MLB Picks and Predictions for Wednesday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Wednesday, June 10.
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians, 7:05PM ET
After four injury-plagued seasons, the Cleveland Indians took a big risk when they signed Carl Pavano as a free agent in January.
Nearly 2 1/2 months into the season and following a rocky start, that gamble is paying off.
Pavano looks to continue his astonishing turnaround and build off his best start in years when he takes the ball for the Indians on Wednesday against the slumping Kansas City Royals.
Following a career-best 18-win season for Florida in 2004, Pavano (6-4, 4.63 ERA) signed a four-year $39.95 million deal with the New York Yankees. Between several stints on the disabled list and Tommy John surgery in 2007, Pavano made just 26 starts for the Yankees, going 9-8 with a 5.00 ERA.
The right-hander signed a one-year deal with Cleveland (26-34) in the offseason. After going 0-3 with a 9.50 ERA in four April starts, Pavano has gone 6-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his last eight outings.
On Friday, Pavano pitched a three-hitter with two walks and six strikeouts in a 6-0 win over the Chicago White Sox for his fifth career shutout and first since May 17, 2005.
MLB Free Pick: Kansas City | Best Line: +130 SPORTSBETTING
Cincinnati Reds at Washington Nationals, 7:05PM ET
On Tuesday, Washington used its No. 1 overall pick to draft pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who has the potential to dominate in the majors someday.
For now, the Nationals will settle for Shairon Martis.
After gaining the rights to one of the most talented prospects in the history of the baseball draft, the Nationals give the ball to the wins leader of their current struggling staff as they face the Cincinnati Reds in the middle game of their series Wednesday night.
Washington (15-41), on pace for its second straight season with at least 100 losses, got some much-needed hope with the selection of Strasburg, who went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA this season for San Diego State, leading the Aztecs to their first postseason berth since 1991.
Featuring a fastball that has been clocked at 102 mph, the right-hander is considered by some as the best college pitcher ever.
MLB Free Pick: Cincinnati | Best Line: -115 SPORTSBETTING
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox, 8:11PM ET
After a rough start to the season, Justin Verlander is performing like the guy who was one of the best young pitchers in baseball a few years ago.
On Wednesday night, the right-hander looks to win his seventh straight decision while trying to help the Detroit Tigers to a second consecutive victory over the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
After finishing 11-17 in 2008, Verlander (6-2, 3.26 ERA) opened this season 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his first four starts. Since then, however, he appears back to the form that enabled him to go 35-15 over his first two full seasons in 2006-2007.
The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year is 6-0 with a 1.12 ERA over his last eight outings and earned AL pitcher of the month honors after posting a 5-0 record in six May starts. Verlander is in the midst of his best stretch since going 7-0 with a 1.93 ERA in eight starts from June 17-Aug. 1, 2006.
MLB Free Pick: Chicago | Best Line: +125 SPORTSBETTING