The Cubs and Reds get the day started with Jake Arrieta facing Cody Reed. The Cubs lead the Reds by 0.5 games in the NL Central. Arrieta is off to a good start, posting a 2.89 ERA with a high strikeout rate. About the only way to score against him is with a home run, as five of his seven runs allowed were driven in with dingers. Reed makes his first start of the season after appearing four times in relief. He allowed 12 home runs in 47 2/3 innings as a starter in 2016, with a high walk rate. The high walk rate remains, but he has yet to allow a home run in 2017.

The Nationals continue their series against the Mets with Gio Gonzalez battling Jacob deGrom. deGrom was supposed to pitch on Friday, but was pushed back due to a stiff neck. We’ll see if he starts in this game. Gonzalez has yet to allow a hit with runners in scoring position, batters going 0 for 14 with a walk and an RBI. The two home runs he allowed were both solo shots.

Finally, Houston continues their series with the Rays as Charlie Morton takes on Blake Snell. Batters are doing a good job of starting an offensive sequence against Morton, as they post an OBP of .441 against him with the bases empty. Batters don’t finish it well, however, as Morton allows a .182/.263/.303 slash line with men on base so far in 2017. Snell is the opposite. He walked 10 batters in 16 innings, helping him to an overall .306 OBP. But with the bases empty, that drops to .238. Batters don’t get on against him, but when they do, the subsequent hitters post a .250/.400/.375 slash line. They keep the line moving once they get the chance.

Enjoy!