Happy Thursday RotoBallers! John, aka 'LucidMedia," back with you with our free picks on this fine Thursday. We went 1-1 yesterday after a brutal beat on the White Sox, as one of, if not the best closer in baseball blew a save that resulted in a loss last night. We don't have much time to reflect on that as today is a new day. I have a few games I have my eyes on today, so let's get right to it.
I will be doing these picks for you every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday going forward this baseball season. Just to let you know, I mainly bet on FanDuel Sportsbook, and that's where the odds below will be coming from. I know not everyone is able to bet on Fanduel, so if you are betting elsewhere just make sure to shop around and find the best odds.
We have been really increasing our sports betting content at RotoBaller, and this year will be no different. Tommy Bell (@BellRoto) will be handling things over in our premium offering. Steve Janik (@stevejanik6) will be carrying the free picks on during the week throughout the season with some help from yours truly. And Kipp Heisterman (@kipppsta) brings you the Monkey Knife Fight picks. Let's make some money and have fun. but remember, please gamble responsibly! The RotoBaller team has had a great month of July on the books so far, so let's finish it out strong and make some money!
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Washington Nationals @ Philadelphia Phillies
O/U: 6.5 | Moneyline: PHI -154
WAS: Max Scherzer | PHI: Zack Wheeler
Two aces will take the mound in this one as trade piece Max Scherzer (7-4, 2.83 ERA) takes on Zack Wheeler (8-5, 2.37 ERA). With Scherzer likely ending this week on a different team, I can't bring myself to taking the full game under here, as he can be traded at any minute. It's possible he only goes two to three innings and someone decides to make a trade for him as he cruises along.
I like the first inning draw here not just because of the pitchers on the mound, but because of the lineup issues that the Nationals are having. Trea Turner will not be in the lineup for Washington, making it a bit easier for Wheeler to cruise through the first. I wouldn't put it past the Phillies to screw around and try and jump on Max early, but I expect Max to try and put on a show for his eventual suitor and get the job done. Take the first inning draw at a solid price.
Pick: First Inning Draw (-140) FanDuel Sportsbook
Chicago White Sox @ Kansas City Royals
O/U: 9.5 | Moneyline: KC +160
CHW: Carlos Rodon | KC: Carlos Hernandez
A classic "run-back" situation here. As I mentioned at the top of the article, we were on the White Sox last night and they were unable to capitalize, blowing a ninth-inning lead thanks to a Salvador Perez solo homer. The Pale Hose weren't able to hit the long ball themselves last night, which is actually a good indicator for them coming into this one. The Sox are 17-0 in their last 17 as a -140 or higher favorite following a game where they didn't hit a round tripper.
On top of this, Chicago will be sending one of their three aces to the hill in Carlos Rodon. Rodon is having a breakout year, and an excellent one at that, coming in at 8-4 with a 2.24 ERA. He's also got a no-hitter to boot. He'll be squaring off against Carlos Hernandez, who comes into this one at 1-1 with a 5.74 ERA. It's a high price to take any team at, but I think the Sox get it done this afternoon.
Picks: White Sox Moneyline (-182), FanDuel Sportsbook
Let's get after it today! We have a long second half ahead of us, so let's have some fun and win some money!
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