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Posted at 10:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

Athletics +235 over  Boston

7:10 PM EST. Price is absurd. This isn't a play based on recent form or public perception—it's a wager on price. When talented young arms are being overlooked because they're unproven, that's often where the betting market leaves opportunity. Furthermore, Boston is a freight train right now. 

Jack Perkins gets the ball for the A's after showing plenty of promise during his brief stint in the majors last season. He finished 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA while flashing the strikeout ability that made him such an intriguing prospect. Perkins was stretched into a starting role late in the year before a right shoulder strain ended his season in August. While the injury created some uncertainty about his long-term role, the talent has never been in question. He has a live fastball, misses plenty of bats, and possesses the kind of upside that can outperform market expectations on any given night.

Boston counters with rookie left-hander Payton Tolle, another highly regarded young arm with tremendous upside. His fastball generates plenty of swings and misses thanks to his 6-foot-6 frame and exceptional extension, but he's still developing a reliable secondary pitch and refining his command.

Now the meat. Boston is coming off one of the most emotional wins of the season, rallying for a wild 12-11 victory in 13 innings after more than four hours of baseball. Games like that can take both a physical and emotional toll. It's impossible to know whether there will be a letdown, but history shows that teams often struggle to match that same intensity the following night after expending so much energy.

The Athletics also tend to be one of those teams that opponents don't always get fully engaged for. Whether that's fair or not, it can create value when they're catching a big price against clubs that may not bring their sharpest focus.

Boston deserves to be favored, but this number has drifted into value territory. With a live young arm on the mound and the possibility of Boston coming down emotionally after an unforgettable comeback, the Athletics are worth a shot. Grab the generous underdog price, make some popcorn, and see how it plays out. 

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