I hate Charlie Morton. Because of him, I had my first losing night since picking K’s at Bettors Insider. Those of you who smartly picked against me had a good night. Moving on…
I have to root for pitchers making a comeback after an injury. As such, I’m rooting for Corey Kluber to return to form. That said, he is still building up his arm strength and has yet to go for more than 4 innings an outing this year. In a month I’d happily bet the over 5.5 line, but today? I’m going to go with the under at ~-140.
Tyler Mahle of the Reds has been putting on a K show this year and I’m loving it. I wish he’d go more than 5 innings, but that will come as he’s fully stretched out. As long as he’s striking out ~7-9 in those 5 innings, he is someone to watch. Of course, the bookies aren’t making this easy and set the line at 7.5. I’m going to go with my gut and say he strikes out 8 in 6 – so I’ll take the over at +139 – but maybe not bet the bank.
David Peterson doesn’t qualify as a rookie, but he doesn’t have much data to project out from given last years shortened season. He’s pitched 10 innings all year and only against the Phillies – but he did strike out 15 in those 10 IP. The line is set at 5.5 so this isn’t any easy pick, but given it’s an away game at Wrigley I’m going to go with the under at -113.
Come back again — same bat-channel — Batman out!