Welcome to WagerBop’s Daily Double! Our hardball blog includes previews and picks for at least 2 Major League Baseball games every day, updated nightly with Las Vegas odds and expected starting hurlers.
Welcome to another season of Major League Baseball, ‘boppers! WagerBop’s hardball handicapper and scout extraordinaire Jake Peter is leading the way with double-play daily predictions on MLB moneylines, O/U totals, Run Lines and other markets in spring 2022.
Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Guardians
The 10-26 Cincinnati Reds took Game 1 of their road series with the 16-18 Cleveland Guardians, and they’ll attempt to make it 2 in a row on Wednesday.
Tyler Mahle, a 6th-year pro, will make the start for Cincinnati. Though Mahle leads the MLB with 8 starts, he’s gone just 2-4 with a 5.89 ERA this year.
The Guardians will counter with 4th-year starter Cal Quantrill. Quantrill has also gotten off to an ignominious start to his season, going 1-2 with a 3.93 ERA across 6 appearances.
Brandon Drury, the Reds’ 2nd baseman, has been raking lately. On the season, the 8th-year pro has put up 26 hits and 22 RBIs while batting .250.
On the other side, Cleveland infielder José Ramirez has just continued to terrorize opposing defenses. In just 33 games, he’s racked up 36 hits and a league-leading 33 RBIs.
Pick: CLE -135
San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies
After shutting out the 17-19 Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, the 23-13 San Diego Padres will look to pad their win total a bit more on Wednesday.
Former Cy Young winner Blake Snell is set to make his 1st start of 2022 for San Diego on Wednesday. Last season, Snell went 7-6 with a 4.20 ERA in his 1st year as a Padre.
Zack Wheeler, a 2021 All-Star, will take the mound for the Phillies. Wheeler has been uncharacteristically inefficient this season, going 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA in 6 outings.
On offense, 1st baseman Eric Hosmer has been decimating opposing pitchers for San Diego. This year, the 4-time Gold Glove winner has accumulated 43 hits and 24 RBIs while batting an absurd .350.
Likewise, outfielder Nick Castellanos has been highly productive at the plate for Philly. Through 34 games, the 2021 All-Star has totaled 36 hits, 5 home runs, and 21 RBIs.
Pick: PHI -150
Tuesday 5/17
Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays
The 13-23 Detroit Tigers stole Game 1 of their road series with the 21-15 Tampa Bay Rays, and they’ll look to spoil Tampa’s home stand once more on Tuesday.
Rookie Beau Brieske is set to take the ball for Detroit. Brieske has made just 1 appearance so far this year, in which he went 2 innings, struck out 4, and didn’t give up any runs.
Tampa Bay will send out sophomore Shane McClanahan. He has made 7 starts this season, across which he’s gone 2-2 with a 2.52 ERA and a league-leading 58 strikeouts.
Despite his age, 39-year-old Miguel Cabrera has been on a tear for Detroit this year. So far, the former Triple Crown winner has accumulated 33 hits and 14 RBIs while hitting .297.
On the other side, Rays 1st baseman Ji-Man Choi has been incredibly efficient at the plate. In just 20 games, he’s put up 16 hits, 12 RBIs, and 11 walks while for an OBP of .375.
Pick: TB -1.5 Runs
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers
The 24-12 Los Angeles Angels suffered an upset loss to the 15-19 Texas Rangers in Texas on Monday, so they’ll try to get their revenge on Tuesday night.
Reid Detmers, a 2nd-year pro, will make the start for L.A. Detmers has excelled so far this year, going 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA in 6 starts and even pitching a complete-game shutout.
For Texas, Taylor Hearn will toe the rubber. The 4th-year starter hasn’t done his team any favors this year, going 2-2 with a 5.26 ERA through 6 outings.
Despite his .227 batting average, 3rd baseman Anthony Rendon has been as productive as ever for the Angels this year. On the season, he’s contributed 27 hits, 18 RBIs, and 17 walks in 33 games.
Likewise, though he has the 3rd-worst batting average of any starting Ranger, Texas center fielder Adolis García has arguably been his team’s best hitter this year. In fact, he’s amassed 25 hits and 23 RBIs in 32 games.
Pick: LAA -130
Monday 5/16
New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
The league-best 25-9 New York Yankees will travel to Baltimore to kick off a road series with the 14-21 Orioles on Monday.
Luis Severino is set to take the mound for New York. The 2-time All-Star has had a solid season so far, going 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA through 6 starts.
The Orioles have opted to send out rookie Kyle Bradish for the 1st game of the series. Bradish has adapted to the next level nicely, going 1-1 and allowing just 8 earned runs across 3 appearances.
Bradish may have trouble with New York 1st baseman Anthony Rizzo, though. Rizzo is batting just .233 this year, but he’s already totaled 27 hits, 23 RBIs, and 15 walks.
Likewise, Severino will have to use his best stuff when he faces Baltimore outfielder Austin Hays. The 5-year veteran has been putting forth a career-best effort for the Orioles this season, accumulating 34 hits and 12 RBIs while hitting .291.
Pick: NYY -220
Houston Astros at Boston Red Sox
The Houston Astros will also begin a new road series with the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. Houston is currently 23-12, while Boston is 13-21.
Jake Odorizzi, an 11-year veteran, will toe the rubber for Houston. The 2019 All-Star has stifled opposing offenses this year, going 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA through 6 outings.
On the other side, the Red Sox will send out sophomore starter Garrett Whitlock. Whitlock has been even more efficient over the past 6 weeks, going 1-1 and giving up just 6 earned runs in 8 appearances.
Houston shortstop Jeremy Peña could give Boston’s defense fits on Monday. The rookie has been excellent at the plate this season, batting .276 and amassing 29 hits and 20 RBIs.
Boston will counter with 3rd baseman Rafael Devers, who’s been nothing short of spectacular on offense in 2022. So far this season, the 2021 All-Star has put up 43 hits and 18 RBIs in just 33 appearances.
Pick: HOU +100
Sunday 5/15
Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics
The 22-13 Los Angeles Angels have split their 1st 2 road games with the 15-20 Oakland Athletics, and the teams will meet for Game 3 on Sunday.
Patrick Sandoval, a 4th-year starter, will make the start for the Angels. Sandoval has limited opposing offenses this year, going 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA through 5 outings.
The Athletics are set to send out 7-year veteran Frankie Montas. Montas currently leads the MLB with 7 starts, though he’s gone 2-3 and earned a middling 3.77 ERA so far.
On offense, right fielder Taylor Ward has turned into a menace for L.A. Through just 24 games, the 5th-year pro has put up an eye-popping 30 hits, 17 RBIs, and 19 walks while batting a league-best .361.
None of the A’s starters are currently batting .250 or better, but left fielder Chad Pinder could change that on Sunday. Pinder is hitting .244, and he’s also accumulated 21 hits and 11 RBIs.
Pick: LAA -170
San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals
The 20-13 San Francisco Giants also split the 1st 2 games of their road series with the 18-15 St. Louis Cardinals, but the teams’ Sunday Night Baseball matchup will serve as the series tiebreaker.
Carlos Rodon, a 2021 All-Star, will take the ball for San Francisco. Rodon has been lights-out this year, going 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA through 6 starts.
On the other side, 17-year Cardinal Adam Wainwright will toe the rubber for St. Louis. He has also been efficient this season, going 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA through 6 outings.
Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski has quietly been filling up the stat sheet for the Giants in 2022. So far, he’s amassed 21 hits, 8 RBIs, and 10 walks while batting .273.
Likewise, St. Louis right fielder Dylan Carlson has proven himself valuable through his 1st 31 games. Over that period, he has totaled 25 hits and 9 RBIs despite hitting .219.
Pick: STL +125
Saturday 5/14
Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins
The 21-12 Milwaukee Brewers will face off with the 14-18 Miami Marlins once more on Saturday after stealing Game 1 of the team’s road series.
Eric Lauer, a 5th-year pitcher, will take the ball for the Brewers. Lauer has been stellar this season, going 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA through 5 appearances.
The Marlins have opted to send out 2021 All-Star Trevor Rodgers. Rodgers has struggled so far this year, going 1-4 and giving up 15 earned runs through 6 starts.
Milwaukee shortstop Willy Adames is starting to make a compelling case for a spot on the NL All-Star team. Through 32 games, the 5-year veteran has put up 26 hits and 23 RBIs despite his .215 batting average.
Similarly, Miami left fielder Jorge Soler has enjoyed a lot of success at the plate this year despite hitting .178. So far, he’s accumulated 21 hits, 14 RBIs, and 14 walks.
Pick: MIL -140
Seattle Mariners at New York Mets
The 15-18 Seattle Mariners took the 1st game of their road series with the 22-12 New York Mets on Friday, so New York will be out for blood on Saturday.
New York has pegged 2021 All-Star Chris Bassitt to make the start. Bassitt has stymied opposing offenses this year, earning a 4-2 record and 2.45 ERA through 6 outings.
Meanwhile, rookie starter George Kirby will toe the rubber for Seattle. In his lone appearance this season, Kirby went 6 innings, struck out 7, and didn’t allow a single run.
Mets infielder Eduardo Escobar may not get as much attention in the media as some of his teammates, but he has quietly been very productive at the plate this season. So far, he’s amassed 24 hits and 18 walks in 30 games.
Mariners 3rd baseman Eugenio Suárez is only batting .202, but he has turned into a key piece of his team’s offensive attack. On the season, he’s contributed 23 hits, 6 home runs, and 18 RBIs for Seattle.
Pick: NYM -170
Friday 5/13
Cleveland Guardians at Minnesota Twins
The 15-15 Cleveland Guardians will commence a new road series with the 18-14 Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Aaron Civale will take the ball for Cleveland. Civale has had a disastrous season thus far, going 1-2 and allowing 21 earned runs across 5 outings.
