The Royals came through as the Monday free play. Tuesday’s comp is one of the meaningless games on the MLB slate, but it sure won’t be that for those wagering on the outcome.
ROCKIES (Bettis) @ BRAVES (Foltynewicz)
Take: BRAVES -106
Mike Foltynewicz is still getting starts for the Braves, in spite of being mostly terrible. Foltynewicz certainly has the look of a pitcher who’s ultimate destination is late inning relief. But with the Braves not in contention for anything other than a high pick in the 2016 draft, I guess they might as well see if he can harness his command and prove to have worth as a starting pitcher.
I’m mentioning this because I’m taking the Braves here in spite of Foltynewicz. There’s really no way to make a good case for him, and admittedly he’s the big concern I have with this selection. But other aspects I see favor the Braves enough to warrant looking at their side as the right side tonight.
Chad Bettis has pitched very well in a pair of minor league rehabs as he prepares to come off the disabled list. In another season of disappointment for the Rockies, Bettis has actually provided something positive. But this is is his first start off the DL and I wouldn’t think that Bettis will be extended here as there’s simply no point in the Rockies taking any risk with a pitcher who profiles as a rotation member for 2016.
That means a good likelihood of at least three innings for the hapless Rockies bullpen, and perhaps more than that. The Braves aren’t exactly lights out when it comes to their bullpen, but they’re aces compared to the arms populating the Rockies relief corps.
It should also be noted that I’d be surprised if Carlos Gonzalez plays tonight for the visitors. CarGo tweaked his knee last night and had to leave the game. Given his very lengthy injury history, it seems unlikely we’ll see him in action tonight. That’s a major hit for the Rockies attack as Gonzalez has been on a tremendous tear and even if it’s just one game, that’s a big potential hope in the Colorado lineup.
The Braves have not been good at all lately, but they did snap their losing streak last night. The idea of playing against Colorado on the road in the even money neighborhood is appealing. Foltynewicz is a huge risk to be sure, but at this price and factoring in the aforementioned material, I’ll make a case for the Braves as tonight’s free play.
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