This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
RotoWire record: 21-31, -10.55 units
Shane McClanahan to win +190 (DraftKings)
McClanahan has been brilliant recently, logging 20 innings in his last three starts while striking out 27 and walking three, with just one run allowed. This is a tough spot facing the Yankees and their resurgent starter Luis Severino, but with the Rays a -140 favorite and a streaking McClanahan seemingly likely to throw at least six innings, +190 to win seems way out of bounds. In fact, this line is slightly higher than the underdog Severino (+185).
Dodgers -1.5 (-120) at Diamondbacks (Fanduel)
Tyler Anderson vs. Zach Davies
Dbacks starter Zach Davies has gotten crushed recently, completing five innings just once in his last three starts, while allowing 12 earned runs in that span. Conversely, Dodgers starter Tyler Anderson has been great, coming off eight scoreless innings in his last start, and aside from one bad outing versus the Phillies he hasn't allowed more than two runs in any appearance this year. He's also had lot of run support, with the Dodgers covering the run line in all five of his wins. It seems likely the Dodgers jump out to an early lead and then cruise home with Anderson on the hill.
Tyler Anderson over 4.5 strikeouts (-122) (Fanduel)
I'm having trouble understanding this number, as Anderson has completed five innings in five consecutive starts (with his appearances getting longer with each game recently) and has at least seven strikeouts in three of his last four starts. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks rank second in team strikeouts behind only the Braves. So yes, I think Anderson can reach five strikeouts, and I think he's a pretty large favorite.
Astros -0.5 - 1st 5 innings (-110 ) at Mariners (Fanduel)
Luis Garcia vs. Marco Gonzales
Luis Garcia is a solid pitcher and always seems to offer value. He has allowed more than two earned runs once in his last five starts, with that being a tough matchup at Fenway Park. He may have a small advantage here in that the Mariners haven't seen him since last August, and, of course, they have new hitters who haven't seen him at all. Meanwhile, Gonzales has been his usual inconsistent self, pitching well at times but getting hit hard semi-frequently, including his most recent start versus the Astros when he allowed 10 baserunners in six innings, including a couple homers. What perhaps sticks out most is that the Astros are 12-3 vs. left-handed starters this year. The Mariners are overdue for a breakout, and seem to be perking up recently (they won both games vs. the Astros the last two nights), but given the pitching matchup and the Astros' success vs. LHP, they seem to have a clear edge in this spot.
