Thursday 3-28-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:37 AM

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Nationals Park Washington

Probable

Jacob deGrom

Max Scherzer

New York Mets ace right-hander Jacob deGrom will carry a heavier wallet to the mound in Thursday afternoon's opener of a three-game road series against a Washington Nationals club that is significantly lighter on offense. Signed to a five-year, $137.5 million contract, the reigning National League Cy Young Award recipient will be opposed by the man (Max Scherzer) who claimed the honor in each of the previous two years.

Star pitchers aside, New York (77-85) and Washington (82-80) took steps backward in 2018 to fourth and second place, respectively, as a youthful Atlanta club claimed the division crown, while the offseason addition of former Nationals stud Bryce Harper has elevated expectations in Philadelphia. The Mets added Robinson Cano and former Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos in the offseason to join Michael Conforto in the quest to provide some pop to an offense that tied for the worst batting average in the majors (.234). Washington tied for eighth-best in that regard (.254), but the club will need to find additional offense with the loss of Harper's team-leading totals in homers (39), RBIs (100) and on-base percentage (.393). "I don't feel any pressure," said 20-year-old Juan Soto, who burst on the scene last spring and finished with a team third-best 22 homers while batting .292 in 116 games.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (2018: 10-9, 1.70 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (2018: 18-7, 2.53)

DeGrom will look to extend active streaks of consecutive quality starts (24) and the number of starts allowing three runs or fewer (29) on Thursday. The 30-year-old posted a 2-0 mark while striking out 25 of his career-best 269 batters in three starts (20 1/3 innings) against Washington last season. Trea Turner (7-for-25, one homer) and Ryan Zimmerman (two homers) have enjoyed a bit of success versus deGrom, who is coming off a season in which he registered the lowest ERA by a qualified starter since then-Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke's 1.66 mark in 2015.

While deGrom is getting the ball to start the season for the first time in his career, Scherzer will make his fourth Opening Day start in five campaigns with the Nationals. "You just go out there and compete," the 34-year-old Scherzer said of the honor. "You try to put everything together you have been thinking about the whole offseason." Scherzer won his lone decision in two starts last season versus New York, although he has endured considerable trouble against Conforto (8-for-23, four homers).

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon ravaged New York last season, going 25-for-63 with nine extra-base hits (five doubles, four homers) and 15 RBIs.

2. Mets CF Brandon Nimmo batted .156 against the Nationals last season and struck out 15 times in 45 at-bats.

3. Turner went 24-for-72 with 11 stolen bases versus New York last season.

Prediction: Nationals 2, Mets 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:38 AM

Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

The New York Yankees failed to reel in any of the big fish on the free-agent market, but they still carry loads of firepower into Opening Day at home against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. While Bryce Harper and Manny Machado settled in Philadelphia and San Diego, respectively, the Yankees return most of a roster that slugged a major-league record 267 home runs en route to 100 wins last year, Aaron Boone's first as manager in the Bronx.

"I'd like to think we are [better], but we were pretty good last year," Boone told reporters this week in Florida. "And I know leaving at this time last year, I felt pretty good about things. I feel like we're maybe a little deeper and maybe, hopefully, a little better equipped to handle some of these early-season injuries that we have." Among those sidelined to begin the season is ace Luis Severino (rotator cuff inflammation), which prompted Boone to go with Masahiro Tanaka on the mound in the opener. He will face a rebuilding Orioles squad that suffered a franchise-record 115 losses a year ago and made no notable changes this offseason, aside from naming Brandon Hyde as their new manager. The rookie skipper is also dealing with injuries before the season begins and is forced to hand the ball to Andrew Cashner after scheduled starter Alex Cobb suffered a strained right groin in his final spring training start.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN2 (Baltimore), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (2018: 4-15, 5.29 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (2018: 12-6, 3.75)

Cashner has been with four teams over his last three years and struggled in 2018 in his first season in Baltimore, posting a 6.71 ERA after the All-Star break. The 32-year-old was a bit better in four starts against the Yankees, going 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA. He gave up 10 runs in 15 1/3 innings during spring training.

