A huge litmus test awaits Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon when they close out their three-game series with the team everybody loves to hate otherwise known as the Houston Astros. Dusty Baker’s troops got out to a rough start to the 2020 MLB betting season, but it could enter Friday’s series opener in Petco winners of nine straight should it complete the four-game home and away sweep of the Rockies in Coors on Thursday. As for the Friars, they look like a team that will likely qualify for the expanded playoffs with the current NL MVP frontrunner situated atop their batting lineup. Whether they’re a legit World Series contender remains up in the air. It’ll be a battle of Zack/h’s in Sunday’s finale.
First pitch for the game between the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2020, at 4 p.m. ET from Petco Park. The matchup will be shown live on ESPN. You can bet on MLB Odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
Odds Analysis
Even with fans not in the stands, the Astros home and away splits have come away as quite disturbing for those holding World Series futures tickets. Houston has been dominant at home in winning 10 of 14 played games for a $50 return on investment. The story has been much different on the road however where the Astros have managed just four wins through 10 tries to cost MLB bettors $300 overall. Wednesday night’s dominant 13-6 win over the Rockies snapped their five-game losing streak when playing away from “The Juice Box.”
San Diego’s made some waves through the first three weeks of the season, but all they have to show for their wagering supporters is a measly $109 in profit at 14 games up and 12 games down. The only profit made has come in the comforts of Petco Park where it’s won seven of 11 games played which has equated to a $195 return on investment. Regardless, only the Cubs, Braves and Dodgers have shorter odds than the Friars to win the National League, and its +2800 payoff should it go on to win the World Series is certainly worthy of a beer money investment.
Probable Pitchers
Zack Greinke: The veteran right-hander has been exceptional throughout his first five starts limiting his opposition to just 22 hits (0 HR) and 5 ER through 29.1 total innings. Most impressive about his overall body of work is the fact that he’s started letting opposing hitters know exactly what’s coming. If you haven’t seen the clips, go hit up YouTube – it’s hilarious! Greinke’s been at his best on the road where he’s pitched to a 1.54 ERA and .200 BAA versus the A’s and Angels. Lifetime at San Diego, he’s 6-3 with a 2.24 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and .272 BAA.
Zach Davies: Not one to go deep into games with regularity, Davies has settled in nicely in the Padres starting rotation and made a solid first impression. He’s 3-2 and has allowed just 19 hits (2 HR) and 10 ER through 27.2 innings over five starts. However, only one of those outings proved to be of quality after tossing seven innings of 2 ER ball at the Dodgers back on August 12. Not known for his command, the righty has only issued five free passes which should serve him well against an Astros offense that’s been much more lethal against left-handed pitching.
Player Prop Targets
Tatis Jr. only has six career at-bats versus Greinke. However, it’s more or less been all or nothing with the young phenom striking out three times but also collecting a pair of hits. One of them left the yard! The Padres shortstop has electrified to this point of the season raking opposing pitching to the tune of .310 batting average and 1.094 OPS to go along with 11 HR, 28 RBI and six stolen bases. The kids been match-up proof to this point, so go ahead and hit his player props regardless of how tough Greinke’s been against right-handed bats this season.
MLB Pick
Is it possible the Friars allowed Texas to tie Wednesday night’s game in the ninth and then take the lead in extras just so they can hit another grand slam against them? This time of the walk-off variety! Seriously folks, this Padres team is really starting to come into its own. They’re a viable NL pennant contender and will be going all out over the weekend to let the World Series worthy Astros know they’re not just going to roll over and die. Though I’ve question some of the moves Jayce Tingler has made on numerous occasions, his talent on the field has been able to overcome most of his boneheaded decisions. But Dusty takes the cake there, so give me the Friars as short home dogs in Sunday’s matinee.
MLB Odds: Padres 4, Astros 2
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