MLB Picks: Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Boston Red Sox (28-34) and Baltimore Orioles (31-30) will open up an American League East series Monday night at Oriole Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Boston Red Sox have struggled in the early going this season

Boston snapped a five-game losing streak by picking up a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers as +115 road underdogs on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, while going OVER the betting total for a second consecutive contest. The Red Sox welcomed back first baseman Mike Napoli from the disabled list last night, which could provide a major lift for a struggling lineup. Boston is 5-5 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the OVER going 6-4 in that situation.

Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (1-3, 4.72 ERA) was handed a 5-3 road defeat by the Cleveland Indians in his last trip to the mound—surrendering five runs and eight hits in 6.1 innings of work. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 5.46 ERA in five road appearances—issuing 10 walks and striking out 24 batters in 29.2 combined frames. In four lifetime efforts versus the Orioles, Peavy has tallied a 2-0 record and 4.21 ERA.

Baltimore has dropped three of its last four games, including a 11-1 setback to the Oakland Athletics as +128 home underdogs Sunday, while going OVER the betting total for the sixth time in seven affairs. The Orioles could be without the services of third baseman Manny Machado, who is facing a potential suspension after sending his bat down the third-base line in retaliation from almost getting plunked. Baltimore is 5-3 at home with a money line of -100 to -125, with the UNDER cashing in seven of those eight opportunities.

Orioles starting pitcher Bud Norris (4-5, 4.41 ERA) has alternated wins and losses over his last four outings, as he comes off a 6-5 road victory over the Texas Rangers—allowing five runs and six hits over five frames. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in four home starts, with opposing hitters batting .245 against him. In four lifetime starts versus the Red Sox, Norris has produced a 0-2 record and 4.56 ERA, including a 4-2 road defeat April 19.