Spring training is coming to an end as the MLB teams are entering week 6 of preseason action. With Opening Day just around the corner this March 28th, clubs are looking to fine-tune their rosters and get their starters in tune.
This week features some intriguing matchups between potential playoff contenders. The Philadelphia Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a battle of two talented squads. The NY Yankees and NY Mets renew their cross-town rivalry. The Pittsburgh Pirates face the dangerous Blue Jays lineup, while the Atlanta Braves take on the Minnesota Twins in an interleague showdown.
Here, we’ll preview those four key games, discuss the major storylines, and make bold predictions on what to expect in each matchup. There’s no shortage of talent on display, so let’s dig into the top action to watch this week in spring training.
MLB Spring Training 2024: Week 6 – Games
Games for Monday, March 25th:
Phillies vs. Rays – 12:05 ET
Yankees vs. Mets – 13:05 ET
Pirates vs. Blue Jays – 13:05 ET
Braves vs. Twins – 13:05 ET
Betting Odds – Moneyline
Phillies 1.68 / Rays 2.163
Yankees 1.67 / Mets 2.182
Pirates 1.87 / Blue Jays 1.90
Braves 1.55 / Twins 2.10
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MLB Spring Training 2024: Week 6 – Phillies vs. Rays
The Phillies (9-14) are coming off an American League Championship Series appearance last year and look to build momentum with a strong spring. The lineup remains potent, led by sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. The rotation has question marks behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, so stretching out back-end starters like Ranger Suarez will be key.
The Rays (10-16) won 99 games last season and, despite qualifying for the playoffs, fell in the Wild Card to the Texas Rangers. Offensively, Randy Arozarena looks to build on his great season. Meanwhile, Brandon Lowe and Yandy Diaz bring a veteran presence to the lineup.
This matchup will be a good test for both teams. The Phillies want to keep their momentum going, while the Rays need to evaluate their depth. It should be an interesting game between two playoff contenders.
Our prediction is a win for the Phillies.
Phillies vs. Rays Betting Picks: Phillies
MLB Spring Training 2024: Week 6 – Yankees vs. Mets
The Yankees come with a 13-16 record. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have looked healthy and dangerous in the batting order. In addition, we have Oswaldo Cabrera and Giancarlo Stanton, who are another threat in this powerful lineup. On the pitching side, Gerrit Cole, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes have impressed.
For the Mets, Luis Severino has been dominant, showing the form that earned him a record contract. In addition, we also have Francisco Lindor, Starling Marte, and Pete Alonso, who perfectly bolster this lineup. Lindor looks ready for a bounce-back season, so many eyes are on the Dominican. The Mets are 15-13 this spring with Venezuelan Carlos Mendoza as the team’s new manager.
The Yankees will be without Gerrit Cole until June 4 with a major injury, in addition to the losses of Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu. The Mets miss David Peterson, who is on the 60-day roster. But otherwise, both teams will be close to their expected Opening Day lineups.
Our prediction is a win for the Yankees.
Yankees vs. Mets Betting Picks: Yankees
MLB Spring Training 2024: Week 6 – Pirates vs. Blue Jays
The Pirates come after a tough loss to the NY Yankees. Their lineup has struggled to produce runs this spring, batting just .256 as a team. Outfielder Gilberto Celestino has been a bright spot, leading the team with a .359 average. The team has had an up-and-down spring, but crunch time soon begins, considering they have a record this Spring Training of 12-16.
For the Blue Jays, their high-powered offense is performing exceptionally this spring. They have talent throughout the lineup with Vlad Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and George Springer. In pitching, we have Bowden Francis, who has shined this spring allowing only three runs in 14.0 innings.
This matchup will be a good test for both clubs as they fine-tune their lineups heading into Opening Day. The Pirates are hoping their bats wake up, while the Blue Jays want to see their lineup get healthy.
Our prediction is a win for the Blue Jays.
Pirates vs. Blue Jays Betting Picks: Blue Jays
MLB Spring Training 2024: Week 6 – Braves vs. Twins
This game will feature some of the top talent from both squads. For the Braves, reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. will be in the lineup, along with superstar Marcell Ozuna. The Braves pitching staff is also loaded, led by Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Chris Sale.
The Twins counter with a powerful lineup featuring Carlos Correa, Christian Vazquez, and Byron Buxton. On the mound, Minnesota will likely give openings to veterans Pablo Lopez and Anthony DeSclafani as they try to get healthy. Ezequiel Ventura, one of Minnesota’s top pitching prospects, could also make an appearance as he battles for a spot in the rotation.
Both teams are mostly healthy entering this matchup. The Braves have no players in the infirmary for this game. Whereas, the Twins will be without several participants who are injured, but their condition is day-to-day.
This game will be a good test for both clubs as they prepare for the regular season. The Braves want to look strong after disappointing last year, while the Twins are eager to improve on their 2023 season performance.
Our prediction is a win for the Atlanta Braves.
Braves vs. Twins Betting Picks: Braves
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