Full disclosure, I’m ice cold. The last two days have been tough but with weather looking immaculate and all 30 teams in action, I had to get back in the lab. We’ve got a full slate of MLB games today, let’s jump right into it.
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 21
Rocker, Bye Baby
Kumar Rocker has not had an easy start to his career. In his first full season as a starting pitcher for the Rangers, he’s posted a 7.31 ERA, allowing opposing batters to hit .325 and giving up 1.3 HR/9. On the road, it gets even worse.
Rocker’s started four games on the road this year, recording a 15.09 ERA in just 11.1 innings of work. He’s given up 25 hits across the four games, allowing the opposition to hit .439 and giving up an insane 3.2 HR/9. All four of the home runs he’s allowed this year have come on the road and with strong winds blowing out toward left field, he may be in store for a long day.
Base Hits Get the Job Done
With so many great matchups today, let’s kick it off at Coors Field in Colorado. Carson Palmquist takes the mound for the Rockies and he’s struggled in his rookie year. Palmquist has started six games for the Rockies this year, recording a 7.76 ERA and allowing opposing batters to hit .298. He’s struggled with the long ball, giving up seven home runs across just 26 total innings of work.
Next, let’s talk about the newest White Sox player, Aaron Civale. He’s started just one game for his new team, allowing five hits, two earned runs and no home runs. On the season he’s got a 4.67 ERA but he’s allowing opposing batters to hit .282 and .304 on the road. His ERA balloons to 5.71 on the road and he’ really struggled during the day.
Lastly, Kumar Rocker. I mentioned his struggles above but I can’t emphasize enough how much he’s struggled this year.
Who’s Got the Launch Codes – MLB Stadium Report
Winds blowing all over the league, in almost all ballparks today. Let’s just list off the best of the best, starting with Coors Field. Low air pressure combined with blowing winds in Denver should make for a great game. We’ve got Palmquist on the mound and Diamondback hitters eager to send it over the fence.
Next, both Triple-A ballparks will be in play today. Conditions at both parks looking great but more so at Sutter Health Park. The Guardians and Athletics will close out their three game series tonight with strong winds blowing toward the outfield. Both Ortiz and Spence have struggled this year and both lineups are chalked full of big hitters.
Lastly, this divisional game in Philadelphia. Winds are blowing out toward right field and temperatures in the high 80s. Both Canning and Abel have looked great this year but with so many big hitters, it’s tough to ignore this one.
Our Best MLB Bets on the Diamond for Saturday, June 21
Bobby Witt o1.5 Total Bases (+130 via BetOnline)
Bobby Witt Jr. might be all the way back. He’s batting .284 this month and more importantly he’s got FOUR home runs. Through the first 59 games of the year, Witt was still batting .284 but had just six home runs. He set a career high last year with 32 homers and this year he’s on track to finish with just over 20.
In 17 games this month, he’s once again hitting .284 but his SLG has jumped to .522 with four home runs. On the road this year, Bobby’s hitting .311 and seven of his 10 home runs have come away from Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals are 38-38 this season and still 2nd in the AL Central. If they hope to once again make the postseason they’ll need their best player to be just that, their best player.
Bonus: Bobby Witt Jr. Home Run (+450)
Jacob Wilson o1.5 Total Bases (+120 via BetOnline)
Jacob Wilson has been elite for the Athletics this year. He’s hitting .359 on the year with nine home runs and a .507 SLG. Wilson leads the Athletics in batting average and has done a great job against right-handed pitching all season.
Wilson’s batting .351 against righties this year and his batting average jumps to .381 when playing at Sutter Health Park. Seven of his nine home runs have come at home and five of the home runs have come against right handed pitchers.
Luis Ortiz has allowed righties to hit .268 this year with his ERA jumping up to 5.91 when on the road. This will be Ortiz’s first start at Sutter Health Park and conditions couldn’t be better.
Bonus: Jacob Wilson Home Run (+1100)
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