We're diving mid-week into some excellent MLB expert picks. Today, the Blue Jays vs Astros game and Phillies vs Cubs matchups caught my eye.
Here are my MLB expert picks for July 3:
MLB Expert Pick Today: Astros (-115) vs Blue Jays
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:07 pm ET
Two words: starting pitching. I believe this contest lives and dies on the hill. Earlier in the year, you'd be a fool to bet the Astros ML with starting pitching as your criteria. Even yesterday, that would've been a bad idea, as Houston starter Spencer Arighetti got cranked for seven runs.
Ronel Blanco is different. He threw a no-hitter against the Jays in April and has been Houston's most reliable starter all year. George Springer (OVER 1.5 bases +130) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (-115) are red-hot, but Toronto's lineup is otherwise struggling and injured.
Then Yusei Kikuchi goes for the Jays, too. And, as you might've guessed, his numbers vs the Astros are bad. Active 'Stros hitters are slashing .298/.406/.667 in 84 at-bats. Alex Bregman is 7-for-18 with two homers and five RBIs. I'd hammer his total bases prop today (OVER 1.5 total bases at +105).
MLB Expert Pick Today: Phillies (-130) vs Cubs
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 8:05 pm ET
There are few MLB games on the slate offering fairer value than the Phillies ML Wednesday. It's also rare we see the NL MVP chalk take the hill with a narrow -130 number next to his club.
Wheeler hasn't been flawless, but his slight wobbles have not grown into a full-on tumble. He rebounded after an eight-run start by allowing just three earned runs over his next 13.2 innings. Slowly, he's back in a rhythm, and now he faces a club he's diced in the past.
Active Cubs hitters are slugging .542 off Wheeler, but that's where the party ends. The right-hander has held the Cubs to a .229 BA and struck out 27 batters in 83 at-bats (33%). So, if you want a free prop pick, take a peek at Wheeler OVER 7.5 Ks (+130).
Meanwhile, Shota Imanaga goes for the Cubs. He's lost some shine in his game but went seven innings, allowing two runs his last time out. Unfortunately for him, the Phillies rank eighth in MLB with a .763 OPS vs LHPs. Philly's 34 homers vs lefties also ranks third in baseball.
