Be sure to check all updates as this article is written the night before and picks can change with new information!
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
The Pirates surprisingly take game 1 of the series on opening day by a score of 5-3. To get back at the Pirates, the Cubs will send out Arrieta in his first start with Chicago. Arrieta has been solid in the past but had an average Spring Training. Through 16 2/3 innings, he let up 19 hits and 8 Runs while striking 14 batters. On the plus side, he did only let up 5 walks.
The Pirates were eliminated from playoff contention before the season even started from fans and analysts alike. Although they won the first game, this will hold true. In game 2, the Pirates will send out Anderson. The 31-year-old pitcher played 18 innings in Spring Training he let up 21 hits and 10 runs while striking out 18 batters which is a positive outlook.
The Cubs are the favorite at home with a moneyline of -165. The Cubs vastly outhit the Cubs 9-2. The Cubs got off to a slow start, but I expect this to change game 2 which is why I suggest taking the Cubs ML.
Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers
The Tigers surprised sports bettors by taking game 1 of the series in a narrow margin by a score of 3-2. Despite the Indians looking like the better team, the hometown team was able to squeeze out the victory by the leadership Cabrera.
Teheran will get the nod on the mound in hopes of leading the Tigers to a 2-0 start. He played 14 2/3 innings in Spring Training. He did let up 9 runs during his time on the mound but 6 of them came from his last start against the Phillies. He had a decent Spring Training that saw 18 Ks and and only 4 walks.
To take game 2 and go to .500, the Indians will start Plesac. Through roughly 22 innings in Spring Training, he was less than stellar to say the least. He got lit up for 27 hits and 17 runs. Pretty bad considering he has been solid in the past. The only positive to take away from his Spring Training was he averaged almost a strike out an inning while only walking 6 batters. He is an all or sort of pitcher these days.
The Indians are the obvious favorite in the road at -165. The Indians may be the road team but have been a great team in the past with a winning record while the opposite holds true for the Tigers. The Indians were the better hitters last game despite losing. Look for Plesac to excel in this start as the Indians ML is the play.
Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals
Although the Kansas City Royals are a far cry from their World Series run, they managed to get the hits they needed to outgun the Rangers 14-10 in a high scoring affair. This was an excellent game to watch as the bats were going for both sides.
The Royals will send out their second pitcher in the rotation which is Minor. Through 18 innings, the 33 year old pitcher got lit up for 18 runs. In hopes of a rebound, he will make his first start as a Royal against his former team. Hopefully all of the practices last year will help him get a feel for the Rangers batters as he will need any advantage he can get.
To counter Minor, they will send out the Japanese native Arihara who had a fairly decent Spring Training. Through 14 innings, he let up only 7 runs while striking out 11 batters. For some one who hasn’t pitched in the MLB, it’s pretty good.
The Royals are the favorite at home with a line of -165. However, after both teams came out slugging, you have to play the number in this game making the Rangers +145 the play. The underdog does win.
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Saint Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
The Cardinals came out absolutely swinging out of the gate and didn’t let up. Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt era has begun in STL. The combined duo went 6-10 from the batters box.
This matchup will be extra interesting for the new look Cardinals. However some things die hard, which is why Adam Wainwright will get the nod to take game 2 for the Cards. Wainwright has been a legacy for the Cardinals so naming his stats will be pointless because we all know what we get from him.
The Reds will attempt to slow down the Crads onslaught with Mahle. The veteran got 2 starts in Spring Training. Through 5 innings, he let up 5 hits, 5 runs and struck out 6 batters making this an even matchup on the mound with the Cardinals, which means the best bats will win.
The Reds vs Cardinals line is the same as last game with the reds as slight favorites at -115. Like last game, I suggest you play the numbers. The Cardinals bats were on fire and the -105 is the better play.
Honorable Mentions
These are picks I have money on but for sake of length, I will only list the plays without analysis because I believe it will do a disservice by not including them!
Padres -200
Dodgers -230
Athletics Even
Braves -115
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