Jesse Schule – Sports Handicapper

This is a free play on Edmonton -1.5.

The Canucks have been dealt a tough hand this season, even more so than the rest of the league. While it's been tough for everyone playing through a pandemic, Vancouver had to shut down when the entire team came down with Covid, and now they are forced to make up those games by playing almost every day. They will play their sixth game in eight days tonight in Edmonton, and to add insult to injury their first line center will not play while under investigation for sexual assault. Vancouver has lost six straight, and five straight by at least two goals. Edmonton is just six point out of first place in the North Division, so this looks like it could be another blowout.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 6* play on Tampa +1.5.

The Rays are an underdog in Game 4 in LA after winning the first three games of the series, and I like Tampa in this spot.

Collin McHugh will toe the rubber for the Rays, and he's mostly used as an opener. He hasn't been spectacular, but he's capable of getting the job done.

The Angels hand the ball to Andrew Heaney making his 6th start of the season. He allowed four runs on six hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to Seattle his last time out.

The Rays are 31-11 in the last 42 meetings in Los Angeles.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on ATL/WAS.

The Nats host the Braves in Game 3 in Washington, and we might see a slugfest in the nation's capital today.

Drew Smyly will toe the slab for Atlanta, and he hasn't missed many bats lately. The veteran has allowed a dozen runs on 13 hits over eight innings in his last two starts. He also gave up half a dozen home runs during that span.

The Nats hand the ball to Jon Lester, who may also be past his prime. Lester was 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in five home starts last season.

Ozzie Albies is 6-for-7 with a home run lifetime versus Lester.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Blue Jays.

Toronto has lost two of three in Oakland, but I like the Jays chances of salvaging a split with a win in Game 4 today.

Hyun-Jin Ryu will toe the slab for Toronto, and he's been as advertised so far. Ryu (1-2, 2.60 ERA) allowed no runs on three hits, striking out five in 3 2/3 innings in a 1-0 win over Tampa his last time out.

The A's hand the ball to Mike Fiers, who has struggled to earn a spot in the rotation. The 35 year old allowed three runs on six hits in six innings in a home loss to Baltimore in his season debut.

Fiers is 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in his last two starts against Toronto.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Royals.

The Royals have lost four straight, and they are on the verge of being swept in a home series versus Cleveland. They turn to their ace today, and perhaps that will be enough to force the Tribe to put the brooms back in the closet.

Danny Duffy has been untouchable so far, going 4-1 with a 0.60 ERA. He allowed just one run on two hits, striking out seven in seven innings in a home win over Minnesota his last time out.

The Indians hand the ball to Triston McKenzie, who has had real trouble throwing strikes. The rookie gave up five runs on one hit and four walks in just two innings in a loss to Chicago his last time out. He's walked 18 batters in his last 18 innings pitched.

The Indians are 17-36 in their last 53 games as a road underdog.

GL,

Jesse Schule