Friday 5/13/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

White Sox vs Yankees

5* MLB Free Pick Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are a perfect 7-0 with their ace Chris Sale (7-0, 1.79 ERA) on the hill this season, and I expect their stud left-hander to lead them to another victory here when taking on the New York Yankees.

Sale is 3-1 with a 1.21 ERA in his career against the Yankees and he's coming off seven strong innings against Minnesota which he held to two runs on three hits with nine Ks through seven innings of a 7-2 win. He has kept runners off the bases efficiently this year posting a fantastic 0.77 WHIP.

The Yankees will turn to Luis Severino (0-5, 6.12 ERA) who has lost five of his six starts this season (six team losses). Severino has allowed a total of five homers in his last two outings, and while he has had good success against Chicago in the past I don't see him outdueling Sale in current form.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Matt Josephs

A's vs Rays

Bonus Play UNDER 7.5

Jake Odorizzi is glad to be home where he has a 1.09 ERA and a WHIP of 0.932 in four starts. The righty is facing an Oakland team that is hitting .247 on the season while scoring 3.8 runs per game. Tampa Bay is 9-5 with a 3.55 ERA and a WHIP of 1.142 this season converting in nine of 12 save opportunities. Rich Hill is 4-3 with a 2.39 ERA and a WHIP of 1.168 in seven starts with four going under the total. Hill held the Rays to one walk and one hit over seven innings at their place last year. He had 10 strikeouts in that one. The Rays are hitting .216 at home going under in 13 of 18 contests there. They are also hitting .224 all year long. Oakland's pen has not lost on the road, nor have they blown a save either. These two have gone under in seven of their last 13 meetings including four of their last seven in Tampa. I like the under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Twins vs Indians

Play On - Cleveland Indians w/Tomlin

Edges - Indians: Josh Tomlin 7-1 last eight overall home team starts, including 5-0 the last five; and 8-1 home career team starts during May. Twins: Ricky Nolasco 1-3 last four team starts versus the Tribe. With Tomlin in commanding KW form with 19 Ks and 2 BBs this season, we recommend a 1* play on Cleveland. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Daily wager with Weekend Warrior
May 13, 2016 6:54 AM by Mark Mayer

MLB Baseball

920 Cleveland Indians -165: An untold success story is the Indians starting rotation. Tonight Josh Tomlin (5-0) faces the slumping Twins who are 2-15 on the road and losers of 7 straight.

922 Boston Red Sox -145: Knuckleballer Steven Wright (not the comic) has six straight quality starts and a 1.32 ERA. No joke either is Boston bombing opponents 56-17 in 5 straight wins at Fenway.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Play of the Day
May 13, 2016 6:30 AM by GT Staff

Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees at 4:05 p.m. PT

Chris Sale takes the hill for the “Pale Hose” and he has been a great road pitcher for the Sox going 8-0 in his last eight road team starts, today will make it nine in a row.

915 Chicago White Sox -140

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GamingToday's Consensus Picks
May 13, 2016 6:00 AM by GT Staff

MLB Baseball

901 Pittsburgh Pirates +145: The Pirates have been waiting for this series after being swept by the Cubs in Pittsburgh two weeks ago.

917 Detroit Tigers +135: The Tigers look to break the Orioles five game win streak, this looks like a good spot.

920 Cleveland Indians -170: Josh Tomlin takes the hill for the tribe and he has gone 5-0 in his last five home team starts.

922 Boston Red Sox -150: We will continue to bet the Red Sox and over as they have scored a total of 37 runs in three games.

921 Houston Astros / 922 Boston Red Sox OVER 9

923 Oakland Athletics +110: A’s look to break their five game losing streak.

928 Seattle Mariners -160: The visiting Angels can’t buy a win and now have dropped six in a row.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Heat are in position of having to overcome 3-2 deficit
May 13, 2016 7:16 AM by Bob Harvey

Heat are in position of having to overcome 3-2 deficit
Take 545 Toronto Raptors +4 over 546 Miami Heat

The Toronto Raptors look to close out their second round series when they visit the Miami Heat in Game 6 in South Beach. Game time is 5 pm PT at American Airlines Arena where the Heat are favored by 4 with the total at 189. Toronto is trying to reach the conference finals for the first time in franchise history.

