Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Wrigley Field in Chicago

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The world famous Wrigley Field will be the home to an inter-division showdown between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers will turn to their potential free agent starter Yovani Gallardo (8-7) to get the start, while the last place Cubs will send Jake Arrieta (7-5) to the hill.

For the second place Brewers, this series with the Cubs is one that could have a major impact on where they will sit in the National League Central. With arguably their best pitcher getting the start, the Brewers are in a great position. Gallardo, the 28-year-old player from Mexico, has not pitched as well as he has in recent years, but he has still left Milwaukee in the position to get the victory. Against current members of the Cubs, Gallardo has seen his share of struggles, allowing 40 hits in 123 at-bats. Of all the players on the Chicago roster, Starlin Castro has had the most success, batting 15-for-40 (.375). In limited time against him, Chris Coghlan has gone 6-for-9.

Arrieta, the former member of the Baltimore Orioles, has been one of the few bright spots for the lowly Cubs. With a 2.88 ERA in 128.1 innings, Arrieta may deserve to have more than 7 wins this season. Although, in his past 8 starts, he has gone just 2-4 and has seen his ERA climb from 1.95. In his last start against the Cincinnati Reds, he was roughed up for 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in just 4 innings. If there was ever a team that he could hope to find his groove again with, it would be the Brewers, as he has limited them to a .162 average in 74 at-bats.

Milwaukee Brewers Betting Trends

Milwaukee Brewers are 67-66-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Milwaukee Brewers is 0.1

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 68-62-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Milwaukee Brewers

08/31/14 CF Carlos Gomez Wrist questionable
07/18/14 3B Jeff Bianchi Elbow 60-day DL (7/13)
06/09/14 P Tyler Thornburg Elbow 60-day DL (6/7)
05/02/14 P Jim Henderson Shoulder 60-day DL (5/2) out for season

Chicago Cubs

09/01/14 1B Anthony Rizzo Back questionable
08/30/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Ankle 15-day DL (8/23), out for season
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)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

Tony's Pick: Take Milwaukee

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