Free MLB Picks Today: Boston Red Sox vs Cincinnati Reds 5/30/23

Free MLB Picks Today: Boston Red Sox vs Cincinnati Reds 5/30/23
Tue 30th May 2023

The Boston Red Sox (28-25), one of the best lineups in baseball, are set to host the Cincinnati Reds (24-29) at Fenway Park on Tuesday for the first of a three-game Interleague series. The Reds are in the midst of a six-game road trip.

They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cubs, taking the finale 8-5 on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Matt McLain was 4 for 5 with a double, one run, and one RBI. Kevin Newman added one RBI on two hits and three walks.

The Red Sox are playing the first of seven games at home after returning from a nine-game road trip (4-5). They won two of three against the Diamondbacks in their last series, dropping the finale 4-2 on Sunday at Chase Field.

Justin Turner went 2 for 5 with a solo home run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the teams split their four games (2-2), including their most recent two-game series at Great American Ball Park in September.

ON THE MOUND

Ben Lively (2-2, 2.65 ERA) is set for the start for Cincinnati. The right-hander allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 10-3 road win over the Cardinals on Wednesday. He was credited with the win, yielding five hits while striking out eight and walking two.

Right-hander Brayan Bello (3-2, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for Boston. Bello made one start against the Reds in 2022, throwing five innings in a 5-3 road win on September 20.

He gave up eight hits and walked two, while striking out five in the win.In his last start on May 23, Bello took the loss on the road against the Angels. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out six, in the 4-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The Cincinnati offense is averaging 4.6 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .256/.333/.391. Spencer Steer leads the team in OPS at .836. The third baseman is slashing .284/.352/.485 with seven home runs, 25 RBIs, and 28 runs over 50 games.

Over the last five games, though, Cincinnati has averaged 7.2 runs a game while slashing better across the board (.365/.419/.536). Against right-handed pitchers like Bello this season, the Reds have a .708 OPS.

TJ Friedl is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .909 OPS in 117 at-bats. Boston is slashing .262/.332/.430 for the season and averaging 5.2 runs per game, fifth best in MLB.

Masataka Yoshida leads the team with an .853 OPS. The left fielder has six home runs, 29 RBIs, and 28 runs scored with a slash line of .303/.379/.474.

Boston is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five with their slash line slipping across the board (.226/.309/.333). The Sox have a .758 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .888 OPS over 136 at-bats, Alex Verdugo has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cincinnati is on a three-game winning streak away from Great American Ball Park, bringing their record to 10-15 in 2023. The Reds have scored 4.4 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.6 runs.

Boston has gone 15-11 at their home park this season, averaging 6.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.5. Boston is 6-1 in seven games between the teams at Fenway Park with an average scoreline of 5.6-1.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Reds are third in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Red Sox are fourth in the AL East, 10 games behind the Rays.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

Boston Red Sox (-185)

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

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