MLB expert picks! Order up!
Monday was a 1-1 split on my picks, so we'll gun for a sweep Tuesday. Here are my two MLB expert picks for today's games:
MLB Expert Picks: April 16th, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Pick 1: Blue Jays (-105) vs Yankees
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:07 pm ET
The Blue Jays have quietly won three games in a row, including a clean win over the Yanks on Monday. Toronto received quality starting pitching and kept New York's big bats at bay.
Something's up with Aaron Judge. He usually mashes at Rogers Centre, but he went 0'fer last game, leaving a big hole in the middle of the Bronx Bomber order. Now, Yusei Kikuchi isn't a cakewalk for bettors. That said, he diced the Yankees last week in New York.
Here's the key today, though: the Jays have a rested bullpen and should receive some help soon. Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano might be activated ahead of Tuesday's contest, and temporary closer Yimi Garcia will be ready for a back-to-back.
All told, this will be a close game. The Jays have the late-inning arms to hang on for a narrow victory.
Pick 2: Guardians (-105) vs Red Sox
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:10 pm ET
I'm taking Cleveland in near-pick'em odds. The calculus starts with Garrett Whitlock on the hill for the Sox. The right-hander has been fantastic in three starts (1.26 ERA), but Boston has lost two of his three starts. What happens when he exits the game after five or six innings?
This could easily be a battle of bullpens Tuesday, and I favor Cleveland in that matchup. Guardians relievers own a 1.76 ERA this year, the lowest mark in baseball. Emmanuel Clase will be available, too, after resting Monday. On top of that, Boston closer Kenley Jansen has kept his ERA low this year (1.59) but has allowed a stupid eight walks in 5.2 IP. He's ready to burst.
Again, we've got a close game and a bullpen edge in Cleveland's favor. I like this bet a lot.
