The first full week of the MLB season begins today and we have a full card to celebrate, with all 30 teams set to take the field.
Let's take a look at three bets - a side and two props - that stand out.
Rays (-175) @ Nationals (+150)
Many pegged the Rays as a dark-horse World Series candidate entering the season. The team showed why in the opening series, flexing its muscles on the Tigers en route to a sweep that the Rays won 21-3 on aggregate.
Although Detroit isn't exactly stiff competition, such a dismantling is impressive - and it's not like the Nationals are a huge step up in class.
The Rays' offense looks extremely dangerous thus far. Tampa Bay hitters are tearing the cover off the baseball, especially against righties, and they lead the majors in wOBA, BB%, SLG%, and hard-hit rate versus right-handed pitching.
Their numbers in those categories are unsustainable, of course, but the Rays certainly have the personnel to make hay at the plate this season.
I think Trevor Williams is in for a tough day on the mound. He can be vulnerable to power, which is not ideal against a Tampa Bay team that's hitting the ball harder than anybody.
Williams also has horrendous splits against left-handed hitters, which will put him in a bad spot against the likes of Wander Franco (switch-hitter) and Brandon Lowe.
The Rays should be able to manufacture runs against Williams and get a lead in the first half of the game. If and when that happens, their bullpen (1.80 ERA, one homer allowed through 10 innings) should be able to see the lead to safety.
Look for the Rays to build on their hot start and earn their fourth consecutive multi-run victory.
Bet: Rays -1.5 (-105)
Tyler Mahle over 4.5 strikeouts (-110)
The Marlins were one of the most strikeout-prone offenses in the league a season ago, getting K'd a whopping 24% of the time. That ranked them bottom five in the majors. They're picking up where they left off, striking out at a 30.4% clip against righties.
Last season, Mahle registered five strikeouts or more in 16 of his 23 starts (70%), including 11 of his final 14. He routinely goes over this number.
The Twins starter is better against lefties, but his K rate is around 24% or higher at either side of the plate. He doesn't need a lefty-heavy lineup to enjoy success, although Miami is expected to start three.
I think this line should be heavily juiced at 4.5, if not set at 5.5.
Hunter Brown over 5.5 strikeouts (-130)
The Astros' top prospect was able to get his first taste of major-league action late last season, and he didn't disappoint. Brown struck out 22 batters in 20 innings of work while posting an impressive 1.89 FIP.
Headlined by his fastball and curveball, Brown has a nasty four-pitch mix. Like many hard-throwing youngsters, he is still working on his control and limiting walks, but he has the talent to absolutely overpower hitters, as he has shown thus far.
Brown has a mouthwatering matchup to start the campaign against the Tigers. They rank last in wOBA and have struck out just under 30% of the time.
I think the Tigers will struggle with Brown's fastball, and their lack of plate discipline means they'll chase his curveball if he can locate it.
Shane McClanahan, Zach Eflin, and Jeffrey Springs combined to record 23 strikeouts over 17 innings (12.1 K/9) against the Tigers. There is no reason a high-K pitcher with stuff as electric as Brown has can't get to six in what should be about six innings of work.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
