Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays
Tigers +190
Rays -230
O/U - 8

The Tigers are four games out of the lead in the winnable American League Central, but it feels like 40. They’ve lost 10 of 12 since the All-Star break, have four regulars on the disabled list, and are starting to waste decent pitching efforts from their starters because of their inability to hit with runners on base. On Tuesday night they stranded 11 in a 3-2 loss to the Rays. Tonight they are raiding the bullpen -- reliever Eddie Bonine (4-0, 2.72) gets a spot start as Detroit desperately tries to stay in a 3-team scrum in the Central. RAYS worth a wager here despite the lousy number.

New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians
Yankees -150
Indians +140
O/U - 9

Nobody has been paying a lot of attention, but the Yankees are getting some heat in the American League East -- Tampa Bay is just two games out. It’s not like the Yankees have hit a sandbar; NY has won five of its last seven. But the Yankees have not been crushing the ball -- after going over 7 straight times their games have gone under twice in a row in Cleveland, and the under deserves a serious look tonight. Fausto Carmona has won three straight and is coming off a terrific win over the Rays. Most of Carmona’s games tend to go under as the Indians can’t seem to score much for him. Then again, the Indians don’t score a lot of runs for any starter. Liking the trend to continue with another UNDER play here.


Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
Dodgers +102
Padres -112
O/U - 6

You have to give the Padres a ton of credit for putting together a starting pitching staff seemingly out of nowhere. Clayton Richard goes tonight against the Dodgers, and he epitomizes what San Diego has done to stay atop the National League West -- get to the middle innings and then turn things over to what may be the best bullpen in the majors. Clayton is 7-5 with a 3.57 ERA, but there are warning signs that he is wearing down -- he’s 1-1 in his last four starts but was lit up in two no-decisions. Best bet here is the OVER on a very generous 6-run number.