MLB Picks and Predictions for Wednesday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Wednesday, April 29.
New York Yankees at Detroit Tigers, 7:05PM ET
While the New York Yankees have their future invested in Joba Chamberlain, the same can be said about the Detroit Tigers with Rick Porcello.
The two young right-handers square off Wednesday night when the Yankees finish a three-game road series against the Tigers.
Chamberlain (0-0, 3.94 ERA) is in his third season with New York - and first as a full-time starter. He excelled in the bullpen last year before the Yankees (10-10) opted to move the 23-year-old into the rotation in June.
In 12 starts last season, Chamberlain went 3-1 with a 2.76 ERA. He's struggled a bit with his control in three outings this year, with 10 walks in 16 innings after walking four in 5 1-3 on Friday in a 5-4 loss at Boston in 11 innings.
MLB Free Pick: NY Yankees | Best Line: -135 SBG Global
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants, 10:15PM ET
There were some concerns about Tim Lincecum's health after his first two starts, neither of which were reminiscent of his Cy Young Award-winning performance of last year.
Those questions have disappeared in his past two outings.
Lincecum has pitched every bit like an ace his last two times out, and he'll look to keep rolling Wednesday night as his San Francisco Giants play the decisive third game of their series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lincecum (1-1, 2.96 ERA) had a serious case of bronchitis during spring training, and he underwent a medical examination following a second straight ugly performance to start the season.
Doctors found nothing wrong with the right-hander, and he proved that to be true in his next two starts. Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out 13 against Arizona on April 18, not factoring in the decision as the Giants (9-10) lost 2-0.
Facing the Diamondbacks again Friday, Lincecum finally got in the win column. He pitched eight innings, allowing a run while striking out 12 in a 5-1 victory.
MLB Free Pick: San Francisco | Best Line: -145 SBG Global
Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians, 7:05PM ET
After snapping their lengthy win streak in disheartening fashion, the Boston Red Sox will try to start another behind an improving starter who has never lost to the Cleveland Indians.
Looking for a third straight quality start, Jon Lester will attempt to help the Red Sox win Wednesday night's finale of their three-game road series.
Despite 14 hits, the Red Sox (13-7) committed three costly errors to end their 11-game win streak in Tuesday night's 9-8 defeat, the last of which allowed the winning run to score with two outs in the ninth. Reliever Javier Lopez failed to catch a routine toss from first baseman Kevin Youkilis while trying to cover the bag.
MLB Free Pick: Boston – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -130 SBG Global