MLB Tipping Sheet: The Angels of value

Veteran Phillies' pitcher Cliff Lee has been in fine form

It's another big Sunday night of Major League Baseball action and Richard Fletcher is back with three recommended bets

Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies 18:35 BST

The 87-65 Braves head back to Citizens Bank Park after last night's 8-2 victory over the 77-75 Phillies, still with a slim chance of beating the Nationals to the NL East title. They go with Tim Hudson (15-6, 3.77 ERA), who was knocked around a little against the Marlins last time, but still picked up the win thanks to plenty of run support. The Phillies' legendary Cliff Lee (6-7, 3.27 ERA) is finishing a difficult year in fine style with a 4-0 record and a ERA of 1.63 in his last seven starts. Back the Phillies here.

St Louis Cardinals @ Chicago Cubs 19:20 BST

In the NL Central, the Reds may have already taken the divisional crown, but with a 81-71 record, the Cardinals are still in pole postion along with the Braves to take one of the two Wild Card slots. The Cardinals beat the 59-93 Cubs 5-4 last night, and Kyle Lohse (15-3, ERA 2.71) is one of the most parsimonious pitchers in the league, limiting the oppostion to two or fewer earned runs in 23 of his 31 starts this season. The Cubs go with Justin Germano (2-8, 5.58 ERA) who has now lost six on-the-bounce and who walked five against the Reds last time. The Cardinals have everything to play for and should be just too strong tonight.

Chicago White Sox @ LA Angels 20:35 BST

The 81-70 White Sox and the 83-69 Angels are both heavily involved in the crucible-like American League playoff race. However, the White Sox have now lost four straight (they lost 2-4 yesterday to the Angels), so Gavin Floyd (10-10, 4.50 ERA) will need to replicate some of the form he showed against the Royals last time out, when he pitched for seven innings and conceded only two earned runs. The Angels' superstar Jered Weaver (18-4, 2.79 ERA) is on the mound and he's clearly over his tendinitis which had affected some of his performances recently. The Angels -1.5 Runs is the value bet here.

Recommended Bets
Back Philadelphia @ 1.674/6
Back St Louis @ 1.574/7
Back LA Angels -1.5 Runs @ 2.982/1