August 23 Free Picks (MLB)

The Rangers plan to start Derek Holland who has been on the disabled list since June 22 . Holland allowed five earned runs over ten innings in triple-A while rehabbing.

Despite being in first place, the Rangers are only 22-26 against teams with losing records this season, while the Reds are 21-14 since the all-star break.
I like the Reds to win here. Currently the Reds value has continued to improve as they find themselves an +107 underdog.

Boston Red Sox (C. Buchholz 4-9, 5.42) at Tampa Bay Rays (C. Archer 7-16, 4.18) 7:10 pm EST

For my second underdog pick of the day we head to Tampa Bay where the Rays currently find themselves as -120 favorites heading into tonight’s match-up against the Red Sox.

Rays starter Chris Archer has had tough luck at home this season where he is 3-8 despite having a very good 2.66 earned run average. The Red Sox however, have owed Archer up to this point in his career. Archer is 1-9 with a 5.82 ERA in his career against Boston and has lost his last nine decision to the Red Sox. Archer’s Red Sox struggles are not far behind him as, Archer is 0-3 with a 8.10 ERA against Boston in three starts this season. Chris Archer is also 1-11 against the money line against teams with winning records this season.

Boston starter Clay Buchholz comes in with a 1-2 record and 5.46 ERA on the road this season, but is coming off of a solid start in his last outing against Detroit. In Buchholz’s career, he is 8-7 with a 2.63 ERA against the Rays.

Buchholz has been shaky this season, and the Red Sox have dropped six out of his last seven starts. The Red Sox however are playing well overall coming in as winners in nine of their last 11 games.

Buchholz is tough to trust, but he has been decent lately. I think Chris Archer’s losing ways against Boston continue. I am going with the Red Sox +111