Free MLB Picks Today: Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago White Sox 5/7/23

The Chicago White Sox (11-23) will have their work cut out for them against Graham Ashcraft at Great American Ball Park on Sunday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds (14-19) with the three-game Interleague series in the balance.

The Reds evened up the series 1-1 after winning 5-3 on Saturday. Derek Law got the win with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, and Alexis Diaz earned his sixth save with a scoreless ninth.

Jonathan India went 3 for 3 with a double and three runs in the win. TJ Friedl added a home run and a triple. He drove in four runs. Luis Robert Jr. was 2 for 2 with a double and one run for the White Sox. Hanser Alberto added a solo home run.

ON THE MOUND

Michael Kopech (0-3, 5.97 ERA) is in line to get the start for Chicago. The RHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 3-2 road win over the Twins on Tuesday. He scattered one hit while striking out seven and walking five in the no-decision.

Right-hander Ashcraft (2-0, 2.00 ERA) takes the mound for Cincinnati. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. In his last start on Tuesday, Ashcraft took a no-decision on the road against the Padres.

He threw six innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out three and walking one in the 2-1 win. The right-hander ranks third in the NL in ERA.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 4.0 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against right-handed pitchers like Ashcraft this season, the Sox have a .660 OPS. Yasmani Grandal is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .825 OPS in 76 at-bats.

Cincinnati is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.2 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.226/.266/.333).

The Reds have a .681 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .411 OBP over 93 at-bats, India has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is 5-13 in road games in 2023, scoring 3.6 runs per game while allowing 5.1 runs. Cincinnati has gone 10-7 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 5.1 runs per game while surrendering 5.4. In the last 10 meetings at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Chicago (4.5-4.4).

STANDINGS UPDATE

The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, eight games behind the division-leading Twins. The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Pirates.