Monday, August 18, 2014

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

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Monday night, Ervin Santana (12 – 6, 3.66 ERA) gets the call for the Atlanta Braves as they square off against Vance Worley (5 – 2, 2.51 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.   Santana gets his 24th start as Worley makes his 11th start and 12th appearance.

Ervin Santana notched another one in the win column in his last outing.  In 6 innings of work, he allowed 2 runs and 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9.  The victory was Santana’s 5th in 6 starts and he has pitched to a 7 – 2 record in his last 10 starts.  Last season, Santana posted a record of 9 – 10 with a 3.24 ERA in 32 starts for the Kansas City Royals. 

In 2013, Santana didn’t pitch against the Pirates but he has seen many of the Pittsburgh hitters before.  The Pirates are batting .262 against Santana with 16 hits, 3 homers and 8 RBIs in 61 at-bats.

Vance Worley took his 1st loss in over a month his last time out.  Worley was touched up for 5 runs and 9 hits (including 2 home runs) in just 5.1 innings.  He walked a batter and struck out 4.  It was the worst start for Worley this season as he has been a pleasant surprise for the Pirates. Worley is 5 - 2 in his last 10 appearances.  In 2013, Worley was 1 – 5 with a 7.21 ERA in 10 starts for the Minnesota Twins.

Last season, Worley took a beating in his only start against the Braves.  He took the loss after giving up 8 runs and 10 hits (including 3 homers) through just 3.2 innings.   Atlanta is batting a lusty .349 against Worley with 15 hits, 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in 43 at-bats.                

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 50-64-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Atlanta Braves is 0

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 56-58-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta Braves

08/15/14 LF Justin Upton Leg is downgraded to doubtful Friday vs. Oakland Athletics
07/29/14 P Shae Simmons Shoulder 15-day DL (7/29)
06/20/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 60-day DL (6/20), out for season
06/20/14 P Pedro Beato Elbow 15-day DL (6/19)
03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL (3/21), 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 (3/21), out for season
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/15/14 SS Jordy Mercer Forearm questionable
08/14/14 2B Neil Walker Back questionable
08/04/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Ribs 15-day DL (8/4)
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5)
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)

Guy's Pick: Take Atlanta

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