Matt Josephs

The Giants are hitting .192 in four games and are averaging 0.5 runs after a rough series against the Dodgers. Now they face Marco Gonzales who makes his first start for Seattle. The southpaw pitched well this spring allowing just six runs and 22 hits over 26 innings, striking out 21 while walking nine. Only five San Francisco hitters have seen the former Cardinals pitcher. Ty Blach outdueled Clayton Kershaw on Opening Day. He gave up three hits in five innings in that one. Blach is 6-5 with a 3.83 ERA at AT&T Park in his career. Seattle has not faced a lefty yet this season and has to use the pitcher in their lineup which should help cut down on the rallys. Both team’s bullpens are just okay so I hope that the starters do pretty well early. 

Cole Hamels lost his Opening Day start to the Astros at home giving up three runs and five hits in just over five innings. The southpaw allowed two homers and walked four in that span as well. He lost both starts to the A’s last season giving up nine runs and 14 hits in just over seven innings. I just don’t think he’s as effective and that he’s going downhill in his career. Current Oakland hitters have 24 hits in 70 at-bats against him. The A’s lineup isn’t that great, but I think they can scratch some runs against Hamels and a very mediocre Texas bullpen. Kendall Graveman allowed five runs and seven hits in five innings to the Angels. He beat the Rangers at home in his last two starts against them last season. The Rangers lineup doesn’t really scare me that much outside of a few select threats. I think Oakland has the edge in the bullpen and think they take this one on Tuesday.

Kyle Freeland makes his 2018 debut as the Rockies continue their series in San Diego. The southpaw pitched well in his last start there last season allowing one run and three hits in just over six innings. Freeland didn’t pitch that terribly in the spring as he got better towards the end. San Diego’s lineup continues to scuffle early on and they didn’t hit well against their lone left-handed starter opponent. Tyson Ross is back with the Padres after going elsewhere and it remains to be seen how good he is. Colorado’s lineup has the massive edge in this one and San Diego’s bullpen is full of question marks. I think the road team can get the win in this one.

Jon Lester got torched in his first start of the season against the Marlins. The veteran allowed four runs and seven hits in just over three innings of work. He had only two strikeouts and three walks. Lester is 5-1 with a 4.27 ERA in 13 career starts against the Reds with 10 of those going over the total. Adam Duvall (7-25), Billy Hamilton (7-19), Jose Peraza (9-20), Eugenio Suarez (8-27) and Joey Votto (9-33) all hit Lester hard. Cincinnati picked up their first win on Monday. They’ve had two overs and two unders. The Cubs bullpen is alright. Cody Reed is making his first start of 2018. His only start of 2017 was at home against the Cubs and he allowed seven runs and four hits in two innings. Reed is 0-3 with a 16.20 ERA in three career starts against Chicago. Cody Reed had a mediocre Spring giving up seven runs and 20 hits in 12.1 innings of work. The Cubs have scored one run or less in three of their five games. Chicago’s offense is too good to be in a prolonged slump so I think they bust out here. Cincy’s bullpen is alright as well. These two have gone over in 27 of their last 39 meetings including 13 of 20 in Cincinnati. I think this one is an over.