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The Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians begin a three-game set tonight, with the struggling Texas bullpen looking to find its form behind opener Tyler Alexander. 

However, with Parker Messick dominating, my Rangers vs. Guardians predictions and MLB picks are targeting Cleveland to walk away with a victory here. 

Who will win Rangers vs Guardians today: Guardians moneyline (-142)

The Texas Rangers will hand Tyler Alexander the ball tonight, but after working just one inning in each of his last two starts, they'll once again lean heavily on their bullpen. That's a concern, considering Texas' relief corps owns a 5.24 FIP over the last week while allowing a 39.8% hard-hit rate.

The Cleveland Guardians counter with Parker Messick, who has been outstanding lately. The left-hander owns a 2.15 FIP across his last two appearances while striking out 12.63 hitters per nine innings and allowing just 0.66 home runs per nine.

Cleveland holds the clear pitching edge, and I'll play this pick to -150.

COVERS INTEL: This Rangers bullpen has given up 2.57 HR/9 across the last week, compared to just 1.13 overall this season. 

Rangers vs Guardians Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-116)

Parker Messick has been excellent lately, but I don't expect him to completely silence Texas. The Rangers are swinging the bat well, carrying a 45.3% hard-hit rate over their last seven games, and should be capable of scratching out a few runs.

Cleveland's offense hasn't produced consistently, with just a 69 wRC+ over the last week, but this is still a favorable pitching matchup after Tyler Alexander exits early. The Guardians don't need an offensive explosion to cash this Over, and a game in the 5-4 range feels well within reach.

I'll play this pick up to -130.

Rangers vs Guardians weather

Conditions at Progressive Field should provide a slight boost to offense tonight. Temperatures around 90 F and warm summer air could help the ball carry a bit better, while light 4.7 mph winds aren't expected to have much impact. Overall, the weather leans modestly toward hitters and supports a few extra scoring opportunities.

Rangers vs Guardians odds

• Moneyline: Rangers +133 | Guardians -138
• Run line: Rangers +1.5 (-163) | Guardians -1.5 (+156)
• Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-104) | Under 7.5 (-100)

Rangers vs Guardians trend

The Rangers have cashed the Over in 20 of their last 35 games for +5.80 units and a 15% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Guardians.

How to watch Rangers vs Guardians and game info

Rangers vs Guardians latest injuries

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The Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners meet tonight, with the dominant George Kirby on the hill. 

Behind the righty, my Angels vs. Mariners predictions eye Seattle to grab a home victory in the series opener. 

Find out more in my MLB picks for Monday, June 29. 

Who will win Angels vs Mariners today: Mariners -1.5 (-103)

The Los Angeles Angels hand Ryan Johnson the ball tonight. He's only made two starts since being recalled, but opponents have still managed a 40.8% hard-hit rate while Johnson has allowed 1.64 home runs per nine innings. That's a dangerous combination against a Seattle Mariners lineup that sees the ball better at home.

George Kirby, meanwhile, has been lights out. Over his last four outings, the right-hander owns a 2.82 FIP while allowing just 0.82 home runs per nine innings. Kirby also sports a solid 3.79 FIP at T-Mobile Park this season.

I'll play this pick to -130.

COVERS INTEL: Seattle's offense has compiled a 109 wRC+ at home compared to just 94 on the road.

Angels vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 runs (-103)

While Ryan Johnson has been vulnerable, Seattle's offense hasn't exactly been rolling either, carrying just a .290 wOBA over the last week. That should help keep this total in check, even if the Mariners find some early success against the Angels' starter.

Both bullpens have also been outstanding lately. Los Angeles owns a phenomenal 1.24 FIP across its last 26 1/3 innings, while Seattle's relief corps has posted a 2.33 FIP over the past week. Both units have done an excellent job limiting damage late in games.

I expect Seattle to score enough to win behind George Kirby, but runs could be difficult to come by after the starters exit.

I'll play this to -120.

Angels vs Mariners weather

Conditions at T-Mobile Park should have little impact on tonight's matchup. Temperatures around 70°F with light 8.1 mph winds create a fairly neutral environment, offering minimal assistance to either hitters or pitchers. The game is more likely to be decided by the starting pitching and bullpen matchups than by the weather.

Angels vs Mariners odds

• Moneyline: Angels +194 | Mariners -203
• Run line: Angels +1.5 (-113) | Mariners -1.5 (+104)
• Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-108) | Under 7.5 (+104)

Angels vs Mariners trend

The Seattle Mariners have hit the game total Under in six of their last eight games (+3.80 Units / 43% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Mariners.

How to watch Angels vs Mariners and game info

Angels vs Mariners latest injuries

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The San Diego Padres visit the heavily favored Chicago Cubs (-150) at Wrigley Field to start a three-game set Monday, June 29.

My top Padres vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks call for the Chicago lineup to pull away and take the series opener tonight.

Who will win Padres vs Cubs today: Cubs -1.5 (+129)

The wind is forecast to be blistering out at Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Cubs have paced the majors with 6.6 runs per game during their 12-4 heater while also ranking fourth in wOBA and seventh in xwOBA.

