This replaces the Jays-Orioles pick -- although maybe the gambling gods are trying to tell me something. Blanco has allowed more than two earned just once and the A's have never seen him. Blanco might be starting an inevitable fade but against this lineup should be OK. The SL Model has 1.9 ER allowed, and I'm simply hoping for 5 IP, 2 ER.

The Athletics' competitive stretch appears to be over, with losses in seven of their last nine games, all but one by multiple runs (and needing to score 11 to cover in the one-run loss). They've surrendered at least eight runs six times during that stretch and now face an Astros team that posts a 123 OPS+ against lefties with southpaw starter JP Sears getting lit up in two of his last three starts. Ronel Blanco could turn this game into a laugher, and even if he struggles, the Astros have the potential to win a 9-5 type of game.

Love the A's starter and I think he can neutralize some of the Stros big bats from the left side. He can be unhittable. The A's have the far better bullpen right now and I just don't think Blanco is going to keep this up forever and is due for a start in which he is a mere mortal. Something still looks off to me in Houston. A's didn't have to use any of their big late-inning arms yesterday in a blowout loss

This is a big number for Ronel Blanco who has been held under this line in 5/7 starts this season. If we look at Blanco's underlying metrics he is not generating many whiffs and the data indicates he is running hot on strikeouts. Blanco is facing an A's team that does sport a high K Rate, however they are no longer the cupcake matchup they have been historically considering they are much more proficient at the plate. Oakland possesses a respectable .685 OPS against opposing righties, however if we zoom in a bit closer, the A's lineup have been on a tear over the last few weeks.