The Raptors (63-31, 49-45 ATS) got a huge Game 5 lift from their backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. They combined for 59 points on 20 of 47 shooting as Toronto earned a 99-91 win. As that duo goes, so goes Toronto.

The Heat (54-40, 50-43-1 ATS) are in the unenviable position of having to overcome a 3-2 deficit for the second straight series, and this time they’ll likely be without two key starters. Hassan Whiteside (sprained knee) is likely out for tonight’s game while Luol Deng will undergo an MRI exam on a wrist injury that knocked him out in the third quarter of Game 5. Miami needs a step up game from Joe Johnson who was supposed to provide an outside presence but is shooting just 37.2 percent in the series. Even worse he’s hit just 1 of 17 from beyond the arc.

The Raptors are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall and 2-7 vs. the number in their past nine against the Eastern Conference. The Heat are a scorching 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games and 5-2 ATS in their past seven overall.

The UNDER is 4-0 in Miami’s last four home games and 8-0 to the low side in Toronto’s past eight road contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Cubs

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (18-15) at Chicago Cubs (25-8)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Coming off their first major hiccup of the season, the Chicago Cubs look to return to their dominant ways when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series beginning Friday. The Cubs dropped both ends of a doubleheader to San Diego on Wednesday – their first back-to-back losses of the season – but still lead the National League Central by a whopping seven games.


The Cubs’ 13-2 record against the division is a big reason for their early success, and that includes a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh earlier this month. Chicago outscored the Pirates 20-5 in that series, but the Cubs’ offense sputtered in a 1-0 loss to the Padres in Wednesday’s nightcap. The Pirates have won three of five since that series, and star center fielder Andrew McCutchen is heating up. A career .312 hitter against the Cubs with 16 home runs, McCutchen was 3-for-12 in the last series against Chicago but is 9-for-25 with three extra-base hits during a six-game hitting streak.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), WGN (Chicago), MLB Network


PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (3-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (4-0, 1.85)
Liriano had a couple of rocky outings in the first month of the season but has rounded into form in his last two starts. He struck out 10 over seven innings at St. Louis on Friday, limiting the Cardinals to two runs and five hits to earn his second straight win. The 32-year-old is 5-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 11 career starts against the Cubs, including a 4-1 mark and 1.56 ERA in five starts at Wrigley Field.
Hammel was dominant over the first month of the season but has regressed slightly in his last two starts. The 33-year-old was unable to record an out in the sixth inning of a win at Pittsburgh on May 2, and he gave up three runs over five innings in a no-decision Saturday against Washington. With his win over the Pirates earlier this month, Hammel improved to 6-5 with a 4.00 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) against Pittsburgh.


WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo has reached base in 24 straight games – the longest active streak in the majors – but is 4-for-23 with eight strikeouts against Liriano.
2. Pirates INF Jung Ho Kang has three home runs among his five hits in the first five games of the team’s current road trip.
3. Chicago 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is batting .545 over the past seven games and has four homers and 18 RBIs over his past 10 contests.


PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Cubs 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Phillies

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (14-20) at Philadelphia Phillies (20-15)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Philadelphia Phillies enjoyed a pronounced run of dominance versus the Cincinnati Reds before the latter eventually regained its footing and fought back with a vengeance. After recording a season-opening sweep, the Reds look to defeat the Phillies for the eighth straight time on Friday when the clubs open a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park.

A loser of 11 of its last 16 contests, Cincinnati hopes a well-rested Joey Votto can provide a spark after seeing limited action in the last series versus Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old has reached base safely in 18 consecutive contests, but is 0-for-6 with three strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Jeremy Hellickson. Philadelphia returns home after winning four of its last five to conclude a 10-game road trip with a 5-5 mark. Odubel Herrera collected three singles and a triple in Thursday's 7-4 victory over the Braves in 10 innings and has hit safely in 10 straight and 21 of his last 22 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (1-1, 4.15) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (2-2, 4.91)

Finnegan was fortunate to walk away with his third straight no-decision on Saturday after allowing a season-high three homers in five-plus innings versus Milwaukee. The 23-year-old received the same fate despite pitching significantly better in his 2016 opening start versus Philadelphia, permitting a two-run homer to Maikel Franco and striking out a season-best nine in six frames. Finnegan has struggled with his control this season, issuing 17 walks in his previous five outings before Saturday's tough outing.

