Michael Alexander

 Gonna jump on this total at 8.5 while I can because I'm seeing it dropping to 8 at some books. Weather/winds don't look to be a factor, but the Cubs don't have big bat Javy Baez in the lineup against Wade Miley (8-4, 2.72). His road ERA is 2.52. Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (12-4, 3.61) has a 2.19 ERA in four starts this month and allowed one run over six in his lone outing vs. Cincinnati this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Game 1 of a doubleheader so scheduled for seven innings. For what it's worth, the Braves have lost their past four DH openers and this is their sixth already this year. Since sweeping Washington in both games on April 7, Atlanta has lost five of seven doubleheader games overall. Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman comes off a dominant outing in Cincinnati and is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five career starts against the Braves. New York has won six straight series openers.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Nationals continue to slide as they have lost four straight. On Today, they will battle an NL East divisional opponent in the Philadelphia Phillies, with Joe Ross returning from the injured list. Ross has not pitched since July 4 and likely won’t be over-extended. Look for the Phillies to capitalize in the latter innings against the Nationals bullpen that has struggled as of late.

Rating: 2 Units

Kansas City is riding a season high-tying five-game winning streak after sweeping a three-game home series against Detroit. But the bubble has to burst soon as the team is 13 games under .500 and hosting a division leader. Royals LHP Mike Minor has allowed at least four runs in four of his last five starts and is 1-3 lifetime against Chicago. Meanwhile, White Sox LHP Dallas Keuchel is 6-1 versus Kansas City. Take Chicago.

Rating: 2 Units

Coming out of the All-Star break, Angels RHP Shohei Ohtani looked extremely sharp on the mound and he should benefit from extra rest again. This is an opportunity for Ohtani to start as a solid home favorite, a spot in which he has shined. The Angels are 7-0 since May 13, 2018 when Ohtani starts as a home favorite of at least -125. Colorado has lost back-to-back games, both by one run to the Dodgers. The Rockies are 0-14 SU since August 12, 2011 as underdogs of at least +130 when they are coming off two straight one-run losses.