This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
Previous: 1-3, -1.75 RWBucks
Season: 85-90-7, -10.26 RWBucks
I'm looking to bounce back Saturday on the backs of a pair of playoff-bound squads in the Phillies and White Sox, both of whom I expect will get strong performances from their starters while also capitalizing on a vulnerable opposing arm.
Pirates at Phillies, 4:05 p.m. EDT
Starting Pitchers: Wil Crowe vs. Ranger Suarez
The Pick: Phillies -1 in first 5 innings (-125 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 RWBuck
Secondary Pick: Ranger Suarez Over 17.5 outs (-149 on BETMGM) for 2 RWBucks
Crowe had a solid outing against the Marlins his last time out, but one has to consider the caliber of competition. The young righty has been up and down this season and particularly struggled on the road with a 6.53 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 2.3 HR/9. Meanwhile, the Phillies have a 76-75 F5 mark this season, while the Pirates sport a lowly 67-85 record in that split. On the second pick, Suarez has pitched at least six innings in three consecutive starts and four overall (out of 10), and the Pirates have a .272 wOBA and -11.2 wRAA against lefties on the road in the second half.
White Sox at Indians, 7:15 p.m. EDT
Starting Pitchers: Lance Lynn vs. Eli Morgan
The Pick: White Sox -1 in first 5 innings (+105 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Secondary Pick: White Sox to score first and win (-120 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 2 RWBucks
Lynn has been in stellar form most of the season and the White Sox own an 89-63 F5 record on the season. Cleveland also sports a 28.8 percent strikeout rate, .203 average, .267 wOBA and 66 wRC+ against visiting righties in the last month. Meanwhile, Morgan has stepped it up on the road against the Yankees and Red Sox the last two starts, but he's been bounced around at home for a 1-6 record, 8.31 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 2.8 HR/9 in 39 innings and the White Sox are second with 2.95 runs per first 5 innings per road game.
