MLB Odds: Cardinals-Cubs in Regular Season Finale

The final game of the 2018 regular season begins this Sunday at 3:20 PM ET, and we might not know the full National League playoff picture until they’re done. The St. Louis Cardinals (87-72, plus-3.76 betting units) visit the Chicago Cubs (92-66, plus-0.23 units) in a matchup that could be very important for both teams – depending on what happens between now and then.


The Cubs have already clinched a playoff spot, but they’re in a dogfight with the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. The Cardinals are third in their division, and more importantly, they’re still within range of the second NL Wild Card berth despite losing three straight games.

Mike Montgomery (3.99 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs opposite Jack Flaherty (3.16 ERA) in a lefty-righty pitching duel. Chicago is down 2.64 units behind Montgomery on a team record of 8-8, while St. Louis is 11-16 and 7.55 units in the red with Flaherty on the mound, driving the Under to a 16-10-1 record. The Cards have only given Flaherty 4.19 runs of support per game, down from their usual 4.73 runs, and their disappointing bullpen ranks 20th in the majors with a 4.36 ERA.

MLB Odds: Last Chance for Cards, Cubs

How important will the last game of the 2018 MLB regular season be? Sunday’s matchup (3:20 PM ET) at Wrigley Field between the 87-72 St. Louis Cardinals and the 92-66 Chicago Cubs could decide the playoff fates of both teams.

Mike Montgomery (3.99 ERA) will start for the Cubs, who have already clinched a playoff spot, but are fighting tooth-and-nail with the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL West title. The Cardinals respond with Jack Flaherty (3.16 ERA); they’ll need to string together some wins if they want to sneak into the postseason with a Wild Card berth.

MLB Odds: Jays Visit Rays to Close out MLB Season

Despite a significant difference in records, both the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays will miss the playoffs this season. They’ll wrap up their disappointing seasons in a final series against each other beginning this Friday. The AL East rivals will watch the Yankees and Red Sox represent their division in the postseason, and look toward next season to make their own appearances on the October stage.


With a tough season like Toronto has had this year, opportunities are made for young players looking to break into the Big Leagues. The Jays will send one of those young players to the mound to take on the Rays on Friday. 24-year-old lefty, Thomas Pannone, will make his fourth consecutive start for the Jays. In his previous three outings, Pannone has won all three games and has pitched into the seventh inning in each. While the rest of the Jays’ staff has struggled to a 4.85 team ERA, the rookie has impressed with a 3.58 ERA.

The Rays will call upon Ryan Yarbough to counter Pannone. Yarbough has pitched both out of the bullpen as well as started for Tampa this season, and has done admirably, pitching to a 15-6 record and a 3.93 ERA. While he’s struggled of late, Yarbough will have an opportunity to build on those stats further against the offensively-challenged Jays. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET.

MLB Odds: Jays on the Road for Season Finale

The Toronto Blue Jays will head to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays this Friday for the first of a three-game series that will close out their 2018 season. The Jays have struggled to a 71-87 record this year, but with those struggles come opportunities for young prospects to make a case for a roster spot next season.

Unlike the Jays, the Rays (87-70) were in the playoff hunt for the majority of the season. But with a sizeable 7.5-game deficit in the final playoff spot late in the season, Tampa’s time is up. They’ll look to close out their season with a series victory over the Jays.

MLB Odds: Rockies on the Ropes Versus Philly

The Colorado Rockies (86-70, plus-16.44 betting units) can still make the postseason, either by winning the National League West or by earning a Wild Card berth. But with just a few games left to go in the regular season, the Rockies can ill afford a loss this Thursday when they welcome the Philadelphia Phillies (78-78, minus-6.17 units) to Coors Field. Game time is 3:10 PM ET on NBC Sports.


Antonio Senzatela (4.52 ERA) is projected to start Thursday’s game for the Rockies. One of Colorado’s better pitching prospects, the sophomore righty is up 0.88 units on a team record of 6-6, with the Under at 10-2 since joining the rotation in early July. Senzatela has been working on a change-up to go with his fastball and slider, and his expanded repertoire has proven effective thus far.

