Houston Astros (45-27, 1st AL West) at New York Mets (47-27, 1st NL East)
While New York’s lead in the NL East is starting to shrink slightly, bettors confidence shouldn’t. Houston does send Framber Valdez (7-3, 2.90 ERA) to the mound, who will be no small task. Houston is also favored at -120. New York sends out Carlos Carrasco (8-3, 4.42 ERA) who is having a career bounce back year. These are two of the best teams in baseball and not much is separating them. There’s great value in New York and they’re 24-10 at home this year, making them the pick in this one.
The Pick: New York ML (+110)
Cincinnati Reds (25-47, 5th NL Central) at Chicago Cubs (28-45, 4th NL Central)
Two teams in the basement of the NL Central battle it out here, with Chicago being favored at -110. Cincinnati sends out Luis Castillo (2-4, 3.71 ERA) and Chicago counters with Keegan Thompson (7-2, 3.10 ERA). Chicago is most likely the slightly better team, with a better overall offense and pitching staff this year. However, they are 5-14 when playing as the favorite this year. Cincinnati is also coming off a series win against San Francisco. Castillo is also looking to improve some trade value with the deadline looming.
The Pick: Cincinnati ML (+100)
Los Angeles Dodgers (45-27, 1st NL West) at Colorado Rockies (32-42, 5th NL West)
Los Angeles is heavily favored at -210 but there’s surprising value there. It’s most likely because of all the injuries, including star outfielder Mookie Betts. Clayton Kershaw (5-1, 2.00 ERA) takes the ball for Los Angeles and Colorado sends out Kyle Freeland (3-5, 4.29 ERA). Despite the injuries, Los Angeles should have no problem handling this Colorado team. Los Angeles has actually been really good on the road, playing to a 25-15 record and 40-30 as the favorites.
The Pick: Los Angeles ML (-210)
