Major League Players Club MLB 1-5 Units (8/11/24)

MLB

2 Picks.

2:10PM EST: CLE/MIN Under 8 (5 Units).

Cleveland just ended a 7-game losing streak yesterday. Struggles from their starting rotation were a big reason for that losing streak but today's starter Tanner Bibee has a 3.48 ERA this season and a 3.12 ERA over his last 7 starts. He was scratched from his last start dealing with some shoulder soreness and is making his first August Start. He's faced Minnesota twice this season, allowing 1 ER over 5.1 IP in MIN April 4th and 1 ER over 7 IP at Home on May 19th.

MIN turns to rookie David Festa making his 6th career big league start. He just went into Chicago and embarrassed a Hot Cubs lineup. He tossed 5 scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits while striking out 9. He finished the day with 14 total whiffs and his changeup accounted for 8 of them. He allowed 2 runs over 5IP the start prior and 1 run over 4.1 the start before that. He's got confidence in his stuff now and letting it play. Cleveland hasn't faced him before and they're hitting .205 with a .593 OPS over the last week, both ranked 28th.

Both bullpens are in great shape despite a Double-Header on Friday. Cade Smith of the Guardians is the only reliever that's thrown back-to-back days and he's only thrown 13 pitches. Cleveland's bullpen did labor a bit last week, but they've allowed just 2 runs across 9.2 IP through 3 games of this 4-game set. The Twins bullpen has allowed 2 runs across 9.1 IP in this series. This is a very important game as CLE holds a 2.5 game lead over the Twins in the AL Central. No holding back on the bullpen today. 3:10PM EST: Rockies ML +150 (2 Units).

ATL Rookie SP Spencer Schwellenbach has pitched well his last couple times out, but he's never pitched at Coors Field before. When he struggles, he gives up the long ball, allowing multiple Homeruns in 3 of his last 6 starts, including his most recent. Coors it not the venue for him, especially this time of year. Atlanta's also without Pierce Johnson today, one of their top relievers. The Rockies have seen all of Atlanta's top bullpen arms and they're swinging it well, scoring 6 and 8 runs in the first 2 games of this 3-game set. Outside of their Closer this Braves bullpen has not been great and if he comes out this play's likely doomed by then anyway.

Colorado has their few key arms available to keep this Braves offense quiet. SP Kyle Freeland has been a stud since returning from the IL, posting a 3.19 ERA in 8 starts. Half of those 8 starts came at Home too. Overall, he has a 2.51 ERA in 5 starts at Coors Field this year. Behind him are the only 3 Rockies relievers you can trust, Justin Lawrence, Tyler Kinley, and Victor Vodnik. All 3 got the day off yesterday.