The Phillies were eliminated from the playoff race last week after getting swept by the Atlanta Braves, and Jake Arrieta (3.94 ERA) is one of the reasons why. The former NL Cy Young winner will try to break out of an extended slump this Thursday; Philadelphia have won just two of his last nine starts, falling 3.43 units in the red at 14-16 overall.

MLB Odds: Rockies Host Phillies in Must-Win Matchup

The Colorado Rockies (86-70, plus-16.44 betting units) are running out of chances to make the playoffs. They’ll host the Philadelphia Phillies (78-78, minus-6.17 units) this Thursday, beginning at 3:10 PM ET on NBC Sports.


Antonio Senzatela (4.52 ERA) will take the mound for Colorado opposite Jake Arrieta (3.94 ERA), in a matchup that looks good for the Rockies. Arrieta’s second-half slump is one of the reasons Philadelphia have been eliminated from playoff contention after a promising first half, while Colorado have won three of Senzatela’s last four games. The Under is 10-2 in his 12 starts this year.

MLB Odds: Jays Close out Home Schedule vs. Astros

The Toronto Blue Jays (71-85, minus-8.27 betting units) will play their last home game of the season this Wednesday when they face the Houston Astros (98-57, minus-3.54 units) in the finale of a three-game series. Sportsnet and the MLB Network have the first pitch at 7:07 PM ET.

Houston’s pitching rotation is uncertain at press time, but it looks like the Blue Jays will give Sean Reid-Foley (5.40 ERA) one more start this year. Reid-Foley has made six starts since getting called up from AAA-Buffalo in mid-August; he’s 1.24 units in the hole on a team record of 2-4, but he’s also shown plenty of promise, including a 10-strikeout performance against the New York Yankees on September 15. The Jays went on to win that game 8-7 as +200 road dogs.

After hosting the defending World Series champions, Toronto will wrap up their 2018 campaign this weekend with three games on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays. Young prospects like 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (.770 OPS), catcher Danny Jansen (.785 OPS) and 1B Rowdy Tellez (1.204 OPS) should get plenty of action down the stretch as the Blue Jays continue to rebuild for 2019 and beyond.
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MLB Odds: Astros-Jays in 2018 Home Finale

With their sights set on preparing for 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays (71-85, minus-8.27 betting units) will close out their 2018 home schedule this Wednesday with a game against the defending champion Houston Astros (98-57, minus-3.54 units), beginning at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet and the MLB Network.

Sean Reid-Foley (5.40 ERA) looks like he’ll get the start for Toronto as they focus on developing their prospects. He’s down 1.24 units on a team record of 2-4 since getting the call from AAA-Buffalo. Houston’s starter is undecided at press time; their rotation has some injury concerns heading into the postseason.

MLB Odds: Brewers take on Cardinals in Tight NL Wildcard Race

The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals will meet this Tuesday at Busch Stadium for the first of three important games. Only six games remain in the regular season, and both teams find themselves in a dual with the Colorado Rockies for NL Wildcard positions. Just two games separate the Brewers and Cards, and the Rockies trail by 1.5 games for the final Wildcard spot. Wins will be critical if both clubs hope to maintain playoff positions late in the season.


Milwaukee will send recent acquisition Gio Gonzalez to the mound to face St. Louis. Since being acquired at the August 31 trade deadline from the Washington Nationals, the veteran lefty is 2-0 in three starts. Games like Tuesday’s are why the Brewers traded for Gonzalez, and they’ll lean on him heavily against the Cards’ eighth-best offense.

St. Louis is on a roll of their own following a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants and have their sights set on the Brewers’ first Wildcard spot. Austin Gomber will take the task of getting the Cards one game closer to that goal. The reliever converted starter has an impressive 6-1 record to go along with a 3.63 ERA over 69.1 innings pitched. See who will come out on top with first pitch scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.

MLB Odds: NL Central Foes Dual on Tuesday

In an all-important head-to-head matchup between two teams in the midst of a battle for playoff berths, the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals will clash at iconic Busch Stadium this Tuesday (8:15 PM ET). Every win is critical for St. Louis right now, as they have a slim 1.5 game lead over the Colorado Rockies for the final Wildcard spot, but they’ll look to leapfrog the Brewers with two wins at home.

