Free MLB Picks Today: Pittsburgh Pirates vs San Diego Padres 6/28/23

Andrew McCutchen will be looking to extend his 16-game on-base streak as the Pittsburgh Pirates (36-42) host the San Diego Padres (37-42) at PNC Park on Wednesday.

The Pirates took Tuesday’s series opener 9-4. Rich Hill got the win, allowing four runs on nine hits over six innings, and Roansy Contreras pitched three scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season.

Nick Gonzales went 2 for 4 with a home run and a triple in the win. He scored two runs and drove in two. Carlos Santana went 3 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Brandon Dixon was 2 for 3 with a double and one run for the Padres.

ON THE MOUND

Blake Snell (4-6, 3.22 ERA) is in line for the start for San Diego. The LHP is tied for fourth in the NL in strikeouts (104). Snell threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 10-0 road win over the Giants on Thursday. He was credited with the win, scattering three hits while striking out 11.

For Pittsburgh, right-hander Mitch Keller (8-3, 3.45 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Padres. Keller made one start against the Padres in 2022, throwing six innings in a 5-2 home defeat on May 1. He gave up five hits while striking out five in the loss.

In his last start on Thursday, Keller took a no-decision on the road against the Marlins. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out five, in the 6-4 defeat. The RHP ranks second in the NL in strikeouts (113).

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, San Diego has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.3, while slashing better across the board (.285/.372/.459).

Against righties like Keller this season, the Padres have a .694 OPS. Juan Soto is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.015 OPS in 182 at-bats. Pittsburgh is averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.1 for the season.

The Bucs have a .737 OPS against Southpaws in 2023. With a .959 OPS over 87 at-bats, Rodolfo Castro has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

San Diego is 17-20 away from Petco Park in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 19-19 at PNC Park this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.0. In the last 10 meetings at PNC Park, Pittsburgh is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.6-5.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Padres are fourth in the NL West, 10 games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks. The Pirates are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Reds.