So, with the San Diego Padres sending righty Griffin Canning to the bump tonight, I’m anticipating another big night from the Chicago lineup.

Canning has surrendered a 52.1% hard-hit rate, which is tied for the lowest mark in the majors among pitchers with 40 innings.

Of course, the Padres also rank 29th in baseball against left-handed pitchers, so I’m expecting Chicago southpaw Shota Imanaga to hold the San Diego bats in check enough for the Cubs to pull away tonight.

COVERS INTEL: Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga boasts a high-end 30.3 whiff percentage and 14.5 swinging-striking percentage, which positions him to both keep the San Diego Padres off balance at the plate while paving the way to Chicago covering the run line and keeping the number Under the inflated total.

Padres vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 11.5 (-126)

The wind is forecast to be blistering out at Wrigley Field tonight, so we’re receiving an inflated total. 

In addition to the noted struggles the Padres have had against lefties this season, they also rank 24th in overall xwOBA while averaging just 3.9 runs per game in June. 

Plus, San Diego has played to the Under in 26 of its past 45 road games (+6.20 Units / 13% ROI), and the Padres have only hit the Over in 21 of their last 50 games (-11.10 Units / -20% ROI).

Padres vs Cubs weather

High temperatures reaching 90°F paired with a strong 12-to-16 mph wind blowing straight out to left field will create favorable hitting conditions at Wrigley Field tonight.

Padres vs Cubs odds

• Moneyline: Padres +130 | Cubs -150
• Run line: Padres +1.5 (-145) | Cubs -1.5 (+125)
• Over/Under: Over 11 (-110) | Under 11(-110)

Padres vs Cubs trend

The San Diego Padres have hit the Under in 26 of their last 45 away games (+6.20 Units / 13% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Cubs.

How to watch Padres vs Cubs and game info

Padres vs Cubs latest injuries

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The powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers are small -115 favorites over the Athletics in the series opener.

While it's rare to get the Dodgers at such an enticing price, my Dodgers vs. Athletics predictions and MLB picks believe the home team is set up for success Monday night.

Who will win Dodgers vs A's today: Athletics (-105)

Gage Jump has posted a 2.56 xERA or lower in four of six starts, including three in a row.

He should make life difficult on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who surprisingly rank 24th in wOBA and 26th in average vs. lefties since May 1.

Although Eric Lauer has pitched better since being scooped up by the Dodgers, he has benefited from luck. He owns a 2.83 ERA over the last month despite a 5.17 xFIP.

Regression should set in against an Athletics attack sitting first in home wOBA and SLG against lefties.

Back the Athletics to -115.

COVERS INTEL:Gage Jump ranks in the 88th percentile in Pitcher Run Value and xERA.

Dodgers vs A's Over/Under pick: Over 10.5 (-110)

Lauer is sporting a sky-high 51% fly-ball rate and has allowed 2.23 homers per nine innings.  

He profiles as the exact kind of pitcher who will struggle mightily against a powerful Athletics offense in a very hitter-friendly ballpark. 

The Dodgers haven’t fared all that well against lefties of late, but there is no doubt they have the talent to be much better. Jump has also allowed at least three runs in two of three home starts, with a putrid Angels team being the lone exception.

Both offenses should chip in plenty. Bet the Over to -125.

Dodgers vs A's weather

Temperatures in the 90s are expected with slight winds blowing outward. Perfect conditions for the offenses to hit for power.

Dodgers vs A's odds

• Moneyline: Dodgers -115 | A's -105
• Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+135) | A's +1.5 (-155)
• Over/Under: Over 10.5 (-110) | Under 10.5 (-110)

Dodgers vs A's trend

The Athletics have hit the game total Over in 10 of the last 17 home games (+3.35 units, 18% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. A's.

How to watch Dodgers vs A's and game info

Dodgers vs A's latest injuries

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The San Diego Padres continued their trend against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, winning Game 1 before dropping the next two. It was an electric first game followed by two depressing contests against L.A. The club’s biggest struggle was its starters. Randy Vásquez and Michael King combined to surrender 11 runs between their two outings.

In hindsight, it’s easy to say that manager Craig Stammen could have pulled both earlier with plenty of the bullpen available. That said, in the moment, both starters have proven they deserve a longer leash, and the Friars should have been able to put together more run support for King in the series finale. The lineup went a measly 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They’ll need to do much more against the Chicago Cubs before facing the Dodgers again this weekend.

Taking the mound

Shota Imanaga (CHC) v. Griffin Canning (SD)

The left-hander returned to the Cubs despite a song-and-dance routine this offseason that saw him decline a $15 million player option before accepting a qualifying offer from Chicago. He’ll be a free agent at the end of this year but hasn’t done much to boost his stock.

Imanaga owns a 4.40 ERA on the season, continuing to shown signs of regression since his stellar rookie campaign in 2024 (2.91 ERA, 173.1 IP). He struggled in his last outing against the New York Mets, surrendering four runs in 5 1/3 innings, but has a good history against the Friars. The Padres will need to jump on his mistakes to end their current losing streak.

