Cam Smith (HOU) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-167)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Washington Nationals gear up to face the Houston Astros, all eyes will be on Cam Smith, but betting on him to clear 1.5 total bases seems a stretch. The Nationals’ recent struggles against left-handed pitching are well-documented, and with the Astros throwing a southpaw, Smith’s chances to shine diminish. Over the last month, the Nationals have been underwhelming, averaging just 3.8 runs per game, and Smith himself has been on a bit of a cold streak, finding it tough to make solid contact.
Moreover, while the Astros' bullpen has been lights out, holding opponents to a mere .225 batting average, the stage is set for a low-scoring affair. With a model prediction of just 0.81 total bases for Smith, it feels wise to lean into the under here. This matchup has all the makings of a tough day at the office for him, making the under an appealing bet.