Miami Marlins vs. Toronto Blue Jays 1:07 PM ET
Embed from Getty ImagesMiami Marlins Under 3.5 Runs (-135 per DraftKings)
The Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays enter the rubber match of this series this afternoon with each team having secured one win apiece. This matchup sets up as a strong pitching duel, with Eury Pérez taking on veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman.
The current game total sitting at 7.5 also signals that oddsmakers are expecting a relatively low-scoring affair. Gausman has been excellent this season, entering the game with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP across 64 innings pitched.
Another factor working in Toronto’s favor is the lack of familiarity from the Miami lineup. Many of the hitters in the Marlins order have either never faced Gausman before or have only seen him in extremely limited action.
Miami has also been inconsistent offensively lately, scoring under 3.5 runs in 5 of their last 10 games, including yesterday against this same Blue Jays staff. Against a veteran arm like Gausman in a projected low-scoring environment, this shapes up as another difficult offensive day for the Marlins.
Washington Nationals vs. Cleveland Guardians 1:10 PM ET
Washington Nationals Under 3.5 Runs (-135 per DraftKings)
The Washington Nationals come into the final game of this series against the Cleveland Guardians red hot, riding a four-game winning streak. Offensively they’ve been productive as well, scoring over 3.5 runs in 3 of their last 5 games and in 6 of their last 10 overall.
Despite that recent success, this matchup presents several difficult factors for Washington. First, they’ll be facing Gavin Williams for the first time, and Williams has been outstanding this season with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.
The Nationals have also struggled significantly in day games this year. During afternoon contests, Washington ranks just 22nd in MLB in batting average at .231 and 26th in on-base percentage at .304.
While the Nationals lineup has clearly been playing better recently, the combination of an unfamiliar pitcher, poor daytime splits, and a strong Cleveland pitching staff makes this a difficult setup for Washington offensively this afternoon.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres 4:10 PM ET
Christopher Sanchez Over 19.5 Outs Recorded (-120 per DraftKings)
Cristopher Sánchez has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last several weeks. Entering today’s matchup against the San Diego Padres, Sanchez owns a sparkling 1.62 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP across 72.1 innings pitched.
The most impressive part of his recent run has been his ability to consistently work deep into games. Since April 30th, Sanchez has pitched at least 6.2 innings in every single start, a stretch spanning five consecutive outings.
His pitch count has remained relatively stable throughout the season, but his command has improved dramatically, allowing him to stay efficient and avoid high-stress innings.
This matchup also lines up extremely well for the Phillies left-hander. Last season against San Diego, Sanchez threw 7.0 and 7.1 innings in his two starts against them. The Padres have also struggled badly against left-handed pitching this season, batting just .213 against southpaws, which ranks 28th in MLB. Their .281 on-base percentage against lefties is the worst mark in baseball.
With Sanchez in elite form and San Diego continuing to struggle against left-handed pitching, this looks like another strong opportunity for him to work deep into the game this afternoon.
Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox 6:45 PM ET
Michael Harris Over 0.5 Hits (-229 per DraftKings)
Michael Harris II has been absolutely scorching at the plate recently for the Atlanta Braves. Over his last seven games, Harris is batting .387 with an incredible .806 slugging percentage.
The season as a whole has gone extremely well for him too, as he currently carries a .304 batting average and a .533 slugging percentage overall.
Last night against the Boston Red Sox, Harris delivered one of his best performances of the year, going 4-for-4 with a home run, a double, and 3 RBIs.
Tonight Atlanta faces Connelly Early, a pitcher Harris has already seen briefly in his career. In two at-bats against Early, Harris has already recorded a home run.
The splits also strongly favor Harris here, as he has been even better on the road this season, batting .375 with a .708 slugging percentage away from home. Given his current form and the favorable matchup, Harris looks poised to stay hot and continue his impressive run at the plate.
Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets 7:10 PM ET
Juan Soto Over 1.5 Total Bases (+110 per DraftKings)
The New York Mets continue to struggle offensively overall, but Juan Soto has remained one of the few consistent bright spots in the lineup.
Over his last seven games, Soto is batting .346 with an outstanding .923 slugging percentage. In yesterday’s game against Cincinnati, he went 1-for-4 with a home run, continuing his recent power surge.
Soto has now surpassed the 1.5 total bases mark in 3 of his last 5 games and in 7 of his last 10 overall.
Tonight he faces Andrew Abbott, a pitcher he has historically hit very well against. Across 11 career at-bats versus Abbott, Soto owns a .455 batting average alongside a 1.045 OPS.
Abbott has also been more hittable this season than in years past, currently carrying the highest H/9 mark of his career at 9.05. With Soto continuing to swing a hot bat and already having success against Abbott, this feels like another strong opportunity for him to rack up extra bases tonight.

Leave A Comment