Jeff Benton
Monday night comp play is the Pirates over the Braves.
The Pirates took all 3 of a 3 game set in early April at home over the Braves, and I like them to start the 3 game set tonight with a victory behind Gerrit Cole.
Pittsburgh is 15-6 overall their last 21 showdowns with Atlanta, and Cole was able to end a 5-start winless stretch with 7 shutdown innings - just 1 run allowed - in a win over the Nationals his last time out. He is 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA over his last 3 starts, and he is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his 5 career starts versus the Braves.
Mike Foltyniewicz will counter for the host, and Folty did match pitches against Cole and the Bucs back on April 7th when he dropped to 0-3 with an ERA of 9.00 in his 3 career starts against the Pirates.
Stick with Pittsburgh and Cole on Monday night.
4* PITTSBURGH
Monday night comp play is the Pirates over the Braves.
The Pirates took all 3 of a 3 game set in early April at home over the Braves, and I like them to start the 3 game set tonight with a victory behind Gerrit Cole.
Pittsburgh is 15-6 overall their last 21 showdowns with Atlanta, and Cole was able to end a 5-start winless stretch with 7 shutdown innings - just 1 run allowed - in a win over the Nationals his last time out. He is 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA over his last 3 starts, and he is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his 5 career starts versus the Braves.
Mike Foltyniewicz will counter for the host, and Folty did match pitches against Cole and the Bucs back on April 7th when he dropped to 0-3 with an ERA of 9.00 in his 3 career starts against the Pirates.
Stick with Pittsburgh and Cole on Monday night.
4* PITTSBURGH
Brad Wilton
Monday night comp play is the Rockies over the Phillies.
Anytime I can get a team that is 11 games over .500 playing against a team that is 11 games under .500 at pretty much a pick'em price, consider me in!
Colorado has won 5 of their last 7 games, and have taken 4 of their first 6 on their current road trip which stops in Philadelphia this Monday night.
The Phillies have dropped 6 of their last 7, and are just 3-14 over their last 17 games contested.
Jeff Hoffman will make just his second start of the season, an he did win his debut back in early May.
Jerad Eickhoff pitched well against Texas his last time out, but is still winless for the 2017 campaign. He is 1-1 in his 2 career starts against Colorado with 11 runs allowed in 11 innings worked.
Go with Colorado in this one.
4* COLORADO
Monday night comp play is the Rockies over the Phillies.
Anytime I can get a team that is 11 games over .500 playing against a team that is 11 games under .500 at pretty much a pick'em price, consider me in!
Colorado has won 5 of their last 7 games, and have taken 4 of their first 6 on their current road trip which stops in Philadelphia this Monday night.
The Phillies have dropped 6 of their last 7, and are just 3-14 over their last 17 games contested.
Jeff Hoffman will make just his second start of the season, an he did win his debut back in early May.
Jerad Eickhoff pitched well against Texas his last time out, but is still winless for the 2017 campaign. He is 1-1 in his 2 career starts against Colorado with 11 runs allowed in 11 innings worked.
Go with Colorado in this one.
4* COLORADO
Chris Jordan
My free Monday winner is on the Angels over the Rays, in American League action, and I want you listing only Tampa Bay starter Jake Odorizzi in this game.
It's real simple with this comp play, as I'm playing against Odorizzi, who is 0-3 with a 6.98 ERA in four career starts versus the Angels.
I know the Rays' right-hander has been a model of consistency for the Rays, and last Tuesday in Cleveland he earned his third win of the campaign by holding the Indians to four runs on seven hits in six innings, but tonight he will struggle against the Halos.
Take the Angels.
2* RAYS
My free Monday winner is on the Angels over the Rays, in American League action, and I want you listing only Tampa Bay starter Jake Odorizzi in this game.
It's real simple with this comp play, as I'm playing against Odorizzi, who is 0-3 with a 6.98 ERA in four career starts versus the Angels.
I know the Rays' right-hander has been a model of consistency for the Rays, and last Tuesday in Cleveland he earned his third win of the campaign by holding the Indians to four runs on seven hits in six innings, but tonight he will struggle against the Halos.
