Alec Bohm

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.We put together another 2-1 card Wednesday night, losing on the hook with Taj Bradley after the Rays pulled him with a pitch count of 83.As disappointing as that defeat was, we'll take the profit and move on to a small but fruitful Thursday slate.Let's dive into a few of my favorite plays on the board.Mets (+120) @ Phillies (-140)I expect plenty of offense in this game. And with Jose Quintana and Taijuan Walker on the mound, the fireworks should begin early.Quintana sports a 5.44 ERA this year, and he's given up at least four earned runs in three of his past four starts. His .380 xwOBA in that span indicates he deserves his poor results.The Phillies own an impressive .270 batting average versus lefties this season, and only the Diamondbacks have a higher OBP against southpaws than them. Led by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Alec Bohm, Philadelphia will cause Quintana a world of problems.But the Mets have reason to believe they can keep up offensively. Walker conceded nine runs over his first two starts of the season before holding a lowly Marlins team to just one run on eight hits. That most recent performance is likely to be an exception rather than the norm.New York sits sixth in xwOBA versus righties in May. The club's more than capable of doing damage against a back-of-rotation starter like Walker.Look for both teams to score early and often in a high-scoring game.Bet: F5 Over 4.5 runs (-115)Cristian Javier: Over 3.5 hits allowedJavier's made five starts this season, conceding at least four hits in all but one of those outings. His struggles suppressing hits are nothing new.Dating back to last year, Javier's allowed four hits or more in 22 of his past 30 starts. That's a 73% clip.Things aren't about to get any easier for him against the Athletics. Although its record isn't impressive, Oakland's offense has been for quite some time - especially against right-handed pitchers.The A's rank fourth in xwOBA and top 10 in batting average versus righties in May.Seven of the past eight right-handed starters the Athletics faced conceded four-plus hits. The exception came against Bryan Woo, who, at this point, is much more reliable than Javier.Odds: -135 (playable to -145)Justin Steele: Over 4.5 hits allowedSteele's made three starts this campaign. Although he's only thrown a season-high 74 pitches in a contest, his pitch count has slowly increased each time out. That trend should continue as the Cubs get Steele up to full speed.I expect 80-plus pitches to be in the cards Thursday night. That number's been somewhat of a sweet spot for Steele.The 28-year-old has given up at least five hits in 13 of his past 15 starts when throwing 80 pitches or more. But he's allowed six hits in 12 of those contests, so he's often clearing the number with some room to spare.The Pirates aren't a good offensive team, and it'd be ignorant to suggest otherwise. Still, they piled up six hits against Steele in four innings last time out.With an increased pitch count for Steele and more Pirates at-bats, five hits doesn't seem like a lot to ask.Odds: -132 (playable to -150)Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024 Most Valuable Player rankings, where we look at the top five players in each league. Let's run through some of the best performances through the first month and a half of the season. Odds courtesy theScore Bet.American League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A Jeffers might belong on this list just for giving the world the home-run sausage. He also deserves a place for what he's done in the batter's box. Jeffers has been one of the catalysts in Minnesota's offensive resurgence after a difficult start to the season, leading the majors in slugging. The catcher has improved his strikeout rate, leading to more contact in the zone and more baseballs flying over the fence. The Twins have navigated IL stints for Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton so far this season. Jeffers' torrid start at the plate has enabled the club to remain competitive in a stronger-than-expected AL Central.4. Kyle Tucker, Astros Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 The Astros have been MLB's biggest disappointment, but the blame shouldn't fall on Tucker's shoulders. He's been an offensive force at the plate, leading the AL in home runs (13) and wRC+ (181). Tucker finished fifth in MVP voting last season. The Astros will need him to keep up his career-best productivity if they hope to dig out of the early hole they've created for themselves in the AL West.3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 Witt inked a long-term extension with the Royals in the offseason and has come out of the gates like a house on fire. The young star has improved his plate discipline, nearly doubling his walk rate from last season. Witt's defensive play at shortstop continues to rank among the league's best. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average after finishing in the 98th percentile in 2023. Witt will be counted upon to continue to lead the way on both sides of the ball if Kansas City hopes to secure its first postseason berth since winning the 2015 World Series.2. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 It's not shocking that the Orioles have one of their young stars on this list. It may be a bit of a surprise, however, that it's Henderson and not catcher Adley Rutschman. Henderson's been the engine during Baltimore's strong start and is deserving of his place among the game's elite. Henderson became the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1 and has improved nearly all of his batted-ball metrics from his 2023 Rookie of the Year performance. The 22-year-old has also made huge strides against left-handed pitching (.317) after mustering a .209 average against southpaws last year. Henderson could be a mainstay on MVP lists for the next decade.1. Juan Soto, Yankees Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 Soto has been exactly as advertised in his first season in the Bronx. The offensive powerhouse has given a stagnant team a much-needed jolt. The Yankees have been missing a prolific power hitter from the left side to pair with Aaron Judge for years. Soto has fit like a glove in manager Aaron Boone's lineup while also showing a flair for the dramatic in big moments. