The Inside Pitch w/Josh Towers: Ep 5

Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the top stories around Major League Baseball with betting leans for this week and beyond.

The Inside Pitch, recorded April 28 with Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, reviews MLB standings and focuses on Yankees bullpen changes. Devin Williams lost the closer role after posting an 11.25 ERA, allowing 12 runs, 12 hits, and 7 walks in just 8 innings. Towers attributes Williams’ struggles to mental weakness under New York pressure rather than mechanics, noting his strikeout rate dropped to 18.2% and sweet spot contact rose to 42.9%.

Luke Weaver, who has thrown 14 scoreless innings with only 3 hits allowed and 14 strikeouts, steps in as closer. Weaver's mindset and adaptability were praised. The discussion predicts Williams could struggle further when used earlier in games to rebuild confidence.

The Orioles are highlighted as the best "over" team at home due to poor pitching, favoring the over nine-and-a-half total in the Yankees-Orioles matchup. Conversely, an under nine bet is favored in the Rangers-Athletics game, citing solid pitching from Patrick Corbin and JP Sears.

Gunnar Henderson’s slump is analyzed: batting .220 with a 29.1% strikeout rate and minimal walks, attributed to over-aggression. Team evaluations followed: the Yankees and Red Sox are considered legitimate, Tampa Bay consistent but streaky, while skepticism is directed at the Blue Jays and Orioles sustaining competitiveness.

In the AL Central, the Tigers are viewed as legitimate division contenders, with the Royals better than their record suggests. Towers criticizes the MLB’s reduced minor leagues for worsening player development and opposes expansion.

Aaron Judge’s performance is lauded as historically elite with a 13.7 WAR across the last year, comparable to Babe Ruth’s best seasons. Judge’s discipline at the plate and patience are credited for his continued dominance.

In the NL East, the Mets' excellent pitching and 12–1 home record establish them as serious contenders. Towers expects the Braves to rebound and questions the Phillies’ consistency due to defensive lapses. In the Central, the Cubs are seen as overperforming, while Cincinnati, led by an improving Elly De La Cruz, is a value pick.

Further analysis highlights Judge’s league-best weighted runs created plus and criticizes the Dodgers’ injury problems, blaming organizational changes to pitching mechanics. The Padres and Mariners are praised for pitching but have offensive concerns; the Rangers are expected to surge in the AL West.

Award discussions follow: Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso are MVP favorites, Tariq Skubal and Logan Webb are Cy Young contenders. Top prospects like Roman Anthony and Jack Caglione are discussed cautiously, with Towers warning that MLB’s fast-tracking approach harms long-term player development.

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