Monday's betting tips

Weather watch

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs: Forecasts are calling for a 60 percent chance of showers at Wrigley Field. Winds will be blowing in from left field at 14 mph.

Betting news and notes

-Atlanta hurler Tim Hudson has hit his first mini-skid of the season, going 1-2 in three September starts with a 4.34 ERA. But the 37-year-old is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA against the Marlins (+122) this season.

-James McDonald has been booted from the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting rotation. The righty is 3-5 with a 7.08 ERA in the second half of the season, after going 9-3 with a 2.37 ERA in the first half. Right-hander Kyle McPherson will take McDonald's place Wednesday against Milwaukee.

-Rays’ starter Alex Cobb's ERA is nearly two runs lower at home (3.34) than on the road (5.19). Tampa Bay is a -185 home fave versus the Red Sox on Monday.

-Mariners projected starter Hector Noesi is making his first major-league start since July 4, when he lost to the Orioles while allowing four runs and seven hits in five innings. The loss was his eighth straight and he was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma. He has made two September relief appearances since returning to the majors. Seattle is a +115 underdog when it hosts Baltimore on Monday.

-The Falcons (-3) have fared well at home during Mike Smith's tenure, posting a 26-6 mark since 2008. The Broncos have won eight of the last 12 regular-season meetings - including six of the last seven contests.