MLB betting cheat sheet: McCarthy sensational for Yankees
Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend's major league games:
Feeling Low
Thursday saw the unders dominate, as teams combined to go 4-9 over/under. That has been the trend over the past 30 days, with 185 unders (53.47 percent) in that stretch compared to just 161 overs (46.53 percent).
Straight A's
The Oakland Athletics are the biggest favorite of the day Friday, coming in at -225 for their game against the visiting Minnesota Twins. Being a heavy fave has produced only modestly positive results for the A's, who are 11-7 straight up in games in which they are installed at -180 or better.
McCarthy Era in the Bronx
Brandon McCarthy looks to continue his impressive run as a New York Yankee on Saturday as he faces off against Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians. McCarthy is 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA in five starts since joining the Yankees in a trade with Arizona.
Price Check for Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays could be in a world of trouble Sunday as they face David Price and the Detroit Tigers. Price, who was dealt to Detroit at the non-waiver deadline, is 15-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 19 career starts against Toronto.
Pitching Notes
* Washington right-hander Stephen Strasburg will look to build off a strong outing last time out as he and the Nationals (-108, 6.5) visit Atlanta. Strasburg threw seven shutout innings to beat Philadelphia Sunday, ending a three-game losing streak.
* The Houston Astros may have a problem making solid contact Saturday as they face Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers. Darvish has been masterful in eight career starts against the Astros, racking up 80 strikeouts in just 57 innings.
* Low-scoring road games have been the norm for Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez. The Washington veteran is 2-7 O/U over his last nine starts away from Nationals Park going into Sunday's game in Atlanta.
Hitting Notes
* Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez has adjusted well to the major leagues. The 21-year-old belted a pair of home runs in Thursday's victory over Colorado and has gone deep three times in his first three games entering Friday's tilt with Tampa Bay (-122).
* New York Mets third baseman David Wright could be in for a good day Saturday against Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies. Wright has dominated Hamels in their head-to-head history, batting .329 with five homers and 16 RBIs over 76 at-bats.
* Don't expect to see many free passes issued by Mark Buehrle on Sunday as he leads the Blue Jays against the Tigers. Members of the Detroit roster have combined for just seven walks in 256 at-bats versus Buehrle; Miguel Cabrera is the only player with more than two.
Totals Streak
Miami Marlins (4-0 O/U): The Marlins have re-established themselves as the strongest Over play in the majors after allowing seven runs in three of their previous four games. The recent surge moves Miami to 63-43-8 O/U for the season.
Prop of the Day
Bettors who believe in the Athletics can get +260 on them to win by more than three runs. Oakland has far and away the best run differential in the majors, while Friday starter Scott Kazmir is 6-2 with a 1.92 ERA in 10 home starts.
Injury Notes
* The Toronto Blue Jays have placed infielder Brett Lawrie back on the disabled list - this time with a strained oblique that will likely keep him out until September. Lawrie has already missed 45 games this season; Toronto is 22-23 SU, 21-22-2 O/U and -169 units in those contests.
* Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has been cleared to swing a bat as he continues his recovery from a thumb injury. Phillips has missed the last 28 games, during which the Reds have gone 12-16 SU, 12-15-1 O/U and -494 units.
Weather Watch
* Fans at Wrigley Field will see wind blowing in from center field at 9 mph for Friday's game between the Cubs and Rays. Teams combined to average .246 and two home runs in 10 games under similar conditions a season ago - slightly below stadium averages.
Umpire Stat of the Day
Under is 17-3 in umpire Ed Hickox's last 20 games behind home plate involving Oakland. Hickox will call the balls and strikes Friday when the Athletics host Minnesota.
** Odds, stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 11:05 a.m. ET Friday.
