By Stephen Nover
Phillies plus $1.50 hosting Dodgers
The Dodgers and Max Scherzer are a team and pitcher I don’t – and rarely – go against. So why do it here?
Value. Perhaps more than any other sport because of its long season, baseball is about value. You have to take it when it’s there.
The Phillies are the hottest team in baseball, winners of eight in a row. They are home and pitching Aaron Nola, who during the last five years is 53-35 with a 3.44 ERA. Scherzer has just six more wins than Nola during this time frame. That’s barely one more win per season than Nola.
Scherzer is better, absolutely no argument there. But Nola is a quality starter and is being counted on to step up being the challenger with his, not Scherzer’s, pride on the line.
Philadelphia strengthened the backend of its bullpen at the trade deadline acquiring closer Ian Kennedy, who has 18 saves this season.
It’s remarkable the Phillies have put together their best streak in 10 years considering they are dealing with multiple injuries: Rhys Hoskins, Andrew McCutchen, Didi Gregorius and Odubel Herrera. Philadelphia could get several of these players back today following Monday’s day off.
The Dodgers have one key everyday player injury. Justin Turner is day-to-day after injuring his groin two days ago.
It has been more than a month since the Dodgers last played a game with a three hour time difference for them. So it may take them a game to adjust.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover’s Tuesday ticket is headed by his Max Unit MLB August Value Play of the Month. Stephen has won eight of his last 11 MLB Max Unit plays. If you are interested in Stephen’s picks please email him at scriber26@gmail.com, or message him via Twitter.)
