MLB Preview 7-20-21

San Diego Padres v. Atlanta Braves

Projected Starters: Yu Darvish v. Touki Toussaint

This is a mismatch on paper and on the field. The Braves are a solid ball club but right now they just aren’t in the same realm as the Padres. San Diego has 10 more wins than Atlanta and tonight gets their All-Star ace, Darvish, on the mound against a Braves pitcher making his first start of the season. When you add in the fact that Atlanta is missing Acuna, Ozuna, d’Arnaud and Inciarte, this game gets even further out of hand.

The Bet: Padres Runline

Minnesota Twins v. Chicago White Sox

Projected Starters: Bailey Ober v. Dallas Keuchel

These two split a doubleheader yesterday with the Twins taking the day game while the White Sox took the night game. Minnesota has disappointed massively this season while the White Sox have lived up to expectations and lead the division. There is a clear favorite here in Chicago and it gets solidified even more with strong starting pitching from Dallas Keuchel who owns a 7-3 record on the season. I am shocked the White Sox are not favored by more in this game. 

The Bet: White Sox Moneyline

Baltimore Orioles v. Tampa Bay Rays

Projected Starters: John Means v. Shane McClanahan

Baltimore scored a shock win over the Rays yesterday with a comfortable 6-1 margin of victory. Today the Orioles get their best arm on the mound in Means who owns a 2.28 ERA. Due to Means being on the mound the total has dropped down low but don’t count out the Rays bats who rank 10th in the MLB in runs scored. Once Means hits the bench and the Baltimore bullpen, who combined with the rotation rank 29th in runs allowed, takes over, I could see Tampa start to round the bases and the total topple the current number.

The Bet: Over 7.5 Total Runs 

Cleveland Indians v. Houston Astros

Projected Starters: Triston McKenzie v. Luis Garcia

Cleveland was another team that got an upset win yesterday when they beat Houston 4-3. The Indians are not a bad ball club at all but the Astros have been humming all season. Tonight both teams have capable starters on the mound as Houston’s Garcia owns an ERA barely over 3.00 and while McKenzie has poor numbers on the year, he has good stuff and when his command is on he can subdue hitters. I think this game goes under despite the fact that the Astros own the number one offense in the big leagues. I could see Luis Garcia twirling 7 innings of strong pitching and then turning it over to the bullpen to close out a 2 run win.

The Bet:Under 9.5 Total Runs