Will Dodgers cover vs. Pirates? | Astros lose two more pitchers long term

Good afternoon, sports fans

Is there a more beautiful sight in sports than some daytime baseball? There was a significant amount of MLB action on the docket on this afternoon. However, there are also still a few games on the schedule tonight that could be quite profitable from a gambling perspective. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• The 12-team College Football Playoff schedule for the 2024-25 season has been released.
• Cowboys All-Pro offensive lineman Zack Martin could retire following the 2024 season.
• Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons is willing to wait to receive a contract extension.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

ASTROS LOSE STARTING PITCHERS CRISTIAN JAVIER, JOSE URQUIDY FOR THE SEASON

The injury bug certainly hasn't been kind to the Houston Astros this season. On Wednesday, the team announced that starting pitchers Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy will both undergo season-ending elbow surgeries . Both Javier and Urquidy are expected to be out until the 2025 season. On top of Javier and Urquidy, the Astros are already without the likes of Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. in their starting rotation as both pitchers are still recovering from injuries that they suffered during the 2023 season. CBS Sports MLB writer Mike Axisa has more on the Astros' pitching struggles during the first half of the season.

• Axisa:"Verlander began the season on the injured list with a shoulder issue and Valdez missed a few weeks with an elbow problem earlier this year. It's been a nonstop barrage of injuries for Houston's rotation really since last season. As a result, Astros starters come into play Tuesday with a 4.73 ERA, fifth worst in baseball. Their starters are dead last with 1.9 WAR."

Dodgers at Pirates, 6:40 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Pick: Dodgers (-106)
• Key trend: The Dodgers are 6-1 in James Paxton's last seven starts.

SportsLine expert Zack Cimini is 22-11 in his last 33 picks involving the Dodgers.

• Cimini:"On Tuesday, the Dodgers failed to get into the win column for the fourth time in Tyler Glasnow's last five starts. As odd as that has been, the trend has been quite the opposite with Wednesday's starter James Paxton as the Dodgers have won six of his last seven outings. As dominant as Paul Skenes has been early in his MLB career, this is a much different lineup than when he faced the Cubs, Giants, and Tigers. Take the Dodgers to bounce back on the moneyline."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "B" picks on the moneyline and total, while having a "C" pick on the spread.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

Rays at Marlins, 6:40 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Projection: Over 7.5 (+100)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has an "A" grade on the spread with "B" grades for the moneyline and total for the contest. The over has hit in two of the Rays' last three games, and we're expecting that trend to continue against a struggling Marlins team.

SportsLine expert picks:Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

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