MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday, March 31, 2018

St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
New York Mets rookie manager Mickey Callaway's lineup decisions worked out well in the season opener, and he hopes for similar results when his team hosts the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday in the middle contest of a three-game series. The Mets made Callaway a winner in his debut Thursday, beating St. Louis 9-4 as Yoenis Cespedes collected three RBIs batting second, Amed Rosario contributed two runs and two RBIs hitting ninth, and a healthy Noah Syndergaard struck out 10 Cardinals.

"It took all of spring training to try and figure that one out," Callaway joked with reporters in referencing his opening-game lineup. "I don't have that much time on the next one." The Cardinals made news before the game by signing free-agent closer Greg Holland to a one-year deal, but the veteran is at least two weeks away from being ready and St. Louis' pitching struggled in the opener. The Cardinals walked nine hitters and hit another batter, as starter Carlos Martinez surrendered five runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 erratic innings. "It was a battle today, for him and for us," St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina told the media in referencing Martinez, who walked six hitters.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (2017: 12-9, 4.13 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (2017: 15-10, 3.53)

With veteran Adam Wainwright on the disabled list, Wacha finds himself second in the St. Louis rotation and looking for a better performance than Martinez offered in the opener. The 26-year-old lowered his ERA by nearly a full run last season and finished third in the National League in homers allowed per nine innings (0.924). Wacha has dominated the Mets in seven career starts (4-1, 1.97 ERA), and in four outings in New York is 3-1 while holding opposing batters to a .165 batting average.

The 29-year-old deGrom suffered back stiffness in spring training, but has been cleared to begin the season as he looks to build on last year's successful campaign. With Syndergaard injured for most of 2017 it was deGrom who rose to the top of the Mets rotation, finishing second in the NL with 239 strikeouts and fifth in innings pitched at 201 1/3. DeGrom is 3-2 with a 4.70 ERA in five career starts against St. Louis, allowing seven homers in 30 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez, who hit .309 in his first full season in 2017, homered and finished with three hits in Thursday's opener.

2. New York OF Brandon Nimmo, who hit .306 in spring training, went 2-for-3 and reached base four times in the opener.

3. Cespedes batted second Thursday for just the 39th time in his 788-game major-league career.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Cardinals 2

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
A pair of rebuilding teams put on quite a show in their season opener and hope their starters can go deep when the Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game series. The teams combined to use 15 pitchers Friday in Pittsburgh's 13-10 victory - a 5-hour, 27-minute game decided when Gregory Polanco belted a three-run homer in the 13th inning on a 3-0 pitch from Alex Wilson.

Friday's game seemed to end with Detroit winning 11-10 in 10 innings on JaCoby Jones' RBI single - complete with an on-field celebration - but a lengthy review reversed the call when it was determined that Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli tagged Nicholas Castellanos before he touched home plate. Extra innings didn't appear to be necessary when Pittsburgh scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 10-6 lead, but the Tigers answered with four of their own capped by Dixon Machado's game-tying two-run double. Detroit's Michael Fulmer was bypassed to start Opening Day - a surprise to many - and will oppose Trevor Williams, who began 2017 in the bullpen but was one of the Pirates' most reliable starters by season's end. "We have a great engine to our team with the starting rotation," Williams told reporters. "We have guys that love to compete, guys that hate losing."

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network; AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2017: 7-9, 4.07 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (2017: 10-12, 3.83)

Williams, who made 25 starts last season, recorded 10 quality starts after June 1 and a 3.71 ERA during that span. The 25-year-old Californian struck out 18 in 15 1/3 innings during the spring but allowed 13 runs (10 earned) and 18 hits. "I know I'm not a flashy guy, sexy pitcher with premium stuff, but my confidence and my ability to compete is what's helping me and will help me for the rest of my career," Williams told reporters.

Fulmer, the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, was strong in his final spring training start, showing no ill effects of the season-ending ulnar transposition surgery he underwent in September. The 25-year-old Oklahoman yielded two hits and a walk while striking out three in seven scoreless innings against Atlanta on Sunday and finished the spring with a 2.12 ERA in 17 frames, striking out 15. Fulmer regressed a bit in 2017 after going 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 26 starts as a rookie.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire was ejected from his first game in a Tigers uniform after arguing the reversed call.

2. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera, whose 2,638 hits are second-most among active players (Albert Pujols), went 2-for-6 on Friday with a two-run double that tied the game 4-4 in the seventh inning.

3. Home plate umpire Mike Everitt left Friday's game with a concussion in the eighth inning after being hit in the mask by a pitch.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Pirates 2

Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals haven't engaged in many pitchers' duels while dominating the Cincinnati Reds recently, although a lack of runs didn't keep the defending National League East champions from securing a win on Opening Day. The visiting Nationals hope up to pick up the pace a bit offensively Saturday when they continue their three-game set with the Reds.

Max Scherzer struck out 10 over six scoreless frames to give Dave Martinez his first big-league managerial victory and Washington its first win despite scoring only two runs - one on an RBI fielder's choice groundout and one on a sacrifice fly - against the NL's worst pitching staff a season ago. The Nationals averaged 8.7 runs - tallying fewer than five runs only once - while winning six of seven from the Reds last season, outscoring them 61-26. Cincinnati wasted a solid six-inning effort from Homer Bailey and a 4-for-4 performance from Scooter Gennett, as the duo went 5-for-6 while their teammates batted 2-for-28. The Reds could struggle scoring again Saturday if Stephen Strasburg maintains his form from last season, as he did not give up an earned run in eight of his final nine outings in 2017 (including playoffs).

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (2017: 15-4, 2.52 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (2017: 3-7, 3.12)

Strasburg concluded one of his healthier seasons in dominant fashion, throwing nine scoreless outings while yielding a total of nine earned runs and striking out 104 in his final 14 turns of the season (including postseason). As a result, the former No. 1 overall pick finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting after logging 28 starts - his most since 2014. Strasburg went 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two outings versus the Reds in 2017, improving to 3-1, 4.40 in eight career starts against Cincinnati.

Acquired from the Miami Marlins as part of the Dan Straily trade in January of 2017, Castillo was arguably the team's best pitcher in his 15 turns, fanning at least eight in three of his final four starts to finish with 98 strikeouts over 89 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old Dominican led Cincinnati starters in ERA, WHIP (1.07) and batting average against (.202), but the club backed him with no more than two runs in each of his last five losses. Castillo faced the Nationals twice last season, going 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Nationals have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Cincinnati.

2. Reds closer RHP Raisel Iglesias will be unavailable until at least Sunday after he was placed on the paternity list Thursday.

3. Washington OF Bryce Harper had two singles Friday, ending his three-year streak of hitting a home run on Opening Day.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Reds 1

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
The Texas Rangers halted their skid against Houston and will look to defeat the visiting Astros for the second straight day on Saturday when the four-game set continues. Texas posted a 5-1 victory on Friday to end a five-game slide against Houston, a stretch that included a 4-1 Opening Day loss on Thursday.

Right fielder Nomar Mazara slugged the Rangers' first homer of the season and Joey Gallo contributed a run-scoring double as Texas hung a loss on Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel on Friday. Designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo went 3-for-4 on Friday and has four hits over the first two games. Houston struggled to get the clutch hit in Friday's game as it hit into three double plays and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Alex Bregman and versatile Marwin Gonzalez are 1-for-6 through two games, designated hitter Evan Gattis is 1-for-7 and right fielder Josh Reddick is hitless in seven at-bats.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (2017: 7-4, 4.25 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Matt Moore (6-15, 5.52)

McCullers received two no-decisions against Texas last season and is 0-3 with a 6.26 ERA in five career outings versus the Rangers. The 24-year-old has struggled mightily with Elvis Andrus (6-for-11, three doubles, four RBIs) and also has been hit hard by Choo (4-for-10, one homer). McCullers often struggles on the road and is 6-12 with a 4.97 ERA in 29 career away starts.

Moore was acquired from San Francisco during the offseason after experiencing a dreadful 2017 season with the Giants in which he served up a career-worst 27 homers and allowed opposing batters to hit at a .283 clip. The 28-year-old has been saddled with arm injuries during his career, which includes a solid 17-4 record for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013. Moore is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three career regular-season starts against the Astros but has struggled with Jose Altuve (3-for-8, one homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Andrus is 4-for-7 with a walk after the first two games of the series.