Tanaka bounced back last year from a subpar 2017 by lowering his ERA nearly a run while winning at least 12 games for the fifth time in as many seasons. The 30-year-old was 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 17 innings during Grapefruit League action. He owns a 3.72 mark in 12 career starts against Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Aaron Hicks (back) is expected to open the year on the injured list.

2. Orioles C Chance Sisco went 13-for-34 with four home runs and 10 walks during spring training but was still optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

3. Baltimore went 5-4 at Yankee Stadium last year and 14-58 in all other road games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Orioles 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:38 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

The St. Louis Cardinals have one of baseball's proudest traditions and a failure to reach the postseason for three consecutive years for the first time since 1997-99 prompted the team to make a major splash in the offseason. Marquee acquisition Paul Goldschmidt will make his debut when St. Louis opens a four-game set at the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

Goldschmidt signed a five-year, $130 million contract last week and will add a big bat to an already imposing lineup featuring Matt Carpenter, Marcell Ozuna and Yadier Molina. St. Louis hopes that the presence of the six-time All-Star who swatted 209 home runs in eight years with Arizona will help tilt the balance of power in the rugged National League Central. Along with the Chicago Cubs, the Cardinals will be taking aim at the division champion Brewers, who won 96 games last year and came within one victory of advancing to the World Series. While there are questions about Milwaukee's starting pitching, reigning NL Most Valuable Player Christian Yelich heads an offense that received a significant upgrade with the signing of catcher Yasmani Grandal, a former All-Star who clubbed 73 homers in his last three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (2018: 18-4, 2.83 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacín (2018: 15-8, 3.50)

Mikolas resurrected his career in Japan after flaming out in his first stint in the majors and returned last season to tie for the NL lead in victories while finishing fourth in ERA. The 30-year-old walked only 29 batters in his 32 starts and went 10-1 over the final three months of the season. Mikolas was 3-0 with a 4.01 ERA in four starts against the Brewers, winning both decisions in Milwaukee, and had his way against Yelich, holding him hitless in all nine at-bats.

Chacin bounced around after spending his first six years with Colorado but he found a home in his first season with Milwaukee, posting a career high in wins and notching a pair of victories in the postseason. The 31-year-old Venezuelan has struggled throughout his career versus the Cardinals and went 2-2 with a 5.26 ERA last season, but he pitched five innings of one-run, one-hit ball at St. Louis on Sept. 26. Goldschmidt is 6-for-22 with a homer and seven RBIs against him.

EXTRA BASES

1. Yelich came close to winning the Triple Crown, capturing the NL batting title (.326) while finishing in a tie for third in homers (36) and second in RBIs (110).

2. Cardinals 3B Matt Carpenter tied Yelich with 36 homers last season but he batted only .203 in 19 games versus Milwaukee.

3. Brewers 3B Travis Shaw was 5-for-11 with a homer and two doubles versus Mikolas in 2018.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Cardinals 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:38 AM

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

The Philadelphia Phillies made several major moves this offseason that they hope will result in a National League East title, and they get an opportunity to measure themselves right away against the reigning division champion when they host the Atlanta Braves in Thursday's season opener. The beginning of a three-game series marks the debut of several new Phillies, including right fielder Bryce Harper, who was lured away from Washington by a 13-year, $330-million contract.

The Phillies also added outfielder Andrew McCutchen, shortstop Jean Segura and catcher J.T. Realmuto in an effort to avoid a repeat of last season, when they lost 30 of their final 45 games as the Braves moved past them to win the division. Atlanta mostly stood pat after reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2013, signing third baseman Josh Donaldson but otherwise rolling with its core of young talent, including NL Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr. and all-star Ozzie Albies. The Braves endured a variety of pitching injuries to both their starting rotation and bullpen in spring training, giving Julio Teheran the Opening Day assignment against Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola. Atlanta beat the Phillies 12 times in 19 tries a season ago, finishing 10 games ahead of Philadelphia in the division standings before falling in four games to Los Angeles in the NL Division Series.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (2018: 9-9, 3.94 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2018: 17-6, 2.37)

Teheran makes his sixth consecutive Opening Day start as staff ace Mike Foltynewicz is sidelined with an elbow injury, and the 28-year-old has posted a 2.73 ERA in those season-starting assignments. Relegated to mop-up duty in last season's NLDS, Teheran struck out 21 hitters with only two walks in 17 innings across four spring training starts. Teheran is 9-6 with a 3.65 ERA lifetime against the Phillies, including a 6-2 mark with a 3.41 ERA in 10 career starts at Philadelphia.

