Welcome to The Leadoff, a daily column featuring our top expert’s MLB picks, predictions, and best bets for today’s slate.
With Sean Zerillo making significant changes to the structure of Opening Pitch, we thought we could use another similar daily piece breaking down a few of our favorite bets on the day’s top games.
Each day, Monday through Sunday, one of our top staff members will provide news, notes, and betting analysis on that day’s group of games.
Tony Sartori has that job for Monday, September 21.
Follow me in the Action Network App for additional bet notifications.
The Toronto Blue Jays hand the ball to right-hander Trey Yesavage, who has been fantastic in his first full campaign. Through 18 starts, the former first-round draft pick boasts a 3.65 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
His underlying metrics are equally impressive. Entering this matchup, Yesavage owns a 3.38 xERA and a .200 xBA.
The right-hander also ranks in the top quarter of the league in whiff rate, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
Meanwhile, right-hander Shane Baz gets the ball for the Baltimore Orioles. His 2026 season has gone far differently, as Baz is 6-15 with a 4.11 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through 30 starts.
He also tra...