MLB betting cheat sheet: Rewriting hi-Story
By JESSE SCHULE
With baseball back in full swing, we bring back our betting cheat sheet to help you 'cap the boys of summer. Jesse Schule gives you a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend's major-league schedule.
Houston... we have a problem
The Astros were out-scored 27-16 while losing two of three to the Yankees in the Bronx, and they will open a new series in Milwaukee on Friday. Their bullpen was a strength in 2015, but so far the Astros relievers have surrendered 14 runs over 12 2/3 innings in the first three games of 2016. If this trend continues it might be worth keeping an eye on the totals, and particularly in this series with the Brewers. Nine of Houston's last 10 games at Miller Park have gone over.
Cardinals grounded
The St. Louis Cardinals are off to their worst start in nine years, opening the season with three straight losses in Pittsburgh. Their big bats couldn't get anything done against the Pirates pitching, with Matt Carpenter going 1-for-11 in the series, and Matt Holliday and Randal Grichuk each going 1-for-10. They head to Atlanta to start a new series versus the Braves on Friday, and they may continue to struggle here. Atlanta has won the last four games in this series, and nine of the last 11 at Turner Field.
Rewriting hi-Story
Rookie shortstop Trevor Story is the first player in history to hit home runs in each of his first three major league games. Since he plays for the Rockies, so some might assume that Coors Field has aided his prolific start. In fact the Rockies started the season on the road at Arizona, and all four of his home runs so far came at Chase Field. The Rockies open a home series versus the Padres Friday, and he should have a chance to continue to produce against a struggling San Diego pitching staff.
Hitting Notes
*The Padres ranked dead last in the majors with a .243 batting average last season, and after losing three straight at home to the Dodgers, they have yet to score a run in 2016. They head into Colorado batting just .120 so far, and they haven't had a lot of success in Colorado in recent seasons. The Padres are 10-21 in their last 31 at Coors Field.
*Starlin Castro is off to a flying start in New York. The 26 year old shortstop homered twice, going 7-for-12 in a three game series versus Houston. The Yankees are in Detroit this weekend, and Castro is 3-for-9 at Comerica Park over the last three seasons.
Pitching Notes
*Jose Fernandez had won 17 straight starts in Miami, but his perfect career home record came to an end this week in a loss to Detroit. He gave up five runs on five hits, but also struck out 13 battters over 5 2/3 innings. His next start will come on the road at New York opposite Noah Syndergaard.
*Jacob deGrom will make his season debut at home versus Philadelphia Friday. He was 6-4 with a 1.99 ERA in 15 starts in New York last season, and he's 2-0 with a 3.34 ERA in five starts against Philly lifetime. He's coming off a fantastic Spring Training, going 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA, striking out 15 batters in 16 innings.
Injury Notes
*The Indians will be short-handed in their weekend series in Chicago, as both Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley have been placed on the 15 day disabled list.
*Veteran catcher Buster Posey will sit out Friday's game against the Dodgers, just to get him a day off to rest.
Total Trend
Three teams, the Yankees, Astros and Marlins have began the season hitting the over in their first three games. Meanwhile the Orioles and Twins have hit the under in all three of their opening games.
By JESSE SCHULE
With baseball back in full swing, we bring back our betting cheat sheet to help you 'cap the boys of summer. Jesse Schule gives you a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend's major-league schedule.
Houston... we have a problem
The Astros were out-scored 27-16 while losing two of three to the Yankees in the Bronx, and they will open a new series in Milwaukee on Friday. Their bullpen was a strength in 2015, but so far the Astros relievers have surrendered 14 runs over 12 2/3 innings in the first three games of 2016. If this trend continues it might be worth keeping an eye on the totals, and particularly in this series with the Brewers. Nine of Houston's last 10 games at Miller Park have gone over.
Cardinals grounded
The St. Louis Cardinals are off to their worst start in nine years, opening the season with three straight losses in Pittsburgh. Their big bats couldn't get anything done against the Pirates pitching, with Matt Carpenter going 1-for-11 in the series, and Matt Holliday and Randal Grichuk each going 1-for-10. They head to Atlanta to start a new series versus the Braves on Friday, and they may continue to struggle here. Atlanta has won the last four games in this series, and nine of the last 11 at Turner Field.
Rewriting hi-Story
Rookie shortstop Trevor Story is the first player in history to hit home runs in each of his first three major league games. Since he plays for the Rockies, so some might assume that Coors Field has aided his prolific start. In fact the Rockies started the season on the road at Arizona, and all four of his home runs so far came at Chase Field. The Rockies open a home series versus the Padres Friday, and he should have a chance to continue to produce against a struggling San Diego pitching staff.
Hitting Notes
*The Padres ranked dead last in the majors with a .243 batting average last season, and after losing three straight at home to the Dodgers, they have yet to score a run in 2016. They head into Colorado batting just .120 so far, and they haven't had a lot of success in Colorado in recent seasons. The Padres are 10-21 in their last 31 at Coors Field.
*Starlin Castro is off to a flying start in New York. The 26 year old shortstop homered twice, going 7-for-12 in a three game series versus Houston. The Yankees are in Detroit this weekend, and Castro is 3-for-9 at Comerica Park over the last three seasons.
Pitching Notes
*Jose Fernandez had won 17 straight starts in Miami, but his perfect career home record came to an end this week in a loss to Detroit. He gave up five runs on five hits, but also struck out 13 battters over 5 2/3 innings. His next start will come on the road at New York opposite Noah Syndergaard.
*Jacob deGrom will make his season debut at home versus Philadelphia Friday. He was 6-4 with a 1.99 ERA in 15 starts in New York last season, and he's 2-0 with a 3.34 ERA in five starts against Philly lifetime. He's coming off a fantastic Spring Training, going 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA, striking out 15 batters in 16 innings.
Injury Notes
*The Indians will be short-handed in their weekend series in Chicago, as both Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley have been placed on the 15 day disabled list.
*Veteran catcher Buster Posey will sit out Friday's game against the Dodgers, just to get him a day off to rest.
Total Trend
Three teams, the Yankees, Astros and Marlins have began the season hitting the over in their first three games. Meanwhile the Orioles and Twins have hit the under in all three of their opening games.