MLB Daily Market Wrap Up

Moving Today's Market The two teams battling for the NL East crown are sending their staff aces to the mound, and each is a heavy favorite over their respective opponents. The Phillies send lefty Cole Hamels to the mound against the Braves. Philadelphia is receiving 65% of the public moneyline bets after opening at Pinnacle as -294 favorites. Pitching changes from Atlanta have caused some movement in the line, which currently sits at Philadelphia -285. The Mets acquired Johan Santana for games like this. New York needs a win to stay within reach of the Phillies for the NL East and create breathing room from the Brewers for the NL Wild Card. The Cubs replaced Rich Harden with Sean Marshall to oppose the Mets, and the line at Pinnacle is currently New York -230. The Mets are receiving a slight advantage in public moneyline bets at 57%. The Brewers are one game back of the Mets for the NL Wild Card as they host the Pirates at Miller Park. Milwaukee starter Dave Bush has had mild success since the All-Star break, and sports a 3.51 ERA at home this season. The Brewers are receiving 79% of the public's backing in moneyline bets, and the line at Pinnacle has moved heavily in that direction. After opening as -179 favorites, the current line sits at Milwaukee -225. That much backing from the public and a huge line movement makes this look like a possible Square Play. A possible Smart Money play occurs in the AL, where the Rays are looking to inch closer to their first AL East crown. Tampa Bay and starter James Shields are receiving 61% of moneyline bets against the Orioles and Garret Olsen, but the line has moved in the opposite direction. After opening as -164 favorites at Pinnacle, the Rays are currently sitting at -157. A small move, but maybe enough to indicate some Smart Money. Injury Updates Player Team Injury Status Comments Mike Lowell Red Sox Hip Doubtful According to manager Terry Francona, Mike Lowell could be available to start at designated hitter as soon as Thursday. Carlos Beltran Mets Knee Probable Carlos Beltran remained in Monday's game despite injuring his knee and rib cage while crashing into the outfield wall in the seventh inning. John Maine Mets Shoulder Rehab John Maine threw a 25-pitch simulated game Monday and reported no problems. Yunel Escobar Braves Hamstring Doubtful Yunel Escobar missed his ninth straight start Monday and said afterward that his strained hamstring hasn't improved.   Today's Best Bets Check out today’s Best Bets!  Tomorrow's Market Mover Battles for the NL East and NL Wild Card continue as the Phillies host the Braves, the Mets host the Cubs, and the Brewers host the Pirates. More starters will make their final appearances of the season, including Felix Hernandez and Adam Wainwright.