This has already been a season to forget for the San Francisco Giants. They are seven games under .500, nowhere near the top three in the NL West and Madison Bumgarner has found new and inventive ways to injure himself. Things may get even worse, as the Giants kick off a four-game set with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, where they have gone 1-9 in their past 10 visits, on Monday.
Ty Blach will make his sixth start of the season, as the lefty has bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen all year. Blach has posted a respectable 4.03 ERA in his previous five starts and has only given up three runs across his past two outings, in which he pitched 7.0 innings both times. The 26-year-old does tend to pitch better without pressure, as he has held opponents to a .197 batting average with the bases empty compared to .302 with a man on.
Despite being in his 14th MLB season at the ripe age of 38, John Lackey continues to be a workhorse for the Cubs. Lackey has pitched at least 6.0 innings in six of his eight starts this season and has surrendered three or fewer runs on five occasions. The right-hander has excelled in his career against the current members of the Giants with the lineup hitting a collective .200 against him.
San Francisco Giants vs Chicago Cubs Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Chicago Cubs bring a 22-20 record to the battle against the 19-26 Giants. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs San Francisco injuries news.
The Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings have the Chicago Cubs at No. 19 and the San Francisco Giants at No. 27 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Chicago has baseball's No. 4-rated offensive output, at 8.55 hits per game. The San Francisco Giants average 7.96 hits per game, good for No. 25 on the list.
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Chicago has the No. 19-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Giants own the No. 21 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Giants were saddled with a loss last time out in M Cain's start, as they lost 8-3 against St. Louis on Sunday at New Busch Stadium.
Chicago got the job done in their last match in a 13-6 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday at Wrigley Field behind starter J Arrieta.
Next Betting Matchups
San Francisco at Chicago, Tuesday, May 23rd