MLB Underdog of the Day (Diamondbacks Victimize Phillies Once Again)
By Joe Summers
The train is completely off the track for the Philadelphia Phillies. After Aaron Nola allowed the most hits and runs he's ever surrendered in last night's blowout loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phillies have three straight losses by a combined score of 30-10.
Things are bad, and it seems the club can't wait to get on a plane out of Arizona. Philadelphia still finds itself a favorite tonight against a Diamondbacks club that's won five straight as home underdogs.
Hey, I'm not complaining. We cashed on the Diamondbacks' upset win last night and I intend to do so once again today. That's right, Arizona is your MLB Underdog of the Day!
Phillies vs Diamondbacks Odds, Run Line and Total
Best MLB Underdog Pick Today
Blowing a seven-run lead in less time than it takes Jimmy John's to deliver a sandwich can have lasting impacts on a team's mental state. How else do you explain Aaron Nola's complete meltdown last night?
Arizona did serious damage to Philadelphia on Monday night, and I see little reason to believe the Phillies should be favored with Bailey Falter on the mound. Falter's 5.50 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) would be MLB's worst mark if he had enough innings to qualify, and the Phillies' bullpen seems utterly incapable of providing any support.
I mean, just look at Falter's MLB Statcast Pitching Profile and tell me this is the guy that's going to resurrect the Phillies:
Throw in the Diamondbacks' dramatic defensive advantage, and you've got a recipe for another disappointing loss.
I'm encouraged by what I've seen from 23-year-old Arizona lefty Tommy Henry as well, who has a 3.23 ERA through five starts. He held the St. Louis Cardinals to one run two weeks ago despite the Cardinals' having MLB's hottest lineup.
Look for Arizona to kick Philly while its down to pick up a fifth straight underdog victory.
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