Let’s start a new week in the MLB. Some notch pitching on the mound today, including some Cy Young contenders. Some of these guys come with favorable matchups, but the one who’s been the league’s best all season faces a newly upgraded lineup. If he can have an effective game, then he should just make room in his trophy case.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Leg 1: Phillies -1.5 (-108)
- Leg 2: Jean Segura to record 2+ hits (+135)
- Leg 3: Noah Syndergaard over 5.5 strikeouts (-156)
Noah Syndergaard had a much better start for the Phillies, going six innings and allowing two earned, and the team is 2-0 in these starts so far. While the strikeout numbers have not been great since moving to Philly, he should get plenty in this start against the Reds, who have the fifth-highest strikeout rate this season (24.3%).
The struggles continue for Mike Minor as he's now lost seven-consecutive decisions. It hasn't been all him - in eight of 12 starts, he's allowed four or more runs, but the Reds offense has not helped with just 2.56 runs per game in his starts.
Even if Minor has an effective outing, I won't trust the Cincinnati offense against Thor.
Parlay Odds: +502 via FanDuel
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
The Dodgers saw their 13-game losing snapped Sunday, but they're still clearly one of the best teams in the leagues as they've won 30 out of their last 36 and hold a 16-game lead in the NL West. They're the best on both sides of the ball as their offense scores the most runs (5.45 per game), and their pitching allows the fewest (2.89 ERA). The rotation has dominated with three starters with a sub 3.00 ERA, including Julio Urias with a 2.49 ERA and a 0.970 WHIP, both second-best amongst Dodger starters.
Freddy Peralta is coming off a better second since returning from the IL, going five innings and allowing two earned in the win. The Brewers have eased him back in and have kept him under 70 in both starts, so we'll see how long he will go.
While the Dodgers have one of the best lineups in August, the Brewers have been nearly the bottom. With a favorable pitching matchup, LAD should get right back in the win column.
Parlay Odds: +801 via FanDuel
Miami Marlins vs. San Diego Padres
- Leg 1: Padres ML (-132)
- Leg 2: Jesus Aguilar to record 2+ total bases (+150)
- Leg 3: Joe Musgrove 5.5 strikeouts (-124)
This is one of the more exciting pitching matchups you could want, as we'll see two of the top pitchers in the NL.
Sandy Alcantara is the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young as Vegas has him at (-240). He's been among the best pitchers in the league as he leads the MLB in WAR amongst starters (6.2). The previous start against the Padres this year was not his best, going just 4.2 and allowing three runs in the loss. This lineup has significantly upgraded since Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Brandon Drury were added to the lineup.
Joe Musgrove is having a breakout season and was awarded a contract extension. He has a start against Miami this season, going seven innings, allowing two earned, and struck out eight. This lineup is still missing a ton of good bats, including Jazz Chisholm, Jorge Soler, and Avisail Garcia, and as a result, being one of the more struggling lineups over the last couple of months.
Parlay Odds: +893 via FanDuel
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