Monday, April 14, 7:05 PM on ESPN, FSSO, TCN

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Atlanta - Santana, E (1-0) vs. Philadelphia - Hernandez, R (1-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Monday night the Atlanta Braves will take the field behind Ervin Santana as they face the Philadelphia Phillies and Roberto Hernandez.  Santana will make his second start of the year as Hernandez makes his third.

Ervin Santana threw a gem for the Braves in his first start.  In 8 innings, Santana pitched scoreless ball, allowing just 3 hits and no walks while striking out 6.  The start made many wonder why Santana was in the minors to start the season.   In 2013, while with the Kansas City Royals, Santana had a 9 – 10 record in 32 starts with a career low ERA of 3.24. 

Last season, Santana didn’t get to face the Phillies but he has faced some of the hitters on the Philadelphia roster.  Marlon Byrd has seen Santana the most with 27 at-bats.   But Byrd only has a .185 average with 5 hits and a home run but 8 strikeouts. 

Longtime baseball fans remember Roberto Hernandez from his days in Cleveland as Fausto Carmona.  In 2013, he used his real name for the first time while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays.  He had a 6 – 13 record with 1 save for the Rays in 24 starts and 8 relief appearances.  

So far this season, Hernandez is 1 – 0 in 2 starts.  In his last outing, he got a no decision after giving up 4 runs on 7 hits in just 5 innings.   Hernandez didn’t face the Braves in 2013 and he has limited experience against the Atlanta lineup.  B.J. Upton has 12 plate appearances against Hernandez with 3 hits, an RBI and 3 walks.       

Atlanta Betting Trends

Atlanta is 3-6-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta is +0.2

Philadelphia Betting Trends

Philadelphia is 6-4-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Philadelphia is -0.8

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta

04/12/14 SS Andrelton Simmons Wrist probable
03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/29/14 P Cory Gearrin Elbow 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Kris Medlen Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/28/14 P Mike Minor Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Philadelphia

03/28/14 P Cole Hamels Bicep 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 LF Darin Ruf Oblique 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Ethan Martin Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Miguel Gonzalez Shoulder 60-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Mike Adams Shoulder 15-day DL (3/26)

Guy's Pick: Take Philadelphia

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here