Hellickson has had a difficult time keeping the ball in the park lately, serving up two homers in his last outing on Saturday and seven in his last four starts. The 29-year-old limited the damage to just three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings in Saturday's no-decision versus Miami. Hellickson has turned in two stellar outings versus Cincinnati, including a season-opening no-decision despite allowing just one unearned run on three hits and striking out six in as many innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia, which opens a nine-game homestand on Friday, has played the fewest home contests (13) in the majors.

2. Cincinnati is tied with Minnesota for having the fewest road wins (two) this season.

3. Phillies 1B Ryan Howard is just 1-for-15 in his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Reds 3, Phillies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Nationals

GAME: Miami Marlins (18-15) at Washington Nationals (21-13)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Gio Gonzalez will have a tough -- if not impossible -- act to follow when he takes the mound for the Washington Nationals on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series versus the visiting Miami Marlins. The Nationals rebounded from a four-game sweep versus the Chicago Cubs by taking two of three against Detroit, capped by Max Scherzer's 20-strikeout gem.

Washington and Miami have split six meeetings this season, although Gonzalez has yet to pitch in the season series. His counterpart in the series opener, Tom Koehler, will be facing the Nationals for the third time this season and hoping that Bryce Harper decides to drop his appeal of a one-game suspension for cursing an umpire following his ejection earlier in the week. Harper has been a nemesis for Koehler, going 9-for-28 with six home runs and 11 RBIs. The Marlins took two of three against Milwaukee earlier this week to close out a 6-3 homestand.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (2-3, 5.83 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 2.19)

Koehler is coming off his best outing, going seven innings for the first time and striking out a season-high eight batters, but he was saddled with a no-decision despite allowing one run on two hits versus Philadelphia. He was hammered in his previous turn in Milwaukee, getting tagged for eight runs on eight hits in a season-low 2 1/3 innings. Koehler limited the Nationals to one run over five innings on April 21 and gave up two runs in 6 1/3 innings 11 days earlier.

Gonzalez is coming off his first clunker of the year after he was knocked around for five runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to the Cubs. That total represented one more run than Gonzalez had surrendered in his previous starts combined and came on the heels of six scoreless innings of four-hit ball in Kansas City. Gonzalez is 6-3 with a 2.38 ERA lifetime against the Marlins and has held slugger Giancarlo Stanton to four hits in 16 at-bats.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 2B Daniel Murphy has multiple hits in four straight games and seven of his last 10 to boost his batting average to .409.

2. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna is riding an 11-game hitting streak.

3. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon showed signs of emerging from his slump, going 4-for-9 in his last two games versus Detroit.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Yankees

GAME: Chicago White Sox (23-12) at New York Yankees (14-19)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale looks to become the first eight-game winner in baseball this season when he starts the opener of a three-game series at the New York Yankees on Friday. Sale has won each of his first seven starts and has allowed a total of four earned runs over the last five as he has taken ownership of a leadership role on the first-place club.

"That doesn't mean I'm going to act any different or get a new chair or new parking spot or something like that," he told the Chicago Tribune. "But I definitely feel a sense or responsibility in taking care of guys and being the leader of this team." Sale's start comes at a good time for the White Sox, who dropped their last two games of a three-game set in Texas. The Yankees have seemingly righted the ship with five wins in their last seven games, including a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Thursday. Three players went deep for New York, which has won its last three home series overall and is 11-1 in its last 12 games against Chicago at Yankee Stadium.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (7-0, 1.79 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (0-5, 6.12)

Sale allowed two runs in the first inning against Minnesota on Saturday before he settled down and retired 19 of the last 20 batters. He limited the Twins to three hits in seven frames and is holding opponents to a minuscule .165 average. The 27-year-old, who is aiming to become the first White Sox hurler to open 8-0 since Jon Garland in 2005, is 3-1 with a 1.21 ERA in his career against the Yankees.

Severino has held opponents to 10 hits while striking out 13 in 12 2/3 innings over his last two starts, but home runs have become an issue. He served up a pair in a loss at Baltimore on May 3 and then was taken deep three times against Boston on Sunday to spoil his longest outing (6 2/3 innings) of the season. The Yankees have scored a total of seven runs in six starts for Severino, who held the White Sox scoreless over six frames in his only prior meeting last September.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York 3B Chase Headley homered Thursday for his first extra-base hit of the season and has four RBIs in the last three contests after producing just two in his previous 26 games.