2. Altuve had two hits on Friday and is in pursuit of his fourth batting title in five seasons.

3. Texas LHP Martin Perez (right elbow surgery) threw 87 pitches over six innings in an intrasquad game for Triple-A Round Rock on Friday as the team tries to gauge whether he will be recovered in time to start against Oakland on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Rangers 4

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
Mike Trout had a rough time in the season opener, but he made up for it in his first at-bat in his next contest and hopes to follow suit Saturday as the Los Angeles Angels continue their four-game series against the host Oakland Athletics. Trout went 0-for-6 in Thursday's 6-5 loss but homered in the first inning the following night as the Angels posted a 2-1 victory.

The 26-year-old two-time American League MVP also scored a much-needed insurance run in the ninth on Friday while Justin Upton and Andrelton Simmons each recorded two of Los Angeles' six hits. Oakland managed seven but was unable to get on the scoreboard until the ninth inning, when Jonathan Lucroy delivered an RBI single with two outs. Marcus Semien appears to be enjoying hitting in the leadoff spot as he is 4-for-9 with an RBI and two runs scored over the Athletics' first two games. Jed Lowrie also has gotten off to a solid start at the plate, going 3-for-9, while Khris Davis and Matt Olson have each gone deep.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (2017: 6-3, 4.52 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (2017: 3-2, 3.14)

Shoemaker is coming off a season in which he was limited to 14 starts due to a forearm strain. The 31-year-old native of Michigan has failed to reach double digits in wins since 2014, when he went 16-4 with a 3.04 ERA in 27 appearances (20 starts) as a rookie. Shoemaker has fared well against Oakland during his career, going 5-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 11 starts and one relief outing.

Mengden also battled ailments last year, making only seven starts for Oakland and another 11 in the minor leagues. The 25-year-old Texan pitched well in his limited time with the Athletics, however, allowing just 15 earned runs and issuing only nine walks over 43 innings while recording his first major-league complete game - a two-hit shutout at Philadelphia on Sept. 15. Mengden was battered in his only career start against the Angels, surrendering seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 frames of a road loss on Sept. 27, 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 2B Ian Kinsler made his debut for the team on Friday, going 1-for-4 after missing the season opener with groin tightness.

2. Davis, who hit five homers against Los Angeles last season, has gone 4-for-8 with two solo homers against Shoemaker in his career.

3. Simmons is 3-for-7 with an RBI over his first two contests.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 3

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
Newcomers are providing an early lift for the New York Yankees, who look to open 3-0 for the first time in 15 years when they continue a four-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. After Giancarlo Stanton had a memorable team debut by hitting two home run in the Yankees' 6-1 win on Opening Day, Brandon Drury went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in Friday's 4-2 victory.

Didi Gregorius added two hits and two runs scored while Masahiro Tanaka spun six solid innings for New York. The Blue Jays managed five hits against Tanaka and three relievers after recording only two in the opener and slugger Josh Donaldson is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts out of the gate. To make matters worse for Toronto, the team announced Friday that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki would miss eight weeks following surgery to remove bone spurs from both heels. The Yankees will try for their first series win in Toronto since Aug. 2015 with veteran left-hander CC Sabathia on the mound Saturday opposite Marco Estrada for the Blue Jays.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2017: 14-5, 3.69 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (2017: 10-9, 4.98)

Sabathia, who turns 38 in July, enjoyed a bounceback campaign in 2017 with his lowest ERA since 2012, going 7-2 with a 3.57 mark after the All-Star break. The six-time All-Star struggled against the Blue Jays, however, by giving up 15 runs on 25 hits - including four home runs - over 21 2/3 innings. Kendrys Morales is 9-for-25 with a home run against Sabathia, who is 8-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 14 career starts at Rogers Centre.

Estrada had career highs in starts (33), innings (186) and strikeouts (176) last year, but his ERA soared after he carried a 4-2 record and a 3.15 mark into June. The 34-year-old had three starts against the Yankees in which he lasted seven innings and allowed one run or fewer, and two others in which he was pounded for a combined 13 runs in 8 1/3 frames. Stanton, Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez are a combined 15-for-41 with nine home runs and three doubles against Estrada.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Aaron Hicks (intercostal strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday and OF Billy McKinney was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

2. The Blue Jays have struck out 12 times in each of the first two games, with 2B Devon Travis and 1B Justin Smoak fanning four times apiece overall.

