MLB moneyline against the spread ATS Over Under OU total run line – Page 311

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Opening Day on Thursday to start a 4-game series at Dodger Stadium. First pitch will take place at 10:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: This is the 1st meeting of 2023. The Dodgers went 14-5 against the Diamondbacks in 2022.

Arizona posted a 74-88 record while finishing 4th in the NL West last season. The Diamondbacks are expected to have their young OFs Corbin Carroll and Jake McCarthy lead the way in the lineup in 2023.

The Dodgers notched an impressive 111-51 record in 2022, but lost in the NL Division Series to the San Diego Padres. Los Angeles is tied for the 3rd-best odds to win the World Series this season with the New York Yankees.

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Diamondbacks at Dodgers projected starters

RHP Zac Gallen vs. LHP Julio Urias

Gallen was 12-4 in 31 starts last season with a 2.54 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, and 9.4 K/9 in 184 IP.

Finished 5th in NL Cy Young voting in 2022
Led the league in WHIP and H/9 last season

Urias posted a 17-7 record in 31 starts in 2022 with a 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 8.5 K/9 in 175 IP.

Was 3rd in NL Cy Young voting in 2022
Had the best ERA in baseball last season and has back-to-back seasons of 17-plus wins.

Diamondbacks at Dodgers nickname odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:12 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Diamondbacks +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Dodgers -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Diamondbacks +1.5 (-150) | Dodgers -1.5 (+130)
Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -122 | U: +101)

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Diamondbacks at Dodgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Dodgers 6, Diamondbacks 4

Moneyline

PASS.

The Dodgers are expected to begin the season with a win, but taking them straight up at the current odds (-170) isn’t worth doing. I’m fine taking Los Angeles in parlays at the current odds, though.

Run line/Against the spread

DODGERS -1.5 (+130) has some value with Los Angeles having plenty of success against Arizona in recent years. The Dodgers are 39-12 against the Diamondbacks in the last 51 meetings and getting them to win by 2-plus runs at plus odds is worth the value.

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Over/Under

OVER 7 (-122) is the selection in this NL West matchup despite it being cooler weather than usual in Los Angeles. Gallen and Urias are on the mound, but teams will likely ease starters into their usual workload as the season progresses.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros begin a 4-game set at Minute Maid Park on Opening Day Thursday. First pitch will take place at 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: This will be the first meeting of 2023. The Astros won the season series 4-3 in 2022.

The White Sox missed the playoffs in 2022 with an 81-81 record, finishing 2nd in the AL Central and 5 games back of the final AL Wild Card. Chicago is hoping to have healthier versions of OF Luis Robert, OF Eloy Jimenez, and SS Tim Anderson this season, none of whom played 100 games last year.

Houston is coming off a World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. The Astros will begin the season without 2B Jose Altuve after he suffered a fractured thumb in the World Baseball Classic and underwent surgery that will keep him sidelined for at least 2 months.

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White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Dylan Cease vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Cease went 14-8 in 32 starts during the 2022 season. He finished with a 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 11.1 K/9 in 184 IP.

Finished as the runner-up for the AL Cy Young award in 2022 behind former Astros RHP Justin Verlander (currently with the New York Mets)
Had at least 5 IP in all but 4 starts last season

Valdez produced a 17-6 record in 31 starts during the 2022 season, finishing with a 2.82 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, and 8.7 K/9 in 201 1/3 IP/

Was 5th in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022
Registered the 5th most IP among pitchers last season

White Sox at Astros odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): White Sox +123 (bet $100 to win $123) | Astros -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-180) | Astros -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -125 | U: +102)

White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Moneyline

HOUSTON (-140) is worth taking straight up at -150 odds or better as it looks to start the season strong after winning the World Series in 2022.

Run line/Against the spread

ASTROS -1.5 (+140) is the pick as they boast of the best lineups in baseball even with Altuve sidelined.

The White Sox are 10-22 in the last 32 meetings with the Astros, including losses of 16 and 10 runs in two games last season.

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Over/Under

While Cease and Valdez will be taking the mound on Thursday, OVER 7 (-125) is the lean but only because they likely won’t pitch their usual number of innings.

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Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres meet Thursday for Opening Day. First pitch from Petco Park is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockies vs. Padres odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Padres won the season series 10-9 in 2022.