2. The White Sox acquired RHP Anthony Ranaudo from Texas in exchange for minor-league RHP Matt Ball on Monday. Ranaudo is being sent to Triple-A Charlotte.

3. The Yankees are 8-1-1 in the last 10 season series.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Yankees 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Orioles

GAME: Detroit Tigers (15-19) at Baltimore Orioles (21-12)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Although he is a native of Virginia, Justin Verlander has made himself at home when he visits Camden Yards. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner looks to improve upon a 7-0 career mark in Baltimore on Friday when his struggling Detroit Tigers play the second contest of a four-game series versus the Orioles.

Verlander will be put to the test versus Baltimore, which overcame a five-run deficit to post its fifth straight victory with a 7-5 triumph in the series opener on Thursday. Chris Davis is enjoying a stellar surge by going 9-for-14 (.643) with one homer, six RBIs and four runs scored in the last three games for the Orioles, who have erupted for 37 runs during their winning streak. Baltimore's explosive offense spells bad news for a Detroit club that has surrendered 62 runs in its last 10 contests (1-9). Victor Martinez is a blistering 10-for-13 (.769) with two RBIs and as many runs scored in the last three games and is 4-for-12 (.333) in his career versus Friday starter Chris Tillman.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2-3, 5.40 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (4-1, 3.05)

Verlander deserved a better fate on Sunday when he scattered three hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless innings of a no-decision versus Texas. The 33-year-old has five quality starts in seven outings, although the two exceptions have been disastrous as he's yielded seven runs in each to drive up his ERA. Baltimore's Manny Machado has posted nine multi-hit performances in his last 13 games, but is just 3-for-14 (.214) in his career versus Verlander.

Like Verlander, Tillman has also enjoyed success versus Friday's opposition as he carries a 4-0 career mark while limiting the Tigers to a .183 batting average. The 28-year-old is entering this contest with a flourish, having won his last three decisions while recording four consecutive quality starts. Tillman has struggled with his control, however, issuing four walks in back-to-back outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore CF Adam Jones has collected seven RBIs and six runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera has nine hits in his last six contests.

3. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games.

PREDICTION: Orioles 2, Tigers 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Red Sox

GAME: Houston Astros (14-22) at Boston Red Sox (22-13)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The high-octane Boston Red Sox haven't been shy about giving the scoreboard operator a workout en route to winning a season-high five in a row and 14 of their last 18 contests. The Red Sox have recorded a staggering 51 runs on 62 hits in their last four outings heading into the second of a four-game series versus the visiting Houston Astros on Friday.

Jackie Bradley Jr. is riding a majors high-tying 18-game hitting streak this season, highlighted by a 12-for-21 stretch (.571) with three homers and 14 RBIs during the team's winning streak. Xander Bogaerts extended his hitting streak to seven games with a two-run homer and added an RBI single in Thursday's 11-1 rout in the series opener, but is just 1-for-6 versus Friday starter Lance McCullers. Houston's struggles away from home have been pronounced this season, as its lopsided loss in the opener of its seven-game trek dropped the club to a disastrous 4-12 on the road. Jose Altuve is 8-for-21 (.381) with four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak, but is just 1-for-6 versus Friday starter Steven Wright.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Houston), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (2015: 6-7, 3.22 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Steven Wright (3-3, 1.52)

After enjoying a solid rookie season, McCullers will make his 2016 debut following a lengthy road back from shoulder soreness. The 22-year-old cleared the final hurdle after scattering two hits and striking out seven in five scoreless innings in a rehabilitation start with Triple-A Fresno on Saturday. McCullers did not record a decision in a pair of starts versus Boston last season despite allowing a total of three runs in 10 innings.

Wright went the distance to even his record in his last outing on Sunday, allowing a solo homer among the three hits in a 5-1 victory over the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old knuckleballer permitted one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings in a 6-2 win at Houston on April 22, but his season-high five walks were cause for concern. Wright had issued 12 free passes in a three-start stretch before walking just one batter in his last outing.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston has scored 11 or more runs in four straight games for the first time since 1950.

2. Houston CF Carlos Gomez is struggling mightily, going 2-for-24 with 13 strikeouts in his last seven contests.

3. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts has seven RBIs and six runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rays

GAME: Oakland Athletics (14-21) at Tampa Bay Rays (15-17)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The team with the lowest batting average in the majors meets the American League’s worst pitching staff when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Oakland Athletics on Friday to begin a three-game series. The Rays are batting .224 overall after getting swept in three contests at Seattle and Oakland’s ERA ballooned to 4.97 while giving up 56 runs during a five-game losing streak.

