Things are starting to cement in the MLB as we approach the final playoff push. We have a full slate of action starting earlier in the day that then takes us through the night in with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels wrapping things up. We have a couple of solid edges with Underdog that are worth exploiting, and as always, we check in with our Underdog Optimizer for more plays. Without further ado, let’s dive into my MLB Underdog pick’em predictions!
Underdog Fantasy MLB Pick’em Predictions Today
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Cristopher Sánchez H/L Than 6 Hits Allowed
The Phillies are back atop the National League and find themselves just a half-game behind the Yankees for the MLB’s best record. It didn’t come easy last night against the Nationals, and Cristopher Sanchez will get the nod tonight. Aaron Nola gave up no runs but was hit a ton yesterday, something we like to carry over tonight — despite this number being rather high for Sanchez.
While Washington’s story was uneventful until the ninth, they were still able to make contact against Nola, just not when it mattered. Expect Sanchez to scatter seven to eight hits tonight as Washington remains aggressive at the plate.
Sanchez isn’t striking out many batters, not with that 18.9% strikeout rate still lingering. It’s just not his power out when it comes to most batters. Pitching to contact has been alright for Sanchez, especially with him limiting hard hit contact and higher exit velocities on batted balls. He is going to pitch to contact more than blowing back opposing hitters, and with a meager .274 xBA, the window is open for the Nats.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Cristopher Sanchez Higher Than 6 Hits Allowed
Dylan Cease H/L Than 4.5 Hits Allowed
Let’s target another low number, this time for San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease on the road in Colorado. The Rockies are a dreadful bunch of baseball players, dead last in the NL West, and more than 30 games below .500 on the year. Yet we still see their team splits and key stats somewhere in the middle of MLB — outside of their horrific team ERA ranking 30th.
The issue for anyone pitching in Colorado, including someone as sharp as Cease, is dealing with the added atmospheric conditions that impact the baseball. It’s not just home runs flying out of the park, balls carry that remain in the stadium too. That’s why the Rockies are 13th in team average, 16th in runs scored and home runs.
Cease is deadly on the hill, there’s little way around it. The conditions seem to overcome some of the best pitchers who venture to town. Not everyone, but in this case, we like the Rockies to get to Cease for five hits, despite his .204 xBA. Blame it on the altitude, but we should see some attitude with the Rockies bats.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Dylan Cease Higher Than 4.5 Hits Allowed
