Reds @ Red Sox
Once again, the Red Sox are plagued by playing in the toughest division in baseball. While there are terrific rivalries in the AL East, MLB would benefit from a realignment or simply letting the top six overall teams into the playoffs. Boston is nine and a half games back from the Rays, but if they were in the NL or AL Central, they would be in first place. Given their decent play, seeing how the season shakes out for them will be interesting.
As for Cincinnati, they have been a pleasant surprise this season. After finishing 2022 31 games back of first place, they are fighting for a playoff slot this season. They are three games back in their division and half a game back of a wild card. While it is incredibly early to be talking about the playoffs, it’s worth noting that we’re a third of the way through the season, and the Reds are halfway to matching last season’s win total.
These two teams are well-matched, making for a fun series. Boston edged out Cincinnati 9-8 last night, but the Reds still hope to win the series. Bettors can expect another high-scoring game, as James Paxton is making his fourth start of the year, and Red’s starter Luke Weaver is still settling into the season, as he’s allowed four or more runs in five of his seven starts.
Over 10.5 Runs (-105) Luke Weaver Over 3.5 Earned Runs Allowed (+115)
Braves @ A’s
Atlanta no longer holds the best record in the National League; worse than that, they are at risk of being swept by the worst team in baseball. Hoping to save them from that fate is rookie Jared Shuster. Shuster is making the sixth start of his young career. Through five games, he’s averaging three runs a start, but he has demonstrated positive progressions with each opportunity.
Going for Oakland will be the young righty, James Kaprielian. His 2023 season can’t be described in any other way than abysmal. He had one strong start against Houston, but other than that, whether starting or reliving, he’s liable to give up more than a few runs.
There is no way the Braves are leaving Oakland without a W, so we have an easy bet on this one.
Jared Shuster Over 16.5 Outs Recorded (-105)
Atlanta -2 (-110)
Over 9 Runs (-120)
