Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

Tampa Bay's starter will be right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 3.50 ERA), who is looking to build on an impressive outing against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Rasmussen, 26, recorded a career-high nine strikeouts while yielding two hits and one walk over six shutout innings in the Rays' 3-2 win. The Washington state native, who threw a season-high 84 pitches in the victory, is set to make his first appearance against Oakland. The Athletics will counter with right-hander Daulton Jefferies (1-3, 3.26 ERA). He has lost his past three starts. Jefferies, 26, allowed five runs on four hits over four innings in an 8-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Left-hander Max Fried (2-2, 3.00 ERA) is scheduled to start for Atlanta against New York right-hander Chris Bassitt (3-1, 2.25 ERA). The Braves are continuing a seven-game road trip after falling 7-3 on Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers 7-3. The Mets extended their franchise-record, season-opening streak of series wins to seven by beating the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 10-6 on Sunday night. At 16-7, New York is already close to tying last season's high mark of 11 games over .500. And the seven straight series wins have come with an impressive totality and a bit of an edge from the Mets, who lead the majors in being hit by pitches and had a benches-clearing fracas with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The Mets rank first in the majors in on-base percentage (.344), second in batting average (.262) and third in ERA (2.99).

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota has scored nine runs in back-to-back games. The Twins have six games of eight or more runs less than a month into the season. Baltimore will go with Tyler Wells (0-2, 5.54 ERA) to start the series opener. The Orioles have lost each of Wells' four starts so far this season. Twins starter Chris Paddock (0-2, 3.68 ERA) should be well rested on Monday, as he will pitch for the first time since working 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. He has recorded 13 strikeouts and one walk over 14 2/3 innings in his first three starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Kansas City will start veteran right-hander Zack Greinke (0-1, 2.86 ERA) on Monday against St. Louis left-hander Steven Matz (2-1, 6.11).  Matz has pitched one game in his career against Kansas City -- a 5-1 win last season when he was with the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a no-hitter into the sixth inning and won the game allowing just two hits and one earned run in six innings. Royals catcher Cam Gallagher suffered a strained hamstring in Kansas City's 6-4 loss to the Yankees and was placed on the disabled list. He was put on the injured list and M.J. Melendez will be called up from Triple-A Omaha to replace him.

Rating: 2 Units

The Phillies will look to hand the Mets that first series defeat tonight when they visit New York in the finale of a three-game set between the National League East rivals. Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.20 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Phillies against the Mets' Max Scherzer (3-0, 1.80) in a battle of right-handers. Eflin earned his first win of the season on Tuesday, when he allowed one run over six innings as the Phillies cruised to a 10-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. Scherzer didn't factor into the decision last Monday night, when he allowed just two hits and struck out 10 over seven scoreless innings in the Mets' 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the 106th time Scherzer has struck out at least 10 batters in a game, the fifth-most in the modern era. Eflin is 3-4 with a 4.70 ERA in 13 starts against the Mets. Scherzer is 15-4 with a 2.47 ERA in 26 career starts against the Phillies.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies have won the first two games of their series with the Cincinnati Reds and will go for the sweep when the teams play today in Denver. Colorado won the first two games, 10-4 Friday night and 4-3 Saturday night. The game will feature two left-handed starters looking for their first win of the season. The Rockies will send Kyle Freeland (0-3, 6.16 ERA) against Reiver Sanmartin (0-3, 10.91). Freeland has struggled to find his stride this season. He was the team's starter on Opening Day but hasn't pitched like the ace. However, he can take some comfort in the fact that the other season he started 0-3 was 2018, when he won 17 games and finished fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting. Cincinnati's 3-18 start matches the 2018 team for the worst start in franchise history. The entire team has struggled.

Rating: 2 Units

With Mike Trout in center field and Taylor Ward winning the every-day spot in right field with his sizzling bat, Adell and Brandon Marsh find themselves in a platoon situation in left field, with the right-handed hitting Adell getting starts against lefties. The White Sox will throw left-hander Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 9.00 ERA) against Angels right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 2.93) today. Adell, though, actually has had more success against right-handers, both in his career and this season. He's hitting .290 against right-handers this season, and just .158 vs. lefties. For his career, he's hitting .217 vs. righties, .202 vs. lefties. Lorenzen has no decisions with a 3.86 ERA in five career games (two starts) vs. the White Sox. Keuchel has had success against the Angels, going 12-2 with a 3.52 ERA in 20 career games (19 starts).

Rating: 2 Units

The Seattle Mariners and the host Miami Marlins saved the best pitching matchup for last. When the teams close their three-game series today afternoon, the Marlins will start right-hander Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 1.78 ERA). Seattle will counter with right-hander Logan Gilbert (3-0, 0.40), who leads the American League in ERA. Gilbert, who has yet to face Miami, has actually been better on the road (3.82 ERA in 14 starts). He has a 4.18 home ERA, also in 14 starts. This will be a homecoming for Gilbert, a native Floridian (Winter Park) who played his college ball in this state at Stetson, alma mater of Jacob deGrom. Gilbert has two previous major league starts in Florida, going 1-1 with a 2.53 ERA at Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field. This year, Gilbert will enter Sunday's game on a streak of 17 1/3 scoreless innings. One key has been the increased velocity of his slider, from 83 mph to 86.

Rating: 2 Units

In the series finale, San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove (3-0, 2.16 ERA) is slated to oppose Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (0-3, 6.62 ERA). Musgrove is in his second season with his hometown Padres after three seasons with the Pirates. His time in Pittsburgh helped him mature into the solid starter he has been for San Diego -- 14-9, 3.05 ERA, 1.057 WHIP and a no-hitter since he was traded by Pittsburgh -- even though he began his career with World Series champion Houston. Keller, 26, remains a work in progress. He has lost each of his starts so far and has not won at PNC Park since last May 29. His most recent start was a no-decision Tuesday against Milwaukee, when he allowed four runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, with two walks and one strikeout. Against San Diego, Keller is 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA in two career starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado Rockies right-hander Chad Kuhl will look to continue a stellar beginning to the season when he takes the mound against the visiting Cincinnati Reds tonight. Kuhl (2-0, 1.10 ERA) has allowed just eight hits and two runs while striking out 13 and walking seven in 16 1/3 innings through three starts. He hasn't allowed more than four hits in any outing. In his most recent appearance, he gave up four hits and a run in six innings during a 6-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Kuhl will be opposed by Cincinnati right-hander Connor Overton, who will make his season debut. Overton will fill the spot in the rotation vacated by Nick Lodolo, who was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain.

Rating: 2 Units

Teams heading in opposite directions will meet today when the surging San Diego Padres visit the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates. San Diego has won four straight, while the Pirates have lost four in a row following the Padres' 7-3 win on Friday. Padres left-hander Sean Manaea (2-2, 3.47 ERA) will be paired against right-hander JT Brubaker (0-2, 6.46). Each will be making his fifth start of the season while coming off a shaky performance. Brubaker, 28, is still trying to prove himself as a big-league starter. He has a 6-18 career record with a 5.34 ERA and 1.342 WHIP in 39 career appearances (37 starts). Manaea, 30, has a 52-43 record with a 3.85 ERA in 132 career starts. This will be his first career start against the Pirates.

Rating: 2 Units

The Marlins will go for seven straight wins tonight, when they will start lefty Jesus Luzardo (1-1, 3.71 ERA). He is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in four career appearances against the Mariners, striking out 19 in 10 2/3 innings. But he's allowed three homers. Seattle will counter with its own lefty, Robbie Ray (2-1, 3.91 ERA). Ray is 4-3 with a dominant 2.12 ERA in nine career appearances against the Marlins. Ray, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, will try to snap Seattle's three-game losing streak.