Tampa Bay had won a season-high four games in a row before visiting Seattle and posted 11 runs despite getting one at-bat from its leadoff hitter Logan Forsythe. The second baseman, who is batting .308, is expected to return from a sore shoulder Friday against Oakland’s most efficient starting pitcher, Rich Hill. The Athletics, who have lost nine of 10 in May, allowed double-digit runs in four straight games and manager Bob Melvin told reporters the team’s bullpen is “in disarray.” Oakland’s offense is in the middle of the pack in the majors and Billy Burns (11-for-32), along with Yonder Alonso (9-for-25, five doubles), are working on seven-game hitting streaks.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Rich Hill (4-3, 2.39 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 3.10)

Hill has permitted two or fewer runs in four straight games while notching three victories in that span and has given up more than five hits once this season. The 36-year-old Boston native, who is pitching for his seventh team, boasts 46 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings. Hill is 1-0 with a 4.97 ERA in 10 games (one start) versus Tampa Bay and has kept Evan Longoria (0-for-4, two strikeouts) under control.

Odorizzi has been one of the hardest-luck starting pitchers in the league with no wins despite holding five of his seven opponents -- and three straight -- to two or fewer runs. The 26-year-old Illinois native issued just eight walks in 40 2/3 innings overall and has three quality starts. Coco Crisp is 2-for-3 with two RBIs against Odorizzi, who is 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA in two career outings versus the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics, who went 3-4 against the Rays last season, placed 2B-SS Jed Lowrie (shin) and OF-1B Mark Canha (back) on the disabled list Wednesday.

2. Tampa Bay DH-OF Corey Dickerson is batting .182 overall, but had three homers and eight RBIs in the last six contests.

3. Oakland OF Khris Davis went 5-for-13 with four RBIs in the series at Boston.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (8-25) at Cleveland Indians (16-15)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Cleveland Indians right-hander Josh Tomlin goes for his sixth victory in as many starts when he faces the visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Indians are hoping for a solid effort from Tomlin after using nine relievers in Wednesday's 16-inning loss to the Houston Astros.

Since losing his season debut in 2015, Tomlin is a sterling 12-1 over his last 14 outings for Cleveland, which has won six of its last nine. It will be Tomlin's second start of the season against the staggering Twins, who have dropped seven in a row to fall to an American League-worst 8-25. Starting pitching has been a disaster for Minnesota, which has been ravaged for 56 runs during the seven-game skid. Veteran right-hander Ricky Nolasco will oppose Tomlin in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.70 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (5-0, 3.72)

Nolasco has regressed since his solid first month of the season and was rocked for season-high totals in runs (7) and hits (9) in a season-low five innings at the Chicago White Sox last time out. After pitching at least 6 1/3 innings in his first four starts, Nolasco has been charged with 12 runs and 17 hits over 10 2/3 over his last two turns. Nolasco has yet to beat the Indians in six appearances, logging an 0-2 mark and 5.45 ERA while surrendering seven homers.

Tomlin remained unbeaten despite a shaky performance versus reigning World Series champion Kansas City last time out, when he was reached for four runs on seven hits over six innings. He also had a shaky outing in Minnesota on April 27 but managed to escape with the win after allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings to push his career record against the Twins to 3-4 with a 6.00 ERA. Twins first baseman Joe Mauer has collected seven hits in 18 at-bats versus Tomlin.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians RHP Bryan Shaw has permitted two hits over 8 2/3 scoreless innings in his last eight appearances.

2. Mauer is batting .329 lifetime versus the Indians and .309 at Progressive Field.

3. Indians C Yan Gomes is mired in a brutal 2-for-42 slump over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Rangers

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (18-18) at Texas Rangers (20-15)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Texas Rangers are sitting a season-high five games over .500 as they prepare to host the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The resilient Rangers have rebounded to win five of their last six contests after dropping the final three of a four-game set in Toronto last week.

