Be sure to check any recent developments before game start as this article is written the night before and official picks may change with new information!
Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox
The series will kick off against two of the heavy AL favorites to make the World Series. The home team is the White Sox (41-24) who own a four-game win streak and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. This White Sox team have certainly found themselves this year.
The White Sox will give the nod to veteran ace pitcher Lance Lynn (7-1) to kick things off. Lynn has been excellent boasting one of the lowest opponents batting average against any pitcher this year. He has seen 65.2 innings of action with 72 Ks and 16 BB. He also has an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.87.
The Rays (42-24) are just as hot this season coming into the series with a 3 game-winning and 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Rays have made some significant changes to their rotation but it doesn’t seem to have made a whole lot of difference.
The Rays will counter Lynn with fan favorite Tyler Glasnow (5-2). The young gunslinger is having a terrific season and would be the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young Award if it weren’t for Jacob deGrom. However, deGrom is injured once again so a wager on Glasnow as the Cy Young is worth it. Glasnow has seen 84 innings while striking out a whopping 117 and walking 26 batters while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 0.93 and 2.57, respectively.
The White Sox and Rays are both -110 on the money line. The Rays have been given the +1.5 in the RL which makes them the play. If you must bet the ML, take the Rays as they tout the better pitcher in this matchup.
Miami Marlins at Saint Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have sunk from having one of the best records in all of baseball a month ago to now being sub .500 with a record of 32-33. They are an abysmal 1-9 in the past 10 games with a losing streak of 3 games. Things are looking bleak for this franchise riddled with pitching injuries.
The Cardinals will send out one of their best pitchers in franchise history and veteran Wainwright (4-5). The 39-year-old slinger has been solid despite his age pitching 73.2 innings with 67 Ks and 17 BB. He has an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.11.
The Marlins (29-36) are having a solid season in their own regard. Nearly .500 for a team that appears to be almost past their rebuilding years. The Marlins are now 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Miami will send Garrett (0-1) to the mound. He will be making his third start of the year and hasn’t gone past 4 innings in either start. He has 5 Ks and 4 BB with an ERA of 6.43 and a WHIP of 1.71. Not great.
The line isn’t out for this game but I can imagine the Cardinals will be the favorite on the ML. Wainwright is would at home and the Cardinals are due for a hitting bonanza. The Cards ML and even the RL are worth it.
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
