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Coasted off a double dip winner on Friday night, but I’m back for more. JV is highlighting a couple things that we might be able to take advantage of on this Taco Tuesday.
*Each play will be labeled (1 through number “X”) to determine how I rank my plays on a daily basis.
Shane McClanahan O/U 7.5 K’s vs. Baltimore Orioles (1)
Shane Daddy was a HUGE disappointment in the All Star Game last week. All I’m saying is Dylan Cease wouldn’t have given up two runs like that. Anyway, McClanahan will look to shake off that rusty performance in his first outing post ASG. He draws the streaking Baltimore Orioles for the second time this year. He went 4.1 shutout innings with seven punches in his very first start of the season vs. them.
I believe there is a second half regression coming for the Rays’ ace, I’m just not sure exactly when it will be. The Orioles no longer seem like a layup, and the fact that they hit lefties pretty much the same as righties doesn’t make me feel bad about this matchup. Although Baltimore has the seventh most K’s (843) and 10th highest K rate (23.4%), their hitting has been so much better as of late. They should be able to stave off a swarm of strikeouts.
The regression I’m talking about for McClanahan isn’t necessarily a steep drop, but little by little over each start. Obviously there’s a chance he could dominate tonight, but I’m going to do something I haven’t done all season with him. I’m looking at the Under at plus money. I also think the Orioles are live to win this game as they are 29-21 at home this season.
PREDICTION: McClanahan U7.5 K’s (+116)
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Houston Astros (-172) @ Oakland A’s (+144) | Over/Under 7 (2)
Believe it or not (George isn’t at home), the Astros have actually had somewhat of a tough time this year against the Oakland A’s. Houston is up 6-4 in the season series so far, but have lost three of the last four, and four of the last six. With Luis Garcia and Frankie Montas duking it out, does Oakland make it three in a row against this H-Town squad?
Garcia has been pretty good this year outside of a few starts, but one thing he has done nearly every time out is give his team a chance to win. Having won his last six outings (covering four of them), Houston should be in position to do the same against an Oakland team that refuses to hit. Not to mention, Garcia has a 2.25 ERA and .193 OBA on the road this season.
I’m not sure how many more starts Montas has left with the A’s, but I can’t imagine it’s more than one or two. He’s been delightful this year with a 3.16 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Naturally though, his 3-9 record is clearly not reflective of just how well he has pitched in 2022. In fact, Oakland rarely ever seems to win a game he starts, even if it’s a gem. The A’s have lost 13 of his last 15 starts. This is most likely a lower scoring affair, but I think the Astros find a way to separate late.
PREDICTION: Astros RL (+105)
Enjoy the taste, cuzzadeech.
