It’s the Dodgers – I get that – but is this not a disrespectful line for the odds-on favorite (-700) to win the NL Cy Young award?
He’s now pitched 7+ full innings (21+ outs) in 16 of his last 18 (88.9%) starts, and to cash this 18.5 line, we just need him to pitch a little past 6+.
Facing off with the Dodgers is enough to give any pitcher the Sunday scaries (righty, lefty, doesn’t matter), but I like how Alcantara has a proven track record pitching into the 7th inning vs. tough teams, including the Mets, Phillies, Braves, Cardinals, and most recently the new and improved Padres, who Sandy just blanked with a 7 Inning, 4 hit performance.
LAD’s lineup is elite at working the count (which likely explains the low line), but I feel that’s offset by Sandy’s ability to pound the strike zone. Every baseball he slings has a purpose, and he’s not one to waste pitches. Miami’s bullpen is also gassed after using 4 different relievers last night (90 total pitches). Sandy should get the benefit of some extra leash tonight as a result – even if he gets into a little trouble.
This won’t be a comfortable bet to sit back and watch on a Sunday, but for the price – I feel it’s the right bet to make. I’m fading the Dodgers and backing the Cy Young favorite to pitch 6.1+ Innings at Dodger Stadium.
