MLB Picks and Predictions for Friday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Friday, May 1.
Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers, 7:05PM ET
Armando Galarraga is showing that last season's success with the Detroit Tigers wasn't a fluke.
Galarraga looks to improve to 4-0 on Friday when the Tigers will try to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a three-game set at Comerica Park.
Galarraga (3-0, 1.85 ERA) led Detroit (11-10) with 13 wins last season after pitching in just three games with Texas in 2007. The right-hander has gotten off to another strong start, especially at home, where he has won both of his starts while allowing just one run in 13 1-3 innings.
Galarraga pitched six innings at Kansas City on Sunday, allowing one run and three hits in a 3-2 win. He struck out seven, but walked five and said afterward that he planned on adjusting his mechanics.
He is looking to end a string of bad pitching performances by Tigers starters against the Indians (8-14). Detroit's rotation went 0-5 with a 7.39 ERA in the final seven games - all losses - of last season's series. Galarraga faced Cleveland twice during that losing stretch but did not receive a decision in either outing. He is 3-0 with a 3.62 ERA in five career starts against the Indians.
MLB Free Pick: Detroit | Best Line: -165 SPORTSBETTING
Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves, 7:35PM ET
The Atlanta Braves acquired Mike Hampton after the 2002 season hoping for help at the front of their starting rotation, but his stint with the team ended on a sour note.
The Braves hope they have more luck with Derek Lowe as their ace.
Returning to Atlanta for the first time since signing with Houston in the offseason, Hampton will square off against Lowe as the Astros and Braves open a three-game series Friday night at Turner Field.
Atlanta (10-11) traded for Hampton before the 2003 season expecting to get one of baseball's most effective left-handed starters. While Hampton delivered in his first two seasons with the Braves, injuries then derailed his career.
Hampton made only 25 starts from 2005-2008 because of frequent elbow and back problems, and the Braves paid him $44.5 million during that stretch, according to the team's official Web site.
MLB Free Pick: Atlanta | Best Line: -165 SPORTSBETTING
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05PM ET
The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets began the season considered NL East front-runners for the fourth consecutive year. After the opening month, the Phillies look like contenders while the Mets are in disarray.
The Phillies seek their sixth win in seven games Friday night when they open a three-game set and the season series with the Mets at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia (11-9) capitalized on late collapses by the Mets (9-12) to win each of the last two East titles. In 2008, the Phillies overcame a 3 1/2-game deficit with 17 to play and went on to win their first World Series title in 28 years. It was the third consecutive season either the Phillies or Mets won the division.
"It takes more than one player to bring home a championship," Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said during the club's victory parade, citing the Mets' acquisition of ace Johan Santana prior to last season.
MLB Free Pick: NY Mets | Best Line: +105 SPORTSBETTING