Rating: 2 Units

Antonio Senzatela (1-1, 4.73 ERA) is slated to pitch for the Rockies against promising rookie Hunter Greene (1-2, 5.27) in a matchup of right-handers. Both teams absorbed sweep-completing losses Thursday. The visiting Rockies fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-1 in the finale of a four-game series, and the host Reds dropped a 7-5 decision to the San Diego Padres in the conclusion of a three-game set. Greene made his third career start last Friday, taking the loss after surrendering three runs over 3 1/3 innings in the Reds' 4-2 setback to the St. Louis Cardinals. Senzatela has been good in his two home starts, allowing two earned runs over 8.1 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 3.98 ERA), who pitched well but got a no-decision in the Opening Day win, will take a second crack at the Brewers in the opener of a three-game set. Milwaukee is slated to counter with righty Adrian Houser (1-2, 3.52). Houser did not pitch in the opening series against the Cubs. He threw erratically in his first two starts -- at Baltimore and at home against St. Louis -- issuing six walks in 9 1/3 innings before settling down in his last start, walking just one in six innings in a 5-3 win at Philadelphia. Hendricks struggled in his only previous road start this season, roughed up by the Pirates for six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 6-2 loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Tylor Megill (3-0, 2.35 ERA) is slated to take the mound for the Mets against Aaron Nola (1-2, 3.74 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. The Mets were off Thursday after an eventful 10-5 loss to the host Cardinals on Wednesday. The Phillies completed a four-game sweep of the visiting Colorado Rockies with a 7-1 win Thursday afternoon. Consider that the Phillies are 2-5 on the road while the Mets have the best record in baseball at 14-6.

Rating: 2 Units

Baltimore is expected to recall right-hander Kyle Bradish from Triple-A Norfolk to make his major league debut today. Bradish, 25, was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in the Dylan Bundy trade in December 2019. Bradish allowed four runs (two earned) and struck out 17 batters in 15 innings in his first three starts with Norfolk this season. He threw 87 pitches over six innings in his last outing for the Tides on April 22. He struck out eight. Boston will counter with left-hander Rich Hill (0-1, 4.85 ERA), who allowed four hits over four scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Hill, 42, hasn't topped 80 pitches or five innings through his first three starts. He owns a 3-0 record and 2.25 ERA in 15 career games (five starts) against the Orioles.

Rating: 2 Units

In the series opener, San Diego right-hander Yu Darvish (1-1, 4.43 ERA) is scheduled to face Thompson. Pittsburgh right-hander Zach Thompson (0-2, 10.80 ERA) has a little extra pressure heading into his start in the series opener. He will be trying to snap an unwanted trend. The Pirates have not had a starter earn a win through their first 19 games. It's the longest such string to start a season since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles lost each of their first 21 games. Darvish twice has given up one or fewer hits in at least six innings this year, including in his most recent start, which came Saturday in San Diego against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Darvish has made eight career starts against the Pirates, going 3-2 with a 2.40 ERA. Thompson is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in two career starts against San Diego, both last season when he was a rookie with the Miami Marlins.

Rating: 2 Units

Former 16-game winner Dakota Hudson will continue his comeback from Tommy John surgery when the St. Louis Cardinals host the Arizona Diamondbacks today. Hudson (1-1, 3.95 ERA) will open this four-game series at Busch Stadium for the Cardinals, who suffered their first series defeat of the season while losing two of three games to the New York Mets at home. Hudson struggled in his first two starts, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in seven innings. But he is coming off a 5-0 victory at Cincinnati. He held the Reds to two hits and four walks. Hudson won his only career start against the Diamondbacks, in 2019. He allowed two runs in six innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Young Braves right-hander Kyle Wright will try to build on a great start when he opposes veteran Chicago left-hander Drew Smyly in the rubber game of a three-game series today in Atlanta. The Braves won the first game of the series 3-1 and the Cubs rebounded to win the second game 6-3 in 10 innings. The Braves are looking for their first series win of the season. Wright (2-0, 1.06) has allowed only two runs this season thanks to his ability to throw strikes. He's fanned 26 batters in 17 innings and walked only two. Wright struck out a career-high 11 batters in his last start against the Marlins on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

Skubal has made six career starts against Minnesota, going 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA. He will be opposed by Bailey Ober (1-1, 2.83 ERA). The second-year right-hander has also made three starts this season. In his most recent appearance, he gave up one run and struck out six in five innings while getting a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Ober started twice against the Tigers last season, posting a 1-0 record and a 5.79 ERA. Minnesota won a pair of low-scoring games to begin its streak but has scored five or more runs during the past four victories. Kepler has strung together three consecutive two-hit games, raising his average from .191 to .263. The Twins' defense has made just one error during the six-game run. It backed a strong outing from starter Joe Ryan with a flawless effort on Wednesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.07 ERA), who has allowed two runs or fewer in each start so far, goes for the Yankees today. Taillon last pitched in a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, when he allowed one run on seven hits in five innings while throwing a season-high 84 pitches. Taillon does not have a decision and owns a 3.45 ERA in three career starts against the Orioles. In his last outing against them, he allowed two runs on three hits in 4 2/3 innings in New York's 5-2 win in Baltimore on April 16. Bruce Zimmermann (1-0, 1.20 ERA), who blanked the Yankees in five innings of four-hit ball on April 17 in Baltimore, goes for the Orioles, whose pitching staff has allowed 14 homers in the past six games. Zimmermann picked up a win on Friday, when he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits in six innings of a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Zimmermann is 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Yankees.

Rating: 2 Units

Tyler Mahle (1-2, 6.88 ERA) will make his team-leading fifth start of the season when he takes the hill for the Reds in the matinee finale of the six-game homestand. Mahle has failed to complete five innings since beating the Braves on Opening Night in Atlanta on April 7. Since then, he has allowed 13 runs in 12 innings over three starts. Lifetime against San Diego, Mahle is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in three career starts, but he hasn't faced the Padres since April 21, 2019. The Reds have lost 13 of 14.

Rating: 2 Units

Starting with their four-game sweep in the 1989 World Series, the A's held a 73-61 upper hand over the Giants until the West Bay team took four of six last season. San Francisco took an additional cut out of the deficit with an 8-2 victory in the series opener Tuesday, giving the Giants three consecutive victories dating back to a pair last August that clinched the annual Bay Bridge Series. One night after getting dominant starting pitching from Carlos Rodon, Giants manager Gabe Kapler announced the series finale would be a bullpen game for the second time in three days. Left-hander Sam Long (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who worked the first inning as the first of eight regular relievers who combined on a five-hitter in Monday's 4-2 win at Milwaukee, is expected to take the mound first. The A's fared no better against the San Francisco bullpen than they did against Rodon in the series opener.

Rating: 2 Units

Astros manager Dusty Baker will utilize a six-man rotation to alleviate some stress on his starters, with right-handed reliever Cristian Javier set to make his first start of the season today. Javier (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his 20th career start. He is 9-3 with a 3.35 ERA over 51 career appearances (19 starts). He has made three scoreless relief appearances this season, allowing five hits and one walk with 12 strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings. Javier logged 3 2/3 innings in his previous outing in the ramp-up for this start, allowing three hits and one walk with four strikeouts against the Angels on April 20. Javier is 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA over eight career appearances (four starts) against the Rangers, including a 1-0 record and 2.79 ERA over six appearances (two starts) last season, with 23 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Dodgers can only hope the afternoon finale of their second road trip is as dynamic as the final day of their first trek. While Clayton Kershaw capped the opening trip with seven perfect innings against the Minnesota Twins on April 13, another Los Angeles left-hander will get the call to close out the current string of away games. Julio Urias will pitch for the Dodgers today, facing an Arizona Diamondbacks club he has dominated. Urias is 7-1 with a 1.55 ERA all-time against Arizona in nine appearances (six starts). It won't be an easy task against Urias (1-1, 3.00 ERA). He has 38 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings against the Diamondbacks, and he has given up just two home runs in the 156 Arizona batters he has faced.