Nola blossomed into a star last season, finishing third in the NL Cy Young Award balloting and earning a four-year, $45 million contract extension in the offseason. The 25-year-old, who finished second in the NL in ERA, third in WHIP (0.975) and fifth in strikeouts (224) a season ago, posted a 5.19 ERA in three starts during spring training. Nola owns more victories against the Braves than any other team, going 7-3 with a 2.09 ERA and a 1.022 WHIP in 12 career starts against Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harper, who hit .235 with two homers in nine games this spring, is 18-for-40 lifetime against Teheran with eight homers and 19 RBIs.

2. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson homered in his final two exhibition games, finishing the spring batting .353 with a .980 OPS.

3. Realmuto, acquired in a trade with Miami, homered four times in 15 games this spring.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Braves 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:38 AM

Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

The Toronto Blue Jays happen to play in a division in which two teams won 100 or more games last season, but they still might be the most intriguing team in the American League East. The Blue Jays will kick off a transitional season when they host the rebuilding Detroit Tigers in the season opener on Thursday.

Toronto is stacked with near-ready prospects that give it one of the best systems in baseball, led by No. 1 prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was the subject of an intense service time debate before an oblique injury in camp made adding him to the Opening Day roster an impossibility. The Blue Jays also have plenty of young arms in the rotation, led by Opening Day starter Marcus Stroman, and will support that staff with defensive shifts that included experimenting with four outfielders against certain opposing power hitters in spring training. The Tigers' top prospects are further away, but 2018 No. 1 overall pick right-hander Casey Mize is expected to advance quickly through the system. Veteran right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will get the start in the opener in front of a veteran infield that includes former MVP Miguel Cabrera at first base and Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison, who were both signed to one-year deals over the winter, up the middle.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (2018: 7-8, 4.52 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2018: 4-9, 5.54)

Zimmermann underwent core muscle surgery in the offseason and is looking to regain the form that saw him make at least 32 starts in four straight seasons with the Washington Nationals from 2012-2015. "This is pretty much where I expected to be if I had a healthy spring. I was able to do that," Zimmermann told reporters. "My body feels good going into the season, so I'm ready. I'm ready to get out of here and go play some meaningful games." Zimmermann, 32, won his lone start against Toronto last season, surrendering one run and five hits in seven innings.

Stroman battled through an inconsistent and injury-marred 2018 but comes into 2019 healthy after posting a 2.19 ERA in 12 1/3 innings during spring training. "I think it just feeds into my personality, and who I am as a person," Stroman told reporters of making his second career Opening Day start. "The greater the stage, the bigger the lights, the more I feel I'm really able to lock it in. Something I feel I've always had since I was a young age. I'm not scared of the spotlight, at all. If there's one person that wants the ball when the game's on the line, that's me." Stroman made one start against Detroit in 2018 and breezed through seven innings, allowing two runs - one earned - and four hits to earn the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Blue Jays signed RHP Daniel Hudson to a one-year deal and moved 2B Devon Travis (knee) to the 60-day injured to create a spot on the 40-man roster.

2. Tigers CF JaCoby Jones (shoulder) was injured over the weekend and will start the season on the injured list.

3. Detroit took four of the seven meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Tigers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:39 AM

Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Tropicana Field St. Petersburg

Probable

Justin Verlander

Blake Snell

The top two vote getters in the American League Cy Young race last year will face off on Opening Day of a new season when the Tampa Bay Rays host the defending AL West champion Houston Astros on Thursday afternoon. Tampa Bay's Blake Snell captured his first Cy Young after winning a major league-high 21 games in 2018 while Houston's Justin Verlander led the AL with 290 strikeouts and just missed winning the award for the second time.