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the trade for Soto knowing that he would test free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. After turning down a $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in 2022, it's abundantly clear that Soto will be looking for at least $500 million on a long-term deal. Soto is first in the AL in RBIs and on-base percentage, tied for second in fWAR, and is third in OPS.National League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 Bohm had struggled to live up to expectations after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 but has been excellent to start 2024. He's making more contact than ever, and the results have followed. Bohm is among the NL leaders in batting average and RBIs and is tied for the MLB lead in doubles as he's settled into the cleanup spot in Philadelphia's lineup. He should be able to put up big numbers if he can continue to build on a great start to the campaign.4. Marcell Ozuna, Braves Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 Where would the Braves be without Ozuna? The veteran slugger has been a rock for manager Brian Snitker, helping keep Atlanta near the top of the NL East despite slower starts from Ronald Acu a Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ozuna became the fastest Brave to reach 40 RBIs since Hank Aaron in 1970. He leads the NL in that stat while also sitting inside the top five in a number of other offensive categories. It's been a remarkable return to form for Ozuna over the last 12 months, as he has 50 home runs, 138 RBIs, and a 164 wRC+ over 164 games since May 1, 2023.3. William Contreras, Brewers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 Contreras has been the engine of a surprisingly strong Brewers offense. He's helped keep Milwaukee afloat despite Christian Yelich spending time on the injured list with a back injury. Contreras cut his strikeout rate by nearly 8% in two years as he continues to show growth at the plate. The 26-year-old is among the leaders in almost every offensive category among NL catchers. Contreras is on pace to push past his breakout 2023 campaign in which he was worth 5.7 fWAR.2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 If not for his Dodgers teammate, Ohtani would be the easy pick for the top spot on the list. A third MVP would put Ohtani in elite company, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. Many wondered what kind of numbers Ohtani would put up surrounded by incredible talent with the Dodgers after years in Anaheim. Through the season's first seven weeks, Ohtani is tearing the cover off the ball. He's top-five in the NL in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 There was some question about how Betts would handle the transition to shortstop after years as a Gold Glove outfielder. He's quickly silenced any doubts, grading out as an above-average defender while also putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Betts is the only player in baseball who could make such a drastic switch and somehow improve. That's what separates him from his teammate, Ohtani. The 31-year-old accrued 10.2 fWAR during his 2018 AL MVP campaign with the Boston Red Sox. He's on pace to eclipse that number this season.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Mets closer Edwin D az wasn't happy about a controversial check-swing call in the ninth inning of an eventual 5-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.D az appeared to have gotten Whit Merrifield to swing for strike two, but first-base umpire Ryan Additon ruled that that the Phillies utilityman held up. That resulted in a walk to load the bases with two outs with the Mets clinging to a one-run lead: Whit Merrifield was awarded first base after this was ruled a check swing. The game would become tied one batter later after a bases loaded HBP(via @SNYtv)pic.twitter.com/mNhLVSwfuN FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 14, 2024 D az subsequently hit the next batter, Alec Bohm, to tie the game. The Phillies took the lead for good on a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning by Bryson Stott, who also hit a homer to begin the ninth off the Mets' star reliever."That changed the game," D az said postgame when asked about the checked-swing call, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. "Obviously, he swung - I saw the video."The 30-year-old right-hander hadn't blown a two-run lead in a save situation since May 2022 prior to Monday's outing.