MLB Odds: Revived Astros Host Helpless Halos

Have the Houston Astros (82-51, minus-8.96 betting units) finally figured things out? After a 1-7 slump that saw them surrender the lead in the American League West, the defending World Series champions have won eight of their last 10 games, vaulting back on top heading into this week’s four-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels (64-69, minus-13.32 units). The finale will be aired on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball at 8:10 PM ET.


According to the MLB website, Gerrit Cole (2.85 ERA) will start Sunday’s game for the Astros; while no one has been officially named for Los Angeles at press time, ESPN has Odrisamer Despaigne (6.12 ERA) pencilled in to take the mound. Cole is up 6.24 units this year on a team record of 19-8; Despaigne, who came over from the Miami Marlins on August 14 in exchange for cash considerations, has made four combined starts leading to one win and 1.69 units in red ink.
The Angels are in freefall after losing nine of their last 11, including a three-game sweep in Houston. There are currently seven starting pitchers on LA’s disabled list – three of them tabbed for Tommy John surgery and not expected back until 2020.

MLB Odds: Astros-Angels on Sunday Night Baseball

After winning eight of their last 10 to retake the AL West lead, the Houston Astros (82-51, minus-8.96 betting units) host the Los Angeles Angels (64-69, minus-13.32 units) this Sunday in the finale of a four-game set. ESPN has the coverage at 8:10 PM ET.


Gerrit Cole (2.85 ERA) is due up for Houston; the Angels have yet to officially name a starter, but ESPN has Odrisamer Despaigne (6.12 ERA) making his fourth appearance for LA since coming over from the Miami Marlins on August 14. Despaigne’s services are required – there are seven starting pitchers on the Halos’ disabled list.

MLB Odds: Sanchez Back on Mound to Face Marlins

After wrapping up a series in Baltimore on Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays fly south to take on the Miami Marlins for a three-game set starting this Friday. The Jays have tasted a rare bit of success of late, winning five of their last seven games, while also watching DH Kendrys Morales swat home runs in seven straight games. While Morales came up one game short of the MLB record for consecutive games with a dinger, the Jays will look to look to continue their recent positive play in Florida.


Another bit of good news for the Jays is that Aaron Sanchez will take the mound on Friday, marking his second start since returning from the 60-day DL. In his first outing, the 26-year-old lasted only four innings while surrendering six runs. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to improve upon those numbers against the 29th-ranked offence of the Marlins.

Like Toronto, 2018 has been a season to forget for the Marlins. They sit last in the NL East and own the third-worst run differential in the Bigs at -174. Miami will turn to starter Dan Straily as the Marlins try to scratch out a couple more wins before the end of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET.

MLB Odds: Morales and Jays take on Marlins

After coming up one game short of tying the MLB record for consecutive games with a home run, Toronto Blue Jays’ DH Kendrys Morales will be eager to start a new streak against the Miami Marlins. He and the rest of the Jays will be up against Miami starter Dan Straily.
Bet on baseball at Bodog and get a free 100% bonus.

The Marlins’ starter pitched one of his best games of the season in his last outing, going six innings without surrendering a run against the division-leading Atlanta Braves. The starter has struggled with command throughout much of the season, giving up 51 walks over 109.2 innings. He’ll attempt to build on his last start and notch a win for Miami.

MLB Odds: Cleveland Continue Playoff March Versus Twins

This has been a disappointing year overall for the American League Central. All five teams have failed to beat the baseball odds, but someone has to win the division, and it looks like that someone will be Cleveland (74-56, minus-14.76 betting units). The Tribe will host the second-place Minnesota Twins (61-69, minus-10.52 units) this Thursday at 1:10 PM ET.


Mike Clevinger (3.30 ERA) will get the start for Cleveland, and while the third-year northpaw has pitched very well overall, big chalk and the Tribe’s weak bullpen have left Clevinger 11.06 units in the red on a team record of 11-15. Seven of his 16 quality starts turned sour for Cleveland, including his last outing, Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals (+185 at home).

The Twins respond with Jake Odorizzi (4.38 ERA), a veteran right-hander who came over from the Tampa Bay Rays during the offseason. Odorizzi has struggled somewhat in today’s flyball-heavy landscape, leading Minnesota to a 12-15 record and a deficit of 3.36 units. He’s also getting just four runs per game in support; the Under is 16-10-1 in Odorizzi’s 27 starts thus far, compared to 12-11-3 for Clevinger.

MLB Odds: Minnesota-Cleveland on Thursday

Major League Baseball returns to Facebook this Thursday when the Minnesota Twins (61-69, minus-10.52 betting units) take a trip to Cleveland to play the Tribe (74-56, minus-14.76 units). First pitch is at 1:10 PM ET.


