Free MLB Picks Today: Boston Red Sox vs Seattle Mariners 5/15/23

The Boston Red Sox (22-19), one of the top lineups in the league, are set to host the Seattle Mariners (20-20) at Fenway Park on Monday for the opener of a three-game series.

The Mariners are in the midst of a nine-game road trip. They won two out of three in their last series against the Tigers, dropping the finale 5-3 on Sunday at Comerica Park. J.P. Crawford was 2 for 5 with one run, stretching his on-base streak to 11 games.

The Red Sox are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They were just swept in three games against the Cardinals, dropping the finale 9-1 on Sunday at Fenway Park.

Alex Verdugo went 1 for 3 with a double and one run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Red Sox won six of the seven games between the teams, including two out of three in their most recent meeting at T-Mobile Park in June.

ON THE MOUND

George Kirby (4-2, 2.62 ERA) is set for the start for Seattle. The RHP threw seven scoreless innings in his last start, a 5-0 road win over the Rangers on Tuesday. He got the win, yielding six hits while striking out nine.

Over two starts against the Red Sox in 2022, Kirby was 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA over 10 innings. He had seven strikeouts and two walks. Right-hander Tanner Houck (3-2, 5.26 ERA) gets the start for Boston.

Houck made three appearances against the Mariners in 2022, all in relief, striking out nine and walking one over six innings (1-0, 0.00). In his last start on May 7, Houck took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up three runs on five hits, striking out four and walking one in the 6-1 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The Seattle offense is averaging 4.4 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .225/.304/.371. Jarred Kelenic leads the team in OPS at .897. The center fielder is slashing .287/.338/.559 with eight home runs, 20 RBIs, and 16 runs over 38 games.

Against right-handed pitchers like Houck this season, the M’s have a .689 OPS. Kelenic also is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .870 OPS in 102 at-bats.

Boston is slashing .267/.339/.444 for the season and averaging 5.5 runs per game, third best in MLB. Masataka Yoshida leads the team with ann .869 OPS.

The left fielder has six home runs, 24 RBIs, and 23 runs scored with a slash line of .298/.380/.489. Boston is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five with their slash line dropping across the board (.239/.319/.387).

The Sox have a .798 OPS against right-handers in 2023, third highest in MLB. With a .936 OPS over 105 at-bats, Verdugo has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Seattle is 10-8 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Boston has lost three in a row at Fenway Park.

The Sox are 13-10 at home this season, averaging 5.8 runs per game while surrendering 5.5. Boston is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the teams at Fenway Park with an average scoreline of 6.9-4.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, five games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Red Sox are fifth in the AL East, eight games behind the Rays.