BEST LINE: Pinnacle +109

3:00 PM EST. Kyle Kendrick has one win in 10 starts. That, along with his very average skills makes him an instant fade almost every time he’s favored. Kendrick’s only win this season came in his last start against Colorado in which he went 6.2 innings and didn’t allow a run. It was nothing but pure luck, as he walked four batters, struck out two and every ball that was hit was right at someone. His WHIP in that start was 1.50 and his xERA was 5.75. In reality, it's hard to find anything to get excited about in Kendrick's performances. He has just 37 K’s in 62 innings. Over his last five starts, covering 32 frames, Kendrick was a BB/K split of 12/18. Kendrick will eat innings but he’s just as likely to blow up and get knocked out early as he is of pitching 6+ innings and allowing three runs or more. Kendrick is a pitcher to avoid when favored and is only playable when taking back a significant tag.

Jacob DeGrom is 0-2 after three starts since his call-up but he’s another example of why W/L records are so misleading. In 19.2 innings, DeGrom has allowed just 13 hits for a BAA of .194. In his first start of the year just 16 days ago he went 7 innings against the Yanks and allowed just four hits and one run. The Mets lost that game 1-0 and DeGrom was 0-1. In his next start he allowed just four hits in six innings against the Dodgers and allowed three runs and took the loss again. In his last start against the Pirates, DeGrom went 6.2 innings and didn’t allow a single run while giving up just five hits. DeGrom has an athletic frame and a plus fastball/slider combo, along with an improved change-up that has increased his effectiveness against left-handers. His fastball can reach 98 mph with good late sink, and he will go to his slider when he needs a strikeout. DeGrom uses his plus control to get lots of ground balls and has learned to sequence his pitches well. DeGrom has pitched well enough to have at least two wins and could easily be 3-0 instead of 0-2. His 10 walks in 20 innings is uncharacteristic, as he’s only walked 2.4 batters per nine innings over three years in the minors. Despite being winless, DeGrom has to be feeling confident knowing he’s been able to get batters out at this level. Expect less walks here and a much deserved first major league victory.

NOTE: With more focus on BASEBALL TOTALS, we'll have more plays today posted later.