7:10 pm
April 15

Cubs @ Marlins

Who will WIN this matchup?

Chicago Cubs (5-9)

@ Miami Marlins (4-12)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Darvish (CHC): 0-2; 7.50 ERA

Richards (MIA) 0-1; 2.00 ERA

 

Last 10 Games Played:

Chicago Cubs: 4-6

Miami Marlins: 2-8

 

Current odds:

Chicago Cubs: (-135)

Miami Marlins: (+125)

 

• After a rare “snowout,” the Chicago Cubs will be relieved to get to South Florida for a three-game series against the Miami Marlins that begins on Monday. They also might be eager to face a last-place Marlins team that has lost 10 of its last 12 contests and possesses a taxed bullpen. The Cubs got an unexpected day of rest on Sunday, as the finale of their series with the visiting Los Angeles Angels was postponed due to freezing temperatures and snow. The postponement could prove to be a lucky break for Chicago, which was planning to have Tyler Chatwood fill in for the injured Jon Lester but now can use the right-hander in his typical middle-relief role if needed.

• The Marlins’ bullpen was depleted on Sunday as the club suffered a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia in 14 innings. The marathon defeat sent Miami to its fourth straight series loss since splitting a four-game set with Colorado to start the season.

• After an excellent spring, Darvish is off to a rough start through his first three starts, although he took steps in the right direction last time out. The 32-year-old from Japan issued 11 walks over 6 2/3 innings in his first two turns but did not hand out a free pass in Wednesday’s loss to Pittsburgh, even though he served up a pair of home runs. Darvish is 1-1 with a 7.94 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins.

• Richards mostly struggled through 25 starts for the Marlins last season, but he has been outstanding in his first three turns of 2019, registering 18 strikeouts in as many innings. The 25-year-old has posted a quality start each time out thus far as he limited Cincinnati to one hit over six scoreless innings on Monday, although he did issue five walks. Richards will be facing the Cubs for the first time in his career.

• Chicago’s bullpen has issued a major league-high 38 walks over 51 innings.

• Miami INF Martin Prado singled as a pinch-hitter on Sunday to extend his hitting streak to eight games (12-for-21).

• The Marlins have scored fewer than two runs in five of their last six contests.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Chicago Cubs
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