Streaking
Shaun Marcum (4-1, 2.82), Toronto Blue Jays
Who needs Roy Halladay when you have Shaun Marcum?
The converted reliever who missed all of 2009 is a big reason the Jays are five games over .500 this year.
“His record really doesn’t show the way he’s pitched,” Toronto manager Cito Gaston said. “He’s pitched outstanding. We just haven’t been able to give him any runs a lot of the time.”
Toronto lost three one-run ballgames that were quality starts for Marcum and the righty has only surrendered more than three runs once all season.
Marcum has won three straight decisions, and four of five, and the Jays have won the last five games he’s started.
Randy Wells (3-2, 3.99), Chicago Cubs
All Randy Wells needed to recover from a mediocre start to the season was a jog around the park with veteran pitcher Ted Lilly.
"We just went for a little run and talked it over and talked about ways to get past it and have a short memory and work hard and get ready for the next start," Wells said of the jog after giving up five earned runs in 2.0 innings May 6.
Since that little pep talk, Wells has posted a 2.74 ERA with the Cubbies going 2-1 in those games – contests against ball-smashing clubs like the Marlins, Rangers and Rockies. The right-hander went at least 8.0 innings in two of those starts and struck out a total of 17 hitters.
Wells will oppose Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter Friday and Chicago is listed as a +115 home dog.
Debuting
Sam LeCure (N/A), Cincinnati Reds
As hot as the Reds pitching has been, the team could probably trot out the batting practice hurler and he would shut down the opposition.
Cincy is hoping that’s the case with Triple-A callup Sam LeCure Friday.
The right-hander will take Homer Bailey’s spot in the Reds rotation after Bailey was placed on the 15-day DL with an inflamed shoulder.
LeCure was 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA at Louisville this season. He started nine games for the Cincinnati affiliate and pitched one shutout.
Returning
Carlos Monasterios (1-0, 1.90), Los Angeles Dodgers
If you see the name C MONASTER on the betting board Friday don’t be alarmed…the Dodgers aren’t pulling Nessie out of Loch Ness for a spot start.
Instead, Joe Torre has asked middle reliever Carlos Monasterios to make his second start of the season. The righty made his starter debut back on May 1 and gave up one run in four innings of work against Pittsburgh.
“He definitely has good stuff, and he’s just starting to learn the slider,” said catcher Russell Martin. “And if he can use that with his curveball and mix in his changeup, there’s no doubt he can start.”
Monasterios has been an excellent option out of the bullpen this season for Los Angeles. He’s gone at least 2.0 innings in seven-of-11 relief appearances and has only surrendered five runs in 19.2 innings of work.
Don’t expect Monasterios to get deep into the game Friday as he will likely be on a tight pitch count.
