Both the Mets and Astros have clawed back to .500 via streaky June play heading into their interleague clash at Citi Field on Friday.
With two red-hot teams going head-to-head, I think we’re seeing some value on either side, but the price on Houston offers the better discount.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to target Ronel Blanco as an early AL Cy Young candidate at this point.
The 30-year-old righty has emerged as the latest gem to spawn in the Houston rotation with a fierce fastball, slider and changeup.
This mix has kept batters on their heels as Blanco resides in the top 10 percent in MLB in weighted on-base average (wOBA), limiting bats to .249.
After stifling the bombastic Orioles to four hits in his second straight seven-inning win, Blanco is tied for seventh in WAR amongst pitchers and owns a sixth-lowest 2.34 ERA.
Jose Quintana has played a pivotal role in the Mets’ recent success, but his 4.88 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), in contrast to his 4.58 ERA, suggests he’s gotten out of innings in the nick of time.
Houston is capable of sending those stranded runners home with a No.-5 ranked on-base plus slugging rate (.742).
Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting
Quintana also doesn’t generate whiffs frequently and, therefore, he’s not much of a strikeout pitcher.
The vet has recorded 6.64 strikeouts per nine innings and is facing an Astros lineup with the fewest strikeouts in the majors.
THE PLAY: Astros -112 (FanDuel).
