We’re in the dog days of summer and this game is a perfect encapsulation of sports at the moment. No one is really excited. But it doesn’t mean there isn’t value. Any team getting these kinds of odds against the Texas Rangers brings some attention. The Rangers are fighting to stay relevant but can’t really compete in the AL West. Their best hope is the Angels continuing to implode and lucking into 3rd place in the division. There is no path to the wildcard playoffs this year with how competitive the rest of the AL has been.
Tonight the Rangers start Spencer Howard, who has struggled to say the least. He’s young and has time to figure it out but over 10 innings pitched this year he’s giving up 13 runs and 6 home runs. The A’s haven’t been fantastic but they’ve had a tough run of series against the Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays and Astros. This is a softer schedule spot for them and they have the advantage at starter for the first time in a while with Adrian Martinez. Take the points but the Rangers have a knack for blowing these games which makes the A’s a solid pick. Rhys Hoskins / Josh Naylor | +2100 at FanDuel.
If it weren’t for his teammate Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins would be getting more shine for a great season. With 17 home runs and 42 RBIs, the power hitting first baseman has helped the Phillies to stay in the battle for the NL Wildcard. He faces a solid opponent in Miles Mikolas but a hittable one. Mikolas’ average exit velocity is higher than 67% of the league and his hard hit % is in the 75th percentile. A great combination for anyone looking to get over the wall.
We’re double dipping on the first basemen today. Josh Naylor provides a little more value here but he’s been one of the hottest hitters recently. 3 home runs in his last 7 games and a 5 game hit streak to boot. He missed Sunday but if Naylor is in the lineup today (which appears likely) he’s a must take to go yard.
Athletics +1.5 | -130
