Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Thursday, March 29, 2018 from various handicappers and websites
Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs suffered from the dreaded World Series hangover last season, but they still managed to win 92 games and get back to the National League Championship Series. Their quest for a second world championship in three years begins Thursday with the opener of a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins.
The Cubs have some new faces on the roster, including closer Brandon Morrow and right-hander Yu Darvish, who is slated to start the third game of the series on Saturday. They also figure to have a new leadoff hitter in Ian Happ, who hit seven home runs this spring after belting 24 in 115 games as a rookie last season. The Marlins stayed in the playoff race longer than expected last year but finished with a 77-85 record for their eighth straight losing season. They've since parted ways with several star players - including Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich, leaving third-year manager Don Mattingly with a young, inexperienced club.
TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (2017: 13-8, 4.33 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (14-7, 3.82)
Lester's ERA last season was his highest since 2012, but he had a solid spring, posting a 2.81 ERA over four starts. The 34-year-old is making his seventh career Opening Day start and his third straight with the Cubs. Lester is 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA in five turns against the Marlins and has allowed five runs over 14 innings in the last two meetings.
Urena had a breakout season in 2017, his first full campaign as a starter in the major leagues. The 26-year-old Dominican went 5-5 with a 3.21 ERA at home last year. Urena is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three career starts against Chicago and won both meetings last season, allowing a total of three runs over 11 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Happ went 10-for-21 with two doubles and a home run against Miami last season, including 3-for-5 with a double and a blast versus Urena.
2. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto is expected to open the season on the disabled list with a bruised lower back, which he suffered on March 11.
3. Miami 3B Martin Prado also will start the campaign on the DL, meaning Brian Anderson is slated to begin the year as the starter at third base.
PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Marlins 3
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin a new era without their MVP center fielder and No. 1 starting pitcher when they open a three-game interleague series Thursday at the Detroit Tigers, who are also in rebuilding mode. Perennial All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen was dealt to San Francisco while fire-balling right-hander Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston in the offseason as Pittsburgh hopes to retool quickly after two seasons without a playoff game.
"We've got young guys that are scratching, knocking on the door of their primes," Pirates 25-year-old first baseman Josh Bell, who belted 26 homers last season, told the Pittsburgh Gazette. "We've got to come up and capitalize on these opportunities, not let them pass by, because then we'll end up in the same as last year - trudging forward a bit and fizzling out." Ivan Nova gets the start in the opener for the Pirates and Detroit counters with fellow right-hander Jordan Zimmermann as both hurlers look to rebound from disappointing seasons. Ron Gardenhire takes over as manager for the Tigers, who have been picked to finish last in the American League Central Division by many experts but still have former MVP first baseman Miguel Cabrera and are expecting another big season from right fielder Nicholas Castellanos (career-high 26 homers and 101 RBIs in 2017). Rookie third baseman Jeimer Candelario is also a key for Detroit after a strong spring training as he registered seven doubles and a pair of homers.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2017: 11-14, 4.14 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (2017: 8-13, 6.08)
Nova came to camp 10 pounds lighter and determined to improve on an up and down season that ended with a combined record of 1-6 over 10 starts in August and September. The 31-year-old Dominican Republic native gave up a career-most 29 homers over a career-high 187 innings in 2017 and had a tough time on the road (3-12, 5.02 ERA) while going 8-2 with a 2.80 ERA at home. Cabrera is 5-for-15 with a homer against Nova, who is 0-3 with a 7.04 ERA in six games (five starts) lifetime versus the Tigers.
Zimmermann won his fewest games since 2011 last season and posted the worst ERA of his career while allowing 29 homers in 29 starts, but he told reporters he is feeling strong. "He's our go-to guy," Gardenhire told reporters. "I don't worry about (Zimmermann) because we know who he is. He's an established major league pitcher when healthy, and that's our goal, to keep him healthy." Newcomer Corey Dickerson is 6-for-10 with a homer versus Zimmermann, who is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit DH Victor Martinez, who was limited to 107 games by cardiac issues last season, belted five homers in Grapefruit League action.
2. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte moves to McCutchen's spot after playing just 77 games last season due to a PED suspension.
3. The Pirates won three of the four meetings in 2017 after the Tigers took the series 3-1 in 2016.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Tigers 3
t. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Mets are bidding that a return to health, wise offseason investments and a different managerial voice will translate into better fortune this season. With new manager Mickey Callaway calling the shots, right-hander Noah Syndergaard hopes to have turned the corner on an injury-riddled 2017 as the Mets begin the season on Thursday afternoon with the opener of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.
