference. It's Cy Young favorite Zack Wheeler on the mound for the Phils, and he loves pitching during the day (1.43 ERA). Arizona's Madison Bumgarner has been one of the NL's best pitchers since the All-Star break. Educated guess: Phils All-Star catcher JT Realmuto (and maybe another regular) sits out this getaway game ahead of a big series in San Diego.

Rating: 2 Units

Even at a big price of -160, going to take Tigers +1.5 runline as a safety net (they probably win outright) only as I believe they will be -1.5 by the morning because the Angels scratched starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval, who has been quite good. He's headed to the injured list. In his place will be lefty Jose Quintana (0-3, 6.12). He has been decent as a reliever this year but awful starting (7.22 ERA). The Tigers are five games over .500 vs. southpaws -- have won their past four -- and their rookie pitcher, Matt Manning, has been much better at home.

Rating: 2 Units

On Monday, the Dodgers did not light up the scoreboard, scoring just two runs against Pittsburgh. After completing a six-game road trip and a late Sunday flight from New York, that offensive struggle was expected. On Tuesday, L.A.'s bats should be back in order against the struggling Pirates and pitcher Will Crowe. Since the money line price is heavy, take the better price with the run line. Play the Dodgers.

Rating; 2 Units

 Amidst several injuries, the Padres will start Matt Strahm as an opener for Tuesday’s game against the Rockies. He likely won’t pitch beyond a couple of innings, lessening the impact of his high ERA (8.44). Although the Rockies have been effective at home, pitcher German Marquez has struggled since the All-Star break. Take the Padres at even money.

Rating: 2 Units

On Tuesday, the Brewers start their third straight road series, at St. Louis. Pitching for the Cardinals will be Adam Wainwright, who is coming off a complete game shutout over the Pirates. He’s also been magnificent against the Brewers, winning four of his last five starts. But I expect yesterday’s off day to be beneficial for Milwaukee, led by pitcher Corbin Burnes. Take the Brewers.

Rating: 2 Units

Could be history tonight as Detroit's Miguel Cabrera is one homer shy of 500 career. The Tigers were off Monday and are 7-1 in their past eight following an off day, but this is more about fading the Angels, who are playing in their third city in three nights (Anaheim, New York, Detroit), and their pitcher, Dylan Bundy. He is 2-9 with 6.21 ERA in 17 starts this year and 1-6 with a 7.48 ERA in night games. I expect this ML to rise a bit during the day.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cubs have now lost 12 straight games and they are 21-41 on the road. They are 1-15 since the trade deadline and Kyle Hendricks was hit hard by the Reds the last time he faced them, and hit hard by the Brewers in his last start. Vladimir Gutierrez is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in August and he pitched well against the Cubs both times he faced them this season. The Reds didn’t need to use any of their best relievers last night and now they are just 1.5 games out of the Wild Card. As long as we keep getting a ML under -200 against the Cubs, we are taking it. Especially when they’re on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

The Yankees are on fire right now but the Red Sox have owned this matchup so far this season. This will be the first matchup since the trade deadline and with the Yankees just 1.5 games back, you know Yankee Stadium will be rockin. Jordan Montgomery has faced the Red Sox three times this season and was one out away from three quality starts. Tanner Houck has been good but he struggles with walks and he doesn’t get deep into games. Take the value on the Yankees at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mets are in for a challenge against the Giants. On Sunday night, they were trounced 14-4 at home by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a prime-time spot. Now they travel across the country to face the best team in majors. Look for a better effort from New York, which has been priced based on its underachieving play since the All-Star break. Play the Mets.

Rating: 2 Units

We've said this over and over, but no team is better at home on the runline than Colorado. I get you can't really favor the Rockies over a very good Padres team, but I'll happily take +1.5 at only -125. San Diego pitcher Ryan Weathers has been absolutely obliterated in his past three starts overall and has a 9.00 ERA in three outings vs. Colorado -- which is above .500 vs. lefties. Rox starter Antonio Senzatela is nothing special but always pitches better in Denver. The Friars are 1-5 in their past six as road favorites.