Sunday’s MLB Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Sunday, May 24.
Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees, 1:05PM ET
The last time CC Sabathia faced the Philadelphia Phillies, that outing in the playoffs turned out to be his last before he joined the New York Yankees. This time, he’ll be facing a pitcher who was simply outstanding in last year’s postseason.
Two of the top left-handers in baseball square off Sunday when Sabathia and the Yankees take on Cole Hamels and the Phillies.
Sabathia (4-3, 3.43 ERA) was heroic down the stretch last year for Milwaukee, winning on three days’ rest in his final two outings to get the Brewers into the postseason.
He took the mound on three days’ rest again when he faced Philadelphia in Game 2 of the NL division series, but the result was a disaster. Sabathia gave up five runs in the second inning and was chased in the fourth as Milwaukee fell 5-2 and went on to lose the series in four games.
MLB Free Pick: Philadelphia – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +145 SPORTSBETTING
Texas Rangers at Houston Astros, 2:05PM ET
Even though the Texas Rangers are now without their best hitter, they have gotten big hits from Nelson Cruz to put them in position to make a small piece of history.
The Rangers will likely be without Michael Young when they try to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Houston Astros on Sunday after getting big homers from Cruz to win the first two contests this weekend.
Texas (25-17) played without Young on Saturday in a 6-3 win due to a sprained right ankle he suffered Friday when he stepped on Lance Berkman’s foot while trying to get back to first on a pickoff attempt.
MLB Free Pick: Texas– View Game Matchup | Best Line: -110 SPORTSBETTING
Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 2:15PM ET
April couldn’t have gone much better for Joel Pineiro, but he hadn’t been as fortunate in May – until his last start. Now, the St. Louis Cardinals’ starting rotation can seemingly do no wrong.
Pineiro looks to continue St. Louis’ run of dominant starting pitching and lead the Cardinals to their season-high sixth straight victory Sunday afternoon as they conclude their three-game home set against the slumping Kansas City Royals.
Pineiro (5-3, 3.48 ERA) takes the mound for the first time since a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, when he threw a complete-game three-hitter. It was the right-hander’s fourth career shutout and first since July 26, 2003, when he tossed a three-hitter for Seattle.
MLB Free Pick: St. Louis – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -125 SPORTSBETTING
Posted: 5/24/09 8:45AM ET
