Free MLB Picks: Wednesday, May 29, 2019, Opening Line Report and Handicapping

I'm guessing that we will have a first on Wednesday in Major League Baseball: a player named Genesis. That's Genesis Cabrera, a Cardinals pitching prospect who is being called up to start in Philadelphia. Cabrera is taking the place of Michael Wacha, who has been moved to the bullpen due to his struggles. In addition, Cabrera will be the 2,000th player to appear in a game for the Cardinals franchise since it joined the National league in 1892. This past offseason, the 22-year-old was named the Rookie of the Year in the Dominican Winter League. Manager Mike Shildt says it could be just a one-start thing for Cabrera, although obviously if he pitches well should get another chance.

Pirates at Reds (-159, 10)

ESPN+ game at 12:35 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh's Steven Brault (1-1, 7.11) makes his ninth appearance and third start of the season - often, the team has used an "opener" in front of him. He went 5.2 innings last time out, allowing two runs to the Dodgers. He's 3-0 with a 1.27 ERA in 21.1 innings career against the Reds. Eugenio Suarez is 3-for-6 with a double off him and three walks. Cincinnati's Anthony DeSclafani (2-2, 4.99) has allowed four runs in each of his past four outings, going more than four innings just once. He was tagged for six runs and seven hits over 4.1 innings in Pittsburgh on April 7. Josh Bell is 5-for-11 with two doubles and a homer against him.

Key trends: The Pirates are 7-1 in Brault's past eight vs. the NL Central. The "over/under" is 4-0-2 in his previous six overall.

Early lean: Reds and over.

Padres at Yankees (-141, 8.5)

MLB Network game at 1:05 p.m. ET. San Diego adds the designated hitter. Good-looking Padres rookie Chris Paddack (4-2, 1.93) was supposed to start Sunday vs. the Blue Jays but was scratched with a stiff neck. He bounced back from his worst start by allowing one run over six on April 20 vs. Arizona. Paddack hasn't faced the Yankees. New York lefty James Paxton (3-2, 3.11) will come off the injured list. He has been out since May 3 due to left knee inflammation. He might have to pitch through discomfort the rest of the season. Only a few Padres have seen him. Manny Machado is 4-for-8 with a double.

Key trends: The Padres are 4-1 in Paddack's past five. The under is 6-1 in his previous seven.

Early lean: Padres and under.

Cardinals at Phillies (-180, 9.5)

Cabrera is a lefty who was 2-3 with a 6.35 ERA this season at Triple-A Memphis. He came over in the trade of Tommy Pham to Tampa Bay last summer. Cabrera will be the first southpaw to start a game for the Cardinals since last Sept. 25 when Austin Gomber did vs. Milwaukee. Gomber probably would have been called up in this spot instead if not for a biceps injury. Philadelphia's Aaron Nola (5-0, 4.53) allowed three runs over 5.1 innings last time out in a win at the Cubs. He won in St. Louis on May 7 (6 IP, 1 ER). Dexter Fowler is 4-for-8 with two homers off Nola.

Key trends: The Phillies are 24-8 in Nola's past 32 at home. The over is 9-2 in his previous 11.

Early lean: Phillies and over.

Cubs at Astros (-136, 9)

ESPN prime-time game and the Cubs will add the designated hitter. Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.34) comes off a no-decision vs. the Reds, allowing three runs with nine strikeouts over six innings. This will be his first career look at Houston. Robinson Chirinos (0-for-2) is the only Astro to have faced him in a regular-season game. Houston lefty Wade Miley (5-2, 3.32) beat the Red Sox on Friday, surrendering one run and four hits over six. Miley has won four consecutive decisions and is undefeated at home this year, going 3-0 with a 2.15 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 29 1/3 innings in five starts. Anthony Rizzo may get a rare day off as he's just 2-for-20 off Miley career.

Key trends: The Cubs are 8-3 in Bryant's past 11 vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 12-3 in his previous 15 vs. the AL.

Early lean: Cubs and under.

Mets at Dodgers (-160, 7.5)

Excellent pitching matchup. The Mets' Noah Syndergaard (3-4, 4.93) doesn't have great numbers but has been dominant at times this year. That wasn't the case in his most recent start vs. the Tigers, though, as he was roughed up for six runs and 10 hits in 5.1 innings in a no-decision. Manager Mickey Callaway says Syndergaard's mechanics have been off at times. The Dodgers' Corey Seager is 3-for-5 with a solo shot off him. L.A.'s Walker Buehler (5-1, 3.58) won in Pittsburgh over the weekend, allowing a run over six innings. It's his first look at the Mets. Robinson Cano is 0-for-2 with a walk against him.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 6-2 in Buehler's past eight vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 5-2 in Syndergaard's previous seven vs. the NL West.

Early lean: Dodgers and under.

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