Monday's streaking starting pitchers

[Raji]

HOT

Brad Penny (Los Angeles Dodgers) - Penny has posted a 2-0 record with a 0.68 ERA and 1.28 WHIP this season while allowing just one run. The Dodgers aren't backing the right-hander with much offensive support, however, with just five runs through Penny’s two outings. Not surprisingly, both games played under the posted total. Penny has a 2-3 record versus the Arizona Diamondbacks as a Dodger but has not allowed more than four runs in any start.

Chuck James (Atlanta Braves) - James looks to win his first three starts for the second consecutive campaign against the Washington Nationals. The left-hander enters this contest with a spectacular 2-0 record with a 0.82 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. James is coming off a dominating performance against the Nationals in which he pitched five scoreless innings. The Braves are 7-2 in James’s last nine starts with four days rest.

Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox) - Beckett has received generous run support in two starts this season with the BoSox hitting the over both times. Boston has totaled 21 runs and 22 hits when Beckett has taken the mound and the Sox have also scored a combined 18 runs in the first two games of their current series with the Los Angeles Angels.The Red Sox are 4-1 in Beckett's last five starts dating back to last season. Oddsmakers have Boston listed as a -178 favorite with the total set at 9.

COLD

Clay Hensley (San Diego Padres) - Hensley has allowed 11 runs in two games against the San Francisco Giants, which gives the right-hander a 0-2 record with a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP to start the season. Henley pitched his only career complete game against the Chicago Cubs last season, limiting the Cubs to two hits and a walk, while striking out two and throwing just 92 pitches. However, he is dealing with a blister on his middle finger that developed in his season debut, which is undoubtedly affecting his performance.

Matt Chico (Washington Nationals) - This rookie left-hander will be in tough against the NL East leading Atlanta Braves today. Chico made his second career start against the Braves in an 8-0 loss Tuesday, allowing four runs - one earned - and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. His first career start was a no-decision against the Florida Marlins, in which he allowed six earned runs on eight hits in four innings. Chico is now 0-1 with a 7.27 ERA and 1.96 WHIP. To make matters worse, the Nationals are one of the most futile offensive teams in baseball batting .231 with 31 runs on 92 hits.

Raji