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024 Most Valuable Player rankings, where we look at the top five players in each league. Let's run through some of the best performances through the first month and a half of the season. Odds courtesy theScore Bet.American League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A Jeffers might belong on this list just for giving the world the home-run sausage. He also deserves a place for what he's done in the batter's box. Jeffers has been one of the catalysts in Minnesota's offensive resurgence after a difficult start to the season, leading the majors in slugging. The catcher has improved his strikeout rate, leading to more contact in the zone and more baseballs flying over the fence. The Twins have navigated IL stints for Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton so far this season. Jeffers' torrid start at the plate has enabled the club to remain competitive in a stronger-than-expected AL Central.4. Kyle Tucker, Astros Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 The Astros have been MLB's biggest disappointment, but the blame shouldn't fall on Tucker's shoulders. He's been an offensive force at the plate, leading the AL in home runs (13) and wRC+ (181). Tucker finished fifth in MVP voting last season. The Astros will need him to keep up his career-best productivity if they hope to dig out of the early hole they've created for themselves in the AL West.3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 Witt inked a long-term extension with the Royals in the offseason and has come out of the gates like a house on fire. The young star has improved his plate discipline, nearly doubling his walk rate from last season. Witt's defensive play at shortstop continues to rank among the league's best. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average after finishing in the 98th percentile in 2023. Witt will be counted upon to continue to lead the way on both sides of the ball if Kansas City hopes to secure its first postseason berth since winning the 2015 World Series.2. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 It's not shocking that the Orioles have one of their young stars on this list. It may be a bit of a surprise, however, that it's Henderson and not catcher Adley Rutschman. Henderson's been the engine during Baltimore's strong start and is deserving of his place among the game's elite. Henderson became the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1 and has improved nearly all of his batted-ball metrics from his 2023 Rookie of the Year performance. The 22-year-old has also made huge strides against left-handed pitching (.317) after mustering a .209 average against southpaws last year. Henderson could be a mainstay on MVP lists for the next decade.1. Juan Soto, Yankees Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 Soto has been exactly as advertised in his first season in the Bronx. The offensive powerhouse has given a stagnant team a much-needed jolt. The Yankees have been missing a prolific power hitter from the left side to pair with Aaron Judge for years. Soto has fit like a glove in manager Aaron Boone's lineup while also showing a flair for the dramatic in big moments. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the trade for Soto knowing that he would test free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. After turning down a $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in 2022, it's abundantly clear that Soto will be looking for at least $500 million on a long-term deal. Soto is first in the AL in RBIs and on-base percentage, tied for second in fWAR, and is third in OPS.National League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 Bohm had struggled to live up to expectations after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 but has been excellent to start 2024. He's making more contact than ever, and the results have followed. Bohm is among the NL leaders in batting average and RBIs and is tied for the MLB lead in doubles as he's settled into the cleanup spot in Philadelphia's lineup. He should be able to put up big numbers if he can continue to build on a great start to the campaign.4. Marcell Ozuna, Braves Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 Where would the Braves be without Ozuna? The veteran slugger has been a rock for manager Brian Snitker, helping keep Atlanta near the top of the NL East despite slower starts from Ronald Acu a Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ozuna became the fastest Brave to reach 40 RBIs since Hank Aaron in 1970. He leads the NL in that stat while also sitting inside the top five in a number of other offensive categories. It's been a remarkable return to form for Ozuna over the last 12 months, as he has 50 home runs, 138 RBIs, and a 164 wRC+ over 164 games since May 1, 2023.3. William Contreras, Brewers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 Contreras has been the engine of a surprisingly strong Brewers offense. He's helped keep Milwaukee afloat despite Christian Yelich spending time on the injured list with a back injury. Contreras cut his strikeout rate by nearly 8% in two years as he continues to show growth at the plate. The 26-year-old is among the leaders in almost every offensive category among NL catchers. Contreras is on pace to push past his breakout 2023 campaign in which he was worth 5.7 fWAR.2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 If not for his Dodgers teammate, Ohtani would be the easy pick for the top spot on the list. A third MVP would put Ohtani in elite company, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. Many wondered what kind of numbers Ohtani would put up surrounded by incredible talent with the Dodgers after years in Anaheim. Through the season's first seven weeks, Ohtani is tearing the cover off the ball. He's top-five in the NL in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 There was some question about how Betts would handle the transition to shortstop after years as a Gold Glove outfielder. He's quickly silenced any doubts, grading out as an above-average defender while also putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Betts is the only player in baseball who could make such a drastic switch and somehow improve. That's what separates him from his teammate, Ohtani. The 31-year-old accrued 10.2 fWAR during his 2018 AL MVP campaign with the Boston Red Sox. He's on pace to eclipse that number this season.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bohm is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays.