2020 MLB Playoffs: A’s vs. Astros, Rays vs. Yankees odds and picks

All eight remaining teams in the 2020 MLB Playoffs are once again in action this Wednesday. We’ll break down the potential elimination Game 3 between the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros as well as a pivotal Game 3 between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees.

Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros, 3:35 p.m. ET, TBS

Not only could the Astros sweep the Athletics out of their ALDS at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, but they could do so without using ace starter Zack Greinke, who is currently not available due to arm soreness. Jose Urquidy is a great fallback option for manager Dusty Baker to have, so Houston fans should feel confident.

Urquidy impressed as a rookie in last year’s playoffs, producing a 1.26 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. He had a 2.73 ERA over five regular season starts in 2020 and limited the Twins to one run over 4 1/3 frames in Game 2 of the Wild Card round. The Astros’ indomitable bullpen backs Urquidy up. They’ve yet to allow a run in 16 2/3 innings this postseason, producing a 0.62 WHIP and .082 opponent batting average in the process. That spells trouble for an Oakland team that has a paltry OPS of .645 in these playoffs.

The inconsistent Jesus Luzardo (4.12 ERA in the regular season) will try to keep the A’s alive. In three starts outside the Oakland Coliseum this year, his ERA is a ghastly 8.15. His Game 1 outing in the Wild Card round against the White Sox did not inspire confidence; Luzardo was sent packing after letting up three runs on six hits – including two home runs – in just 3 1/3 innings.

MLB pick: Astros moneyline

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees, 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS

Over bettors appeared poised to cash in once more as the Rays and Yankees – who’ve combined for 24 runs over Games 1 and 2 – meet at Petco Park for Game 3 of their ALDS matchup on Wednesday night.

Charlie Morton, unseen since Sept. 25, starts for Tampa here. Minor setbacks limited "Ground Chuck" to just 38 innings of work, and perhaps played a part in his weaker-than-usual 4.74 ERA. It would not be surprising to see Rays manager Kevin Cash give Morton the quick hook, putting more burden on a bullpen that sports a 4.40 ERA in these playoffs.

Masahiro Tanaka looked shaky in his first postseason start of 2020, allowing six earned runs in just four innings of work against Cleveland on Sept. 30. That’s the bad news for Yankees skipper Aaron Boone. The worse news is that his bullpen owns the worst ERA of any remaining playoff club at 5.29.

Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena (.563 average) and Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres (.462 average) have been swinging hot bats for their respective clubs this postseason, so look for them to be productive once more.

MLB pick: Over

Remaining MLB Playoff games for Wednesday, Oct. 7 

Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 2:08 p.m. ET, MLBN

MLB pick: Over

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 9:08 p.m. ET, FS1

MLB pick: Over