Published Mar 21, 8:54pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 21, 8:54pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Mar 21, 8:54pm ET
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| Pittsburgh Pirates | -135 |
| Boston Red Sox | +115 |
Boston acquired Sonny Gray in the offseason to bolster their starting rotation. He has been a reliable starter since leaving the Yankees in 2019. He's 36 and is back in the AL East, where he struggled mightily in New York.
This spring, Gray has made 3 starts and posted a 6.23 ERA, walking 7 and striking out 8 in 8.2 innings. He's also allowed 2 homers. He gets something of a break since he's an experienced veteran, but a good start against the Pirates would go a long way toward easing concerns about whether he can pitch in this division.
Boston has been underwhelming on the field this spring, but many of their key player were away at the WBC. They're back now.
Jarren Duran is hitting .400 this spring with 3 homers. Willson Contreras is batting a searing .450 with a 1.392 OPS. Backup catcher Mickey Gasper has sealed his spot on the roster with a .346 average and 2 homers in 26 plate appearances.
Kristian Campbell continues to struggle at .220 with a .645 OPS.
After spending some money this past offseason by signing Ryan O'Hearn, Gregory Soto, and Marcell Ozuna, the Pirates put forth the impression that they are at least trying to be competitive in 2026.
A key to their hopes is starter Mitch Keller.
Keller is a crucial component in the starting rotation behind star Paul Skenes. He is a 1X All-Star and is reliable to take his 32 starts every season and to toss 175 innings or more.
This spring, he has made 4 starts, allowed 11 hits in 11.1 innings, walked 7, and struck out 15. He has a 5.56 ERA.
This is an essential season for Oneil Cruz. He is batting .417 this spring with 2 homers and 5 stolen bases. Jhostynxon Garcia is batting .405 with 2 homers and a 1.058 OPS.
O'Hearn is hitting .294 with 2 homers and a .948 OPS. Ozuna is at .238 with a .630 OPS.
Boston has had a relatively poor spring, but that can be attributed to their veteran status, their roster being all but set, their pitchers just getting ready for the season, and many players being away at the WBC.
Still, they would like to have a few good games from the likes of Gray before the season gets underway.
For the Pirates, Keller must have a solid season. Although some of their bats have been productive, they haven't hit all that well in general.
For this matchup, expect Gray to have a good start and the game to go Boston's way.
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Boston Red Sox +115
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