Verlander, who gave up five earned runs in 17 1/3 innings this spring, will make his 11th Opening Day start and told MLB.com: "It should be a great matchup. I don't think you get, too often, No. 1 and No. 2 going at each other on Opening Day." Snell starts his first season opener after throwing three innings in major league spring training games and will attempt to extend his winning streak to 10 after allowing eight earned runs over 61 2/3 innings while stringing together nine victories to end 2018. The Rays have gone from 68 wins in 2016 to 80 in 2017 and 90 last season with a young improving lineup that was augmented in the offseason with the additions of outfielder Avisail Garcia, infielder Yandy Diaz and catcher Mike Zunino. Houston came up short against Boston in the AL Championship Series last season and returns a star-studded lineup that is led by All-Star infielders Alex Bregman (31 homers, 103 RBIs last season) and Jose Altuve (.316 batting average) while outfielder Michael Brantley (.309 BA with Cleveland) was added.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (2018: 16-9, 2.52 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (2018: 21-5, 1.89)

Verlander, who recently signed a two-year extension for $66 million to keep him in Houston through 2021, has enjoyed a renaissance since coming to the Astros while going 21-9 in 39 regular-season starts. The 36-year-old Old Dominion product set a career high with strikeouts last season and finished with his best ERA since 2011, when he won both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award. Garcia is 8-for-32 with a pair of doubles in his career against Verlander, who went 0-1 with a 4.63 ERA in two games versus the Rays last season.

Snell was just 11-15 combined his first two seasons in the majors and walked 110 with 217 strikeouts over 218 1/3 innings before issuing just 64 walks with 221 Ks in 180 2/3 frames a year ago. The 26-year-old Washington native, who recently signed a five-year, $50 million contract, was 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA and a .146 opponents' batting average against Houston in 2018. Bregman is 5-for-10 with a homer and Altuve 3-for-10 with a pair of blasts versus Snell, who led the majors in fewest hits per nine innings last year (5.58).

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston OF Josh Reddick (back) and SS Carlos Correa (neck stiffness) could miss Opening Day.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy, who batted .294 in 2018, will start the season on the injured list with a hamstring injury.

3. The Rays took three of four against the Astros at home last season, allowing a total of seven runs.

Prediction: Rays 4, Astros 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:39 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
Scheduled Globe Life Park in Arlington Arlington

Probable

Jon Lester

Mike Minor

The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers begin the season with different sets of expectations when they open the 2019 campaign with a three-game interleague series starting Thursday in Texas. Chicago has won eight of 15 meetings and is visiting Arlington for the first time since 2010.

The Cubs return all eight regular starters from a team that ranked fourth in the National League in runs (761) last season, but they're looking for more consistency and production from the middle of the order. Chicago especially could get a boost from 2017 NL MVP Kris Bryant returning to form after being hampered by a shoulder injury for much of 2018. The Rangers hope first-year manager Chris Woodward can turn around a rebuilding club that went 67-95 and finished last in the American League West a year ago. Texas is in the midst of a youth movement, but the lineup still boasts a veteran presence with Shin-Soo Choo, Elvis Andrus and Asdrubal Cabrera, who was signed to take over at third base following Adrian Beltre's retirement.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (2018: 18-6, 3.32 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (2018: 12-8, 4.18)

Lester will make his third straight Opening Day start and the eighth of his career as he looks to continue to pitch at a high level. The 35-year-old was 11-2 with a 2.87 ERA in 15 road starts a year ago. Lester is 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 starts against the Rangers, but he hasn't faced them since 2014.

Minor is set for the first Opening Day start of his career after a solid transition back to a starting role last season. The 31-year-old rounded into excellent form at the end of the season, going 8-4 with a 3.14 ERA over his last 16 starts. Minor is 6-0 with a 4.46 ERA in six starts against the Cubs, most recently in 2014 when he was pitching for Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago OF Albert Almora, projected to leadoff in the opener, hit .373 with three home runs in 17 games in spring training.

2. Texas 2B Rougned Odor batted .359 with four homers and 11 RBIs over his last 14 games of the spring.

3. The Cubs on Tuesday announced a four-year extension with RHP Kyle Hendricks through the 2023 season with a club/vesting option for 2024.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Rangers 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:39 AM

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled O.co Coliseum Oakland

Probable

Trevor Cahill

Mike Fiers

After coming up empty in Japan, the Oakland Athletics attempt to earn their first win of 2019 in familiar surroundings when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series. Oakland began the season in Tokyo with a pair of losses to Seattle in what were deemed home games for the club.

Athletics slugger Khris Davis has gotten off to a quick start, recording a homer and four RBIs after belting a major league-leading 48 shots while driving in a career-best 123 runs last year. Oakland is beginning a stretch during which it plays on 18 consecutive days as it takes on an Angels team that is kicking off its first season without Mike Scioscia as manager since 1999. Brad Ausmus was brought in to replace the retired Scioscia and will open his first campaign with the club without left fielder Justin Upton, who will start the year on the injured list due to turf toe. Los Angeles, which likely will begin the season without a left-handed reliever after releasing Dan Jennings on Tuesday, once again will be expecting big things from Mike Trout after signing the two-time American League MVP to a record-setting 12-year, $426.5 million contract last week.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Trevor Cahill (2018: 7-4, 3.76 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Mike Fiers (0-1, 15.00)

Cahill will be making the second Opening Day start of his career as he faces the team with which it began. The 31-year-old Californian returned to Oakland for a second stint last season but made only 20 starts as he spent the first month in the minors and also made a visit to the disabled list. Cahill made his lone career start against the Athletics in 2012, notching the win for Arizona after allowing two runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Fiers hopes to bounce back from a rough outing in Oakland's season opener as he was tagged for five runs and four hits in just three innings. The 33-year-old Floridian also struggled in his two turns during spring training, surrendering six runs and 11 hits - three homers - over 6 1/3 frames. Fiers has had his problems against the Angels during his career as he is 3-4 with a 5.82 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis has finished with a .247 batting average each of the last four seasons.

2. Los Angeles RHP Jaime Barria lost his spot in the starting rotation to newly-acquired RHP Chris Stratton and was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.

3. Oakland SS Marcus Semien went 4-for-8 with two RBIs in the two-game set versus Seattle.

Prediction: Athletics 7, Angels 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:39 AM

San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Petco Park San Diego

Probable

Madison Bumgarner

Eric Lauer

Manny Machado makes his San Diego debut when the Padres begin the season against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set. The Padres were the surprise winners of the Machado sweepstakes when they signed the 26-year-old third baseman to a 10-year, $300 million deal.

Machado was severely criticized for his actions and occasional lack of hustle in the postseason as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers but San Diego was convinced his productive bat and solid defense is what was needed to boost a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 2006. "He's been a great teammate," Padres manager Andy Green told reporters late in spring training. "I have every anticipation that he will be through all the years to come." San Francisco is coming off a lackluster 73-89 season and is 50 games under .500 over the past two seasons as it enters the final campaign of Bruce Bochy's stellar managerial career. "It's a gut feeling that it's time," Bochy told reporters earlier this month about retirement. "It's been an unbelievable ride. There's so much that I have to be grateful for, with the players, the city, the fans, my ride here. It's time."

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (2018: 6-7, 3.26 ERA) vs. Padres LH Eric Lauer (2018: 6-7, 4.34)

Bumgarner will be making his fifth Opening Day start in the past six seasons, missing only last year's assignment due to a fractured pitching hand. The four-time All-Star has just 10 total victories over the past two seasons after posting 13 or more in each of the previous six campaigns. The 29-year-old Bumgarner is 11-9 with a 3.32 ERA in 32 career appearances (31 starts) against the Padres, including a 4-6 mark and 3.97 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) at Petco Park.

