MLB Picks and Predictions for Monday, April 20: Making Moves on the Mariners

What's going on, everyone? Hope your week's off to a good start. I'm back in the mix after a quick trip out of town, and we're coming off a 2-0 sweep with our last picks, so let's try to keep it rolling with a couple more today.

Let's dive into my MLB picks and predictions for Monday, April 20.

MLB Picks and Predictions for Monday, April 20

Houston Astros vs Cleveland Guardians

Following a three-game sweep at home against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Astros will look for a fresh start in Cleveland against the Guardians on Monday evening.

The Astros have now dropped four in a row, while the Guardians are coming off a strong series against the Orioles, taking three of four.

Tonight's pitching matchup features right-hander Spencer Arrighetti and fellow righty Slade Cecconi.

Arrighetti made his first start of the season last week in a 3-1 win over the Rockies. We backed him in that spot, but I'm not quite as confident in this matchup.

Since the start of April, Cleveland ranks ninth in both wRC+ (111) and ISO (.163), while sitting 13th in OPS (.728).

Arrighetti's debut was impressive, one earned run on three hits with 10 strikeouts, but it's fair to question the level of competition. The Rockies are starting to look like the team we expected, and this is a much tougher test against a capable Guardians lineup.

On the other side, Houston's offense has been even better against right-handers over that same span, ranking fourth in both wRC+ (124) and OPS (.780), along with sixth in ISO (.166).

Cecconi's numbers are concerning. He owns a 5.03 ERA and 5.26 FIP, with a barrel rate north of 10%.

There's a chance he improves as the season goes on, but this doesn't feel like the spot where it starts against a dangerous Astros lineup.

It'll be a colder night in Cleveland, with temperatures in the low 40s, but a total of 7.5 still feels a bit light.

We've got two solid lineups facing a pair of vulnerable arms. If this number were 8 or higher, I'd probably stay away, but at 7.5 at plus money, it's too tough to pass up – I'm backing the over.

Pick: Over 7.5 Runs (+105)

1

4.9/5 Review Rating

Bonus & Benefits
Up to $1,250 + 50 Free Slots Spins
See our review »

$1,250 Welcome Bonus
Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports
Earn More with Rebel Rewards!

Play Now & Claim Bonus »