Saturday, August 30, 2014

Busch Stadium in St. Louis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Busch Stadium in St. Louis will be the site of a National League Central division battle between the Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs will send left-hander Felix Doubront (2-4) to the mound to take on the Cardinals and Justin Masterson (6-8).

In the case of Masterson, he was acquired by the Cardinals at the trade deadline and has run into a good amount of issues for the Cardinals. In 5 starts, he has gone 2-2 with a 7.43 ERA. In those 5 starts, he has allowed at least 4 earned runs 4 times and his only quality performance came against the Miami Marlins. The veteran pitcher has spent his entire career pitching in the American League, so he does not have a lot of experience pitching against members of the Cubs. Only John Baker (0-for-1) and Ryan Sweeney (2-for-9) have stepped to the plate against him.

Doubront, the native of Venezuela, has appeared in just 17 games this season including 10 starts because of injury, all of which have come with the Boston Red Sox. When he makes this start against the Cardinals, it will be his first since June 20. Overall on the season, Doubront has an ERA of 6.07 with 43 strikeouts and 26 walks allowed in 59.1 innings. Much like his counterpart on the mound, he has spent his entire career in the American League, so experience for Chicago players against him is limited. Only Jhonny Peralta (0-for-3) and A.J. Pierzynski (1-for-6) have faced him.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 64-61-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.3

St Louis Cardinals Betting Trends

St Louis Cardinals are 59-67-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for St Louis Cardinals is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

08/28/14 1B Anthony Rizzo Back questionable
08/28/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Ankle 15-day DL (8/23)
08/28/14 RF Ryan Sweeney Hamstring 15-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)
07/31/14 P Felix Doubront Calf 15-day DL (7/31)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

St Louis Cardinals

08/26/14 RF Shane Robinson Shoulder 15-day DL (8/25)
08/19/14 2B Mark Ellis Oblique 15-day DL (8/15)
08/08/14 P Jason Motte Back 15-day DL (8/1)
07/10/14 C Yadier Molina Thumb 15-day DL (7/9)
07/06/14 P Jaime Garcia Shoulder 60-day DL (6/24), out for season
06/23/14 P Michael Wacha Shoulder 60-day DL (6/21)
05/13/14 P Tyler Lyons Shoulder 15-day DL (5/12)

Tony's Pick: Take St. Louis

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