3. Stanton, Judge and Sanchez were a combined 0-for-12 with four strikeouts Friday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 3

Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Seattle Mariners look to open the season with two straight victories when they host the Cleveland Indians for the middle contest of a three-game series on Saturday afternoon. Nelson Cruz belted a two-run, first-inning homer off reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in a 2-1 victory in the opener Thursday and it should be another low-scoring contest Saturday with two pitchers coming off career-best seasons.

Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who won 18 games in 2017, faces emerging lefty James Paxton in Saturday's contest after the teams combined for just 11 hits and 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position Thursday. Cruz launched his 26th homer in 79 career games against the Indians on Thursday and went 8-for-19 with four blasts and seven RBIs during the season series last season. Lonnie Chisenhall doubled and scored the only run on Yan Gomes' bloop single in the opener for Cleveland, which left the tying run at third base in the ninth inning and had just two hits in 5 1/3 scoreless innings against starter Felix Hernandez. "Two runs usually doesn't get us." Gomes told reporters. "But they pitched really well. It's one of those things when you're battling Kluber, the best is going to come out of everyone."

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (2017: 18-6, 3.29 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (2017: 12-5, 2.98)

Carrasco looks to carry over the success from an outstanding 2017 season when he finished fourth in the American League Cy Young voting with career highs in wins, strikeouts (226), innings (200) and starts (32). The 31-year-old Venezuelan was 11-2 with a 2.65 ERA on the road in 2017 and pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings at New York in the playoffs without getting a decision. Robinson Cano is 7-for-20 with two homers and six RBIs against Carrasco, who is 5-4 with a 2.69 ERA versus Seattle in 10 games (nine starts).

Paxton is primed for a big campaign after the oft-injured 29-year-old Canadian put together his best season in 2017 with career highs in wins, starts (24), innings (136) and strikeouts (156). The University of Kentucky product was 7-3 with a 2.45 ERA at home last season as opposed to 5-2 and a 3.66 mark on the road while allowing just nine homers overall. Veteran Rajai Davis is 5-for-11 with a homer versus Paxton, who did not face the Indians last season and is 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime in 10 2/3 innings against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle OF Mitch Haniger went 3-for-3 with a double in the season opener after hitting .282 in his first full season in 2017.

2. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez went 0-for-4 in the opener, but was 8-for-23 with three homers and eight RBIs versus Seattle last season.

3. Mariners C Mike Zunino was a late scratch from the lineup Thursday with stiffness in his right side, but hopes to play Saturday.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Mariners 2

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
One day after the bullpen failed to protect a four-run lead, Boston's relievers were nearly perfect in slamming the door on the Tampa Bay Rays to get David Price a win against his former team. The American League East rivals clash yet again Saturday when the Red Sox visit the Rays in the third of a four-game series.

Chris Sale yielded one hit and struck out nine over six innings before departing with a 4-0 lead Thursday but watched helplessly as Tampa Bay wasted the effort with a six-run rally, doing all of its damage in the eighth inning off Joe Kelly and Carson Kelly. Matt Barnes and Craig Kimbrel were up to the task Friday, however, allowing only a walk while fanning four over the final two innings of a 1-0 victory in support of Price's seven-inning gem. Rick Porcello hopes to be the next starting pitcher in line to baffle the Rays, who have mustered only four hits in each of their first two contests. Denard Span is one of two Tampa Bay hitters to reach base safely in both games, delivering a go-ahead, three-run triple Thursday before drawing a pinch-hit walk in his only plate appearance Friday.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (2017: 11-17, 4.65 ERA) vs. Rays RH Andrew Kittredge (NR)

Porcello fell back to earth last season after his surprising 2016 AL Cy Young Award campaign as his ERA increased by 1.5 runs and his WHIP jumped from 1.01 to 1.40 en route to a major-league leading 17 losses. The New Jersey native wasn't much sharper in exhibition play this spring, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA in four turns while allowing opponents to bat .308. Porcello faced Tampa Bay more than any other opponent in 2017, going 2-4 with 3.93 ERA in six starts.

As part of the Rays' plan to use a four-man rotation this season, Tampa Bay will make Saturday a "bullpen day" and turn initially to Kittredge, who will be making his first big-league start after 15 relief appearances last season. The 28-year-old pitched in eight games during the spring, struggling in his first turn before blanking the New York Yankees over 2 2/3 innings last weekend. Kittredge did not surrender a run in two frames against the Red Sox last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 5-for-8 with four doubles and three runs scored over the first two games.

