Tuesday, August 5, 2014, 7:05 PM on FSFL, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Miami Marlins - Hand, B (2-3) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Morton, C (5-10)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Tuesday night, Brad Hand (2 - 3 - 1, 4.15 ERA) gets the call for the Miami Marlins as they take on Charlie Morton (5 -10, 3.54 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hand makes his 9^th start and 23^rd appearance as Morton makes his 23^rd start.

Brad Hand was defeated in his last start after allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings of work. He walked 2 and struck out 2. Hand hasn't given up more than 3 runs in any of his last 4 starts but he is just 2 - 2 in those outings. At this point in the season, it's probable that Hand will finish out the year in the starting rotation and that might not be a good thing. Last season, Hand posted a record of 1 - 1 with a 3.05 ERA in 2 starts and 5 relief appearances.

Hand has never faced the Pirates but by now, he should know how to use a scouting report for maximum effect.

Charlie Morton escaped with a no-decision in his last outing after giving up 4 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings of work. He walked 3 while only striking out 2 in the 95 pitch effort. Morton is 3 - 3 in his last 10 starts with 4 no-decisions. Part of that is his doing and part of it is lack of run support. Last season, Morton fared much better as he ended the year with a 7 - 4 record and a 3.26 ERA in 20 starts.

In 2013, Morton was a perfect 2 - 0 with a 3.75 ERA in 2 starts against the Marlins. This season, he beat the Marlins after holding them to 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings.

Miami Marlins Betting Trends

Miami Marlins are 59-43-8 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Miami Marlins is -0.2

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 50-53-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Miami Marlins

08/01/14 P Henderson Alvarez Shoulder 15-day DL (7/30)
07/18/14 P Kevin Gregg Elbow 15-day DL (7/14)
07/05/14 2B Derek Dietrich Wrist 15-day DL (7/2)
06/22/14 2B Rafael Furcal Hamstring 15-day DL (6/20)
05/28/14 P Carter Capps Elbow 60-day DL (5/26)
05/13/14 P Jose Fernandez Elbow 15-day DL (5/10), out for season

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/03/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Side questionable
08/03/14 2B Neil Walker Back questionable
07/23/14 LF Starling Marte Concussion 7-day DL (7/23)
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5)
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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