Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day has arrived, and although they’ll kick things off in enemy territory, they’ll be welcomed by the familiar face of newly minted Texas Ranger – Jacob deGrom.
But like a Hallmark movie without Andie MacDowell, something’s missing. With no Bryce Harper or Rhys Hoskins, the Phillies will turn to a younger core and some veteran bouncebacks to compete in the early goings of ’23.
If you’re still whirling from your gambling losses following the Phillies’ Game 6 exit from the ’22 World Series, we’re back for another season of Philadelphia baseball, and I’d earmark a portion of that next paycheck for some fun player props in the Texas heat and a few last-minute future bets that I’ll outline below.
Without further ado, let’s verify that location and dive into a couple of bets I love as the Phillies await the opening pitch of the 2023 MLB campaign.
Philadelphia Phillies @ Texas Rangers
Opening Day Game Details:
- Location: Globe Life Field – Arlington, TX
- Time: GAME 1: March 30th, 4:05p EST; GAME 2: April 1st, 4:05 EST; GAME 3: April 2nd, 7:08 EST
- Channel: GAME 1: NBC 10; GAME 2: FOX; GAME 3: ESPN Sunday Night Baseball
Betting Stats (FanDuel)
| MATCHUP | MONEYLINE | SPREAD | O/U RUNS |
| GAME 1 | PHILLIES (+110), RANGERS (-130) | RANGERS -1.5 (+172) | 6.5 |
Phillies v. Rangers Opening Series pitching matchups
GAME 1: Aaron Nola (0-0, 0.00 ERA) v. Jacob deGrom (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Although the Rangers are one of only three teams that Aaron Nola has never faced, his 9.0 SO/9 in March & April historically should be enough against a Rangers lineup that averaged almost nine strikeouts per game last season.
I’d jump on the overs whenever they release strikeout totals for these two pitchers but more on deGrom in our Opening Day betting preview… For now, you can still get Nola at +1400 to lead the MLB in strikeouts on DraftKings Sportsbook.
GAME 2: Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00 ERA) v. Nathan Eovaldi (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Zack Wheeler might not be able to catch Nola’s strikeout totals, but that’s a good problem for the Phillies. If you like Nola’s penchant for the K, you can also sprinkle a little on Wheeler to lead the MLB in wins at +1800.
GAME 3: Bailey Falter (0-0, 0.00 ERA) v. Martín Pérez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
And now you understand why Vegas doesn’t like the Phillies getting more than 88 or 89 wins in ’23. I’m not ready to give up, but the 3-5 combination of Bailey Falter, Taijuan Walker, Matt Strahm, and Ranger Suárez (maybe Andrew Painter, someday?) leaves a little something to be desired.
Phillies Props We Love Ahead of Opening Day
MONTHLY SPECIALS: PHILLIES WITH MOST WINS IN THE NL EAST BY END OF APRIL – +265 OR $10 TO WIN $26.50
You can find this one on DraftKings Sportsbooks under Monthly Specials, and I love it.
Through the end of April, the Phillies have just three series against teams with a winning record from ’22. The Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, two of those clubs, mark the final two series of April. The Phillies should have time to find their footing against some less-than-stellar opponents.
In fact, the Phillies won’t see either the Atlanta Braves or New York Mets until the end of May.
KYLE SCHWARBER – MLB HOMERUN LEADER – +1100 OR $10 TO WIN $110
Kyle Schwarber can’t hope to mimic the historic campaign of Aaron Judge from ’22, but the crafty left fielder is set up nicely for his ’23 campaign.
After multiple iterations of Schwarber’s position in the Phillies’ offensive lineup, eventually netting him the leadoff spot, there’s a new leadoff hitter in town: Trea Turner.
Schwarber hit 46 long balls a season ago, and now imagine how distracted pitchers will be once Turner reaches base. Although this theory would be contingent on the success of his bookends in the lineup, I’d have a hard time believing Judge can repeat and Schwarbomb was the next man up.
Phillies betting promos
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
