Most people will all but disregard this game or at least AZ. But I have reasons to think otherwise and while my strength isn't MLB there are some pretty compelling arguments for tonights game. Would love to know if others see a similar outcome but here is my reason why Arizona.
Ketel Marte pulled a disappearing act yesterday and that was NOT expected, neither by the team nor the fans, respectively. He has had a career of mental health struggles so there is nothing wrong with him physically outside of that. I am pretty sure he won't be in there tonight.
I'm guessing the majority of bets placed will be against a team with a distraction like this but that doesn't always hold true. Sometimes this brings a group of guys together and makes them focus more without their best players. I think that's what happens with AZ tonight.
The Diamondbacks as a whole have been fantastic vs. LHP going 20-10 this year, bettered only by a couple of first place teams named Tampa Bay and Milwaukee.
Yes, Merrill Kelly takes the mound tonight and he has been a complete disaster, especially of late. But he is lifetime 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA against Boston.
He will be opposed by Ranger Suarez who is a paltry 1-4 against Arizona with an eye-popping 6.91 ERA over ELEVEN starts. So this is no small sample size.
Look, I get it, the Diamondbacks aren't even being looked at like a legitimate contender in the NL Wild Card race despite the fact that they sit one game out AND have the tie breaker against Philly and SD, should it come down to that. I realize most people won't touch this game with a pole or just back the Red Sox and I can say it would not shock me if I were wrong.
BUT...this is a professional MLB team who is very much aware of their standing and the opportunity in front of them. Even though they have lost their past 2 games to Boston, they came in having won 6 straight against the BoSox and 8 of the past 10. Not to mention the front office from the Diamondbacks are graduates of the Red Sox system.
Boston was on fire, so were the Diamondbacks, and now neither team is. But I just think Boston dropping -159 creates a legitimate solid spot to back AZ and so, for what it's worth, I thought I'd just take time to share my views.
OH, and Corbin Carroll will get more that 2 total bases tonight. As always, good luck to all...
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