On the other side, 2-time All-Star Sonny Gray will make the start for the Twins. So far, in his 1st season with Minnesota, Gray has gone 0-1 with a 3.48 ERA.
Gray will have to watch out for center fielder Myles Straw, who has been superb for the Guardians this year. Through 30 games, the 5th-year pro has put up 28 hits and 7 steals while batting .248.
Likewise, Civale will have to be careful with Minnesota 2nd baseman Jorge Polanco, who currently leads the Twins with 25 hits and 17 RBIs.
Pick: MIN -160
San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals
The 17-14 St. Louis Cardinals will welcome the 19-12 San Francisco Giants for Game 1 of a new series on Friday.
St. Louis has pegged 4th-year starter Jordan Hicks to take the mound. This year, Hicks has gone 1-2 with a 3.78 ERA through 6 appearances.
For their part, the Giants have chosen ace Logan Webb to make the start. Webb currently leads the MLB with 4 wins and sports a 3.82 ERA.
Second baseman Tommy Edman may not be the most well-known hitter on the Cardinals, but he’s certainly been one of the most effective this season. Through 29 games, the 4th-year pro has contributed 30 hits, 16 RBIs, and a league-best 7 steals.
None of the Giants’ starters are currently hitting .280 or better, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been productive. For instance, despite his .252 batting average, 2nd baseman Thairo Estrada has amassed 29 hits and 18 RBIs this year.
Pick: SF -120
Thursday 5/12
New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox
The 22-8 New York Yankees are set to kick off a new road series with the 15-14 Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
Sophomore pitcher Luis Gil will make his 1st start of 2022 on Thursday for New York. Last season, Gil went 1-1 with a 3.07 ERA in 6 appearances.
For the White Sox, it’ll be 8-year veteran Vince Velasquez on the mound. This season, Velasquez has earned a 2-2 record to go along with a 3.97 ERA and 21 strikeouts.
Anthony Rizzo, a 3-time All-Star, has been highly productive at the plate for the Yanks this year. So far, the former Cub has racked up 24 hits and 22 RBIs despite batting .231.
On the other side, center fielder Luis Robert has impressed as a starter for Chicago. Through 21 games, the 3-year veteran has put up 24 hits, 9 RBIs, and 6 steals.
Pick: NYY +125
Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers
The 20-9 Los Angeles Dodgers will welcome the 14-17 Philadelphia Phillies for Game 1 of a new series on Thursday night.
Veteran Tyler Anderson will take the ball for L.A. The 7-year starter has been remarkably efficient this season, going 3-0 with a 2.78 ERA through 5 outings.
For Philadelphia, 2021 All-Star Zack Wheeler will make the start. Wheeler hasn’t looked like himself throughout the 1st month of the new season, going 1-3 and allowing 12 earned runs across his 1st 5 appearances.
He’s only batting .250, but right fielder Mookie Betts is starting to dominate at the plate for L.A. This season, he’s amassed 27 hits and 26 runs in just 27 games.
Phillies 1st baseman Rhys Hoskins is batting just .212, but he’s also managed to provide a much-needed offensive boost for his team this season. In fact, the 6-year veteran has already accumulated 22 hits, 4 home runs, and 12 RBIs.
Pick: PHI +125
Wednesday 5/11
New York Mets at Washington Nationals
The 21-10 New York Mets stole Game 1 of their road series with the 10-21 Washington Nationals, and they’ll look to take Game 2 on Wednesday.
Sophomore starter Tylor Megill will take the ball for the Mets. Megill has been outstanding this season, going 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA through his 1st 6 outings.
For Washington, it’ll be 2016 All-Star Aaron Sanchez on the bump. Sanchez has had a nightmare of a season so far, going 1-2 and giving up 13 earned runs in his 1st 3 starts.
Veteran 2nd baseman Jeff McNeil is currently leading New York with 31 hits and a .323 batting average. The 2019 All-Star has also contributed 10 RBIs and 9 walks this season.
On the other side, former Pirate Josh Bell has made a major difference for Washington on offense. This year, he’s put up 35 hits and 21 RBIs while batting .343.
Pick: NYM -180
Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers dropped Game 1 of their series against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, so the team will seek to exact their revenge on Wednesday. Detroit currently stands at 9-21, while Oakland is 12-19.
Newly-called-up prospect Joey Wentz will make his MLB debut for Detroit on Wednesday. The left-hander was picked 40th overall by the Atlanta Braves in 2016 and just returned from Tommy John surgery last summer.
Meanwhile, rookie Zach Logue will take the mound for the A’s. Logue is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA on the season.
Tampa Bay transplant Austin Meadows has continued to rake for the Tigers since joining the team in the offseason. Through 23 games, he’s accumulated 24 hits, a league-leading 2 triples, and 11 RBIs while hitting .286.
Despite his .214 batting average, catcher Sean Murphy currently leads Oakland in hits with 22. He’s also racked up 15 RBIs on the year.
Pick: OAK +100
Tuesday 5/10
Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, divisional foes and potential World Series contenders, will commence a new series on Tuesday. New York is 20-8, while Toronto is 17-13.
Luis Severino, a 2-time All-Star, will take the ball for New York. The 7th-year pitcher has been solid so far this year, going 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA through 5 starts.
On the other side, 2021 All-Star Yusei Kikuchi will make the start for Toronto. He has gotten off to an up-and-down start in 2022, going 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA through 5 outings.
Shortstop Bo Bichette has been filling up the state sheet for the Jays. Through 30 games, the 24-year-old has already accumulated 30 hits and 14 RBIs.
Meanwhile, veteran shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa has continued to impress for the Yanks. On the season, the former Gold Glove winner has contributed 23 hits and 7 RBIs while hitting .288.
Pick: NYY -165
Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers
The 9-17 Kansas City Royals and 11-16 Texas Rangers will both try to break out of their respective slumps when they meet for Game 1 of a new series on Tuesday.
Brad Keller will take the mound for Kansas City. He has been lights-out this year, earning a 1.74 ERA and 19 strikeouts despite his 1-2 record through 5 starts.
For Texas, it’ll be 10-year veteran Martin Pérez on the bump. Perez is 0-2 on the season, but he currently sports a 2.25 ERA and 20 strikeouts.
Despite his pitiful batting average of .192, catcher Salvador Perez has started to make an impact on offense for the Royals. This season, the 7-time All-Star has put forth 19 hits and 10 RBIs in 25 games.
For Texas, 2nd baseman Marcus Semien has put up similar numbers. Despite hitting .184, the 2021 All-Star has accumulated 19 hits, 8 RBIs, and 9 walks this season.
Pick: KC +115
Monday 5/9
Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds
The red-hot 19-10 Milwaukee Brewers will hit the road to open a new series with the backsliding 5-23 Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
Brandon Woodruff, a 2-time All-Star, will take the ball for Milwaukee. This year Woodruff is 3-1 with a 5.18 ERA through 5 outings.
The Reds will send out 5th-year starter Luis Castillo. The 2019 All-Star has not made an appearance this season. Last season he went 8-16 with a 3.98 ERA.
Christian Yelich hasn’t exactly hit for average this year, but he has still carried the Brewers’ offense so far. The former MVP is batting just .255, but he has put up 25 hits and 17 RBIs through 27 games.
Left fielder Tommy Pham has put up similar numbers for the struggling Reds. Despite batting .220, the 9-year veteran has totaled 20 hits and 15 runs.
Pick: MIL -175
Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Angels
The 18-11 Tampa Bay Rays and 19-11 Los Angeles Angels–both potential title contenders–will meet to kick off a new series on Monday.
Corey Kluber, a 2-time Cy Young winner, will make the start for the Rays. This season Kluber has gone 1-1 with a top-notch 2.36 ERA through 5 starts.
On the other side, 2016 All-Star Noah Syndergaard will take the mound. The former Met has dominated in his 1st season with L.A., going 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA through 4 outings.
Wander Franco is the youngest player in Tampa Bay’s batting order, but he may be the most talented. The sophomore infielder has been phenomenal at the plate this season, racking up 34 hits and 19 runs while batting .312.
For L.A., Shohei Ohtani has continued to serve as a lethal dual-threat player. The former MVP has thrived at DH this year, contributing 26 hits and 19 runs despite hitting .234.
Pick: LAA -130
Sunday 5/8
Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox
The Chicago White Sox have stolen the 1st 2 games of their road series with the Boston Red Sox, and the team will look to complete the sweep on Sunday. Chicago is currently 13-13 while Boston stands at 10-18.
Dallas Keuchel, a 5-time Gold Glove winner, will take the ball for Chicago. The 34-year-old is in the throes of a terrible slump, having gone 1-3 with a shocking 8.40 ERA through 4 starts.
Boston’s Michael Wacha, however, has cruised right through the 1st month of this season. So far, Wacha has gone 3-0 with a league-leading 1.38 ERA through 5 outings.
Tim Anderson currently boasts the best batting average of any White Sox player, and it’s not close. The 29-year-old infielder is batting .330 and has put up 29 hits in 22 games.
For Boston, shortstop Xander Bogaerts has led the way on offense. This year, he has accumulated 34 hits and 10 RBIs while hitting .343.
Pick: BOS -140
Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins
The 10-17 Oakland Athletics have dropped their 1st 2 road games against the 17-11 Minnesota Twins, so the team will try to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.
Daulton Jefferies, a 3rd-year pitcher, will make the start for Oakland. He’s struggled to find his footing this season, going 1-4 with a 4.81 ERA through 5 starts.
For Minnesota, it’ll be 4th-year pro Chris Paddack on the bump. He has also experienced a rough start to his 2022 campaign, going 1-2 with a 3.15 ERA through 4 appearances.
