MLB Picks and Predictions for Friday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Friday, June 5.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds, 7:10PM ET
Carlos Zambrano's return to the mound for the Chicago Cubs has taken a little longer than anticipated.
After rain postponed his latest scheduled outing, Zambrano makes his first start since serving a suspension and missing a team flight as the Cubs open a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday at Great American Ballpark.
Trying for his 100th victory, Zambrano (3-2, 4.22 ERA) was scheduled to pitch Thursday's postponed finale at Atlanta. The volatile right-hander was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball on May 28, a day after his meltdown in a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh.
He allowed one earned run and seven hits while striking out six in 6 1-3 innings, but was ejected after he appeared to nudge umpire Mark Carlson while arguing a call at the plate. He then threw a baseball into left field and took a bat to a dugout drink dispenser.
This week, Zambrano also missed the team flight to Atlanta, but manager Lou Piniella has not said if Zambrano was disciplined.
MLB Free Pick: Cincinnati | Best Line: +120 SPORTSBETTING
Milwaukee Brewers at Atlanta Braves, 7:35PM ET
Nate McLouth's success against the Milwaukee Brewers in recent years didn't lead to much success for his old team. Perhaps a new supporting cast will give him a better chance to contribute to some wins.
After a rainout, McLouth finally makes his Atlanta Braves debut Friday night in the opener of a three-game series with a Brewers team he's highly familiar with from his days in the NL Central.
McLouth, an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2008, had some bittersweet feelings after being acquired by Atlanta (26-26) in a trade with Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but is eager to be with a club that is trying to challenge for the NL East lead.
MLB Free Pick: Atlanta | Best Line: -115 SPORTSBETTING
Baltimore Orioles at Oakland A’s, 10:05PM ET
Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren thinks his young pitching staff is starting to figure things out.
As they search for a season-high fourth straight win, the A's will look to keep the Baltimore Orioles' hitters befuddled Friday night in the opener of a three-game home series.
Oakland (22-30) is coming off an eight-game road trip which ended with three consecutive victories over the Chicago White Sox, including Thursday's 7-0 win. Brett Anderson pitched seven innings, and Michael Wuertz and Santiago Casilla allowed one hit over the final two as the A's blanked Chicago for the second time in three games - their only two shutouts this season.
Since allowing a season-high 14 runs May 30 in Texas, the A's have a 2.45 ERA over their last five games after recording a 4.54 ERA through their first 47.
MLB Free Pick: Oakland | Best Line: -115 SPORTSBETTING
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