Tuesday, April 22, 7:05 PM on FSOH, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cincinnati - Cueto, J (1-2) vs. Pittsburgh - Volquez, E (1-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Johnny Cueto (1-2) lowered his season ERA from 2.14 to 1.50 in his last outing, limiting the Pirates to 3 hits while striking out 12 in a complete game shutout. Pittsburgh hopes for better results as it sends Edinson Volquez (1-0) to the mound looking to build on his stellar contract year. Cueto has shown signs of returning to his 2012 self early in this season, allowing less than 2 runs in each of his four starts while pitching 7+ innings in each.

Cueto made just two starts against Pittsburgh in 2013 after fighting a lat injury most of the season. He went 1-1, allowing just 1 ER over 12 1/3 innings. Career-wise Cueto has been very successful against the Bucs, posting a 14-4 record with just a 2.22 ERA in 22 starts. Collectively the Pirates have hit just 33 for 183 (.180) against the right-hander with Andrew McCutchen having 10 of the hits (10 for 43, .233).

Volquez may have found a home on his 1-year, $5 million deal with Pittsburgh. The pitcher is just 1-0 but he's allowed only 4 runs in 21 innings pitched, including a shutout and two single run starts. He allowed his most hits of the year last time out, giving up 8 to the Brewers, but had the benefit of run support in an 11-2 Pirates win, pushing Volquez' ERA to 1.71 on the year.

Volquez made just one start against the Reds last season, allowing 2 runs over 6.1 innings with the Padres. The 30-year-old right-hander spent 4 seasons with Cincinnati and thus has limited familiarity with their lineup. The current Reds have batted .234 (18/77) against the pitcher with Jay Bruce getting hits in 4 of 7 appearances including a 2B and HR.

Cincinnati Betting Trends

Cincinnati is 9-8-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cincinnati is +0.7

Pittsburgh Betting Trends

Pittsburgh is 9-8-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh is +0.1

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 2B Skip Schumaker Shoulder 15-day DL (3/22)

Pittsburgh

No injuries to report at this time

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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