While New York failed to live up to expectations and limped to a 70-92 mark in 2017, the offseason brought about a loosening of the purse strings as outfielder Jay Bruce (three years, $39 million), third baseman Todd Frazier (two years, $17 million), left-hander Jason Vargas (two years, $16 million) and right-hander Anthony Swarzak (two years, $14 million) signed contracts. The 30-year-old Bruce belted team-best totals in homers (29) and RBIs (75) despite splitting the season with Cleveland while former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera batted .280 in 2017 for the Mets, who finished tied for 18th in runs (735), 19th in batting average (.250) and 21st in hits (1,379). New York was taken to task last season by Marcell Ozuna, who went 30-for-68 (.441) with five homers and 19 RBIs against the Mets before Miami's offseason fire sale landed the promising 27-year-old in the Gateway City. Ozuna joins an outfield that rivals the best in the majors, with Tommy Pham (.306, 23 homers, 73 RBIs, 95 runs scored, 25 stolen bases) and Dexter Fowler (.264, 18 homers, 64 RBIs) looking to help the Cardinals improve upon their 83-79 campaign in 2017.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (2017: 12-11, 3.64 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (2017: 1-2, 2.97)
Martinez receives his second consecutive Opening Day nod after leading the team in quality starts (20), innings (205.0) and strikeouts (217) last season. The 26-year-old hard-throwing right-hander was victimized by the home-run ball, however, as he tied now former teammate Lance Lynn after being taken deep a club-high 27 times in 2017. Martinez has limited the Mets to a .220 batting average, although Bruce has two homers among his four hits off the two-time All-Star.
Syndergaard missed approximately five months of last season with a partial tear in his right lat but showed no ill effects this spring, posting a 1.35 ERA while striking out 23 against just six walks in five Grapefruit League starts. The 25-year-old is anxious to make his second consecutive Opening Day start and first outing in general at Citi Field since April 20. "I think I forgot what it feels like to pitch at Citi Field and feel the electricity that the Mets faithful bring every game. I'm looking forward to it," Syndergaard told Newsday.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis IF Matt Carpenter batted a career-worst .241 last season, a full 30 points worse than his previous low and 77 points shy of his personal-best campaign in 2013.
2. New York OF Michael Conforto, who enjoyed a breakout season with 27 homers and 68 RBIs in 109 games, will begin the 2018 campaign on the disabled list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.
3. Cardinals IF Paul DeJong batted 11-for-30 with nine extra-base hits -- including four homers -- against the Mets last season.
PREDICTION: Mets 2, Cardinals 1
Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins made a surprising run to a wild-card spot in the American League last season and are looking for more with a maturing young roster. The Twins will try to get off to a strong start when they open 2018 by visiting the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
Minnesota added some thump to the lineup with slugger Logan Morrison, who hit 38 home runs for Tampa Bay in 2017, and bolstered the rotation with the additions of Jake Odorizzi and Lance Lynn. "We're going to bust our tail to win a championship this year. This year. We're all in," Twins second baseman Brian Dozier told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "My whole career here, people kept saying we need to rebuild, and then we shocked people with the fast-forward rebuild. To me, we showed that we're pretty dang good right now, and we've added from there. We've got the pieces in place to win this year." The Orioles would like to win this year as well with the future uncertain for franchise player Manny Machado, who will become a free agent at the end of the season. Machado is moving over to shortstop from third base with the departure of J.J. Hardy while Tim Beckham, who hit .306 with 10 homers in 50 games after being acquired from Tampa Bay last season, slides over to third.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (2017: 10-8, 4.14 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (2017: 13-9, 4.24)
Minnesota acquired Odorizzi from the Tampa Bay Rays at the beginning of spring training and took the Opening Day honor over Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios. "I'm not going to view myself as a different pitcher now that I'm an Opening Day starter," Odorizzi told reporters. "(I'm) just ready to do my job and do it for the other 24 guys on the team." The 28-year-old went 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA in four starts against Baltimore last season, striking out 21 in 20 1/3 total innings.
Bundy will be making his first Opening Day start as well after making it through his first full season as a starter in 2017. "Obviously, I'm honored and humbled by it," Bundy told reporters. "Very excited. Going to have to control the emotions a little bit and just pitch my game." The 25-year-old lost both of his starts against the Twins last season, serving up a total of eight runs on 11 hits and five walks in 12 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins RHPs Phil Hughes (oblique) and Ervin Santana (finger) will both start the season on the disabled list.
2. Orioles RHP Alex Cobb, who did not sign with the team until earlier this month, will not break camp with the team and will slot into the rotation sometime in the second week of April.
3. Minnesota won five of the seven meetings last season.
PREDICTION: Orioles 6, Twins 4
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros begin the defense of the first world championship in franchise history when they visit the American League West-rival Texas Rangers on Thursday afternoon for the first contest of a season-opening four-game series. Making their second World Series appearance in October - and first as an AL team, the Astros outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games, winning the decisive contest on the road for the organization's first crown since joining the majors in 1962 as the Colt .45s.
Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve is primed to provide Houston with another strong season as he looks to win the batting title for the third straight year and fourth time in five campaigns. The club also expects big things from Carlos Correa, who belted a career-high 24 home runs in 2017 for his third 20-homer effort in as many major-league seasons despite missing a chunk of time with a thumb injury. Texas went just 2-7 against Houston at home last year en route to a fourth-place finish in the AL West after winning back-to-back division titles. The Rangers are hoping a pair of former Cy Young Award winners can recapture their past magic and help strengthen the team's pitching staff, as the 44-year-old Bartolo Colon will start against Oakland on Monday while Tim Lincecum is being considered to fill the closer's role, although he will begin the year on the disabled list due to a blister on his right middle finger.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, ESPN, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (2017: 15-8, 3.36 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (2017: 11-6, 4.20)
Verlander was sensational after being acquired from Detroit on Aug. 31, going 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in five regular-season starts before posting a 4-1 record with one complete game and a 2.21 ERA in six postseason appearances (five starts). The 35-year-old former AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner is excited to be making his 10th Opening Day start in 11 years, telling the team's website, "It's something you always cherish. ... Everybody is so high on expectations and so excited about the upcoming season, the unknown, what's going to happen with their team. It's a unique atmosphere." Verlander is 11-6 with a 3.02 ERA and one complete game in 20 career turns against Texas.
Hamels will get the ball in a season opener for the fourth time in his career and second as a member of the Rangers. The 34-year-old former World Series MVP has excelled at Globe Life Park during his career, going 17-4 with one complete game in 35 starts after winning seven of nine decisions in 12 turns last season. Hamels owns a 7-4 record and 4.19 ERA in 16 career starts versus the Astros.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros OF prospect Kyle Tucker will begin the season in the minors despite hitting .409 with five homers and 21 RBIs this spring.
2. Texas LHP Martin Perez starts the year on the DL with lower back stiffness.
3. Houston will begin the season without 1B Yuli Gurriel, who is recovering from left hand surgery and may avoid a stint on the DL but will have to serve a five-game suspension regardless for making an offensive gesture toward former Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Yu Darvish in the World Series.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Rangers 1
New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
In any other year, a new manager -- particularly one with no experience -- would be storyline No. 1 in the Bronx. Yet the hire of Aaron Boone has been overshadowed in the whirling vortex surrounding the New York Yankees, who unveil big-ticket offseason acquisition Giancarlo Stanton in Thursday's season opener at the Toronto Blue Jays.
Coming within one game of reaching the World Series a year ago is reason enough for supreme optimism, but forgive New York fans if they are almost giddy for having visions of Ruth-Gehrig and Mantle-Maris dancing in their heads with the pairing of Stanton and Aaron Judge, who slammed a combined 111 home runs in 2017. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no qualms about turning the keys to a top contender over to Boone, drawing a similarity to "NASA and a space shuttle. ... The manager isn't the whole space program. I think that's the difference now," Cashman said. After making the playoffs in back-to-back years, the Blue Jays finished 10 games below .500 last season and enter 2018 with concerns over the left side of their infield -- oft-injured third baseman Josh Donaldson is dealing with general body soreness and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is scheduled to see a specialist for a bone spur that sidelined him in spring training. Health is always a concern for second baseman Devon Travis, who missed the final 100 games last season, while the outfield will have a new look with National League imports Curtis Granderson and Randal Grichuk.
TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (2017: 14-6, 2.98 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (2017: 10-11, 3.53)
Severino blossomed into the staff ace in his third year, finishing third in the American League Cy Young voting while nearly doubling his win total from his previous two seasons combined. The 24-year-old Dominican did not fare well against the Blue Jays, going 0-1 in two starts and allowing seven runs and 14 hits over 12 2/3 innings. Justin Smoak is 5-for-12 with a pair of homers and five RBIs against Severino.
Happ won 20 games in 2016 but he needed a strong finish last season, going 4-1 and allowing seven earned runs over his last five starts to reach double digits in wins for the fourth consecutive season. The 35-year-old won both his starts against the Yankees last season, limiting them to two runs and eight hits over 11 1/3 innings. Stanton and Judge each homered off Happ in nine and seven career at-bats, respectively.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees 1B Greg Bird is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery Tuesday.
2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales has 11 homers in 51 games against the Yankees.
3. Stanton is 6-for-11 with three home runs in three games at Rogers Centre.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 2
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox won the American League East last season but suffered a disappointing exit in the first round of the playoffs as their starting pitching let them down and a season-long lack of power was exposed. The Red Sox tried to address both of those issues in the offseason and will get started on another division title run when they open the 2018 campaign by visiting the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.
Boston brought in the biggest slugger available on the free-agent market by signing J.D. Martinez to a five-year, $110 million deal after the start of spring training and made a greater effort to manage the workload of lefty ace Chris Sale in the offseason and spring training after he tired down the stretch. The biggest boost to the rotation could be a full season of former Cy Young Award winner David Price, who made only 11 starts last year but came through spring training strong. The Rays went through a bit of a rebuild in the offseason, trading away franchise icon Evan Longoria and trading or letting go of the top three home-run producers on the team in Logan Morrison (38 homers in 2017), Steven Souza Jr. (30) and Corey Dickerson (27). Tampa Bay, which also lost two of its top three starting pitchers in Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi, brought in veterans Carlos Gomez, Denard Span and C.J. Cron to supplement the offense and will use a four-man rotation.
TV: 4 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (2017: 17-8, 2.90 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (2017: 10-12, 4.07)
Sale led the majors with 308 strikeouts but finished second in the AL Cy Young voting after going 4-4 with a 4.09 ERA in August and September. The Florida native, who went 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA in six starts against Tampa Bay last season, was knocked from his final spring training outing after being hit in the hip by a line drive. "I don't see anything lingering from this," Sale told reporters. "Looked a lot worse than it really is."
Archer finished third in the AL in strikeouts behind Sale and Cleveland's Corey Kluber with 249 and struck out 13 in 16 innings this spring before leaving his final start after getting hit in the right forearm with a comebacker. The 29-year-old was able to go through his normal routine over the weekend and is expected to start Thursday with no restrictions. Archer struck out 18 in 15 1/3 innings against Boston last season but went 1-1 with a 5.87 ERA in those three starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LHPs Drew Pomeranz (forearm) and Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) will open the season on the disabled list.
2. Rays RHP prospects Jose De Leon and Brett Honeywell will both miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
3. Boston closer Craig Kimbrel (personal) made his spring training debut on Sunday and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 3
Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Angels have added several pieces to their lineup in order help superstar Mike Trout, and one of those is hoping to make an impact as a two-way player. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his major-league debut on Thursday afternoon as the Angels visit the Oakland Athletics for the first contest of their season-opening four-game series.
The 23-year-old Ohtani is slated to be in Los Angeles' lineup as either the designated hitter or an outfielder several times a week while also filling a slot in the team's six-man starting rotation. Ohtani struggled in both roles during the spring, however, hitting .125 with one RBI and 10 strikeouts in 32 at-bats while allowing nine runs and nine hits - three homers - over 2 2/3 innings in two starts. The Angels also have added Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart and will get a full season from Justin Upton when they begin the season against Oakland, which once again will be led by the powerful bat of Khris Davis. The 30-year-old slugger is coming off back-to-back 40-homer, 100-RBI seasons but entered the Athletics' final Cactus League contest with only six hits in 53 at-bats this spring.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (2017: 0-2, 2.28 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2017: 6-4, 4.19)
After recording a career-high 15 victories in 2015, Richards has notched a total of one while make only six starts each of the last two seasons due to arm injuries. The 29-year-old Californian had a solid spring, allowing four runs and eight hits while registering 14 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings in four starts. Richards, who is making his second career Opening Day start, is 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts) against Oakland.
Graveman makes his second career Opening Day start after also getting the call against Los Angeles last season. The 27-year-old native of Alabama struggled this spring, surrendering 12 runs and 18 hits over 14 1/3 innings after being limited to 19 turns last season due to injuries. Graveman has made 11 career starts versus the Angels, going 2-2 with one complete game and a 3.96 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Trout drove in only 72 runs last year, marking the first time he finished with fewer than 83 RBIs in six seasons.
2. Oakland LHP prospect A.J. Puk likely needs Tommy John surgery after being shut down last week due to biceps soreness.
3. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols owns a .433 lifetime average against Graveman with three homers and 10 RBIs.
PREDICTION: Angels 7, Athletics 3
Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Milwaukee Brewers are aiming to end a six-year playoff drought as they visit the San Diego Padres in Thursday's season opener. While the Brewers are looking to build on last year's 86-win season, San Diego is striving for respectability after signing free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer.