Jake Odorizzi (4.38 ERA) will take the mound for Minnesota opposite Mike Clevinger (3.30 ERA). It’s a bit of a mismatch on paper, but thanks to a combination of heavy chalk and poor relief pitching, the Tribe are 11-15 behind Clevinger for a loss of 11.06 units, while Odorizzi has the Twins down 3.36 units on a team record of 12-15.




MLB Odds: Twins Face Cleveland at The Jake

With the disappointing AL Central nearly wrapped up, first-place Cleveland (74-56, minus-14.76 units) will host second-place Minnesota (61-69, minus-10.52 units) this Thursday at 1:10 PM ET on Facebook Watch. Mike Clevinger will start for the Tribe opposite Jake Odorizzi; Cleveland has blown seven of Clevinger’s 16 quality starts thus far.

MLB Odds: Blue Jays Face Orioles Wednesday

If the Toronto Blue Jays (60-70, minus-8.06 betting units) got to face the Baltimore Orioles (37-94, minus-49.12 units) every week, maybe they’d be going to the playoffs. The Jays will face Baltimore this Wednesday for the sixth time in nine games. Sportsnet has the coverage from Camden Yards beginning at 7:05 PM ET.


Rookie left-hander Ryan Borucki (4.12 ERA) is projected to start for Toronto. Borucki is up 2.96 units on a team record of 6-5, including five wins in his last six games, but the Illinois native has been strangely inconsistent – the Over is 5-1 when the Jays win, while the Under is 4-1 when they lose. He began the year as Toronto’s No. 8-ranked prospect, pairing a pedestrian fastball with an occasionally baffling change-up.

Alex Cobb (5.00 ERA) is next in line for the Orioles. The veteran northpaw is in his first year with Baltimore after spending over a decade in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. It’s been a rough welcome; the O’s are 5-19 behind Cobb for a loss of 11.61 units, providing just 3.58 runs per game in support. Only Houston’s Justin Verlander and Cincinnati’s Homer Bailey have fared worse against the baseball odds this year.

MLB Odds: Borucki Gets the Nod in Baltimore

The Toronto Blue Jays (60-70, minus-8.06 betting units) will send first-year southpaw Ryan Borucki to the mound this Wednesday when they visit Alex Cobb and the Baltimore Orioles (37-94, minus-49.12 units). First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET on Sportsnet.


Borucki (4.12 ERA), Toronto’s No. 8-ranked prospect in 2018, has the Jays up 2.96 units on a record of 6-5 in his rookie campaign. Cobb (5.00 ERA), the veteran right-hander, has regressed since leaving the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent, leading the O’s to a 5-19 record and 11.61 units of red ink.

MLB Odds: Mets All-Star deGrom Faces Hamels, Cubs on Tuesday

The New York Mets will visit the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday with Jacob deGrom and Cole Hamels set to go head-to-head in the most intriguing pitching matchup of the night. deGrom, who has been among the best pitchers in baseball all season, will carry a 1.71 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP and an 11.07 K/9 with him to the mound in Chicago. He will look to match his last start against the Cubs back on June 2, when he gave up just one earned run while striking out 13 over seven innings of work. However, New York will be looking for a better result after somehow losing that incredible deGrom start by a 7-1 score.



Meanwhile, Chicago will counter with Cole Hamels, who has put together his best stretch of the season since being acquired from the Texas Rangers before the trade deadline. The Cubs have won each of Hamels’ five starts. The veteran lefty has posted a 4-0 record with a sparkling 0.79 ERA since arriving in Chicago. Hamels has been outstanding at Wrigley Field, recording 16 strikeouts in 16 innings of work with a 0.89 ERA over two starts.

MLB Odds: Hamels Looks to Stay Perfect with Cubs

Cole Hamels has been lights out since the Chicago Cubs acquired him from the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline. He’s been reinvigorated, going 4-0 with a sparkling 0.79 ERA in five starts for Chicago. The Cubs are undefeated in those five outings.


Hamels will be up against Jacob deGrom for the Mets. The All-Star righty has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season with a 1.71 ERA. Unfortunately for deGrom, his teammates haven’t been able to capitalize on his outstanding numbers; he enters Tuesday’s contest with an 8-8 record.

MLB Odds: Shaky Yankees Meet Orioles at Camden Yards

The second half of the 2018 regular season hasn’t been a smooth one for the New York Yankees (79-47, minus-1.14 betting units). But they can solidify their playoff spot with a strong performance against the last-place Baltimore Orioles (37-90, minus-45.12 units) on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch at Oriole Park is 8:05 PM ET.


