MLB betting cheat sheet: Houston, we have a problem
By JESSE SCHULE
Here’s a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend major-league schedule:
Houston, We Have A Problem…
The Astros have lost four of their last six overall, and Texas is hot on their heels. The Rangers have won six of seven and 15 of their last 20 overall, and trail Houston by only two games. The Astros will host the Twins in a three game series at Minutemaid Park this weekend, and Houston has the second best home record in the American League (46-23). Minnesota is just 27-38 on the road this season.
Giant Slump
It wasn’t long ago that the defending champs appeared like they were going to catch the Dodgers in the NL West, but they now sit 6.5 games back of LA in the standings. They have lost six straight, three of those losses coming to the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. The Giants will be in Colorado over the weekend, and the Rockies have won four of the last six meetings in this series, including an 11-3 victory in Game 1 on Thursday.
Baltimore Bad Bet On The Road
The Orioles have really hit hard times, coming into Toronto tonight as losers of 12 of their last 14 overall. They now sit just three games out of the cellar in the AL East, with no realistic hope of making the playoffs. They’ve lost eight of their last nine on the road, and they’ve lost 48 of their last 68 here at Rogers Center.
Hitting Notes
*Josh Donaldson was 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the win over Cleveland on Wednesday, and he has a major league best 111 RBIs this season. He’s done the bulk of his damage at home in Toronto, where he’s hitting .342 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.
*Jason Heyward is swinging a hot bat, hitting .392 over the last seven days. He’s been better at home in St. Louis, batting .323 at Busch Stadium, compared to just .263 on the road.
Pitching Notes
*Jake Arrieta tossed a no hitter against the Dodgers his last time out, giving him a major league best 17 wins on the season. His next start comes at home against Arizona on Saturday, and this looks like a potential trouble spot. The D’Backs are one of the few teams that have hit Arrieta, tagging him for six runs on seven hits over six innings earlier this season.
Totals Streak
Over the last few years, we’ve come to think of San Diego’s PETCO Park as one of the most pitcher friendly in the majors. That’s quickly becoming a myth here in 2015. According to ESPN Park Factors, PETCO ranks in the top 10 in home runs. The Padres have seen the total go over at a rate of 21-3-2 in their last 26 games versus a right-handed starter.
Injury Notes
*Yasiel Puig remains sidelined for the Dodgers with a hamstring injury. He’s expected to miss at least the first half of September.
*Matt Cain has been placed on the 15 day DL by the Giants, he’s suffering from right elbow inflammation.
Weather Notes
* Early forecasts show wind blowing out to left field at Kauffman Stadium when the Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox Saturday.