This is a strong value play at +800, especially considering the line is as low as +450 on Caesars. Stephenson has homered in the first two games of this series, helping the Reds to back-to-back wins. Though the sample size is small, he's been excellent against left-handed pitching this season, posting a 1.124 OPS with four extra-base hits in just 19 at-bats. Historically, Stephenson has hit lefties well, with a career .276 average against them. Royals starter Noah Cameron has been impressive early in his career, allowing just two earned runs over his first three starts. However, both of those runs came on solo home runs by right-handed hitters, suggesting some vulnerability. We set the line for Stephenson to hit a home run at +500.
It's the year of the under in MLB and I'll take it here with these two lineups; Royals can't hit and the lineup goes about 4 deep. Reds are 10-3-1 to the under in their last 14 games on the road; outside of their bandbox the offense suffers. We like the plus money here. Hunter Greene is as good as they come. The young lefty for the Royals has been sharp so far.
Wacha did not factor into the decision Sunday against Pirates, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out five.
Lowder (6-12) took the loss Sunday against the Cubs, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks across three innings. He struck out three.
Loftin went 4-for-5 with an RBI in Saturday's 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati promoted Spiers from Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.
Jensen is absent from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.
Pasquantino is absent from the lineup for Sunday's matchup against the Pirates.
Cincinnati designated Friedl for assignment Sunday.
The Reds placed Burns on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right groin strain.
Caglianone went 2-for-3 with two walks, one RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.
Pagan walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 24th save of the season in a 6-4 win over the Cubs.
