Game Information
St. Louis Cardinals (54-53) vs Miami Marlins (50-54)
Time: 6:45pm CT Monday
How to watch: FanDuel Sports Network
Probable pitchers: Andre Pallante (5-7, 4.91 ERA) vs Edward Cabrera (4-4, 3.48 ERA)
DraftKings Odds
Moneyline: Cardinals -127, Marlins +104
Total: 8.5 (over -103, under -118)
Cards Welcome Marlins To Busch
The St. Louis Cardinals begin their final series before the MLB trade deadline when they host the Miami Marlins in the first of three tonight.
After a disappointing last two games against the Padres, the Redbirds are likely going to be selling off some pieces later this week, as they trail three teams for the final NL Wild Card spot.
Pallante Needs Strong Effort
One of the main reasons for the Cards’ dip in the standings has been their starting pitching. Their starters’ ERA now ranks 25th in MLB at 4.68.
Andre Pallante will head to the hill tonight, and he has been one of the culprits in the regression of the staff. Over his last three starts, Pallante has gotten pounded for 18 runs (17 earned) on 25 hits in 15.2 innings for a 9.76 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP.
Cabrera On A Roll
The Marlins counter with Edward Cabrera, who has been lights-out for a couple months now. In his last 10 starts dating back to May 25th, Cabrera has compiled a miniscule 2.18 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 53.2 innings.
The Marlins are playing very good ball lately having most recently taken two of three in Milwaukee. They are 8-3 in their last 11 and 20-9 since June 22nd.
My Lean
What originally looked like an easy landing spot ahead of the trade deadline has turned into a very difficult challenge, as the Cardinals are facing one of baseball’s hottest teams and one of the league’s most in-form starting pitchers.
I won’t be betting this one because the Pallante blowup potential is there, but my lean for this game is the under in the first five innings. I just don’t believe Pallante is as bad as he has shown lately, as his 4.91 season ERA is due to come down based on his 4.26 xERA, 4.44 FIP, and 3.79 xFIP. I think he’s due to have a good start.
Meanwhile Cabrera has unlocked his potential and I think there’s a good chance it continues here in what could be his final start in a Marlins uniform with the trade deadline coming on Thursday.
Lean: Under 4.5 in the first five innings at -120 on DraftKings
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Friday on the STL Sports Central YouTube channel. Follow him on X @GamblingDads, and click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Picks = betting the game - minus odds betting to win 1 unit, plus odds risking 1 unit. Leans = no strong opinion, not betting the game. Disclaimer