Colorado is expected to have another “rockie” season in 2023 that won’t be made any easier playing in the same division as the free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers, the new-look and high-priced Padres and the San Francisco Giants. The Rockies are likely to be battling the Arizona Diamondbacks to avoid the NL West cellar.

The Padres already potent lineup added free-agent SS Xander Bogaerts to the mix, joining big boppers OF Juan Soto, 3B Manny Machado, 1B Jake Cronenworth and DH Matt Carpenter in a star-studded lineup. OF Fernando Tatis Jr. will also be in the mix soon once his suspension from last season is finished in late April.

Top to bottom, this is a ridiculous lineup, and the pitching isn’t too shabby, either. LHP Blake Snell takes the ball on Opening Day, and he is joined in the rotation by RHPs Yu Darvish, Nick Martinez and Michael Wacha, and Joe Musgrove (fractured toe), once he is healthy.

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Rockies at Padres projected starters

RHP German Marquez vs. LHP Blake Snell

Marquez (9-13, 4.95 ERA in 2022) posted a 1.37 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 181 2/3 IP across 31 starts last season.

Went 7-7 with a 3.43 ERA and .204 opponent batting average (OBA) with 70 K over 94 1/3 IP in 15 road starts vs. 2-6 with a 6.70 ERA and .317 BAA across 87 1/3 IP in 16 home outings
Was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA with 2 HR allowed and 13 K across 12 IP in 2 starts vs. San Diego in 2022

Snell (8-10, 3.38 ERA in 2022) posted a 1.20 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 12.0 K/9 across 128 IP in 24 starts last season.

Was 1-4 with a 4.79 ERA and 47 K in 35 2/3 IP in 7 starts and 1 relief appearance in daytime games in 2022
Went 4-8 with a 3.56 ERA and .227 OBA with 108 K in 81 IP across 15 home outings in ’22
Posted a 1-1 record, 5.31 ERA and .250 OBA with 12 BB and 26 K across 20 1/3 IP in 4 starts vs. Colorado in 2022

Rockies at Padres odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockies +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Padres -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rockies +1.5 (-125) | Padres -1.5 (+105)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

Rockies at Padres picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 6, Rockies 2

Moneyline

The Padres (-210) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive for a singular moneyline play — although it is acceptable to include in a multi-team parlay.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

The PADRES -1.5 (+105) have the offense to pound almost any pitcher any day. Marquez posted some impressive numbers on the road last season, and he handled himself okay against the Padres, so go with a half-unit play at most Thursday. The Rockies were a thorn in the side of San Diego all season last year.

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Over/Under

OVER 7.5 (-105) is also worth playing lightly. The Over cashed in 4 of the final 5 meetings between these NL West combatants last season. In this Opening Day affair, we have a couple of pitchers who are good but not great and a powerful San Diego offense. We should see at least 8 total runs if not a few more.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers meet Thursday to open a 3-game interleague series at Globe Life Field. First pitch in the Opening Day tilt is at 4:05 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Phillies vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Texas won 4 meetings in 2022.

The Phillies lost the 2022 World Series to the Houston Astros (4-2). Philadelphia wrapped up string training 16-15 and lost 1B Rhys Hoskins for the season to a torn ACL.

The Rangers failed to make the playoffs last year as they found themselves near the bottom of the American League with a 68-94 record. Texas is expected to struggle again this season and has the 4th longest odds to win the AL West.

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Phillies at Rangers projected starters

RHP Aaron Nola vs. RHP Jacob deGrom

Nola went 11-13 with a 3.25 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 through 205 IP in 2022.

Allowed 1 or fewer runs in 4 of his final starts in 2022.
Has never faced the Rangers in his career.

deGrom finished 2002 with a 5-4 record, 3.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 14.3 K/9 across 64 1/3 IP as a member of the New York Mets.

Tossed 6-scoreless innings and earned a victory in his lone start vs. the Phillies last season.
Missed the second half of the 2021 season with UCL inflammation and was sidelined until August last year with a stress reaction in his right scapula.