Rating: 2 Units

Cardinals starting pitcher Steven Matz (2-1, 5.27 ERA) spent the first six years of his career with the Mets. The Toronto Blue Jays acquired him from the Mets ahead of the 2021 season, and then Matz became a free agent after going 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA last year. The Mets will counter with Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 1.47 ERA), who beat the San Francisco Giants 6-2 in his latest start. Carrasco is 0-1 with a 2.84 ERA in his two career starts against the Cardinals. In his only previous career start against the Mets, Matz is 0-1 after allowing two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings last season. Should be a low scoring affair so the RL appears the way to go.

Rating: 2 Units

The Royals will send left-hander Daniel Lynch (1-1, 5.40 ERA) to the mound to face White Sox lefty Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 15.00). Lynch has struggled against the White Sox, going 1-2 with a 16.20 ERA in three career starts. He has allowed 15 earned runs on 16 hits in 8 1/3 innings. Keuchel has had plenty of success against the Royals in his 11-year career, going 6-4 with a 3.21 ERA over 14 starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins -- two of the four National League East teams under .500 in the standings -- are set to start a three-game series tonight in the nation's capital. Washington, which has lost five straight games, will start right-hander Josiah Gray (2-1, 3.14 ERA). Miami will counter with right-hander Sandy Alcantara (1-0, 1.86). The Marlins are on a modest two-game winning streak after defeating the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Sunday to win the three-game series. The Nationals need a strong start from Gray, who has allowed just four hits and one run in his past two outings, covering a span of 10 1/3 innings. However, Gray has yet to last longer than 5 1/3 innings in his three starts this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Joe Musgrove (2-0, 1.89 ERA) will head to the hill for San Diego in the opener in hopes of repeating his last outing against Cincinnati at Petco Park. The right-hander struck out seven and walked one, allowing just two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. He earned the win in San Diego's 6-2 victory last Tuesday. The Reds will counter with lefty Reiver Sanmartin (0-2, 7.11). Sanmartin was the opposing pitcher to Musgrove last week and could not hold a rare early lead for the Reds. He surrendered five runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking one, taking the loss. After going 2-0 in his rookie season call up last September, he has lost both starts in 2022.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rays are expected to start left-hander Josh Fleming (2-1, 5.40 ERA), who allowed three runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings in a 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday. Fleming, 25, has pitched exactly 3 1/3 innings in each of his first three appearances this season. He is 1-0 with a 5.56 ERA in two career starts against Seattle. Tampa Bay's bullpen will be well rested following Monday's off day. The team's relievers also received a break on Sunday, when Shane McClanahan tossed seven strong innings in a 5-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The Rays face a tough matchup against Seattle right-hander Logan Gilbert (2-0, 0.54), who has allowed one earned run over his first three starts covering 16 2/3 innings. However, Gilbert is 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two career starts over 10 2/3 innings against the Rays.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Jays are starting a 10-game homestand with the series against the American League East rival Red Sox. Boston will start right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (1-0. 3.68 ERA) in the opener against right-hander Jose Berrios (1-0, 6.35). Eovaldi allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday against Toronto and did not factor in the decision. He gave up seven hits and one walk while striking out six in the game won 2-1 by Boston. Berrios earned the win on Wednesday at Boston when he allowed one run, eight hits and one walk while striking out six in six innings. Toronto won 6-1. Consider that the Under is 21-7-1 in Red Sox last 29 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

Rating: 2 Units

Offense has been a struggle for a Padres team that will be without shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. until at least mid-June. The Padres have five starters hitting under .200 after 15 games. Rookie shortstop C.J. Abrams is batting .118, while center fielder Trent Grisham and designated hitter Luke Voit are both batting .143. Voit has struck out 15 times in his past nine games and could be headed to the injured list with a biceps strain. The 34-year-old Kershaw has a 22-9 career record against the Padres with a 2.09 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. He has 299 strikeouts in 280 innings against the National League West rival. He also owns a 10-4 record and a 1.88 ERA in 19 starts at Petco Park. Manaea was 0-2 record with a 5.27 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers while with the Oakland Athletics.

Rating: 2 Units

JT Brubaker hasn't pitched like an Opening Day starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates yet this season. The right-hander will try for a fourth time to pick up his first victory of the season today while looking to help the Pirates win a road series against the Cubs for the first time since 2018 and overcome Saturday's 21-0 blowout loss. Brubaker (0-2, 7.30 ERA) tied for the Pirates' lead among starters with five wins last season and earned the 2022 Opening Day nod. However, he's allowed 12 runs -- 10 earned -- with 11 hits and nine walks while striking out 13 over 12 1/3 innings in his first three starts this year. Pittsburgh starting pitchers are 0-8 with a 6.68 ERA this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds, mired in one of their worst starts in franchise history, have fared very well against the veteran Wainwright. He is only 10-15 with a 5.29 ERA in 36 appearances, including 31 starts, all time against Cincinnati. That's his most losses to any team in his career. But Wainwright (2-1, 2.81 ERA) was stellar in his last outing, allowing a run on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks in a 5-1 win at Miami on Tuesday. He'll be opposed by Cincinnati rookie lefty Nick Lodolo (0-2, 8.00), who hasn't gone beyond five innings in either of his first two starts of the season. He's allowed three homers and five walks to go with 12 strikeouts in nine combined innings in losses to the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians. The Reds' 2-13 start matches their second-worst, from 2018, and is four losses shy of tying the team-record 2-17 start in 1931. They've lost 11 straight games for the first time since May 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

The pitching matchup for the series finale features Miami left-hander Jesus Luzardo (0-1, 4.82) against Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder (1-1, 4.30). This will mark the third start of the season for Luzardo, who has yet to last more than five innings. He was impressive in his first appearance, gaining a no decision after allowing two runs -- one earned -- and striking out 12 in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels. But he regressed in his most recent start Tuesday against St. Louis, as he was tagged for five runs -- four earned -- in 4 1/3 innings. Luzardo has made one career start against the Braves. He gave up four runs in three innings, struck out four and walked five in a loss last August. Elder will make his third major league start and first against Miami. Elder took the loss in his last start last Sunday against the San Diego Padres. He allowed two runs on three hits, with five walks and three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Yankee starter Cole (0-0, 6.35) last pitched Tuesday in Detroit when he lasted a career-low 1 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on one hit and issued five walks. He threw 68 pitches, including 46 in the second inning. He threw just 37 strikes before being pulled. Cole said he was trying to make perfect pitches after getting feedback from teammates and coaches while watching the footage. Cole, who finished second in the AL Cy Young voting last season, also owns a 7.14 ERA over his past six regular-season starts. He is allowing opposing hitters to bat .308 (4-for-13) against him in the opening inning of his three starts this season. Cole is 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA in six career starts against the Guardians. He last faced them Sept. 19 in New York when he was tagged for seven runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of an 11-1 loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Although they already were deep in starting pitching, the Los Angeles Dodgers invested $16.5 million last offseason in free-agent starting pitchers Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson. The team has so much starting pitching, in fact, that it told Anderson he probably wouldn't start for the Dodgers. And the left-hander didn't care. That chance will come tonight in San Diego when Anderson (1-0, 2.25 ERA) makes his 114th career start and first start as a Dodger against Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (1-1, 6.28). Anderson has made two appearances with the Dodgers, working the back end of a piggyback with Tony Gonsolin both times. He has worked eight innings, giving up two runs on four hits, with eight strikeouts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Phillies will give the ball today to right-hander Zack Wheeler (0-2, 9.39 ERA). Wheeler is 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers. Wheeler, the runner-up in National League Cy Young Award voting last season, has lasted a total of 7 2/3 innings in his two starts in 2022. Right-hander Adrian Houser (0-2, 2.89 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Brewers. He has struggled with his command, issuing six walks in 9 1/3 innings. Against the Phillies, he is 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in four career appearances, including one start.

