We’re closing in on the first day of summer and we’re almost at the halfway point of the MLB Season. We’ve done okay so far this year, hit a bit of a rough patch last week, but there’s something about a brand new week that feels like the perfect reset. Let’s jump right into today’s huge slate and look at the top MLB pitcher vs. batter matchups.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page.
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MLB Pitcher Report | June 17
Walker Buehler’s Day Off
Walker Buehler has not been having fun with the Red Sox. In his first season with the team, he’s recorded a 5.01 ERA, while allowing opposing batters to hit .272 on the year. Buehler’s allowed 11 home runs across 11 starts this year and he’s been even worse when on the road.
Buehler’s ERA drops to 7.43 on the road this year, having given up 21 total runs and 7-of-11 home runs on the road. He’s allowed left-handed bats to hit .307 this year, but is giving up more home runs to righties (7-of-11).
Another pitcher who’s struggled on the road and against left-handed bats, Seth Lugo. Lugo’s ERA jumps to 4.07 on the road with 7-of-12 home runs he’s allowed being away from Kauffman Stadium.
Lastly, Jason Alexander’s 18.00 ERA is a little misleading. The 32-year-old righty is making his first start since 2022, having just pitched a few innings of relief for the Athletics this year. Alexander was claimed off waivers by the Astros and optioned from Triple-A after the Lance McCullers foot injury.
Summer’s Right Around the Corner – MLB Stadium Report
Conditions look immaculate across the league. With all 30 teams in action today, we’ve got to narrow down our list and find the stadiums with the BEST conditions. Let’s kick it off by talking about the two minor league stadiums in play today.
Both Sutter Health Park and Steinbrenner Field have winds blowing out towards the outfield with temperatures in the high 90s and 80s, respectively. The Rays will play Game 2 of their three-game series with the Orioles today, both teams fielding pitchers that struggle to prevent the long-ball. Zack Littel is allowing 2.2 HR/9 this year and Dean Kremer’s not far behind at 1.4 HR/9.
Next, the Athletics and Astros will face off again in Sacramento. Yesterday’s 3-1 final was underwhelming and today, with both Jason Alexander and JP Sears on the mound, we might be in store for some offense.
Just to name a few more stadiums with great conditions today, Rate Field in Chicago has got winds blowing toward left field with temperatures in the low 80s. Los Angeles is sunny, with temperatures in the low 80s and winds blowing outward towards left field. The Dodgers and Padres both look to close out the series with a win, both teams having split the first two.
Our Best MLB Bets on the Diamond for Tuesday, June 17
Rafael Devers o1.5 Total Bases (+105 via BetOnline)
With all the drama of the Rafael Devers trade, we have to take him in his first game with the Giants. This entire saga with the Red Sox has been tough to watch and now it results in the departure of the franchise’s best player and a significant loss for Red Sox fans everywhere.
One team’s loss is another team’s gain, the Giants acquired a top-10 hitter in baseball and he’s having a hell of a year. Devers has a .279 batting average this year, with 15 home runs, 47 runs, and 58 RBI. He led the Red Sox in all major batting categories and now he’s a San Francisco Giant.
Life comes at you fast, but this ball he’s going to hit tonight is going to go even faster.
Bonus: Rafael Devers Home Run (+350)
Cal Raleigh o1.5 Total Bases (+140 via BetOnline)
Cal’s been struggling, he hasn’t hit a home run in over 10 days and he’s cleared his bases in just three of his last 10 games. He’s hitting .259 on the year, with 26 home runs, and 54 RBI. Raleigh’s been good at home too, hitting 13 of his 26 home runs at home this year with a .583 SLG.
Raleigh’s faced off with Buehler just three times, he’s recorded a hit twice, but has yet to hit a home run. Buehler’s struggles away from Fenway and his struggles against left-handed batters is why we’re trusting Cal to get right tonight. Cal’s hitting .254 against righties this year, with 18 of his 26 home runs coming against right-handed pitchers.
Lastly, if you give me Cal at +300 to go yard, I’m going to take it every single time.
Bonus: Cal Raleigh Home Run (+300)
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