The Red Sox are two games out of the AL Wild Card picture heading into Friday’s first game of this three-game set with the Orioles.
After a hot start to the season, it’s been an up and down few weeks for Nick Pivetta, the veteran allowing a combined nine earned runs across his last three starts on the road.
Zach Eflin has also been hot and cold in three starts since joining the Orioles. Baltimore’s trade deadline acquisition shutout the Rays last week, but he did give up a few earned runs the start prior against Cleveland.
With that in mind, this shapes as a potentially high-scoring game between two division rivals, one that offers a handful of likable betting plays.
The Total has gone Over in four of their last five meetings, while I also think Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers is worth a look in the hits market.
Raffy has taken Eflin deep twice in 13 career plate appearances to go with six hits, so if you’re looking for some value, be sure to add him to your multi.
Playing on the Phillies against left-handed pitching is always worthwhile.
The Phils have punished southpaws all season, ranking Top 5 in runs scored, first in homers, and towards the bottom of the league in strikeout percentage.
The Nats are sending their rookie Mitch Parker to the mound for his 22nd start of the season, and surprisingly, this is his first look at the division rival Phillies.
To his credit, the 22-year-old has been outstanding this month, allowing only two runs against the Angels and shutting out the Brewers at home.
Still, this potent Phillies lineup is a different beast, particularly with the likes of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner all batting over .300 against lefties.