Thursday’s Top MLB Picks
After some thrilling finishes last night, the MLB regular season is serving up another healthy 12-game slate today with some more exciting match-ups. We’ve hand selected some of the finest from the day’s offerings and as always, are providing our top picks. Check em’ out!
Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 at Philadelphia Phillies -1.5
The Pirates have started to emerge as the dark horse playoff contender I thought them to be before the season began, but we have to like Philadelphia at home behind their ace, the incomparable Cliff Lee, who is of to a fine 2-1 start this season, with a 2.83 ERA.
Look for the Phillies to earn the win today, covering -1.5.
Houston Astros +1.5 at Boston Red Sox -1.5
After a dismal 2012 season, the Red Sox have jumped out to an early lead in the AL East and Clay Buchholz has been a big part of that success.
Buchholz has won all four of this starts this season in dominating fashion, posting a 0.90 ERA. Meanwhile, his opponent for today, Houston starter Phil Humber, has been on the opposite side of the spectrum, losing all four of his starts, while being saddled with a 6.63 ERA.
Unless the AL’s worst team their starter suddenly turn things around today, this game looks like a pretty easy call. Take the Red Sox to cover -1.5 in the home win.
Toronto Blue Jays +1.5 at New York Yankees -1.5
The Blue Jays have been one of the more disappointing teams to begin the season, as they’ve failed to live up to lofty expectations thus far. But it’s still early and with Mark Buehlre on the hill today against a depleted Yankees lineup, the Jays should find some success.
Take Toronto to cover +1.5 on the road today.
Cincinnati Reds +1.5 at Washington Nationals -1.5
The Nationals are in a major funk at the moment, as losers of their last six games, but the Reds have struggled on the road, winning only one of six contests so far this season.
Coming off an incredible 2012, Gio Gonzalez has stumbled a bit out of the blocks in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be effective at home against the Reds. With Bronson Arroyo getting the ball for Cincinnati, this one should be close, which makes it a tough call, but I like the Nats to get back on the horse with a much needed win.
Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 at Chicago White Sox -1.5
Chicago’s bats have been ice cold lately, but giving the ball to Chris Sale for the start today should give them a good chance to win at home. Of course, the Rays will send out one of their talented young arms in Jeremy Hellickson, who could contribute to a low scoring affair today.
This will be another close game, but I expect that Chicago will find more offensive production today and that Sale will be on point after coming off a strong start against Toronto. Look for the Sox to cover -1.5 in the win.
