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  "description": "Maximize your Saturday betting with our May 9th MLB First Pitch picks. We break down the \"fair odds\" for key matchups, including Roman Anthony vs. Framber Valdez, Gunnar Henderson vs. Aaron Civale, and Kyle Schwarber at Coors Field. Get the data on strike probabilities and in-play value today.",
  "path": "/mlb/mlb-first-pitch-picks-today-best-bets-may-9/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-09T16:27:18.000Z",
  "site": "https://edgely.bet",
  "textContent": "# MLB Matchup Previews: Breaking Down Today's Key Battles\n\nHappy 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.\n\n## Red Sox @ Tigers\n\n**Roman Anthony vs. Framber Valdez**\n\nIn 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.\n\n## Angels @ Blue Jays\n\n**Zach Neto vs. Trey Yesavage**\n\nHere, **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.\n\n**George Springer vs. Jack Kochanowicz**\n\n**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.\n\n## Athletics @ Orioles\n\n**Nick Kurtz vs. Shane Baz**\n\n**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.\n\n**Gunnar Henderson vs. Aaron Civale**\n\nIn 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.\n\n## Astros @ Reds\n\n**Jose Altuve vs. Chase Burns**\n\n**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.\n\n**TJ Friedl vs. Spencer Arrighetti**\n\n**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.\n\n## Nationals @ Marlins\n\n**James Wood vs. Janson Junk**\n\n**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.\n\n**Xavier Edwards vs. Zack Littell**\n\n**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.\n\n## Phillies @ Rockies\n\n**Kyle Schwarber vs. Kyle Freeland**\n\n**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.\n\n## Twins @ Guardians\n\n**Byron Buxton vs. Tanner Bibee**\n\n**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.\n\n**Steven Kwan vs. Joe Ryan**\n\n**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%.\n\n## Mets @ Marlins\n\n**Brandon Nimmo vs. Edward Cabrera**\n\n**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.\n\n## Tigers @ Royals\n\n**Kevin McGonigle vs. Michael Wacha**\n\n**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.\n\n## Brewers @ Dodgers\n\n**Garrett Mitchell vs. Cam Schlittler**\n\n**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.\n\n**Jackson Merrill vs. Dustin May**\n\n**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.\n\n* * *\n\nWhether 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.",
  "title": "MLB First Pitch Picks Today: Best Bets (May 9th) | MLB EDGE",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-09T16:27:19.126Z"
}