STEVE MERILL
Screen Shot
Jays @ Yankees (Game 2) — Marcus Stroman will make his 2015 debut for Toronto as they take on the Yankees in New York. Stroman went 0-1 with a 4.70 ERA in two minor league rehab starts. He struck out 12 while walking five in those outings. The righty is a much better pitcher than those numbers suggest, going 11-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 26 previous appearances for Toronto. I expect a good performance from Stroman, so I lean to the Blue Jays (-125) in Game 2.
Athletics @ Rangers — Yovani Gallardo has not beaten Oakland in four career starts; three of those outings have come this year. Over 17.2 innings of work, the righty has allowed 10 runs and 18 hits. Josh Reddick (2-7), Marcus Semien (3-9), and Stephen Vogt (3-6) have had success versus Gallardo. Oakland’s Sean Nolin makes his third career start on Saturday. He gave up just 3 runs and five hits to Seattle in his last start. There’s some value with Oakland (+175) considering Gallardo’s struggles with the A’s, but they aren’t exactly in good form right now.
Twins @ White Sox — Minnesota’s Tom Milone has been real good against the White Sox this season, and in his career overall. The lefty has three wins over Chicago this season while holding them to just 2 runs and 15 hits. In seven career starts versus the White Sox, Milone is 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. Melky Cabrera (1-11), Tyler Flowers (2-15), Alexei Ramirez (2-16), and Adam Eaton (0-9) have all struggled versus Milone. I like the Twins (+115) in this game.
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks — Arizona’s Rubby De La Rosa is 0-2 with a 9.19 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in three starts against LA this season. De La Rosa is 7-2 with a 4.44 ERA in 13 home starts. Mike Bolsinger will make a spot start for the Dodgers in this game; his last outing came eight days ago. Bolsinger has allowed 2 runs and six hits in 11 innings pitched against the Diamondbacks. I lean Over 8.5 (-120) in this game.