The day we have been waiting for since the end of November is finally here: the 162-game Major League Baseball season marathon starts today. All 30 teams take the field today, the 2023 MLB Opening Day, but we are going to focus on an interleague matchup between the Rangers and the Phillies to start the season.
2023 MLB Opening Day – Rangers vs. Phillies Betting Pick: Preview
The defending National League champion Phillies start their season in Texas against the Rangers. The Rangers finished fourth in the AL West with 68 wins last season, but their win total is set at 81.5 for this season. While the 2023 MLB Opening Day result will not make or break either of these teams’ seasons, getting off on the right foot is still a plus for both sides.
Thursday, March 30 MLB Betting Notes, Courtesy of DraftKings
Moneyline: Philadelphia Phillies +115 at Texas Rangers -135
Runline: Phillies +1.5 (-205) / Rangers -1.5 (+175)
Total: 6.5 runs (Over -115 / Under -105)
Game Time: 4:05 pm ET / 1:05 pm PT
Where: Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX
Weather: 70 degrees (Dome, If needed)
2023 MLB Opening Day – Rangers vs. Phillies Analysis
One of the changes this season in baseball is that every team will play a series against one another, and we are delighted to see the Phillies head to Texas to face the Rangers to kick off 2023 MLB Opening Day. As we mentioned earlier, the Phillies won the NL last season, and the Phillies are odds-on to make the playoffs. The Rangers’ win total is 81.5 games, and they are expected to miss out on the postseason unless they can pull off some surprises in the AL West.
Jacob deGrom, the prized free agent signing for the Rangers, will make his first start for Texas against a team he is very familiar with from his time in the NL East. Aaron Nola, who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last season, will take the bump for the Phillies.
2023 MLB Opening Day – Rangers Preview
The Rangers are one of the more interesting teams to me this season. The Rangers’ 2023 win total is 13.5 games higher than the wins they amassed last season, and I am bullish on their outlook. If deGrom can stay healthy and the rest of the Rangers’ pitching staff shows progression, this is a solid ballclub.
Jacob deGrom takes the mound for the Rangers, and he has been fantastic against the Phillies in his career. In 20 starts with the Mets against the Phillies, deGrom went 9-1 with a 2.17 ERA with 136 strikeouts. Besides two games where he was shelled by Philly, deGrom has allowed three or fewer runs to the Phillies 18 times.
Offensively, the Rangers are young, and they are contact hitters who get on base. In spring training, Texas was fourth in the MLB in batting average and sixth in on-base percentage. The Rangers also have speedsters on the bases, so with the new rules, they can take advantage of stealing more bases. It is tough to predict how any team will start after playing sparingly in spring, but so far, so good for Texas’ outlook on opening day.
2023 MLB Opening Day – Phillies Preview
The Phillies had just 87 wins in 2022, but they made it count in the postseason where they got all the way to the World Series. Now, the Phillies have a target on their back, and they made some solid moves this offseason in an effort to improve. Aaron Nola will take the mound for Philly to start the 2023 MLB season. Nola made 32 starts last season and finished with a 2.58 FIP, a .96 WHIP, a .218 batting average against, a 73-percent left-on-base percentage, and a 29.1-percent K-rate. He was dominant last season, and there is no reason to doubt that he will be great again this year.
Offensively, the Phillies will certainly miss Bryce Harper, but after seeing what Trea Turner did in the World Baseball Classic, it is safe to assume the Phillies will be alright for now. This lineup is solid top to bottom, though they need to fill a hole at first base due to Rhys Hoskins’ injury. Going against deGrom is always a tall order, but the Phillies should be well-equipped to start the season.
2023 MLB Opening Day – Rangers vs. Phillies Prediction
Injuries have really hurt deGrom’s outlook throughout his career, but when he pitches, there is no one better. His skill set is certainly priced into this line, as the Rangers ordinarily would not be favorites against Aaron Nola and the Phillies. While I certainly did not forget about how good deGrom is and how he dominates Philadelphia, it is fair to wonder if his Rangers career will get off to a roaring start. The best way to bet on this game is to take the Phillies at plus money. You are getting the better team and a slightly worse pitcher (which is absolutely not a knock on Nola) at +115
Prediction: Phillies moneyline +115
2023 MLB Futures Package and Betting Guide
GoldSheet has released eight futures bets for the 2023 MLB season, so you can get that package here. Also, GoldSheet teamed up with handicappers from WagerTalk and Sportsmemo to produce a 105-page MLB betting guide for the 2023 season. Check out team previews, stat logs, division odds, win totals, and more to help you prepare for the upcoming baseball season.
2023 MLB Transactions
Have you seen the new GoldSheet MLB stat pages? Bookmark goldsheet.com/mlb-player-news for the latest MLB scores, stats, standing, and injury news.