Hosmer received a franchise-record eight-year, $144 million contract from the Padres, who went 71-91 in 2017 and have suffered through seven consecutive losing seasons. San Diego is expecting the former Kansas City Royals star to provide clubhouse leadership to a young team as well as team with 2016 All-Star Wil Myers to perk up the offense. The Brewers vastly improved their outfield by adding Lorenzo Cain (Hosmer's former Kansas City teammate) and Christian Yelich (from Miami). Former National League MVP Ryan Braun will play first base against left-handed pitchers despite publicly declaring two weeks ago that he is uncomfortable playing the position.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (2017: 12-4, 2.74 ERA) vs. Padres LH Clayton Richard (8-15, 4.79)
Anderson is coming off a career best for victories and had a solid .220 batting average against in 25 starts last season and manager Craig Counsell said he will be even better this season. "He's worked hard on developing his curveball and delivery, and added velocity in his delivery," Counsell told reporters. "He's a player that's worked hard to get better." Anderson is 3-1 with a 3.99 ERA in eight career starts versus the Padres and is 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA in three outings at Petco Park.
Richard is making his first Opening Day start at age 34 only 19-plus months after the Padres re-signed him at a time when he was throwing baseballs to a 15-and-16 year-old team in Lafayette, Ind., to keep his arm loose. "(This) was definitely out of my scope at the time," Richard told reporters about drawing the Opening Day assignment. "But I know it wouldn't have been a surprise. I've worked my whole career to be in this position. It hasn't taken me by surprise." Richard was shelled for six runs and 10 hits in six innings while taking the loss in his lone 2017 outing against the Brewers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Padres haven't made the postseason since winning the NL West in 2006.
2. Milwaukee is opening on the road for the first time since 2011, when it began the season in Cincinnati.
3. San Diego RHP Dinelson Lamet, who was originally scheduled to start the second game of the season, was placed on the disabled list after suffering a flexor strain in his right elbow in his final spring start and the Padres haven't yet tabbed a replacement.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Padres 4
Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals parted ways with manager Dusty Baker in the offseason for his lack of playoff success despite the fact he guided the club to back-to-back National League East titles and two of the four most successful seasons in club history. Dave Martinez will take his first step toward achieving what his predecessor was unable to do Thursday when the Nationals begin their season with the first of three games against the host Cincinnati Reds.
Baker led his club to a 192-132 regular-season record during his two-year stint with Washington, but the Nationals fell in five games during the NL Division Series to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 and to the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Rather than opt for another experienced hand to take the club to the next level, Washington turned to Martinez, who will run a team for the first time after serving as a bench coach the last 10 seasons - all under Joe Maddon, including the last three with the Cubs. The Reds have posted consecutive 68-win campaigns and are coming off their third straight last-place finish in the NL Central, thanks largely to a pitching staff that has ranked 26th or worse in ERA each time over that span. Those woes were really magnified last season against Washington, which outscored Cincinnati 61-26 while winning six of the seven meetings.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (2017: 16-6, 2.51 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (6-9, 6.43)
Scherzer posted a sub-3.00 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP and at least 250 strikeouts for the third time in as many seasons since signing with Washington in 2015. The back-to-back NL Cy Young Award winner is coming off an uneven spring, allowing 12 runs - including six homers - in 26 innings despite holding hitters to a .183 average and finishing with a 0.77 WHIP. Scherzer fanned 10 over six scoreless innings to get the win in his only start versus the Reds last season, improving to 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in four starts against them.
Bailey will make his first Opening Day start at home and appears to be healthy after battling forearm and elbow injuries over the last three seasons, limiting him to 26 starts over that span. The 31-year-old didn't inspire a great deal of confidence during the exhibition season, however, going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in five turns while allowing seven homers in 18 frames. Bailey coughed up 16 runs in 5 2/3 innings while losing both his starts to the Nationals last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Bryce Harper went 12-for-29 with three home runs against Cincinnati last season.
2. Reds 1B Joey Votto, the 2017 NL MVP runner-up, managed only three singles in 22 at-bats against the Nationals in 2017.
3. Washington three-time All-Star 2B Daniel Murphy is expected to be out until at least mid-April as he continues his recovery from October microfracture knee surgery.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 2
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
27th March 2018 by Gracenote
Two teams looking to take a step forward in their rebuilds and begin climbing in the National League East open the 2018 season Thursday when the Philadelphia Phillies visit the Atlanta Braves to start a three-game series. The Phillies were active in the offseason, bringing in pitcher Jake Arrieta and first baseman Carlos Santana to bolster an emerging young core, and made news Sunday by locking up rookie Scott Kingery to a six-year deal before his major-league debut.
