Tim Michael

T.M. Selection: Toronto Blue Jays.

I like the Toronto Blue Jays to beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The Blue Jays lost in their last game 2-0 to the Rays after winning 4 games straight. That was just their 2nd loss in the month of September. Robbie Ray (11-5, 2.69 ERA) is starting here and he has been solid all year for the Jays. He has been credited with 3 straight wins when there was a decision and has only allowed more than 2 runs scored against him once in his last 9 starts, that being his last start where he allowed 3 runs. The Rays took game 2 of this series but that was just their 2nd win in their last 6 games. Michael Wacha (3-4, 5.37 ERA) is starting for them and he has been good in his last 3 starts but that actually ended a run where he was allowing 4+ runs per game. The Rays have cooled off a bit lately, despite getting the win yesterday, they have scored just 3 runs in their last 2 games. The Jays have been doing something incredible lately, not counting yesterday they have scored 52 runs in just 4 games and that good hitting run stretches back even further over the past few weeks. The Jays are hot right now and are looking to hold down a wildcard spot while the Rays pretty much have the division locked up here. I have to ride the Blue Jays here.

T.M. Prediction: 7-2 Blue Jays.

T.M. Selection: Oakland Athletics.

I like the Oakland Athletics to beat the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The A's have now lost 3 games straight and they desperately need a win here as they find themselves 3.5 games out of a wildcard spot. Sean Manaea (9-9, 3.79 ERA) is starting for them and he has been solid lately. He has not allowed more than 2 runs in his last 2 starts and was awarded with a win in his last time out. The Royals have lost just 1 game in their last 5 but I think it's time for the spoiling to stop here. They are way out of playoff contention and will have Mike Minor (8-12, 5.05 ERA) starting in this game. He has not allowed more than 2 runs in his last 2 starts but he allowed 3+ in each of his 5 straight starts before that and that has been a common theme for him all year. The Royals have actually lost the last 7 straight games that Minor has pitched in. This is a must win for the A's as they cannot afford to fall any further behind in this wildcard race. I like them to win this game and defeat the Royals on Wednesday.

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Athletics.