Saturday, May 10, 7:10 PM on WGN, FSSO

Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Chicago Cubs - Samardzija, J (0-3) vs. Atlanta Braves - Santana, E (3-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday night, the Chicago Cubs will send Jeff Samardzija to the hill as they take on the Atlanta Braves and Ervin Santana. It will be Samardzija’s 8th start and Santana’s 6th.

Jeff Samardzija pitched a gem in his last start but still failed to get the decision.  His record stayed at 0 – 3 but his ERA dropped to 1.62 after pitching 9 innings and allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts.  Last season, Samardzija finished with an 8 – 13 record and an ERA of 4.34 in 33 starts.

In 2013, Samardzija lost his only start against the Braves after giving up 4 runs on 4 hits in 5.2 innings.   Overall, Samardzija shouldn’t have too much trouble against the Braves as they are batting just .200 against him. 

Ervin Santana will make the start despite a bruised thumb that caused him to miss his last turn in the starting rotation. He still has a 3 - 0 record and an ERA of 2.41 after a no decision his last time out. In that start, Santana went 6 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (including a homer) with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.  Last season, with Kansas City, Santana was 9 – 10 with a 3.24 ERA in 32 starts.

In 2013, Santana didn’t face the Cubs and he has only faced 5 Cubs in his career.  Of the 5 Cubs, Ryan Sweeney is 12 of 22 with a homer and 4 RBIs against Santana.            

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 16-15-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.5

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 12-20-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta Braves is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

05/07/14 P Pedro Strop Groin 15-day DL (5/7)
05/03/14 CF Ryan Sweeney Hamstring 15-day DL (5/3)
04/27/14 P Jose Veras Oblique 15-day DL (4/25)
04/24/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Hamstring 15-day DL (4/24)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)
03/28/14 P Kyuji Fujikawa Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Atlanta Braves

05/06/14 P Ervin Santana Thumb is upgraded to probable for next scheduled start Saturday vs. Chicago Cubs
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)

Tony's Pick: Take Atlanta

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