2. Tampa Bay batters have struck out 20 times in this series.

3. Kimbrel has given up one walk and no runs while fanning 26 in his last 10 appearances against the Rays.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Rays 4

Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Baltimore Orioles opened with a walk-off win for the third straight season when Adam Jones homered off Fernando Rodney in the 11th inning on Thursday. The Orioles will try to carry that momentum into the weekend and clinch a series win when they host the Minnesota Twins in the second of a three-game series on Saturday.

Baltimore squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning on Opening Day and wasted a terrific start from Dylan Bundy, but it was all smiles in the clubhouse after the win. "Doesn't matter how it comes," Jones told reporters, "as long as you win the game at the end of the day. It was a beautiful game. Obviously, we wanted to win it in nine, but I can't see that anybody complains about a win, no matter how late you have to go and get it." The Twins signed 41-year-old closer Fernando Rodney in the offseason, and the well-traveled reliever isn't going to let one bad pitch linger. "I know he's a free-swinging guy, but I missed my location on the pitch," Rodney told reporters. "I've seen Adam Jones for a long time since I was in Detroit, Tampa and Anaheim, and it was the first long ball off me."

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2017: 12-10, 5.07 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (2017: 11-11, 3.40)

Gibson finished last season strong with wins in each of his last six decisions and posted a 3.76 ERA after the All-Star break. The 30-year-old Missouri product surrendered 16 of his career-high 24 home runs before the break. Gibson went 1-1 in two starts against the Orioles last season but was ripped for a total of 13 runs on 16 hits - three homers - and six walks in nine combined innings.

Cashner is one of two new additions to the Baltimore rotation along with Alex Cobb and, like Cobb, he wasn't signed until after the start of spring training and made just two Grapefruit League appearances. The 31-year-old Texan issued 64 walks in 166 2/3 innings for the Texas Rangers while striking out 86. Cashner, who spent the first seven seasons of his career in the National League, lost his lone start to the Twins last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles SS Manny Machado led the team with two hits on Thursday.

2. Twins LHP Zach Duke struck out four in an inning in the opener with the help of a wild pitch.

3. Baltimore RHP Brad Brach suffered a blown save.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Twins 2

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies signed first baseman Carlos Santana in the offseason hoping he would provide a power bat in the heart of their lineup, and the slugger did just that in helping his new team move into position to win a season-opening series Saturday against the host Atlanta Braves. Santana homered and drove in the go-ahead run in Friday's 5-4, 11-inning victory while teammate Rhys Hoskins (18 homers in 50 games last year as a rookie) went deep for the first time in 2018.

Philadelphia's Scott Kingery - who signed a six-year contract Sunday - also collected two hits in his major-league debut as the Phillies won for the first time this season. Atlanta, which lost 13 of 19 meetings with the Phillies a season ago but won Thursday's season opener on Nick Markakis' walk-off homer, committed three errors and left nine runners on base Friday. First baseman Freddie Freeman walked three times for the second consecutive game, while shortstop Dansby Swanson collected three hits, drove in a run and scored once. The loss was particularly painful for Atlanta, which lost Kurt Suzuki when he was hit by a pitch in the right hand Friday - one day after fellow catcher Tyler Flowers left Thursday's opener in the first inning with an oblique injury that landed him on the disabled list.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2017: 2-7, 5.13 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (2017: 6-4, 3.98)

Velasquez has struggled to stay healthy as a strained flexor muscle hindered him early last season and surgery to repair a vascular issue in a finger ended his season in August. In between, the 25-year-old saw his ERA rise by more than one run while allowing 15 homers in 72 innings across 15 starts. Velasquez, who finished spring training at 2-2 with a 2.51 ERA in five starts (14 1/3 innings), gave up six hits in seven shutout innings in his only 2017 appearance against Atlanta.

Acquired from the Dodgers in the Matt Kemp trade this offseason, the 34-year-old McCarthy battled shoulder, knee and finger injuries that limited him to three regular-season appearances after July 20. It short-circuited a good season in which McCarthy posted a 3.12 ERA with 58 strikeouts in his first 14 starts. Limited to 14 total appearances in 2015-16, McCarthy has been healthy this spring and finished camp with a 3.45 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP while holding opponents to a .193 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta LF Preston Tucker collected two hits Friday, and is 3-for-8 with game-tying base hits in the eighth inning of both games in the series.

