Sunday, August 17, 2014

Citi Field in Queens

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Sunday afternoon, Jake Arrieta (6 - 4, 2.77 ERA) gets the call for the Chicago Cubs as they face Rafael Montero (0 - 3, 6.12 ERA) and the New York Mets. It will be the 19^th start for Arrieta and the 6^th for Montero.

Jake Arrieta took his 2^nd straight loss in his last start despite a decent performance from the righty. Arrieta went 7.1 innings and gave up just 2 runs and 5 hits (including a home run) as he walked a batter and struck out 4. But the lack of run support led to the defeat. Arrieta really had just one bad start in his last 10 but his is 4 - 3 in that span of time. Last season, Arrieta was 5 - 4 with a 4.78 ERA in 14 starts for the Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2013, Arrieta didn't face the Mets but he has started against them earlier this season. In that start, Arrieta missed getting the decision but allowed just a run on 7 hits in 4.2 innings.

Rafael Montero made his return to the Majors for his last start but it didn't end well. He allowed 5 runs and 7 hits (including 3 home runs) in just 5 innings of work. Montero walked 2 and struck out 4. Montero has allowed a homer in all 5 of his starts, with 3 or more homers coming in 4 of those outings. He is still seeking his 1^st Major League victory but unless he fixes whatever problems he is having, that victory will be a long time coming.

Montero has never faced the Cubs and he will need to do more than study the scouting report hard if he wants to get his first victory in the Majors.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 60-53-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.4

New York Mets Betting Trends

New York Mets are 53-55-14 against the Over/Under

Run differential for New York Mets is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
07/31/14 P Felix Doubront Calf 15-day DL (7/31)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

New York Mets

08/14/14 P Jacob deGrom Shoulder 15-day DL (8/8)
07/26/14 P Daisuke Matsuzaka Elbow 15-day DL (7/24)
04/01/14 P Bobby Parnell Elbow 15-day DL (4/1), out for season
03/28/14 P Matt Harvey Elbow 60-day DL (3/30), out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Chicago

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