MLB picks: Nationals vs. Rays, Mariners vs. Tigers

Let’s hand out our top two selections for a terrific Tuesday MLB slate!

We’ll lead off with a look at the nationally-televised matchup between the Washington Nationals and the Tampa Bay Rays. Then we’ll head to Comerica Park as we handicap the meeting between the Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers.

Washington Nationals (24-32) at Tampa Bay Rays (38-23), 7:10 p.m. ET, FS1

This interleague series opener between the Nationals and Rays should be fairly high-scoring, and Over bettors have plenty of leeway.

Tyler Glasnow starts for the Rays on extended rest after his scheduled Sunday start was pushed back due to load management. Pitchers typically thrive on more rest, but that hasn’t been the case with Glasnow in his career. On six or more days of rest, Glasnow has a 5.37 ERA over 62 innings.

Tampa has the MLB-best bullpen by ERA (1.65) over the last two weeks lying in wait, but Trea Turner and Juan Soto (11-for-48 with three home runs combined last seven days) should deal some early damage.

Jon Lester counters for Washington, looking to put a mediocre month of May (5.92 ERA) behind him. He took a step toward that goal on Wednesday, limiting the Atlanta Braves to one run in 5 2/3 innings, but prior performances against some of these Rays hitters have left much to be desired. Manuel Margot – 5-for-10 lifetime against Lester – should have a say in the outcome.

The Nats’ 26th ranked bullpen by ERA over the last two weeks (5.44) should add some gasoline to the fire.

MLB pick: Over

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Seattle Mariners (30-31) at Detroit Tigers (24-35), 7:10 p.m. ET

The Mariners look like a solid underdog play against the Tigers this Tuesday night.

Marco Gonzales will toe the rubber for Seattle, fresh off a solid comeback effort on June 1. Originally slated to work just three innings, he was sent out for a fourth as he held the Oakland A’s to one run on two hits and a walk while striking out six.

Gonzales should face little resistance from Detroit’s 29th-rated offense (3.68 runs per game).

Matthew Boyd responds for the Tigers, trying to put an end to a miserable run of four starts that’s seen him produce a 7.84 ERA. The Mariners have actually been a better offensive team on the road in 2021, manufacturing 4.03 runs per game, as opposed to 3.71 at home.

Bettors should expect Kyle Seager – 4-for-11 (.364) off Boyd with two home runs – to have a good day at the plate, along with the hot-hitting J.P. Crawford (.409 average last seven days).

MLB pick: Mariners +102