Take the Angels.
2* RAYS
Jack Brayman
My free pick for today is on the Kansas City Royals over the New York Yankees. It's a big price, and yeah, it's in the Bronx, but I like the pitching matchup here and want you listing both starters: Jason Vargas and Michael Pineda.
This is a revenge game from May 17, when the Yankees went into Kansas City and won 11-7, with Pineda getting the win and Vargas taking the L.
The Yankees tagged Vargas pretty good, as he allowed six runs over seven hits in just four innings. But here's the thing, Pineda wasn't all that either, as he gave up four runs and six hits in six innings.
Vargas is still in search of his first career victory against the Yankees, and I think he will be motivated for this one.
Look for the Royals to win with Vargas getting it done over Pineda.
3* ROYALS
My free pick for today is on the Kansas City Royals over the New York Yankees. It's a big price, and yeah, it's in the Bronx, but I like the pitching matchup here and want you listing both starters: Jason Vargas and Michael Pineda.
This is a revenge game from May 17, when the Yankees went into Kansas City and won 11-7, with Pineda getting the win and Vargas taking the L.
The Yankees tagged Vargas pretty good, as he allowed six runs over seven hits in just four innings. But here's the thing, Pineda wasn't all that either, as he gave up four runs and six hits in six innings.
Vargas is still in search of his first career victory against the Yankees, and I think he will be motivated for this one.
Look for the Royals to win with Vargas getting it done over Pineda.
3* ROYALS
Eric Schroeder
My free winner for Monday is the Houston Astros over the Detroit Tigers. And in this one do yourselves a favor and list starter Brad Peacock only.
Cheap price to pay, as Peacock, who is normally a reliever, will make a spot start in place of Dallas Keuchel, who was placed on the disabled list with a pinched nerve in neck.
This is a great chance for Peacock, who is 2-0 this season with a 1.10 ERA. The right-hander will be out to prove himself and will be looking to make a statement in his surprise start.
Take Houston as your free winner.
5* ASTROS
My free winner for Monday is the Houston Astros over the Detroit Tigers. And in this one do yourselves a favor and list starter Brad Peacock only.
Cheap price to pay, as Peacock, who is normally a reliever, will make a spot start in place of Dallas Keuchel, who was placed on the disabled list with a pinched nerve in neck.
This is a great chance for Peacock, who is 2-0 this season with a 1.10 ERA. The right-hander will be out to prove himself and will be looking to make a statement in his surprise start.
Take Houston as your free winner.
5* ASTROS
Mike Rose
Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros
Play: 1H Detroit Tigers +115
The Astros are in the midst of adversity for the first time this season. The team has been smoking hot all season, but now finds itself losers of three in a row for only the second time this season, and has some viable components injured. Peacock’s being taken out of the pen and installed into the rotation to take the place of ace Keuchel who is expected to only miss one start. More important is the injury suffered to backstop McCann whose done a fabulous job calling games for the pitching staff. Fulmer is the only starter in the Tigers rotation I’m comfortable backing blindly every time he takes the bump. He’s 5-1 and led Detroit to wins in 6/8 starts. He’s allowed 4 ER through 13.1 combined innings over two starts against Houston lifetime. That said, I still have no faith in the Tigers pen, so I’ll take them out of the equation and roll with Detroit through the first five innings.
Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros
Play: 1H Detroit Tigers +115
The Astros are in the midst of adversity for the first time this season. The team has been smoking hot all season, but now finds itself losers of three in a row for only the second time this season, and has some viable components injured. Peacock’s being taken out of the pen and installed into the rotation to take the place of ace Keuchel who is expected to only miss one start. More important is the injury suffered to backstop McCann whose done a fabulous job calling games for the pitching staff. Fulmer is the only starter in the Tigers rotation I’m comfortable backing blindly every time he takes the bump. He’s 5-1 and led Detroit to wins in 6/8 starts. He’s allowed 4 ER through 13.1 combined innings over two starts against Houston lifetime. That said, I still have no faith in the Tigers pen, so I’ll take them out of the equation and roll with Detroit through the first five innings.