Rating: 2 Units

Twins right-hander Dylan Bundy (2-0, 0.87 ERA) will try to keep the positive streak going when he makes his third start of the season. Bundy is off to a promising beginning to 2022, having yielded only one run in 10 1/3 innings. In his most recent start, Bundy held the Boston Red Sox to one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings on Monday. He walked none and struck out six, and he threw 51 of 71 pitches for strikes. The White Sox will counter with right-hander Vince Velasquez (0-1, 4.15 ERA), who also will make his third start. He has walked six and struck out seven in 8 2/3 innings since joining Chicago after spending his first seven major league seasons with the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. In his latest start, Velasquez gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits in 4 2/3 innings during a Sunday loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He still is in search of his first victory since June 29. Velasquez has faced the Twins just once previously, when he threw a scoreless relief inning in 2015. Bundy is 4-0 with a 3.97 ERA in six career games (five starts) vs. the White Sox.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies haven't played since Wednesday, when they lost 9-6 to the Philadelphia Phillies in Denver. They are off to an 8-4 start but have only played two road games so far. Colorado is looking to become a better road team after going 26-54 away from home last season. Additionally, consider that the Over is 33-15 in Tigers last 48 interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Rating: 2 Units

San Francisco's today starter will be left-hander Alex Wood (1-0, 1.93 ERA), who tossed five scoreless innings in an 8-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. He walked two and struck out five. Wood, 31, has allowed two runs on nine hits with an 11-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first two starts covering 9 1/3 innings. Washington was expected to start Paolo Espino, but the right-hander likely will be unavailable after pitching two innings out of the bullpen on Friday. Instead, the Nationals might recall right-hander Aaron Sanchez from Triple-A Rochester for the start. Sanchez, 29, spent last season with the Giants and went 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in nine games (seven starts). He signed a minor league deal with the Nationals last month. There could be an opening in Washington's rotation following another rough outing by Patrick Corbin on Friday. The veteran left-hander is 0-3 with an 11.20 ERA through his first four starts. He has yielded 17 runs and 24 hits with 11 walks over 13 2/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mets will look to continue building momentum tonight when they begin a six-game trip by visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series in Phoenix. Left-hander David Peterson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is slated to oppose right-hander Zac Gallen (0-0, 0.00) in a battle of pitchers who started a game in last weekend's series at Citi Field, where the Mets won two of three games against the Diamondbacks. Carlos Carrasco tossed 7 2/3 strong innings Thursday as the host Mets clinched a win of the four-game series against the Giants, 6-2. The Diamondbacks completed a seven-game East Coast road trip Thursday by edging the Washington Nationals 4-3 to salvage a split of a four-game set. The win over the Giants -- whose 107 victories in 2021 were tied for the 13th-most in major-league history -- locked up a fourth straight series win to start the season for the Mets. New York leads the majors with 10 victories and has the second-best run differential (plus-30) and lowest starting pitching ERA (2.10) in the game, the latter despite the absence of Jacob deGrom, who is out until at least late May with a stress reaction in his right scapula.

Rating: 2 Units

The weekend series will showcase two of the top prospects in the game -- Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Seattle center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Both have struggled early in their rookie seasons. Witt is batting .146 with no home runs and three RBIs and has struck out 13 times in 41 at-bats. Rodriguez is batting .136 with no home runs and two RBIs and has struck out 22 times in 44 at-bats. Royals right-hander Brad Keller (0-1, 1.38 ERA) is scheduled to start the series opener. Keller is 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA in four career appearances against Seattle, including three starts. The Mariners plan to counter with right-hander Chris Flexen (0-2, 5.23). Flexen won his only previous start against Kansas City, allowing one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings last Sept. 17.

Rating: 2 Units

Approaching his 33rd birthday and pitching for his seventh team, Smyly (1-0, 0.00 ERA) has yet to allow a run while giving up seven hits, striking out five and walking one over 9 2/3 innings of his first two 2022 starts. Signed to a one-year deal after winning a career-high 11 games and a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves last season, the veteran left-hander certainly has made a good first impression with the Cubs. He began his Chicago tenure by giving up three hits over five innings of the Cubs' 2-1 win at Pittsburgh on April 12. Smyly is 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against the Pirates. Left-hander Jose Quintana (0-1, 3.86 ERA), a former Cub, is again scheduled to oppose Smyly. Quintana is 0-4 with a 3.41 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

The series opener will feature Atlanta right-hander Kyle Wright (1-0, 1.64 ERA) and Miami left-hander Trevor Rogers (0-2, 12.15). Wright has been impressive in both of his starts. In 11 innings, he has allowed two runs and has struck out 15 while waling only one. In his latest outing, on April 15 against the San Diego Padres, he received no decision after allowing two runs in five innings with a career-high nine strikeouts. Rogers has struggled against Atlanta, going 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in four career starts. In his most recent start vs. the Braves on Sept. 29, Rogers allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds are the only National League team ever to lose nine consecutive games in which they registered seven hits or fewer in each contest. They've been outscored 59-18 during the span and are coming off being dominated by the San Diego Padres, who swept three games in which the Reds mustered just three total runs. Cincinnati managed only five hits in a 6-0 loss to the Padres on Wednesday. In Friday's series opener, the Reds will turn to rookie right-hander Hunter Greene (1-1, 4.35 ERA), who has 13 strikeouts against two walks and a 4.35 ERA. He has given up three homers in 10 1/3 innings. The Cardinals will counter with left-hander Steven Matz (1-1, 7.26 ERA), who has allowed seven runs while striking out 11 in 8 2/3 innings over two starts. Matz is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 13 1/3 career innings against the Reds, a team he hasn't faced since he was pitching for the New York Mets in 2015. The Reds are ravaged by injuries. Catcher Tyler Stephenson was placed on the seven-day concussion list after colliding with San Diego's Luke Voit at home plate on Tuesday. Stephenson is the 13th Red to be placed on the injured list, a tally that includes Jonathan India, Mike Moustakas and Tyler Naquin.

