Yesterday was a good day, but it could have been even better if Aaron Nola needed one more strikeout to get the shutout win. That said, they'll carry this momentum into Sunday, when three more starters will be in action.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top three predictions for MLB players on Sunday, August 11th.
Doug Zieffel's MLB player predictions and Sunday forecast
Hunter Brown strikes out 5.5 or more (-110, bet365)Hayden Birdsong strikes out 15.5 or more (-155, bet365)Luis Severino strikes out 5.5 or less (-135, bet365)
Mets vs. Mariners roster predictions: Will Severino be out on Sunday Night Baseball?
Finally, attention turns to the New York Mets, who are scoreless in Seattle and likely have some sleepless nights, but the same can't be said for the recently hot Mariners, who will be tasked with putting out the fires for manager Luis Severino.
Severino was a bargain buy for the Mets during the offseason, but his production has declined recently, with a 6.50 ERA over his last six starts, and his strikeout numbers have declined along with his production, with him striking out six or fewer batters just four times in his last 15 starts.
Overall, Severino failed to top that mark 68% of the time this season, which is great news for the Mariners, who boast the best team strikeout rate in baseball.
While it's often better to look at a larger sample size, it's hard to ignore that Seattle is trending up and Severino is trending down, which makes him a fade candidate tonight.
Astros vs. Red Sox roster predictions: Brown dominates Boston
Hunter Brown is finally starting to put it all together for 2024 and looks to have more success this afternoon. Brown comes into the game against the Boston Red Sox with a 3.98 ERA, but his xERA is down significantly at 3.52.
Brown is experiencing a strong return, which should translate to plenty of strikeouts, as he has been racking up recently. Brown has struck out at least six batters in nine of his last 15 starts and has done so in 52% of his 23 starts this season.
The Red Sox lineup he will face ranks in the middle of the pack in strikeout rates against right-handed pitchers, but has five batters with above-average strikeout rates against right-handed pitchers.
Boston is a bit overvalued on the market due to Brown's improved form, and I expect him to blow the Red Sox away this afternoon.
Tigers vs. Giants roster predictions: Birdsong is destined to improve
Hayden Birdsong may not be the diva of our generation, but he's another starting pitcher expected to have a big turnaround this Sunday. The 22-year-old right-hander comes into the game with a 4.73 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.
He has started seven games in the major leagues, and while his numbers may not look good, there is no doubt he has the ability to compete in the major leagues, and this should help him perform even better in this one.
Birdsong has one of the highest strikeout rates so far and will be facing a Detroit lineup that ranks ninth on the team in strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers. Not to mention, the Tigers are last in wRC+ against right-handed pitchers over the past 15 days and are 25th this season.
All signs point to Birdsong putting it all together and pitching at least the sixth inning.
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