Oakland hasn’t produced many standout hitters this season, but 3rd baseman Sheldon Neuse has proved to be the exception. Through 24 games, Neuse has put forth 26 hits and 14 RBIs while hitting .310.
On the other side, left fielder Trevor Larnach has been quite productive for the Twins. Not only is he currently batting .313, but he’s contributed 21 hits and 12 runs so far.
Pick: MIN -185
Saturday 5/7
Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (Game 1)
Game 1 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs’ new series got postponed, so the teams will play a double-header on Saturday. L.A. is currently 16-7, while Chicago is 9-15.
Former MVP Clayton Kershaw will make the start for L.A. Not only did he just break the Dodgers’ franchise strikeout record, but he has coasted through this season, going 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA through 4 starts.
On the other side, veteran Drew Smyly will take the mound for Chicago. The 9-year pro won a title last year with Atlanta, but he’s 1-2 through 4 outings this season.
Smyly will have to pitch carefully around left fielder Chris Taylor, who has been leading the charge on offense for the Dodgers. On the season, Taylor has netted 21 hits, 11 RBIs, and 9 walks in just 21 games.
The Cubs’ starting left fielder has been just as hot at the plate in 2022. So far, Ian Happ has put up 21 hits, 11 RBIs, and 15 walks while hitting .292.
Pick: LAD -1.5 Runs
Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians (Game 1)
Game 2 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians got postponed as well, so the teams will also hold a double-header on Saturday. Toronto stands at 16-11 while Cleveland owns a 12-13 record.
Ace Kevin Gausman will take the ball for Toronto. He has been as advertised this season, going 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA through his 1st 5 starts.
Cleveland will send out ace Shane Bieber to go toe-to-toe with Gausman. The 2-time All-Star has also performed exceptionally this year, going 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA through 5 outings.
Houston transplant George Springer has hit the ground running in his 2nd season in Toronto. So far, the former Astro has racked up 26 hits and 12 RBIs in 26 games.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez is in the midst of a legitimate MVP campaign. This year, he has already amassed 29 hits and 29 RBIs while hitting .315.
Pick: TOR -135
Friday 5/6
Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles
The 8-15 Kansas City Royals and 10-16 Baltimore Orioles will begin a new series on Friday. The Royals lost their last series to St. Louis, while the Orioles split theirs with Minnesota.
Third-year pitcher Carlos Hernández will take the mound for the Royals. Through 4 starts, he has gone 0-1 and given up 12 earned runs for an ERA of 6.00.
Meanwhile, 12-year veteran Jordan Lyles will toe the rubber for Baltimore. Lyles has gotten off to an inconsistent start this season, going 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA through 5 outings.
Left fielder Andrew Benintendi has continued to rake for the Royals this year. Not only is the former Red Sox star batting .354, but he has already racked up 29 hits and 11 RBIs.
None of Baltimore’s starters are currently batting .280 or better, but left fielder Austin Hays could change that on Friday. Hays is currently hitting a team-best .278, and he has accumulated 25 hits and 11 RBIs on the year.
Pick: BAL -115
Texas Rangers at New York Yankees
The 18-7 New York Yankees will welcome the 10-14 Texas Rangers to Yankee Stadium for the start of a brand new series on Friday. Both teams are fresh off of series victories.
Ace Gerrit Cole will take the ball for New York. Cole has had a solid if not spectacular 2022 campaign so far, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA through 5 outings.
Sophomore starter Glen Otto will make the start for Texas. Otto has already improved upon his rookie season by starting this one with a 1-0 record and 2.89 ERA through 2 starts.
Otto will have his hands full when designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton steps into the batter’s box, though. On the season, Stanton has put up 25 hits and 5 home runs while batting .266 for New York.
Likewise, Cole will have to tread carefully around Texas 1st baseman Nathaniel Cole. Not only has Cole collected a team-high 27 hits, but he also sports a .293 batting average.
Pick: NYY -1.5 Runs
Thursday 5/5
Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians
The 16-10 Toronto Blue Jays and 11-13 Cleveland Guardians will commence a new series on Thursday. Both teams lost their previous series.
Seventh-year pitcher José Berríos will make the start for Toronto. The 2-time All-Star has fared well so far this year, going 2-0 with a 4.13 through 5 starts.
On the other side, Cleveland will send out 3rd-year starter Aaron Civale, who has gotten off to a dreadful start to the new season. Through 4 starts, Civale has gone 0-2 and allowed a whopping 17 earned runs.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has gotten most of the attention on offense for Toronto, but left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. deserves some of his own. The 28-year-old has been highly productive this year, racking up 25 hits and 10 RBIs while hitting .275.
In the same way, Cleveland 2nd baseman Andrés Giménez probably deserves more credit for his offensive exploits as well. The 3rd-year infielder has excelled at the plate this season, accumulating 18 hits and 12 RBIs while batting .346.
Pick: TOR -150
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
The 18-9 New York Mets and 11-14 Philadelphia Phillies will also kick off a new series on Thursday. Last time the teams met, New York took 2 out of 3 games.
Veteran Taijuan Walker will make his 3rd start of 2022 for the Mets to open the series. This season, he’s 0-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA through 2 outings.
Philadelphia has pegged 2018 All-Star Aaron Nola to toe the rubber. This year, Nola has gone 1-3 with a 3.90 ERA through 5 starts.
Despite his .237 batting average, New York outfielder Starling Marte has come alive at the plate of late. On the season, the 33-year-old has collected 23 hits and 18 RBIs.
For Philadelphia, catcher J.T. Realmuto has been heating up. This season, the 3-time All-Star has contributed 22 hits and 17 runs while hitting .272.
Pick: NYM +130
Wednesday 5/4
Arizona Diamondbacks at Miami Marlins
The 12-13 Arizona Diamondbacks have taken 2 straight from the 12-11 Miami Marlins in Florida, and they’ll look to sweep the series on Wednesday.
Former World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner will take the mound for Arizona. The 4-time All-Star has been superb this season, going 1-1 with a 1.17 ERA and 15 strikeouts in his 1st 5 outings.
Meanwhile, 4th-year starter Elieser Hernández will toe the rubber for Miami. This year he has gone 2-1 with a 5.75 ERA through 4 starts.
None of the D-Backs’ starters are currently batting .260 or better, but center fielder Daulton Varsho has still managed to make an impact on offense. This season, the 25-year-old has put up 18 hits and 10 RBIs despite his .231 batting average.
Likewise, the Marlins’ center fielder has also been productive, though a bit inefficient, on offense. Miami’s Jesús Sánchez has already racked up 21 hits and 12 RBIs in 21 games while hitting .266.
Pick: ARI +130
Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers (Game 1)
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers’ 1st game got postponed on Tuesday, so the teams will play a double-header on Wednesday. Pittsburgh is currently 9-13, while Detroit is 7-14.
Fifth-year hurler Dillon Peters will take the ball for the Pirates. Peters has started just 1 game despite appearing in 7 this season, and he owns a 3-0 record and a flawless 0.00 ERA.
Former Minnesota Twin and New York Yankee Michael Pineda will start for Detroit. The 2011 All-Star has gotten off to a respectable start this year, earning a 1-1 record and 3.60 ERA through 2 outings.
Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has continued to turn heads for the Pirates of late. On the year, the 25-year-old phenom has accumulated 24 hits and 12 walks while hitting .333.
For the Tigers, catcher Tucker Barnhardt has started to catch fire. The 2-time Gold Glove winner has already totaled 13 hits and 5 walks in 15 games this season.
Pick: DET -150
Tuesday 5/3
San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians
The 15-8 San Diego Padres and 10-12 Cleveland Guardians will commence a new series in Cleveland on Tuesday afternoon. Both teams won their last series.
Mike Clevinger will make his 1st start for San Diego after spending his 1st 5 MLB seasons in Cleveland. Last year, he went 3-2 with 40 strikeouts in 8 starts.
Fourth-year pitcher Zach Plesac will take the mound for Cleveland. This year, Plesac has gone 1-2 and allowed 9 earned runs in 4 outings.
First baseman Eric Hosmer has been on a tear for the Padres of late. On the season, the 4-time Gold Glove winner has put up 29 hits and 14 RBIs while batting an incredible .382.
On Cleveland’s side, sophomore 1st baseman Owen Miller has been nearly just as productive. The 25-year-old has already netted 20 hits and 8 RBIs while hitting .377 this year.
Pick: SD -145
Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies
The 11-12 Philadelphia Phillies will kick off a brand new series with the 8-14 Texas Rangers on Tuesday. The Phillies lost their last series to the Mets, while the Rangers won their series against Atlanta.
Veteran Jon Gray will toe the rubber for the Rangers. The 8th-year pitcher has gotten off to a rocky start in 2022, going 0-1 and giving up 7 earned runs in his 1st 2 starts.
The Phillies will send out Ranger Suarez, who has impressed thus far this season. Through 4 starts, he’s gone 2-0 and totaled 12 strikeouts despite allowing 9 runs.
On offense, 1st baseman Nathaniel Lowe has led the way for Texas this year. Through 22 games, the 26-year-old has put up 26 hits and 9 RBIs while hitting .313.
Newcomer Kyle Schwarber is currently batting just .200 for the Phillies, but he’s still made some significant contributions at the plate. This season, he has already put forth 15 hits and 16 RBIs in 21 games.
Pick: PHI -160
Monday 5/2
Arizona Diamondbacks at Miami Marlins
The 12-9 Miami Marlins won their last series against Seattle, and they’ll look to win another when the 10-13 Arizona Diamondbacks come to town on Monday.