Lauer drew the opening start over Joey Lucchesi but statements by Green didn't exactly provide a ringing endorsement. "Honestly, we don't feel like anybody's run away or earned that start in the traditional sense of what Opening Day means," Green told reporters. "We just set ourselves up for what we thought was the best rest for the guys that need rest." The 23-year-old Lauer made three starts against San Francisco as a rookie and had a 3.94 ERA without being involved in any decisions.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants went 11-8 against the Padres last season.

2. San Francisco C Buster Posey (hip) is slated to be in the starting lineup after undergoing major surgery last August.

3. San Diego 1B Eric Hosmer batted .242 with one homer and nine RBIs in 17 games against the Giants last season.

Prediction: Giants 5, Padres 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:39 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Dodger Stadium Los Angeles

Probable

Zack Greinke

Hyun-Jin Ryu

After failing to score in their first two games last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers aim for a quicker start in Thursday's season opener against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers lost out on free agent stars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper but still boast a formidable lineup led by Cody Bellinger and newcomer A.J. Pollock.

The Dodgers' offense should also receive a welcome boost from shortstop Corey Seager, who missed most of last season due to elbow and hip injuries but played well in spring training. Los Angeles created room in its crowded outfield by trading Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati and has made Kiké Hernandez the team's primary second baseman after the versatile 27-year-old hit .256 with a career-high 21 homers in 145 games last season. The Diamondbacks have a new look after losing free agent Paul Goldschmidt to St. Louis and also need to replace outfielder Steven Souza, who will have season-ending knee surgery after being injured in Monday's exhibition game. "It's a terrible scenario for somebody that fought as hard he did last year to get back to where he was playing this year," manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "He had a mindset that he was going to go out and be very, very good for us. That's what's heartbreaking for me."

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Arizona, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (2018: 15-11, 3.21 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (2018: 7-3, 1.97)

Greinke has been a model of consistency over the past two seasons, throwing a total of 410 innings with a 3.20 ERA. The five-time All-Star made three spring training starts, posting a 2.79 ERA over 9 2/3 innings. Justin Turner is 10-for-28 with two homers against the 35-year-old Greinke, who is 7-5 with a 3.77 ERA in 15 career starts against his former team - including 3-1 with a 3.86 mark in four outings last season.

Ryu is set to make his first Opening Day start after posting an 89-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 82 1/3 innings across 15 starts last season. The 32-year-old native of South Korea received the nod after Rich Hill, Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw were forced to miss time during spring training with minor injuries. Ryu posted a 3.00 ERA in five spring training games and owns a 3-3 record and 3.77 ERA in 13 career starts against Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona went 11-8 against the Dodgers last season.

2. RHPs Ross Stripling, Kenta Maeda and Buehler will follow Ryu in the Dodgers' rotation against the Diamondbacks.

3. Lovullo announced that RHP Greg Holland will begin the season as Arizona's closer.

Prediction: Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:40 AM

Colorado Rockies vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Marlins Park Miami

Probable

Kyle Freeland

Jose Urena

After reaching the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time in franchise history, the Colorado Rockies have their eyes on the World Series in 2019. The Rockies open the season Thursday on the road against the Miami Marlins after signing third baseman Nolan Arenado to a new eight-year, $260 million contract last month.

Colorado opens the four-game series with ace Kyle Freeland on the mound against Miami's Jose Urena, who hopes to pick up where he left off last September, when he went 5-0 with a 1.20 ERA in his final five starts. Urena will face a deep lineup led by Arenado, a four-time All-Star who leads the majors with 564 RBIs since the start of the 2014 season. Arenado batted third in the order most of last season, but manager Bud Black experimented with him batting second during spring training in between leadoff hitter Charlie Blackmon and new first baseman Daniel Murphy. The Rockies are facing a rebuilding Miami team that finished 63-98 last season but boasts a promising starting rotation and a new catcher in power-hitter Jorge Alfaro, who was acquired from Philadelphia as part of the J.T. Realmuto trade.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (2018: 17-7, 2.85 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (2018: 9-12, 3.98)

Freeland finished fourth in last year's National League Cy Young voting and looked sharp in spring training, going 4-1 with a 4.12 ERA in five starts covering 19 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Denver began last season as the team's fifth starter but evolved into an ace after the All-Star break, posting a 9-1 record and 2.49 ERA in 14 starts. Freeland, who set the franchise ERA record last season, is making his first career start against the Marlins.

