Monday, April 28, 7:10 PM on WCIU, FSOH

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chicago Cubs - Samardzija, J (0-2) vs. Cincinnati Reds - Simon, A (3-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Monday night, two rivals from the National League Central division will compete at Great American Ball Park. The Cincinnati Reds will host the Chicago Cubs with Alfredo Simon getting the start for the home team, while the Cubs will counter with Jeff Samardzija.

Of all the winless pitchers thus far in 2014, Samardzija may be the one that deserves it the least. He has been spectacular for the lowly Cubs, allowing only 6 earned runs in 35 1/3 innings (1.53 ERA). With a 0-2 record and 5 quality starts under his belt already in 2014, Samardzija will look to turn his luck around against the Reds. In his career against the current Cincinnati roster, he has allowed 51 hits in 184 at-bats (.277). Todd Frazier (9-for-16, 2 home runs) and Jay Bruce (7-for-25) have had some success against him, while Brandon Phillips (.226), Joey Votto (.214) and Zack Cozart (.250) have had their issues.

Simon is a former reliever who has found some success in limited time as a starter. He has been equally impressive this season as his opponent Monday, allowing 4 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings over 4 starts, recording 17 strikeouts and earning a 3-1 record. He has 4 quality starts and will hope to continue his success against the roster in Chicago. Collectively, they are hitting .241 against him.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 11-10-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.7

Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends

Cincinnati Reds are 11-11-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cincinnati Reds is 0.7

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

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 Jake Arrieta Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Kyuji Fujikawa Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)

Cincinnati Reds

04/26/14 C Devin Mesoraco Hamstring questionable
04/26/14 3B Todd Frazier Groin questionable
04/09/14 P Trevor Bell Elbow 15-day DL (4/08)
04/02/14 P Brett Marshall Finger 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 P Aroldis Chapman Concussion 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 3B Jack Hannahan Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/28/14 P Mat Latos Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 2B Skip Schumaker Shoulder 15-day DL (3/22)

Tony's Pick: Take Cincinnati

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