MLB Best Bet

I am backing Glasnow in this start. I watched his first start with the Rays this year and I decided then that I would take a long look at him in his next start. He gets that start in game 2 of this double header today in Boston. His stuff was electric against the Dodgers and his arm looked rested. He struck out 8 batters in 4.1 innings and he pitched with confidence. Sure, the Dodgers scattered 5 hits including a home run but that stat line does not tell the full story. I look for Glasnow to come back with a very strong outing tonight in Boston. He will need his good stuff as the Red Sox do hit right handed pitchers well. Having said that, I am extremely confident Glasnow is up for the challenge.

I've seen varying reports on who the Red Sox may pitch tonight. I've heard Kluber and possibly Kutter Crawford. The Sox could also use Pivetta or Winchowski. Regardless of who is on the bump for the Sox, I am backing Glasnow in this game. Having said that, I would welcome the Sox to start any of these four pitchers -- especially Kluber. He hasn't had great stuff this season and the Rays know him well as he pitched for them last season. They have faced him once this season and he lasted only 4.2 innings as he allowed 4 hits and 4 earned runs including a long ball. Crawford has appeared against the Rays once this season in mop up duty. He pitched 3.0 innings (6th, 7th, and 8th) and allowed 2 hits and a home run in a 9-3 Rays win. The Rays are #1 in the league in OPS .805 against righties and I look for them to hit any pitcher the Red Sox throw out there. Having said that, I would back Glasnow in this start if Prime Pedro Martinez was on the mound -- I liked the way he looked that much in a losing effort in his first game back.