Phillies at Rangers odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Phillies +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Rangers -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Phillies +1.5 (-200) | Rangers -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Phillies at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 5, Phillies 4

Moneyline

The Rangers were 34-47 at home in 2022, while the Phillies went 40-41 on the road. Nola was 5-9 in 16 road starts last season.

deGrom had a ridiculous 0.75 WHIP in his 11 starts to finish the year as he looked like he had returned to his dominant form. However, he won’t likely pitch deep into the game given how early in the season it is — but it will be deep enough to give the Rangers a win on Opening Day.

BET RANGERS (-135).

Run line/Against the spread

The Rangers had the 4th-best ATS record in all of baseball at 88-74 ATS, while the Phillies went a respectable 92-87 ATS (including the postseason).

Expect a close game with two aces on the mound, but this early in the season on short leashes we may see more bullpen action than we might expect.

Betting the Phillies +1.5 (-200) to cover doesn’t have enough value and I don’t feel good enough with a multi-run win for Texas -1.5 (+165) without seeing more from them this season.

PASS.

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Over/Under

Two of their 4 games against each other last season had 7 or more runs.

The starters won’t go deep into the game, so expect some runs to be allowed by the bullpens.

BET OVER 6.5 (-115).

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Toronto Blue Jays at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Toronto Blue Jays at St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals meet Thursday to open a 3-game series at Busch Stadium. First pitch in the Opening Day contest is slated for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. The teams split 4 games in 2022.

Toronto went 92-70 to finish 7 games behind the New York Yankees for the 2022 AL East flag. The Blue Jays started fast (14-8) and finished strong (22-11), but were a just above-average team in between.

The Cardinals won the NL Central, going 93-69 last season. Fifty-three of those 93 wins came at home. Overall, St. Louis averaged 4.77 runs per game while allowing 3.93.

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Blue Jays at Cardinals projected starters

RHP Alek Manoah vs. RHP Miles Mikolas

Manoah went 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA last season. He posted a 0.99 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 in 196 2/3 IP.

Had some minor road struggles in his 2021 rookie season but remedied those in 2022 when he clocked a 2.07 ERA, 1.06 WHIP south of the border
Owns a sparkling 1.90 ERA over 10 career starts in April and May

In 2022, Mikolas notched a 12-13 record with a 3.29 ERA 1.03 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 202 1/3 IP.

Had a 4.10 ERA on the road in 2022, but was dialed in to the tune of a 2.38 mark at Busch Stadium
Allowed 1 ER in 18 combined innings in spring training and in the World Baseball Classic

Blue Jays at Cardinals odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:29 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Blue Jays -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Cardinals -105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays -1.5 (+145) | Cardinals +1.5 (-170)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Blue Jays at Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Blue Jays 4, Cardinals 3

Moneyline

Peg these as solid numbers for this pitching matchup between these 2 likely playoff contenders. The righty-righty matchup and the way bullpens match up against top right-handed bats plays a bit in Toronto’s favor. Would consider the Jays more if they were priced at -110 or better. Otherwise …

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

No lean either way. St. Louis figures to be solid at home, but the Blue Jays have been a good road club.

AVOID.

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Over/Under

The Cardinal offense came out of the gate slowly last season (.661 OPS in March/April) and figures to be on its weak platoon side against a righty starter. With this mound matchup (and both starters having pitched well in spring training) and both bullpens being a square 1, figure on a low-scoring affair. TAKE THE UNDER 7.5 (-110).

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Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals hit the field for the 1st time in 2023 on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: The Twins held a 12-7 mark over Kansas City in 2022.

Minnesota finished 2022 with a 78-84 record, placing 3rd in the AL Central. The Twins were above .500 for most of the season, but hit a slump in September and October, going 11-22 during those months.

The Royals finished 65-97 last year, placing last in the AL Central for the 2nd time in 5 seasons. Kansas City’s 640 runs scored were 4th-worst in the American League and its 810 runs allowed were last in the AL.

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Twins at Royals projected starters

RHP Pablo Lopez vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Lopez makes debut with the Twins after spending the 1st 5 years of his MLB career with the Miami Marlins. He finished 10-10 last year with a 3.75 ERA, and had a 1.18 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 180 IP.

Started last season off hot, allowing just 1 ER in his 1st 4 starts
Went 3-3 in his last 10 starts in 2022 with a 4.15 ERA

Greinke enters his 20th season and makes is 2nd straight Opening Day start for the Royals. He was 4-9 last season with a 3.68 ERA, and had a 1.34 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 4.8 K/9 in 137 IP.

