Free MLB Pick For Friday: Diamondbacks At Rockies


Diamondbacks at Rockies (8:40 p.m. eastern)

Betting Line: Colorado -105, Over/Under 11.5

The disappointing Arizona Diamondbacks hope to deal another blow to the Colorado Rockies’ fading playoff hopes in a matchup of NL West rivals Friday night in Denver.

Arizona is 5-5 in its last 10 while the Rockies had a 4-game winning streak snapped Wednesday with a crushing 10-8 loss to the Dodgers. Colorado led the game 8-2 in the 8th inning but LA scored 3 in the 8th and then erupted for 5 runs in the 9th, including a go-ahead grand slam with 2 outs.

The Diamondbacks send Robbie Ray to the mound Friday. Ray’s record is 7-12, but he strikes out more than 11 hitters per 9 innings and his FIP and xFIP are in the mid 3s. The lefty is also a ground-ball specialist, which should serve him well in the high altitude of Coors Field.

Colorado will counter with a southpaw of their own, Jorge de la Rosa. He is 8-7 with an ERA of 5.09, but he has not taken a loss since July 20.

MLB Prediction: Diamondbacks at Rockies

The loss to LA Wednesday was demoralizing for Colorado, which is now 6.5 games behind the Cardinals for the second NL Wild Card. The Rockies had the day off Thursday, but there’s still a strong chance for a hangover effect Friday night.

The Diamondbacks hit lefties very well, averaging 5.29 runs per game. Ray’s ability to coax ground balls will be a big asset against a Colorado lineup that benefits from the thin air in Denver.

This line opened with the Diamondbacks as +115 favourites, and Arizona had already been bet down to pick ’em range within a few hours. We agree with the line move.

Play Arizona Diamondbacks -104 at Pinnacle