Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night as they look to even their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pregame narrative:<\/strong> Scherzer has looked great in August and gives Toronto a good chance to take an early lead. In the prop market, Daulton Varsho<\/a> and former Blue Jay Spencer Horwitz<\/a> are worth backing on plus-money plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out my Blue Jays best bets vs. the Pirates for Aug. 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best bet: Horwitz over 0.5 runs (+125)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scherzer has been solid but not dominant for the Blue Jays. None of his 10 starts have been scoreless, and with that in mind, Horwitz has as good a chance as any Pittsburgh player to score on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ex-Jay has been the Pirates’ leadoff man for the better part of two months, and he’s put together some strong numbers lately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out what Horwitz has accomplished in his past 25 games:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a notable platoon advantage for the left-hitting Horwitz, too, as he’s posted a career .803 OPS vs. right-handed pitchers and a .516 OPS vs. lefties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scherzer, meanwhile, has allowed a higher OPS to left-hitting players (.753) than right-hitting players (.703) this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s nothing flashy about this pick, because Horwitz is far from a flashy hitter, but the price is compelling for a top-of-lineup guy with a platoon advantage who’s excelling right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key stat:<\/strong> Horwitz has scored in 10 of his past 21 starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBlue Jays best bets vs. Pirates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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