2020 MLB Opening Day Betting Schedule and Team vs. Team Analysis

While there have been some positive COVID-19 tests and players that have withdrawn Opening Day remains set. Thursday, July 23 will mark the long-awaited start of baseball betting. Predominantly on the minds of handicappers and the MLB community is the compacted 60-game schedule. Cause by even the worst teams having occasional hot streaks. And the best teams slumping on occasion. Over the traditional 162-game marathon that all evens out. However, in a 60-game set, such runs can prove decisive. Regardless excitement and anticipation continue to build. Let’s take a look at the highlights of the opening week!

Thursday, July 23 – MLB Opening Night!

Of course, it’s no coincidence that the two leading favorites will open the season on ESPN. Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees betting handle dwarfs most other teams. They are the prohibitive favorites to meet in the 2020 World Series. Each has star-studded lineups and are iconic worldwide brands.   On the whole ESPN and sportsbooks will get exactly what they want out of the first day of action. 

New York Yankees at Washington Nationals – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN

Certainly, this makes for a marquee online betting matchup. Washington is the defending, though to many, accidental World Series champion. New York is coming off consecutive 100-plus win seasons. Namely, Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole was the biggest free-agent catch of the offseason.

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers – 10 p.m. ET – ESPN

This ancient hated rivalry is well over a century old dating back to origins in metropolitan New York. Los Angeles boasts the deepest and best lineup in the game. As a result of that and seven straight National League West Division titles are expectations over the top. San Francisco is among the biggest Betting on baseball underdogs on the board.

Friday, Jul 24 – Remaining Openers Take Place

Although it took far too long to get off the dime MLB deserves credit for a strong list of opening weekend games. Television partners have to be thrilled with the matchups. Let’s examine top televised weekend action!

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets – 4 p.m. ET – ESPN

Extending weekend appeal is a Braves team that is a proven contender. Atlanta has won two consecutive National League East Division titles. Offsetting that has been their MLB betting reputation is playoff chokers. Naturally 2019 National League home run king Pete Alonso is a draw for the Mets.

Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds – 6:10 p.m. ET – MLB Network

Due to a strong offseason that bolstered their roster are expectations high for Cincinnati. Correlate the first noticeable improvement shown by the Reds last year. Detroit is not expected to provide much in the way of resistance to anyone this year.

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN

Account of a strong 90-mile rivalry is Milwaukee and Chicago appealing. Both teams are top betting on MLB contenders in the National League Central. Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich was the 2018 National League Most Valuable Player. Meanwhile, the Cubs still have a capable top-five payroll.

Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros – 9:10 p.m. ET – MLB Network

 Admittedly the Astros caught a lot of offseason flack for their infamous sign-stealing scandal. Houston is still one of the most capable teams in baseball. Counter to that is a Mariners team among the worst on the board. 

Los Angeles Angels at Oakland A’s – 10 p.m. ET – ESPN

Oakland’s “Moneyball” ways continue to work. To show, the A’s are coming off two straight playoff seasons.   Joe Maddon has taken his managerial talents to AL MVP Mike Trout and LA.