MLB picks: Orioles vs. Yankees, Mets vs. Phillies

The opening Tuesday of the MLB season sees 14 games on the docket. We took a deep dive into the action and came up with our two best bets for the evening.

First up, it’s a matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. Then we shift over to a primetime contest pitting the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Baltimore Orioles (3-1) at New York Yankees (2-2), 6:35 p.m. ET

The Orioles were held scoreless by Jordan Montgomery and the rest of the Yankees’ pitching staff in the series opener with their division rival on Monday night. Gerrit Cole – who was solid over 5 1/3 innings on Opening Day – should pick up where his teammates left off on Tuesday, though the price on the Bombers is anything but generous. Therefore, we’ll look toward the total market for our play in this one.

Even after the Yankees’ seven-run outburst against Baltimore on Monday night, New York’s offense is still averaging only 3.75 runs per contest. The home run has been a focal point of the Bombers’ attack in 2021; Gary Sanchez has produced a pair, and Giancarlo Stanton hit a grand slam against the O’s.

However, Baltimore’s Dean Kremer could counteract the Yankees’ power. He produced a 4.82 ERA in 18 2/3 innings of work last year, but didn’t allow any longballs.

Trend bettors should note that the Under is 4-1 in the Orioles’ last five games with the total set between 7.0 and 8.5 runs. The Under has cashed in six straight games in which New York is favored.

MLB pick: Under

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New York Mets (0-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (4-0), 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

The Mets’ bullpen spoiled yet another brilliant start by Jacob deGrom, this time in their opening game – a rare indignity for this organization. They’ll try to bounce back against the undefeated Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night in the second of this three-game NL East affair. The outcome is in some doubt, but Under bettors look poised to cash.

Marcus Stroman – who opted out of the 2020 campaign – will be on the hill for New York. Looking back at his 2019 road splits, bettors can see that he sported an excellent 2.72 ERA over 14 outings, and allowed just four home runs.

Chase Anderson counters for Philadelphia, and while his 2020 was forgettable as a whole, it was the road efforts (13.03 ERA over 9 2/3 innings) that really tripped him up. In 2019, Anderson produced a 3.39 ERA and .207 opponent batting average in 77 innings of work at home, so expect him to keep the Mets’ lineup in check.

MLB pick: Under