Rating: 2 Units

Left-hander Taylor Hearn (0-1, 4.70 ERA) is scheduled to start the series finale for the Rangers. In his most recent start, he lasted just 3 2/3 innings while giving up six hits and three runs in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Hearn is 0-3 with a 6.20 ERA in 12 career appearances against Seattle, including three starts. The Mariners plan to start lefty Marco Gonzales (1-1, 3.00), who allowed one run on four hits over seven innings in his last start, an 11-1 victory against Houston on Friday. In 16 career starts against the Rangers, he is 8-6 with a 3.73 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-handers Tyler Wells (0-1, 6.35 ERA) of the Orioles and Paul Blackburn (1-0, 1.80) of the A's are the expected starters one day after a scheduled night game had to be moved to the afternoon with rain in the evening forecast. Only nine of the 39 hits have gone for extra bases, with no home runs. The Orioles have five of the series' eight doubles and the lone triple. Relievers have dominated the series, allowing a total of just two earned runs in 20 2/3 innings. Wells has faced the A's once previously, and it was not under ideal circumstances. He took over for starter Wade LeBlanc in the second inning in a home game last April and allowed three runs - all on a Jed Lowrie homer - in two innings. Blackburn, meanwhile, will be making his third career start against the Orioles, having beaten them each of the first two times in 2017 without getting a decision. He ran up a 3.72 ERA in 5-4 and 6-4 wins. The 28-year-old likewise has started two Oakland wins this season, a 13-2 romp at Tampa Bay and a 7-5 triumph at Toronto, allowing a combined two runs and eight hits in 10 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

In the series finale on Thursday, Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will oppose Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (0-1, 4.22). In his latest outing, Houck tossed 5 2/3 strong innings in a 4-0 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. The 25-year-old has not been involved in a decision in his career against the Blue Jays, but he has been effective, posting a 2.35 ERA and 13 strikeouts against just three walks in 7 2/3 innings over two starts. Gausman is seeking his first win with the Blue Jays after signing a five-year, $110 million contract in the offseason. The 31-year-old enjoyed a career year with the San Francisco Giants in 2021, placing sixth in the National League Cy Young Award voting after going 14-6 with a 2.81 ERA. He is no stranger to facing the Red Sox. Gausman, who was with the American League East rival Baltimore Orioles from 2013-18, is 4-8 with a 4.53 ERA in 20 games (15 starts) against Boston.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rangers will face a tall task today against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-0, 0.90 ERA). Gilbert, a former first-round draft pick, has allowed one run on seven hits over two starts, with one walk and 11 strikeouts. The Rangers will counter with right-hander Dane Dunning (0-0, 5.19) -- also a former first-round pick -- though that was two teams ago (Washington in 2016).

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Chris Bassitt (2-0, 0.75 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against left-hander Carlos Rodon (1-0, 1.50).  The Mets swept a doubleheader on Tuesday. Francisco Lindor delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win in the opener before Max Scherzer carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning en route to a 3-1 victory in the nightcap. Giants starter Rodon allowed one run on two hits over seven innings in the Giants' 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.

Rating: 2 Units

Zach Eflin (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will hope to deliver a win when he takes the mound today. The Rockies will counter with German Marquez (0-0, 3.97) as they wrap up a seven-game homestand. The Phillies are 1-5 on their trip while the Rockies are 4-2 on their homestand. Eflin is slated to make his fifth career start against Colorado and fourth in Denver. Overall he is 1-3 with a 7.40 ERA against the Rockies, having allowed 17 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings. He is 1-2 with a 5.52 ERA in three starts at Colorado. Marquez pitched well in his first game on April 9, giving up one run on three hits in seven innings in a no-decision game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but struggled against the Chicago Cubs on Friday, surrendering four runs in 4 1/3 innings. He has pitched well against the Phillies, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.75 ERA in six career starts against them.

Rating: 2 Units

The Braves have split a pair of four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres, and they dropped a three-game home series to the Washington Nationals.Atlanta will now try to get the best of the three-game series at Los Angles with a rare midweek afternoon game at Dodger Stadium today. Atlanta will send veteran Charlie Morton (1-1, 6.10 ERA) to the mound. Morton struggled Thursday against the San Diego Padres when he gave up five runs on nine hits and three walks over five innings. The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Tony Gonsolin (0-0, 1.29 ERA) as they not only try to rebound from the end of their seven-game winning streak but also the end of a 20-game home winning streak dating back to last season. Gonsolin has pitched just seven innings this season and has been followed in his two starts by left-hander Tyler Anderson, who has a 2.25 ERA in eight innings. Gonsolin made his only regular-season appearance against the Braves in 2019, when he gave up one run over four innings.

Rating: 2 Units

LA starter, Walker Buehler, is 22-6 career at Dodger Stadium with a 2.32 ERA. While his Atlanta counterpart, Max Fried, has not looked sharp so far this year with a 5.73 ERA.  Additionally,  the Braves are 16-35 in the last 51 meetings in Los Angeles while the Dodgers are 44-12 in their last 56 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Jon Gray (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will try to give the Rangers' beleaguered relievers a break when he takes the mound today in the opener of a three-game series in Seattle. In losing three in a row to the Los Angeles Angels, the Rangers allowed 24 runs. Starter Spencer Howard went on the injured list Friday, forcing the Rangers to deploy relievers for all nine innings of a 9-6 defeat that day. Neither Taylor Hearn nor Marin Perez went more than four innings in 7-2 and 8-3 losses over the weekend. The Rangers starters have an ERA of 6.96 through the first nine games. Seattle will start its own free-agent signee in left-hander Robbie Ray (1-1, 4.73). Ray is 3-1 with a 4.24 ERA in six career starts against Texas.

Rating: 2 Units

Pitching will be the focus for the teams tonight in San Diego as they meet in the middle game of a three-game series with Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove (1-0, 1.42 ERA) starting against Reds left-hander Reiver Sanmartin (0-1, 6.14). Following a 4-1 victory on Monday, the Padres will be looking for a third straight win. Cincinnati will attempt to end a seven-game losing streak. Musgrove makes his second start of the homestand against the struggling Reds attack. Musgrove shut out Atlanta on four hits over 6 2/3 innings on Thursday en route to a 12-1 win in the Padres' home opener. Sanmartin returns to the rotation today for Reds, but the question for how long is problematical. He could be in the bullpen for good when Luis Castillo (shoulder) comes off the disabled list as soon as the end of the month.

Rating: 2 Units

Visiting players get a little more skip in their steps when they play in Denver. The thinner air helps the ball travel farther, and sometimes home run totals go up in a series. That means despite nursing a sore right elbow, Phillies star Bryce Harper will not miss a chance at the plate. Harper had a single as the designated hitter on Monday in Philadelphia's 4-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies, a role he will retain over the next two games. Philadelphia will send right-hander Kyle Gibson (1-1, 3.09 ERA) to the mound against left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-2, 10.00) on Tuesday in the middle game of a three-game set. Freeland, the Rockies' Opening Day starter, has struggled this season, though. On top of his double-digit ERA, batters are hitting .350 against him.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (1-0, 0.93 ERA) will make his third start of the season today. He walked five batters and allowed one run and two hits over three innings but did not factor into the decision in his most recent outing, a 3-2 Astros loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Valdez, 11-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 2021, is 7-3 with a 3.60 ERA over 12 career games (eight starts) against the Angels. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-0, 0.00 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Angels today. He worked four innings in his first start of the season, allowing three hits and one unearned run while walking three and fanning six in the Angels' 4-3 win over the Miami Marlins on April 12. Sandoval threw a career-high 87 innings last season, going 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA and one save. He is 0-3 with a 9.77 ERA in five career games (four starts) against the Astros, who selected Sandoval in the 11th round of the 2015 draft.

Rating: 2 Units

Kershaw (1-0, 0.00) will face the Braves for the 13th time in his career. He has a 5-1 record and a 2.20 ERA against them, with 91 strikeouts and 15 walks in 81 2/3 innings. Kershaw suffered his first career loss to the Braves last season, allowing five runs in six innings on June 5. The Braves will counter Monday with Huascar Ynoa (0-1, 15.00). The right-hander was roughed up for five earned runs and seven hits in just three innings on April 11 in an 11-2 loss to the Nationals. Ynoa will make his first career start against the Dodgers.