Fifth-year pitcher Pablo Lopez will take the mound for Miami. He’s been phenomenal this year, going 3-0 and allowing just 1 earned run in 4 starts.
For Arizona, it’ll be Zac Gallen on the bump. The 26-year-old has also gotten off to a special start this year, though his 0-0 record doesn’t reflect it. Gallen has given up just 1 run in 3 outings.
Nearly one month into the season, Tampa Bay transplant Joey Wendle has continued to anchor Miami’s offense. On the year, he has notched 17 hits and 8 RBIs while batting .304.
Right fielder Pavin Smith has played a similar role for Arizona. The 3rd-year player has been quite productive on offense this season, totaling 16 hits and 7 RBIs through 21 games.
Pick: MIA -145
Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics
Both the 12-10 Tampa Bay Rays and 10-12 Oakland Athletics dropped their last series, so both squads will be hungry to win when they meet on Monday.
Third-year right-hander Drew Rasmussen will make the start for the Rays. This season, he’s gone 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA through his 1st 4 appearances.
On the other side, Daulton Jefferies, who’s also in his 3rd MLB season, will start for Oakland. Jefferies struggled in April, going 1-3 and giving up 7 earned runs in his 1st 4 starts.
Sophomore infielder Wander Franco has been making a tremendous difference on offense for the Rays this year. So far, he’s amassed 26 hits and 13 RBIs while hitting .313.
For Oakland, it’s 3rd-year 3rd baseman Sheldon Neuse who’s been turning heads. The season is young, but he’s already put up 21 hits and 13 RBIs while batting .328.
Pick: TB -160
Houston Astros at Toronto Blue Jays
The 11-10 Houston Astros and 14-8 Toronto Blue Jays split the 1st 2 games of their series, so Sunday’s matinee will determine the winner.
5th-year pitcher Framber Valdez will make the start for Houston. This season, Valdez is 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA.
Ace Kevin Gausman will take the mound for Toronto. Through his 1st 4 starts, the 2021 All-Star is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA.
Many of Houston’s hitters have been slow out of the gate this season, but not Yordan Álvarez. The former Rookie of the Year is currently batting .273 and has amassed 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.
On Toronto’s side, burgeoning star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has led the way this year. Guerrero, who made the All-Star team last season, has racked up 6 homers and 16 RBIs while hitting .301.
Pick: TOR -150
New York Yankees at Kansas City Royals
The 15-6 New York Yankees are set to go for a sweep of the 7-12 Kansas City Royals in Kansas on Sunday.
Luis Severino will start the game for New York. Severino is currently on a roll, having gone 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA through 4 appearances this season.
Kansas City will send out sophomore starter Daniel Lynch. Lynch has also performed exceptionally this year, going 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA through his 1st 4 outings.
Aaron Judge is looking like he’s about to put together another All-Star season for the Yanks. On the season, the 2-time Silver Slugger has put up 22 hits and 13 RBIs while batting .293.
Andrew Benintendi is currently the only Royal batting .300 or betting and, in fact, he’s pushing .400 right now. Not only is the former Red Sox star batting .391, but he has totaled 25 hits and 10 RBIs this season.
Pick: NY -200
Saturday 4/30
Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays
The 11-9 Minnesota Twins stole Game 1 of their series against the 12-8 Tampa Bay Rays in Florida, and the team will seek to make it 2 in a row on Saturday.
Former Ray Chris Archer will take the mound against his former team for the 1st time as a Twin. This season, Archer is 0-0 with a 3.18 ERA through 3 outings.
Sophomore starter Shane McClanahan will toe the rubber for the Rays. This will mark his 5th start of 2022, and so far he has gone 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.
Trevor Larnach has only appeared in 14 games for Minnesota this season, but he’s starting to make some noise. On the season, the left fielder has accumulated 12 hits and 5 RBIs while batting .286.
Longtime Ray Ji-Man Choi is starting to emerge as an offensive force for Tampa Bay. In 15 games, he has put forth 15 hits and 10 RBIs while hitting .357.
Pick: TB -185
Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles
The Boston Red Sox just beat the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, and they’ll look to take down their divisional rival once more and build a winning streak on Saturday.
Ace Nathan Eovaldi will make the start for the Red Sox. The 11-year veteran has been solid in 2022, earning a 1-0 record and 3.32 ERA through 4 appearances.
Second-year pitcher Spenser Watkins will start the game for the Orioles. He has pitched fairly well this year despite his 0-0 record, allowing just 7 earned runs through his 1st 3 outings.
Xander Bogaerts got off to a strong start for Boston this season, and he’s only improved upon it in recent weeks. The 3-time All-Star is raking right now, leading the MLB with 29 hits while batting .392.
None of Baltimore’s starters are batting .300 or better, but left fielder Austin Hays could cross that threshold this weekend. This year, Hays is hitting .279 and has put up 19 hits and 9 RBIs.
Pick: BOS -185
Friday 4/29
Seattle Mariners at Miami Marlins
On Friday, the 11-8 Seattle Mariners will begin a new series in Florida against the 10-8 Miami Marlins. Seattle just dropped 2 out of 3 against Tampa Bay, while Miami just swept Washington.
Rookie Matt Brash will take the ball for Seattle. Through 3 starts this year, Brash has gone 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA and 13 strikeouts.
For Miami, Elieser Hernandez will make the start. He has struggled to find his rhythm so far this season, allowing 10 earned runs across his 1st 3 appearances.
First baseman Ty France is playing like a budding superstar for the Mariners this year. In his 1st 18 games, the 27-year-old has put up 26 hits and 21 RBIs while batting .366.
Miami’s offense has struggled to put points on the board this season, but 3rd baseman Joey Wendle hasn’t. In fact, in just 15 games Wendle has contributed 17 hits and 8 RBIs while hitting .333.
Pick: MIA -105
Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets
The 10-10 Philadelphia Phillies and 14-6 New York Mets will meet for their 2nd series of 2022 on Friday. New York took 2 out of 3 in the 1st series.
Former All-Star Aaron Nola will toe the rubber for the Phillies. Nola has gotten off to a subpar start this year, earning a 1-2 record and 3.74 ERA through his 1st 4 outings.
On the other hand, the Mets’ Tylor Megill has looked like nothing but a special talent over the past 3 weeks. This season, Megill is 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts.
Cincinnati transplant Nick Castellanos has been quite efficient at the plate for Philadelphia this year. So far, he has accumulated 23 hits and 11 RBIs while batting .329.
On New York’s side, it’s left fielder Mark Canha who’s been uber-reliable in 2022. On the season, Canha has put forth 16 hits and 6 RBIs while hitting .333.
Pick: NYM -115
Thursday 4/28
Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins
The 6-11 Detroit Tigers have dropped their 1st 2 games against the 10-8 Minnesota Twins, and the team will try to avoid the sweep on Thursday afternoon.
Third-year starter Tarik Skubal will take the ball for the Tigers. Through 3 starts this season, he is 1-1 with a 2.30 ERA.
For Minnesota, it’ll be sophomore pitcher Bailey Ober on the mound. Ober has also fared well this year, going 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA through 3 outings.
Ober will have to tread carefully when Detroit’s Robbie Grossman comes to the plate, though. The left fielder has been an offensive force in 2022, batting .302 and racking up 13 hits and 5 RBIs in just 13 games.
Likewise, Skubal will have to use his best stuff against Twins third baseman Gio Urshela. The former Yankee hasn’t missed a beat with Minnesota, where he’s now contributed 14 hits and 7 runs through 15 games.
Pick: MIN -145
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves
The Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves have split the 1st 2 games of their series, and both teams currently sit at 8-10. Thursday’s matchup will decide who takes the series and moves toward a winning record.
Ten-year veteran Drew Smyly will make the start for the Cubs. On the year, Smyly is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.
The Braves will send out 2021 World Series champion Kyle Wright, who currently owns a 2-0 record and a 1.06 ERA.
Many of the Cubs’ veteran hitters have been stagnant of late, but rookie Seiya Suzuki has been providing a spark on offense. So far, the 27-year-old has totaled 17 hits and 13 RBIs in 17 games.
For Atlanta, outfielder Marcell Ozuna has recently hit his stride. The 2-time Silver Slugger is currently batting .275 and has put up 19 hits and 10 RBIs this season.
Pick: ATL -180
Wednesday 4/27
New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
The 14-5 New York Mets have stolen the 1st 2 games of their road series with the 9-7 St. Louis Cardinals, and the team will look to complete the sweep on Wednesday afternoon.
Thirteen-year veteran Carlos Carrasco will make the start for the Mets. Carrasco has been superb so far in 2022, going 1-0 with a 1.47 ERA through 3 starts.
For St. Louis, Steven Matz will get a chance to pitch against his former team as a Cardinal for the 1st time. This season, he’s 2-1 with a 5.27 ERA.
Veteran shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting to emerge as a formidable offensive force for New York. Through 18 games, the 4-time All-Star has already totaled 20 hits and 12 RBIs while batting .294.
On St. Louis’s side, 4-time Silver Slugger Paul Goldschmidt is finally starting to hit his stride. The 34-year-old has improved his batting average to .259 and has now put up 15 hits and 5 RBIs in 15 outings.
Pick: NYM -115
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox lost their 1st home game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, and they’ll attempt to get some revenge on Wednesday. Chicago is currently 6-10, while Kansas City is 6-9.
Ace Zach Greinke will take the mound for the Royals. The former Cy Young winner is 38 years old, but he’s still holding his own in 2022. Through 3 starts, he’s 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA.
Fourth-year starter Dylan Cease will toe the rubber for the White Sox. Cease has gotten off to a stellar start this year, going 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in his 1st 3 outings.
Longtime Royals catcher Salvador Perez has found his rhythm at the plate this week. Perez is now batting .250 and has accumulated 5 homers and 8 RBIs in 14 games.
Tim Anderson is currently leading the White Sox with a .313 batting average. Better yet, he’s put forth 15 hits and 6 RBIs in his 1st 12 games.
Pick: KC +160
Tuesday 4/26
Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates
The 10-7 Milwaukee Brewers will kick off a new series with the 8-8 Pittsburgh Pirates in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Milwaukee swept the teams’ 1st series of 2022.
Brandon Woodruff will start Game 1 for the Brewers. The 2-time All-Star is currently 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA.
Fourth-year pitcher Mitch Keller will take the mound for Pittsburgh. Keller has struggled mightily this year, going 0-3 with a 6.23 ERA through 3 starts.
Milwaukee’s offense has stalled, and right fielder Hunter Renfroe is the only starter batting .240 or better right now. The 7-year veteran has amassed 13 hits, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs this year.
Pittsburgh has experienced its own offensive woes in 2022, but third baseman KeBryan Hayes has been the exception. The 25-year-old has been special so far, hitting .327 and collecting 17 hits and 4 RBIs.
Pick: MIL -180
San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds
The 10-7 San Diego Padres will commence another series with the 3-13 Cincinnati Reds on Monday. The Padres took all 3 games last time the teams met.
Seven-year veteran Joe Musgrove will take the ball for the Padres. He has been stellar so far this season, going 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA through 3 outings.
Sophomore Reiver Sanmartin will make the start for the Reds. Sanmartin has performed quite poorly so far this year, going 0-2 and giving up 10 runs in his 1st 2 starts.
First baseman Eric Hosmer has been raking for San Diego this season. So far, the former Royals star has accumulated 21 hits and 5 RBIs while batting .375.
Meanwhile, right fielder Tyler Naquin has emerged as a potential leader of the Reds’ offense. Naquin is currently batting .250 and has totaled 10 hits and 6 RBIs through 11 games.
Pick: SD -1.5 Runs
Monday 4/25
Houston Astros at Texas Rangers
The 7-8 Houston Astros will begin a new series with the 5-10 Texas Rangers on Monday.
Houston has chosen 5-year veteran Framber Valdez to make the start. In 3 starts this year, Valdez has gone 1-1 and allowed 7 runs.
Third-year pitcher Dane Dunning will take the mound for the Rangers. Through his 1st 3 starts, he has gone 0-1 and given up 8 runs.
The Astros’ offense has been surprisingly quiet of late, but left fielder Michael Brantley is trying to change that. The 5-time All-Star is currently batting .302 and has contributed 16 hits and 5 RBIs.
Texas has struggled even more on offense, but 1st baseman Nathaniel Lowe has gotten off to an exceptional start this season. The 4th-year infielder is hitting .382 and has already racked up 21 hits and 9 RBIs.
Pick: HOU -135
Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again establishing themselves as a title contender, and the team will carry that momentum into a brand new series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. L.A. is currently 11-4, while Arizona is 6-10.
Ace Walker Buehler will make his 4th start of 2022 to open the series. Through 3 outings, he’s 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA.
The Diamondbacks have tapped 4th-year starter Merrill Kelly to toe the rubber. Kelly has pitched 3 nearly flawless games so far, allowing just 1 run across 15.1 innings. He’s currently 1-0 with a 0.59 ERA.
On offense, left fielder Chris Taylor has provided steady production for L.A. The 9-year veteran is hitting .317 and has totaled 13 hits and 7 RBIs so far.
Not a single Arizona Diamondback is hitting .300 or better right now, but Pavin Smith could cross that threshold on Monday night. Smith owns a .286 average and has put up 12 hits and 7 walks this season.
Pick: LAD -185
Sunday 4/24
Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees
The 9-6 New York Yankees have won 2 straight against the 7-7 Cleveland Guardians, and they’ll look to sweep Cleveland at home on Sunday.
Ace Gerrit Cole will take the ball for New York to close the series. The 4-time All-Star has gotten off to an inauspicious start this year, sporting a 0-0 record and a 6.35 ERA through 3 starts.
Fourth-year pitcher Aaron Civale will try to help his team avoid the sweep. On the season, Civale is 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA.
The Yankees’ offense is finally starting to show some life, thanks in large part to outfielder Aaron Judge. The 3-time All-Star currently has 14 hits, 3 home runs, and 5 RBIs in 2022.
For Cleveland, left fielder Steven Kwan has emerged as a crucial contributor on offense. The rookie has already notched 15 hits, 7 RBIs, and 9 walks this year.
Pick: NYY -215
San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have floundered this week, dropping 2 in a row to the 10-5 San Francisco Giants to fall to 6-11. They’ll look to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.
Washington has pegged Josiah Gray to make the start. The 2nd-year starter has impressed so far this season, winning 2 of his 1st 3 outings and allowing just 5 runs in total.
Logan Webb, a 4th-year starter, will take the mound for San Francisco. Through 3 starts, Webb is 1-1 with a 2.55 ERA.
Juan Soto is now in his 5th season with the Nationals, and he’s still providing the same power at the plate. The 23-year-old already has 15 hits, 11 runs, and 16 walks on the season.
Just one Giant is currently batting .300 or better, and it’s former Dodger Joc Pederson. The 30-year-old is currently hitting .317 and has already racked up 13 hits and 3 homers in his 1st 12 games.
Pick: SF -200
Saturday 4/24
Colorado Rockies at Detroit Tigers (Game 1)
The Colorado Rockies have been on a tear of late, and the postponement of the team’s 1st game against the 5-7 Detroit Tigers has set up a double-header between the clubs on Saturday.
In Game 1, Colorado will send out Antonio Senzatela to make the start. The 6th-year pitcher is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA through his 1st 2 starts of 2022.
Detroit has chosen Tarik Skubal to take the mound. Skubal, who has also made 2 appearances this season, is 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA.
Toronto transplant Randal Grichuck has been making waves as a new member of the Rockies. So far this season, the outfielder has accumulated 10 hits and 6 RBIs to go with a .333 batting average.
On Detroit’s side, 39-year-old Miguel Cabrera has shown that he still has plenty of gas in the tank. The 2-time MVP is currently hitting .308 and has netted 12 hits and 5 runs.
Pick: COL -120
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
The St. Louis Cardinals failed to sweep the Miami Marlins earlier this week, but the team took Game 1 against the Cincinnati Reds. Going into Game 2, St. Louis will stand at 8-4, while the Reds will be 2-12.
The Cardinals have pegged 5th-year starter Dakota Hudson to take the ball on Saturday. Hudson has struggled so far this year, going 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA through 2 outings.
Meanwhile, the Reds have tapped veteran Tyler Mahle to start Game 2. Mahle has also played quite poorly, sporting a 1-1 record and a 7.82 ERA through 3 starts.
The season is young, but Cards 3rd baseman Nolan Arenado is already looking like an MVP frontrunner. So far this year, he’s already put up 19 hits and 14 RBIs while batting .413.
For Cincinnati, shortstop Kyle Farmer is the only starter hitting above .270. This season, the 31-year-old has accumulated 13 hits and 7 RBIs.
Pick: STL -115
Friday 4/22
Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays
Divisional foes Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays will meet on Friday for the 1st time this year. Boston is 6-7, while Tampa Bay is 7-6.
New Red Sox pitcher Michael Wacha will make his 3rd start for Boston on Friday. The former St. Louis Cardinal is 0-0 with a 0.96 ERA through 2 starts this year.
Corey Kluber, also a new member of his team, will take the mound for Tampa Bay. The 2-time Cy Young Winner is 0-0 with a 1.86 ERA through his 1st 2 outings of 2022.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been an offensive machine for Boston this season. So far, he already has 14 hits, 5 RBIs, and 4 runs in just 11 games played. Likewise, right fielder Manuel Margot has been highly productive for Tampa Bay. Margot has only appeared in 10 games, and he’s already put up 11 hits and 6 RBIs.
Pick: TB -140
Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves
The 5-7 Miami Marlins and 6-8 Atlanta Braves will kick off a new series on Friday night. Both teams lost their last series.
Miami will send out 24-year-old Trevor Rogers for the 3rd time this year. So far, Rogers is 0-2 with a dreadful 12.15 ERA. Atlanta has pegged 5th-year pitcher Kyle Wright to make the start. Through 2 outings, Wright is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA.
Tampa Bay transplant Joey Wendle has provided a much-needed boost for the Marlins’ offense this year. In just 10 games, Wendle already has 10 hits and 4 RBIs.
Atlanta 1st baseman Matt Olson, formerly with Oakland, has had an incredible start to his season. Through 14 games, he has accumulated 20 hits and 12 walks, and his batting average currently sits at a cool .400.
Pick: ATL -145
Thursday 4/21
Baltimore Orioles at Oakland Athletics
Down 2-1 in their series with the Oakland Athletics, the Baltimore Orioles will look to squeak out a tie on Thursday. Baltimore will enter the game at 4-8, while Oakland will be 7-6.
Second-year pitcher Tyler Wells will make the start for the Orioles. Wells is 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA through his 1st 2 starts of 2022.
Veteran starter Paul Blackburn will take the mound for the A’s. He is currently 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA through his 1st 2 appearances of the season.
The Orioles’ offense has struggled tremendously so far this year, but Anthony Santander has been doing his best to change that. On the season, he has totaled 9 hits and 10 walks.
For Oakland, 4th-year catcher Sean Murphy is starting to make a difference on offense. Murphy has already contributed 11 hits and 8 RBIs this year.
Pick: OAK -120
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
The 5-7 Pittsburgh Pirates will commence a new series with the 6-6 Chicago Cubs in Illinois on Thursday.
Bryse Wilson will make his 3rd appearance of the season on the mound for Pittsburgh. Wilson earned 2 no-decisions in his 1st 2 starts, allowing 5 runs in total.
For the Cubs, starter Mark Leiter Jr. will attempt to redeem himself after a catastrophic season debut that saw him allow 7 runs in just 3.1 innings.
On offense, the Pirates will look to Diego Castillo to keep getting on base. This season Castillo already has 9 hits and 3 RBIs.
The Cubs will rely on veteran Jason Heyward to do the same. He’s currently sporting a .316 batting average, and he’s already put up 6 hits and 3 runs in his 1st 19 at-bats.
Pick: CHC -140
Wednesday 4/20
Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians (Game 1)
The 1st 2 games scheduled between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians this season were postponed, so the teams will meet for a double-header on Wednesday. Chicago is 6-3, while Cleveland is 4-5.
Former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel will make his 2nd appearance for Chicago in Game 1. Keuchel won his season debut, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs in 5 innings.
Cleveland has tapped ace Shane Bieber to take the mound. Bieber has only given up 3 runs in his 1st 2 starts, but he has yet to earn a win.
Shortstop Tim Anderson is starting to get hot for the White Sox. He already has 11 hits, 4 RBIs, and 2 steals through 9 games.
On the Guardians’ side, Myles Straw has made some noise of late. On the season, Straw has notched 12 hits, 10 runs, and 8 walks.
Pick: CHW +120
St. Louis Cardinals at Miami Marlins
The 6-3 St. Louis Cardinals stole the 1st game of their road series with the 4-6 Miami Marlins on Tuesday, and they’ll look to make it 2 in a row on Wednesday.
Seventh-year pitcher Miles Mikolas will make the start for St. Louis. This season, he is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA through 2 games. Miami will send out 26-year-old Sandy Alcantara, who is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA through his 1st 2 starts of 2022.
Second baseman Tommy Edman has provided a nice offensive boost for the Cardinals so far this season. On the year, Edman has totaled 11 hits, 3 home runs, and 7 RBIs.
For Miami, 2nd baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has also turned some heads. Chisholm has racked up 7 hits and 10 RBIs through just 10 games.
Pick: STL +120
Tuesday 4/19
San Francisco Giants at New York Mets (Game 1)
The opening game of the series between the 7-2 San Francisco Giants and the 7-3 New York Mets got postponed, so the teams will have a double-header on Tuesday.
The Giants have tapped veteran Alex Cobb to make the start. Cobb won his debut with the team, allowing just 2 runs in 5 innings.
The Mets will send out 2nd-year pitcher Tylor Megill, who is 2-0 and has yet to allow a single run in 10.1 innings pitched.
None of the Giants’ hitters have gotten off to particularly hot starts, but 1st baseman Brandon Belt has been solid thus far. Through 9 games Belt has 10 hits, 7 RBIs, and 5 walks.
None of the Mets’ batters have exploded out of the gate either, but left fielder Jeff McNeil is starting to gain some momentum. On the season, McNeil has 11 hits, 4 RBIs, and 5 walks.
Pick: SF +110
Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals
Both the 4-6 Minnesota Twins and 3-5 Kansas City Royals have gotten off to rocky starts this season, but both teams will have an opportunity to right their respective ships when they kick off a new series on Tuesday.
Chris Archer will make his 2nd appearance for Minnesota to open the series. The 2-time All-Star allowed 0 runs in 4 innings in a no-decision last time out.
The Royals have chosen 3rd-year hurler Carlos Hernández to start the game. Hernández also earned a no-decision in his season debut, though he gave up 4 runs in 4.1 innings.
Former New York Yankee Gary Sanchez is already making waves for the Twins, having racked up 6 hits and 7 RBIs in 10 games. In the same way, former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benitendi has been a welcome addition for the Royals, contributing 10 hits, 4 RBIs, and 4 walks so far.
Pick: MIN -115
Monday 4/18
Arizona Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals
The 3-6 Arizona Diamondbacks and 4-7 Washington Nationals will both be looking to bounce back after losing their respective series when the teams meet on Monday night.
Arizona will send out Madison Bumgarner to make the start. The former World Series MVP has yet to notch his 1st win of 2022 even though he has allowed just 2 runs in 2 appearances.
Washington has tapped Josiah Gray to take the mound. Gray is 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA through his first 2 starts.
Arizona’s bats have been pitiful to start the season, with second baseman Ketel Marte the only player hitting .200 or better. Marte has 6 hits and 3 RBIs through 9 games.
The Nationals have fared better on offense, though not by much. Former Pittsburgh Pirate Josh Bell has carried his team with 12 hits, 10 RBIs, and 7 walks through just 11 games.
Pick: WSH -140
Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros
The 6-4 Los Angeles Angels will kick off a new series with the 5-4 Houston Astros on Monday. L.A. is riding high after winning their last series, while Houston is reeling after losing theirs.
Veteran Michael Lorenzen will make his 2nd start of the year for L.A. in the first game of the series. Lorenzen won his season debut and allowed just 1 run.
Luis Garcia will also make his 2nd appearance of 2022 for Houston. Garcia gave up 0 runs in 4 innings in a no-decision last time out.
The Angels’ offense has gotten off to an up-and-down start, but first baseman Jared Walsh has been a steady presence. He already has 11 hits and 6 RBIs on the season.
The Astros, on the other hand, have not wanted for runs. Outfielder Jose Siri has been sensational, racking up 6 hits and 5 runs in his first 14 at-bats.
Pick: LAA +140
Sunday 4/17
Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays
Both the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays will enter Sunday’s matchup at 5-4, and both teams will be looking to win the series 2 games to 1.
The Athletics are set to send out starter Adam Oller, who had just about the worst possible MLB debut he could have experienced. In his big league debut, Oller last just 1.1 innings and gave up 5 runs and 3 walks.
The Blue Jays have chosen 2nd-year pitcher Alex Manoah to take the mound. Last time out, Manoah gave up just 1 hit in 6 innings to start his season 1-0.
The A’s bats have started out sleepy, but veteran shortstop Elvish Andrus has shown some life. Andrus has 8 hits and 7 runs on the season. The Jays’ offense has fared better this season, in no small part thanks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has already put up 5 homers and 9 RBIs.
Pick: TOR -1.5 runs
Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres
The Atlanta Braves have already taken 2 out of 3 on the road against the San Diego Padres, and they’ll look to take the series on Sunday. Both teams are currently 5-5.
Rookie Bryce Elder will make his 2nd MLB start for Atlanta. Elder gave up 3 runs and took the win in his professional debut.
The Padres have tagged veteran Yu Darvish to start the game against Atlanta. Darvish gave up a whopping 9 runs in his season debut and took the loss.
The Braves’ hitters have put up some mixed results so far this season, but outfielder Marcell Ozuna has been as reliable as ever. Ozuna already has 12 hits and 6 RBIs in 10 games.
Similarly, on the Padres’ side third baseman Manny Machado has stood out so far. The star infielder has already accumulated 14 hits, 6 RBIs, and 3 steals.
Pick: SD -135
Saturday 4/16
Arizona Diamondbacks at New York Mets
The 2-5 Arizona Diamondbacks suffered an embarrassing loss to the 6-2 New York Mets on Friday, but they’ll get a chance to even the series on Saturday.
Zac Gallen, a 3rd-year starter, will take the mound for the D-Backs. It will be his 1st start of 2022. Gallen went 4-10 with a 4.30 ERA in 23 starts last year.
New York will send out Carlos Carrasco, who went 5.2 innings and gave up 1 run in a no-decision in his last start. The 35-year-old will be seeking his 1st victory of 2022.
Arizona’s offense has gotten off to an atrocious start to the year, but first baseman Christian Walker has begun to turn things around. He’s only hitting .158, but he already has 3 home runs and 5 walks in just 7 games.
The Mets’ bats have fared much better, in large part due to Pete Alonso’s stellar play. The 2-time Home Run Derby champion already has 2 home runs and 10 RBIs on the year.
Pick: NYM -160
Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox
The Minnesota Twins handed the Boston Red Sox their 1st home loss of the season on Friday, which saw both teams’ records settle at 3-4.
When the teams meet again on Saturday it will be Sonny Gray taking the mound for Minnesota. Gray gave up 4 hits and 2 runs in a no-decision in his 1st outing of 2022.
Boston has chosen 3rd-year starter Tanner Houck to make the start against Minnesota. Houck allowed 6 hits and 3 runs in a no-decision in his season debut.
Outfielder Byron Buxton has led the way for the Twins’ offense so far, accumulating 3 home runs and 4 RBIs in 7 games. For the Red Sox, third baseman Rafael Devers already has 9 hits and 5 RBIs of his own.
Pick: BOS -120
Friday 4/15
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers
The 3-2 St. Louis Cardinals are set for a rematch with the 4-3 Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night after dropping their 1st game in Wisconsin on Thursday.
Seventh-year pitcher Miles Mikolas will make the start for the Cardinals. Mikolas had a difficult time on the mound in his 1st start of the year, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs before getting pulled in the 4th inning,
Milwaukee has chosen returner Freddy Peralta to make his 2nd start of 2022 on Friday. Peralta also had a rough go of it in his 1st performance of the season, giving up 3 runs and 4 walks in just 4 innings pitched.
After a breakout season in 2021, St. Louis second baseman Tommy Edman has continued to play exceptionally this year. So far, he already has 5 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks. On the Brewers’ side, shortstop Willy Adames has made some noise by accumulating 6 hits and a home run through 7 games.
Pick: MIL -160
Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners
The Houston Astros will commence a new series in Seattle on Friday. Houston is currently 4-2, while the Mariners are 3-4. 11-year veteran Jake Odorrizi will toe the rubber for the Astros. Odorrizi had a subpar season debut, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs in just 4 innings.
