Season Record: 2-1-1
After a decent start to the MLB season, I decided to take the most poorly timed days off. Although, it’s not the worst idea to take it slow early in the Major League Baseball season. There are some familiar trends and players to rely on, but it’s always best to get a decent sample size during the season to bet on these games. Not to say we have that yet, but at least there are a few games worth of stats to look over and apply to today’s slate!
BOS vs. DET ML (+102), 5:10p
This may be me just trying to prove a point, but I truly believe that the Tigers will be a surprisingly good team this season. There is plenty of pop in the lineup with some really good young talent. There’s some decent young talent in the rotation as well, but Matt Manning wasn’t really able to show that in his rookie season in 2021. However, his FIP of 4.62 does indicate that he may have been better than his ERA suggests. The Red Sox lineup struggled against the Yankees and now making a trip to Detroit could give the advantage to the Tigers in this one.
NYM vs. PHI ML (-159), 6:45p
The Mets and Phillies both looked good in their opening series, although both opponents are not projected to be very good this season. Phillies are a strong favorite in this one, but for good reason. Ranger Suarez had a stellar 2021, and while there will be regression, all signs point to Suarez having a strong 2022. Meanwhile Taijuan Walker struggled last season and this Phillies lineup, after a quiet series finale against the A’s, matches up well against Walker. And just so you’re aware, Kyle Schwarber has some terrific numbers against Walker, including 5 home runs.
TOR ML (-105) vs. NYY, 7:05p
While the Yankees and Blue Jays both won their opening series, it was the Blue Jays that looked more impressive doing so. It’s only three games, but one of the best projected lineups in baseball looked the part against the Rangers in Toronto. That lineup should be able to get to Jameson Taillon. On the mound for the Blue Jays is Alek Manoah who was stellar in his first year in the big leagues. In fact, the Blue Jays won 10 of the last 11 Manoah starts. Also, Manoah did fairly well in two starts against the Yankees last season giving up just three runs in 11.2 innings pitched.
SEA ML (+107) vs. MIN, 7:40p
Last season it was the Giants that were continually undervalued throughout the season even though the team ended with triple digits in the win column. The Mariners likely won’t reach that win mark, but so far the team is being undervalued just like the Giants. They’re good and have a clear, very clear, pitching advantage in this game. Mariners starter Chris Flexen was solid in 2021 with a 3.61 ERA and even pitched an eight-inning shutout against the Twins last season. For the Twins, Dylan Bundy gets the starting nod. Bundy got crushed last season with the Angels, with a 2-9 record and an ERA of 6.06. Bundy in 2020 has career-best numbers, but that didn’t last very long. He will likely finish with an ERA close to five this season and like the Mariners to get to him tonight.