Luis Severino (3.28 ERA) gets the nod for the Yankees, as he tries to recapture his form from the first half of the season. Severino has just one quality start in his last six outings; New York is 2-4 during this slump, falling to 20-6 on the season (plus-6.22 units) when their ace takes the mound. Unfortunately for Severino and the Yankees, closer Aroldis Chapman (2.11 ERA) has been put on the 10-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis.

The tanking Orioles respond with Dylan Bundy (5.31 ERA), who’s down 8.62 units this year on a team record of 8-16 (Over 13-9). Bundy has given up seven earned runs in each of his last three starts, and the last time he faced the Yankees on July 11, they won 9-0 as –183 home favorites, with the third-year starter lasting just four innings.

MLB Odds: Severino Seeks Solace in Baltimore

The New York Yankees (79-47, minus-1.14 betting units) hope a trip to Camden Yards is just what the doctor ordered for Luis Severino. Their ace will take the mound this Sunday against the last-place Baltimore Orioles (37-90, minus-45.12 units), beginning at 8:05 PM ET on ESPN.

Severino (3.28 ERA) was on course for the AL Cy Young until the All-Star Game; the Yankees have lost four of his six starts since the break – with only one quality start along the way. Baltimore will go with Dylan Bundy (5.31 ERA), who has coughed up seven earned runs in three consecutive starts.

MLB Odds: Arrieta to Take on the Jays in Series Opener

The Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies kick off interleague play this Friday. While the Phillies have struggled of late, going 4-6 over their last 10 games, they should be able to make some ground against the Jays.


Rumoured to have been in on the Arrieta sweepstakes just eight months ago, the Toronto Blue Jays are now on a different path and have entered full rebuild mode. At 57-69, the Jays are making use of their flopped season and are auditioning their prospects at the big-league level. One of those prospects is pitcher Sean Reid-Foley. The first two starts of his career haven’t been pretty, as he racked up an 8.68 ERA over two starts. He’ll look to get his first career win against Philadelphia at home on Friday.

By contrast, the former Cy Young Award winner and Ace of the Phillies’ staff, Jake Arrieta, is rounding into form when his team needs him the most. Coming off of a six-inning performance in which he surrendered only one earned run, Arrieta is poised to lead the Phillies to a postseason berth for the first time since 2011. Tune in for first pitch at 7:07 PM ET.

MLB Odds: Reid-Foley Gets Another Shot at First Win

Coming off of a disastrous loss to the New York Yankees last Saturday, rookie pitcher Sean Reid-Foley will take the ball against the playoff-hopeful Philadelphia Phillies this Friday. In preparation for the August 31 trade deadline, several more players appear to be on their way out of the Jays’ camp, so look for a lineup that resembles a AAA team in Toronto.

Heading the opposite direction, the Philadelphia Phillies sit just one game back of the Atlanta Braves for top spot in the AL East. They’ll have an excellent opportunity to make hay against Toronto during a three-game interleague matchup in Toronto.

MLB Odds: Phillies-Nationals With Plenty on the Line

If the Washington Nationals (62-63, minus-24.86 betting units) are going to have any shot at winning the National League East, they’d better put up a good fight this week against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (68-56, plus-10.56 units). Game 3 of this three-game set is Thursday at 1:05 PM ET on the MLB Network.


While the Phillies are battling the Atlanta Braves for first place in the division, the Nationals enter this series another 6.5 games behind, even though they have a plus-59 run differential on the season to Philadelphia’s plus-8. Runs should be hard to come by for both teams; Max Scherzer (2.11 ERA) is due to start Thursday for the Nats opposite Aaron Nola (2.24 ERA) in a battle of Cy Young contenders.

As dominant as Scherzer has been this season, big chalk has limited him to 1.98 units in earnings on a team record of 18-8. Nola, on the other hand, is sixth on the MLB money list at plus-10.39 units on a nearly identical record of 18-7, with the UNDER checking in at 17-6-2. Unfortunately for the Nats, their injury-thinned bullpen is one of the worst in baseball, while the Phillies have provided their starters ample relief.

MLB Odds: Cy Young Showdown in Phils-Nats

The top Cy Young Award contenders in the National League will meet this Thursday when Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals (62-63, minus-24.86 betting units) host Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies (68-56, plus-10.56 units) in an important NL East battle. MLB Network has the coverage at 1:05 PM ET.



Scherzer (2.11 ERA) is considered the favorite to win the NL Cy Young for the third straight year; he has the Nationals up 1.98 units on a team record of 18-8, while the Phillies are 18-7 behind Nola (2.24 ERA) for 10.39 units in earnings – sixth overall in the majors.