Urena is making an Opening Day start for the second consecutive season after leading the team in starts (31) and innings (174) last year. "I treat it like a normal game in the season," Urena told reporters. "A lot of people get excited, and you get excited too. But at the end of the day, you've got to do your job out there." Murphy is hitless in 12 at-bats against Urena, who is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in five career starts against Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami went 4-2 against the Rockies last season.

2. Colorado will start RHP German Marquez on Friday ahead of LHP Tyler Anderson and RHP Jon Gray on Saturday and Sunday.

3. Miami manager Don Mattingly announced that LHP Wei-Yin Chen will begin the season in the bullpen.

Prediction: Rockies 7, Marlins 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:40 AM

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
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The Cincinnati Reds have finished in last place in the National League Central division four straight times, a painful trend they hope to reverse in 2019 under rookie manager David Bell, who skippers his first regular-season game in Thursday's opener against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Bell inherits a team that hasn't finished above .500 since 2013 but boasts some quality young talent around star first baseman Joey Votto, newly acquired right fielder Yasiel Puig and a revamped rotation.

"We're a better team," outfielder Jesse Winker told reporters. "I don't think anybody is thinking about last year. I think we're a new team. We have a lot of confidence. We're a good team. We're looking forward to starting." The Reds were unable to escape Cactus League action without one big blow, however, as star second baseman Scooter Gennett suffered a groin injury that could keep him out for up to 12 weeks. While Cincinnati is breaking in a new manager, Pittsburgh is entering its ninth season under Clint Hurdle and looking to improve upon an 82-win effort in 2018, with Opening Day starter Jameson Taillon and the rest of a quality rotation a big part of that equation. "Good pitching beats good hitting," Taillon told reporters. ". ... The name on the back of the jersey, you can have these superstars but I'll take our pitching staff up against any lineup."

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2018: 14-10, 3.20) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (2018: 10-12, 4.30)

Taillon took big strides in his third season in the majors and was dominant down the stretch by going 8-3 with a 2.33 ERA after the All-Star break. He posted his first career shutout with a one-hitter against the Reds last April and finished 3-2 with a 3.16 ERA in five outings versus Cincinnati. Shortstop Jose Peraza is 12-for-24 with a home run and two doubles against the 27-year-old Taillon, who let up seven earned runs in 13 Grapefruit League innings.

Despite the offseason additions of veteran starters Tanner Roark, Alex Wood and Sonny Gray, Castillo earned the Opening Day nod after a promising first full season in 2018. He was 6-5 with a solid 3.51 ERA in 14 home starts and finished the year on a roll, going 3-1 with a 1.09 mark in five September starts. The 26-year-old, who gave up 12 runs in 8 2/3 innings during spring training, is 1-3 with a 4.00 ERA in five career starts against Pittsburgh.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 3B Jung Ho Kang won the starting job at third base after slugging seven home runs in 44 at-bats through Monday's action.

2. Votto needs one home run to tie Adam Dunn (270) for fourth on the franchise's all-time list.

3. Pittsburgh won 14 of 19 meetings last season, including eight of the final nine.

Prediction: Pirates 5, Reds 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:40 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Kauffman Stadium Kansas City

Probable

Carlos Rodon

Brad Keller

The Kansas City Royals ended last year two losses shy of matching the single-season franchise record of 106 set in 2005, thanks in part to a 3-14 start. They hope for a better beginning to 2019, which gets underway Thursday with the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Kansas City dropped its first five meetings with Chicago in 2018, including back-to-back setbacks to kick off the campaign, and finished with an 8-11 record in the season series. Lucas Duda, who recorded 13 home runs and 48 RBIs in 87 games with the Royals last year before being traded to Atlanta in August, is back for another stint after signing a minor-league contract on Friday. The White Sox are in rebuilding mode but hope they have a young star who will shape the future in Eloy Jimenez. The 22-year-old Dominican outfielder was signed to a six-year, $43 million contract - the biggest deal for a player who never has appeared in a major-league game.

