Giants vs Pirates MLB Pick: Verlander Battles Oviedo in Pittsburgh (Aug 4)

The San Francisco Giants (56-56) begin a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (48-64) on Monday, Aug 4, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. This game marks the start of a series between two teams with differing recent records, as the Pirates have been playing better baseball lately.

San Francisco Giants Outlook

The Giants have a .500 record and are in third place in the NL West. They have been inconsistent this season, but their pitching staff has a respectable 3.71 team ERA. Their offense is led by players like Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos, but they have struggled to score runs consistently.

Injury Update: Wilmer Flores (hamstring) is day-to-day. Several pitchers are on the IL, including Erik Miller and Landen Roupp.

Pittsburgh Pirates Outlook

The Pirates are in last place in the NL Central but have been playing better lately with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. Their offense, which ranks last in runs scored, has been better recently. The team’s pitching staff has been a strength with a 3.85 ERA. Johan Oviedo’s return to the mound is a big emotional boost.

Injury Update: Johan Oviedo (elbow) is making his season debut. Endy Rodriguez (elbow) and Jared Jones (elbow) are on the 60-day IL.

Analysis and Pick

This game presents a great pitching narrative, but the numbers favor the Giants. While Verlander has struggled this season, he’s faced tougher lineups and has been pitching better lately. Oviedo is making his first start in over a year, so rust is a real possibility. The Giants are a more complete team, and with Verlander’s experience against a rusty starter, they should be able to secure a win on Aug 4.