Welcome back to MORE or LESS! The daily Pick ‘Em MLB preview.
As we enter ‘Week 20’ of the baseball season, the clock ticks faster for playoff-hopeful teams on the bubble. Can their star players push them into the postseason before it’s too late?
Check out my analysis of Shohei Ohtani, Rafael Devers, Lane Thomas, and Pablo López to get a leg up on today’s MLB props!
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Angels (9:38 ET)
Logan Webb (9-9, 3.45) vs. Patrick Sandoval (6-8, 4.11)
Analysis:
Between the Drake Curse and a six-game losing streak, it’s been a tough week for Shohei Ohtani and the Angels. Ohtani is desperate to get his team going, but the Japanese star has failed to hit ‘MORE’ on this prop in three straight games. Batting .327 against right handers this season, he’ll look to regain his swagger facing the likes of Logan Webb. Ohtani hasn’t played well against the Giants in his career, but his team needs a boost. Can he deliver?
Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox (7:10 ET)
Cole Ragans (3-3, 4.33) vs. Brayan Bello (8-6, 3.79)
Analysis:
After getting embarrassed in a must-win series over the weekend, the Red Sox look to be in trouble. However, Rafael Devers has no plans on giving up. The Boston third-baseman enters tonight’s action with a solid .364 average over the last week, including five multi-base games. Devers should benefit facing the Royals’ Cole Ragans, who is still adjusting to the starting pitcher role (7 hits allowed in last outing). Can the Dominican star continue his success against Kansas City and extend his total bases streak to a third straight game?
Washington Nationals @ Philadelphia Phillies (6:40 ET)
Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.72) vs. Ranger Suarez (2-5, 4.01)
Analysis:
Having won 11 of their last 16 games, the Washington Nationals have quietly become one of the hottest teams in baseball. While their whole offense is clicking, Nats fans can thank Lane Thomas for making some major contributions as of late (Last 7: .346 AVG, 1.09 OPS). The Tennessee native is riding a three game multi-hit streak while flexing some serious power in that span (3 home runs). Thomas will look to continue his success tonight against a struggling Suarez who has allowed 5+ hits in his last six starts.
Minnesota Twins @ Detroit Tigers (6:40 ET)
Pablo López (6-6, 4.01) vs. Joey Wentz (2-9, 6.37)
Analysis:
Despite a so-so record, Pablo López is gaining momentum after pitching well in his last three starts. In that span, the right-hander hasn’t given up more than 2 runs while maintaining a 1.06 WHIP. His K%, Whiff%, and Chase Rate all continue to climb into the upper echelon of starting pitchers. López will look to carry his success into tonight against a Tigers team that is 29th in team offense.