Friday, September 26, 2014

Miller Park in Milwaukee

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Left-hander Eric Jokisch (0-0) will be making his first Major League start for the Chicago Cubs on Friday night when they take on veteran Matt Garza (8-8) and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Eric Jokisch last made an appearance for the Cubs last Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers when he gave up three runs (one earned) in 3.1 innings of work out of the bullpen. He allowed four base hits in that game and struck out two batters while walking no one. In 10.1 innings of work this season, Jokisch hasn't walked a batter and he now owns a 1.74 ERA.

In the minors this season, Jokisch was 9-10 in 26 starts with a 3.58 ERA. In 158.1 innings in Triple-A, he struck out 143 batters while only walking 31.

Right-hander Matt Garza pitched 4.1 scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates last weekend and finished with a no decision. He gave up just three hits in that outing and walked two batters while striking out six. Garza now has a 3.64 ERA on the year and he has only given up 143 hits in 163.1 innings.

Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan has five hits in nine at-bats against Garza in his career with three doubles, a triple and just one strikeout. Luis Valbuena has just one hit in 10 at-bats against him with no walks and two strikeouts.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 81-71-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.6

Milwaukee Brewers Betting Trends

Milwaukee Brewers are 74-81-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Milwaukee Brewers is 0

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

09/03/14 SS Starlin Castro Ankle out for season
08/30/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Ankle 60-day DL (8/23), out for season
08/28/14 RF Ryan Sweeney Hamstring 60-day DL (8/26)
08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

Milwaukee Brewers

09/25/14 RF Ryan Braun Thumb is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Cincinnati Reds
07/18/14 3B Jeff Bianchi Elbow 60-day DL (7/13)
06/09/14 P Tyler Thornburg Elbow 60-day DL (6/7)
05/02/14 P Jim Henderson Shoulder 60-day DL (5/2) out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago

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