Milwaukee may also have their sights on first place in the Central, as they trail the Chicago Cubs by just 2.5 games. The Cardinals are desperate, however, and the Brewers will need to maintain their focus on St. Louis; otherwise, they could find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture by the end of this series.

MLB Odds: Rockies-Diamondbacks Could Be Pivotal

The Arizona Diamondbacks (79-74, minus-6.85 betting units) are running out of chances in the NL playoff race. But they have a three-game home series coming up against the Colorado Rockies (82-70, plus-11.76 units), and if the Snakes win the first two games, Sunday’s finale could be the difference between a Wild Card berth and an early trip to the golf course. TBS has the coverage beginning at 4:10 PM ET.


Zack Godley (4.79 ERA) will take the mound for Arizona. He’s made a small profit of 0.40 units this year on a record of 14-10, but Godley ended up getting creamed in five of his last six starts, with the Over checking in at 4-2. The Snakes need the version of Godley who pitched well over the summer, allowing just 12 earned runs in seven starts heading into mid-August.

Colorado will go with potential Cy Young winner Kyle Freeland (2.95 ERA) as they try to improve their playoff hopes in the senior circuit. Freeland leads all major league pitchers with 12.86 units in earnings; the Rockies are 21-10 in his 31 starts thus far (including nine straight quality starts), driving the Under to a 22-9 record along the way.

MLB Odds: Snakes Host Rox With Wild Card Slipping Away

It’s been an unlucky season for the Arizona Diamondbacks (79-74, minus-6.85 betting units). But Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Colorado Rockies (82-70, plus-11.76 units) could put them back in the NL Wild Card hunt with just a handful of games left to play. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET on TBS.


Zack Godley (4.79 ERA) is projected to start for the Snakes opposite Cy Young contender Kyle Freeland (2.95 ERA). While Godley has struggled of late, Freeland has vaulted to the top of the MLB money charts at plus-12.86 units, after nine straight quality starts and eight Colorado wins.

MLB Odds: Jays Face Rays in Regular Season Homestretch

While the Tampa Bay Rays are on the outside looking in on the AL Wildcard race, they’ll have a great opportunity to bank some wins during a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. At press time, the Rays sit a lofty 5.5 games out of the second Wildcard spot behind the Oakland A’s. Having won 8 of their last 10 games, Tampa isn’t going away quietly.

The Rays will send Jalen Beeks to the mound on Thursday. Beeks has a 4-1 record this year with a 5.32 ERA over 44 innings pitched. The Rays acquired the first-year lefty from Boston in July and will give him a chance to develop.


Beeks will be up against right-hander Sam Gaviglio, who, like the rest of the Jays team has suffered from an abysmal season. In his last start, he pitched 3.1 innings against the Boston Red Sox and surrendered two earned runs. While the season can’t end soon enough for Gaviglio, the Jays’ recent call-ups have made a marketable impact on the club, as they’ve won four straight games. While the present isn’t pretty for the Jays, the future looks promising. Get a sneak peek this Thursday at 7:07 PM ET.



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MLB Odds: Jays Welcome Rays for Pivotal Four-Game Series

The Tampa Bay Rays will look to pounce on the Toronto Blue Jays as they attempt to narrow the gap for the final Wildcard spot in the AL. Though they’ve won 8 of their last 10 games, the Rays face a considerable 5.5 game deficit behind the Oakland Athletics. With a AAA roster largely filling out the Jays’ lineup, Tampa will have a real chance to make up ground.

Toronto has enjoyed the role of spoiler of late, recently defeating the New York Yankees in two of three games at Yankees Stadium. They’ll look to put a dent in the Rays’ playoff hopes when they meet this Thursday (7:07 PM ET).