2. Philadelphia RHP Pat Neshek, one of the Phillies' key setup relievers who was unavailable for the season opener with a shoulder strain, was placed on the disabled list Friday.

3. The two teams combined to use 16 pitchers Friday, and eight Philadelphia relievers held Atlanta to one run and four hits over the final seven innings.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Phillies 2

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs were already looking forward to Yu Darvish's debut with the team Saturday against the Miami Marlins, but they find themselves in a position where they are hoping it lasts a little bit longer. The Cubs will look for a deep outing from their free-agent prize one night after dropping a 2-1 decision to the host Marlins in 17 innings.

Darvish signed a six-year deal with the Cubs in February to bolster what figures to be one of the best rotations in baseball. Chicago has leaned heavily on its bullpen in the first two games, though, as relievers have combined to pitch 16 1/3 innings and did not allow a run until Miguel Rojas' walk-off single in the 17th in Friday's defeat. Miami's bullpen worked 11 2/3 scoreless frames Friday, including an inning from Odrisamer Despaigne, who was scheduled to start Saturday and reportedly told manager Don Mattingly he's still ready to take the ball after picking up the win in relief. The Marlins could make a call to the minors but didn't immediately rule out sticking with Despaigne, who needed only 11 pitches in a perfect 17th.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Yu Darvish (2017: 10-12, 3.86 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Odrisamer Despaigne (1-0, 0.00)

Darvish is eager to redeem himself after two disastrous outings in the World Series last October. The 31-year-old looked good in the spring, giving the Cubs reason to believe he will be closer to the pitcher who dominated them in the National League Championship Series. Darvish has made two starts against the Marlins with decidedly different results - he recorded his only career shutout against Miami in 2014 but gave up a career-high 10 runs to the Marlins in his last start with the Rangers last July.

Despaigne bounced between the rotation and the bullpen for the Marlins last season, but he has been better as a starter throughout his career. The 30-year-old Cuban is 11-19 with a 4.36 ERA in 42 career starts and was 2-3 with a 4.06 ERA in eight turns through the rotation a year ago. Despaigne faced the Cubs in 2015 and took a tough-luck loss despite allowing two runs over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have hit four home runs through two games - all by different players - while the Marlins have yet to go deep.

2. Marlins OF Garrett Cooper left Friday's game with a bruised right wrist after being hit by a pitch in the fourth inning and is day-to-day.

3. Miami CF Lewis Brinson was 4-for-8 on Friday, becoming the first Marlins rookie with four hits in a game since J.T. Realmuto in 2015.

PREDICTION: Cubs 9, Marlins 5

Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 03-31-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
After tying the major-league record with six home runs in an Opening Day win over the Kansas City Royals, the Chicago White Sox will try to keep the power surge going when the series continues Saturday in Kansas City. Chicago's 14 runs on Opening Day were five more than any other team put on the board Thursday.

The Royals' bullpen benefited from a day off Friday after Kansas City used nine pitchers Thursday - the most for a nine-inning game on Opening Day in modern MLB history (since 1908). Kansas City squandered an early 4-0 lead as the White Sox scored all 14 runs in the span of five innings. Matt Davidson clubbed three home runs and Tim Anderson hit two more for the White Sox in a 14-7 win in the opener, and the duo is a combined 8-for-22 with two doubles and a homer against scheduled starter Ian Kennedy. Jose Abreu had the other blast for Chicago, which hit six homers for only the 16th time in club history.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (2017: 3-3, 2.38 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ian Kennedy (2017: 5-13, 5.38)

Giolito was excellent in seven starts with the White Sox at the end of last season and followed it up with an outstanding spring. He was dominant against the Royals in two meetings last year, going 1-0 and allowing two runs over 13 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old has never won a road start - he's 0-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three career outings away from home.

Kennedy is looking to bounce back from his worst full season in the majors. The 33-year-old struggled to miss bats last year and gave up a career-high 34 home runs, including six in four starts against the White Sox, continuing his struggles against the club. Kennedy is 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA in nine career meetings with Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Abreu is 9-for-19 with three homers versus Kennedy.

2. Royals 1B Lucas Duda homered in his first at-bat with the club before finishing 1-for-4.

3. Kansas City C Drew Butera, filling in for injured All-Star Salvador Perez, was 2-for-4 with a double Thursday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Royals 4