Friday, April 18, 2:20 PM on FSOH, WGN

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Cincinnati - Simon, A (1-1) vs. Chicago - Samardzija, J (0-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Two rivals from the National League Central will compete at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon when the Chicago Cubs welcome the Cincinnati Reds to town. The Reds will send former reliever Alfredo Simon to the mound to take on the former Notre Dame quarterback, Jeff Samardzija.

Simon will be making just his 22nd career start in his 7th big league season. Coming into this season (his third with the Reds), he had spent all his time in the bullpen, but won a spot in the starting rotation this spring and has impressed thus far. In two starts, he has thrown 15 innings and has allowed just 2 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks with 10 strikeouts. He is 1-1 and will look to continue his success against the current roster of the Cubs. He has held them to a .265 average with Luis Valbuena getting the lone home run against him.

Samardzija spent most of the first 4 seasons of his career in the bullpen and has done well with his move to the rotation. In the past 2 seasons as a full time starter, his record is just 17-26, but he has pitched well and has been hurt by lack of run support. This season, he is 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA with 15 strikeouts recorded in 21 innings. Against the Reds, Samardzija has allowed 45 hits in 160 at-bats with 4 home runs allowed.

Cincinnati Betting Trends

Cincinnati is 7-7-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cincinnati is +0.5

Chicago Betting Trends

Chicago is 7-6-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago is -0.9

Injuries to Watch

Cincinnati

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 P Sean Marshall Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 2B Skip Schumaker Shoulder 15-day DL (3/22)

Chicago

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)

Tony's Pick: Take Cincinnati

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