Rating: 2 Units

Cron hit two home runs in Colorado's 9-6 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night and has a chance to add more during the final three games of the homestand. The Rockies will send Chad Kuhl (0-0, 2.08 ERA) to the mound against the Phillies' Aaron Nola (1-1, 6.75). Kuhl is making his second start since signing a one-year deal with Colorado last month. He allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings at Texas on Tuesday. Kuhl is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in five games -- three starts -- in his career against Philadelphia. Nola was the Opening Day starter for the Phillies and got the decision in a 9-5 win over Oakland. He took the loss against the New York Mets on Wednesday, lasting just 3 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Astros will join the Oakland Athletics as the last teams in the majors to host a game when they have their home opener against the Los Angeles Angels tonight. Returning home won't solve all that is ailing the Astros offensively, but it's a good place to start. Right-hander Luis Garcia (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will start the home opener for the Astros. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year balloting last season after going 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA over 30 games (28 starts). He is 1-2 with a 3.82 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against the Angels. He worked four scoreless innings while allowing two hits and two walks with one strikeout in his season debut as Houston topped the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 on April 12. The Angels got a scare Sunday in their 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers, their fifth victory in six games, when center fielder Mike Trout departed after being hit by a pitch on the left hand in the fifth inning. X-rays were negative, and Trout was diagnosed with a contusion. He is considered day to day and will sit on today.

Rating: 2 Units

With Sunday's 8-1 win over Minnesota, the Red Sox climbed above .500 for the first time this season. Boston has 30 runs in its last five games, winning four of them. Right-hander Dylan Bundy (1-0, 0.00 ERA), scheduled to start for the Twins on Monday, was outstanding in his debut last Monday against Seattle, allowing just one hit and striking out two over five shutout innings. Manager Rocco Baldelli called it a "masterful" start. Bundy hasn't been as successful when facing Boston, as his career record in 20 games (15 starts) is 3-9 with a 5.58 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Which Seattle offense will show up when the host Mariners wrap up a three-game series with the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon? It's a valid question considering what's happened in the first two games of the series. The Mariners banged out 13 hits in their home opener Friday, defeating the Astros 11-1. Saturday night was a different story as the Mariners managed just three hits in a 4-0 loss. Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy (1-0, 1.80 ERA) is scheduled to start today against Mariners rookie right-hander Matt Brash (0-1, 3.38). Urquidy is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in four career appearances against Seattle, including three starts; Brash will be facing the Astros for the first time.

Rating: 2 Units

The 23-year-old Ashby (0-1, 1.80 ERA), on the Opening Day roster for the first time, makes his first start of the season after two relief appearances, while the Cardinals counter with right-hander Dakota Hudson (0-0, 6.75 ERA). After dropping the series opener 5-1, St. Louis bounced back with a 10-1 victory Friday and then held off the Brewers 2-1 on Saturday night, behind a strong start by Steven Matz. In addition to scoring just one run in each of the two losses to St. Louis, the Brewers also have been shut out twice in their five defeats this season. St. Louis won six of the last seven games last season against the Brewers, including the last four in Milwaukee. The Cardinals are eyeing a third straight victory to close the first leg of a 10-game road trip.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rays also are struggling at the plate. Tampa Bay batters struck out 12 times in Saturday's game. Ji-Man Choi, who has a .526 average, and Wander Franco (.378) have been the lone offensive bright spots. The outlook for Tampa Bay on Sunday doesn't look particularly bright. The Rays will turn to right-hander J.P. Feyereisen (0-0, 0.00 ERA) as the starter due to injuries to the pitching staff. Feyereisen has been in the league since 2020 and has made 65 appearances. But this will be the first start of his career. After finishing the series with the White Sox, the Rays will stay in Chicago and play a three-game series with the Cubs before getting their first day off this season. The White Sox will counter with Vince Velasquez (0-0, 2.25 ERA), who has 128 career starts. Velasquez has made two starts against the Rays and is 0-0 with a 3.27 ERA.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia will turn to right-hander Zack Wheeler (0-1, 1.93 ERA) to make the start today. Wheeler led the National League last year with 247 strikeouts and finished second in the Cy Young voting. Not since Curt Schilling in 1998 had a Phillies pitcher led the league in strikeouts. After going 14-10 with a 2.78 ERA last year, Wheeler is the pitcher the Phillies rely on to get them on track. In 17 career starts against the Marlins, Wheeler sports a 9-3 record with a 1.97 ERA. Miami will counter with right-hander Elieser Hernandez (0-1, 7.71 ERA).  In five years in the majors, Hernandez is 7-16 with a 4.73 ERA. He has made 71 appearances and 38 starts, and he has yet to win more than three games in a season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Red Sox look for their fourth win in five games as they host the Minnesota Twins this afternoon. Boston pitched its first shutout of the young season and evened the four-game series with Saturday's 4-0 win. Alex Verdugo and Xander Bogaerts hit two-run home runs to account for all the offense in support of Tanner Houck, who pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings. The Sox have hit multiple homers in back-to-back games after being held to one or fewer in their first six. Verdugo has left the yard in each game against Minnesota. Michael Wacha (0-0, 2.08 ERA) is set for his first Red Sox home start. He allowed one run on two hits and three walks while striking out four in a 4 1/3-inning no-decision last Monday in Detroit.

Rating: 2 Units

Fading the Brewers against a lefty will be a common theme as long as they keep struggling. In a small sample size, the Brewers are ranked just 24th in the league in wOBA against lefties. They weren’t much better against lefties last season either, ranked just 23rd. Steven Matz struggled in his first start against the Pirates, but the Pirates are actually hitting lefties pretty well right now. Adrian Houser struggled against the Orioles in his first start as well, so neither starter fared well against a lineup that isn’t expected to be good. The only thing that worries me about this matchup is that Houser was 3-0 with a 0.36 ERA in four starts against the Cardinals last season and absolutely shoved. However, he didn’t have incredible strikeout numbers against them so its not like they weren’t putting the ball in play. I like the value in the Cardinals here.

Rating: 2 Units

Cal Quantrill pitched well in his first start of the season allowing just 2 ER in 5 IP. He was also pitching extremely well to end last season throwing a quality start in 11 of his last 13 starts. Anthony Desclafani struggled in his first start allowing 2 ER in just 3.2 IP. The Guardians were shut down by Carlos Rodon yesterday but that is understandable with his stuff and history against the Guardians. They are still leading the league in wOBA and they get a righty today who they are much better against. I like the value in the home team.

Rating: 2 Units

We have a battle of southpaws in South Beach tonight as Ranger Suarez is expected to start against Trevor Rogers. Trevor Rogers was good in his first start against the Giants allowing just 2 ER in 5 IP. He was also very good against the Phillies last season, but the Phillies were worse at hitting lefties last season. So far this season they are ranked 4th in the league against lefties in wOBA while the Marlins are ranked dead last. The Phillies were ranked 16th in wOBA against lefties last season while the Marlins were ranked second to last. The Phillies have struggled to score and win in Miami lately with the Marlins winning 8 of the last 12 at home, but I think they’ll have their best chance with a lefty against the Marlins. Take the underdog to salvage a game of this series.

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Sox played a dud yesterday in their home opener, but I think they should come out more focused without all the pregame festivities. Tanner Houck struggled in his first start of the season but it was mostly his loss of command that killed him. Sonny Gray will take on the Red Sox today, he is 1-6 with a 6.64 ERA in his career against the Red Sox. However, none of those starts have come since 2018. Byron Buxton should be out of the lineup after leaving yesterday’s game early injured, I like the Red Sox to get their first home win of the season today.

