*MLB(1u): Rays ML(-112) @ Phillies–6:05 PM CT
The Phillies are entering “must win” territory as we approach the final month of the season. While they are feeling good after a series win in San Diego, this team is brutally inconsistent in every facet of the game. The Rays, meanwhile, have the AL East all but locked up and have played consistently good baseball all season. Rays SP Drew Rasmussen is in good current form, allowing just 1 run over 8 innings in his last 2 starts. He also carries a road WHIP at 1.00 entering this start. The Rays bullpen is one of the most reliable in baseball and should be completely fresh coming off an off day. Phillies SP Ranger Suarez has had a ton of success this season(1.47 ERA), but you don’t need me to tell you that’s not sustainable. He surrendered 4 walks and 8 hits in his last start, a clear warning sign that he is due to come back down to earth. The Phillies bullpen has shown improvement over the last month but is still far from reliable. I assume that Suarez’s success on the mound this season is what is warranting this price, but I’m more than willing to back arguably the most consistent team in baseball at a pick’em price.
*MLB(1u): Indians -1.5(+115) vs Rangers–6:10 PM CT
The Rangers have been historically bad on the road this season; yesterday, they blew a lead in Boston and eventually lost on a walk-off grand slam in extra innings. To expect them to bounce back with a win today would be foolish, in my opinion. Rangers SP Taylor Hearn has allowed 1.9 HR/9 on the road this season, and this Indians lineup has surprisingly handled lefties pretty well at home as of late(.286 AVG, 15 HR’s since July 1st). Indians SP Eli Morgan draws an extremely easy matchup against a Rangers lineup that is hitting just .199 against righties since July 1st. He is coming off a 6 IP, 0 ER performance and has a FIP almost 1 run lower than his ERA. The substantial bullpen advantage for Cleveland is enough to get me on the run line tonight at a very reasonable price.