MLB Odds: Pannone Gets the Call Versus Orioles

Another pitcher will make his first MLB start this Wednesday when Thomas Pannone leads the Toronto Blue Jays (55-69, minus-12.51 betting units) against the last-place team in the majors, the Baltimore Orioles (37-87, minus-42.12 units). First pitch from Rogers Centre is at 12:37 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Pannone was a somewhat promising lefty in the Cleveland organization before coming to the Jays in the Joe Smith trade at last year’s deadline. After missing the first half of 2018 thanks to an 80-game PED suspension, the Rhode Island native has made four relief appearances for Toronto since his first big-league call-up on August 9, giving up two earned runs over 4.1 innings while striking out six.

David Hess (5.95 ERA) is due to pitch for the Orioles, who have been tanking aggressively since their season went off the rails in April. Baltimore is 2-10 behind Hess this year for a loss of 7.35 units; the northpaw from Tennessee is in his first season in the bigs, earning the No. 5 spot in the rotation after getting drafted in the fifth round by the Orioles back in 2014, and he’s allowed 3.88 walks and 2.08 home runs per nine innings thus far.

MLB Odds: Jays Host Last-Place O’s in Pannone’s First Start

Thomas Pannone will make his first big-league start this Wednesday when the Toronto Blue Jays (55-69, minus-12.51 betting units) host fellow rookie David Hess and the Baltimore Orioles (37-87, minus-42.12 units), beginning at 12:37 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Pannone has pitched 4.1 innings of relief for Toronto thus far, after missing the first 80 games of the 2018 campaign to a PED suspension. The southpaw joined the Blue Jays in last year’s deadline deal with Cleveland for reliever Joe Smith. Hess (5.95 ERA) has Baltimore 7.35 units in the red on a team record of 2-10.

MLB Odds: Bieber, Indians Set to Face Eovaldi, Red Sox on Tuesday

The Cleveland Indians will visit the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday at 7:10 PM ET in a matchup of two of the top teams in the American League. They’ll send Shane Bieber to the mound opposite Nathan Eovaldi.

Bieber has been solid for the Indians, posting a 6-2 record with a 4.37 ERA this season. After stumbling in the month of July, Bieber has posted a 2.70 ERA in August while leading Cleveland to a pair of wins in three starts. The Indians have won four of his six road starts this season.

Meanwhile, Eovaldi convinced the Red Sox to trade for him by posting a 4.26 ERA in 10 starts with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this season. Eovaldi has been solid since arriving in Boston, winning three of his four starts while giving up one earned run or fewer in three of those outings. He’ll carry over a 5-4 record with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP this season when he takes the mound.

Neither starter has faced his opponent this season but with both the Red Sox and Indians on a potential playoff collision course, this should be an intriguing matchup on Tuesday night.

MLB Odds: Bieber, Eovaldi Face off when Indians Travel to Boston on Tuesday

Shane Bieber has been excellent for the Cleveland Indians in August, posting a 2.70 ERA over his three starts. He will attempt to build on that when the Indians visit the Boston Red Sox Tuesday night. Bieber is 2-0 with a 4.11 ERA in six road starts this season.


Meanwhile, Boston will counter with veteran Nathan Eovaldi, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays last month. Eovaldi has led the Red Sox to wins in three of his four starts since his arrival, posting a stellar 1.13 ERA. He’s 3-0 in five home starts dating back to his time with the Rays this season.

MLB Odds: Mets-Phillies on Sunday Night Baseball

The Philadelphia Phillies (66-53, plus-12.98 betting units) are in the thick of the National League East race. The New York Mets (51-67, minus-16.18 units) are on the outside looking in. They’ll wrap up a rare five-game series when they meet this Sunday night in Williamsport at 8:05 PM ET on ESPN.



Nick Pivetta (4.37 ERA) is projected to start for Philadelphia. The pride of Victoria, British Columbia has pitched very well for the Phillies this year, earning 2.32 units on a team record of 13-10. Pivetta has allowed just three earned runs in his last three starts combined; on the season, the 25-year-old northpaw is striking out 10.96 batters per nine innings, mixing a mid-90s fastball with three other pitches to keep the opposition on their toes.

New York responds with veteran southpaw Jason Vargas (8.10 ERA), who hasn’t enjoyed nearly the same success as Pivetta this year. The Mets are down 8.37 units behind Vargas on a record of 2-10; however, the California native did pitch his first quality start of the season last week, holding the Baltimore Orioles to two runs over six innings in what became a 6-3 loss for New York (–115 away).

