Caleb Kilian is making his first start of the season as the Chicago Cubs (14-11) take on the Miami Marlins (14-13) at loanDepot park on Saturday. The Marlins took Friday’s series opener 3-2. A.J. Puk got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen.
Luis Arraez went 1 for 2 with one run in the win. Nelson Velazquez was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Cubs. Eric Hosmer added one RBI on one hit.
ON THE MOUND
Kilian is slated to start for Chicago, his season debut. Last season, the RHP made three starts and went 0-2 with a 10.32 ERA. He had nine strikeouts and 12 walks over 11.1 innings. For Miami, righty Edward Cabrera (1-2, 4.91 ERA) will toe the rubber.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. Cabrera made two appearances against the Cubs in 2022, both as the starter, striking out 12 and walking six over 10 innings (1-0, 2.70).
In his last start on Monday, Cabrera took the loss on the road against the Braves. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up four runs on four hits, striking out six and walking four in the 11-0 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 3.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 5.5, while performing worse across the board (.244/.303/.421). Against right-handed pitchers like Cabrera this season, the Cubs have a .787 OPS, fourth highest in MLB.
Ian Happ is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a 1.068 OPS in 64 at-bats. Miami is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Fish have a .662 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.107 OPS over 64 at-bats, Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 6-3 in away games in 2023, scoring 6.4 runs per game while allowing 2.7 runs. Miami has gone 8-6 at loanDepot park this season, averaging 2.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.6.
In the last 10 games between the teams at loanDepot park, each club has won five, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.3-4.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, three games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Marlins are third in the NL East, four games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Miami Marlins (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
