MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Mariners are 6-8 SU and 5-9 against the runline as home favorites of no more than -160. Left-hander Marco Gonzales has a 4-1 win/loss record for the season but his ERA of 5.68 is far from impressive. 

The Pirates are batting .268 while averaging 5.31 runs per nine innings against left-handers. The Pirates are 8-5 SU and 9-4 against the runline when facing a left-handed starter. 

8* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES +1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly (5-1, 2.93 ERA) is having a great season. The team has won four of his last five starts and he is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.42 at Wrigley Field for the season. 

Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft (2-3, 5.57 ERA) is 0-2 with an ERA of 9.777 in his last three starts. 

The Reds' bats have been hot through the first two games of the series, but we should see a focused Cubs team here as they look to avoid getting swept. 

8* PLAY ON CHICAGO CUBS. 

MIKE'S 10* PADRES/YANKEES MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

On the season, the Yankees are perfect 7-0 as home favorites with Gerrit Cole (5-0, 2.53 ERA) on the mound. Cole is 4-2 with a 1.65 ERA in seven career starts against the Padres, and we get him in a bounce back spot after giving up five runs on six hits over five innings against Baltimore in his last start. 

10* PLAY ON NEW YORK YANKEES. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Nats have won four of Josiah Gray's last six starts. Gray (4-5, 2.65 ERA) is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.89 over his last three starts while Royals righty Brady Singer (3-4, 7.58 ERA) gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks over just 3 2/3 innings in his last start. There might be more exciting games on the board, but I think the Nats offer good value. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S 10* DODGERS/RAYS MLB TOTAL OF THE DAY

Clayton Kershaw (6-4, 2.98 ERA) is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.88 and 16 strikeouts in 2 starts against the Rays in his career. This will be Tyler Glasnow's first career start against the Dodgers and first start of the season. Glasnow struck out six batters over six innings of two-hit baseball in his final minor league rehab start at Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Blue Jays put up 20 runs at Tampa Bay on May 23, but take out that performance and their runs per game average over their last 10 games is mediocre at best. 

Minnesota righty-hander Louie Varland (2-0, 4.18 ERA) has an ERA of 2.92 in two home starts. Toronto right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-3, 3.14 ERA) has allowed only four earned runs over 21 innings through his last four starts. 

Under is 7-0-1 in Blue Jays last 8 Friday games. Under is 6-2 in Twins last 8 games following an off day. Under is 19-9-4 in Twins last 32 during game 1 of a series.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Braves left-hander Jared Shuster (1-2, 5.49 ERA) is coming off his best start of his young career; six innings of one-run ball against Seattle. The Phillie have struggled against left-handers and they are 2-10 in their last 12 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.79 ERA) held the Cubs scoreless over 5 1/3 innings in his last start, at home, but he has an ugly ERA of 7.42 on the road this season. Also, while his ERA in day starts is very respectable, he has an ERA of 7.99 in his night games. 

8* PLAY ON ATLANTA BRAVES. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres are only 10-12 on the road and 4-5 against the runline as road favorites. Left-hander Blake Snell (1-6, 5.40 ERA) is having a disappointing year, and he gave up six runs over just four innings in a 6-1 loss to Boston in his last start.

The Nats ae batting .293 while averaging a healthy 5.21 runs per nine innings against left-handers. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS +1½. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB MONEYLINE TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I think the Rays should be bigger home favorites here with Zach Eflin (6-1, 3.45 ERA) on the mound.

Sure, Eflin has an ugly ERA of 8.16 in three career starts against Toronto, but those took place in 2016, 2018 and 2020 respectively.

Eflin is 5-0 with an ERA of 2.70 in five day starts this season while Toronto right-hander Alek Manoah (1-4, 5.15 ERA) is 0-1 with an ERA of 6.10 in four day starts. 

The Rays have a 15-6 team record in day games.

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cardinals are 2-7 in left-hander Steven Matz nine starts for the season.

Matz (0-5, 5.05 ERA) is coming off 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers, but it's worth noting that Cincinnati hits left-handers better than right-handers and they are 8-0 in their last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Cincy right-hander Ben Lively (1-2, 2.45 ERA) has allowed only three runs on seven hits and one walk over 11 innings for a WHIP of 0.73. 

The Cardinals bats have been hot of late, but I think the value is on the Reds to cover the runline. 

8* PLAY ON CINCINNATI REDS +1½. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber (3-4, 6.70 ERA) is 1-2 with an ERA of 8.75 home at Coors Field on the season. Miami is batting .285 while averaging 4.67 runs per nine innings against left-handers, more than a run higher than their 3.52 R/9 average overall. 

Miami rookie right-hander Eury Perez (1-0, 2.79 ERA) has allowed only three runs on seven hits and three walks over 9 2/3 innings in his first two big league starts. 

The Marlins are 11-7 as favorites. The Rockies are 16-22 as underdogs. 

10* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cardinals are perfect 3-0 SU and against the runline as road favorites of at least -150.

They've been playing their best baseball of the season lately with an 8-2 record while averaging 7.60 runs game over their last 10 games.

The Reds on the other hand are slumping, coming into the week 1-6 in their last seven games and they've averaged only 3.20 runs per game over their last five games.

Reds southpaw Brandon Williamson held the Rockies to one run on two hits over 5 2/3 innings in his MLB debut on May 15, but I think he'll get lit up here. 

8* PLAY ON ST. LOUIS CARDINALS -1½. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Pirates who are 3-7 in their last 10 games. Right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 6.53 ERA) has only six big league starts under his belt and he has allowed seven runs (five earned) on 14 hits and five walks over just eight innings this year. 

The Rangers counter with Dane Dunning (4-0, 1.69 ERA) who has been solid since moving from the bullpen to the rotation. Dunning is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.59 and 12 strikeouts over 17 innings in three starts this season.

The Rangers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and they've averaged 8.60 runs over their last five games and 7.00 runs over their last 10 games. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS. 

10* MLB TOTAL OF THE MONTH - ORIOLES/JAYS BEST BET

The Orioles have scored six runs in each of the first two games of this series and they've averaged 5.40 runs per nine innings over their last five games. 

The Blue Jays bats have been cold, but they put up five runs yesterday and here they'll face Dean Kremer (5-1, 4.94 ERA) who has posted an ERA of 9.68 over 13 innings of work in his day starts this year. Kremer is 1-2 with an ERA of 6.21 in 6 starts versus the Blue Jays in his career.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Washington right-hander Josiah Gray has an unimpressive 3-5 win/loss record despite a respectable ERA of 2.73. He should get a decent amount of run support here though as Detroit hands the ball to left-hander Joey Wentz (1-3, 6.38 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 9.19 ERA in his four day stay starts this year. Additionally, the Nats are batting .286 while averaging 4.94 runs per nine innings against southpaws. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The D'Backs are heating up with six wins in their last eight games while the Pirates are trending in the opposite direction following a hot start to the season. 

Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly (4-3, 2.92 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his past four starts, and 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates.

Pittsburgh right-hander Roansy Contreras (3-4, 4.40) has lost three straight starts. 

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

After a rocky start, Noah Syndergaard (1-3, 5.94 ERA) has started to find somewhat of a rhythm. He allowed three runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings when he took on the Cardinals at home on April 30, a game the Dodgers won 6-3. Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (2-1, 4.91 ERA) has heated up and has posted an ERA of 2.81 over his last three starts, but at this price, I think the Dodgers are a no-brainer bet as I expect them to close as a bigger favorite. 

On the season, the Dodgers are 6-1 SU as a favorite of no more than -130. They are 15-4 SU as a favorite of no more than -150. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The White Sox have only two more wins than the Royals and they dropped all three games when they faced KC earlier this month. 

White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (1-4, 5.74 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.47 ERA through n 10 career appearances (four starts) against the Royals.

KC veteran right-hander Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.01 ERA) is 10-10 with a 3.84 ERA in 32 career appearances (29 starts) against the White Sox. 

For the season, the Royals are perfect 2-0 as road underdogs of more more than 130. The price is right to back the dog here.

8* PLAY ON KANSAS CITY ROYALS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Mariners have won each of rookie right-hander Bryce Miller's first three career starts and Miller (2-0, 0.47 ERA) has allowed only one run on seven hits over 19 innings of work-

Atlanta's Bryce Elder (3-0, 1.94 ERA) has also been very solid through his eight starts in 2023, but I can't help but feel that the Mariners are undervalued in this matchup.

Additionally, the Mariners are 6-3 against the runline as road underdogs on the season.

The Braves are 10-9 SU but only 4-15 against the runline as home favorites!

8* PLAY ON SEATTLE MARINERS +1½. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE OF THE MONTH

The Cardinals are only 8-14 at home on the season and righty Adam Wainwright (0-0, 7.20 ERA), has allowed eight runs on 15 hits through 10 innings over two starts after starting the season on the IL. Wainwright faced the Dodgers once last season and gave up four runs on six hits over just three innings. 

The Dodgers will start Julio Urias (5-3, 3.61 ERA) who is 2-0 with 17 strikeouts and a 2.29 ERA in three starts this month. This will be Urias first career start versus St. Louis. 

The Dodgers have won each of the last five meetings and seven of the last eight. 

The Dodgers are money against the runline as road favorites, and I think there's better value on the RL than the ML. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1½. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Orioles are a solid 15-7 home at Camden Yards on the season and 11-2 as home favorites!

Righty Tyler Wells (3-1, 2.68 ERA) is having a breakout year and the Orioles are 5-2 in his seven starts.

Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.26 ERA) is having a tougher season with three runs or more allowed in four of his six starts. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

Giants righty Alex Cobb (3-1, 1.70 ERA) has been outstanding and shut out Arizona through 7 1/3 innings in his last start, the the third time in four starts that Cobb did not allow a run. Phillies Zack Wheeler (3-2, 3.80 ERA) is also having a solid year and he has posted an ERA of 2.45 over his last three starts. 

Under is 5-0-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-2 in Giants last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres shut out KC in a 4-0 win Monday night, and I think we'll see another comfortable win for the home team tonight. 

Royals' right-hander Brady Singer (2-4, 7.71 ERA) is 0-2 with an ERA of 9.95 over his last three starts while Padres righty Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.18 ERA) has posted an ERA of 3.71 over his last three starts, and he's 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three home starts on the season. 

The Padres are 6-2 SU and against the runline as favorites of -200 or more.

8* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES -1½. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Lance Lynn (1-5, 7.51 ERA) has made a name for himself as a reliable starter, but he's had a terrible start to the year and here he'll face a Cleveland team that has scored 12 runs over its last two games. Since the start of the 2021, season, Lynn is 2-4 with an ERA of 5.04 in nine starts versus the Guardians. 

Cleveland counters with Right-hander Shane Bieber (3-1, 2.61 ERA) who has a 6-2 record with an ERA of 2.40 and 59 strikeouts in nine appearances versus the White Sox since the start of the 2021 season. 

Cleveland is a low-scoring team, but with this massive edge on the mound, at this price you just have back the Guardians.

10* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres are slumping, but they've played a tough schedule and here they'll face a much easier opponent in the 12-30 Kansas City Royals. 

Mitch Keller is 1-2 with an ERA of 4.80 and 11 strikeouts in 3 starts against the Padres in his career. Michael Wacha has a 3-2 record with an ERA of 3.38 in 9 starts against the Royals in his career.

Wacha has been solid lately. Over his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed only four runs over 17 innings for an ERA of 2.12. Keller has posted a 4.91 ERA over his last three starts. 

The Padres are 5-2 SU and against the runline as home favorites of -200 or more. 

8* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES -1½. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE REAPER

The Diamondbacks are 4-0 SU and against the runline as favorites of -160 of more on the season.

They're averaging 5.90 runs per nine innings against right-handers, and here they'll face A's righty Drew Rucinski (0-3, 8.16 ERA) who has been roughed up in each of his previous three starts.

The Diamondbacks will turn to Merrill Kelly (3-3, 3.18 ERA) who is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.84 in his last three starts and 2-0 with an ERA of 1.15 over 15 2/3 innings on the road in 2023. 

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -1½. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB MONEYLINE GAME OF THE WEEK

The Tampa Bay Rays have only 11 losses on the season, and this is the fourth time they're coming off back-to-back losses.

They're 3-0 off back-to-back-losses on the season and with righty Zach Eflin (4-1, 2.91 ERA) they'll have a solid edge on the mound versus Yankees righty Clarke Schmidt (1-3, 5.35 ERA). 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dodgers own the Padres, and they own Joe Musgrove who is 0-6 with an ERA in 10 starts against the Dodgers in his career. Julio Urias has a 6-1 record with an ERA of 2.39 in 11 starts versus the Padres in his career.

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Red Sox put up six runs against the Cardinals Friday night but still lost 8-6. Both teams' bats are hot and neither of today's starters, Chris Sale (3-2, 6.37 ERA) and Steven Matz (0-4, 5.70 ERA) has had a particularly good start to the year. 

The Cardinals are 8-2 to the over in their last 10. The Red Sox are 7-2-1 to the over in their last 10. The over is 15-6 in Boston's 21 games home at Fenway Park on the season. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays took a 6-5 loss to the Yankees Friday night. They are 6-3 following their previous nine losses this season and 10-5 as road favorites. The Yankees are 2-7 as underdogs and here they'll face Shane McClanahan (7-0, 1.76 ERA) who has been one of hte best pitchers in baseball. The Rays are 8-0 in his eight starts this year and last season, he was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts versus the Yankees. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S LATE MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dodgers are 12-6 at home on the season and they've won each of David May's (4-1, 2.68 ERA) last three starts overall. Padres left-hander Blake Snell (1-5, 4.89 ERA) has had a rough start to the year and here he'll face a Dodgers team that has averaged 8.80 runs per nine innings against left-handers over its last 10 games!

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Detroit is averaging 4.25 runs per nine innings against left-handers, and here they'll swing against Mariners southpaw Marco Gonzales who has allowed 11 runs over his last two starts. He's 2-3 with a 3.89 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit.

The Tigers counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd (2-2, 5.28 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against the Mariners. The Mariners are batting .193 against left-handers this year. 

I think the wrong team is favored in this game. 

8* PLAY ON DETROIT TIGERS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Since the start of last season, the Rays are 9-4 as road favorites with Drew Rasmussen (3-2, 3.11 ERA) as the starter. Rasmussen is 1-0 with only one earned run allowed in three career appearances (two starts) covering 14 innings against the Yankees. 

New York righty Domingo German (2-2, 4.35 ERA) has a 5.44 ERA in 12 career appearances (10 starts) against Tampa Bay. Since the start of last season, the Yankees are 2-5 as underdogs with German as the starter.

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Angels lost 3-1 with Shohei Ohtani on the mound on Tuesday, and now they're supposed to get the W with right-hander Griffin Canning (2-0, 5.31 ERA) going up against right-hander Cristian Javier (2-1, 3.54 ERA)? Canning is 0-1 with a 9.22 ERA in four career starts against Houston while Javier is 3-1 with a 2.59 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against the Angels.

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Giants left-hander Sean Manaea (1-1, 7.33 ERA) has had a rough start to the year and here he'll face a Washington team that is batting .283 while averaging 4.52 runs per nine innings against left-handers for the season. Nats righty Josiah Gray (2-5, 3.03 ERA) has been solid, and he has allowed more than two runs in only one of his last six starts. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Guardians have averaged 2.00 runs per game over their last five games and they average 2.60 runs per game over their last 10. 

Detroit left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (3-2, 1.81 ERA) has an ERA of 0.44 over his last three starts and under is 6-1-1 in Guardians' last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Phillies will be desperate to go on a run after ending a 6-1 slide with a 6-1 win at Boston on Sunday. Here they'll get a look at Toronto righty Alek Manoah (1-2, 4.71 ERA) who gave up eight hits and five runs, two earned, in five innings against Boston in his last start. 

8* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BOMBER

Miles Mikolas is 5-3 with an ERA of 2.19 and 60 strikeouts in 14 starts against the Cubs in his career.

Marcus Stroman has a record of 1-3 with an ERA of 4.99 and 40 strikeouts in seven appearances against the Cardinals in his career. While that's not an all that impressive ERA, note that it's bloated by one outing when he gave up nine runs over four innings against the Cardinals on June 3 last year. 

Under is 19-6-1 in Cardinals last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 37-17-4 in Cubs last 58 home games.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK - 10* BIG BET ALERT

Baltimore is averaging 5.51 runs per nine innings. Tampa Bay is averaging 6.46 runs per nine innings. 

Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (6-0, 2.03 ERA) has had a superb start to the year, but the Orioles are averaging 7.22 runs per nine innings against southpaws. 

Baltimore right-hander Kyle Gibson (4-1, 4.61 ERA)  allowed six runs on 10 hits with no strikeouts and no walks over 6 2/3 innings in a 6-0 loss to the host Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He has a 4.35 ERA ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) against the Rays. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* DODGERS/PADRES MLB TOP PLAY

Julio Urias has a 6-1 record with an ERA of 2.30 and 48 strikeouts in 10 starts against the Padres in his career. Joe Musgrove is 0-6 with an ERA of 4.04 and 50 strikeouts in 9 starts against the Dodgers in his career.

The talent gap between these two teams is closer than in recent years, but I still have the Dodgers as the better team and they are 4-1 as a favorite of no more than -130 on the season. 

This looks like a great price on the better team just because they're on the road. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Sandy Alcantara (1-3, 5.09 ERA) has a 0-1 record with an ERA of 6.55 in 2 starts against the Cubs in his career. Both meetings took place in 2019, but the current Cubs roster is batting a combined .294 over 51 at bas against Alcantara who has an ERA of 10.24 in two road starts in 2023. 

The Cubs are batting .270 on the season, the 3rd best mark in the majors while Miami is averaging an MLB-worst 3.33 runs per nine innings. 

8* PLAY ON CHICAGO CUBS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Pittsburgh are reeling following a strong start to the year as they come into this game on a five-game losing streak. The Blue Jays won the opener of this series Friday 4-0 to end a five-game losing streak of their own, and I think we're getting a good price on them here with right-hander Jose Berrios (2-3, 5.29 ERA) on the mound. 

Berrios is 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates who have scored a total of only six runs through their last five games and today's starter Johan Oviedo (2-2, 4.78 ERA) was roughed up for seven runs and nine hits in 2 1/3 innings in a loss at Washington on Sunday. 

8* PLAY ON TORONTO BLUE JAYS. 

MIKE'S METS/TIGERS MLB RUNLINE RAMPAGE

The Mets hand the ball to Justin Verlander for his first start since coming over from Houston. Verlander's Mets' debut has been delayed by a right teres major strain, and he might need a couple of starts to find his groove. Detroit left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (2-2, 2.21 ERA) has had a great start to the year, and while the Tigers are 2-4 SU in his six starts, two of those losses came by only one one, and in extra innings. Rodriguez is 2-0 with an ERA of 0.66 in two home starts.

8* PLAY ON DETROIT TIGERS +1½. 

MIKE'S EARLY CUBS/NATS MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Nats are 2-4 in left-hander Patrick Corbin's six starts in 2023 and all losses came by at least two runs. The Cubs' bats have been cold in recent games, but they're batting .290 while averaging 5.42 runs per nine innings against left-handers for the season and they are 7-3 SU and against the runline when facing a left-handed starter. 

8* PLAY ON CHICAGO CUBS -1½. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Giants right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (2-1, 2.70 ERA) was terrific through his first two starts of the year, but he's not been quite as sharp in his last three outings, and even if the Astros can't get to him they'll surely get to the Giants bullpen which has posted an ERA of 6.40 on the season. 

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS.

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Twins righty Joe Ryan (5-0, 2.81 ERA, 0.81 WHIP) could not have asked for a much better start to the season. Now he'll face a White Sox team that is averaging only 3.71 runs per nine innings against right-handers and had lost 10 in a row before coming back with a seven-run, ninth-inning rally to beat the Rays in their last game. 

White Sox Tuesday starter Michael Kopech (0-3, 7.01 ERA, 1.71 WHIP) has unlike Ryan had a nightmarish start to the year, and Minnesota is averaging 5.22 runs per nine innings against right-handers. 

8* PLAY ON MINNESOTA TWINS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

Cincinnati is 1-8 SU as road underdogs on the season. 

Cincy right-hander Luke Weaver (0-1, 7.71 ERA) has been roughed up in both of his two starts on the season, adn he has served up five homers over 11 2/3 innings of work. 

Padres left-hander Blake Snell (0-4, 5.48 ERA) has also had a rough start to the year, but he's looked better in recent starts and Padres are 14-3 in the last 17 meetings with the Reds. 

10* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES -1½.  

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Orioles righty Kyle Bradish has an ugly ERA of 6.30 for the season, but over only 10 innings and wildly skewed by his last outing when he gave up seven runs over just 2 1/3 frames in an 8-6 loss to Boston. I expect Bradish to have a much better outing here against a Tigers team that is batting .217 against right-handers on the season. 

Detroit righty Spencer Turnbull (1-3, 7.25 ERA) has had a rough start to the year and Baltimore is hot. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

MIKE'S ANGLES/BREWERS MONEYLINE

The Brewers are batting only .212 while averaging 2.75 runs per nine innings against left-handers and Angels southpaw Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.15 ERA) has allowed only four runs over 12 innings in his last two starts. 

Under is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-2 in Angels last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS. 

MIKE'S ANGLES/BREWERS TOTAL

The Brewers are batting only .212 while averaging 2.75 runs per nine innings against left-handers and Angels southpaw Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.15 ERA) has allowed only four runs over 12 innings in his last two starts. 

Under is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-2 in Angels last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB MONEYLINE TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The 18-8 Pirates are showing no signs of slowing down, and here they'll get a look at Nats left-hander Patrick Corbin (1-3, 5.88 ERA who has been a solid fade in recent seasons. 

10* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Angels have won Shohei Ohtani's last four starts, covering the runline in two of them, since losing his season opener 2-1 to Oakland.

Here Ohtani (3-0, 0.64 ERA) gets a chance to avenge that loss, and he'll face a reeling A's side that has only two wins in its last 10 games while the Angels are going a lot better and they've averaged 7.60 runs per nine innings over their last five games. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS -1.5. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dodgers won the opener of this series 8-7 on Monday. The Pirates came into the week on a seven-game winning streak, but I think they might start sliding now. 

Los Angeles right-hander Tony Gonsolin will make his first start of the season after going 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 24 starts in 2022. In two career starts against the Pirates, Gonsolin is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA.

Pittsburgh right-hander Roansy Contreras (2-1, 4.57 ERA) has had three great starts and one poor outing, but here he'll face a Dodgers team that is starting to pick up the pace. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pirates are 16-7 on the season while the Dodgers are "only" 12-11, but are the Pirates a better baseball team than the Dodgers? I don't think anyone would argue yes ... 

The Dodgers are 0-4 in Noah Syndergaard's first four starts for the team despite Syndergaard (0-3, 4.91 ERA) allowing only two runs in each of his last two starts. Syndergaard is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.73 and 29 strikeouts over 33 innings in five starts versus the Pirates in his career and I think the Dodgers will do their absolute best to get him a W here. 

Pittsburgh righty Johan Ovideo (2-1, 2.22 ERA) is off to a great start to the year, but now he'll face a Dodgers team whose bats are heating up and they are averaging 5.89 runs per nine innings against right-handers. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The A's are 4-18 SU and 8-14 against the runline on the season as underdogs. 

The Angels are batting .285 while averaging 5.40 runs per nine innings against left-handers on the season. 

Oakland left-hander Ken Waldichuk (0-2, 7.65 ERA) was tagged with six runs on nine hits on 5 2/3 innings of a 6-0 loss to the Angels on April 2 in his first start of the season. 

Angels left-hander Jose Suarez has an ERA of 2.70 and 20 strikeouts over 23 1/3 frames in four starts versus the Athletics in his career. He had a 2-0 record with an ERA of 0.00 and 13 strikeouts in two starts against the Athletics last year. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (0-1, 4.50 ERA) is still without a winning decision in 2023, but here he'll face a KC team with a 5-16 record at it has a .210 batting average on the season. Detmers is coming off his best start of the year, as he held the Red Sox to two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out seven last Sunday. The Royals counter with Jordan Lyles (0-3, 3.91 ERA) who is 4-4 with a 6.39 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against the Angels.

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Rays are 18-3 SU on the season. At one point it will become profitable to fade them, but as of right now, the bookmakers are still undervaluing them IMO. Lucas Gioloti has an ERA of 2.27 in 6 starts versus the Rays in his career, but this is a very different Tampa Bay team compared to what he's faced in previous years. 

8* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S 10* ASTROS/BRAVES MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Atlanta right-hander Kyle Wright (0-0, 6.23 ERA) has not had a great start to the year, but the Braves have still won both of his first two starts of the year. Wright held Houston to 2 runs on 6 hits with 1 walk and 7 strikeouts in 6 innings last year. He was credited with the win.

Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (3-0, 1.44 ERA) has had a great start to the season, but the team has lost three of his four starts. Braves hitters ave an OBP of .389 against left-handed pitchers this season - best in the MLB. 

The price is right to back the Braves. 

10* PLAY ON ATLANTA BRAVES. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Rays are 11-0 SU and 9-2 against the RL as home favorites this season. Shane McClanahan has a 1-1 record with an ERA of 3.27 and 12 strikeouts in 2 starts versus the White Sox in his career. The White Sox are batting only .232 against left-handers. 

8* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS -1.5.  

MIKE'S EARLY MLB RUNLINE GAME OF THE WEEK

Reds righty Levi Stoudt will be making his MLB debut Wednesday afternoon, and he could not have faced a tougher opponent.

The Rays have started the season red hot. They're 15-2 and 14-3 against the RL as favorites and have averaged  7.08 runs per nine innings over their first 18 games.

Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 2.60 ERA) has started the season strong and the Rays are 11-0 SU and 9-2 against the runline in his last 11 starts as a favorite of at least -150. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS -1.5. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Texas Rangers own the Royals, at least when being favored by the betting market. They are 18-5 SU and 17-6 against the runline against KC when closing as a favorite, dating back to the start of the 2018 season. 

Brad Keller is 1-2 with an ERA of 6.53 in 4 starts versus the Rangers in his career. Nathan Eovaldi has a record of 3-2 with an ERA of 4.50 in 6 starts against the Royals in his career, and I think he'll bounce back with a strong outing here after giving up six runs in a 10-1 loss to the Royals in his last start. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rangers are off to a solid 9-6 start to the year while the Royals are 4-12 (1-9 at home). 

Jacob deGrom is 1-0 with an ERA of 1.93 in 2 starts against the Royals in his career. Jordan Lyles has a 2-6 record with an ERA of 6.20 in 11 starts versus the Rangers in his career. Lyles is 0-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three starts on the season and the Rangers are averaging 6.29 runs per nine innings against right-handers. Additionally, KC's bullpen is one of the worst in baseball with an ERA of 5.67. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS -1.5. 

MIKE'S EARLY ANGELS/RED SOX MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Angels' ace Shohei Ohtani has had a great start to the year, with only one run allowed on six hits over 19 innings of work. Ohtani is back on the mound here as he looks to deny the Red Sox to complete the sweep of the four-game series. Boston right-hander Brayan Bello (2-8, 4.71 ERA in 2022) will make his first start of the season and he's coming off the 15-day injured list (forearm). 

Over the last three seasons, the Angels are 25-13 as a road favorite of -125 to -175. During that same timeframe, the Red Sox are 7-14 as a home underdog of +125 to +175. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS.  

MIKE'S 10* MLB GAME OF THE WEEK

The Marlins are riding a four-game winning streak and I like the price we get on them here with the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara on the mound. Sure, Alcantara (1-1, 5.79 ERA) was slapped around by the Phillies in his last start, but he owns a 2.92 ER in four career starts against Arizona and Alcantara is the kind of pitcher I expect to snap back with a strong outing after getting lit up. Arizona hands the ball to Zac Gallen (1-1, 4.58 ERA) who is in a potential flat spot following seven scoreless innings against the Brewers. 

10* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Miami opened the series with a 5-1 win to make it a three-game winning streak. Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett (0-0, 4.70 ERA) has allowed four runs over 7 2/3 innings in two starts against the Mets on the season. Diamondbacks are 3-9 in their last 12 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-0, 4.91 ERA) has allowed six runs over 11 innings in starts against the Padres and the Dodgers. After opening the season with a couple of winning decisions, I think Nelson and the D'Backs will drop this one. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

RAYS/BLUE JAYS TOTAL

The Rays are perfect 13-0 SU for the season and their over/under record is 9-3-1. Blue Jays righty Jose Berrios has a record of 1-4 with an ERA of 5.86 in eight starts versus the Rays in his career. Drew Rasumussen has an ERA of 2.45 in seven starts versus the Blue Jays in his career. I like the Rays to win and the game to go over as they might put up enough runs by themselves. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

10* RAYS/BLUE JAYS TOP PLAY

The Rays are perfect 13-0 SU for the season and their over/under record is 9-3-1. Blue Jays righty Jose Berrios has a record of 1-4 with an ERA of 5.86 in eight starts versus the Rays in his career. Drew Rasumussen has an ERA of 2.45 in seven starts versus the Blue Jays in his career. I like the Rays to win and the game to go over as they might put up enough runs by themselves. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S GIANTS/TIGERS SIDE

Giants left-hander Sean Manaea is 5-3 with an ERA of 3.81 in five career starts against Detroit. The Tigers are 1-3 against left-handed starters this season. 

Tigers left-hander Joey Wentz posted a 3.03 ERA in seven starts in his debut season last year. He's had a poor to the year, with eight runs allowed over seven innings for an ugly ERA of 10.29. The Giants have faced a left-handed starter as a favorite only once this so far this season, and they won that game. 

8* PLAY ON SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY

Pittsburgh took a 7-0 beating by Houston on Wednesday and I think they're in for another rough game here in the opener of a four-game set at St. Louis. 

Pittsburgh righty Vince Velasquez is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA and a 2.18 WHIP on the season. Velasquez is 1-3 with an ERA of 5.67 in seven appearances (six starts) against the Cardinals in his career.

Cards left-hander Jordan Montgomery has an ERA of 3.00 in two starts versus the Pirates in his career. Montgomery is 2-0 with an 2.25 ERA in two starts on the season.

10* PLAY ON ST. LOUIS CARDINALS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE BOOKIE BU$TER

Chris Bassitt has a record of 4-2 with an ERA of 3.30 and 43 strikeouts in seven starts versus the Tigers in his career. Spencer Turnbull has allowed three runs on four hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in 5 innings versus the Blue Jays in his career. He has been charged with the loss.

While both pitchers have had poor starts to the year, note Toronto's 8-4 team record vs. Detroit's 2-9 record. The Tigers covered the runline in only one of those nine losses while the Jays are 6-2 against the runline in their wins. 

8* PLAY ON TORONTO BLUE JAYS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Rays are undefeated 11-0 on the season while averaging 7.55 runs per nine innings. While not sustainable, I expect their bats to stay hot here and put up a good amount of runs against Red Sox starter Chris Sale who has posted an ERA of 11.25 over his first two starts of the year. 

Tampa Bay righty Taj Bradley will be making his MLB debut today, and Boston is averaging a healthy 5.66 runs per nine innings. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Pirates are 7-4 SU on the season and I expect a strong outing from left-hander Rich Hill after getting smacked around by the White Sox in his last start. Astros righty Jose Urquidy has allowed four runs on 14 hits over 9 1/ innings on the season. 

Hill has a 3-2 record with an ERA of 3.11 in 12 appearances (eight starts) against the Astros in his career.

8* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES +1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Alex Wood has a 2-5 record with an ERA of 4.09 in 11 appearances versus the Dodgers in his career. Dustin May has a 2-0 record with an ERA of 0.79 in four appearances (two starts) against the Giants in his career.

The Dodgers are 8-0 in the last 8 meetings in San Francisco.

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

This looks like a good spot to back the Yankees to rebound from a 3-2 loss to Cleveland. The Yankees are 6-4 on the season and ahve yet to lose back-to-back games. 

Guardians right-hander Hunter Gaddis has only four MLB appearances under his belt, and here he'll be opposed by Gerrit Cole who is one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball, and Cole has posted an ERA of 0.73 over his first two starts of the year. Cole is 5-2 with an ERA of 3.15 and 60 strikeouts in eight starts against the Guardians in his career.