MLB Odds: Phillies Host Mets in NL East Mismatch

The Philadelphia Phillies (66-53, plus-12.98 betting units) find themselves in a dogfight for the NL East lead – but it’s not with the New York Mets (51-67, minus-16.18 units), who will visit the Phillies this Sunday night at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.

Canadian right-hander Nick Pivetta (4.37 ERA) is due to start for Philadelphia opposite Californian southpaw Jason Vargas (8.10 ERA). The Phillies, two games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves at press time, are up 2.32 units behind Pivetta this year on a team record of 13-10; Vargas has New York at 2-10 and 8.37 units in the red.

MLB Odds: Royals Rookie Gets Nod Versus Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays (54-65, minus-9.21 betting units) hope to give Glenn Sparkman a rude initiation Thursday night when he makes his first big-league start for the Kansas City Royals (36-83, minus-31.69 units). Sam Gaviglio responds for the Jays. Sportsnet has the coverage from Kauffman Stadium at 8:15 PM ET.


Sparkman (5.06 ERA in 16 innings) actually made his MLB debut with Toronto last year after they scooped him up from the Royals in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft. The right-hander from Ganado, Texas pitched relief in two games of a series against the Boston Red Sox; Sparkman struggled both times, giving up a total of nine hits and seven earned runs over one combined inning of work. His eight relief appearances with Kansas City this year have been better overall, but still shaky for the most part.

The Jays have gotten mixed results from Gaviglio (4.86 ERA) since acquiring him from Kansas City in March for cash considerations. He’s down 3.28 units on a team record of 6-10, although Toronto’s weak bullpen and batting order share the blame for their struggles. Ten of Gaviglio’s 16 starts thus far have resulted in a “no decision” on the scorecards.

MLB Odds: Jays Face Royals at Kauffman Stadium

The Kansas City Royals (36-83, minus-31.69 betting units) have been the perfect fade this year, as they tank their way through the 2018 campaign. They’ll send another debutant to the hill this Thursday when Glenn Sparkman makes his first MLB start opposite Sam Gaviglio and the Toronto Blue Jays (54-65, minus-9.21 units). First pitch is at 8:15 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Sparkman, who pitched one combined inning of poor relief for the Blue Jays last year, will be thrust into the spotlight after 16 mediocre innings in the Royals bullpen, where he posted a 5.06 ERA.

MLB Odds: Cubs Visit Pirates in Double-Tough NL Central

The Chicago Cubs (68-49, minus-0.21 betting units) are once again on top of the National League Central standings, but with three other winning teams in the division, their path to the playoffs is anything but secure. The Cubs will visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (61-58, plus-2.29 units) Thursday night in the opener of an important four-game set at PNC Park, beginning at 7:05 PM ET.

Jon Lester (3.89 ERA) will start the game for Chicago, and while Lester made the All-Star Game this year for the fifth time, his performance level is arguably the worst it’s been since he broke into the majors in 2007. Lester has given up a career-high 1.47 home runs per nine innings; the Cubs are still 17-7 this year in his 24 starts for 8.29 units in profit, but that’s after providing Lester 5.96 runs of support per game. That’s well above Chicago’s season average of 4.92 runs, driving the Over to a 14-9-2 record.

The Pirates have yet to officially pencil in a starter at press time, but Ivan Nova (4.42 ERA) is due up if their rotation holds. Nova has Pittsburgh up 4.69 units this year on a team record of 13-9 (Over 12-9-1).

MLB Odds: Cubs-Pirates at PNC Park

With four NL Central teams above the .500 mark, this week’s four-game series between the division-leading Chicago Cubs (68-49, minus-0.21 betting units) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (61-58, plus-2.29 units) could dramatically change the course of the playoff race. Thursday’s opener at PNC Park begins at 7:05 PM ET.

Jon Lester (3.89 ERA) will start Thursday’s game for the Cubs; Pittsburgh is expected to go with Ivan Nova (4.42 ERA). Both pitchers have received ample run support this year, driving the Over to a combined 26-18-3 mark. Third-baseman Kris Bryant (.854 OPS) remains out for Chicago with an inflamed left shoulder.

MLB Odds: Marco on the Mound in Kansas City

This hasn’t been the best of years for the Toronto Blue Jays (53-64, minus-8.92 betting units), but one of their few profitable starting pitchers will be in action Wednesday night when the Jays visit the Kansas City Royals (35-82, minus-31.88 units), beginning at 8:15 PM ET on Sportsnet. Marco Estrada is due up for Toronto opposite fellow right-hander Burch Smith.


