Friday, May 9, 7:35 PM on CSCh, FSSO

Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Chicago Cubs - Hammel, J (4-1) vs. Atlanta Braves - Teheran, J (2-2)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Chicago Cubs will travel to Atlanta on Friday night to face the Braves in a National League showdown. The Cubs will send Jason Hammel to the mound to face off against the talented youngster Julio Teheran.

Hammel is one of the lone bright spots on the Cubs roster with a 4-1 record and a 2.43 ERA. Hammel is coming off a no decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 4. He pitched six strong innings only giving up three runs on seven hits. He struck out five and only walked two. However, it wasn’t a good enough performance to come up with the win. Hammel will be looking to get back in the win column when he faces the Braves. However, it’s not going to be easy as some of the Braves better players have played well against Hammel.

Phillies batters are hitting .313 when facing Hammel. Jason Heyward is 6-for-8 against Hammel. Justin Upton has also played well against Hammel hitting .304 with two doubles and a home run. He’s tallied seven RBIs against him in his career.

The Braves will send Julio Teheran to the mound on Friday. Teheran holds a 2-2 record but that’s not indicative of his blistering 1.80 ERA over 50 innings pitched. In his last outing Teheran took a loss against San Francisco while only giving up three runs and four hits over seven innings. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter. Teheran has been on fire lately striking out 20 batters in his last 22 innings.

Current Chicago Cubs are batting .209 against Teheran with two home runs. Anthony Rizzo has one of those home runs and is batting .333 against Teheren with two hits on six at bats. Rizzo will look to help the Cubs get out of the NL Central cellar when he and the Cubs face Teheren on Friday

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

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

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.4

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 11-20-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta Braves is 0.3

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

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 questionable
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)

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago

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