Monday, Aug. 31
Marlins @ Braves -- Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz is in terrible current form; he has allowed 17 runs and 22 hits in his last three starts, all losses. The righty did beat Miami at home earlier this month after allowing 2 runs and five hits in 5.2 innings of work. Miami’s Chris Narveson had a terrible debut as a starter his last time out. He gave up 7 runs to the Pirates in a 7-2 home loss. Both offenses are hard to trust, and since I expect both pitchers to perform much better in this game, I’ll lean Under 8.5 (-120) between the Marlins and Braves.
Reds @ Cubs -- The Cubs had to fly home late after a game in Los Angeles on Sunday Night Baseball. Chicago will also be celebrating Jake Arrieta’s no-hitter, so the Cubs are simply in a terrible situational and scheduling spot for this game. Unfortunately, Cincinnati’s David Holmberg is terrible. The southpaw is 1-4 with a 7.62 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in six starts this season. But Chicago’s Kyle Hendricks is in poor current form, having allowed 12 runs in his last three outings. No line has been posted as of yet, but I like the Reds (pure play against the Cubs) and the Over in this game.
Giants @ Dodgers -- Jake Peavy has had tremendous success against the Dodgers in his career. Peavy is 14-3 with a 2.30 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 27 career starts against Los Angeles. Andre Ethier (5-35, 11 K), Adrian Gonzalez (4-17), Jimmy Rollins (3-13), and Chase Utley (0-8) have all struggled mightily versus Peavy. I like the Giants (+125) in this game.
Indians @ Blue Jays -- For the third time this season, David Price will be facing Danny Salazar and the Cleveland Indians. However, the first two meetings came when Price was still pitching for Detroit. Price has held Cleveland to just 1 earned run this season with his team winning two of the games. Overall, the southpaw is 9-1 with a 2.04 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 12 career starts against the Indians. Toronto is the only way I would play this game.