Memorial Day AL Quick Picks
All 32 MLB teams will be action today, so your day off from work should still be plenty busy with so many high-profile showdowns to check out and wager on. To add to the excitement, all 16 games are interleague match-ups! Even though these teams don’t meet often, we’ve still got the down-low on all nine games in American League ballparks today, so check out our fool-proof picks!
Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 at Detroit Tigers -1.5
Historically, the Detroit Tigers have gotten the best of the Pittsburgh Pirates, but with Francisco Liriano throwing fire for the Pirates and with Justin Verlander underperforming so far this year, I actually like Pittsburgh to stay hot and earn a big win on the road against the AL’s former Cy Young winner. Take the Pirates to cover +1.5 today.
St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 at Kansas City Royals +1.5
Not only are the St. Louis Cardinals the NL’s best team, but with Adam Wainwright going up against the Kansas City Royals‘ James Shields in the pitching duel, we have to like the Cards even on the road. Take St. Louis to cover -1.5 here.
Colorado Rockies -1.5 at Houston Astros +1.5
Though the Colorado Rockies have been nearly as cold as their namesake lately, they should still be able to roll over one of the league’s worst team in the Houston Astros. Take Colorado to cover -1.5 in the win.
Miami Marlins +1.5 at Tampa Bay Rays -1.5
The Miami Marlins are sending out one of their better hurlers in Jose Fernandez, but as losers of five straight and as the team with the league’s worst record, don’t expect things to improve against the Tampa Bay Rays. Take Tampa to cover -1.5 today.
San Francisco Giants -1.5 at Oakland A’s +1.5
The Oakland A’s are feeling good coming off a sweep of the Houston Astros, but runs will be tougher to come by against Madison Bumgarner and the defending champion San Francisco Giants. Look for San Fran to shut down Bay-area rival Oakland and cover -1.5 here.
San Diego Padres +1.5 at Seattle Mariners -1.5
As losers of eight of their last nine games, it’s safe to say the Seattle Mariners are in more than a funk. You would think they could redeem themselves against the lowly San Diego Padres, and they may, but with two starters boasting 8-plus ERAs coming into this one, consider it a toss up. That’s why I’d take the Padres to at least cover +1.5 in a close one.
Atlanta Braves -1.5 at Toronto Blue Jays +1.5
Perennial all-stars Tim Hudson and Mark Buehrle both have been off their games so far this season, so this one could go either way as well. Since the Toronto Blue Jays are at home, I’d take them to at least cover +1.5 against the Atlanta Braves.
Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 at Boston Red Sox -1.5
The Boston Red Sox certainly have things rolling in the right direction, but Alfredo Aceves has been far from stellar with an 8.20 ERA. Go against the grain and take the Philadelphia Phillies to cover +1.5 in the win.
Chicago Cubs +1.5 at Chicago White Sox -1.5
The Chicago Cubs‘ wimpy offense will likely struggle as they cross town to take on Jose Quintana and the Chicago White Sox. So, take the Sox to cover -1.5 in this one.
