Monday’s Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers
Streaking
Roy Halladay (20-10, 2.53 ERA) Philadelphia Phillies
Halladay heads into Monday’s start against the Washington Nationals riding a four-game winning streak. His last win, a 5-3 victory over Atlanta in which he gave up three runs over seven innings, made him Philadelphia’s first 20-game winner since Steve Carlton hit that mark in 1982. He has thrown 241 2/3 innings this season, so Philadelphia may keep a close eye on his pitch count.
Carlos Zambrano (9-6, 3.56 ERA) Chicago Cubs
Zambrano hasn’t lost a start since rejoining the starting rotation on Aug. 24, going 5-0 with a no-decision in his last outing against the San Francisco Giants. He definitely pitched well enough to win that one too, throwing six scoreless innings while striking out eight in a 1-0 loss. Zambrano did walk five batters in that game, which is a little concerning after his serious control problems earlier in the season.
Slumping
Armando Galarraga (4-7, 4.44 ERA) Detroit Tigers
Galarraga hasn’t won a game in six starts, dating back to a 4-3 loss to Kansas City on Aug. 24. He has four no-decisions over the slump but has lost each of his last two, giving up 12 combined runs over nine innings. He allowed five runs on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings against the Royals the last time he took the mound, walking five while striking out four.
Tips and Trends
Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres
CUBS: Chicago is playing their best baseball of the season, unfortunately far too late to make a playoff impact. It's still fun to see this team finally playing up to their potential. Chicago stands 70-85 SU this year, including a respectable 35-39 SU on the road. The Cubs certainly have revenge on their minds as they come to San Diego, as they've lost all 4 meetings at home to the Padres earlier this season. The Cubs are -20.53 and -3.06 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. Ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano will make the road start tonight, as he is 9-6 SU with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.50 this year. The Cubs are 4-0 last 4 road games against a team with a winning record. Chicago is 5-0 in their last 5 games as a road underdog. The Cubs are 12-5 in their last 17 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. Chicago is 3-15 in their last 18 games against the National League West. The Cubs are 4-0 in Zambrano's last 4 starts as a road underdog. The Cubs are 4-1 in Zambrano's last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Chicago is 1-4 in Zambrano's last 5 starts against the National League West.
Cubs are 14-3 last 17 road games.
Under is 7-2 last 9 road games against a right-handed starter.
Key Injuries - CF Marlon Byrd (face) is questionable.
Projected Score: 4 (SIDE of the Day)
PADRES: (-150, O/U 6.5) Meaningful baseball in September is rare for San Diego, so it's exciting times in the city. San Diego opens their final homestand of the season tonight, with a 4 game series against the Cubs. Currently, the Padres are 0.5 games back of San Francisco for the NL West Division lead. The Padres do lead the NL Wild Card by 0.5 games, so it's clear that this playoff race is going down to the final day of the season. San Diego is +20.96 and +5.88 units both SU and on the RL overall this year. Tim Stauffer will take the mound tonight, as he is 5-4 SU with an ERA of 1.95 and a WHIP of 1.11 this year. The Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 Monday games overall. San Diego is 29-11 in their last 40 games against the National League Central. The Padres are 3-8 in their last 11 home games against a right-handed starter. The Padres are 4-0 in Stauffer's last 4 starts as a home favorite. San Diego is 3-10 in Stauffer's last 13 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Padres are 0-5 in Stauffer's last 5 starts against the National League Central.
Padres are 20-8 last 28 home games against a team with a losing record.
Under is 9-2 last 11 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower.
Key Injuries - 3B Miguel Tejada (groin) is questionable.
Projected Score: 3