8* PLAY ON NEW YORK YANKEES. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Phillies are 3-6 on the season, the Marlins are 4-6 but Miami is batting a solid .368 against left-handers and I think they'll get to Phillies' southpaw Matt Strahm early. Strahm has yet to allow a run this season, but he has pitched only five innings over two starts and Phillies bullpen has the second worst ERA across the majors. 

Strahm has an ERA of 6.97 in six appearances (one start) versus the Marlins in his career. 

Miami hands the ball to Sandy Alcantara who has posted an ERA of 1.84 over two starts (14 2/3 innings) so far this year. Alcantara posted an ERA of 3.16 in six starts against Philadelphia last year. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

MIKE'S PADRES/BRAVES SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL WINNER

Braves left-hander Dylan Dodd limited the Cardinals to one run on six hits over five innings on April 4 in his MLB debut. Padres right-hander Seth Lugo limited the Rockies to one run on four hits with seven strikeouts over seven innings in his first art of the year. Lugo has a good amount of experience, and the Padres are coming off back-to-back wins after dropping the first game of this series.

8* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back the Dodgers to snap back from back-to-back losses to the D'Backs. 

Dodgers right-hander Michael Grove gave up three runs on two hits and two walks in four innings of a 13-4 Dodgers win over the Rockies in his first start of the year. Grove posted a 4.60 ERA in seven outings (six starts) last season. 

Right-hander Ryne Nelson made three starts for Arizona last year. He gave up three runs on six hits and three walks in five innings at San Diego on April 3 in his first start of 2023. 

Grove has slightly more experience than Nelson, and the Dodgers lineup is superior to Arizona's. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Giants to deny KC to complete the sweep of the three-game series. 

Giants right-hander Anthony DeSclafani held the White Sox to three hits over six scoreless innings in his first start of the season. The Royals hand the ball to left-hander Kris Bubic who gave up two runs on seven hits in five innings of a 4-1 loss to Toronto in his first start of the year. 

The Royals are batting a pathetic .187 for the season, .182 against right-handers. 

8* PLAY ON SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Dodgers following a 6-3 loss to the D'Backs Friday night. 

Noah Syndergaard held Arizona scoreless over six innings of four-hit ball on April 2 in his Dodgers debut. Just as tonight he was opposed by Zach Davies who limited the Dodgers to one run on four hits in that matchup, but note that Davies had a record of 0-2 with an ERA of 5.82 in five starts against the Dodgers last year. 

Syndergaard has a 3-1 record with an ERA of 2.27 and 40 strikeouts over 31 2/3 innings in five career starts against the Diamondbacks.

The moneyline is a decent bet, but I'm seeing more value on the runline. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Rays are perfect 6-0 SU and against the run line and they've averaged 7.76 runs / nine innings: Oakland is 2-4 SU while averaging only 3.62 R/9. 

Oakland left-hander Ken Waldichuk was tagged with six runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-0 loss to the Angels in his first start of the season. Rays starter, right-hander Zach Eflin opened the season with five innings of one-run ball in Saturday's 12-2 home rout of the Tigers. Eflin held Oakland scoreless over four innings last year. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Yankees to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Philly last night.

Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole opened the season with a solid start against the Giants. Cole held the Giants scoreless and struck out 11 over six innings of three-hit ball. Cole is 5-3 with an ERA of 3.12 and 45 strikeouts over 43 1/3 frames in eight starts versus the Phillies in his career.

Phillies righty Aaron Nola was tagged with five runs on four hits and two walks in only 3 2/3 innings at Texas in his first start of the year. 

8* PLAY ON NEW YORK YANKEES. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Astros took a loss to the Tigers in the opener of this series, despite scoring six runs. That should not happen tonight with southpaw Framber Valdez on the mound. The Tigers are batting only .130 against left-handers and Valdez had a record of 1-0 with an ERA of 1.20 and 15 strikeouts over 15 innings in two starts versus the Tigers in 2022. Detroit hands the ball to Matt Manning who was 2-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 13 starts last year, but he had a 4.94 ERA and a .293 OBA in five road starts. 

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Dodgers are a disappointing 2-2 on the season after splitting four games with Arizona. The Rockies have split four games at San Diego to start the year. Rockies righty Ryan Feltner posted a 1.93 ERA in two matchups with the Dodgers last year, but 9 1/3 innings is a very small sample. I expect the Dodgers to start this series with a blowout win. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Tigers are 0-3 on the season after getting swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd has a 4.82 ERA in five career starts against the Astros, and he did not make a single start in 2022 when he made 10 relief appearances with the Mariners. The Astros hand the ball to Hunter Brown who posted a 0.89 ERA in seven outings (two starts) for the Astros last season. I expect the Astros to start this series with a blowout win. 

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB BOOKIE BOMBER

The Nats are expected to be one of the worst teams in baseball this season, and they've started the year 1-2 while the Rays are coming off a 3-0 sweep of Detroit. The Rays outscored Detroit 21-3 in that three-game series, so their bats are off to a hot start and Drew Rasmussen is a solid pitcher. I don't see the Nats keeping this close. 

8* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The A's and the Angels are coming into this game tied at 1-1 for the series. Ken Waldichuk has not allowed any runs on three hits with one walk and four strikeouts in seven innings against the Angels in his career. Waldichuck was 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in three home starts last year. Tyler Anderson has a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 1.08 in three starts against the Athletics in his career.

I think the A's are undervalued in this game. 

