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MLB Playoff Schedule October 3, 2023
All picks via DraftKings
Texas Rangers (+130) at Tampa Bay Rays (-155) | O/U 7.5 (-108/-112)
- Location: Tropicana Field: St. Petersburg, FL
- Gametime: 3 pm ET
After an exciting final month of the season, where they held the lead in the American League West going into the final weekend, the Rangers fell just short, losing the tiebreaker to the Astros for the division title. They pieced together a rotation all season due to injuries to guys like Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom, but they were able to do well filling them. One of those pieces is Jordan Montgomery, who has pitched well since joining the team from the Cardinals, recording a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts.
Tyler Glasnow has been the Rays’ best-performing pitcher this year, leading the team in ERA (3.53), hits per nine (7.0), and strikeouts per nine (12.2). However, he had a rough end to the season with a 6.20 ERA in his final four starts.
Prediction
Glasnow boasts a strong record against the Rangers lineup, holding them to a .189 batting average with a 29.5% strikeout rate. The Rays are poised to capture Game 1.
We suggest: Rays Moneyline (-155)
Toronto Blue Jays (+100) at Minnesota Twins (-155) | O/U 7.5 (-102/-112)
- Location: Target Field: Minneapolis, MN
- Gametime: 4:30 pm ET
Toronto Blue Jays
Kevin Gausman has been the Blue Jays’ premier pitcher, leading the Jays rotation in ERA (3.16), and led the American League with 237 strikeouts. His fastball is lethal, but it’s his split-finger that’s been particularly impressive, boasting a 43.1% whiff rate. This has propelled his strikeout rate above 30% for the first time in his career.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins made a significant acquisition in Pablo Lopez during the offseason. He strengthened the rotation with a career-best 11 wins and 234 strikeouts, paired with a 3.66 ERA. He faced the Blue Jays once this season, allowed four earned runs, but still secured the win in a 9-7 offensive showdown.
Prediction
Gausman had a start where he struggled against the Twins, resulting in a 7-6 final score. This matchup suggests a high-scoring outcome.
We suggest: Over 7.5 Runs (-102)
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Arizona Diamondbacks (+150) at Milwaukee Brewers (-180) | O/U 8 (-105/-115)
- Location: American Family Field: Milwaukee, WI
- Gametime: 7 pm ET
Arizona Diamondbacks
Rookie Brandon Pfaadt will set the tone for the Diamondbacks as he gets the nod for Game 1. He struggled during his inaugural major league season, recording a 3-9 record with a 5.72 ERA. He was demoted to Triple-A multiple times this season.
Milwaukee Brewers
Corbin Burnes stands atop the Brewers’ formidable rotation, leading the team in ERA and WHIP. In one outing, he delivered eight scoreless innings; in the other, he yielded seven earned runs.
Prediction
I expect a stellar performance from Burnes. The Diamondbacks will face a significant challenge by starting a rookie pitcher that’s struggling.
We suggest: Brewers -1.5 (+114)
Miami Marlins (+136) at Philadelphia Phillies (-162) | O/U 7.5 (-105/-115)
- Location: Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, PA
- Gametime: 8 pm ET
Miami Marlins
Jesus Luzardo was outstanding towards the season’s end, with a 1.96 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. He faced the Phillies twice this year, earning the win in both outings, allowing five runs and striking out 14 over 12.1 innings.
Philadelphia Phillies
Early in the season, it seemed Zack Wheeler might regress, but he rebounded impressively. He produced quality starts in 12 of his 15 outings, posting a 3.17 ERA. Opposing batters averaged .209 against him. Compared to the .326 BABIP in his previous 17 starts, it’s evident he’s been inducing weaker contact.
Prediction
The inter-divisional series kicking off the playoffs promises to be thrilling, and I anticipate a pitchers’ duel to start.
We suggest: Under 7.5 Runs (-115)
