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We’ve arrived at the penultimate day of the season, and there isn’t a meaningful game in sight. We can still make some money, though, and I’ll get into how.
Toronto Blue Jays (+100) vs. Baltimore Orioles (-120) Total: 7.5
If you know me, you know I do not like Mitch White. He’s simply not a good pitcher, as evidenced by his 5.12 ERA and high .258 expected batting average. He pitches to contact, and does so very poorly.
The Blue Jays probably aren’t fans of their mid-season acquisition either. With White on the hill, Toronto is just 2-7 this season and hasn’t won in his last six starts. The last Toronto victory behind White came on August 20th.
With that being said, I have to take the Orioles here. They’re sixth in wRC+ in the last two weeks and while they don’t have anything to play for they’d probably like to leave this season with a good taste in their mouths considering they exceeded expectations and played some splendid ball at times.
Edge: Orioles -120
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Philadelphia Phillies (+170) vs. Houston Astros (-200) Total: 7
Speaking of meaningless baseball, the Phillies were the last remaining team with something to play for this week. They clinched the wild-card on Monday night and will be trotting out their hangover lineup on Tuesday night as they brace for the playoffs.
The man they’ll have to face? Justin Verlander. The Astros have given no indication that Verlander will be handled with gloves here given his seven-inning masterpiece against the Diamondbacks last time out, and with that it’s hard not to fall in love with the under here.
The under has now cashed in four of Verlander’s last five starts, and he’ll not only face a depleted Phillies lineup but he’ll likely have a weak one on his side as well. Houston yanked its starters in the seventh inning last week and likely won’t push the likes of Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve with the playoffs around the corner.
Edge: Under 7