8* PLAY ON OAKLAND ATHLETICS +1.5.

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Pirates Rich Hill is 5-3 with an ERA of 3.48 in 14 appearances versus the Reds in his career. Nick Lodolo has given up three runs on six hits with 11 strikeouts in 6 1/3 career innings against the Pirates. While this might look as a pitching advantage for Pitstburgh, not that Lodolo went 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA in five spring starts while Hill was 0-1 with a 9.24 ERA in four starts during spring training.

8* PLAY ON CINCINNATI REDS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Astros tied the series with a 6-3 win Friday night, and I think they'll get the W again here in Saturday's matchup.  

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito is 2-5 with an ERA of 6.21 in seven starts versus the Astros in his career. Jose Urquidy is 1-0 with an ERA of 1.84 in two starts versus the White Sox in his career.

White Sox are 5-16 in the last 21 meetings in Houston.

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Lance Lynn is 5-7 with an ERA of 4.41 in 14 appearances (13 starts) versus the Astros in his career. Lynn has a 0-3 record with an ERA of 12.06 in three starts against the Astros since the start of the 2020 season. 

Cristian Javier has given up one run on two hits with four walks and five strikeouts in five innings in one start against the White Sox in his career. He was credited with the win. I like Houston here after losing the season opener 3-2. 

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS. 

MIKE'S GUARDIANS/MARINERS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Cleveland righty Shane Bieber is 1-2 with a 3.19 ERA in five career starts versus the Mariners while Seattle right-hander Luis Castillo is 1-3 with a 5.04 ERA in six career starts versus the Guardians. While the Mariners won six of seven meetings last year, I think the Guardians are undervalued in this matchup. 

8* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

MIKE'S LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

OK this looks like a big mismatch on the mound with Shohei Ohtani (15-9, 2.33 ERA in 2022)´going up against the A's left-hander Kyle Muller (1-1, 8.03 ERA in 2022), but note that Ohtani is only 4-4 in 10 lifetime starts against Oakland. I don't think LAA should be this big of a favorite, and if they win it'll not be by more than one run. 

8* PLAY ON OAKLAND ATHLETICS +1.5. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/RANGERS MLB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Rangers won all four meetings with Philly last year and they are 9-1 in the last 10 head-to-heads. For this season, they've added ace Jacob deGrom, arguably the most dominant pitcher in baseball when healthy, to the rotation. deGrom is 9-1 with a 2.18 ERA in 20 outings against the Phillies. Texas will be an interesting team to follow this year and I think they'll get the W here on Opening Day. 

8* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS. 

MIKE'S ORIOLES/RED SOX MLB BOOKIE BOMBER

Baltimore righty Kyle Gibson is 3-4 with a 3.38 ERA in eight career meetings with Boston. Red Sox righty Corey Kluber is 6-4 with an ERA of 3.94 in 16 career starts vs. Baltimore. Boston deserves to be a favorite, but the price is right to back a Baltimore team that had a +11.7% ROI as road underdogs last season. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

I like the Yankees as a home favorite against the Guardians Thursday night. The Yankees are 12-3 in Nestor Cortes' 15 home starts on the season and 3-0 in his last three starts. Cortes posted a 0.49 ERA over those three outings and he is 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Cleveland. Guardians righty Shane Bieber is 1-1 with an ERA of 5.74 in three career starts against the Bronx Bombers.

Guardians are 0-6 in their last 6 playoff road games. Yankees are 12-5 in their last 17 playoff home games.

10* PLAY ON NY YANKEES.

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S 10* MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

I expect the Braves to bounce back after losing the opener of this National League Division Series. The Braves are 24-6 in Kyle Wright's 30 starts this season, 14-3 in his home starts and they have won nine straight with Wright as the starter. As for Phillies ace Zach Wheeler, the team is just 8-6 in his 14 road starts. Despite yesterday's win, the Phillies are 4-11 in the last 15 meetings in Atlanta.

10* PLAY ON ATLANTA BRAVES. 

MIKE'S MARINERS/ASTROS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

This is a low total, but not low enough IMO. Justin Verlander went 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in six starts against the Mariners this season while Seattle right-hander Logan Gilbert had a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 2.52 in four appearances versus the Astros this season. The over/under was 7-20-1 in Verlander's 28 starts this year. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY RAYS/GUARDIANS MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Guardians closed out the regular season with 24 wins in 30 games and righty Shane Beiber is 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in six career starts versus Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan has one career start against Cleveland, in which he gave up five runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 frames. 

Rays are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter. Rays are 1-6 in their last 7 playoff road games.

Guardians are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Angels have a massive edge on the mound with Shohei Ohtani going up against rookie left-hander Ken Waldichuck who is 1-2 with a 6.18 ERA in six starts. Ohtani has an ERA of 0.92 over three starts covering 19 2/3 innings against the Athletics this season.

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES ANGELS -1.5. 

MIKE'S MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Blue Jays are heading to the postseason. They're still battling Seattle for the top wild-card spot, but might still be tempted to rest players. Toronto right-hander Jose Berrios has a 6.75 ERA on the road this year and an ERA of 8.78 over his past three starts. Baltimore right-hander Dean Kremer has a 2.67 ERA at home and a 2.29 ERA over his last three starts. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both sides when Cleveland hosts Kansas City for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. Cleveland has clinched the division and could opt to rest players. They have scored two runs in each of their last two games. Royals righty Brady Singer has a 1.38 ERA in four starts this month. Under is 15-6 in Guardians last 21 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* PLAY ON UNDER.