The 2022 Major League Baseball season has progressed to where all but one division have reached 30 wins. The American League Central serves as the exception.
The formerly-high-flying Los Angeles Angels have the league’s longest losing streak at five games. The Toronto Blue Jays have begun to fulfill their preseason expectations and have now won five in a row.
Here are the best bets to place Monday.
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets
Best Bet: Mets -1.5
The Mets are the best team in the National League East at 32-17. They have also beaten the Nats in five of their seven meetings this season. This has resulted in series victories in both encounters.
They face a mini-crisis in the bullpen. However, their overpowering offense has done enough to carry the load and lead them to three straight victories. David Peterson (2-0, 2.16 ERA) will get the start in the home bout.
Washington has won four of its last five but is still only 18-31 on the season. This is the worst mark in the NL East. After a drought, Juan Soto finally hit a home run. He is however still down in numbers almost across the board. This has significantly hurt a team already devoid of superior talent.
Erick Fredde (3-3, 3.55 ERA) will have the task of leading the charge against the highly-favored opponents.
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians
Best Bet: Guardians ML (-147)
The Royals have been one of the worst teams in baseball. Producing a 16-30 record and largely looking incapable of competing against any team, regardless of their ability. They have also lost eight of their last 10 outings. This leaves Jonathan Heasley (0-2, 4.73 ERA) in charge of pulling off the almost unthinkable.
The Guardians are a feisty bunch with some deep-ball hitters and an inconsistent team spirit. They can show up either ready or not ready to play, depending on the game. Zach Plesac (1-4, 5.40 ERA) will get the starting nod for Cleveland.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox
Best Bet: Over 10 Runs
Two of the four games in the ongoing series between the Orioles and Red Sox have gone over. This sets up a true 50/50 wager for bettors.
Both teams rely heavily on their offense. But, the biggest reason for this game to go over, will be Baltimore’s resilience. They are the fifth-best team in the league against the spread and will continue to push Boston to the limit, driving the score up.
Travis Wells (1-4, 4.30 ERS) will take on Rich Hill (1-2, 3.86 ERA) in the battle on the mound.
Parlay: Dodgers ML (-335) Diamondbacks ML (+108)
Pirates vs. Dodgers Picks / Braves vs. Diamondbacks Picks
The Dodgers look like the best team in the National League and have won 13 of their last 15 games. Walker Buehler (6-1, 2.91 ERA) will also be on the mound for LA, which practically guarantees them a win.
The Diamondbacks lost four straight games, all to the Dodgers. But still, they have a nearly-identical record to the reigning World Series champion Braves. They have the opportunity to start Zac Gallen (3-0, 2.22 ERA) in what is sure to be a low-scoring affair.