AL Central Picks: July 31, 2013
With the trade deadline ending later today, we’ll find out if any more American League Central teams will look to improve, or – in the Chicago White Sox‘s case – dump more salary. Meanwhile, the Central boasts a modest three-game slate for bettors today that features all five of the division’s teams. Check out our picks for each match-up below!
Washington Nationals +1.5 at Detroit Tigers -1.5
Justin Verlander (10-8, 3.99 ERA) hasn’t quite been himself for the majority of the season, but the Detroit Tigers continue to win and maintain their slim lead in the Central.
The Tigers will look to extend their current win streak to five games today with Verlander on the mound, but it may be tough sledding against Gio Gonzalez (7-3, 2.97 ERA), who hasn’t lost a game in two months for the Nationals.
The Nats may struggling at the dish right now, but they won’t need to score much with Gonzalez on the mound, so expect them to at least keep things close today and cover +1.5 against the Tigers.
Chicago White Sox +1.5 at Cleveland Indians -1.5
After dealing ace Jake Peavy in a three-team trade last night, the White Sox have essentially thrown in the towel on 2013. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Indians still have a playoff spot to play for, as they are just two and a half games back of Detroit coming into today’s game.
Peavy was scheduled to start today’s game against the Indians and he could have helped the Sox end The Tribe’s five-game winning streak, but whoever fills in for him today will be severely outmatched against Cleveland’s Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.74 ERA), who has been dynamite in his last few starts, allowing just three earned runs in his last 19 innings of work.
Without Peavy, look for the White Sox to fall in Cleveland as the Indians keep their streak and their bid for the Central lead alive. Take the Indians to cover -1.5 here.
Kansas City Royals -1.5 at Minnesota Twins +1.5Â
With the Tigers and Indians maintaining healthy win streaks, it may be surprising for some to find out that the Kansas City Royals are actually the hottest team in the division. Amazingly, the Royals have been able to hold their ground at seven games back by winning seven games in a row, a streak they hope to extend in visting the Minnesota Twins today.
KC will certainly have a good chance to keep things rolling with Jeremy Guthrie (10-7, 4.27 ERA) on the hill today. Guthrie is coming off one of his better outings this year, as he allowed just one earned run in a Royals win against the Baltimore Orioles. Meanwhile, Kevin Correia (7-7, 4.56 ERA) will get the ball for Minnesota, which could be bad news considering he only lasted an inning and two-thirds in a brutal six-run outing against the Mariners.
Even on the road, the Royals should be able to extend their streak and possibly pick up ground in the Central today. Take KC to cover -1.5 in the win.
