Free MLB Picks Today: Colorado Rockies vs Cincinnati Reds 5/16/23

Brandon Williamson and Chase Anderson are each expected to make their first start of the season as the Cincinnati Reds (18-23) match up against the Colorado Rockies (18-24) at Coors Field on Tuesday.

The Rockies took Monday’s series opener 9-8. Reliever Daniel Bard threw one scoreless inning to get the win, and Pierce Johnson pitched the ninth to earn his seventh save.

Brenton Doyle went 3 for 4 with two home runs and a double in the win. He scored three runs and had three RBIs. Harold Castro also went 3 for 4 with a double, one run, and three RBIs. Spencer Steer was 3 for 5 with a double, one run, and one RBI for the Reds.

ON THE MOUND

Williamson is in line to take the mound for Cincinnati, his season debut. Righty Anderson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will toe the rubber in his first start of the season for Colorado.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. In his last appearance on May 9, Anderson came on in relief on the road against the Orioles. He threw two scoreless, no-hit innings, walking one, in the 4-2 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 5.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.4, while slashing better across the board (.275/.342/.449). Against right-handed pitchers like Anderson this season, the Reds have a .700 OPS.

Jonathan India has been the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .411 OBP in 90 at-bats. Colorado is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season.

The Rockies have a .692 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .852 OPS over 40 at-bats, Kris Bryant has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cincinnati is 6-14 in road games in 2023, scoring 3.8 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Colorado has gone 9-11 at their home park this season, averaging 5.1 runs per game while surrendering 6.5. In the last 10 games at Coors Field between the teams, Colorado is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 8.5-6.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, eight games behind the Dodgers.