Happy Friday Junior. We’re almost there, we’ve almost made it to the weekend. We’ve got a small slate of games on the docket today, but the day starts early at Camden Yard. Let’s jump right into my favorite hitters tonight.
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.
You can also browse our recommendations for the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.
MLB Pitcher Report | August 14
Friday Junior
With a small slate like this one, we’ve got fewer spots to pick from but today we’ve got some great pitching matchups to pick from. Starting at Camden, we’ve got the rookie Tomoyuki Sugano on the bump for the Orioles. Sugano’s got a 4.24 ERA this year but he’s also given up 21 home runs (1.6 HR/9). He’s allowing opposing batters to hit .266 this year and he’s struggled just a little more against lefties year. Sugano’s given up 13 of his 21 home runs to left handed bats this year and this Mariners lineup is littered with them.
Opposite Sugano will be Logan Evans of the Seattle Mariners. He’s got a 4.96 ERA this year and allowing batters to hit .270. On the road this year is where it gets really bad, Evans has a 6.69 ERA on the road this year; allowing opposing batters to hit .331 and is allowing 2.0 HR/9.
In Toronto we’ve got Max Scherzer making his 10th start of the year. After sitting out for a big portion of time this year, Scherzer’s recorded a 4.21 ERA and has held opposing batters to a .234 batting average. At 41 years old, Scherzer’s on track to post his 2nd worst ERA of his career, he’s allowing 1.9 HR/9 and that jumps to 2.3 at the Rogers Centre.
Lastly, let’s cap it off at Coors Field. The Rockies will send out Bradley Blalock for tonight’s game. The second year pitcher’s posted a 7.89 ERA this year, allowing batters to hit .337 with nine total home runs given up (1.9 HR/9). Blalock’s been even worse at Coors Field, posting a 11.76 ERA and allowing the opposition to hit .387.
Sunshine, on a Cloudy Day – August 14 Weather Conditions
Keeping it in the Rocky Mountains, we’ve got 9.6 mph winds blowing out and toward right field at Coors. Temperatures will be in the low 80s and we’ve got two pitchers that have struggled to keep the ball inside the park. Moving out east, to Queens; we’ve got the Mets and Braves for game two of this divisional series.
The early game in Baltimore’s got 4.9 mph winds blowing in and toward right field; temperatures in the low 90s. It looks like the roof’s closed in Toronto today, temperatures sitting in the mid to high 80s. The Rogers Centre is one of the better home run parks in the league and even with the roof closed, the ball still flies.
In D.C. we’ve got temperatures in the high 80s with slight 2.7 mph winds blowing toward the infield. In both Cleveland and Minnesota we’re seeing strong 7+ mph winds blowing in toward home plate and temperatures in the high 70s. The best days of the summer might just be behind us, or maybe we’ve got a few good weather days left.
Our Best MLB Pitcher vs. Batter Bets on the Diamond for Thursday, August 14
Kyle Schwarber o1.5 Total Bases (+105 via BetOnline)
Sue me, I’m betting on Kyle Schwarber again. He’s just three home runs shy of the league lead, he’s batting .249 on the year and he’s got a combined 178 runs/RBI. Schwarber’s having a career year at the ripe age of 32 and he’s the reason the Phillies sit atop the NL East. Schwarb’s played in all 120 games for Philadelphia this year, leads the team in runs, RBI and obviously home runs.
Now let’s get to the narrative, Schwarber absolutely crushes in the nation’s capital. Schwarber spent just a half season with the Nationals, hitting .253 and 25 home runs in just 72 games. Schwarber played 40 of those games here at Nationals Park. In these 40 games, Schwarber recorded a batting average of .271, hitting 17 home runs and finishing with a .671 SLG.
Over the course of his career, on the road against the Nationals, Schwarber’s recorded a .292 batting average with 11 home runs and a .628 SLG. I repeat, he loves playing in D.C.
Bonus: Kyle Schwarber Home Run (+220)
Pete Alonso o1.5 Total Bases (+110 via BetOnline)
Big Meat Pete. He didn’t get us the home run yesterday, but he did hit his bases and record two RBI. Pete’s been fantastic this month and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Alonso’s batting .350 in the month of August, recording six home runs and a combined 26 runs/RBI.
At home this year, Pete’s hitting .286 with 14 of his 28 home runs coming at Citi Field. The Braves will send out Bryce Elder for tonight’s game. Elder’s got a 6.12 ERA and he’s really struggled against big right handed bats. He’s allowing righties to hit .306 this year with a .522 SLG and 11 home runs. Elder’s also giving up 1.8 HR/9 on the road this year and has a 4.74 ERA against the Mets in his career.
Pete’s hitting .375 in his career against Elder with a home run, a double and a single. Tonight with winds blowing out and toward left field, it almost feels like we’ve got to go back.
Bonus: Pete Alonso Home Run (+350)
Looking for More?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on ‘X’ @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn’t ask for! Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.