Monday MLB preview: Reds at Nationals, Red Sox at Indians

MLB free play: Under

Despite two starters with elevated WHIPs going in the series opener between the Reds and Nationals, Under bettors should prevail in this one.

Anthony DeSclafani (7-6, 4.20 ERA) will toe the rubber for Cincinnati, and his mastery of Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon (0-for-7 lifetime) will go a long way to help him limit the Nationals offense. Additionally, outfielder Juan Soto rolled his ankle while rounding the bases on Sunday for the Nats and is considered day-to-day.

Countering for Washington is Erick Fedde (2-2, 4.20 ERA), who is fresh off one of his best starts of the year. He silenced the Giants' bats through six innings Aug. 5 and scattered six hits. The Reds' offense is just 22nd in runs per game on the road this year (4.44).

The Under is 45-20-1 in the Reds' last 66 road games, and the Under is 13-5 in the Nationals' last 18 tilts against a team with a losing record.

Boston Red Sox (62-58) at Cleveland Indians (71-47), 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN

MLB free play: Red Sox moneyline

The Red Sox were stymied by Indians rookie Zach Plesac in his major league debut, but things should play out differently Monday night at Progressive Field.

Plesac allowed just one run on four hits and a walk against Boston on May 28, but the Red Sox lineup did not know what to expect from him. Since that encounter at Fenway, Plesac has surrendered 11 home runs in 66 2/3 innings of work.

Unfortunately for him, Boston is fourth in home runs since the All-Star break. J.D. Martinez (14 hits in his last 30 at-bats) leads all Red Sox hitters with nine home runs during that span.

Eduardo Rodriguez is more than capable of shutting down the Indians' lineup, based on his 2.74 ERA over his last seven starts. His walk rate is high (fifth-most in the American League this year), but Cleveland is just 17th in free passes drawn since the All-Star break.