MLB Thursday

Anibal Sanchez has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation all Spring. For a guy who has had injury problems in the past, that spells trouble. I think it is a definite risk to lay -154 on Sanchez, who already was a regression candidate after posting career-best numbers a year ago. Both games in this series ended in walk-offs, and I would be surprised if the Royals were unable to avoid the sweep. Sanchez was lights-out against Kansas City last year, but I think things will be different this season. I believe he will struggle tomorrow. On the other side, the Royals counter with flamethrower Yordano Ventura, who has electric stuff. Both offenses have been cold and I think that the unfamiliarity with Ventura will be important tomorrow. Detroit has never faced him and could struggle to generate offense. I think the Royals win this one 5-2.

Reds -110 (3 units)

Homer Bailey is ready to take the next step to becoming a MLB ace this season. He put up a 3.02 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in the 2nd half of last season. Bailey also had a 3.35 ERA and 1.03 WHIP at home. In his last 14 innings vs. the Cardinals, Bailey has allowed a grand total of 0 runs. He takes on Lance Lynn, who put up an awful 5.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on the road in 2013. I think win or lose in tonight's game, Cincinnati will get it done in a day game at home tomorrow. They should win this one by more than one run and we're getting very good value on them.

Yankees -140 (4 units)

The Yankees bats are ice cold, putting up 3 runs in their first 2 games. They send Ivan Nova to the hill to try to avoid the sweep against the lowly Astros. Nova put up a sub-3.00 ERA after the All-Star Break in 2013. He struggles on the road, but I really think the Yanks get it done tomorrow against the worst team in MLB. The Astros counter with Brad Oberholtzer, who was solid in 2013 in limited action. I know this burned me with the Angels tonight, but I'm pretty confident in NYY getting the job done tomorrow.