Just Throw Strikes Blog

Here are the picks I am confident in on Opening Day (Thursday/Friday):

• Red Sox ML – The Red Sox had the hottest showing at the WBC. Their hitters raked and their bullpen carried their team. Add that to having Crochet and Chapman on opening day. Also, Andrew Abbott had a very rough spring training. While he could have been trying new things, expect him to not be in midseason form yet.
• Pirates/Mets 1st 5 innings U3 – Two top 5 arms in the NL meet up on opening day in 70 degree weather. Mets have some pop in their lineup, but Lindor, Baty, and Robert all did not see a ton of reps yet in spring training. As well, Peralta and Skenes look to be in top shape going into this matchup. I wouldn’t doubt 0 runs through the first 5.
• Rangers ML – Christopher Sanchez did not look to be in form yet in his games during the WBC. The Phillies bullpen is also a liability. I trust in the Rangers to bang a couple runs across, especially with new addition Brandon Nimmo who loves to hit in Philly.
• Nationals 1st 5 innings ML – Led by one of my favorites sleepers Cade Cavalli (.087 BAA in 2026 Spring Training), I believe that he can hold this Cubs offense to 1-2 runs through 5 innings. As for Matthew Boyd, he has been really struggling through Spring Training (9 runs in 9 innings pitched). I believe that he is not just working on things, as he struggled in the WBC where it matters. I think the Nationals can make a real push at this game and I trust them in this matchup to start the season.