The Cardinals, projected by experts to win the NL Central, have been average at best through the first 22 games. The Phillies are hovering at .500 as well, which for them is par for their 2021 course. Philly plays at Busch this week. The Cards’ Carlos Martinez (0-4, 6.00 ERA) hasn’t won a game since 2019 and is 0-7 over the past two years. Manager Mike Shildt has given Martinez a long leash, letting him pitch deeper into games to work his way back to form. The numbers are hard to ignore.

Zach Eflin (1-0, 2.77 ERA) goes for the visitors. Eflin has made four starts this year, none of which have been disastrous, and his K/BB ratio is an outstanding 19/2. Philly has phlopped on the road, 2-7 heading into Monday night’s game. But we’re taking Philly for 20 units.

Texas toast! Rangers jumped Shohei Ohtani for four runs in the first frame, but the Angels responded and flew past, winning 9-4. Mike Trout with four hits. Back-to-back W’s. Still down -750 tananas.