Canning, like most of the Padres’ rotation, has been woefully inconsistent this season. He just had his worst outing yet against the Atlanta Braves, going just 2/3 of an inning while giving up four runs. Hopefully, the right-hander can bounce back from the tough start and deliver San Diego a much-needed win.

It was rumored that Germán Márquez could be a part of the Friars’ pitching plans today, but the club announced he’ll be making another rehab start on Tuesday in El Paso. He’ll likely be activated later this week to replace either Canning or JP Sears.

Batter up!

It’s hard to pinpoint just where the Friars’ offensive switch-up came, but Samad Taylor was certainly a problem. After being a spark plug for the San Diego offense, Taylor would go a dismal 0-for-10 against L.A., with four strikeouts in the series finale alone. That being said, he took his walks (four BBs), but found himself in the first slump of an otherwise incredible start to his Padres tenure.

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
2. Samad Taylor, RF
3. Jackson Merrill, CF
4. Manny Machado, 3B
5. Gavin Sheets, LF
6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
7. Miguel Andujar, DH
8. Ty France, 1B
9. Freddy Fermin, C

Andujar has the most success against Imanaga, albeit in a smaller sample size. In four at-bats against the lefty, he’s gotten two hits including a solo home run for a 2.000 OPS. The slugger has been mired in a slump since breaking out in early May and has struggled to get out of it. Perhaps tonight will be the night.

Relief corps

Thankfully, King was able to make it through four solid innings of work before reaching trouble in the fifth. He tried to pitch through it but couldn’t, with the Padres calling on Yuki Matsui to get him out of the jam. He recorded two strikeouts and pitched the sixth inning as well. Jason Adam twirled a one-hit seventh before Wandy Peralta finished out the game with two perfect innings.

That saves the Friars’ ‘pen for tonight’s series opener. If the Padres can manage to put together some runs against Imanaga, the ‘pen will have no shortage of arms to turn to. Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and David Morgan will each be available for San Diego.

If two weeks ago was a mixed bag for the Yankees, this past week was a outright tumble. They did manage to narrowly win a series against the Tigers to start off, but the offense’s lackluster performance outside of a couple key moments came home to roost in their trip up to Boston where they got swept in a four-game series against their archrivals. A humiliating result on several levels, New York got pummeled by the last-place team in their division giving the Rays the opening they needed to close the gap and retake first place while also looking lifeless for significant stretches offensively — they scored just seven runs outside of extra innings across those four games facing nothing but lefty starters and nearly got no-hit by the last of them in former Yankee Sonny Gray.

Needless to say, the vibes aren’t great after that road trip. While June hasn’t been an outright bad month for them, they’ve played to an even .500 record and suffered from some streaky play within the rotation for the first time all year while the offense can’t find its groove. On top of that, the defensive alignments have regressed significantly with Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Ryan McMahon all out: José Caballero hasn’t taken to time in the outfield well, Ben Rice has had a rough showing when he’s manning first base instead of slotting in as the DH, and Amed Rosario is still prone to some maddening errors. Combine all this, and it’s easy to see how frustrating the month has been despite the overall record not being too damning. And as our own Michael Zeno pointed out in his analysis of the so-called June Swoon, the real catalyst for an oncoming slide is a poor performance in Fenway during the month. Buckle up and get ready to see if that trend holds true.

With all of that in mind, there’s still plenty of season left to play and a trade deadline now on the horizon as we approach July. Much can change in a matter of weeks, and as we get into the new month even day-to-day rumors should start to bubble up as the trade market forms. Will an overhaul of the team be on the horizon to buff out the rough edges, or will the front office target a key player or two hoping that one big fix brings relief across the board? How aggressive do you think the Yankees will be in dealing from their prospect pool? Can they avoid considering getting back their injured players as a “deadline acquisition” this time around? If you have questions like these, or anything else on your mind, send ‘em in for a chance to be featured in our Yankees mailbag.

Answers will run on Friday afternoon. All questions received by the night of July 2nd will be considered. You can leave your submissions in the comment section below or by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Following Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets optioned right-hander Tobias Myers to Triple-A Syracuse and recalled RHP Joey Gerber in a corresponding move.

The decision came after Myers pitched three innings in a bulk relief role in the series finale and allowed three earned runs on six hits which raised his ERA to a season-high 6.21. 

In fact, since Myers was recalled from Triple-A after getting optioned in late May, he has not pitched well at all. In four appearances this month, the right-hander has allowed 14 earned runs on 17 hits (two home runs) and five walks in 8.2 innings for an unsightly 14.54 ERA.

Myers was optioned to Triple-A the first time due to bullpen necessity and flexibility because the 27-year-old had options remaining. Still, it came on the heels of a few rough outings after he had been exceptional early on in many roles out of the bullpen for New York -- he had a 2.05 ERA through May 2.

However, lately Myers has been unable to recapture his early-season form or even pitch to his career numbers (3.71 ERA in 230.2 IP) and has been optioned once again to try and find his groove.

Meanwhile, Gerber is getting recalled by the Mets for the fourth time this season. In limited action this year, the right-hander has a 1.80 ERA in five innings and has a career 3.24 ERA in 25 IP between three clubs. He last pitched for New York on June 9 against the St. Louis Cardinals.