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It’s been four days since the last action was seen in major league baseball. Be sure to take a look at today’s premium play between Tampa Bay and Toronto. For a total to score a win on, I focus on the Nationals and Dodgers total. Ricky Nolasco is heading to the mound for his third outing. He had a great start against the Diamondbacks but got down with three early runs in his last start against Colorado. Stephen Strasburg had an even rougher outing in his last start giving up the most runs he has ever allowed of seven in just two innings. Even though the Dodgers have struggled to score runs, I expect them to continue to pelt the balls Strasburg pitches today.

The total runs today of 7.5 is a generous number considering the woes of Strasburg. Let the questions raise about his arm, as the Nationals ponder if he needs rest again

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A couple of pitchers that have made their travels from a few teams now, pitch against each other today in Jeremy Guthrie and Scott Kazmir. Guthrie who had success early in his career with Baltimore, has started to show the same issues of inconsistency he did as an Oriole. His ERA has been sky high over the last eight to ten games. As for Kazmir, he is the type of veteran that tries to use his wits and craftiness to pitch five to six innings. He is not going to dominate on the mound every time out, but knows how to not let hits and walks plague a half inning.

This is the perfect over total to take before MLB all-star break. Grab the over on nine runs.

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David Price has been pitching lights out after a shaky start to the season. As a team the Rays have enjoyed a winning streak of eight games. It has been done with outstanding pitching and timely runs. This streak was against teams in the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, and the tail end of a series against their opponent now in the Houston Astros.

The Astros we know are not a juggernaut, but a team on such a high game winning streak is going to hit a bump when you least expect it. Facing the Houston Astros they should be good for five to six runs. David Price should be fine on the mound, but a rough half inning or two is due, even with his resurgence. He did shut them out on July 2nd, but I expect the Astros to get three runs.

Take the over of 7.5

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Todays free play comes in a matchup of the Reds vs Braves. Both teams are in the thick of things yet again, and that can be traced to their balance offensively and with solid pitching staffs. A tricky half run is given in todays total with the line being set at 7.5. That is largely due to the fact that both teams have quality averages with RISP, and hit the home run ball very well.

The total would likely be higher if it were not for Tim Hudson’s solid career ERA against Cincinnati. Lately, Hudson has been all over the place. Facing a lineup as potent as the Reds, I’d be leery to see Hudson extend beyond five innings.

With that being said, take the over of 7.5 as the Braves will head to their bullpen earlier than expected, and the Braves should also be a quality play for three to four runs themselves.

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Last night, the Dodgers gained a game in the race to catch the Diamondbacks in the NL West. It came from an important decision from the front office to make a trade for veteran pitcher Ricky Nolasco. Nolasco’s record on the year has looked inconsistent, but his ERA of barely above three, shows that he has been pitching above average this season. His run support was lacking on a poor Marlins team. The trade that sent him to LA, gave him a sense of being revived at the right time. He came out and only allowed four hits, while getting two himself, sparking a 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

That type of strong play gives the Dodgers assurance that they made the right decision, and can spark a clubhouse overall. Look for the Dodgers to carry yesterday’s momentum into tonight as they try to take another win on the road.

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TODAY’S FREE PLAY IS THE UNDER ON THE DODGERS AND ROCKIES. ENJOY