The opening day of the 2021 MLB season concludes with an AL West showdown between the Houston Astros and the Oakland A’s. The betting line on this game is even with both teams carrying a moneyline of -105.
The Astros lost their grip on the AL West last season, finishing second behind the A’s. However, Houston still got the last laugh, beating Oakland in the ALDS to reach the ALCS. The Astros are hoping to get back on top of the division in 2021, although the A’s are slight betting favorites to win the AL West, giving Houston plenty of motivation to make a statement on opening day.
Meanwhile, the A’s are starting to run out of time to make a championship run. Given their financial constraints, a rebuilding project could be around the corner in Oakland. There’s pressure on the club to get back to the postseason and make some noise in 2021. The A’s are also well aware that the Astros are their biggest obstacle, so every head-to-head meeting this year could make a difference in the final standings.
The Bass Man
Veteran Chris Bassitt is the surprise opening day starter for Oakland. The 32-year-old doesn’t come with as much hype as some of the younger members of the pitching staff. However, he earned the spot thanks to an exceptional performance in 2020. Over 11 starts, Bassitt was 5-2 with a 2.29 ERA.
The caveat is that Bassitt gave up three runs on nine hits over four innings in a playoff game that Oakland lost to the Astros in last year’s ALDS. The Houston lineup he faced that day is no less intimidating than the one he’ll face on Thursday night. The likes of Yuli Gurriel and Carlos Correa have hit Bassitt particularly hard in the past. Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley are also threats in the middle of the order. Finally, young slugger Yordan Alvarez is a huge wild card in Houston’s lineup this year after the power he flashed in 2019.
Zack’s Back
With Justin Verlander sidelined in 2021, the opening day honors go to Zack Greinke. The 37-year-old veteran started to show signs of aging last season. Coming off an 18-win campaign in 2019, Greinke was just 3-3 with a 4.03 ERA over 12 starts in 2020. He also had some ups and downs in the postseason, including a game against the A’s in which he gave up four runs over 4.2 innings thanks to two home runs by Ramon Laureano.
In addition to Laureano, the Oakland lineup has plenty of other quality hitters. Matt Chapman and Matt Olson continue to anchor the lineup, with Chapman being 5 for 14 (.357) in his career against Greinke. Offseason acquisition Elvis Andrus also had a good track record against Greinke, going 9 for 25 (.360) with a pair of doubles. However, the A’s are also a little short on sluggers compared to recent seasons, with Khris Davis and Marcus Semien no longer with the club.
Toss-Up
On opening days, most starting pitchers don’t last as long as they might in the middle of the season. If this game turns into a battle of the bullpens, the odds move in Oakland’s direction. Bet on the A’s to eke out a win over the Astros on opening night.
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