Texas won the final two of a three-game set against the American League-leading Chicago White Sox by battling back from three deficits in each of the two victories. Outfielder Ian Desmond went 6-for-14 with a home run and six RBIs against the White Sox to run his hitting streak to seven games. The Blue Jays came up short in their bid for a three-game sweep in San Francisco, dropping the series finale Wednesday in 13 innings. It was the 11th one-run decision for Toronto, which is 3-8 in such games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (1-4, 5.18 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-2, 3.51)

Dickey's winless streak reached six starts when he was charged with four runs (two earned) on six hits over a season-high seven innings in a 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out. The 41-year-old knuckleballer has pitched at least six innings in each of his last four turns, including 6 1/3 frames of one-run ball versus Texas on May 2. Dickey has held Elvis Andrus hitless in 12 at-bats while Adrian Beltre is only 3-for-16 against him.

Perez has turned in back-to-back strong starts but has nothing to show for it after allowing two runs over six innings last time out at Detroit and tossing five scoreless innings of four-hit ball at Toronto in his previous turn. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has permitted three runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts and pitched at least six innings on five occasions. Control has been an issue for Perez, who has issued 23 walks over 41 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers rookie RF Nomar Mazara was 6-for-16 in the four-game set at Toronto.

2. Reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson was 6-for-14 against the Giants, capped by a four-hit game in the series finale.

3. Desmond was 2-for-15 in Toronto last week and is 7-for-37 lifetime against the Blue Jays.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Brewers

GAME: San Diego Padres (16-20) at Milwaukee Brewers (14-21)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The San Diego Padres have won a season-high three straight games and look to register another victory when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. San Diego swept a doubleheader from the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday before blanking the Brewers 3-0 in Thursday's series opener.

Milwaukee has lost six of its last nine games and scored four total runs in its last four defeats. Ryan Braun is riding a 12-game hitting streak and is 22-for-51 with two homers and 10 RBIs during the stretch. San Diego's Melvin Upton Jr. went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored in Thursday's contest. Padres starter Andrew Cashner was scratched due to cramps in both hamstrings, leaving the team to recall Christian Friedrich from Triple-A El Paso to make the start in his place.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Christian Friedrich (2015: 0-4, 5.25 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (1-0, 6.00)

Friedrich has made 19 major-league starts - 16 in 2012 - and all 68 of his appearances for Colorado last season were in relief. He has a 5-16 career record and a hefty 5.81 ERA and has served up 22 homers in 167 1/3 major-league innings. Friedrich is 0-2 with a 6.39 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against the Brewers and has struggled with Braun (3-for-6).

The 31-year-old Guerra, who is making his third start of the season, allowed four runs over six innings in each of his first two. He defeated the Los Angeles Angels on May 3 in his Milwaukee debut and received a no-decision against Cincinnati five days later. Guerra's only other major-league appearances came last season, when he pitched four innings over three games for the Chicago White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Padres have put together 23 consecutive scoreless innings.

2. Milwaukee 2B Scooter Gennett (oblique) went 2-for-3 with a walk on Thursday after being activated from the disabled list and INF Yadiel Rivera was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to open a roster spot.

3. San Diego C Derek Norris (wrist) departed Thursday's game after being hit by a pitch and X-rays were negative.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Padres 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Royals

GAME: Atlanta Braves (8-25) at Kansas City Royals (16-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Kansas City Royals are presented with a great chance to end their recent slide when they open a three-game interleague series against visiting Atlanta on Friday. Since improving to 12-6 with a win over Baltimore on April 24, the defending World Series champs have dropped five consecutive series, including three of four games in Yankee Stadium this week.

Of course, the Braves have produced just one series win all season and Thursday's 7-4 defeat in 10 innings against Philadelphia was their sixth loss in seven games. The Royals could use a solid start out of veteran Edinson Volquez, as they've given up an average of 6.4 runs during their current 2-6 swoon and placed two starters - Chris Young and Kris Medlen - on the disabled list Thursday. One of the few Kansas City players who is surging now is left fielder Alex Gordon, who homered Thursday and is hitting .306 in May after a .208 April. First baseman Freddie Freeman has hit safely in eight of his last nine games for Atlanta and is batting .326 on the road.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (0-3, 3.48 ERA) vs. Royals RH Edinson Volquez (3-3, 3.89)

While he continues to search for his first win, Teheran has posted four straight starts in which he's allowed two runs or fewer. The Colombia native held Arizona to an earned run in five frames of a no-decision on Saturday. Teheran, who is 2-6 with a 5.54 ERA in 11 interleague starts, has never faced the Royals.