Rating: 2 Units

Until Ryu figures it out, I am not sure why he keeps commanding these massive lines. Paul Blackburn absolutely dominated the Rays throwing 5 innings while striking out 7 in his first start of the season. He faces a much tougher lineup in the Blue Jays today but they will still be without Teoscar Hernandez. The Athletics have been much better against lefties so far this season and they get another lefty in Hyun Jin Ryu today. Ryu struggled in his first start allowing 6 ER in 3.1 IP and by keeping the game close yesterday, all the Blue Jays top relievers were forced to pitch. I think the Blue Jays will need an excellent start from Ryu in order to win this game because if he comes out early, they could be in trouble. Take the value on the As.

Rating: 2 Units

It's Seattle's home opener and that always means a bit more to the players. There will be a sellout (it's Jackie Robinson Day on Friday and I believe every player in the majors will be wearing No. 42). Seattle was 46-35 at home last year and this season's club looks much better on paper. M's lefty Marco Gonzales didn't look good in his season debut at Minnesota but went 9-1 after the All-Star Break with a 2.70 ERA last year so I'll call that a hiccup. Houston's Jake Odorizzi was 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts at Seattle in 2021. Runline at -160. Probably it for me today MLB-wise barring a star sitting out, pitching change, etc.

Rating: 2 Units

I faded the Cubs in Denver -- where it seems they never play well -- on Thursday and that didn't work out, but I'm going back to it at this short price. It felt like the Rockies had two guys on base every inning last night but they simply couldn't cash in. Colorado starter German Marquez is one of those guys who for some reason tends to pitch better at Coors Field. He was 8-3 with a 3.67 ERA there last year and had a very strong 2022 home debut vs. the Dodgers (7 IP, 1 ER). No Cub has homered off him. One Chicago key reliever, Keegan Thompson, surely won't be available after 3.1 scoreless innings Thursday. He got the win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Guardians have sneakily won four games in a row and they are actually leading the league in runs scored at 45 this season. They also return home for their home opener today. Carlos Rodon looked very good in his first start, but he actually didn’t do too well against the Guardians after pitching the no-hitter last year in his first start against them. Zach Plesac threw 5.2 shutout innings in his first start this season and he is more than capable of stealing a win. The Giants are still without many key bats and the Guardians are hitting lefties to a .443 wOBA right now. I like the Guardians in their home opener.

Rating: 2 Units

Drew Rasmussen has been very good for the Rays each of the past two seasons, but he doesn’t get deep into the game. Well, that’s a problem considering the Rays bullpen has pitched 26.2 innings in the past 4 games. The starters have accounted for just 9.1 of the 36 innings pitched in the past four days. This bullpen is more than worn down and it was evident in the Athletics series. The White Sox essentially had yesterday off resting all their starters and not using any of their top bullpen arms, and they were one of the best home teams in the league last season. I honestly think Dylan Cease will win a Cy Young sometime soon, his stuff is that good. He’s not there yet but I love this matchup against a strikeout-heavy team in the Rays. Take the White Sox at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Nick Pivetta struggled in his first start but that was against the Yankees who he’s struggled against in his career. Joe Ryan didn’t pitch much better either in his first start on Opening Day and that was at home. This is the Red Sox home opener and I think Alex Cora will use every reliever at his disposal to try to pick up the win today after having yesterday off. This is still only Ryan’s 7th career start, and he should be getting the full brute of the Red Sox lineup today. Usually, I don’t take home openers into account much, but so far this season most teams have been winning them. I like the value on the Red Sox at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado was off Wednesday and will have a full bullpen -- that group has the best ERA in the majors. The Rox looked good in their first home series last week in taking two of three from the Dodgers, and the Cubs definitely aren't the Dodgers. Chicago rookie Seiya Suzuki has been fabulous and was my pick for NL ROY, but the Cubbies have totaled just two runs in back-to-back games. Simply not much else there. Cubbies southpaw starter Justin Steele has never pitched at Coors Field so that's likely to be a wake-up call. Colorado is 3-0 vs. lefties.

Rating: 2 Units

The Brewers travel after the Orioles game for their home opener in a 4:15 local time matinee. Not only do they have the quick turnaround but they also have all the pregame Opening Day festivities to get through. The Cardinals had yesterday off so all their top bullpen arms were able to rest. Devin Williams, Brad Boxberger, and Josh Hader are the three top Brewers bullpen arms and they all pitched each of the last two nights. Brandon Woodruff struggled in his first start allowing 7 ER in 3.2 IP against the Cubs. Adam Wainwright pitched 6 scoreless in his first start. The Cardinals were 11-8 overall against the Brewers last season and 7-3 in Milwaukee. Take the value in the Cardinals on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

Both Kendall Graveman and Liam Hendriks pitched each of the last two days so they should be unavailable for the back of the White Sox bullpen while the Mariners have all their top arms available. Jimmy Lambert is making just his 7th career Major League appearance and 4th start overall and he wasn’t particularly impressive allowing 9 ER in 13 IP last season. Logan Gilbert pitched really well in his first start allowing just 1 ER in 5 IP. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see someone get the day off today for the White Sox. I like the Mariners to avoid the sweep today.

Rating: 2 Units

 It's a bit of a high price (I don't love -1.5 runlines) on Tampa Bay, but A's pitcher Cole Irvin wasn't very good last season and wasn't in his 2021 debut, either. Irvin was 1-10 with a 6.60 ERA and .890 OPS in 12 starts on four days rest last year (which he is on here). After facing Frankie Montas and losing Wednesday, I think the Rays tee off on Irvin. Tampa is 1-0 vs. lefties this year and was 11 over .500 against them last year. It's Josh Fleming for Tampa. He went 7-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 14 appearances (five starts) at home in 2021 and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings of relief at the Trop on Saturday vs. Baltimore. The Rays would need a win today to avoid losing a four-game series at home for only the third time since the start of the 2019 season.

Rating: 2 Units

John Means pitched really well in his opening start of the season against the Rays and he faces a similar team today in that they platoon with all righties to face him. Well, the Brewers were ranked just 23rd in the league in wOBA against lefties last season. Means also gives up more power to righties which is understandable, but he actually gives up a lower BA against righties than lefties. That is the effect of a changeup pitcher. We also saw how the Brewers bats struggled against Justin Steele and Bruce Zimmermann this season, both lefties who shut them out. Of course their bats could all of a sudden wake up this game, but they also pitched their top relievers in Josh Hader and Devin Williams two out of the last three days. That doesn’t mean they are unavailable, but if they do come in, they will be pitching their 3rd game in 4 nights for probably the first time this year. The Orioles had the worst bullpen in the league last season so they are always capable of blowing it. However, Corbin Burnes also struggled a bit in his first start allowing 3 ER and walking 3 batters in just 5 IP. I like the value on the Orioles at home here.

Rating: 2 Units

The Guardians are absolutely killing the ball of late and get to face a rookie making his big-league debut in Cincinnati's Nick Lodolo, a touted prospect but not an overpowering pitcher (see news feed). You have to figure some nerves. The Reds also are sitting two-thirds of their starting outfield in Tommy Pham and Nick Senzel after they collided in Tuesday's game. I'll pay the freight on the runline at -170 even though I think there's a good chance Cleveland wins outright. Note: This could get rained out/delayed

Rating: 2 Units

Last year, Scherzer was 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia. The Phils are sitting one major weapon in Rhys Hoskins and really no Philadelphia hitter has had much career success vs. the three-time Cy Young winner. Phils pitcher Aaron Nola was meh in his season debut vs. Oakland. Pete Alonso (especially him) Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil all have good career splits off Nola.

Rating: 2 Units

Getting Pittsburgh on the runline is only 20 cents more than backing the Cubs on the moneyline (-129). Chicago's best pitcher is Kyle Hendricks and he was great in his season debut at Wrigley, but Hendricks has traditionally struggled on the road and the Pirates hammered him last year to the tune of a 6.66 ERA in five starts. Zach Thompson makes his Pittsburgh debut and he had a 3.24 ERA last year with Miami. He posted a 1.57 ERA in six appearances during the afternoon. The Bucs' Bryan Reynolds has gone 15-for-28 (.536) in his last nine game played at PNC Park.

Rating: 2 Units

Alex Cobb will be making his Giants debut after coming off one of his best seasons in a while. These Padres hitters didn’t face him last season and I think that gives the pitcher an advantage. The Giants were just 11-8 against the Padres last season and 6-4 at home, which is why I laid off the Giants at -150 last night. However, this price is much more affordable facing a Padres team that used its top relievers last night. Yu Darvish pitched extremely well in his Opening Day start against the Diamondbacks, but he seriously struggled away from home last season. He was just 2-7 with a 5.54 ERA on the road. Darvish pitched well in his two home starts against the Giants last year but he was hit hard in his only start in San Francisco. The Giants were one of the best home teams in the league last season, take the Giants at home.

Madison Bumgarner really struggled with command in his first start of the season walking four straight batters before being pulled after 3 IP. The Diamondbacks bullpen actually pitched pretty well that night and they were able to come back for the win. However, they lost three games in a row after that. The Astros were one of the best teams in the league last season at hitting lefties with the 4th best wOBA in the league. Madison Bumgarner did face the Astros once throwing a 7-inning gem last season, but I don’t see that happening again. The Astros were off yesterday so they have all their top bullpen arms available. They should also have everyone back in the lineup besides Yuli Gurriel, who is on paternity leave. Luis Garcia has another year of experience now and if he doesn’t pitch well, Dusty Baker has the option to go to his bullpen. Take the Astros on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

 Honestly, I am not really sure why the Dodgers are so cheap here. Heaney struggled in Spring Training, but once again, players don’t care about results in Spring Training. Andrew Heaney isn’t one of their top guys, but he is more than capable of pitching a gem at any point, and the Twins struggled against lefties last season ranked just 22nd in the league in wOBA. Heaney also faced the Twins once last season pitching a 7-inning gem, only allowing 2 ER. Chris Archer is starting for the Twins today and I am surprised he is still in the league. The Twins also used their top bullpen arms in their last two games, both wins. The Dodgers lost 2 of 3 games at Colorado but the Rockies were one of the best home teams in the league last season. The Dodgers had yesterday off so they should be ready and rested, take the Dodgers on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

We got incredibly lucky on the Phillies coming back to beat the Mets on Monday but will roll the dice again on the home side behind 2021 NL Cy Young runner-up Zack Wheeler. He was 7-5 with a 2.38 ERA at home last season and 3-1 with a 2.10 ERA in five starts against his former Mets team. Hey, and here's hoping that Alec Bohm isn't in the starting lineup for the Phillies after his three errors and F-bomb on Monday! (Bohm isn't in the lineup) New York did use four relievers last night because starter Taijuan Walker left early, so that group might be a bit thin. Tonight's NYM starter Tylor Megill was very good in his season debut but that was at weak-hitting Washington. Megill had a 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings last year vs. the Phils. I'm a bit surprised this is only -150.

Rating: 2 Units

This line has been dropping so Ill happily take the White Sox now at this value. Matt Brash hasn’t pitched above double A and he has only played in the minor leagues for two seasons. He did pitch well in Spring Training which is why I think the public money is coming in on the Mariners, but the real thing is a completely different story. This will be the White Sox home opener and they should have their full lineup in. Vince Velasquez has struggled his past couple seasons but I don’t think he will pitch more than 3 innings today. The White Sox had yesterday off so they have all their bullpen arms available. Mariners also have a very good bullpen, and they should have their top arms available as well. However, the White Sox have a big lineup advantage, and they were very good at home last season at 53-28. Take the White Sox in their home opener.

Rating: 2 Units

If you are going to tail, I recommend doing it soon because this total has dropped to 8 at many books. Cincinnati is a great hitters' park but the wind is blowing in a bit today and that game time should have some affect on batters in terms of shadows around home plate. Yes, the Guardians have been raking the past two days -- Steven Kwan!?!? -- in Kansas City but Reds starter Tyler Mahle was good in his season debut and is countered by former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber of the Guards (that's my shortened nickname for them), and he should largely shut down Cincinnati.

Rating: 2 Units

Tuesday will be the Red Sox's fifth straight game without a day off, and while that doesn't sound like much, I get the feeling Alex Cora will rest a regular or two with the early start -- plus, Trevor Story remains away from the team with an illness. We won on Tigers RL in this matchup Monday and will thus go right back to it. Detroit starter Tyler Alexander had a serviceable 3.81 ERA last year. The Sox start 85-year-old Rich Hill (not really 85 but sure feels like it). Can't imagine Hill is out there long at his age (42). He was blistered in his final spring start. Tigers RL at -140.

Rating: 2 Units

The main reason I like this under is because both teams have their top bullpen options available. I don’t completely trust Elieser Hernandez or Michael Lorenzen, but both teams have options to bring players in early if need be. Neither of these teams have been scoring much lately, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a top bat on either side get the day off. I think this ends up around 5-4 at the highest, take the under.

Rating: 2 Units

I wanna preface this with I have a feeling this line is completely off, but we still have to take advantage while its here. However, Josh Rogers made six starts last season and actually pitching pretty decently. He did have trouble with walks however, and 5 of the 6 teams he faced were in the bottom 10 in wOBA against lefties last season. The Braves were actually ranked just 20th in the league in wOBA against lefties last season, however they added a few key right handed bats in the offseason. I would expect Matt Olson to be the only lefty in the lineup today, and Rogers allowed a .286 BA against righties last season. The Braves won 14 of the 19 games between these teams last season and 6 of the last 7 games between them overall. Huascar Ynoa faced the Nats three times last season and didn’t allow an earned run in the first two while only allowing 2 ER in the third game. Take the Braves at home. This line did rise since I posted as expected, but I would still play it up to -160 or -170.

Rating: 2 Units

 I understand, I suppose, why the Yankees are home dogs (barely and they might not be much longer) but I'm going to take advantage of it at -165 on the runline because their starting pitcher, Jameson Taillon, was much better at Yankee Stadium than away in 2021. The Bombers will also have closer Aroldis Chapman available after he wasn't going to be Sunday night. Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo are both raking for NYY.

Rating: 2 Units

The Mets added a couple right-handed bats in Mark Canha and Starling Marte in the offseason that should help, but they were still ranked 25th in the league in wOBA against lefties last season. Both these teams also lost yesterday, so both teams should have just about every bullpen arm available. This is important for the Phillies because they don’t have much depth after their top arms. The Phillies were 47-34 at home last season and they were 6-3 against the Mets at home. Mets were a lowly 30-51 on the road last season despite winning 3 of 4 in Washington to start the season. Ranger Suarez was lowkey one of the best pitchers in the league last season finishing 8-5 with a 1.36 ERA in 106 IP. Taijuan Walker was solid against the Phillies last season, but he was also 3-7 with a 5.82 ERA on the road. Take the Phillies at home.