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We have a great slate of baseball on Thursday, bringing us one step closer to the weekend and delivering us some enjoyment as we get through the penultimate weeknight. I’ve got my eyes on a couple of plays and will get to them now.
New York Yankees (+130) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (-150) Total: 8.5
Robbie Ray may go on to win the Cy Young Award this year, but that doesn’t make him a good play on Thursday. In fact, I couldn’t hate this spot for Ray any more.
For starters, Ray is the owner of a 5.59 ERA in two starts against the Yankees, spanning 9 2/3 innings. During those frames, he’s allowed three homers and five walks. That’s because New York is great against lefties — ranking sixth in wRC+ to southpaws — but also because of its approach.
The Yankees are very patient, checking in as one of the very best teams in walking this year, and they also own a lineup full of exit velocity machines. If you take a look at Ray’s numbers, you will notice he’s allowed an inordinate amount of hard-hit balls this year, but has saved himself with strikeouts.
The Yankees have been very disciplined all year and should be able to awaKen Ray‘s walk demons once again. After all, Ray has walked six in his past two outings, looking a lot like the pitcher who was one of the worst in the league over the last few years.
Edge: Yankees +130
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Tampa Bay Rays (+130) vs. Houston Astros (-150) Total: 8.5
It’s closing time once again for the Houston Astros, who need a win here to clinch the AL West. At long last, I think they will find it.
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Houston will throw Lance McCullers here who should be in a glorious spot. The righty primarily features a sinker, a pitch which the Rays rank 22nd in weighted runs against. He’s pitched to a 3.00 ERA in September and should come into this one brimming with confidence, set up for success against a lackadaisical Rays team which has already wrapped up the best record in the American League.
Because of that, the Rays will be going with a bullpen game here against Houston, and even though this team has been the worst in baseball offensively over the past week, I don’t think it will face many imposing pitchers with the Rays gearing up for next week. That long-awaited win should finally come against low-leverage arms, and behind a strong outing from McCullers.
Edge: Astros -150
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