MLB News & Rumors: Shohei Otani Leads the Voting for Pitchers At the All-Star Game

There is, as always, a lot going on in the world of MLB, so we will have plenty to discuss this week, including some chatter about the All-Star Game, which is still a little over a month away. There is also talk about injuries and who might be picking up an MVP award at the end of the season. Yes, that latter little story seems ridiculous when you consider that we are not even halfway through the season, but it’s also the type of thing that get talked about on a regular basis. We are going to start, though, with a story that is sure to be alarming to pitchers across the league. With all that being said, let’s get right to it so you can continue betting against their MLB odds.

Latest 2021 MLB Betting News & Rumors June 15th Edition

If you remember, we briefly spoke about the concern around the league with pitchers using foreign substances to increase spin rate in their pitches. We’re not sure whether it has anything to do with the number of no-hitters we have seen this season or whether the league has finally had enough of pitchers essentially cheating the system, but fines and suspensions are coming. In a rule that is expected to go into action on June 21, MLB has made it clear that players caught using a foreign substance will be looking at a 10-day suspension. It’s a move that will not go over well among pitchers, but one that many believe is necessary.

We promised talk about the All-Star game, so let’s get into that now. One of the best players this season has been Shohei Otani of the LA Angels, who has been delivering the goods both on the mound and at the plate. In terms of voting, Otani is way out in front for pitchers in the AL, but there is suggestion that he might also hit at the ASG. There are some who believe that might not be the best idea, especially given that Otani has had injury issues in the past. It seems that Angels bench boss Joe Maddon is okay with the idea of his player pulling double duty at the ASG, as he has already given his blessing.

It has been a frustrating season for the Atlanta Braves, who came into 2021 as one of the favorites to make a very deep run in the postseason. Yes, they have had issues at the starting pitcher position, but this is a team that is still falling well short of expectations. If there is a silver lining, it’s that they are still in the NL East divisional race, and it appears that they are going to be proactive at the trade deadline. In a recent interview Braves GM Alex Anthopolous stated that he has been given the green light to add payroll at the deadline. That may mean that some players for hire come in to boost the Braves in the second half.

The Cleveland Guardians are still trying to run down the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central, but they got some bad news this week that could have an impact on their challenge. It was announced that pitcher Shane Bieber will be going on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. Bieber is expected to not throw at all for the next 2 weeks, so it could be some time before we see him back on the mound for Cleveland.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?