MLB betting features a World Series rematch on Monday as the Philadelphia Phillies host the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action. This baseball betting contest can be seen on ESPN on Monday afternoon. MLB betting could have a good pitching matchup since the Yankees are likely to go with A.J. Burnett. New York was rained out yesterday and Burnett was the scheduled starter in their game against Detroit. New York could also choose to get Phil Hughes in the game. Hughes is in a battle for the fifth spot in the starting rotation so this game could be critical to his chances. New York has really not decided what to do in regards to the fifth starter. “We could talk for hours and we may still not come out and have a decision,” manager Joe Girardi said. “But obviously we’re getting to a point where we’re going to have to make one.”
The battle for the fifth spot looks to be between Joba Chamberlain and Hughes. Alfredo Aceves may have taken himself out of the running as he was shelled in his last outing against Houston. His ERA went from 0.90 to a 3.77. “It’s part of the game. It’s baseball,” Aceves said. “You always keep the bad and the good things. You just fix it to the next game, those details.” Last season Aceves led the league with 10 wins as a reliever and he could be the long man in the Yankees bullpen.
Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre are also in the mix but both look like they are headed to the bullpen. Gaudin was shelled in his last outing and he now has an ERA of 8.68.
Baseball betting statistics indicate that Hughes is the best contender for a spot but the Yankees are looking to limit his pitches this season. Chamberlain could get the spot since he pitched well last time out. It is not an easy choice for New York. “You want to see guys compete, and they haven’t made it easy.” Girardi said, “The tougher our decision, the better it is for the whole staff on a whole.”
The Phillies are always a threat in MLB betting and they may want to exact a little World Series revenge against the Yankees even though this is a Spring Training game. It should be interesting to watch though on ESPN on Monday.