The Mariners aren't going to keep winning relying on Mike Zunio to hit homers, Taylor Motter to perform like a starting shorstop and Ariel Miranda to keep pitching above his skill level especially with Nelson Cruz in a slump and Jean Segura still not back in action.
I see value with the underdog Tigers here and a buy sign on Jordan Zimmerman.
Zimmerman has dropped far from his days as a very good pitcher for the Nationals. But he's below-the-radar right now having given up two or fewer runs in four of his last five starts.
Miranda, on the other hand, has pitched better than expected. The lefty's regression, though, is beginning to kick in. Miranda was hit hard by the Twins during his past start giving up six runs on 10 hits in four innings, including surrendering three homers. The Tigers are 10-7 against southpaw starters this season.
Tuesday Free Play
Indians at Orioles Under 10 1/2 minus $1.02
I understand that it's hard to make a case for the under when the starting pitching matchup is Josh Tomlin versus Chris Tillman and the game is at Camden Yards.
But the total is high here, the Orioles have injuries and Tillman is overdue for improvement.
Tomlin is a better road pitcher. The under actually has cashed in seven of his last eight road starts. Slated home plate umpire Kerwin Danley has had a slight under bias during the past two seasons.
The Orioles are down slugging first baseman Chris Davis and now shortstop J.J. Hardy is out. Hardy is past his prime, but with infielder Ryan Flaherty also on the DL the Orioles' shortstop choices become Ruben Tejada, or Paul Janish. Neither can hit, nor have power. Hardy at least wasn't an automatic out.
The Indians are missing a key offensive player, too, with outfielder Michael Brantley going on the DL.