Cards’ Martinez to shake demons vs. Brewers?
Perhaps a trip to Miller Park is precisely what Carlos Martinez needs to salvage the worst month of his career.
The St. Louis righty takes the hill in this afternoon’s series opener vs. Milwaukee, with a 2:10 p.m. ET first pitch in the Badger State. Oddsmakers at online sports book indeed like Martinez to snap out of his funk. Mike Matheny’s club enters as a 1.5-run favorite, whereas the Brewers are +135 underdogs. The over/under run figure comes in at 8.5.
Still searching for his first victory in May, Martinez has dropped five consecutive starts while accumulating a 6.84 ERA. Suspect command continues to hound the 24-year-old. He issued three free passes in last week’s 9-8 loss to the Cubs and hung entirely too many sliders after falling behind in counts.
Redemption, however, could lurk on the immediate horizon. The Dominican Republic native owns a lifetime 1.75 ERA in the Brew Crew’s home park. Martinez held Craig Counsell’s group to a run across eight innings in September and fanned eight in a 3-0 triumph on April 24, 2015.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
There’s no question that both of these teams have vulnerabilities right now. The Cardinals’ bullpen absolutely imploded in yesterday’s 10-2 defeat at the hands of Washington, and Milwaukee’s trying to edge closer to .500 without the services of star outfielder Ryan Braun (stiff neck). We endorse the visitors based on their depth and breadth of talent, though, as well as the fact that key relievers Kevin Siegrist and Seung Hwan Oh will be ready to throw again.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS -1.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!