Seattle will send out veteran starter Marco Gonzales, who had an even worse performance to start his 8th MLB season. Gonzales got pulled after just 2 innings, but not before he gave up 6 hits and 6 runs. Outfielder Michael Brantley just began his 14th MLB season, but he’s just as effective at the plate as ever. Brantley is currently hitting .300 and already has 6 hits through 6 games. Seattle’s offense has struggled thus far, but catcher Tom Murphy has picked up some of the slack by contributing 3 hits and 3 runs through his first 7 plate appearances.
Pick: HOU -130
Thursday 4/14
Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates
The Washington Nationals will head to Pittsburgh on Thursday to kick off a brand new series with the Pirates. The Nationals just took 2 of 3 from Atlanta to improve to 3-4, while the Pirates split their series with the Chicago Cubs and now sit at 2-3.
Washington has pegged Joan Adon to make his 2nd start of the season in Pittsburgh. Adon took the loss in his 1st appearance, giving up 4 runs in 4 innings. Likewise, Pirates starter JT Brubaker will also be looking to bounce back after a rough first outing. The 3rd-year pitcher allowed 4 runs in 3 innings in his season debut and also took the loss.
Former Philly Maikel Franco has been putting up great numbers for Washington so far this year, totaling 7 hits and 6 RBIs through 7 games. On the other side, Cleveland transplant Roberto Perez has played exceptionally for Pittsburgh, netting 4 hits and 2 walks in his first 13 at-bats.
Pick: WAS +105
Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins
The 3-3 Philadelphia Phillies are set to embark on a new series with the 1-4 Miami Marlins in Florida on Thursday.
Veteran Kyle Gibson, who won his 1st start of the year for Philadelphia, will take the mound. Gibson allowed 2 hits and 0 runs in his 1st win of 2022. For the Marlins, starter Sandy Alcantara will attempt to earn his 1st victory of the season. Alcantara allowed 3 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision last time he toed the rubber.
Third baseman Johan Camargo is off to a hot start for the Phillies, earning 3 hits and 1 walk in his first 6 at-bats of the year. And when Philly takes the field, they’ll have to watch out for Miami’s Joey Wendle, who already has 5 hits and 3 runs on the year.
Pick: PHI -105
Wednesday 4/13
Cleveland Guardians at Cincinatti Reds
The Guardians defeated the Reds on the road in the 1st game between the 2 teams to boost their record to 3-2, while Cincinnati fell to 2-3.
When they meet again it’ll be 3rd-year pitcher Triston McKenzie making his 2nd start of the season for Cleveland. McKenzie was pulled after just 3 innings and took the loss in his 1st start of 2022. Nick Lodolo, whom the Reds just brought up to The Show, will make his 1st MLB start on Wednesday.
The Guardians have seen inconsistent production across their batting order thus far this season, but first baseman Owen Miller has been the exception. Through 5 games, the 25-year-old has put up 6 hits and 4 RBIs in 11 at-bats. Cincinnati has produced even less on offense this season, but they have their own bright spots as well. In particular, shortstop Kyle Farmer has impressed, racking up 5 hits and 4 RBIs in his first 14 at-bats.
Pick: CLE +110
Seattle Mariners at Chicago White Sox
The Mariners dropped their 1st game in Chicago, but they’ll get a chance to even up the series with the White Sox on Wednesday. Seattle will enter the game at 3-2 while Chicago sits at 3-1.
Seattle has tapped veteran starter and 1st-time Mariner Robbie Ray to make his 2nd start of the year. In his 1st outing, Ray gave up just 3 hits in 7 innings and earned the win.
The White Sox’s Dallas Keuchel will make his first appearance of 2022 on Wednesday. The 10-year veteran went 9-9 with a 5.28 ERA last season.
Shortstop J.P Crawford is the only Mariner hitting above .300 right now. Through 5 games, he has compiled 4 hits and 3 walks. On the White Sox’s side, superstar José Abreu has been playing true to form, already accumulating 4 hits and 6 runs through 4 games.
Pick: CHW -105
Tuesday 4/12
Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers
The 1-3 Red Sox dropped 2 out of 3 against the Yankees in their opening series, and they’ve now lost their first game in Detroit. The Tigers are 2-2 thus far this season.
Rich Hill will make the first start of his 18th season in the MLB for Boston on Tuesday. Hill won just 1 game in 12 starts in 2021. For Detroit it’ll be 4th-year pitcher Tyler Alexander taking the mound. Alexander earned a 3.81 ERA in 2021 in 41 appearances.
Most of Boston’s bats have been very quiet through 4 games, with the exception of outfielder Alex Verdugo, who has already collected 5 hits and 3 RBIs. The Tigers’ offense has also seen many hitters get off to slow starts, but newcomer Austin Meadows has made the front office look good so far. Through 4 games he already has contributed 4 hits, 3 runs, and 3 walks.
Pick: BOS -135
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates had their final game against St. Louis postponed, so they’ll head into a new series with Chicago at 1-2. Chicago will take the field on Tuesday with a 2-1 record.
Second-year pitcher Zach Thompson will toe the rubber for the Pirates. Thompson went 3-7 with a 3.24 ERA in 14 appearances last season. The Cubs will send out the newly-acquired Drew Smyly, who went 11-4 with a 4.48 ERA for the World Series-winning Braves in 2021.
Pittsburgh’s offense has gotten off to a hot start. Most notably, second baseman Diego Castillo has already accumulated 4 hits and 2 runs through 3 games. On the other side, left fielder Ian Happ has been spectacular for Chicago so far, racking up 5 hits and 4 RBIs in his first 7 at-bats.
Pick: CHC +145
Monday 4/11
Colorado Rockies at Texas Rangers
The Rockies and Rangers will commence their 2nd series of the young MLB season on Monday afternoon in Texas. Neither team escaped their first series unscathed, so both will be gunning for their first sweep of the year.
The Rangers have tapped 4th-year pitcher Taylor Hearn to make the first start of the series. Hearn went 6-6 with a 4.66 ERA in 2021, and he had a combined 15 appearances across the two seasons prior. He has not yet seen regular-season action in 2022. On the other side, it’ll be Austin Gomber trying to steal a road win for Colorado. Gomber will also get his 4th MLB season underway on Monday, having gone 9-9 with a 4.53 ERA last year.
The Rockies are still lamenting the loss of stars Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story, but the arrival of Kris Bryant should make up for at least some of that offensive production. Bryant is squarely in his prime at 30 years old, and the former Cubs star should compliment longtime Rookie Charlie Blackmon nicely this season.
This should be a hotly-contested game, but the Rockies have more power hitters and a more seasoned pitcher. Take Colorado.
Pick: COL +110
Miami Marlins at Los Angeles Angels
The Marlines and Angels are also set to enter into their 2nd series of the season on Monday, and both squads came away from their 1st with just 1 win. Veteran Michael Lorenzen will attempt to double the Angels’ win total on Monday. Lorenzen primary served as a reliever in his 7 years with the Reds, but it appears as though he’s set to transition to a starting role with L.A. For his career, he’s 23-23 with a 4.07 ERA.
Miami has chosen 5th-year pitcher Elieser Hernández to make his 1st start of 2022 against the Angels. Hernández started 11 games in 2021 but didn’t last long in any of them, ending up with a 1-3 record and a 4.10 ERA.
On offense, the Angels could be one of the scariest teams in baseball this year. Not only is Mike Trout healthy and ready to dominate, but so are co-stars Shohei Ohtani and Anthony Rendon. That trio has already combined for 4 hits this year, and that number should skyrocket as the season progresses. The Marlins’ high rate of roster turnover over the past few years has left them with a bit of a mixed bag on offense, but they could still turn some heads in 2022. Most notably, the team brought 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler into the fold over the offseason. Soler hasn’t gotten a hit in his first 2 games with Miami, but that should change on Monday.
The Angels have home-field advantage and should outmatch the Marlins despite Lorenzen’s inexperience. Take L.A.
Pick: LAA -140
Sunday 4/10
Oakland Athletics at Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have defeated the A’s in the teams’ first 2 meetings this season, and they’ll look to extend their winning streak to 3 games on Sunday afternoon. Zach Eflin will make the start for Philadelphia, where he has played since 2016. The longtime Philly had a rough year in 2021, going 4-7 with a 4.17 ERA, so he’ll be plenty motivated to start 2022 off right. Oakland has pegged third-year pitcher Daulton Jeffries to take the mound. Jeffries only made 1 start in 5 games played last year, but he took home the win in that one. This will be just his 3rd MLB start in as many seasons.
The A’s batting order is one of the most experienced in baseball, with just 2 players under the age of 27. Veterans like Elvis Andrus, Stephen Piscotty, Jed Lowrie, and Stephen Vogt helm a lineup that is sure to give pitchers fits. The A’s probably won’t lead the league in home runs, but they’re sure to get on base quite often. The Phillies, however, do have a wealth of power on their side. Not only is Bryce Harper still leading the way, but new teammates Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos will threaten to go yard every time they step into the batter’s box this year.
Pick: PHI -210
Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are off to a 2-0 start, and it appears as though they could be contenders this season. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, will attempt to net their first win this Sunday in St. Louis. Bryse Wilson, a 5-year pro beginning his 2nd year in Pittsburgh, will make the start for the Pirates. Wilson went just 1-4 with a 4.91 ERA in 8 starts in 2021.