Estrada (4.84 ERA) isn’t having his best season, either, but Toronto’s Opening Day starter has the team 0.98 units in the black on a record of 5-9. However, Estrada has been inconsistent since returning from a three-week stay on the disabled list with a strained glute, followed by a blister that formed on Estrada’s right middle finger during his rehab stint. Estrada has allowed 10 runs over 16.1 innings in three starts since coming off the DL.

Smith (6.97 ERA) is in his second tour of duty in the majors after a brief spell in 2013 with the San Diego Padres. The former Oklahoma Sooner missed 2015 and 2016 to Tommy John surgery. After earning a spot in the Kansas City bullpen, Smith has dropped 4.00 units on a team record of 1-5 since joining the Royals’ rotation in mid-July.

MLB Odds: Jays Can Make Hay in KC

There are no gimmies in baseball, but the Toronto Blue Jays (53-64, minus-8.92 betting units) have a very winnable road game coming up this Wednesday against one of the worst teams in the majors, the Kansas City Royals (35-82, minus-31.88 units). Sportsnet has the coverage at 8:15 PM ET.

Marco Estrada (4.84 ERA) will pitch for Toronto opposite fellow northpaw Burch Smith (6.97 ERA), who has just one quality start in six games since the Royals put the rookie reliever in their rotation. Estrada is 1-2 since returning from a strained glute and a blister on his right middle finger.

MLB Odds: Mariners Ace Paxton Faces Fiers, Athletics on Tuesday

In a game that should produce the most intriguing pitching battle of the night, the Seattle Mariners will visit the Oakland Athletics in Game 2 of a three-game series on Tuesday. James Paxton will be on the mound for the Mariners, and the Athletics will counter with Mike Fiers.


Paxton has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this season with a 3.63 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and an 11.33 K/9. With wins in two of his last three overall, Paxton now owns a 10-5 record overall. He’s pitched better at home than on the road this season, with a 3.21 home ERA compared to a 4.04 road ERA; however, the disparity in those numbers hasn’t negatively impacted his splits away from Seattle. Through 23 starts, he’s 5-2 on the road compared to 5-3 at home.

Oakland will turn to Fiers with the hope that he can outduel Paxton, as these teams continue to jockey for position atop the AL West. Fiers, who was recently acquired from the Detroit Tigers, is 7-6 with a 3.40 ERA this season. He’s been dynamite in his home starts, with a 5-2 record and a 2.69 ERA dating back to his time in Detroit.

MLB Odds: Fiers Looks to Improve Home Splits as Athletics Host Mariners

Mike Fiers will attempt to build on an impressive home debut for the Oakland Athletics when the Seattle Mariners visit Tuesday night. Fiers, who was recently acquired from the Detroit Tigers, allowed just one earned run over 5.1 innings, while striking out eight to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in his Athletics debut. The veteran righty is 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA in 13 home starts this season compared to 2-4 with a 4.44 ERA when away.


Fiers will pitch opposite James Paxton, who has been solid for the Mariners this season. Paxton is 10-5 with a 3.63 ERA and an 11.33 K/9 this season. The Mariners have done particularly well in games that he’s started, winning seven of his last 11 outings.

MLB Odds: Will King Felix Throw for M’s Versus Houston?

After suffering one of the worst defeats of his career, Felix Hernandez may or may not start for the Seattle Mariners (65-50, plus-7.80 betting units) this Sunday when they visit the Houston Astros (73-42, minus-2.33 units) in a very important AL West matchup. First pitch is at 2:10 PM ET on TBS.


It’s his turn in the rotation, but Hernandez (5.73 ERA) is coming off a troubling 11-4 loss to the Texas Rangers (+110 at home) on Tuesday, where King Felix gave up seven earned runs in six innings of work. Seattle manager Scott Servais said “We’ll see” when asked whether King Felix would stay in the rotation. With Tuesday’s result, Hernandez is down 4.39 units on the season with a team record of 10-13, including five straight losses.

Dallas Keuchel (3.53 ERA) is due up for the Astros, who hold an eight-game lead on Seattle heading into their four-game series at the Juice Box. Like Hernandez, Keuchel is a former AL Cy Young winner who’s had trouble beating the baseball odds, dropping 1.98 units despite a team record of 14-10. However, while the M’s have lost ground in the standings, Houston has won seven of Keuchel’s last eight starts.

MLB Odds: Hernandez, M’s Running out of Chances in Houston

This week’s four-game series between the AL West-leading Houston Astros (73-42, minus-2.33 units) and the Seattle Mariners (65-50, plus-7.80 units) could be pivotal – in more ways than one. TBS has the coverage at 2:10 PM ET.


