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We’re back from the All-Star break. A nice little hiatus to gather our thoughts and gear up for a big second half on the MLB calendar. Looking to keep things light and sweet today.
*Each play will be labeled (1 through number “X”) to determine how I rank my plays on a daily basis.
Shohei Ohtani O/U 8.5 K’s vs. Atlanta Braves (1)
Sho-time has been mowing hitters down for the better part of a month having notched four straight outings with at least 10 punchies. This is easily the best we have seen him pitch in his career. The early knock I had on him was his inefficiency and inability to consistently pound the strike zone, but lately he’s been on a heater.
The only team that has struck out more than Ohtani’s Angels team is the Atlanta Braves (877), while also posting the 3rd highest K rate (24.8%). Even though the Braves have surged themselves into the NL East race, if there is one thing they do, it is go down on strikes. Seeing how Ohtani is good for pretty much at least six innings these days, it puts him in prime position to notch at least nine K’s against this team.
The Shohei arsenal is looking elite right now with his high 90’s heater, put-away slider, and fall-off-the-cliff split piece. More importantly, he has been able to consistently attack the strike zone. The 8.5 is high, but I’m willing to ride this trend he’s on, and at plus money? Sign me up.
PREDICTION: Ohtani O8.5 K’s (+106)
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Toronto Blue Jays (-126) @ Boston Red Sox (+108) | Over/Under 9 (2)
Looking to ride another trend here, and that’s Kevin Gausman’s dominance over the Boston Red Sox this season. Of course, I worry about regression coming, but I usually don’t like trying to guess when that’s going to be unless there is a legit reason to try and be ahead of the curve.
In three starts vs. the Red Sox this season, KG has gone 21 innings and only allowed one earned run and two walks, while recording 27 punchouts and a .203 OBA. More importantly, the Jays have won all three of those starts. It seems to be one of those matchups where Gausman has their number.
This is a contest of two good teams that find themselves in need of a big start to the second half with the AL playoff race tight as nails. There is a very high chance that only one of these teams end up making the postseason, so every game becomes even more crucial. With Nathan Eovaldi utterly useless at home (4.37 ERA), this lines up as a great spot for Toronto to come out of the gate roaring.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays ML (-126)
Enjoy the taste, cuzzadeech.