The Cards will send out Steven Matz, the former New York Mets star who earned a 14-7 record and a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts last season. Matz could very well end up as St. Louis’s ace by the end of the year, and there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most underrated starters in baseball. The Pirates’ batting order lacks experience and star power, but they could still make some noise in 2022. In particular, the team will rely on outfielder Bryan Reynolds to provide some pop. In 2021, Reynolds collected 24 home runs and 90 RBIs while batting .302. St. Louis, however, has one of the most seasoned batting orders in the MLB this season. Players like Yadier Molina, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Albert Pujols have seen many All-Star Games and even more playoff games. Goldschmidt and Arenado in particular should terrorize opposing defenses.
Pick: STL -1.5 runs
Saturday 4/9
Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays held the Orioles to just 1 run in their Opening Day victory on Friday, and they’ll look to collect another win on Saturday afternoon. Drew Rasmussen will commence his third MLB season by taking the mound for the Rays. In 2021 he left Milwaukee for Tampa Bay, where he went 4-0 with a 2.44 ERA in 10 starts. Rasmussen will seek to solidify his place in the team’s rotation this year. For the Orioles it’ll be veteran Jordan Lyles toeing the rubber. Lyles will make his first start for Baltimore after stops in Houston, Colorado, San Diego, Toronto, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Texas. Last season he went 10-13 with a 5.15 ERA in 30 starts for Texas.
Tampa Bay won the AL East in 2021, and they’ll have a good chance of repeating as divisional champs this year. Most of the team’s core has returned, including Brandon Lowe, Randy Arozarena, Kevin Kiermaier, and Ji-Man Choi. It has only been 2 years since those 4 players led their team to the World Series, and they’re just as formidable today.
The Orioles, on the other hand, finished last in the AL East last year and haven’t had a winning season since 2016. Most of their starters will be youngsters this season, but that doesn’t mean the O’s will be a pushover. Veterans like Rougned Odor, a Yankees transplant, should inject some life into a franchise that desperately needs it.
Lyles has the advantage of experience over Rasmussen, but the Orioles just don’t have the hitters to keep pace with Tampa Bay. Take the Rays to start their season 2-0.
Pick: TB -1.5 runs
Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
The Mariners spoiled the Twins’ home opener on Friday, but Minnesota will have a chance to exact their revenge in a Saturday afternoon matinee. Sonny Gray will begin his 10th MLB season on the mound for Minnesota. His career has been a bit of a roller coaster, and he struggled with the Reds in 2021 to the tune of a 7-9 record and a 4.19 ERA. Still, Minnesota fans can hold onto the hope that he recaptures the magic he displayed in Oakland years ago. Seattle will send out second-year hurler Logan Gilbert, who went 6-5 with a 4.68 ERA last year. Gilbert is still unproven, but this outing should reveal whether he improved over the offseason.
The Mariners don’t field many household names, but they still sport a well-balanced lineup. Guys like Steven Souza Jr., Eugenio Suárez and Adam Frazier bring a lot of reliability and veteran savvy to the table. The Twins, however, boast some notorious bats. Not only are Miguel Sanó and Byron Buxton back, but Minnesota added former Yankees Gio Urshela and Gary Sánchez over the summer.
The Mariners are a solid squad, but this Twins batting order is a minefield. Count on Minnesota to even the series.
Pick: Min -145
Friday 4/9
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers
The Cubs and Tigers will kick off their respective seasons in a matinee on Friday, and both teams will send out their best arms. For the Detroit it’ll be longtime Red Sox hurler Eduardo Rodriguez taking the mound. The 28-year-old went 13-8 last year and racked up 185 strikeouts, and this will be his first professional start outside of Boston. Chicago has tapped Lucas Giolito, the team’s resident ace. Giolito went just 11-9 in 2021, but he earned a 3.53 ERA and 201 strikeouts. This game will offer him a chance to put together a more respectable record in 2022.
The Tigers have home-field advantage, and they should benefit greatly from the addition of star shortstop Javier Baez and hard-hitting left fielder Austin Meadows. It’s somewhat risky to bet against Giolito and former MVP first baseman Jose Abreu, but these Tigers suddenly have a loaded starting lineup.
Pick: DET +105
Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
The Cubs eked out a narrow victory over the Brewers on Opening Day, and they’ll look to make it 2 in a row on Friday. Justin Steele, who started just 9 games as a rookie in 2021, will take the mound for Chicago. Steele went 4-4 in those 9 games. For Milwaukee it’ll be veteran Brandon Woodruff, who’s set to embark on his 6th campaign with the Brewers. Woodruff went 9-10 last year, but he also put up 211 strikeouts and a stellar 2.56 ERA.
All eyes will be on Milwaukee’s outfield in their second meeting with Chicago. Not only is Christian Yelich healthy again, but he’s now flanked by power-hitting newcomer Hunter Renfroe and the supremely reliable present of Andrew McCutchen. Not to mention Lorenzo Cain is back in the fold as well. The Cubs did add former Red Sox outfielder Clint Frazier, but they don’t have the firepower to keep pace with the Brewers twice in a row. Expect Milwaukee to come alive here.
Pick: MIL -170
Thursday 4/8
Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
The 2022 MLB season will open with the greatest rivalry in all of baseball. On Thursday afternoon, the Red Sox will face the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in a rematch of the 2021 AL Wild Card Game. New York will undoubtedly be out for blood after falling to Boston in that game last year, and the Red Sox will be itching to prove that that victory wasn’t a fluke.
Ace Gerrit Cole will take the mound for the Yankees and look to make up for his pitiful performance in that Wild Card matchup against Boston. In that game, he exited after pitching just 2 innings in which he allowed 3 runs, a humiliating showing for a man who’s considering one of the best starters in baseball. Still, Cole won 16 games and finished with a 3.23 ERA and 243 strikeouts last year, and he’ll have plenty of motivation to improve upon those numbers starting Thursday. Meanwhile, the Red Sox will send out Nathan Eovaldi to man the bump. Eovaldi, a journeyman and former Yankee, blossomed into a legitimate starter for Boston last season after starting 12 games or fewer in the 4 seasons prior. He went 11-9 with a 3.75 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 32 regular season starts, and he limited New York to just 1 run in 5 innings pitched in the Wild Card round. The Red Sox didn’t tinker with their rotation much in the offseason, so Eovaldi will once again be their de facto starter on Opening Day.
This game will also offer fans an opportunity to see how new faces on both teams fit in with their new squads. For the Boston faithful, all eyes will be on second baseman Trevor Story, who put together 6 stellar seasons in Colorado before making his way to Beantown. Last season, Story hit 24 homers and drove in 75 RBIs. Yankees supporters will be paying close attention to imports Anthony Rizzo and Josh Donaldson, 2 infielders with a lot of experience and even more power at the plate. Rizzo joined New York toward the end of the 2021 season, and the Yanks traded for Donaldson over the summer. Last season, the pair combined for 48 home runs.This rivalry is as unpredictable as they come, but it’s hard to bet against Gerrit Cole at home.
Pick: NYY -150
Cleveland Guardians at Kansas City Royals
The newly dubbed Cleveland Guardians will hit the road to take on the Kansas City Royals in an afternoon Opening Day battle on Thursday. Aces Zach Greinke and Shane Bieber will face off, so this matchup could be a defensive battle until each team’s bullpen gets involved.
After spending the past 3 seasons with the Houston Astros, Greinke returned to Kansas City over the offseason. He played his first 7 MLB seasons with the Royals, so he should be more than familiar with their ballpark. And despite his age, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Last year, Greinke put up an 11-6 record, a 4.16 ERA, and 120 strikeouts. He’s not the untouchable hurler he used to be, but he’s still ace material. Bieber, on the other hand, is entering his prime with the only MLB team he’s ever played for. He settled into his role as the Guardians’ ace nicely last season, earning a 7-4 record with a 3.17 ERA and 134 strikeouts. He only started 16 games for Cleveland in 2021, but that number will almost certainly increase this year. Bieber is one of the most underrated starters in baseball, and he’ll get another chance to put the league on notice this Thursday.
The Guardians will lean on third baseman Jose Ramirez to carry them on offense once again this season. Their batting order isn’t very intimidating, but Ramirez certainly is. In 2021, he accumulated 36 homers and 103 RBIs while batting .266. Just like Bieber, he’s another Cleveland player who probably deserves much more attention for his exploits on the diamond. On Kansas City’s side, Boston transplant Andrew Benintendi will try to continue to contribute on both offense and defense in his 2nd season with the Royals. In 2021, his 1st year with Kansas City after 5 in Boston, Benintendi totaled 17 homers and 73 RBIs while batting .276. At 27 years old he’s finally coming into his own, and he should play a major role for the Royals in 2022.
This will likely be a low-scoring game, and the Guardians should have the edge thanks to Bieber’s prowess and their starting lineup’s experience.
Pick: CLE -125
Understanding MLB Betting Markets
Moneyline – A moneyline is a wager on which Major League Baseball team will win the game outright. Moneylines are listed in fractions relating to a $100 amount – to win $100 on a favorite you must gamble the number next to the “-“ symbol, while a $100 wager on the underdog will pay off with the amount next to the “+” symbol.
Run Line – This is the traditional MLB “point spread” always set at (+/- 1.5) runs. We will rarely make Run Line picks on the Daily Double, but have included one with our Wednesday launch of the blog just for aficionados of a time-honored betting market.
Total Runs – Occasionally we’ll make a pick on the “Over/Under” or “total runs” market for a ballgame, a proposition on whether more or less runs than the Vegas number will be scored by both MLB clubs combined in a given contest.
To learn more about these daily hardball betting markets (and how to play them successfully) visit WagerBop’s MLB betting strategy portal.
Kurt has authored close to 1000 stories covering football, soccer, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, prize-fighting and the Olympic Games. Kurt posted a 61% win rate on 200+ college and NFL gridiron picks last season. He muses about High School football on social media as The Gridiron Geek.
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