With the M’s trailing Houston by eight games, manager Scott Servais might pull former ace Felix Hernandez (5.73 ERA) from the rotation and start someone else. The Astros have Dallas Keuchel (3.53 ERA) on tap, in what would be a battle of former AL Cy Young winners; Houston has won seven of Keuchel’s last eight starts, while Seattle has dropped five straight behind Hernandez.

MLB Odds: Blue Jays and Red Sox Square Off on Thursday

Two AL East opponents will play the final of a three-game set this Thursday (7:07 PM ET) as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Boston Red Sox. With a comfortable 9-game lead in the AL East, the Red Sox will be looking to stay the course and avoid injury in the final 50 games of the season.

Coming off of one of the best starts of his career, Rick Porcello will be keen to pounce on the offensively-challenged Jays. In a playoff-like matchup against the New York Yankees last Friday, the veteran righty held New York’s explosive offence to just one hit in a complete game victory. With a stingy 3.84 ERA over 140.2 innings pitched, Porcello’s laser sharp pitching will be on full display this Thursday.

For the Jays, rookie Ryan Borucki is making his ninth career start and second against Boston. Like Porcello, Borucki is coming off the best start of his career. He held the Seattle Mariners to four hits and one unearned run over eight innings pitched. In fact, the 24-year-old has pitched six or more innings in all but one of his eight career starts. If the rookie can finish out the season this way, he’ll be a bright spot in an otherwise dim Blue Jays season.

MLB Odds: Red Sox Visit Toronto

With the Boston Red Sox preparing for the post-season and the Toronto Blue Jays preparing for next season, Thursday night’s game tells the story of two teams in different worlds. Toronto will see a potential starter of the future in Ryan Borucki, who is coming off of a tremendous eight-inning win over the Mariners.


Boston, meanwhile, will look to further pad their nine-game lead over the New York Yankees for top spot in the AL East. The Red Sox own the MLB’s top offense and second-best team ERA, so this matchup has the potential to be a lopsided affair. However, with nothing to lose, the Jays may give Boston a run for their money.

MLB Odds: Twins Mount Last-Ditch Effort Versus Tribe

As expected, the defending AL Central champs from Cleveland (62-49, minus-14.23 betting units) are in very good shape to retain their division title. But they’re not quite running away with it. The Minnesota Twins (52-59, minus-9.81 units) still have a shot at overtaking the Tribe, provided they narrow the gap during their current four-game series at The Jake, which wraps up Thursday afternoon at 1:10 PM ET.


Cleveland have already taken Game 1 of this series, winning 10-0 Monday night as –215 home favorites. They’ll no doubt be favored for Game 4 as well. Two-time and reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber (2.63 ERA) is projected to start for the Tribe opposite fellow northpaw Jose Berrios (3.51 ERA).

Berrios is pitching very well in his second full season in the bigs. The Twins are up 1.63 units behind Barrios on a record of 13-10, while Cleveland is 14-9 and 2.07 units in the red with Kluber on the mound. The Tribe hope to give Kluber some improved bullpen support during this playoff drive; they added relievers Brad Hand (2.92 ERA) and Adam Cimber (3.42 ERA) at last week’s trade deadline, along with CF Leonys Martin (.748 OPS).

MLB Odds: Kluber Gets Help With Twins in Town

It’s been another money-losing season in Cleveland (61-49, minus-15.23 betting units) for Cy Young-winner Corey Kluber, but he’ll have some added bullpen support for Thursday’s series finale against the visiting Minnesota Twins (52-58, minus-8.81 units), beginning at 1:10 PM ET.

Bet on baseball at Bovada and get a free 50% bonus.
While Kluber (2.63 ERA) is down 2.07 units this year on a team record of 14-9, he has two new relievers in Brad Hand (2.92 ERA) and Adam Cimber (3.42 ERA) to help turn the tide. The Twins will start Jose Berrios (3.51 ERA) on Thursday as they try to close the gap on Cleveland in the AL Central.

MLB Odds: Keuchel Faces Bumgarner on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants will host the Houston Astros in a battle that should feature the most highly anticipated pitching showdown of the evening. Madison Bumgarner will be on the mound for San Francisco; Dallas Keuchel will pitch for Houston.

Bumgarner has been electric for the Giants since making his debut on June 5. The veteran lefty has produced a 2.97 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP with a 4-4 record through 11 starts. Bumgarner, who has registered wins in three of his last five starts, is coming off one of his best outings of the season after holding the Arizona Diamondbacks to one earned run over 5.0 innings of work. Bumgarner has been at his best at home this season where he has posted a 3-2 record with a 2.01 ERA through six starts.