Handicappers Hub
Warriors vs. Spurs
Play: Under 218
The only way this stays remotely close and the Spurs stay in the game is if they can play some good team defense as well as hope for an off shooting night from the Warriors but I still have a hard time believing that this Spurs team without Leonard will get to 100 making this an easy under tonight in San Antonio!!
Warriors vs. Spurs
Play: Under 218
The only way this stays remotely close and the Spurs stay in the game is if they can play some good team defense as well as hope for an off shooting night from the Warriors but I still have a hard time believing that this Spurs team without Leonard will get to 100 making this an easy under tonight in San Antonio!!
Dwayne Bryant
Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds
Play: Cleveland Indians -125
I have to back the Indians here. Josh Tomlin has walked far fewer hitters (2.3%) than the Reds' Scott Feldman (9.6%). Tomlin's solid 3.34 xFIP is also significantly better than Feldman's 4.33 mark. The bullpen edge also goes to the Tribe. Cleveland also has momentum on its side. The Indians are coming off an impressive 3-game sweep of the Astros in Houston, while the Reds have lost 8 of their last 9 games. With the Indians 9-5 in road games against righties (averaging 4.8 runs per game), I'll take a shot with CLEVELAND.
Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds
Play: Cleveland Indians -125
I have to back the Indians here. Josh Tomlin has walked far fewer hitters (2.3%) than the Reds' Scott Feldman (9.6%). Tomlin's solid 3.34 xFIP is also significantly better than Feldman's 4.33 mark. The bullpen edge also goes to the Tribe. Cleveland also has momentum on its side. The Indians are coming off an impressive 3-game sweep of the Astros in Houston, while the Reds have lost 8 of their last 9 games. With the Indians 9-5 in road games against righties (averaging 4.8 runs per game), I'll take a shot with CLEVELAND.
Tony Finn
Twins at Orioles
Play: Over 10
The Minnesota Twins take to Oriole Park on Monday night in an American League contest against Baltimore. First pitch is slated to take place at 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards with the Twins starting Kyle Gibson (0-4, 8.20 ERA) against the Orioles Ubaldo Jimenez (1-2, 6.52).
The Baltimore Orioles have been money at home in the first two months of the 2017 campaign registering wins in 15 of their 19 games. The surprising Minnesota team sits tied in the American League Central tied with the Cleveland Indians. Baltimore is just a half-game back of the AL East's first place club, New York.
With Twins are coming off a split of a Sunday double-header against Kansas City, their second double-dip in the last four days, requiring they bring an arm for the first game of their series versus Baltimore. Former first-round pick Kyle Gibson is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to make the start tonight.
Gibson continues to be a first-round disappointment. The Twins righty allowed six homers and 13 walks in 26 1/3 innings only to find himself tossing from the Triple-A mound in early May. In his last start against the near identical lineup of Baltimore was in April of last year. He didn't earn a decision in the contest upon surrendering five walks and a home run in five innings of work.
Like Gibson, O's starter Ubaldo Jimenez is nothing short of a fifth starter in the American League. Jimenez continues to struggle with his command and when he is throwing strikes the opposition is hitting the ball in the bleacher seats. The O's righty allowed two homers for the second straight start and third time in four outings in this past Wednesday 5-4 loss at Detroit.
Jimenez has just one quality start this season in eight starts. He has allowed three runs or fewer in just two of his eight turns with one of those coming in just 3.1 innings of work against Tampa Bay.
The Twins are hitting the ball with authority which includes a red hot run by veteran 1B Joe Mauer who is 11-for-34 with five runs scored during his nine-game hitting streak. Additionally, power hitting 3B Miguel Sano is in the middle of a five-game hitting streak and registered a four RBI Sunday vs. the Royals.
Baltimore's big bat, Mark Trumbo, has multi-hit games in three straight and in four of this past week's events.