MLB Odds: Red Sox-Yankees in Marquee Matchup

There’s no better rivalry in all of baseball, and it’s always better when both the Boston Red Sox (103-47, plus-35.42 betting units) and the New York Yankees (91-58, minus-11.88 units) are World Series contenders. They’ll meet Thursday night at Yankee Stadium in the finale of a three-game series; YES, NESN and MLB Network provide the coverage at 7:05 PM ET.

The Red Sox are +350 favorites on the World Series futures market at press time, and their chances of success look better now that Eduardo Rodriguez (3.52 ERA) is back in the rotation. The talented southpaw will make his fourth start for Boston since his latest stint on the DL; Rodriguez looks in fine form after holding the Toronto Blue Jays to five hits and one run last Thursday in six innings of work, leading Boston (–240 at home) to a 4-3 victory and improving his team record to 18-4 (plus-12.46 units).

New York (+1000) responds with Masahiro Tanaka, who maybe hasn’t pitched quite as well this year as his 3.47 ERA would suggest. Tanaka is down 1.72 units on a team record of 16-9, although he’s allowed just one earned run in his last three starts combined.

MLB Odds: Red Sox-Yankees on MLB Network

If it’s near the end of the regular season, the Boston Red Sox (103-47, plus-35.42 betting units) must be playing the New York Yankees (91-58, minus-11.88 units). Their epic rivalry continues Thursday night in the finale of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium; MLB Network has the first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.


Eduardo Rodriguez (3.52 ERA) will start for the first-place Red Sox, who are favored at +350 to win the World Series this year. Masahiro Tanaka (3.47 ERA) responds for the Yankees as they try to improve their AL Wild Card position and their +1000 championship odds.

MLB Odds: Jays Playing out the String in Baltimore

Just two weeks remain in what’s been a forgettable season for the Toronto Blue Jays (67-82, minus-9.78 betting units). But at least they’ll get three more games against the last-place Baltimore Orioles (43-106, minus-53.50 units). Wednesday’s series finale begins at 7:05 PM ET on Sportsnet.

Although the starting pitchers have yet to be officially determined at press time, it looks like Sam Gaviglio (5.25 ERA) will get the nod for the Blue Jays if their rotation holds up. Gaviglio showed some promise earlier in the season, but he’s thrown just one quality start since the end of June; Toronto has lost eight of his last nine outings to fall to 7-14 on the year, dropping 6.84 units along the way.

There’s a hole in Baltimore’s rotation for Wednesday. They have multiple options for plugging this spot; the last time it came up, rookie northpaw Luis Ortiz (15.43 ERA in 1.2 innings) was asked to open the game, but he injured his hamstring early on and had to leave Friday’s 8-6 loss to the Chicago White Sox (–122 away). Whoever does start for the O’s will be supported by the No. 27-ranked bullpen (4.85 ERA) in the majors.

MLB Odds: Jays-Orioles at Camden Yards

The last two teams in the AL East standings will meet this Wednesday when the Toronto Blue Jays (67-82, minus-9.78 betting units) face the Baltimore Orioles (43-106, minus-53.50 units) in the finale of a three-game series at Oriole Park. First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET on Sportsnet.


Baltimore’s projected starter remains unknown at press time, but if Toronto’s rotation holds firm, Sam Gaviglio (5.25 ERA) will take the mound for the Jays. Gaviglio is down 6.84 units this year on a team record of 7-14, including eight losses in his last nine starts.

MLB Odds: Red Sox and Yankees Clash on Tuesday

As the MLB regular season nears conclusion, every game goes toward clarifying the playoff picture. While it’s a foregone conclusion that Boston will take the AL East title, the Red Sox will have the opportunity to officially celebrate clinching by winning two of three from the Yankees this week. Beginning on Tuesday, New York will welcome the Red Sox to Yankees Stadium for the first of a three-game set.


JA Happ will take the mound for New York to open the series. The veteran lefty has arguably been the Yankees’ best starter since his acquisition from the Toronto Blue Jays in July. He’s a perfect 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA over his brief stint with the Bronx Bombers and will look to further improve upon his already impressive 16-6 season record with an important game against the AL East rivals.

Boston will tap starter Nathan Eovaldi to counter against Happ. Eovaldi hasn’t won a game since August 4 when he faced these same Yankees at home. Since then, he’s 0-3 over seven starts and has failed to get out of the fifth innings in five of those appearances. While Eovaldi is a depth starter for Boston, they’ll be expecting him to improve upon his recent performances in a playoff-like atmosphere in New York.

MLB Odds: Judge to Return Against Red Sox

The New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox this Tuesday (1:05 PM ET) in the first of three games at Yankee Stadium. One noteworthy return to the lineup will be Yankees’ right fielder Aaron Judge. Judge has been out of action since July when he fractured his wrist, but he returned as a fielder this weekend. We can expect the power hitter to be back at the plate this week against Boston.


Red Sox’ starter Nathan Eovaldi will look to neutralize the power bat of Judge, as he attempts to get his first win since August. Boston is just two games away from capturing the AL East crown, so they’ll be eager to do it in style against their closest foes.

MLB Odds: Important NL Battle in Dodgers-Cards

There isn’t a lot of drama left in the American League postseason hunt. The National League is a different story; Sunday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers (79-67, minus-28.11 betting units) and the St. Louis Cardinals (81-65, plus-4.67 units) has playoff ramifications for both clubs – and many others surrounding them in the NL standings. First pitch from Busch Stadium is 8:05 PM ET on ESPN.


The Cardinals are third in the NL Central at press time, but they’re well within reach of the division-leading Chicago Cubs – and they currently hold down the league’s No. 2 Wild Card berth, just behind the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers trail St. Louis by a neck in the Wild Card standings, but they’re also chasing down the Colorado Rockies for first in the NL West.

Adam Wainwright (4.70 ERA) has already been pencilled in to pitch for the Cardinals. The Dodgers have yet to decide their starter; they’ve juggled their rotation to give Clayton Kershaw the nod Thursday in Game 1 of this series. Walker Buehler and Rich Hill will follow on Friday and Saturday. Sunday could end up being a “bullpen game” for LA, perhaps with Ross Stripling (2.61 ERA) as their opener.

MLB Odds: Dodgers-Cards on Sunday Night Baseball

This week’s edition of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball features two teams very much in the thick of the National League playoff race. The St. Louis Cardinals (81-65, plus-4.67 betting units) will host the Los Angeles Dodgers (79-67, minus-28.11 units); first pitch from Busch Stadium is at 8:05 PM ET.


St. Louis will send Adam Wainwright (4.70 ERA) to the mound on Sunday. The Dodgers have yet to name a starter at press time, and might end up using multiple relievers instead, after juggling their rotation to give Clayton Kershaw the start in Thursday’s series opener.

MLB Odds: A’s Visit O’s Looking for W

The Oakland Athletics (87-57, plus-36.23 units) will almost certainly make the playoffs this year. But they’re still trying to chase down the AL West title, or failing that, the No. 1 AL Wild Card berth. That should give Oakland plenty of motivation heading into Thursday’s matchup with the last-place Baltimore Orioles (41-102, minus-52.14 units), beginning at 7:05 PM ET on the MLB Network.

Oakland’s starting rotation has suffered multiple injuries over the past two weeks, so they’re not sure at press time who’s going to start Thursday. But the Orioles have already pencilled in Dylan Bundy (5.58 ERA), one of this year’s least profitable pitchers at minus-11.75 units. Baltimore is just 8-19 behind the fourth-overall pick from the 2011 Draft; Bundy still has some promise despite going under the knife in 2013, but he’s an extreme flyball pitcher (47.0%) in an era where hitters are already trying their best to go yard.

While Bundy has yet to face the A’s this year, current Oakland batters have a combined .766 lifetime OPS off the Oklahoma native, going 9-for-38 with three doubles and a pair of home runs. LF Khris Davis is 3-for-7 with a double and a dinger.

MLB Odds: Major League Mismatch in Athletics-Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles (41-102, minus-52.14 units) continue their epic march towards infamy this Thursday when they host the Oakland Athletics (87-57, plus-36.23 units) at 7:05 PM ET on the MLB Network. Baltimore is on track for 116 losses; the 2003 Detroit Tigers hold the modern-schedule record at 119.


Dylan Bundy (5.58 ERA) will do the honors for Baltimore. The O’s are just 8-19 behind their nominal No. 1 starter, costing them 11.75 units against the baseball odds. Oakland has yet to officially name a pitcher at press time – their already-mediocre rotation has been hit by multiple injuries in recent weeks.

MLB Odds: Jays Face Familiar Foe at Fenway

David Price spent half a season with the Toronto Blue Jays (65-78, minus-9.78 betting units) back in 2015, but it’ll be a new Toronto team that Price sees this Wednesday when he gets the start for the Boston Red Sox (98-46, plus-31.58 units). First pitch from Fenway Park is at 7:10 PM ET on Sportsnet and NESN.

The stripped-down Jays are no longer the World Series contenders they were three years ago when they acquired Price (3.57 ERA) for their playoff drive. They’re 17-20 since the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, and Price is 20-3 lifetime against Toronto with a 2.52 ERA, including 3-0 this year. He’s No. 3 on the 2018 MLB starter list with 11.94 units in earnings on a team record of 20-7. Aaron Sanchez (5.17 ERA) will try to stop the bleeding for the Blue Jays. He’s barely ahead of the baseball odds this year at plus-0.05 units, leading Toronto to a 9-9 record, but in his last trip to Fenway on May 28, Sanchez gave up seven earned runs in five innings as Price and the Red Sox (–180) won 8-3. The Over got paid in each of Sanchez’ last five starts.

MLB Odds: Jays Visit Price, Red Sox

The Toronto Blue Jays (65-78, minus-9.78 betting units) will face a familiar foe this Wednesday when they play former teammate David Price and the Boston Red Sox (98-46, plus-31.58 units) at Fenway Park. Sportsnet and NESN have the coverage at 7:10 PM ET.


Price (3.57 ERA) played briefly for Toronto three years ago before signing a lucrative contract in Beantown. He’s 20-3 lifetime against the Blue Jays with a 2.52 ERA. Aaron Sanchez (5.17 ERA) responds for the Jays; he allowed seven runs in an 8-3 loss to Price and the Red Sox (–180 at home) on May 28.

MLB Odds: Chicago Faces Milwaukee in Inter-Division Showdown

For the second time in a week, the Milwaukee Brewers will take on the Chicago Cubs in a battle for top spot in the National League Central. At press time, the Cubs own a two-game lead over the Brewers, but that lead has been slipping over the past two weeks. This three-game set may determine who walks away as the NL Central champs.

Winners of 8 of their last 10 and coming off of a sweep over the San Francisco Giants, the Brewers are one of the hottest teams in the Bigs right now. CF Christian Yelich has been a big part of that success. The 26-year-old is on pace to set career highs in hits, homeruns and RBI, and is the backbone of the Brewers’ outfield. He’ll be called on to continue his great season this Tuesday when his club takes on the rival Cubs.

Chicago is coming off of two straight losses to the Washington Nationals and two consecutive series losses. Lefty Jose Quintana is expected to get the ball on Tuesday for the Cubs, where he’ll look to win back-to-back games against Milwaukee. With only 20 games remaining in the regular season, every game is critical for the playoff run. Tune in for first pitch at 8:05 PM ET.

MLB Odds: First Place in NL Central up for Grabs

With only two games separating the division-leading Chicago Cubs from the streaking Milwaukee Brewers, there will be a lot riding on the three-game set between the two rivals this week. On Tuesday, Brewers Ace Jhoulys Chacin will take the mound and attempt to get his club one game closer to first place in the NL Central.

Standing in Chacin’s way will be southpaw Jose Quintana. Just one week ago, Quintana held the Cubs to just two runs over 6 2/3 innings, while earning a win to improve his season record to 12-9. However, that was the only win of the series for the Cubs, so they’ll be looking for more from the rest of their roster this time around.

MLB Odds: Division Leaders Meet in Astros-Red Sox

The Houston Astros (87-53, minus-8.31 betting units) are the defending World Series champions. The Boston Red Sox (97-44, plus-32.72 units) are this year’s favorites at +400 on the MLB futures market, just ahead of Houston at +500. They’ll face each other in this week’s edition of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, beginning at 8 PM ET.

Former AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel (3.46 ERA) will get the start for Houston. Keuchel is down 1.93 units this year on a team record of 17-12; his Astros teammates have provided just 4.48 runs per game in support, a half-run less than their usual average. Three of Keuchel’s last five quality starts resulted in a “No Decision,” although Houston managed to win twice.

Rick Porcello (4.20 ERA) takes the mound for Boston, as he tries to add to his impressive 6.29 betting units and 16-7 record. Run support (5.88 per game) hasn’t been a problem for Porcello, driving the Over to a 16-11-2 record in his 29 starts thus far, including 7-3 at Fenway Park. However, current Astros have a combined .836 OPS off Porcello; OF George Springer is 4-for-9 with a home run and two doubles.

MLB Odds: Astros-Red Sox at Fenway Park

In a potential American League playoff preview, the Boston Red Sox (97-44, plus-32.72 betting units) will host the defending champion Houston Astros (87-53, minus-8.31 units) on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch is at 8 PM ET.


Rick Porcello (4.20 ERA) is due to start for Boston opposite Dallas Keuchel (3.46 ERA). While Keuchel has been the better pitcher this year, he’s 1.93 units in the red on a team record of 17-12, while Porcello has Boston at 19-10 for a profit of 6.29 units – thanks in large part to 5.88 runs per game in support.

MLB Odds: Tribe Takes on Blue Jays in Toronto

Less than a week after an August 31 trade deadline that saw Josh Donaldson dealt to the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later, the Jays welcome Donaldson’s new team to the Rogers Centre for the first of four games on Thursday. While the former MVP won’t make his debut for the Indians in Toronto, the rest of the Cleveland roster will be eager to pad their lead in the AL Central against a Toronto team that’s entered full rebuild.

Part of that rebuilding process means getting young pitchers work at the Major League level. The Jays will send 28-year-old Sam Gaviglio to the mound for his 20th start of the season. The righty has been less than stellar this year, posting a 5.02 ERA over 100.1 innings pitched. The second-year man will get a chance to improve upon those stats while facing the playoff-bound Indians.

At press time, Cleveland has a 15 game lead in the AL Central and are expected to feature prominently this October. Led by 3B José Ramirez (37 HRs, 96 RBI, .287 AVG), the Indians have further added to a potent offense by trading for Josh Donaldson. The rest of the season will be about finding chemistry and getting healthy for the Tribe.

MLB Odds: Bieber Takes Mound for Tribe

Shane Bieber is slated to get the start for the Cleveland Indians in the first of four games against the Toronto Blue Jays this Thursday (7:07 PM ET). Bieber has struggled of late, failing to get out of the sixth inning in each of his previous two starts. A game against the Blue Jays’ inconsistent offense will be a great opportunity for Bieber to regain his form heading into the postseason.


Toronto will counter with starter Sam Gaviglio, who has struggled in his own right this season. The righty is 3-5 on the year, but is hoping to secure a rotation spot in 2018-19 for the Jays. A strong performance against the explosive Indians would give the Jays’ management something to think about.

LB Odds: Cubs Can Use a Win in Washington

It looks like the Chicago Cubs (81-56, plus-3.76 betting units) will win the NL Central again, but nothing is etched in stone. A win this Thursday over the Washington Nationals (69-69, minus-25.13 units) would be most welcome indeed. MLB Network has the coverage at 7:05 PM ET.


Kyle Hendricks (3.77 ERA) is due up for the Cubs, as they try to increase their four-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the Central race – with the St. Louis Cardinals another 1.5 games behind. Hendricks has pitched well this year, but he’s down 9.06 units on a team record of 14-14, with the Under at 19-9. On the bright side, Chicago’s recent bullpen improvements have helped the Cubs win six of Hendrick’s last seven starts.
Washington will likely go with Stephen Strasburg (4.09 ERA) on Thursday, although that has yet to be confirmed. Strasburg has pitched better than his pedestrian ERA would indicate, but he’s still not his usual All-Star self this year, and the Nats have dropped eight of his 17 starts for a loss of 3.50 units. The Over is 11-6 when Strasburg takes the mound, spurred in part by one of the worst bullpens in baseball.

MLB Odds: Cubs Take a Trip to DC

After splitting their past six games, the Chicago Cubs (81-56, plus-3.76 units) are no longer comfortably on top of the NL Central. But they still have a four-game lead heading into the final weeks of the regular season, and they can stretch that lead Thursday night against the Washington Nationals (69-69, minus-25.13 units), beginning at 7:05 PM ET on the MLB Network.

Kyle Hendricks (3.77 ERA) is officially projected to start for the Cubs in DC, while the Nats will presumably go with Stephen Strasburg (4.09 ERA) – Washington’s rotation was shaken up after the Gio Gonzalez trade to Milwaukee.

MLB Odds: Jays Host Rays Post-Donaldson

The Toronto Blue Jays (62-74, minus-10.74 betting units) should have their hands full this Wednesday when they host the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays (73-63, plus-16.83 units). Tampa Bay have won 11 of their past 13 games, while the Blue Jays have dropped five of seven. First pitch is at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet.


While it’s not official yet at press time, ESPN has Aaron Sanchez (5.22 ERA) pegged to get the start for Toronto. Sanchez is down 1.21 units this year on a team record of 8-9, but the buzz around the Blue Jays is over the Josh Donaldson trade. The former AL MVP was shipped to Cleveland at the August 31 trade deadline for a player to be named later.
Tyler Glasnow (3.95 ERA on the season) is the official projected starter for Tampa Bay. This will be his seventh start for the Rays after coming over from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Chris Archer non-waiver deal. Thus far, Glasnow is dead even against the baseball odds with a team record of 3-3 for Tampa, including five innings of two-hit ball in an eventual 2-1 loss to Toronto (–135 at home) on August 12.

MLB Odds: Rays-Jays at Rogers Centre

After dealing 3B Josh Donaldson to Cleveland at the August 31 trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays (62-74, minus-10.74 betting units) will host the Tampa Bay Rays (73-63, plus-16.83 units) this Wednesday, beginning at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet. The Rays have won 11 of 13 to give them a slim hope of grabbing the second AL Wild Card spot.


Aaron Sanchez (5.22 ERA) is Wednesday’s possible starter for Toronto, while Tyler Glasnow (3.95 ERA on the season) is officially projected for Tampa Bay. In addition to Donaldson, the Jays sent OF Curtis Granderson (.774 OPS) to Milwaukee at the deadline.

MLB Odds: Braves All-Star Foltynewicz Faces Red Sox on Tuesday

The Atlanta Braves will host the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, with Mike Foltynewicz set to go head-to-head with Rick Porcello in one of the most intriguing pitching matchups of the night.

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Foltynewicz, who made his first All-Star appearance this season, will carry a 2.80 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP into this start. Despite his impressive statistics, he owns a 10-9 record thanks to a lack of offensive help in Atlanta. The Braves have scored a total of just seven runs in his last three starts. With Atlanta looking to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies atop the National League West division standings, they will need Foltynewicz at his best once again versus the best team in baseball on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Boston will counter with Rick Porcello who, despite a rough stretch, is still 15-7 with a 4.27 ERA this season. Porcello has been tagged with a loss in three of his last four decisions. He has allowed four earned runs or more in three of his last five starts. While they led the AL by 7.5 games exiting the weekend, the Red Sox still want to see Porcello round into form with the postseason right around the corner.

MLB Odds: Foltynewicz Searching for All-Star Form Against Red Sox

We could be looking at a World Series preview when the Boston Red Sox take on the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. Mike Foltynewicz of the Atlanta Braves will take on Rick Porcello and the Boston Red Sox.



After posting a 2.66 ERA in 18 starts before the All-Star break, Foltynewicz has gone 3-4 with a 3.10 ERA since the break. The Braves have lost each of his last three outings. The Red Sox will counter with Porcello, who is just 2-3 with a 5.11 ERA over the last month.