Not too many K guys on the mound tonight, so we have to be picky. I wanted to pick Jacob deGrom, but he was just scratched – maybe that means the Mets will score more runs? Also, for those of us used to old school baseball, remember those double headers today are 7 innings each when placing your bets. You already know how I feel about that so I won’t beat that dead horse… side note, I’ve always hated that expression – given its May 4, maybe I should say a dead Tauntaun?
Astros @ Yankees, 7:05 pm ET
The Yankees are starting to roll and the AL East isn’t ready for it. While their K rate has been high, they are finding ways to get it done. Zack Greinke has looked good this season, but he’s not getting it done using the strikeout. He’s the kind of crafty pitcher who will get you to look silly in an at-bat. FanDuel has set the line at 5.5 which is high in my book – given his recent outings I’d expect to see 4-5K at most. Take the under 5.5 at -142 and enjoy the game.
Brewers @ Phillies, 7:05 pm ET
Aaron Nola needs to be an ace if Philadelphia is going to the post-season this year and thus far he is up to it. Yeah, his record is only 2-1 but that’s not his fault – he’s not having the same support issues as deGrom, but he could use a bit more help. The Brewers strike out more than most teams in MLB – not as bad as the Tigers but worse than the Yankees. With the line set at 7.5 we have to look for more data. In 6 starts he’s only broken the 7 K mark once in a start against the Cardinals. With that in mind, I’m going to take the under which I’m getting at +120 at the Barstool Sportsbook.
Blue Jays @ Athletics, 9:38 pm ET
Toronto is sending Anthony Kay out to face an Oakland team that just doesn’t strike out much. He can be an inning a K guy, but I just don’t see him lasting more than 4 – I think we’re talking a bullpen game. Maybe he lasts 3. The books have the over under set at 4.5 and I’m taking the under with FanDuel offering up -154.
Come back again — same bat-channel — Batman out!