This is now a very big game for the Cardinals following the doubleheader loss on Tuesday and losing last night to the Pirates they try to avoid a rare 5-game sweep and also avoid their 8th straight loss. The Redbirds will have to make do without the brilliant Yadi Molina. He is now on the DL and out for this game.
Kelly earned a stay in the rotation by throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a spot start on Saturday and I really like Joe Kelly over Charlie Morton. Now that he's pitching on regular rest, Kelly should be free to approach a pitch count of 100, if necessary. Morton has struggled with his command and his prime pitch the sinkerball isn't working.
St. Louis is 4th in runs scored, 3rd in on base percentage and a top 10 team in slugging while the Pirates are in the bottom 10 in these categories. The Cardinals are 16-6 in their last 22 vs. The NL Central.
I'm laying the reasonable price with the Cardinals who left 11 runners on base last night and will take advantage tonight.