Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates return home after a strong win in Cincinnati last time out. Trevor Williams had an excellent afternoon behind the mound, allowing just 3 hits and no runs through 6 innings. The offence was also in full force, with both Frazier and Cabrera managing multiple hits in a 5-run outing.

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals struggled in their opening series against Milwaukee, losing 3 of 4 total games. It was definitely the bullpen that cost them in yesterday’s loss, allowing 4 earned runs in just 3 innings. Paul Goldschmidt still remains one of the game’s premier 1^st basemen, whilst Paul DeJong had a solid 2 RBI yesterday.

Prediction: Cardinals $2.15

Adam Wainwright is still a very solid pitcher at this level and I expect him to do a solid job for St Louis here. I’m not as sold on Pirates pitcher Chris Archer and really think he could be in for a tough time in this one. At $2.15, there is too much value on St Louis to ignore.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves return home after what was a relatively tough opening series against Philly. Whilst they’ve come up against a very strong Philadelphia offence, the pitching staff just hasn’t been at it so far. Guys like Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson are already firing for the Braves this season, which makes me think they can turn it around here.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs lost a heartbreaker in the bottom of the 9^th against Texas yesterday to go 1-2. This was in large part due to a poor display from the usually strong pitching staff, allowing 10 earned runs through 9 innings. The offence did show a few signs of light, with both Zobrist and Rizzo registering 2 RBI.

Prediction: Braves $2

Despite a tough start to the seasons, I still think the Braves will be well in playoff contention this season. I think Sean Newcomb is an underrated pitcher in the market and should enjoy a strong season debut here. Getting even money, expect Atlanta to celebrate their home opener in style here.

San Diego Padres

The Padres wrapped up a very solid opening series with a 3-1 win over the Giants yesterday. Chris Paddack was excellent behind the mound, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run through 5 innings. The offence also produced when needed, with both Wil Myers and Austin Hedges managing 2 hits.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Things haven’t been as rosy for the D-Backs, who started the season with a 1-3 series against the fancied Dodgers. Luke Weaver didn’t have his best day at the mound, allowing 6 hits and 5 earned before being pulled in the 5^th. The offence has still been producing however, with Marte, Ahmed, and Weaver all registering 2 RBI.

Prediction: Padres $1.65

The Padres have gotten off to a strong start to the season and I fancy them to continue that here. In addition to a strong home field, I also fancy this pitching matchup and expect Matt Strahm to have a solid outing in this one. As long as the offence can continue humming along, they look strong value here.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins finally got on the board yesterday, with a 7-3 win being their maiden victory of the season. Pablo Lopez got a well-earned win for the pitching staff, whilst Nick Anderson closed the game out nicely. Leadoff hitter Miguel Rojas led the way with an impressive 3 RBI, supported by Curtis Granderson who had 2 himself.

Colorado Rockies

Despite the loss yesterday, the Rockies have started the season positively and look well-positioned going forward. Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl have led the way for a solid offence, both registering 3 RBI this season. The pitching staff also started the season nicely, only allowing 4 runs through the first 2 games.

Prediction: Rockies $1.62

Colorado is comfortably the better side in this matchup and I expect them to extend their dominance here. The right-handed pitching of Jon Gray is solid at this level and I see a strong day for the Rockies defence. Throw in some solid hitting from Blackmon and Dahl and you’ve got the recipe for another road win.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers got their maiden win of the season yesterday with an impressive 8-6 win over the Cubs. Joey Gallo led the way with 3 RBI, whilst Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera both added 2 each. They also won in spite of a poor day from Edinson Volquez on the mound, who allowed 4 earned through 4 innings.

Chicago Cubs

After a promising opening day for the Cubs, yesterday was somewhat of a disappointment. This was primarily from the pitching staff, where Yu Darvish only went 2.2 innings. Things weren’t too bad from an offensive standpoint, with both Schwarber and Contreras having 2 RBI.

Prediction: Cubs $1.70

I’m a big believer in Cole Hamels and I expect him to win the pitching duel over Lance Lynn in this one. The Cubs offence has also come out the gate firing and I expect at least a few runs here. At $1.70, I think they’re well over the odds to take this one.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies remain undefeated in the Bryce Harper era after getting their second win over Atlanta yesterday. Harper himself enjoyed an RBI in the win, but was overshadowed with 3 each for Realmuto and Franco. Nick Pivetta didn’t have his best day on the mound, but the bullpen was able to pick up the slack.

Atlanta Braves

It isn’t easy for Atlanta having to open things up in Philly but they would’ve hoped for a better start. Young Bryse Wilson struggled in his first start this season, going just 3.1 innings and allowing 4 earned in the process. Freddie Freeman managed an impressive 4 hits yesterday, whilst Dansby Swanson added 2 RBI.

Prediction: Phillies $1.65

Whilst the Braves will be motivated to turn things around, Philly will definitely be up for this primetime game. Jake Arrieta is quality as a 3^rd starter and I expect another masterclass from him today. With Harper set to break out at any moment, I love the Phillies at this price.

Philadelphia Phillies

The fancied Phillies got their season and this series underway with a solid 10-4 win on Friday. Rhys Hoskins and Maikel Franco did the damage offensively, combining for 7 RBI where Bryce Harper didn’t have a single hit. Aaron Nola was unsurprisingly effective on the mound, allowing just 1 earned run in his 6 innings pitched.

Atlanta Braves

Whilst the Braves are definitely a solid lineup, things couldn’t have started much worse for them this season. They did admittedly show some life offensively, scoring on the Philly relievers to make the score more respectable. Their bullpen needs definite improvements, with Luke Jackson and Shane Carle allowing a combined 7 runs.

Prediction: Phillies $1.65

Philly are one of the premier teams in baseball and Nick Pivetta is a very solid starting pitcher. The Phillies offence got off to a flyer last time out and should continue exploiting the Atlanta bullpen. Expect another comfortable home win as they move to 2-0.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners continued their strong start to the campaign with an impressive 12-4 win in this series opener on Friday. Domingo Santana and Tim Beckham were the 2 key men, combining for a very impressive 7 RBI. Their pitching could admittedly improve somewhat, but this is a fantastic start to the campaign.

Boston Red Sox

With all the pre-season hype, you’d be hard pressed to imagine a worse start to the season for Boston. They struggled mightily offensively, with Benintendi the only player to have multiple RBI. Even the usually reliable Chris Sale was out of sorts, allowing 7 earned runs in just 3 innings.

Prediction: Red Sox $1.65

I think Friday’s disaster was definitely a one-off for this Red Sox side. They’re a deep and talented roster who should be competing deep in the playoffs. With the conistent Venezuelan Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, I expect a gritty road win here.

Los Angeles Dodgers

It was business as usual for the formidable Dodgers in their first encounter, opening the series with a 12-5 home win. Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez led a dominant day offensively, combining for 7 RBI in this one. Hyun-Jin Ryu looked at his best from a pitching perspective, allowing 1 run through 6 innings.

Arizona Diamondbacks

On the contrary, things couldn’t have gotten off to a much worse start for the D-Backs. Christian Walker was the only man who could get things going offensively, contributing a solid 2 RBI. It certainly wasn’t the best day at the office for Zack Greinke, who allowed 7 earned runs through 3.2 innings.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.55

The Dodgers have been the premier NL side in recent seasons, a trend which I expect to continue here. They’ve got a deep and versatile offence which I expect to succeed against the inconsistent pitching of Zack Godley. With the strong Kenta Maeda on the mound tonight, expect another comfortable home win for LA.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays didn’t exactly get off to the best start this season, being held scoreless in a 10 innings stalemate against these same Tigers. Marcus Stroman threw 7 solid innings but really didn’t have the hitting support behind him. With hitters like Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel on the roster, I expect this Toronto offence to improve in a hurry.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers got off to a very impressive start yesterday, with ace Jordan Zimmerman pitching 7 scoreless innings. They largely struggled offensively, but 2 clutch RBI from Christin Stewart in the 10^th inning was enough. As one of the stalwarts of this side, I expect another big season from Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera.

Prediction: Blue Jays $1.75

I think the Blue Jays are the better team in this matchup and they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways here. Matt Shoemaker is a very solid #2 pitcher, especially in his home environment. Assuming a bit more offensive firepower, Toronto takes this one.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays season got off to a predictably disappointing start as they fell 5-1 to Houston yesterday. Left Fielder Tommy Pham was the only bright spot offensively, registering 2 hits in the defeat. Pitcher Jake Snell wasn’t at his best and the remainder of the Rays pitching staff doesn’t inspire too much confidence.

