Free Sports Picks

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take #959 Tampa Bay over Boston (1:35p.m., Friday, July 17 MLB.tv) THIS IS GAME ONE OF A DOUBLE HEADER. Boston has been on fire, but the four days off will likely cool them down against the best team in the AL East. Tampa Bay is scheduled to throw a strong pitcher this game one and we will back Griffin Jax. He has allowed 3 runs or less in 7 straight starts. He is just what the doctor ordered to end Boston’s 9 game winning streak. Do not miss out on Doc’s Sports Weekend Card featuring top plays in MLB, WNBA, CFL, and KBO Baseball. Sign-up now and let 55 years of handicapping experience work for you.

At 7:10 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Cleveland Guardians. At 50-47, you'd have to call the Pirates' first half of the 2026 season a resounding success -- at least compared to what their record is usually is at this time. They'll kick off the second half in Cleveland and will send RHP Jared Jones to the mound for his ninth start of the season. The 24-year-old missed all of last season while recovering from elbow surgery, and didn't get this season started until the end of May. And there was certainly plenty of rust for the highly touted starter as well, as Jones had a 6.23 ERA through his first four starts for the Bucs. But he's been shaking that rust off lately, and has looked much better in his last four, while lowering his ERA by almost two runs. That includes a dazzling -- and perfect -- six innings in his last start and in addition to not allowing a base-runner in that outing against a very good Atlanta lineup, Jones also struck out eight Braves hitters. This will be his first-ever appearance vs. the Guardians. Take Pittsburgh. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.