The 23-year-old Kingery, who slugged 26 homers with 29 stolen bases in 132 minor-league games a season ago, hit .418 in spring training. Atlanta also has a marquee prospect in Ronald Acuna Jr., who will begin the season in the minor leagues but is expected to reach the majors quickly after hitting .432 with four homers and four stolen bases in just 44 spring-training at-bats. The Braves, who have lost 90 games or more each of the past three seasons, seem content to let their young players prove themselves this season as new general manager Alex Anthopoulos enters his first season at the helm. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who missed significant time with a wrist injury last season and actually played 16 games at third base upon his return, hit .319 in spring training and could emerge as a darkhorse MVP candidate.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2017: 12-11, 3.54 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (2017: 11-13, 4.49)
The 24-year-old Nola took a step forward in his second full season in the Phillies rotation in 2017, doubling his win total while lowering his ERA in 27 starts and posting a 1.21 WHIP. Nola pitched well in spring training, finishing with a 3.50 ERA in five starts with a 6:1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio (18 strikeouts, three walks in 18 innings). Nola beat Atlanta in both of his starts last season, posting a 1.20 ERA with one walk and 12 strikeouts in 15 innings.
Teheran struggled mightily in his first season in Atlanta's new SunTrust Park in 2017, going 3-10 with a 5.86 ERA with 17 homers allowed in 93 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old was much better on the road (8-3, 3.14 ERA in 15 starts) and showed a new-found confidence in his slider in spring training, posting a 1.40 ERA in six starts with 19 hits allowed in 25 2/3 innings. Teheran went 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia a season ago, striking out 24 in 23 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies won just 66 games a season ago but dominated the series against Atlanta, beating the Braves 13 times in 19 matchups.
2. Atlanta faces a daunting early-season schedule, as the Braves will play four consecutive series against 2017 playoff teams following the series with Philadelphia.
3. New Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is expected to hit Santana - who posted an OPS of .752 or higher in each of his first eight seasons - second in the lineup.
PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Braves 2
Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018
28th March 2018 by Gracenote
As the Kansas City Royals begin what appears to be a rebuilding process, the Chicago White Sox hope this is the year their rebuild moves into the next phase. The AL Central rivals start the season in Kansas City on Thursday with the opener of their three-game series.
The White Sox have a roster loaded with talented, young players they hope will be ready to compete for a playoff spot ahead of schedule. Young infielders Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson and Yolmer Sanchez hope to take the next step in their development and complement star first baseman Jose Abreu and All-Star right fielder Avisail Garcia. The Royals' lineup features some new faces after Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain - cornerstones of the 2015 world championship team - moved on via free agency. Lucas Duda slots in at first base with Jon Jay in center field, joining a lineup anchored by veterans Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez and 2017 breakout Whit Merrifield.
TV: 4:15 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (2017: 5-7, 5.23 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (2017: 9-10, 3.81)
Shields is making his eighth Opening Day start for his fourth different team, which includes the Royals in 2013. The 36-year-old is coming off a tough campaign during which he finished strong, winning three of his last four turns. Shields struggled at Kauffman Stadium, even when he was with the Royals, as he is 9-13 with a 4.35 ERA in 36 career starts there.
Duffy takes the ball on Opening Day for the second straight year after striking out eight and allowing one run over six innings at Minnesota last season. The 29-year-old left his last spring start with shoulder tightness but threw on Sunday and reported he was ready for the opener. Duffy is 7-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 20 career games (18 starts) against the White Sox, who tagged him for 19 runs over 22 innings in four meetings last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Moustakas has hit more home runs against the White Sox (19) than any other team, including six last season.
2. Abreu has recorded at least 25 homers, 32 doubles, 100 RBIs and a .290 batting average in each of his last four campaigns.
3. Royals SS Alcides Escobar is 6-for-14 with three extra-base hits against Shields.
PREDICTION: Royals 5, White Sox 4
MLB
Long Sheet
Thursday, March 29
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CHICAGO CUBS (96 - 76) at MIAMI (77 - 85) - 12:40 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JOSE URENA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1695-1762 (-267.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-38 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1250-1309 (-204.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JON LESTER vs. MIAMI since 1997
LESTER is 1-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.414.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.7 units)
JOSE URENA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
URENA is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)
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ST LOUIS (83 - 79) at NY METS (70 - 92) - 1:10 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 70-92 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 37-44 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 14-33 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.54 and a WHIP of 1.341.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)
NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SYNDERGAARD is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)
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WASHINGTON (99 - 68) at CINCINNATI (68 - 94) - 4:10 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 27-30 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 51-32 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MAX SCHERZER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SCHERZER is 2-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 0.973.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)
HOMER BAILEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BAILEY is 1-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)
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PHILADELPHIA (66 - 96) at ATLANTA (72 - 90) - 4:10 PM
AARON NOLA (R) vs. JULIO TEHERAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-19 (-11.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-75 (-25.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEHERAN is 10-25 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEHERAN is 3-12 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
AARON NOLA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NOLA is 5-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.109.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)
JULIO TEHERAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
TEHERAN is 8-6 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.131.
