Pirates at Reds 3/28/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates will open their 2019 MLB regular season on the road Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. Pittsburgh finished the 2018 regular season 82-79 but has done little to improve during the offseason. Leading hitter Gregory Polanco remains sidelined while rehabbing his shoulder for offseason surgery. Josh Bell at first base, Francisco Cervelli at catcher and Lonnie Chisenhall will be looked on to carry the offensive load until Polanco returns in May.

Cincinnati finished last in the National League Central in 2018 but has added outfielder Yasiel Puig, pitchers Sonny Gray and Tanner Roark and outfielder Matt Kemp. Leading hitter Joey Votto returns at first base while Scooter Gennett is back at second base and Eugenio Suarez returns to anchor the hot corner at third. Corey Dickerson led the Pirates in hitting last season with a .300 batting average. Gregory Polanco was the leader in home runs with 23 and RBIs with 81 but will be sidelined until May. Josh Bell was third in home runs and second in RBIs with 12 and 62 respectively last season. Starting on the mound for the Pirates on opening day will be Jameson Taillon. Last season Taillon was 14-10 with an ERA of 3.20, 179 Ks and 46 BBs.

Scooter Gennett led the Reds in batting with an average of .310. Eugenio Suarez was the leader in home runs with 34 and RBIs with 104. Joey Votto did not have as high an output statistically as expected hitting .284 with 12 home runs and 67 RBIs but missed 17 games. Starting on mound for the Red on opening day will be Luis Castillo. Last season Castillo was 10-12 with an ERA of 4.30, 165 Ks and 49 BBs.