San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks Free MLB Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 3/30/2014
Monday, March 31, 9:40 PM on CSBy, FSAZ
Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
San Francisco - M. Bumgarner (0-0) vs. Arizona - B. McCarthy (0-0)
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According to most of the so-called experts, in the NL West its the Dodgers then everybody else. San Francisco, who has won two World Series titles in the last 4 years, isn't so comfortable with those predictions and looks to start another championship run as Opening Day kicks off Monday. Arizona has those same feelings as they've already dropped a 2 game set to LA in Sydney, Australia last week.
Young lefthander Madison Bumgartner gets the rock for San Fran after a very successful Spring. The 24-year-old was 3-0 with a microscopic 1.19 ERA, allowing only 3 runs in 22 IP. This will actually be Bumgartner's 5th season as a full-time starter and he looks to turn the corner in a big way. After a career-high 16 wins in 2012 Bumgartner notched a record of 13-9 a year ago. Those numbers include a 1-1 record against Arizona in 5 starts. The current roster of Arizona has faced Bumgartner a combined 149 times posting just a .218 batting average against him with no single player hitting over .278 lifetime.
Arizona looks to dust off that international sweep last weekend to get a leg up over a division foe as Brandon McCarthy takes the hill. The 30-year-old had a successful Spring, going 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA while striking out 12 and allowing no HR. McCarthy had a disappointing 2013 going just 5-11 in 22 starts as Arizona finished 11 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. McCarthy came to Arizona last year after a career spent in the AL and San Francisco has minimal experience against him with only 66 career AB and an overall .288 average.
Injuries to Watch
San Francisco
03/28/14 2B Marco Scutaro Back 15-day DL
03/27/14 P Jeremy Affeldt Knee 15-day DL (3/31)
Arizona
03/28/14 P Bronson Arroyo Back out indefinitely
03/27/14 LF Cody Ross Hip 15-day DL (3/19)
03/27/14 P Matt Reynolds Elbow 15-day DL (3/19)
03/27/14 P Patrick Corbin Elbow out for season
Josh's Pick: Take Arizona
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