His team's record is 11-7 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.2 units)
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MILWAUKEE (86 - 76) at SAN DIEGO (71 - 91) - 4:10 PM
CHASE ANDERSON (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 43-38 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 51-36 (+25.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 86-76 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 42-39 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-36 (+20.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CHASE ANDERSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ANDERSON is 3-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-1. (+6.2 units)
CLAYTON RICHARD vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
RICHARD is 3-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.521.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)
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SAN FRANCISCO (64 - 98) at LA DODGERS (114 - 63) - 7:05 PM
TY BLACH (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 64-98 (-37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-55 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-29 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-20 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 47-10 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 67-22 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 44-35 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
TY BLACH vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BLACH is 2-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 0.963.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.5 units)
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
KERSHAW is 22-9 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.58 and a WHIP of 0.823.
His team's record is 26-14 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 27-11. (+14.8 units)
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COLORADO (87 - 76) at ARIZONA (94 - 72) - 10:10 PM
JON GRAY (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 316-436 (-109.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 447-709 (-139.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 94-72 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-20 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 866-772 (-94.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 612-560 (-75.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JON GRAY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
GRAY is 2-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 1.579.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)
PAT CORBIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
CORBIN is 7-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.346.
His team's record is 12-4 (+7.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-10. (-4.8 units)
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MINNESOTA (85 - 78) at BALTIMORE (75 - 87) - 3:05 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. DYLAN BUNDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 85-78 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-38 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-24 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JAKE ODORIZZI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ODORIZZI is 5-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.90 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 9-8 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+2.0 units)
DYLAN BUNDY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BUNDY is 0-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
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HOUSTON (112 - 68) at TEXAS (78 - 84) - 3:35 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 13-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 173-154 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 78-56 (+28.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 37-20 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 112-68 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 56-34 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TEXAS since 1997
VERLANDER is 12-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 13-9 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-10. (+0.1 units)
COLE HAMELS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HAMELS is 7-4 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.223.
His team's record is 11-5 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.5 units)
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NY YANKEES (98 - 77) at TORONTO (76 - 86) - 3:35 PM
LUIS SEVERINO (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 11-25 (-16.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HAPP is 20-7 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
LUIS SEVERINO vs. TORONTO since 1997
SEVERINO is 0-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.11 and a WHIP of 1.536.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)
J.A. HAPP vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HAPP is 8-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.223.
His team's record is 10-6 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-4.0 units)
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BOSTON (94 - 72) at TAMPA BAY (80 - 82) - 4:00 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 14-23 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 118-135 (-44.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 81-90 (-36.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less since 1997.
ARCHER is 27-40 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 10-22 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CHRIS SALE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SALE is 8-5 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 0.975.
His team's record is 9-5 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.2 units)
CHRIS ARCHER vs. BOSTON since 1997
ARCHER is 2-12 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.45 and a WHIP of 1.677.
His team's record is 6-13 (-9.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-12. (-7.1 units)
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LA ANGELS (80 - 82) at OAKLAND (75 - 87) - 4:05 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 46-35 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 35-27 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 545-521 (+45.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 189-154 (+49.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
GARRETT RICHARDS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RICHARDS is 2-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.397.
His team's record is 4-8 (-5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+2.0 units)
KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GRAVEMAN is 2-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.288.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)
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CHI WHITE SOX (67 - 95) at KANSAS CITY (80 - 82) - 4:15 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. DANNY DUFFY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 36-24 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 284-399 (-106.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JAMES SHIELDS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SHIELDS is 7-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.223.
His team's record is 8-5 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.2 units)
DANNY DUFFY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DUFFY is 7-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.293.
His team's record is 12-6 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+1.1 units)
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CLEVELAND (104 - 63) at SEATTLE (78 - 84) - 10:10 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 28-7 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 898-815 (-115.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 163-205 (-58.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 626-580 (-103.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 630-568 (-90.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
COREY KLUBER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KLUBER is 3-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.967.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)
FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-6 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.264.
His team's record is 8-8 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-11. (-7.0 units)
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PITTSBURGH (75 - 87) at DETROIT (64 - 98) - 1:10 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 15-29 (-13.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
NOVA is 2-11 (-9.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 64-98 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-76 (-30.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
IVAN NOVA vs. DETROIT since 1997
NOVA is 0-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.63 and a WHIP of 1.859.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.5 units)
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 1-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)
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MLB
Thursday, March 29
National League
Cubs (0-0) @ Marlins (0-0)
Lester is 2-0, 1.25 in his last four starts; over is 9-2-1 in his last 12 starts. Lester is 1-2, 4.66 in five career starts vs Miami.
Urena is 2-1, 3.75 in his last six starts; three of his last four starts went over. Urena is 2-1, 3.18 in three starts against the Cubs.
Cardinals (0-0) @ Mets (0-0)
Martinez is 1-1, 6.55 in his last four starts; over is 12-5 in his last 17 starts. Martinez is 3-2, 2.41 in 8 games (5 starts) against the Mets.
