Tampa Bay Rays (40-35, 3rd AL East) at Toronto Blue Jays (43-33, 2nd AL East)
This division rivalry got a little fiesty and there might still be some bad blood remaining. Tampa Bay sends out Corey Kluber (3-4, 3.45 ERA) and Toronto will counter with Jose Berrios (5-4, 5.86 ERA). Both teams are pretty evenly matched but Toronto is favored at -135. What Tampa Bay lacks in hitting, they make up for in pitching. Toronto is the opposite, not pitching well but have been great offensively. Since coming to Toronto, Jose Berrios has been one of the worst pitchers in the league. So far this year, Berrios is worth a -0.2 fWAR, which basically means hitters have had a good time facing him this year.
The Pick: Tampa Bay ML (+125)
Miami Marlins (34-40, 4th NL East) at Washington Nationals (29-49, 5th NL East)
Miami has actually shown some promise this season, with their young core. Washington hasn’t had the best season but they’re favored in this one at -115. Miami sends out Trevor Rogers (3-6, 5.86 ERA) and youngster Josiah Gray (6-4, 3.83) takes the ball for Washington. Gray has been a lone bright spot for the Washington pitching staff. Gray hasn’t gotten a ton of run support but leads the team in wins. First baseman Josh Bell is also having a breakout season, hitting .319 with a .402 OBP. Despite Washington being favored, a Miami win would make sense, as they are 27-17 as the underdog. Even with that, Washington will be the pick because of Gray and Bell.
The Pick: Washington ML (-115)
Texas Rangers (36-38, 2nd AL West) at New York Mets (47-29, 1st NL East)
Texas has been decent this year but it’s hard to contend with the first place Houston Astros. New York on the other hand, has been amazing and so has Chris Bassitt (6-5, 4.01 ERA), who takes the ball. Despite the shaky numbers, Bassitt has been a great addition to the pitching staff and has provided some great support. Texas counters with Glenn Otto (4-3, 5.31 ERA) and New York will be the favorite at -175. There’s actually good value in New York at that number, as they are 24-12 at home and 30-23 as the favorite.
The Pick: New York ML (-175)