The Astros will be relying on Keuchel to get the job done and he’s pitched well of late. With a 9-9 record this season, he has a 3.61 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP through 23 starts. Unlike Bumgarner, Keuchel has posted better numbers on the road than at home. The left-handed hurler is 6-4 with a 3.12 ERA in 12 road starts compared to a 3-5 record with a 4.16 ERA in 11 home starts. Keuchel has been at his absolute best over the last month, with a 4-1 record and a 1.93 ERA in his last five appearances.

MLB Odds: Keuchel Looks to Stay Hot Versus Bumgarner, Giants on Tuesday

Dallas Keuchel will attempt to extend his recent hot streak when the Houston Astros visit AT&T Park Tuesday night. He’s 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA over his last five appearances dating back to July 3.

He’s taking on the San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, who’s been outstanding in his own right. Bumgarner is 4-4 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP this season. He’s posted his best numbers in his six home starts so far this year, going 3-2 with a 2.01 ERA. It will be interesting to see if Bumgarner can outduel Keuchel in Tuesday’s head-to-head matchup.

MLB Odds: Yankees-Red Sox on Sunday Night Baseball

After some heavy wheeling and dealing before Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline, the New York Yankees (68-38, plus-1.84 betting units) hope they have what it takes to win the World Series. They’ll visit their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox (75-34, plus-24.23 units) this Sunday at 8 PM ET on ESPN, in the finale of a four-game set at Fenway Park.


The Yankees beefed up their rotation ahead of the deadline by adding JA Happ and Lance Lynn, but it will be Masahiro Tanaka (3.84 ERA) pitching on Sunday opposite David Price (2.97 ERA), who hasn’t had much fortune against New York in the past. Price is 2-6 with an 8.43 ERA against the Yankees since arriving in Boston two years ago. That includes an 11-1 loss to the Bombers (–180 at home) on July 1.

Aside from that result and some other hiccups, Price has performed quite well for the Red Sox this year, leading them to a 14-6 record and 6.90 units in profit. Tanaka hasn’t been quite as fortunate, posting 0.65 units despite a team record of 11-5, but he’s coming off three straight quality starts, and hasn’t allowed an earned run in over 16 innings of work.

MLB Odds: Red Sox Host Rival Yankees for Key Series

With Ian Kinsler freshly installed at second base, the Boston Red Sox (75-34, plus-24.23 betting units) will host the New York Yankees (68-38, plus-1.84 units) this Sunday in the finale of a very important four-game series at Fenway. First pitch is at 8 PM ET on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.


While Kinsler (.708 OPS) was Boston’s only major move ahead of Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline, the Yankees loaded up for their playoff drive by adding JA Happ and Lance Lynn to their starting rotation. Masahiro Tanaka (3.84 ERA) will get the nod Sunday; David Price (2.97 ERA) responds for Boston.

MLB Odds: Jays Visit Seattle on West Coast Road Trip

A day after completing a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics, the Toronto Blue Jays continue their West Coast swing by paying a visit to Seattle to take on Félix Hernandez and the Mariners.


The Jays’ roster is a shadow of its former self following the July 31 trade deadline. Mark Shapiro and the Jays’ brass dealt pitchers JA Happ, Seung-hwan Oh, John Axford, Aaron Loup and Roberto Osuna for a slew of prospects and young hopefuls in what is the beginning of a youth movement in Toronto. Furthermore, shortstop Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is expected to be out for two to six weeks following a leg injury. Those who are left on the Jays’ roster will be up against a Mariners’ team that has the playoffs in sight.

Unlike Toronto, Seattle acquired depth pitching at the deadline, including relievers Zach Duke, Adam Warren and Sam Tuivailala. Those pickups should go a long way in bolstering a Mariners’ pitching staff that sports the 17th best ERA in the Bigs (4.01). At only three games back of the Astros for first in the West and holding a two-game lead over the Athletics for the second wildcard spot, the Mariners feel they’re well positioned for a playoff berth. They’ll look to jump on the undermanned Jays this Thursday (10:10 PM ET).

MLB Odds: Hernandez and the Mariners Welcome the Jays

In Toronto’s home away from home, Seattle is a welcome refuge for a team that has struggled to win anywhere this season. The West Coast Canadian fans treat the Jays to a hero’s welcome whenever they visit Safeco Field, and they’ll look to draw from that support on Thursday (10:10 PM ET).

Toronto will be up against former Ace Félix Hernandez, who has struggled this season to a tune of a 5.58 ERA and a losing win-loss record (8-9). If the Jays have a chance to steal one from the playoff-hopeful Mariners, the first game against the inconsistent Hernandez will be their opportunity.