Went 0-4 in 5 starts vs. Minnesota last season
Was 1-3 in his last 10 starts in 2022; had a 1.81 ERA in his final 8 starts, allowing just 9 ER

Twins at Royals odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:09 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Twins -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Royals +135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (+110) | Royals +1.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -122 | U: +101)

Twins at Royals picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 4, Royals 3

Moneyline

The Royals surprisingly dominated spring training, going 19-13 in the Cactus League and scoring the most runs in the MLB. While spring training stats can be misleading, it could be a sign that Kansas City’s bats are entering the season hot. However, 39-year-old Greinke had a couple of tough outings against Minnesota last year.

The Twins, meanwhile, are rolling with Lopez who hopes to improve upon his good 2022 campaign. Lopez had 174 strikeouts last year and allowed a batting average of just .234. He also tends to start seasons strong. Expect him to have a good showing against the Royals.

BET TWINS -155, or combine it in a parlay if you’re not feeling the low payout.

Run line/Against the spread

With two good starters facing off, this could be a tight one up until the bullpen comes into play. With that it mind, it’s probably not worth buying runs until we see some real-deal major league action first.

PASS on the spread.

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Over/Under

The 8.5 total seems a bit steep for Opening Day with starters who had sub-4.00 ERAs last season, though this game could blow up depending on how the bullpens show up for each squad. For now, we’ll point to the fact that the Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings between these AL Central rivals as a reason to back the Under.

LEAN UNDER 8.5 RUNS (+101).

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Pirates battle the Cincinnati Reds in the season-opener Thursday. First pitch from Great American Ball Park is set for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Pittsburgh won 12 of 19 meetings in 2022.

The Reds finished in 4th place in the NL Central a season ago, ending the 2022 at 62-100. First baseman Joey Votto and 2B Jonathan India are the team’s most notable batters.

The only team as bad in the division as Cincinnati last season was Pittsburgh. The Pirates also finished 62-100. LF Bryan Reynolds led the team with 27 HRs last season, and he will be back on the roster for the 2023 season.

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Pirates at Reds projected starters

RHP Mitch Keller vs. RHP Hunter Greene

The 26-year-old Keller went 5-12 during his 4th season with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He closed the year with 3.4 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 159 IP.

Allowed just 14 HRs in 31 games (29 starts) last season
Was 4-5 on the road last season with a 4.13 ERA in 14 games (13 starts)

Greene went 5-13 during his 1st MLB season with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. He notched 3.4 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 in 125 2/3 IP.

Allowed 24 HRs in 24 starts in 2022, although he gave up just 1 HR in his last 6 games.
Was 3-6 at home as opposed to 2-7 on the road.

Pirates at Reds odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Reds -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-175) | Reds -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)

Pirates at Reds nickname picks and predictions

Prediction

Reds 5, Pirates 3

Moneyline

BET REDS (-140).

In the Reds’ 1st 2 home series against the Pirates last year, they went 3-2. The 23-year-old Greene should be able to produce, having had a full offseason after his rookie campaign.

While you can’t put much stock into it, Cincinnati was 15-14 in spring training while Pittsburgh was 9-18. The Pirates were 2-9 as the road team in spring training.

The Reds were 33-48 at home last season while Pittsburgh was 28-53 on the road. Cincinnati should have the talent and pitching to come out on top on Opening Day in what is typically a holiday in the Queen City.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

The value here is on Cincinnati -1.5 (+150), but considering it will be without Votto for the opener, I would pass and play them on the juiced moneyline.

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-117).

In 14 road games last season, Keller had a 4.13 ERA and in 72 IP he allowed just 6 HRs. The veteran should have a solid outing.

Greene is a rising star and should perform well. Pittsburgh ended spring training with just 136 runs in 27 games, so it isn’t an ultra-strong offensive side either.

With Votto out and the Reds with a relatively new group of 1st-teamers, back the UNDER 8.5 (-117).

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New York Mets at Miami Marlins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s New York Mets at Miami Marlins odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Mets and Miami Marlins meet Thursday for Opening Day. First pitch at loanDepot park in Miami is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Mets vs. Marlins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Mets won the season series 13-6 in 2022.

