The Thursday MLB schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Miami Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds from the Great American Ball Park. The Marlins (46-52) are five games below .500 on the road and are five games back in the NL Wild Card race. Last night, Miami OF J.J. Bleday hit his first career major league home run during a 5-3 road loss against Cincinnati.
Miami manager Don Mattingly has yet to name a starting pitcher for this game. The Marlins currently rank ninth in the majors with a 3.81 team ERA and have logged 35 quality starts.
The Cincinnati Reds have dropped 30 of their 52 home games and are sitting in the NL Central Division basement. On Wednesday, Cincinnati SS Kyle Farmer delivered a two-run double to highlight a four-run first inning. SP Luis Castillo (4-4) struck out eight batters and allowed three runs in seven innings to earn the win for the Reds, who improved to 38-59 on the season.
Rookie right-hander Graham Ashcraft (4-2 4.70 ERA) will make his 12th career major league start for the Reds. Through 59 plus frames, Ashcraft has allowed just six home runs and owns a 1.42 WHIP.
Recent Betting Trends
- The Marlins are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
- The Marlins are 5-5-0 O/U in their last 10 games.
- The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
- The Reds are 6-4-0 O/U.
Free MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds