This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
Previous day: 3-0-1, +4.10 RWBucks
Season: 69-88-3, -27.96 RWBucks
I am not sure if a four-unit day is the best we've had this season, but I know it's one of the best. The two overs came in early and the under in LA was never threatened. Golfers know this feeling...you can shoot 110 through 17 holes, but if you pure that seven-iron to four feet on 18, you can't wait to get back on the course. So let's check the replay rate, grab a hot dog, and quickly head back out to the first tee.
7 p.m. Astros (Framber Valdez) team total over 5.5 (-121) over Tigers (Wily Peralta).
I'm more than a little surprised this isn't 6.5 -- the Blue Jays, in a similar spot, are 6.5 at plus money -- but happy to take it, thanks. The Astros hit this in four innings on their way to 12 runs last night, even spotting Jose Urena three outs on five pitches in the first frame. As ever, there's no such thing as free money, but the Astros offense right now is darned close to it. 2 RWBucks.
7 p.m. Yankees (Domingo German) -125 over Red Sox (Martin Perez).
The wheels have started coming off the Red Sox, particularly on the mound and in the field. Their starters, Nick Pivetta last night notwithstanding, have been getting knocked around and not providing innings. The bullpen is feeling that weight. Behind all the pitchers, the team defense -- which is a mix of plus defenders and shaky ones -- has fallen apart a bit. The team is coming off a rough series at the Trop, playing last night, while Yankees, whose offense may finally be coming back around, had a light getaway day contest in the Bronx. The over 10.5 is a consideration, but we will stick with the side. 1.5 RWBucks.
8:15 p.m. Pirates (Wil Crowe)/Cardinals (Kwang Hyun Kim) under 8.5 (+102).
These are two of the worst offenses in baseball this month, and while they combined for ten runs on Thursday night, I'm willing to dare them to do it again. The Cardinals have shown the least power in baseball in June, slugging .314 with a 104 isolated power (SLG-BA). The Pirates can't hit no matter the month. If you pay the juice to get under 9 (-125), I won't judge you. 1 RWBuck.
10 p.m. Cubs (Jake Arrieta)/Dodgers (Tony Gonsolin) under 9.5 (-121).
This could go to 9 by game time, and I'd take it at 9 and plus or even money as well. The Dodgers offense has been slowed a lot by injuries in June, as was evidenced by its eating a no-hitter last night. The Cubs' offense is even worse, 28th in wOBA in June. There's a thought toward taking the first five here, but the Cubs' bullpen is one you want on your side in an under. 1.5 RWBucks.
