Analysis:
A pitching matchup of rookie Drew Rucinski, a converted reliever making his first start, versus Nick Martinez should provide double-digit runs.
If you discount a one-run performance against Collin McHugh, the Rangers are averaging 5.7 runs during their last four games. Prince Fielder appears healthy batting .394.
The Angels' offense finally showed life scoring six runs and banging out 12 hits in yesterday's 6-3 victory against the Rangers. The Angels have averaged 6.8 runs during their last 11 games in Arlington, while batting .302.
Martinez pitched well in his season debut against the A's, but I'm far from sold on him. He is 0-2 lifetime versus the Angels with a 3.79 ERA. He was 5-12 last season with a 4.55 ERA.
The Angels will be highly motivated to go after him after Martinez plunked Mike Trout twice the last time he faced the Angels last Sept. 11.
The weather forecast is for a slight wind to blow in, but Arlington is a hitter's park and Lance Barrett is scheduled to be the home plate umpire. The over has cashed 60 percent of the time Barrett has been behind the dish since the start of last season.
Tuesday Free Play
Phillies plus $2.15 at Mets
Matt Harvey is phenomenal. But I think it's worth a peanut to fade him in this early-season spot getting better than 2-to-1 odds.
The Mets are batting just .219. They have eight extra base hits in seven games. Harvey still is on a pitch count and New York's bullpen is unproven with closer Jenry Mejia out and several set-up men injured.
This is Harvey's first game at Citi Field in nearly 600 days and second start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2013.
The handicap is based far more on price - with the line probably going up even higher - and fading the offensively-challenged Mets than it is in backing David Buchanan and the Phillies.
Buchanan, though, did give up three earned runs or fewer in 18 of his 20 starts as a rookie last season. He had a respectable 3.38 ERA in three games versus the Mets in 2014 holding key cogs Curtis Granderson and Lucas Duda to a combined 1-for-16.
As outstanding as Harvey is, the Mets still have dropped five of his past seven starts.
Pick Made: Apr 14 2015 6:35AM PST