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MLB First Pitch Picks Today: Best Bets (May 9th) | MLB EDGE

edgely.bet May 9, 2026
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MLB Matchup Previews: Breaking Down Today's Key Battles

Happy Saturday! With plenty of MLB action on tap, let's dive into some exciting matchups and analyze each play individually. From batting averages to pitching prowess, here's everything you need to know about today’s MLB matchups.

Red Sox @ Tigers

Roman Anthony vs. Framber Valdez

In this matchup, Roman Anthony faces off against Framber Valdez with a projected outcome of being in play at an 18.7% chance (fair odds +435). Valdez is known for throwing in the zone 71.1% of the time. Meanwhile, Anthony swings 30.6% of the time and puts the ball in play 16.3% of the time.

Angels @ Blue Jays

Zach Neto vs. Trey Yesavage

Here, Zach Neto takes on Trey Yesavage , with a projected in-play outcome at a 14.8% chance (fair odds +574). Yesavage throws in the zone 60.0% of the time, but Neto swings at pitches 52.0% of the time, putting them in play 18.2% of the time.

George Springer vs. Jack Kochanowicz

George Springer faces Jack Kochanowicz with an in-play chance of 18.6% (fair odds +436). Kochanowicz’s strategy includes throwing in the zone 76.7% of the time. Springer, however, only swings at 33.3% of the pitches, putting them in play 9.3% of the time.

Athletics @ Orioles

Nick Kurtz vs. Shane Baz

Nick Kurtz goes up against Shane Baz with a 14.1% chance of putting the ball in play (fair odds +607). Baz throws in the zone 55.3% of the time. Kurtz swings 43.2% of the time and puts the ball in play 21.6% of the time.

Gunnar Henderson vs. Aaron Civale

In this matchup, Gunnar Henderson is expected to face a ball with a 52.0% chance (fair odds -108) due to Aaron Civale ’s tendency to throw a first pitch ball 52.0% of the time.

Astros @ Reds

Jose Altuve vs. Chase Burns

Jose Altuve has a 53.3% chance of facing a ball (fair odds -114) against Chase Burns , who throws a first pitch ball 53.3% of the time.

TJ Friedl vs. Spencer Arrighetti

TJ Friedl is projected to receive a strike with a 67.5% chance (fair odds -208) from Spencer Arrighetti , who throws pitches in the zone 72.7% of the time.

Nationals @ Marlins

James Wood vs. Janson Junk

James Wood has a 14.6% chance of putting the ball in play (fair odds +586) against Janson Junk , who throws in the zone 65.2% of the time.

Xavier Edwards vs. Zack Littell

Xavier Edwards faces Zack Littell with a 13.8% chance of putting the ball in play (fair odds +626). Littell’s approach includes throwing in the zone 63.2% of the time.

Phillies @ Rockies

Kyle Schwarber vs. Kyle Freeland

Kyle Schwarber is projected to put the ball in play with a 24.6% chance (fair odds +306) against Kyle Freeland , who throws in the zone 72.2% of the time.

Twins @ Guardians

Byron Buxton vs. Tanner Bibee

Byron Buxton has an 18.6% chance of putting the ball in play (fair odds +439) against Tanner Bibee , known for throwing in the zone 61.0% of the time.

Steven Kwan vs. Joe Ryan

Steven Kwan is expected to receive a strike with a 67.4% chance (fair odds -207) from Joe Ryan , who maintains a zone presence at 69.2%.

Mets @ Marlins

Brandon Nimmo vs. Edward Cabrera

Brandon Nimmo faces Edward Cabrera with a strike chance of 61.4% (fair odds -159). Cabrera throws in the zone 72.7% of the time.

Tigers @ Royals

Kevin McGonigle vs. Michael Wacha

Kevin McGonigle has a promising 40.0% chance of putting the ball in play (fair odds +150) against Michael Wacha , who throws in the zone 76.9% of the time.

Brewers @ Dodgers

Garrett Mitchell vs. Cam Schlittler

Garrett Mitchell is likely to face a ball with a 50.0% chance (fair odds -100) due to Cam Schlittler ’s tendency to throw a first pitch ball 50.0% of the time.

Jackson Merrill vs. Dustin May

Jackson Merrill faces a ball with a 46.7% chance (fair odds +114) against Dustin May , known for throwing a first pitch ball 46.7% of the time.


Whether you're eyeing batting averages or focusing on strikeouts, these matchups offer a thrilling glimpse into today’s MLB games. Keep an eye on these players and pitches for some potential surprises on the field.

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