The books are still refusing to give me clear home underdogs for my MLB spring training betting strategy. But, today there are at least a few teams set as slight dogs at home.
So, I'm going to take what the sportsbooks are giving us, and bet on the home teams at or near a pick 'em:
MLB Expert Picks: March 15th, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Game 1: Los Angeles Angels (-107) vs Mariners
Game Time: 4:10 PM ET
It can be hard to take advantage of my strategy of betting home underdogs at Arizona spring training. Many of the facilities are so close together that teams don't mind sending star players on the road often. However, this Mariners/Angels matchup is about as good as it gets for the strategy. The two AL West teams are on opposite sides of Phoenix, two of the furthest-apart facilities there are.
With the Mariners playing a few regulars at home yesterday, I expect a much worse lineup this afternoon against the Angels.
On paper, I'm giving the pitching advantage to the Mariners here. But, Seattle starter Emerson Hancock has not been good in spring, so far. The righty has a 14.73 ERA as of now and I expect the Angels to tag him for a few more runs.
Game 2: Tampa Bay Rays (-106) vs Baltimore Orioles
Game Time: 1:10 ET
I'm a little concerned about this home advantage for the Rays, just because the Orioles' spring facility is not very far from Tampa's — less than an hour for sure. So, I could see them sending regulars up to play the Rays.
Yesterday, the Orioles had Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Anthony Santander all in the lineup. That's arguably their four best hitters. So, assuming they all get a day off today I'm loving Tampa's chances.
The Rays, on the other hand, didn't play too many regulars against the Braves on Thursday. So, I expect some big bats in the lineup today.
