There is plenty to read into Toronto’s failure to nail down yesterday’s first 5 inning play – including a reversal of perspective on Sunday’s betting card. And as a result of a busy schedule today and one of my biggest MLB cards of the season, I have a condensed format dialed up to keep you in the loop while maintaining my sanity. Batter up, as the MLB Quick Hits for 6-20-2021 is loaded and ready to roll. There’s no doubt I am a little hesitant to roll out full positions on four games – this could either be a colossal disaster or another step forward in building the bankroll!
NOTE: Our MLB content will be on hiatus while I am away in Colorado from June 27th – July 5th.
2021 Featured Handicap Results
| Wins | Losses | Net Units | ROI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-19-21 | 0 | 2 | -1.13 | -100% |
| SEASON | 52 | 44 | +6.92 | +8.0% |
Miami Marlins @ Chicago Cubs (-145)
Z. Thompson (R) vs. A. Mills (R)
WAGER: Marlins +129 (1/2 unit)
WAGER: Marlins First 5 Innings +120 (1/2 unit)
The week-long fade of the Chicago Cubs continues!
- Miami continues to outpace the Cubs’ slumping bats (50% delta in the trailing 7-day period, 40% trailing 14 days).
- Zach Thompson’s resume is incomplete at this time, though solid through 2 starts.
- Alec Mills as a ~5.00 FIP short starter offers Miami plenty of scoring opportunities.
- Bullpens in comparable positions in terms of performance and availability.
- Miami has a rest day ahead of them tomorrow, Chicago plays Cleveland for their 11th straight day of action.
Milwaukee Brewers @ Colorado Rockies (+115)
E. Lauer (L) vs. C. Gonzalez (R)
WAGER: Rockies F5 TT Over 3.5 +135 (0.4 unit)
WAGER: Rockies TT Over 5.5 +107 (0.6 unit)
I made a bit of a mess this morning splitting my Rockies team total position into full game and first 5 innings. Don’t @ me, just simplify it if this is where you want to be as well. If you don’t have first 5 inning team totals, shop for the best full game option with the understanding that the Brewers bullpen is performing very well lately.
- Rockies continue to produce nicely on their turf with an .811 OPS, 26 stolen bases, and an efficient 20.2% K rate at Coors Field.
- Colorado’s current offensive form is very good (115 wRC+ trailing 7 days) and faces a lefty today (31% stronger splits).
- Eric Lauer has scuffled in his last three starts – 13 R, 14 H, 10 BB in 11.0 IP.
Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Orioles (+175)
H. Ryu (L) vs. M. Harvey (R)
WAGER: Orioles F5 TT Over 2.5 +135 (1/2 unit)
WAGER: Orioles TT Over 4 +105 (1/2 unit)
Toronto’s recent struggles have varied from bullpen meltdowns to sudden offensive absences. However, they should have Teoscar Hernandez back from the paternity list and face the infamous Matt Harvey. But the variability of this Toronto team right now pushes me into focusing squarely on an Orioles offense that is arguably undervalued in this situation.
- Baltimore is one of the strongest lineups against left-handed pitching (119 wRC+) behind the Astros and White Sox.
- Blue Jays ace Hyun Jin Ryu is in a rut right now, having given up 5 home runs in his last three starts; Orioles hit 8 home runs in the first two games of this series.
- Ryu’s last 3 starts – 2 of which came against the lefty-mashing Astros and White Sox – yielded 13 runs on 17 hits with BABIPs for each game under .240.
Detroit Tigers @ Los Angeles Angels (-160)
C. Mize (R) vs. D. Bundy (R)
WAGER: Over 9 -113
The last of four games I am playing underlines that I am a full-fledged member of Team Square this afternoon with a third over position. But the weather is very conducive for runs at all of the aforementioned venues and the situations are ripe for the picking.
- Both offenses are in very good form relative to their season-long performances and expectations.
- Los Angeles is sustaining excellent production at the plate (.314/.364/.537, 149 wRC+ trailing 7 days; 143 wRC+ trailing 14 days).
- Detroit is about 10% above their normal output both in the trailing 7- and 14-day periods.
- Casey Mize has gone at least 6 innings in each of his last three starts, giving up 3 runs in each with 4 home runs and 15 Ks.
- Has Dylan Bundy’s dream run in Anaheim come to a screeching halt? He yielded 4+ runs in five of his last six starts with 9 home runs and 34 hits.
- Both bullpens have been slightly better recently, yet still posted FIPs above 4.00 in recent weeks.
Around the Horn
Visit the MLB page at BetCrushers.com for free handicapping articles containing insights into our daily plays. It’s also home to our season previews and futures portfolio. Need a reminder? Follow our Twitter feed or subscribe below for email alerts. Stay connected and BOL!