It's been a roller-coaster ride of late for Volquez, who was rocked at Cleveland on Sunday, giving up five runs and seven hits in a season-low 4 1/3 innings. His successes this season have largely come at home, where he is 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA. The 32-year-old boasts a 3.18 ERA in seven career starts against Atlanta while recording 53 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Freeman has six of Atlanta's nine home runs.

2. Royals RF Jarrod Dyson is 4-for-35 over an 11-game span.

3. Kansas City is 9-5 at home.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Rockies

GAME: New York Mets (21-13) at Colorado Rockies (16-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Matt Harvey has dominated the Colorado Rockies in three career starts, but he's never faced them at Coors Field. Harvey gets his first opportunity to pitch in the mile-high altitude when the New York Mets open a three-game series at Colorado on Friday.

Harvey is 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA in 23 innings against Colorado, allowing just 11 hits and two walks while recording 19 strikeouts. Facing the Rockies at home has been a good thing for opposing teams as Colorado is just 5-10 at Coors Field and lost seven straight home contests prior to Wednesday's 8-7 victory over Arizona. Nolan Arenado has belted seven shots at home for the Rockies and leads the majors with 13 homers. New York is 4-4 during its 11-game road trip and has been blanked twice on the trek, including a 3-0 setback against Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Matt Harvey (3-4, 4.50 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (0-1, 5.40)

Harvey has won three of his last four starts but hasn't located the form that saw him go 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA last season. He struck out a season-best 10 batters over six innings in his last outing, when he gave up two runs and four hits in six frames against San Diego. Harvey has shut down Colorado's Charlie Blackmon (1-for-10) and DJ LeMahieu (1-for-8).

Gray is winless in 13 major-league starts but is coming off a superb outing in which he allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings while receiving a no-decision versus San Francisco. He has struggled at Coors Field, going 0-1 with a 9.20 ERA in seven career outings. Gray has posted a 9.39 ERA in two no-decisions against New York and has struggled versus Yoenis Cespedes (2-for-5, one homer, four RBIs).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 2B Neil Walker is 1-for-26 over his last nine games.

2. Colorado LF Gerardo Parra has gone 14-for-33 in his last eight contests.

3. New York placed INF Wilmer Flores (hamstring) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled LHP Sean Gilmartin, who pitched three scoreless innings on Thursday, from Triple-A Las Vegas.

PREDICTION: Mets 9, Rockies 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks

GAME: San Francisco Giants (19-18) at Arizona Diamondbacks (17-20)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 13 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The San Francisco Giants aim for their third straight victory when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. San Francisco opened the series with a 4-2 triumph, extending its road winning streak to four games.

Brandon Belt drove in a run for the Giants with a single, giving him a hit in nine of his last 11 contests. Arizona is looking to avoid a third consecutive overall defeat and fifth in a row at home. Jean Segura collected three hits for the Diamondbacks while Brandon Drury notched two for his fifth multi-hit performance of the month. Paul Goldschmidt's mini-surge came to an end Thursday as he was 0-for-4 after a three-game series at Colorado in which he went 5-for-12 with three RBIs.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (4-2, 3.17 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Shelby Miller (1-3, 7.36)

Samardzija was a hard-luck loser Sunday as he allowed only two runs and struck out nine for the second straight outing while throwing 123 pitches in 7 2/3 innings against Colorado. The 31-year-old native of Indiana has bounced back from an off-year with the Chicago White Sox, yielding three runs or fewer in six of his seven starts while working seven or more frames four times. Samardzija has yet to defeat Arizona in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA in nine meetings (four starts).

Unlike his counterpart, Miller has struggled in his first year with his new team, failing to last four innings on three occasions — one as a result of an injury — and issuing four or more walks three times in his seven starts. The 25-year-old Texan is coming off his best performance of the season, however, as he allowed two runs and four hits over six frames in a victory at Atlanta on Saturday. Miller is 2-1 with a 2.22 ERA in five career starts against San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants OF Angel Pagan is expected to be in the lineup Friday after missing 11 games with a strained left hamstring.

2. Segura is riding a 10-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in a career-high 19 consecutive contests.

3. San Francisco recalled RHP Clayton Blackburn from Triple-A Sacramento prior to the series opener and optioned OF Jarrett Parker to the River Cats.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Diamondbacks 3