Robin Ventura pushed really hard for Chris Sale to not pitch in the All-Star Game. He didn't get his wish, and now, he and his Chicago White Sox (41-45 SU, -4.71 Units) could already have problems lining up a pitching rotation beginning with Friday's second game of a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals (52-34 SU, +16.85 Units).
PITCHING MATCHUP
Logically speaking, Chris Sale should be able to go in this game. The lefty was awesome in the first half of the year and could legitimately be the Cy Young Award winner when the season is said and done with.
However, Sale had a tough first half as well and really needs some more days off. He is on a pace to throw around 220 innings this year, and he could end up becoming the first American League pitcher to strike out 300 in a year since Pedro Martinez did so in 1999.
Considering the fact that Sale pitched on Saturday instead of Sunday, he could be the man to throw the second game of this doubleheader, but regardless as to whether it is him on the mound or any of the other Chicago starters, we know that they will be pushed to throw at least six or seven innings if Jeff Samardzija isn't good in Game 1.
The Royals have a deeper bullpen which shouldn't worry live bettors. The bigger concern for the purposes of this game could be Chris Young, who is projected to start Game 2 of the double dip.
Young hasn't thrown more than six innings in a game since June 16, and we have a really tough time imagining that he is going to give this bullpen an easy night.
To Ned Yost's credit, he knows darn well when to pull Young, as about 85 pitches is all that he has in the tank. Remember though, that the big righty has had consistent troubles in the fourth and fifth innings, allowing at least one run in five straight starts in at least one of those two frames.
ADVANCED STATS
The Royals had a ton of All-Stars this year for a reason. They weren't quite the best team in the bigs offensively, but their advantaged numbers showed that they had tremendous potential which was recognized to the tune of 4.42 runs per game, sixth best in the majors.
Not having Alex Gordon is going to hurt, but this is still a really good offense with guys like Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain doing plenty of damage. Even without the injured Gordon, the Royals still have a team OPS of .742, which is actually up just a hair from their .733 for the season as a team.
If you're a believer that this lineup is ripe for the betting against in live betting because of the absence of Gordon, think again.
TALKING BULLPENS
The White Sox don't have the best bullpen in the majors, but there is such a massive difference between their unit which is used when they are trying to close out a game versus the rest of their pen.
Live bettors should really keep a close eye on when Jacob Petricka and David Robertson come out of the pen. Both are hot right now, and if they are pitching in this game, live bettors can rest assured that a zero is likely going to end up on the board. Petricka hasn't allowed a run in 6.1 innings in a row, while Robertson is working on a streak of four straight perfect innings without allowing a runner to reach base.
If Ventura calls upon the rest of his bullpen though, look out. Zach Duke is somewhat reliable and could be used for multiple innings, but aside from that, guys like Zach Putnam and Dan Jennings have massive ERAs and not nearly enough strikeouts to walks. The Royals feed off of lousy bullpens like these late in games, and a huge opportunity could strike to bet them in live betting if the lesser names are toeing the rubber.
The baseball betting odds for this game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers and adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in, and start gambling during the game now!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals will start at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 17, 2015 at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL. The matchup will be televised nationally on WGN.
