2022 MLB Opening Day Underdog Betting Picks
Major League Baseball’s opening day this season is on Thursday, April 7. On Thursday, MLB showcases some of the best in the league with nine fantastic games. Four of the nine games include underdog teams that can win. Check out MLB odds, analysis, and free picks for the four dogs that should be on your radar for Major League Baseball’s Opening Day in 2022.
Top Underdog Picks for 2022 MLB Opening Day
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— MLB (@MLB) April 5, 2022
READ MORE: 2022 MLB Opening Day Favorite Betting Picks
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
- Where: Yankee Stadium, New York City, NY. 1:05pm ET
- MLB Odds: Red Sox (+128) / Yankees (-152)
The New York Yankees, no doubt, will offer lower odds than what they show. That makes them an underlay for sure versus a team that often has their number. Yes, Gerrit Cole will step to the mound for the Yankees. But Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi isn’t bad. Eovaldi posted a 3.75 ERA last season.
Not only that, but he’s faced the Yankees enough to know what pitches to throw in what situations. Once the Red Sox pull Eovaldi, their bullpen can hang with the Yankees’. Also, Cole allows the Red Sox to bat .262 against him. That’s not as high of a batting average as what Eovaldi allows to the Yankees, but it’s high enough to warrant a bet against.
MLB Betting Pick: Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals
- Where: Kauffman Stadium, Nansas City, MO. 4:10pm ET
- MLB Odds: Royals (+105) / Guardians (TBA)
The Guardians are the chalk because Cleveland Cy Young contender Shane Bieber steps to the hill. Beiber is a good pitcher, he had a 3.17 ERA last season, but we shouldn’t look past KC’s Thursday starter.
Zack Greinke returns to the franchise that started his possible future hall of fame career. Greinke’s 4.16 ERA from last season pales in comparison to Beiber’s. But the Guardians’ starter doesn’t have a good enough team to bail him out if he gets into trouble.
This takes place at Kansas City, Greinke should have his best stuff working on opening day, and the Royals’ might be better overall than Cleveland. KC pulls off the slight upset victory.
MLB Betting Pick: Kansas City Royals
Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins
- Where: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN. 4:10pm ET
- MLB Odds: Mariners (-110) / Twins (-108)
By the time first pitch throws in this game, the Mariners could be the chalk. The reason is because Robbie Rays steps to the mound for the Mariners. Ray posted a fantastic .284 ERA last season.
Minnesota starts Joe Ryan. The opening day starter arrives to Minnesota from Tampa’s farm system. So we know he has what it takes to be a solid starter. But Ray is a Cy Young contender. Expect the Mariners to win this. Seattle warrants backing even if they end up the chalk.
MLB Betting Pick: Seattle Mariners
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels
- Where: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA. 9:38pm ET
- MLB Odds: Astros (+101) / Angels (-119)
The love affair with Angels’ pitcher and DH Shohei Ohtani continues. Ohtani is a fantastic pitcher. However, on opening day he faces the best team in the American League. Houston should win the AL and is a legit contender to beat the NL team in the World Series. Stros’ starter Framber Valdez matches up well with the Angels.
Mike Trout is 0-for-7 versus Valdez. Ohtani has a couple of hits and has struck out 6 times in 15 at-bats versus Valdez. The Stros should be the chalk in this. Expect at least a 2-run Houston victory.
MLB Betting Pick: Houston Astros
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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.
READ MORE: 2022 World Series Odds Update (April)