Spring training is starting to wind down, but there are still some key matchups to pinpoint with our MLB picks.
I'm looking at the Under on a lofty total and a pair of moneylines, including the Seattle Mariners over the Chicago White Sox, on Sunday, March 22.
Spring Training predictions for March 22
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
 / Under 11 |
-110 |
 A's moneyline |
-130 |
 Mariners moneyline |
-155 |
Pick #1: Reds vs. Guardians - Under 11
Opening Day is less than a week away, so starters aren't aiming for one or two innings and calling it a day. They're looking to replicate the workload of an early-season start.
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo and Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams are poised to be front-end starters in their respective rotations.
And while both have inflated ERAs this spring, their peripherals have been encouraging (both have posted better xFIP numbers and have generally missed bats while not issuing a lot of walks).
Also, Cleveland has four left-handers in its starting lineup today, which seems at least somewhat counterintuitive against a top-flight southpaw like Lodolo. Runs will be at a premium here.
Pick #2: A's moneyline
It's tempting to take the Colorado Rockies at plus money, but with Michael Lorenzen and his 14.29 spring ERA on the mound, the A's could get into the bullpen early. It's a small sample size for the right-hander, but it hasn't been pretty, and the matchup couldn't be worse.
Even though leadoff man Nick Kurtz hasn't fully awoken yet, hitters 2-4, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Brent Rooker, each have an OPS north of 1.000 this spring. Lawrence Butler's .958 isn't far off, either.
A's lefty Jeffrey Springs has been uneven, thanks largely to a high walk rate, but he'll have better luck at keeping the opposing bats at bay.
I'd also consider Over 12.5 (-110), but that is a lofty number, especially if Springs pitches to his potential.
Pick #3: Mariners moneyline
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo has pitched better than his 4.70 ERA (in 7 2/3 innings) suggests. He hasn't surrendered a home run and has only issued one walk.
Seattle also has the edge in any potential lineup comparison, with Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena all back from the World Baseball Classic.
The Chicago White Sox will be better this season than in recent years, but they're still in a full-on rebuild, and Shane Smith has been crushed this spring, so I'll pay a bit of juice to get the better pick here.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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