Published Mar 22, 7:54pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 22, 7:54pm ET
Grok AI
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| Philadelphia Phillies | -143 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +123 |
Steven Matz spent 2025 in the Cardinals' bullpen, pitching reasonably well in that unfamiliar role. The veteran now finds himself in Tampa Bay. The Rays have been effective at acquiring veteran pitchers who have had a few underwhelming years and helping them regain their swag.
In 2 spring starts, Matz has pitched 6 innings, allowed 2 hits, no runs, walked 2, and struck out 4.
The Rays generally don't worry much about spring statistics. But it is also a positive if players end spring training hitting well. Yandy Diaz is hitting .310 with a 1.015 OPS and 2 homers. Cedric Mullins is batting .259, but has an .863 OPS and 2 homers.
Ben Williamson has been hot, batting .333 with 2 homers.
Jesus Luzardo signed a 5-year, $135 million contract extension to keep him in Philly for the long term. The lefty finished 7th in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2026.
This spring, he has made 3 starts and won all 3. He's thrown 11.2 innings, allowed 12 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 homer, walked 2, and struck out 13.
He is expected to be a crucial part of the Phillies' postseason hopes in 2026.
The veteran Phillies now have their stars back from the WBC. Bryce Harper is batting .357 in the limited playing time he's had with Philly. Kyle Schwarber is batting .222, but has a .911 OPS.
Alec Bohm is batting .300 with 3 homers. Otto Kemp has 4 homers and an .881 OPS. Bryson Stott is batting .359 with a 1.076 OPS and 3 homers.
The Phillies are getting older and their window with this group is closing. However, they took a major step toward staying competitive by keeping Luzardo in the fold. The lefty will likely try to get around 5 or so innings in against the Rays.
The Rays are in a different situation in a tough division and coming off a disappointing 77-85 season. But they have overcome financial constraints in the past, and part of that is acquiring veterans like Matz, tweaking their approach and mechanics, and getting value out of them.
For this matchup, the Phillies should come out on top.
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Pick
Philadelphia Phillies -143
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