Deadline day has come and gone. Some teams reloaded for the postseason, while other teams look toward the future and traded their top players away. We talked about a few of the big trades yesterday, so let’s jump straight into my favorite hitters tonight.
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MLB Pitcher Report | August 1
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
With just three games on the slate yesterday, the MLB’s packed tonight with all 30 teams in action. The slate today is full of big time pitchers, starting off with Ranger Suárez facing off with Jack Flaherty in Philadelphia. On the east coast, we’ve got David Peterson and Robbie Ray going head to head at Citi Field. Both pitchers have sub-three ERAs and have looked great this year.
That being said, we’re hear to find the meatballs; so let’s kick it off with Antonio Senzatela. He’s got a 6.84 ERA, allowing opposing batters to hit .347 and he’s giving up 1.6 HR/9. In three career starts against the Pirates, he’s got a 13.91 ERA, he’s given up 23 hits and four home runs; all in just 11 innings of work.
Opposite of Senzatela will be Andrew Heaney. Heaney’s got a 6.45 road ERA, allowing batters to hit .265 and giving up 2.3 HR/9. Coors Field is a tough place to play, even tougher when you’re known to struggle on the road.
Halfway Through the Summer – August 1 Weather Conditions
We’re at about the halfway point for the summer and we’ve only got so many days of sunshine and strong winds left. Today’s let’s kick it off in Colorado; temperatures are in the mid 80s with winds blowing out toward left field at 16 mph. At Steinbrenner Field we’ve got the Dodgers and Rays ready to face off with winds blowing out at 10.3 mph, temperatures in the high 80s.
The White Sox are in Anaheim and winds are blowing out directly towards centre field. Lastly, in Sacremento we’ve got the Athletics and Diamondbacks ready to square off. Temperatures are in the high 80s, with 14 mph winds blowing out and slightly toward left field. Two loaded lineups in my favorite ballpark, Sutter Health Park.
Our Best MLB Pitcher vs. Batter Bets on the Diamond for Friday, August 1
Will Smith o1.5 Total Bases (+130 via BetOnline)
Will SMith has been mashing righties this year. Hittinf .337 on the year against right handed pitching, with 10 of his 14 home runs coming against the same. He’s been great this year for the Dodgers, batting .325 on the year with 14 home runs, 50 RBI and 53 runs scored.
Shane Baz has struggled against righties this year, allowing them to hit .255 with 12 of the 18 home runs he’s allowed coming to right handed bats. With winds blowing and just over 10 mph, I love Smith to get under one of these fast balls today.
Bonus: Will Smith Home Run (+475)
Nick Kurtz o1.5 Total Bases (-110 via BetOnline)
Kurtz has been arguably one of the best hitters in the entire MLB this year. He’s got a .302 batting average, with 23 home runs (.663 SLG), 59 RBI and 47 runs scored. Kurtz has done all of this in just 70 games. He’s played in just 70 of the Athletics 101 games, yet sits top two amongst his teammates in all major categories.
The rookie has shown he knows how to play and tonight with 16 mph winds, it’s hard to ignore him once again. Kurtz is hitting .341 against right handed pitchers this year, with 19 of his 23 home runs coming against righties. His SLG jumps to .751 against right handed pitchers and 13 of his home runs have come here at Sutter Health Park.
Anthony Descalani will be making just his 2nd start of the season and his first ever start at Sutter Health Park. Look for Kurtz and company to capitalize and hopefully get one over the fence for us.
Bonus: Nick Kurtz Home Run (+275)
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