Yankees-Nationals July 23 opener first Major League Baseball line posted at William Hill

While Major League Baseball has yet to release the official 60-game regular-season schedule for each team – that likely will happen this week – there are multiple reports that the marquee matchup on the July 23 Opening Day will be the New York Yankees at Washington Nationals. It will be played in prime-time and nationally televised. William Hill sportsbook has posted early lines on that game with the Yankees at -121 on the moneyline odds, the Nats at +110 and an Over-Under run total of 7.

Assuming the coronavirus doesn't sideline either, it should be a stellar starting pitching matchup between New York's Gerrit Cole, who got a record $324 million contract in free agency this offseason, and Washington's Max Scherzer.

Cole is the clear-cut +280 favorite at William Hill to win his first career Cy Young Award and Scherzer is a +600 second-favorite in the National League to win his fourth Cy Young. It's very unusual for Scherzer to be a home underdog as he is currently, but that Yankees lineup is loaded and Washington lost star third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Angels in free agency. Scherzer was last a home regular-season dog in July 2014.

Cole and Scherzer were the opposing starters in Game 1 of last year's World Series while Cole was with the Astros. Cole was not his usual dominant self in taking the loss, allowing five runs and eight hits over seven innings. Scherzer got the win, allowing two runs over five innings. They were scheduled to duel in Game 5 as well, but Scherzer was scratched due to a back problem.

One thing to consider about starting pitchers in this very unique season: They are unlikely to go even five innings for the first few outings because they won't be stretched out like they would be with a usual spring training. There will be a LOT more relievers used all season. Also a reminder: There will be a designated hitter used in every game.

The Nats reportedly will not have a ring ceremony or raise a World Series banner at Nationals Park until fans can attend games. Players are due to report to Spring Training 2.0 this week. 

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