Sunday, September 14, 2014

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Sunday afternoon, Jacob Turner (5 - 9, 5.84 ERA) gets the call for the Chicago Cubs as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Edinson Volquez (11 - 7, 3.36 ERA). Turner makes his 16^th start and 26^th appearance as Volquez makes his 29^th start and 30^th appearance.

Jacob Turner took the loss after getting roughed up in his last start. Turner gave up 5 runs on 7 hits (including a homer) through 6 innings of work. He struck out 2 and walked 1. Since coming over to the Cubs from the Miami Marlins in August, Turner has gone 1 - 2 in 5 appearances. His record in his last 10 games (3 -3) is just marginally better. Last season, Turner started 20 games for the Marlins and posted a record of 3 - 8 with a 3.74 ERA.

Turner didn't face the Pirates in 2013 and has only faced one of the Pittsburgh hitters before. Ike Davis is 2 for 10 against Turner with a double and an RBI.

Edinson Volquez pitched to his 3^rd straight no-decision in his last start. Volquez gave up 3 runs and 6 hits (including a home run) in 6 innings of work. He struck out 5 while walking 2. Although Volquez has pitched well in recent starts, his 3 -1 record in his last 10 appearances just doesn't show how good he has been. In 2013, Volquez finished the year with a 9 - 12 record and a 5.71 ERA in 32 starts and a relief appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

Last season, Volquez went 1 - 0 with a season-high 12.79 ERA in 2 starts against the Cubs. This season, he is 1 -0 in 2 starts against Chicago.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 72-67-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.6

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 67-71-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

09/10/14 P Tsuyoshi Wada Calf expected to start Friday vs Pittsburgh Pirates
09/03/14 SS Starlin Castro Ankle out for season
09/01/14 1B Anthony Rizzo Back out indefinitely
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)
08/21/14 P Edwin Jackson Shoulder 15-day DL (8/21)
08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

Pittsburgh Pirates

09/11/14 RF Starling Marte Arm questionable
09/10/14 3B Pedro Alvarez Foot out indefinitely
08/18/14 P Charlie Morton Hernia 15-day DL (8/16)
08/16/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Ankle 15-day DL (8/14)

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink