It is funny how Major League Baseball plays out over the course of a season.
For a long time, there were some surprise teams leading the way in the standings, or near the top. But here we are, a week away from September, and take a look at the leaders.
The defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays lead the way in the AL East (and the AL), with the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros on top of the other divisions. In the National League, the Atlanta Braves have taken control of the NL East, with the Milwaukee Brewers leading the central, and the LA Dodgers battling the one surprise, San Francisco, in the NL West.
Par for the course.
Tampa Bay takes on one of those teams that though it had a chance up until about two weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies. But the Phillies have faltered, and fallen apart.
Tonight, this is a must win game at home, and with Ryan Yarbrough vs Zack Wheeler, I am going to back this last stand for Philadelphia.
As always, I use PlaySugarHouse.com / BetRivers.com for all of my lines and action.
And remember to tune in to The Feinline (60 minutes of sports betting advice) Fridays from 12-1 a.m. and Saturday mornings from 8-9 a.m. on 98.7 FM ESPN NY and the app.
Check out my Twitter and my website for more great picks and interactions.
Check Fubo.TV for schedules
MLB
Tampa Bay Rays (+116) at Philadelphia Phillies (-136), 7:06 p.m. EDT; Rays +1.5 (-172), Phillies -1.5 (+142), O/U 8.5
Wiz's Pick: go with the Phillies ML (-136)