Syndegaard was 1-2, 4.15 in seven starts LY; three of his last four starts went over. Syndegaard is 0-2, 2.77 in two starts against the Cardinals.
Nationals (0-0) @ Reds (0-0)
Scherzer is 2-0, 1.59 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last 10 starts. Scherzer is 2-1, 2.55 in four starts against the Reds.
Bailey is 2-1, 2.70 in his last three starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Bailey is 1-5, 8.44 in six starts against Washington.
Phillies (0-0) @ Braves (0-0)
Nola is 2-1, 2.25 in his last three starts; under is 10-5-1 in his last 16 starts. Nola is 5-1, 1.96 in seven career starts vs Atlanta.
Teheran is 4-2, 2.60 in his last seven starts; under is 4-0-2 in his last six. Teheran is 8-6, 3.38 in 18 starts vs Philly.
Brewers (0-0) @ Padres (0-0)
Anderson is 5-1, 2.85 in his last seven starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11 starts. Anderson is 3-1, 3.99 in eight starts vs San Diego.
Richard is 2-2, 5.06 in his last four starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Richard is 3-4, 5.51 in 15 games (9 starts) vs Milwaukee.
Giants (0-0) @ Dodgers (0-0)
Blach is 0-5, 7.90 in his last five starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven starts. Blach is 2-2, 2.23 in seven games (4 starts) against the Dodgers.
Kershaw is 4-0, 3.45 in his last seven starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Kershaw is 22-9, 1.60 in 40 starts against the Giants.
Rockies (0-0) @ Diamondbacks (0-0)
Gray is 4-1, 3.16 in his last six starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Gray is 2-2, 4.75 in five starts vs Arizona.
Corbin is 1-2, 5.96 in his last four starts; over is 9-5 in his last 14. Corbin is 7-3, 4.76 in 16 starts against the Rockies.
American League
Twins (0-0) @ Orioles (0-0)
Odorizzi is 4-1, 3.16 in his last six starts; under was 5-1 in those six games. Odorizzi is 5-4, 4.71 in 17 starts vs Baltimore.
Bundy is 0-1, 7.54 in his last three starts; over is 12-4 in his last 16 starts. Bundy is 0-2, 5.54 in three games (2 starts) vs Minnesota.
Astros (0-0) @ Rangers (0-0)
Verlander was 8-1, 1.59 in 10 starts for Houston LY; under was 6-3-1 in those games. Verlander is 11-6, 3.02 in 20 starts vs Texas.
Hamels is 1-3, 5.06 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five starts. Hamels is 7-4, 4.19 in 16 starts vs Houston.
New York (0-0) @ Blue Jays (0-0)
Severino is 1-1, 5.63 in his last four starts; four of his last six starts stayed under. Severino is 0-3, 5.52 in six starts vs Toronto.
Happ is 4-1, 2.81 in his last five starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12 starts. Happ is 8-2, 3.51 in 16 starts vs New York.
Red Sox (0-0) @ Rays (0-0)
Sale is 1-2, 6.08 in his last four starts; his last six starts all went over total. Sale is 8-5, 3.29 in 14 starts vs Tampa Bay.
Archer was 1-4, 7.89 in his last five starts LY; under is 7-4 in his last 11 starts. Archer is 2-12, 5.45 in 19 starts vs Boston.
Angels (0-0) @ A’s (0-0)
Richards was 0-2, 2.60 in six starts LY; four of those six games stayed under. Richards is 2-4, 4.12 in 16 games (12 starts) vs Oakland.
Graveman is 2-0, 2.14 in his last four starts; four of his last six starts went over. Graveman is 2-2, 3.96 in 11 starts against the Angels.
White Sox (0-0) @ Royals (0-0)
Shields is 3-1, 3.51 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten starts. Shields is 7-2, 4.05 in 13 starts against the Royals.
Duffy is 2-4, 6.10 in his last ten starts; under is 8-4 in his last dozen starts. Duffy is 7-5, 4.20 in 18 starts against the Pale Hose.
Indians (0-0) @ Mariners (0-0)
Kluber is 6-1, 2.67 in his last nine starts; under is 5-1 in his last six starts. Kluber is 3-1, 1.50 in four starts vs Seattle.
Hernandez is 1-2, 4.94 in his last six starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Hernandez is 7-6, 2.95 in 16 starts vs Cleveland.
Interleague
Pirates (0-0) @ Tigers (0-0)
Nova is 0-4, 7.52 in his last six starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four outings. Nova is 0-3, 7.04 in six games (5 starts) vs Detroit.
Zimmerman is 1-4, 8.01 in his last six starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Zimmerman is 1-3, 3.96 in four starts against Pittsburgh.
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