Spring training offers fans great opportunities to connect with their teams for those who venture to Florida or Arizona. But all fans have hope as nobody has won nor lost a game yet, so the possibilities of making the playoffs and seeing ways that may come true are exciting.
Both the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins, who meet in a nationally televised game on Tuesday’s MLB schedule, are expected to be contending for playoff spots and to finish highly in the MLB standings. Tuesday’s two starting pitchers provide some hope in different ways.
Veteran right-hander Corey Kluber gets his first start for the Red Sox. The two-time Cy Young award winner hopes to make an impact in his age-37 season. Meanwhile, the Marlins will feature southpaw Tyler Rogers, the 13th overall pick in the 2017 draft with 55 starts in MLB games under his belt.
Here is a breakdown of the two teams and matchup before making Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins odds and predictions.
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins Odds
The Odds show the Red Sox are +115 on the moneyline while the Marlins are -135. That is typically the best line to bet when making MLB picks because there are so many unknown variables, from substitutions to who is in the lineup to who is pitching and for how long.
Particularly for this game, there was not a total runs line or traditional run line odds as of this writing, which is another reason to focus on the moneyline when considering Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins odds and predictions.
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins Matchup Information
Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins
Location of the Game: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL.
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 6:40 PM ET.
How to Watch: NESN+ | MLB Network | https://livestreamsports.co/
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins Betting Preview
Boston Red Sox
Many Red Sox fans do not think the team spent enough money in the offseason. The front office let Xander Bogaerts sign with the San Diego Padres after reportedly not making a competitive offer, and missed on several other key free agents.
That was particularly frustrating when it was announced Trevor Story would be out until at least mid-July with an elbow injury. Though the Red Sox added speedster Adalberto Mondesi, who should help shore up the defense up the middle, he has also had his share of time on the MLB injury report.
But Boston locked up a big bat by signing third baseman Rafael Devers to an extension and then added another lefty in Masataka Yoshida, who will complement Devers in the middle of the lineup.
Team seeks new leadoff hitter after Pham departure
But the search for a leadoff hitter is on after they let Tommy Pham go after the most starts at that position with 45. The regulars, including newly signed Justin Turner (first base) and Adam Duvall (designated hitter), were all benched after five innings of Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
The Boston Red Sox stats show they need to improve on the mound. Boston scored 4.54 runs per game, which ranked ninth in Major League Baseball a season ago. Yet the pitching staff was 25th (out of 30) in allowing 4.86 runs per game. Kluber could go a long way in being solid for five innings and letting a strengthened bullpen take over, so Tuesday’s start will be a good first impression.
Health will be important for a pitching staff that is developing depth. Youngster Brayan Bello and righty Garrett Whitlock are working their way back from injuries, which has allowed top prospect Bryan Mata to get some time in games.
Miami Marlins
Miami general manager Kim Ng made a bold proclamation that the Miami Marlins standings will look differently in 2023 with the team making the playoffs. Ng is in her third season in that role with the Marlins after she became the first woman to reach the G.M.’s seat in the four major American professional sports leagues.
Her team was 12th in allowing 4.17 runs per game. However, they were third worst in scoring just 3.62 runs per game. The organization has great pitching depth, and Rogers is certainly a part of that.
New Manager and Roster Changes
She also made the decision to move on from Don Mattingly and hired Skip Schumaker as manager. The Marlins were 69-93 last season, finishing with a losing record for the 12th time in 13 years. Schumaker served as bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals last season and was with the San Diego Padres from 2018-21.
Ng added to the bullpen by acquiring lefty A.J. Puk and former Red Sox closer Matt Barnes. She acquired the American League hitting champion Luis Arraez, and signed Jean Segura, who projects as a third baseman.
The plan is to move electric personality and MLB The Show video game cover guy Jazz Chisholm to center field to best utilize speed and hopefully keep him healthy.
The MLB player stats being added to the lineup should be enough to be at least league average as long as the Marlins can stay healthy. But they have built up some depth.
Marlins fans will also be able to see another top pitching prospect, as lefty Dax Fulton will be pitching in relief at some point.
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins Betting Picks
Two MLB teams with plenty of potential get a chance to showcase that in front of a national audience on Tuesday. Although the addition of Yoshida provides some balance for the Red Sox, it is intriguing that the Marlins are opting for a couple of left-handed pitchers against a predominantly right-handed lineup.
It will provide Boston fans a look at how their team may fare, particularly with Duvall, who smashes southpaws and has a thunderstick.
It will be intriguing to see the crafty Kluber in a Red Sox uniform and how he fares, and how much length he gives. Typically early in spring training, there are not many innings by veterans. But to see his pitch mix and how he is using it to keep hitters off balance.
Still, Marlins fans have to be optimistic with their pitching and a balanced lineup with speed, power, and veterans.
Our Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins odds and predictions are taking Miami -135.
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