Gibson was 0-4 with an 8.20 ERA before being demoted and Jimenez trends to allow five or more runs in his matchup against the Twins tonight
Twins at Orioles
Play: Over 10
The Minnesota Twins take to Oriole Park on Monday night in an American League contest against Baltimore. First pitch is slated to take place at 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards with the Twins starting Kyle Gibson (0-4, 8.20 ERA) against the Orioles Ubaldo Jimenez (1-2, 6.52).
The Baltimore Orioles have been money at home in the first two months of the 2017 campaign registering wins in 15 of their 19 games. The surprising Minnesota team sits tied in the American League Central tied with the Cleveland Indians. Baltimore is just a half-game back of the AL East's first place club, New York.
With Twins are coming off a split of a Sunday double-header against Kansas City, their second double-dip in the last four days, requiring they bring an arm for the first game of their series versus Baltimore. Former first-round pick Kyle Gibson is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to make the start tonight.
Gibson continues to be a first-round disappointment. The Twins righty allowed six homers and 13 walks in 26 1/3 innings only to find himself tossing from the Triple-A mound in early May. In his last start against the near identical lineup of Baltimore was in April of last year. He didn't earn a decision in the contest upon surrendering five walks and a home run in five innings of work.
Like Gibson, O's starter Ubaldo Jimenez is nothing short of a fifth starter in the American League. Jimenez continues to struggle with his command and when he is throwing strikes the opposition is hitting the ball in the bleacher seats. The O's righty allowed two homers for the second straight start and third time in four outings in this past Wednesday 5-4 loss at Detroit.
Jimenez has just one quality start this season in eight starts. He has allowed three runs or fewer in just two of his eight turns with one of those coming in just 3.1 innings of work against Tampa Bay.
The Twins are hitting the ball with authority which includes a red hot run by veteran 1B Joe Mauer who is 11-for-34 with five runs scored during his nine-game hitting streak. Additionally, power hitting 3B Miguel Sano is in the middle of a five-game hitting streak and registered a four RBI Sunday vs. the Royals.
Baltimore's big bat, Mark Trumbo, has multi-hit games in three straight and in four of this past week's events.
Gibson was 0-4 with an 8.20 ERA before being demoted and Jimenez trends to allow five or more runs in his matchup against the Twins tonight
The Prez
Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies
Play: Colorado Rockies +106
One of the more interesting contests on the Vegas baseball betting board Monday night is a National League event at Citizens Bank Park. The Rockies take on the Phillies in a game scheduled to see first pitch at 7:05 p.m. and pits Rockies right-hander Jeff Hoffman (1-0, 5.40 ERA) against Phillies righty Jerad Eickhoff (0-4, 4.53).
The surprising Colorado Rockies own first place in the National League West. They rest two games in front of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks and the troupe has not lost a series since late April. Conversely the Philadelphia Phillies haven't won a series since April and during that the same time frame. The National League's best record resides in Philadelphia tonight when the Roks send one of the key players from a trade with the Blue Jays, when the organization sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto.
Hoffman is scheduled to be brought up from Triple-A Albuquerque to make his second start of the year. The highly touted righty was the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft and earned a win over division rival Los Angeles Hoffman just over a week ago. Hoffman registered eight punch-outs in 5 1/3 innings of work. The Colorado right-hander has been brought along carefully this season after he was 0-4 with a 4.88 ERA last season.
The Phillies send Eickhoff to the mound is off his best performance of 2017. The Phils' right-handed starter struck out eight of two run ball in six innings of work in hitter-friendly Globe Life in Texas. The performance was solid on the surface but the Phillies young starter was fortuitous stranding a large number of runners and did so with a near 50 percent hard contact rate. Before his last turn in Arlington he had allowed 14 runs and 22 hits over just 15 frames.
Eickhoff has started against Colorado twice in his career allowing 11 runs in 11 innings.
Hoffman gets the Rockies to the late innings with a lead and Colorado closer Greg Holland converts his 20th straight save in the win.
Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies
Play: Colorado Rockies +106
One of the more interesting contests on the Vegas baseball betting board Monday night is a National League event at Citizens Bank Park. The Rockies take on the Phillies in a game scheduled to see first pitch at 7:05 p.m. and pits Rockies right-hander Jeff Hoffman (1-0, 5.40 ERA) against Phillies righty Jerad Eickhoff (0-4, 4.53).
The surprising Colorado Rockies own first place in the National League West. They rest two games in front of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks and the troupe has not lost a series since late April. Conversely the Philadelphia Phillies haven't won a series since April and during that the same time frame. The National League's best record resides in Philadelphia tonight when the Roks send one of the key players from a trade with the Blue Jays, when the organization sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto.
Hoffman is scheduled to be brought up from Triple-A Albuquerque to make his second start of the year. The highly touted righty was the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft and earned a win over division rival Los Angeles Hoffman just over a week ago. Hoffman registered eight punch-outs in 5 1/3 innings of work. The Colorado right-hander has been brought along carefully this season after he was 0-4 with a 4.88 ERA last season.
The Phillies send Eickhoff to the mound is off his best performance of 2017. The Phils' right-handed starter struck out eight of two run ball in six innings of work in hitter-friendly Globe Life in Texas. The performance was solid on the surface but the Phillies young starter was fortuitous stranding a large number of runners and did so with a near 50 percent hard contact rate. Before his last turn in Arlington he had allowed 14 runs and 22 hits over just 15 frames.
Eickhoff has started against Colorado twice in his career allowing 11 runs in 11 innings.
Hoffman gets the Rockies to the late innings with a lead and Colorado closer Greg Holland converts his 20th straight save in the win.
Harry Bondi
PHILADELPHIA (-115) over Colorado
Today we take a rare opportunity to back the Phillies.They are a rare favorite tonight and that role is deserved as they square off against minor league call up Jeff Hoffman. Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff has a lousy 0-4 record but he has been the victim of poor run support rather than lousy pitching. Eickhoff is coming off a solid performance against Texas in which he struck out eight and allowed just two earned runs over six innings at Texas but still lost. Tonight, against minor league pitching the Phillies will get back on track.
PHILADELPHIA (-115) over Colorado
Today we take a rare opportunity to back the Phillies.They are a rare favorite tonight and that role is deserved as they square off against minor league call up Jeff Hoffman. Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff has a lousy 0-4 record but he has been the victim of poor run support rather than lousy pitching. Eickhoff is coming off a solid performance against Texas in which he struck out eight and allowed just two earned runs over six innings at Texas but still lost. Tonight, against minor league pitching the Phillies will get back on track.
Frank Sawyer
May 22 '17, 9:40 PM in 2h
MLB | White Sox vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -1½ +110 at betonline
Take the Arizona Diamondbacks minus the 1.5 Run-Line versus the Chicago White Sox listing both starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Miguel Gonzalez. Arizona (26-19) has won 22 of their last 30 games at home. The Diamondbacks have also won 5 of their last 6 games at home with Greinke on the mould. Chicago (20-22) has lost 5 straight games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 5 road games with Gonzalez facing a team with a winning record, the White Sox have lost 4 of these games. With the Diamondbacks being a money-line favorite in the -200 range, that is too expensive for me to endorse out of principle (-150 or lower is my range). Instead, take the better money-line price with the Run-Line with Arizona while listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.
May 22 '17, 9:40 PM in 2h
MLB | White Sox vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -1½ +110 at betonline
Take the Arizona Diamondbacks minus the 1.5 Run-Line versus the Chicago White Sox listing both starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Miguel Gonzalez. Arizona (26-19) has won 22 of their last 30 games at home. The Diamondbacks have also won 5 of their last 6 games at home with Greinke on the mould. Chicago (20-22) has lost 5 straight games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 5 road games with Gonzalez facing a team with a winning record, the White Sox have lost 4 of these games. With the Diamondbacks being a money-line favorite in the -200 range, that is too expensive for me to endorse out of principle (-150 or lower is my range). Instead, take the better money-line price with the Run-Line with Arizona while listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.
