Joe D’Amico

Texas Rangers.

The Seattle Mariners were supposed to be one of the best teams in the American League this season. However, with 20 games already played, they are in a tie for last place in the American League West, at 8-12. Granted they are a bit better at home than they are on the road, but this team still enters today's matchup losing three in a row and six of their last 10 outings. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are tied for first place in the division at 10-9. To say Texas has dominated Seattle, would be an understatement. They've already taken all three meetings against their division rival this season at home a few weeks ago. They are scoring significantly more, and possess a pitching staff that has been certainly more consistent. Speaking of which, deGrom and Gilbert are slated. The Rangers right-hander has without question looked sharper as the team has won all three of his outings in 2026, as he sports a 1-0 record with a meager ERA of 2.87. Meanwhile, the Mariners right-hander has made four starts and the team has lost three of those four, as he possesses a 1-2 record with a whopping ERA of 4.18. He has done well against Texas in his career, but deGrom has done well in his lifetime against Seattle, too. Baseball is about momentum and the Rangers starter is certainly looking better than the M's starter, and without question their lineup has been more consistent. Take Texas. Thank you.

Athletics.

It wouldn't be a far stretch to say the Athletics are the most pleasant surprise thus far this season. They are in a tie for first place in the AL West at 10-9, and are starting to surge, winning seven of their last nine outings. Meanwhile, it wouldn't be a far stretch either to say the White Sox are the worst team in baseball. They own the poorest record at 6-13, and no matter how you look at, this teams’ numbers are downright ugly, ranking 29th in scoring, and 28th in Team ERA. Even prior to this season the Athletics have dominated the White Sox, taking five of six matchups just a season ago. Going back a bit further, they've taken seven of the last 10 overall meetings. Davis Martin and Aaron Civale are scheduled. While Martin's numbers aren't bad, Civale has certainly looked more consistent. Very simply, Chicago as horrible and the Athletics are playing well. Thank you.

Atlanta Braves.

With nearly a month of the regular season in the rear view, Atlanta is only one of four teams in baseball playing .600 ball or more. At 12-7, they sit atop their division, winning two in a row, and six of their last 10 outings. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is the fourth best team in the division, sitting in third place due to a tie between Miami and Washington, possessing a lackluster record of 8-10. They have lost two in a row, and seven of their last 10, and playing at home has been no bargain to this team as they are just 5-7 on their own field. The Braves are accounting for more than a 1 ½ runs per game offensively than the Phillies, and own a pitching staff with a Team ERA of just 2.93 which tops the Majors, while their opponent ranks 26th in Team ERA, at 4.92. The Atlanta lineup is surging while the Phillies offense has accounted for more than four runs just once over their last eight games played. As far as pitching goes, Martin Perez is 0-1 with a 3.14 ERA on the campaign, and over his career has done quite well against the Phillies, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA in 10 appearances, which includes nine starts against them. Taijuan Walker is 1-2 with a whopping 7.36 ERA, and has struggled against the Braves, going 3-2 with an ERA of 4.63, in 11 appearances, which includes 10 starts. No matter how you slice it, Atlanta is the play. Thank you.

Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs might be sitting at .500 and dwelling in the cellar of the NL Central, but they are starting to stride. They have won two in a row, and are looking to exact some revenge against a team that has played well against them. The Mets are just 7-12, also dwelling in last place in their division, at have lost eight consecutive contests. This is a team that is ice cold, due to a lack of hitting and an overworked pitching staff. During their eight-game slide, New York has averaged a mere 1.5 RPG. Meanwhile, their pitching staff has gotten plowed for a combined 44 runs during that span. There is no question, the Chicago lineup is significantly stronger, ranking seventh in the Majors, and averaging over 5.22 RPG. They also possess a pitching staff that has been consistent thus far this season. Speaking of which, Senga and Cabrera are slated here today. The Cubs right-hander has been excellent this season, yielding a total of three earned runs in 16.2 innings pitched. Meanwhile, the New York right-hander has gotten shelled for 11 earned runs in 14 IP. I look for Chicago to keep their winning streak alive while exacting some revenge against New York. Take the Cubs. Thank you.

Charlotte Hornets on the Moneyline.

I feel Charlotte is the right side here. I am releasing it on the moneyline just in case the line moves up, and I don't want anybody getting hooked here. Having said that, the Hornets enter this matchup red-hot, winning two in a row, and six of their last eight games. Not only that, but they have also had an extra day to rest, heal, and prepare. To go one further, they have had their way with the Magic this season, taking three consecutive matchups (both straight up and against the spread to boot). Speaking of Orlando, they come off back-to-back road losses and no covers at the hands of the Celtics and the 76ers. Granted those are both solid adversaries. But at the same token, this team is sliding. They have a respectable record at home of 25-15. But their opponent possesses a 23-18 road mark this season. The Hornets have been pointspread poison, covering just 37 of their 83 games played. Compare that to 50 ATS covers out of 83 contests played by Charlotte, and all points lead to the visitor here. Both teams are relatively healthy. The Magic of average 117.2 PPG this season behind six double-digit scorers. But they rank in the bottom third in field-goal percentage, and three-point percentage. They are also atrocious on the offensive glass, which means they don't get many second-chance opportunities. Their opponent averages 117.4 PPG, hit 37.8% from downtown, and a remarkable 81.8% from the free-throw line. Charlotte also possesses a much stronger defense in every aspect, and top the league on the defensive boards taking away their opponents second-chance opportunities. That would be enough for me here. But the Hornets also rank in the top-five on the offensive boards as well. I feel this is a big mismatch, I feel the visitor is better-rested, I feel they are hotter, and I feel there are much stronger at both ends of the court on the boards. Take Charlotte. Thank you.

Toronto.

As a releasing this game, more of a percentage of the general public are playing the visiting team here. I agree with them, for once. Yes, the Raptors took all three meetings this season against the Cavaliers, covering them as well. And also yes, they were all before James Harden joined the Cav’s squad. While he is one of the most significant players in the NBA, I just don't feel his addition warrants being this much of a favorite against a team who plays well on the road, covers the number, and is chock full of talent. Please also remember, despite possessing an overall record of 52-30, the Cleveland has only covered 33 games this season. They tend to be overvalued by oddsmakers. And I believe that's what's happening here again today. Take the Raptors. Thank you.

MLB WINNER: SMASH PLAY

Yankees.

It's no secret the Yankees, despite an 11-9 record and sitting in second place in the American League East, have not looked as sharp as we expected them to look. But they play the Royals, who are the worst team in the American League at 7-13. New York has dominated KC, taking nine consecutive meetings, which includes four straight at Yankee Stadium. New York accounts for more runs and allows less than their opponent here. Meanwhile the Royals enter this matchup colder than ice, dropping five in a row and eight of their last 10. Cameron and Warren are slated here today. The New York right-hander has looked very good this season making four starts and allowing a combined five earned runs in approximately 17 innings pitched. The team has won three of his four starts in 2026. This is a little high of a line, but a win is a win. Take the Yankees. Thank you.