Today's Pick: TEX (-235) over OAK

It's our first pick after the All-Star break and it feels like the second half.  It's almost like a new season.  I feel like I too am making a run at the postseason as a contender for the playoffs.  

Playing the picks everyday in some way makes you a part of the MLB world.  You get a real sense for the grind of the MLB season and it's enlightening in a way as your mindset and daily routine in some regard takes on a similiar outlook and a framework that mirrors all the others who make a career and a living in the baseball world.  I imagine it's the same for the grounds crews and the vendors at the ballpark.  The same for the front offices and the players.  You really get a sense for the ebb and flow of the baseball season.

Jacob DeGrom (9-2) starts for the Rangers.  DeGrom made three July starts before the all-star break and while two of them were quality starts statistically, the three outings collectively were his least impressive of the season in that he allowed four homers while pitching to a 3.71 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.  Those are great numbers for most starting pitchers across baseball but this is a guy who didn't allow a single long ball last month.  DeGrom held opponents to a .157 batting average and recorded a 1.41 ERA in 32.0 innings pitched over his five June starts. The righty hurler recently turned 37.  He hasn't pitched a full season of innings since 2019 but there won't be any limitations for the veteran this season until the Rangers are out of contention.  Expect DeGrom to go six innings.  A week's rest will have him feeling fresh and he will have his best game working.  

It's JT Ginn (1-2) starting for the Athletics. Ginn has been pitching out of the bullpen in long relief for most of the season.  He hasn't made a start since May 19th and hasn't gone more than five innings since early April.  His efforts in 33.0 innings this season have produced a 4.91 ERA.  Ginn is a strikeout pitcher.  He has an excellent K/BB ratio and doesn't walk a lot of hitters but he is homer prone.  His 2.2 HR/9 is well above league average.  The A's are looking for three innings out of Ginn today.  If he aces them, he could pitch deeper into the game but count on Jack Perkins to get some work early.  

I think both Ginn and Perkins will be out of this game by the fifth inning.  Globe Life Field in Arlington is a home run hitters ballpark.  The Rangers haven't hit well this season but they did have a good game at the plate in yesterday's 7-2 win over the A's.  They hit a pair of homers in that game.  

DeGrom is going to give Colonel Kurtz a challenge today.  He has nailed lefties all season.  The Ranger's bullpen has a few good arms well rested and available.  The A's relievers have been a shaky group and with Ginn and Perkins piggybacking the start, they will be relying on the back end of their bullpen late in the game.  

I like Texas to win tonight.  The Rangers are a heavy favorite to win this game at (-235) and should be.  The pitching matchup is well in their favor.  

Today's Pick:  TEX (-235) over OAK
Units in Play:  1.00
Units Wagered:  1.00
Ticket Pays:  1.43 (+0.43 units)
Current Streak:  0
Longest Streak:  6

Total Units Wagered (Season):  100 units
Current Bank Balance:  11 units
Beginning Bank Balance:  40 units
Total Units Raked (season):  28 units
Profit / Loss (season):  -1.0
Overall Record:  43-24

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