Michael Alexander Sports Picks

Rating: 2 Units

Wainwright's been excellent this season, allowing three ERs or less in SEVEN of his eight starts (Cards are 6-2). He's pitched at least six innings in all but one start, the exception being a five-inning effort in a doubleheader game (7 innings). Wainwright has pitched well against the Royals in his 15-year MLB career, going 5-2 with a 3.96 ERA in 13 games (10 starts / Cards are 6-4). In fact, that's the most appearances and starts against any American League team, with the exception of the Astros, who were in the National League for the first seven years of Wainwright's career.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland right-hander Aaron Civale (3-5, 3.80 ERA) is searching for a spark after posting an 0-3 record in his last five trips to the mound. Civale, who last won on Aug. 19 following a complete-game gem, sports a 2-2 record with a 3.38 ERA in four career outings against Chicago. The 25-year-old allowed one run on five hits in seven innings of a hard-luck 2-0 setback on Aug. 7.  Chicago right-hander Dane Dunning (2-0, 2.33 ERA) has made quite the impact since entering the majors. Dunning recorded his second straight win on Tuesday after allowing two runs (one earned) over seven innings in a 6-2 victory against Minnesota. The White Sox have won all five of Dunning's starts. The 25-year-old will be getting his first look at Cleveland in his career on today.

Rating: 2 Units

The Brewers posted three runs -- one earned -- with five hits, and walked four times and struck out nine over six innings against scheduled Cincinnati starter Luis Castillo (3-5, 3.03 ERA) during a 3-2 win on Aug. 25. Castillo, though, has been stellar in September, going 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA. The right-hander allowed three hits and struck out 10 with a walk over seven innings of a 1-0 win against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Milwaukee's Ryan Braun is 1-for-12 against Castillo.  Milwaukee is 1-7 its last eight road games vs. a right-handed starter. Cincinnati has won its last six home games vs. righties