The Mets made some bold moves during the offseason, including the signing of free-agent RHPs Justin Verlander and Japanese import Kodai Senga, as well as the re-signing of OF Brandon Nimmo. LHP Jose Quintana was an underrated signing, too, bolstering the pitching staff.

It wasn’t all great this offseason, however, as RP Edwin Diaz suffered a knee injury during a Team Puerto Rico celebration at the World Baseball Classic, and the Mets now have no clear-cut closer at the back end of their bullpen.

That devastating injury happened on the field of the Marlins, and so did the Japan-USA WBC Final, an instant classic. It might be the best baseball we see in Miami all season.

The Marlins have the 3rd-longest odds to win the National League at +4000, despite adding reigning American League batting champ Luis Arraez at the top of the team’s order. This is a mish-mash batting order with a mix of veterans and younger players which could make some noise, but the pitching staff is just so-so after defending NL Cy Young winner RHP Sandy Alcantara.

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Mets at Marlins projected starters

RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara

Scherzer (11-5, 2.29 ERA) posted a 0.91 WHIP, 1.49 BB/9 and 10.71 K/9 across 145 1/3 IP in 23 starts in 2022.

Went 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA and 32 K across 24 IP in 4 daytime starts in 2022
Did not face the Marlins in 2022, but went 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA with 16 K across 2 starts in 2021 vs. Miami, including 1 CG

Alcantara (14-9, 2.28 ERA) posted an 0.98 WHIP, 1.97 BB/9 and 8.15 K/9 across 228 2/3 IP in 32 starts in 2022.

Was in mid-season form in Grapefruit League spring play, going 1-0 in 4 starts with a 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 IP with 15 K and a 0.75 WHIP
Posted a 9-4 record and minuscule 1.64 ERA with a .191 opponent batting average (OBA) and 109 K across 121 IP in 16 home starts with 3 CG in 2022
Went 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA and .248 OBA with 3 HR allowed and 21 K across 27 IP in 4 starts vs. NYM in 2022

Mets at Marlins odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Mets -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Marlins +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Mets -1.5 (+150) | Marlins +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Mets at Marlins picks and predictions

Prediction

Mets 4, Marlins 2

Moneyline

The METS (-125) are worth backing in the opener against the Marlins, as New York has a star-studded offense looking to hit the ground running.

This should be a lower-scoring game against Alcantara, the defending NL Cy Young winner, but look for New York to scratch ahead against the bullpen in this NL East showdown.

Run line/Against the spread

The METS -1.5 (+150) are worth a look on the run line, but go lightly with a half-unit play at best.

Again, it might start out as a well-pitched battle, as Scherzer and Alcantara keep the bats quiet early on. However, New York should be able to get to the bullpen late and push ahead by at least 2 runs, but expect to sweat it out.

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Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-105) is a low total, but we have pitching royalty on the bump for both teams. Scherzer and Alcantara should get off to a great start after the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day. These 2 pitchers are gifted, and should hold the score down significantly until we get some late offense against the bullpens.

We saw the Over go 12-6-1 in 2022 in 19 battles between these teams, so we’re going a little against the grain. That includes the total going high at a 6-2-1 clip in 9 battles in Miami. Still, the Under went 4-0 in Alcantara’s final 4 starts of 2022, and the Under went 5-0 in his final 5 home outings last season.

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Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays meet Thursday for Opening Day. First pitch at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Tigers vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Rays won the season series 5-2 in 2022.

The Tigers were just so-so in Grapefruit League play during the spring, going 14-16. Spring might have been the most exciting time for Tigers fans, as the books strongly feeling Detroit won’t qualify for the postseason, with odds at +1100 to get into the playoffs.

Young Tigers 1B Spencer Torkelson is expected to be in the middle of the team’s order, behind SS Javier Baez and OF Austin Meadows in the order, but before, and after, that, Detroit fans likely can excuse themselves for a hot dog and beer and not miss much action.

The Rays won 86 games last season, but were eliminated in the wild-card round by the Cleveland Guardians. Tampa Bay has a much brighter outlook, as far as the books are concerned, with -190 odds to make the playoffs, and +1000 odds to win the American League and go to the World Series.

Tampa Bay looks to get off to a hot start against Detroit, a team it went 5-2 against last season, including 2-1 in a 3-game set at Tropicana Field May 16-18.

