Thursday MLB Picks and Early Leans (7/28): Red Sox vs Guardians, Astros vs Mariners, Angels vs Rangers

Thursday MLB Picks and Early Leans (7/28): Red Sox vs Guardians, Astros vs Mariners, Angels vs Rangers

Joey Ruiz is back with his early MLB leans. He's eyeing the games between the Red Sox and Guardians, Astros and Mariners, and Angels and Rangers. Check out his early MLB leans for Thursday's MLB slate.

1. Astros/Mariners F5 o4.5 / Full Game o8

Jose Urquidy has been a very solid starting pitcher for the Astros over the past few seasons but his Achilles Heel has been the Seattle Mariners. In his first three starts against Seattle this season, he got hit extremely hard and lost all three of those appearances. In his fourth start against them, he finally got revenge and beat them for the first time this season as the Astros won a low scoring 5-2 game.

In one of his earlier starts against Seattle, he was up against Logan Gilbert which is the same matchup we have tonight. In that matchup, both offenses were firing on all cylinders as the Astros scored three runs through the first three innings and also had two runners thrown out at home. The Mariners also hit Urquidy very hard in that start as Raleigh and France tagged him for home runs and there was also heavy traffic on the base paths as they stranded bases loaded in the first inning. I think we will see a similar type of game tonight as Gilbert and Urquidy are both coming off strong starts in this matchup and foresee both of them having some regression tonight.

2. Angels F5 -0.5 Angels Full Game -1/-1.5

The Angels have had a disappointing season but not due to the performance of Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has been on a tear this season on the mound in particular. He comes into this game with a 9-5 record and a 2.80 ERA and the Angels haven’t lost a game he started at home since late May.

The Angels' lineup will also get a favorable matchup against Spencer Howard who has had his struggles this season. Howard comes into this game with an 0-2 record and a 10.54 ERA away from home. Those starts came against Oakland x2, Baltimore, and Toronto, so other than the Blue jays, he still really struggled even against below-average competition. I think the Angels will be able to get to him early and Ohtani should be able to hold it down on the other side for the Angels.

3. Guardians F5/Full Game ML

The Red Sox are simply in shambles right now. They have been dealing with numerous injuries, inconsistent starting pitching, and questionable defense. Their defense has been one of their biggest issues as they have been making numerous defensive miscues almost every game.

Tonight the Red Sox will have to face Triston McKenzie who is having a breakout season. McKenzie comes into this game with an ERA just over 3.00 and a WHIP under one which is exceptional. McKenzie has a long and wiry frame and gets great extension on his pitches making it tough for hitters to pick up out of his hand. I think McKenzie will be able to continue his success tonight against a Red Sox squad that has really been scuffling as of late.

*NOT OFFICIAL PICKS YET, JUST MY TOP EARLY LEANS AND THOUGHTS ON THIS SLATE*

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page