MLB weekend best bets: Manning, Cole to continue recent woes
We went 0-1 on our Thursday MLB bets, losing on a high-scoring affair in San Diego along with a postponed bet on the Pirates. We're still 44-26-2 on the season ahead of a compelling weekend slate:
Pirates under 3 runs (-130) at Mets
July 9, 7:10 p.m. ET
We won't spend too much time on this one after breaking it down in detail Thursday, but even a postponement shouldn't chase bettors from this wager. The Pirates have plated two runs or fewer in eight of their last 10 games, while Mets veteran Taijuan Walker has allowed two runs or fewer in 12 of his 15 starts this year. Fade Pittsburgh's offense whenever and wherever possible.
Twins over 5.5 runs (-120) vs. Tigers
July 9, 8:10 p.m.
When the Tigers called up Matt Manning to fill out a beleaguered rotation in mid-June, they did so despite the top prospect's glaring issues in Triple-A. So far, he's done very little to inspire confidence at the major-league level.
Manning has allowed 15 runs through 17 MLB innings thus far, striking out just six batters with five walks and three homers allowed. He ceded nine runs to a listless Indians lineup on June 28 before getting chased from the third inning of Sunday's start against the White Sox, who tagged him for two runs on seven hits without a single strikeout.
The Twins hung five runs (three earned) on Tarik Skubal on Thursday, and Skubal has looked far more impressive this season than his struggling teammate. Expect Minnesota to get on the board early and often Friday.
Astros over (TBD) vs. Yankees
July 10, 7:15 p.m.
Those who aren't already fading Gerrit Cole each time he takes the mound may want to start. The Yankees ace has been among the pitchers most impacted by declining spin rates in June and July, a span in which he owns a 5.24 ERA with at least one home run allowed in all six of his starts.
The Astros have the highest wOBA (.342) in the majors and are among the leaders in both hard-hit rate (41.4%) and average exit velocity (89.8 mph). If any team can extend Cole's run of misery, it's his former club.
Reds-Brewers under (TBD)
July 11, 2:10 p.m.
Is Luis Castillo back to his old self? After a disastrous stretch in April and May, the Reds veteran has allowed just 10 earned runs through 45 innings (2.00 ERA) in June and July, striking out at least six batters in five of seven starts.
Two of those strong outings came against the Brewers, who managed three runs across 12 2/3 innings versus Castillo in those contests. On the other side, Brandon Woodruff has posted 13 quality starts in 17 tries this season. He should be able to handle a potent but inconsistent Reds lineup.
C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at cjackson.cowart@thescore.com.