Bogaerts strives to outperform Myers tonight
Wil Myers’ Home Run Derby debut was a bit of a letdown. Will the San Diego slugger must a bounce-back effort in front of the home crowd tonight?
Handicappers continue to pay a lot of attention to the Padres’ lone All-Star starter. In fact, online sports book Bovada.lv has crafted a special prop involving Myers and one of his American League counterparts, Xander Bogaerts. Each individual currently receives odds of -115 to amass the most hits, runs and RBIs. There’s little evidence to suggest much fluctuation over the next few hours either.
So, let us consider where the two youngsters reside in their respective lineups. As a nod to the Petco Park faithful, National League manager Terry Collins will use Myers in the cleanup role. Ben Zobrist, Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant precede the designated hitter for the senior circuit, while Buster Posey and Anthony Rizzo provide first-class protection. Barring something completely unforeseen, the San Diego standout’s initial hacks should come against powerhouse lefty Chris Sale (14-3, 3.38 ERA).
As appealing as it is to bank on Myers to redeem himself after Monday’s first-round ouster at the hands of Adam Duvall, though, don’t underestimate Boston’s Bogaerts. Surrounded by familiar faces David Ortiz and Jackie Bradley Jr. in Ned Yost’s batting order, the shortstop could feel right at home in his Midsummer Classic debut. He’ll also be facing Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47) for the first time.
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The difference: Despite Major League Baseball’s insistence that this one counts (again), we’re talking about yet another exhibition predicated on fan service. That means ample opportunities for Myers to dazzle the Petco Park faithful. Not playing in the field probably lets the former AL Rookie of the Year negotiate an extra at-bat, too, so side with the guy serving as the unofficial host.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: WIL MYERS -115