JD Bets recommends taking the under on Ryan Pepiot's 6.5 strikeout total against Pittsburgh. Despite Pepiot achieving unusually high strikeouts against Colorado, JD emphasizes that Colorado was a bottom-five team in strikeouts, inflating Pepiot's numbers deceptively. Pepiot's historical strikeout rate from the previous season was low, as he hit the 6.5 strikeout mark in only nine of his 26 appearances. Given Pittsburgh's modest strikeout tendencies and Pepiot's overall low strikeout consistency, JD confidently advises betting the under on Pepiot's strikeout prop.

JD Bets expects Paul Skenes to pitch at least six full innings against Tampa Bay. He prefers betting the over on 17.5 pitching outs rather than Skeens' strikeout prop. Skeens went at least six innings consistently last season, averaging around 17.3 outs per game and regularly completing full six innings. Although Tampa Bay's lineup historically has not overly impressed against right-handed pitchers, JD believes Skeens' track record and consistency favor him securing at least 18 outs, especially since he only allowed one earned run in his single start against Tampa Bay last season.

Millz Young advises taking Paul Skenes over 7.5 strikeouts against the Seattle Mariners. He acknowledges the line appears high but believes Skenes will keep the game competitive and achieve the necessary strikeouts due to his talent and favorable matchup.

Joe Osborne recommended betting on Ryan Pepiot to go over 17.5 total outs recorded prop against the Pirates. Pepiot impressed in his season debut, efficiently registering 18 outs with only 85 pitches, 8 strikeouts, and just one earned run allowed. Facing a struggling Pirates lineup (27th in OPS, .194 batting average against right-handed pitching), Pepiot is positioned well for another extended and dominant outing today in what Osborne believes could be Pepiot's breakout season.

Eric Lindquist recommended taking Pittsburgh first five innings bet against the Rays, specifically backing Paul Skenes. Despite an unimpressive-looking outing against Miami, Skenes' underlying numbers were very strong, including an 18.2% hard-hit rate, a .216 expected wOBA allowed, and an impressive 35% strikeout rate. Lindquist argued that Skenes was actually unlucky to concede runs given those elite metrics. He acknowledged the suboptimal outdoor playing conditions at Steinbrenner Field (instead of Tropicana), but noted the opportunity to back Skenes at minus 140 or better on the first five innings line was rare and valuable.

Bettor Mark expressed long-term pessimism for Paul Skenes' situation with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite acknowledging Skeens' high talent level and potential strikeout upside, he doesn't see Pittsburgh as a favorable spot, describing the lineup as weak and the Pirates' situation as dire (1-5 start to the season). He also pointed to Skeens' modest first outing performance, noting limited innings (around five innings, 90 pitches) and a potential leash from the coaching staff. Mark indicated he is staying away from betting on this game due to the Rays' temporary home stadium (George Steinbrenner Field), which adds a volatile factor to the betting landscape.

Mark Zinno recommended backing Paul Skenes and the Pirates moneyline against Tampa Bay, emphasizing the favorable price at around -120. He cited Skenes' elite pitching talent as rarely being available at such a moderate favorite price, calling it a 'must play' on principle. Despite some bullpen hesitations, Zinno fully expects Skenes to pitch deep into the game (6 or 7 innings), providing significant security. He also pointed out the Pirates' recent strong offensive performance, scoring 6, 6, and 7 runs in their last three contests, producing enough run support for Skenes. Zinno endorsed both the full-game and first-five moneyline plays, acknowledging the Pirates bullpen concerns but expecting Skenes to mitigate that issue.

Drew Martin recommended betting on the Tampa Bay Rays as home underdogs at +115 against the Pirates, heavily citing their pitching advantages. Rays starter Ryan Pepiot excelled on opening day with six innings pitched, striking out eight and allowing just one hit. On the other hand, Pittsburgh's bullpen has struggled significantly so far, ranking bottom five in WHIP. In contrast, Tampa Bay's bullpen has impressed with a 30% strikeout rate and a stellar 0.50 WHIP. Drew also highlighted the Rays' offensive edge, with the Pirates lineup posting a sub-.550 team OPS. Drew noted the Rays' familiarity with the minor league stadium serving as their temporary home as another potential advantage.

Guy Boston identifies the Pittsburgh Pirates money line (+170) as an intriguing betting opportunity despite initially leaning toward the under. The Pirates' offensive lineup against right-handed pitching might actually present sneaky upside. Drew Rasmussen, who starts for Tampa Bay today, regularly utilizes a cutter, a pitch Pittsburgh deals with fairly effectively. Combined with the attractive plus-money odds, Guy Boston suggests an additional play of Pittsburgh on the money line offers decent value today, expressing skepticism in justifying a wager on Tampa Bay at steep odds.

Scott Reichel is confidently backing the Rays at about -165 against Pittsburgh. He highlights Tampa starter Drew Rasmussen as a dependable pitcher capable of consistently delivering good innings. Scott points out Pittsburgh's dreadful pitching performances recently, specifically mentioning their inability to win a four-game series against Miami due to repeated pitching implosions. Considering Tampa's clearly superior bullpen, strong home performances, and Rasmussen's dependability, Reichel sees Tampa easily winning against Pittsburgh's struggling arms.