The penultimate weekend of the regular season is here, and there are plenty of intriguing picks to make on a full Friday slate of MLB action.
Jameson Taillon: Two runs allowed - Over (Underdog)
We’ll try to build off the nice 4-for-5 day we had Wednesday by going with one that’s a pretty easy selection on paper. Yes, the Rockies are one of the worst teams in baseball, and yes, Taillon had a strong start two outings ago against the Diamondbacks. He also has struggled for much of the year and allowed five runs -- three earned -- against Colorado on September 13 and was pushed back. This would be an even easier call if it was in Colorado instead of Chicago, but either way, Taillon is not a reliable option.
Rafael Devers: 1.5 total bases - Over (PrizePicks)
Devers went hitless in his past two games but has a slash of .333/.446/.594 in September. He’ll face White Sox pitcher Touki Toussaint, who’s shown flashes but hasn’t been effective in back-to-back starts. Considering he gave up just one run over five innings against the Twins in his last outing, it’s likely Toussaint struggles, and it shouldn’t shock anyone if Devers reaches this total with ease.
Corbin Burnes: 6.5 strikeouts - Higher (PrizePicks)
Burnes faces the Marlins, who can be difficult to generate swings and misses against – they’re fourth best in strikeouts. But it’s difficult to bet against this total with Burnes, as the former Cy Young winner has struck out seven or more batters in four straight starts and five of his last six outings even while having mixed results in other categories. He should be able to generate just enough punch outs to cash this ticket.
Isaac Paredes: 1.5 hits + runs + RBI - Over (Underdog)
Paredes had two hits and three RBI in the final two games of the series against the Angels. He’s quietly put together an excellent campaign with 29 homers and an .845 OPS, but his last HR was against the Mariners on September 8. There’s no guarantee that changes Friday, but Chris Bassitt has allowed 27 homers this season in his 31 starts.
Jose Ramirez + Adley Rutschman: 3.5 Hits + Runs + RBI - Over (PrizePicks)
Might as well go with another over. Rutschman and the Orioles will be squaring off against Shane Bieber, who’s making his first start since the All-Star break. There are questions as to how deep he’ll be able to work in this contest. Ramirez will get Dean Kremer and hit from the left-side, and southpaw hitters have registered an .814 OPS against the right-hander in 2023.
Being honest with our fine readers, I’ve missed on the last three combo totals, and I’m due to get one right. Right?