After seeing Tom Watson turn British Open betting on its head Friday, it’s safe to say bettors can’t take anything for granted in sports. Will Friday’s top baseball matchups provide us with similar surprises?
Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees
Friday, July 17, 7:05 p.m. ET
Luke French (1-0, 1.93) vs A.J. Burnett (8-4, 3.77)
Baseball odds: Tigers +175, Yankees -210
You have to hand it to Tigers rookie Luke French, who came out of nowhere to surprise in his first two major league starts, shutting down the Royals and Twins. But forgive us for not equating those two teams with the New York Yankees. Facing the resurgent A-Rod and switch-hitting Mark Teixeira, not to mention All-Star Derek Jeter, the lefty French has plenty of right-handed sluggers to worry about and could get a rude awakening.
Meanwhile, A.J. Burnett hasn’t fared well against the Tigers in his career to say the least (8.04 ERA), but he’s 3-1 at home this season and he’s really in a groove right now, posting sub-3.00 ERAs in June and July. His nasty stuff should tie the free-swinging Tigers in knots now that he’s harnessed it.
Daily sports pick: Yankees -210
Boston Red Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays
Friday, July 17, 7:07 PM ET
Clay Buchholz (0-0, 0.00) vs Ricky Romero (7-3, 3.00)
Baseball odds: Red Sox +105, Blue Jays -125
Highly touted Clay Buchholz is back, perhaps so the Red Sox can showcase him before the trade deadline. He’s making his first start of the year but has faced the Jays before, going 0-2 with a respectable 4.22 ERA. He’ll have a tough time beating Ricky Romero at the Rogers Centre. Though Romero did get shelled their by
Daily sports pick: Blue Jays -125