Reds at Padres Betting Preview

Reds at Padres Schedule

First Pitch: 4:10 PM EST

Location: Peoria Stadium, Peoria, AZ

How To Watch: MLB.Com

Hoffman Looks To Improve In Final Start

Jeff Hoffman has been dreadful in his first Spring with his new team, the Cincinnati Reds. He was dealt from the Colorado Rockies in November with the hopes of starting fresh in a new atmosphere with the Reds.

That has not come to fruition yet as Hoffman has struggled mightily in four start/appearances this Spring. In 13.1 IP, he has given up 12 earned runs for a 7.79 ERA.

The lone bright spot for Hoffman has been his command. He has only walked four batters and struck out 12 in those 13.1 IP. One might wonder if he is getting too much of the strike zone, though, as he has given up a lot of contact.

If Hoffman wants a shot to be in the Reds rotation when camp breaks this week, he will need to put together a good outing against the high-powered Padres today.

Gore Aims To Finish Spring Strong

San Diego Padres pitcher MacKenzie Gore has had a mixed bag of results this Spring so far. While he has only given up two earned runs in his three appearances totaling six innings pitched, he has had trouble with walks.

Gore has walked six batters in those six innings, but on the bright side, he has fanned eight. His strikeout total is impressive and will likely allow him an opportunity to be in the Padres bullpen when camp breaks this week.

Reds at Padres Odds and Lines

Betting Line: San Diego Padres -165

Over/Under: N/A

The Padres are favored in this game, and rightfully so. The Reds are not looking very good this Spring, and Jeff Hoffman has been a punching bag for opposing lineups.

San Diego has the advantage everywhere on the field in this game. They are supremely better on the offensive side, the Padres defense is worlds better, and MacKenzie Gore, despite his walks, has pitched with much better results than Hoffman this SPring.

With this being their last starts of the Spring, I am sure they will have the leash to go as long as they can. The problem for Hoffman will be whether he can weather the storm of this Padres lineup. 

Gore, on the other hand, may walk too many and rack up his pitch count. With his ability to get strikeouts but also prone to walk guys, it may not take long to get into the Padres bullpen.

This is where it comes to do it. The bullpens. The Padres pen is significantly better and will be able to help keep the Reds at bay.

As always, anything can happen in a Spring game, but I would lean toward the Padres side of things in this one.