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Tigers at Rays projected starters

LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs. LHP Shane McClanahan

Rodriguez (5-5, 4.05 ERA) posted a 1.33 WHIP, 3.36 BB/9 and 7.12 K/9 across 91 IP in 17 starts in 2022, his 1st season with the Tigers.

Tore it up in spring, going 1-0 with a 1.47 ERA and 1.25 WHIP and 21 Ks in 18 1/3 IP across 5 starts
Was pounded for 3 ER, 4 H and 2 B while retiring just 1 batter in a loss in St. Petersburg on May 18 in his only ’22 start vs. TB

McClanahan (12-8, 2.54 ERA) posted an 0.93 WHIP, 2.06 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 across 166 1/3 IP in 28 starts in 2022, his 2nd full season in the majors.

Sparkled in Grapefruit League spring play, going 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA across 9 2/3 IP with 10 K and a 0.72 WHIP in 3 starts
Went 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and .204 opponent batting average (OBA), walking 0 batters and striking out 10 across 13 1/3 IP in 2022 vs. Detroit
Was 9-5 with a 2.81 ERA, .209 OBA ad 127 K in 105 2/3 IP in 18 home starts in ’22

Tigers at Rays odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:09 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tigers +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Rays -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers +1.5 (-125) | Rays -1.5 (+105)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -122 | U: +101)

Tigers at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 4, Tigers 1

Moneyline

The Rays (-230) will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s quite costly, even with their ace on the hill against a team expected to be among the worst in the majors.

The Tigers (+195) should get a decent pitching effort from the southpaw E-Rod, so it’s best to PASS, and look to the run line instead.

Run line/Against the spread

The RAYS -1.5 (+105) is a better value play. Rodriguez will make it hard on the Tampa bats, but the Tigers +1.5 (-125) will also struggle to cobble together much offense against McClanahan. The Tigers were dead-last in 2022 with 557 runs scored, and they didn’t make any notable moves to improve the offense.

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Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+101) is a rather low number, but expect good pitching on both sides from the southpaw starters.

Both Rodriguez and McClanahan threw up a lot of donuts in spring training, and we usually see pitching ahead of the hitting during the early going of the season.

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Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs kick off their 2023 seasons with a Thursday matchup at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Brewers vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First of 13 meetings in 2023; Cubs took the 2022 season series 10-9.

The Brewers finished 2022 in 2nd place in the NL Central at 86-76 and missed the playoffs after finishing 95-67 in 2021 and 1st in division. Chicago was 74-88 last season and 3rd in the NL Central. They were 71-91 and 4th in 2021.

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Brewers at Cubs projected starters

RHP Corbin Burnes vs. RHP Marcus Stroman

Burnes went 12-8 last year with a 2.94 ERA. He posted a 0.965 WHIP and 2.27 BB/9 with 10.83 K/9 in 202 IP.

In 15 road starts last year he went 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.018 WHIP
Was 1-0 in his 4 March/April games last season, posting a 1.75 ERA and 0.740 WHIP

Stroman went 6-7 last season with a 3.50 ERA. He also clocked a 1.147 WHIP with 2.34 BB/9 and 7.72 K/9 in 138.2 IP.

Went 0-3 in his 4 March/April starts with a 6.98 ERA and 1.448 WHIP
In 12 home starts in 2022 he went 3-5 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.321 WHIP

Brewers at Cubs odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:04 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Brewers -140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Cubs +120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Brewers -1.5 (+120) | Cubs +1.5 (-140)
Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -125 | U: -102)

Brewers at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Brewers 4

Moneyline

LEAN CUBS +120.

The Cubs, despite being the home underdog, have a very good chance of winning this game. Chicago won its last 6 home games last season. The Brewers do seem to be starting a stronger pitcher, but Milwaukee is also only 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago, making the Cubs the safer lean here, especially at plus-money.

Run line/Against the spread

BET CUBS +1.5 (-140).

Whether the Cubs win or lose they should be able to keep this game within 1 run. The Brewers are the slightly better team, but 6 of the last 10 meetings were within 2 runs, with Chicago winning 5 of those games.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 7 (-125).

The Over/Under is 4-5-1 in the last 10 meetings and 15-7-3 in the last 25 meetings overall. The Over is 8-2-3 in the last 13 meetings in Chicago.

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