TV: 4:15 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2018: 6-8, 4.18 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (2018: 9-6, 3.08)

Rodon gets the call for his first career Opening Day start after losing his last five decisions of 2018. The 26-year-old Floridian is coming off a spring during which he yielded 10 runs on 13 hits - four homers - and six walks in 14 1/3 innings over four turns. Rodon has made six career starts against Kansas City, going 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA.

Keller impressed the Royals so much during his rookie season that he earned the start on Opening Day. The 23-year-old Georgian took some lumps in spring training, however, as he surrendered 11 runs and 20 hits over 18 1/3 innings in five outings. Keller posted a 2-1 record and 3.75 ERA in four starts and three relief appearances against the White Sox last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox placed OF Jon Jay (hip) and RHP Ian Hamilton (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list while recalling OFs Jimenez and Ryan Cordell from Triple-A Charlotte.

2. Kansas City RF Jorge Soler led the team this spring with five homers and 18 RBIs.

3. Chicago signed OF Brandon Guyer to a minor-league contract on Tuesday - four days after being released.

Prediction: Royals 6, White Sox 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-28-2019, 07:40 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 03-28-2019 in MLB

28th March 2019
|
Scheduled Safeco Field Seattle

Probable

Chris Sale

Marco Gonzales

The Boston Red Sox kick off the defense of their latest championship when they visit the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. While the Red Sox will be enjoying their regular-season opener, the Mariners already have a jump on the competition after earning a pair of wins over the Oakland Athletics in Japan last week.

Boston won a franchise-record 108 games in the regular season before going on to win the World Series and brings back much the same team, led by reigning MVP Mookie Betts, slugging designated hitter J.D. Martinez and a strong starting rotation. "We want to win year in and year out, and I think it starts with great players," team president Dave Dombrowski told reporters. "Ownership is fantastic here. We have a great, loyal fan base. (Manager) Alex (Cora) and his staff, they've really brought a great deal (to the table). I really don't think there are too many places that have that. Our goal is to not just to have won last year, but we've started a new chapter and we're looking to win this year and win for years to come." The Mariners are in a bit of a transition after trading away players like Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, James Paxton and Edwin Diaz in the offseason but got solid performances from some of the newcomers in the two victories in Japan. Domingo Santana homered and drove in five runs while new shortstop Tim Beckham went 5-for-7 with a homer and four runs scored.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (2018: 12-4, 2.11 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (1-0, 4.50)

Sale battled shoulder inflammation down the stretch and into the playoffs but struck out the side to cap off the World Series win and was signed to a $145 million extension last week that will keep him in Boston through the 2024 season. "I like to win," Sale told reporters. "Last year was awesome and I want to keep doing that." Sale finished in the top five of the AL Cy Young Award voting in each of the last seven seasons and is 29-12 with a 2.56 ERA and 545 strikeouts in 372 1/3 innings over two seasons in Boston.

Gonzales allowed four runs - three earned - on seven hits and a walk in six innings against the Athletics last week, striking out four. The 27-year-old was still being extended as part of his spring training routine and was limited to 69 pitches in that outing. Gonzales went 13-9 with a 4.00 ERA in a breakout 2018 campaign but suffered the loss in his lone outing against Boston, yielding five runs and seven hits in six innings on June 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 1B and World Series hero Steve Pearce (calf) will begin the season on the injured list.

2. New Mariners closer RHP Hunter Strickland struck out three across two perfect appearances in Japan.

3. Boston took four of seven in the series last season.

Prediction: Red Sox 4, Mariners 1

Thursday 3-28-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Thursday 3-28-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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