BEST LINES:  Pinnacle +131 BET 365 +130 SportsInteraction +130 5DIMES +130

Posted at 2:40 PM EST. 

10:07 PM EST. Texas is 12-8 while the A’s are 11-13 so there’s that. Next is that Mike Minor (RHP - TEX) has earned a rotation spot while Oakland’s Chris Bassitt (RHP - OAK) is starting today by process of elimination. In other words, the Athletics are running out of bodies. Bassitt takes Marco Estrada’s place in the rotation so not only couldn’t Bassitt outpitch any of Oakland’s weak starters to earn a rotation spot, he’ll now make his first start and appearance in 2019.

Chris Bassitt is 30 years-old with 40 appearances at this level since 2014 but 154 appearances covering 513 innings in the minors. Dude is a career minor-leaguer for good reason. Bassitt has a career 3.86 ERA at this level but his skills tell another story. He's never posted a sub-4.40 xERA, and his career 8% swing and miss rate further reveals a pitcher with limited stuff. Bassitt gets a decent amount of ground-balls, but not enough to offset the contact. Having to spot a price, there's little reason to get behind Bassitt and the A’s here.

Mike Minor had shoulder surgery, which cost him his 2015 and 2016 seasons. Last season, he was exclusively a starter after only throwing out of the bullpen the previous season. His results were like his pre-injury starter production with a mid-7 K’s/9, 2.5 BB’s/9, and a few too many home runs allowed (1.4 HR/9). In the end, he posted a 4.18 ERA with an xERA of 3.98. His fastball velocity increased almost every month (92.6 mph to 92.8 to 93.2 to 93.5 to 94.1 to 93.9). His xERA dropped from 4.74 in the first half to 3.49 in the second half. In 28 innings this year covering four starts, Minor has a BB/K split of 8/22 with a very respectable 3.99 xERA. Throw in a 13% swing and miss rate and a improving ground-ball rate and we’re happy to get him at this price before the market notices and starts buying too.

Open an account today at and take advantage of their -104 style pricing on sides and totals, which is 60% better than other sportsbooks.