Cincinnati Reds (45-68) vs Philadelphia Phillies (63-51)
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 6:40 pm
My selection is on Philadelphia over Cincinnati at 6:40 pm et on Monday.
This one sets up nicely as a bounce-back spot for the Phillies off consecutive losses against the Mets over the weekend.
We've been betting against Reds starter Mike Minor all season long and we won't hesitate to do so again here. Minor has had a disastrous campaign as he nears the likely end of his big league career. He checks in with a 6.75 FIP and 1.57 WHIP, allowing north of 6.8 runs per nine innings. Note that the Phillies have wore out left-handed starters this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game (compared to their season scoring average of 4.7 rpg).
Behind Minor is a Reds bullpen that entered yesterday's action sporting a collective 5.15 ERA and 1.43 WHIP at home this season, converting only seven saves while blowing eight.
Noah Syndergaard will take the ball for the visiting Phillies. He's made two starts since joining the club prior to the trade deadline and both resulted in team victories. That's despite the fact that he didn't really have his best stuff in either outing. For the season, Syndergaard has posted a 3.79 FIP and 1.28 WHIP while allowing 4.15 runs per nine innings - obviously vastly superior numbers to those of Minor.
The Phillies bullpen has been lights out lately, recording a collective 1.45 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over the last seven games (entering yesterday's action). Take Philadelphia (9*).
Sean’s Pick Philadelphia Phillies: -172
AUTHOR: Sean Murphy
