Peralta returns as Cards, Reds kick off series
St. Louis already paces the National League in runs scored (307), home runs (76), RBIs (296) and OPS (.793). The rich are about to get richer, too.
Jhonny Peralta returns from the disabled list for the team’s series opener vs. Cincinnati, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Great American Ball Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI prefer the Cardinals, whereas Bryan Price’s club is recognized as a +140 underdog. The over/under figure stands at 9.5.
Kolten Wong was optioned to Class AAA Memphis yesterday afternoon, clearing room on the Cards’ roster for Peralta. The shortstop missed the season’s first 57 contests due a torn thumb ligament. In 2015, he batted .275 with 17 homers and 71 RBIs, which translated into the Dominican Republic native’s third All-Star appearance.
Interestingly, the emergence of Aledmys Diaz (.328/.359/.547) could shift Peralta to third base on the majority of occasions moving forward. The veteran figures to be stationed at the position this evening for the first time since Sept. 2, 2010. When Peralta’s at the plate, John Lamb (1-3, 5.58 ERA) represents his adversary. The lefty surrendered just one earned run across seven innings at Colorado last week.
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For third-place St. Louis, Mike Leake (4-4, 3.82) takes the hill. He’s posted five consecutive quality starts to erase an abysmal April. Leake must be especially leery of Adam Duvall in a few hours. The outfielder’s 16 dingers rank second in the NL, and he’s hitting .273 with three bombs and six RBIs in June.
Cincy went 4-17 against the Redbirds last year. The Reds have actually won six of nine, however, including two of three from Washington over the weekend. Anticipate a fairly tight rivalry matchup in the Queen City.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS/REDS UNDER 9.5 RUNS
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