Houston Astros

As most predicted, the Astros got their season off to a strong start with a comfortable win against Tampa. Justin Verlander again showed his incredible pitching quality, allowing just 1 earned run in 7 solid innings. George Springer led the way offensively with 3 RBI, whilst Jose Altuve had 2 solid hits.

Prediction: Astros $1.67

I think the Astros are arguably the best team in baseball and have a huge talent edge in this one. Gerrit Cole is another incredibly solid #2 pitcher and I expect a strong debut from him. Couple this with the roaring Astros offence and Houston should leave this match 2-0.

San Diego Padres

The Padres got off to a very solid start in this series yesterday, taking the opener 2-0. 23-year-old pitcher Eric Lauer was en fuego, delivering 6 solid innings and registering the win. Wil Myers and Fernando Tattis both had it going offensively, each leading the way with 2 solid hits.

San Francisco Giants

Whilst the season didn’t get off to a great start for the G-Men, it was good to see a solid return outing from Madison Bumgarner. Evan Longoria also got off to a solid start, registering 2 hits and a .500 average in this one. With a lack of offensive production in this side, it will be up to Longoria and Buster Posey to pick up the slack.

Prediction: Padres $1.62

Whilst these two sides are relatively even, I think the Padres have a huge pitching advantage in this one. Lefty Joey Lucchesi is a competent #2 whereas Derek Holland is inconsistent at this level. I just can’t see the Giants offense firing in what should be a low-scoring affair.

Washington Nationals

Despite the loss of Bryce Harper, the Nationals still possess a very talented and capable roster. Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, and Ryan Zimmerman can more than replace Harper’s production as they lead this offence. From the pitching side, Ryan Scherzer and Stephen Strasbourg is one of the best 1-2 punches in the league.

New York Mets

The Mets had a solid conclusion to Spring Training, winning each of their last 3 games, including one against this Nationals side. Jeff McNeil was a consistent producer for this offence, as was star second-baseman Robinson Cano. After suffering a losing record last season, the Mets definitely have the talent and versatility to turn things around in 2019.

Prediction: Nationals to Win $1.75

For weeks the Nationals players have heard stories about how they’re finished without Bryce Harper. Especially in their first game of the year, I expect them to come out all guns blazing. With a quality pitcher in Scherzer on the mound, they look very strong value at $1.75.

Philadelphia Phillies

Whilst the Bryce Harper acquisition was understandably all the rage, Philadelphia has quietly done a fantastic job to build a deep and versatile roster. Harper and Andrew McCutchen will be tasked with leading the offence this season, whilst players like Rhys Hoskins and Cesar Hernandez provide great defensive value. Huge things are expected of Philly this season and they’ll look to get off to a flyer.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves come into 2019 off the back of a very solid 2018 season. They won an impressive 90 games and won their first division title in 5 years. They’ve had a very strong spring training run, winning 4 of their last 5 games. Whilst Philly is a tough test first up, they should definitely compete in the NL this season.

Prediction: Phillies to win $1.50

As with Washington, Harper and the Phillies have an absolute ton to prove this season. They’ll definitely face a ton of pressure in this one, but will have a talent edge and homecourt advantage. Especially with Aaron Nola on the mound, they’re still value at this short price.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays struggled somewhat as they finished spring training, losing 4 of their last 6 encounters. That said, with guys like Austin Meadows, Tommy Pham, and Carl Chester, they’ve got a strong offensive push. Likewise, a pitching staff led by Jake Snell can be expected to be very competitive most afternoons.

Houston Astros

As one of the clear favourites for the World Series, there will be a ton of pressure on the Astros in this one. They had a very strong finish to spring training, warming up for the season with 4 wins in 5. Jose Altuve and Yuli Gurriel were among the runs and will need to continue that going forward for Houston to succeed this year.

Prediction: Astros to Win $1.70

Even at 36 years of age, Justin Verlander remains one of the premier pitchers in the MLB. In addition to Houston’s talent advantage on the field, I think Verlander can outduel his counterpart in this one. At a tasty $1.70, expect the 2017 champs to start strong here.