Friday 5/19/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday’s Stanley Cup Playoffs betting preview: Penguins at Senators

Ottawa's 1-3-1 system is largely responsible for flustering Pittsburgh, although defenseman Chris Wideman was quick to point out that it's a group effort as opposed to individual play.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators (+101, 5)

Senators lead series 2-1

Big swings in NHL odds as Stanley Cup playoffs continue to shock: Live From Las Vegas
We catch up with the series odds on the East and West conference finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Predators and Senators have made it interesting for hockey bettors and bookmakers. Jeff Stoneback of The Mirage sportsbook gets up up to speed on all the odds on the NHL ice.

Mike Sullivan isn't showing all of his cards just yet ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins' pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Ottawa Senators on Friday at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Stanley Cup-winning coach said he'd reveal what he hopes to be his ace in the hole on Friday morning with the disclosure of whether franchise goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury or rookie Matt Murray will get the start in net.

Fleury had been nothing short of brilliant in stepping in for an injured Murray (lower body), lifting the Penguins past Columbus and Washington and stopping 56 of 58 shots versus Ottawa in the first two games before getting shredded for four goals on nine shots in the first period in a 5-1 loss on Wednesday. The roles are somewhat reverse from last season when the 22-year-old Murray took over for a concussed Fleury and guided Pittsburgh to its fourth Stanley Cup title in franchise history. While both goaltenders said they were unaware of who will start in Game 4, Senators coach Guy Boucher offered his own take on the Penguins' netminding situation. "I don't care," Boucher said, according to the Ottawa Sun. "Whether it's (Fleury) or another goalie, it doesn't matter."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, CBC, TVAS

LINE HISTORY: The Penguins opened as +101 road chalk for Game 4 and was bet up to 103 before returning to +101. The total hit the betting board at 5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

INJURY REPORT:

Penguins - RW Bryan Rust (Questionable, upper body), RW Patric Hornqvist (Doubtful, upper body), D Justin Schultz (Doubtful, upper body), D Kris Letting (Out for Season, neck)

Senators - LW Alexandre Burrows (Questionable, leg), D Mark Borowiecki (Out Indefinitely, leg)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (59-25-8-5, 54-38 O/U): Although Pittsburgh's high-octane offense has been reduced to one goal per game in this series, forward Evgeni Malkin told reporters on Thursday that he doesn't feel any additional pressure to come through in Game 4. "I think me and (Sidney Crosby) always feel pressure every game. It doesn't matter if you play against Ottawa or Washington," the 30-year-old Russian said. "We like that. It's our hockey life. ... It's the toughest game (Friday), I think, for us." The trio of Malkin, Crosby and Phil Kessel has combined for five points (three goals, two assists) in this series for Pittsburgh, which scored an NHL-best 3.39 goals per contest in the regular season before marginally upping the ante over the first two rounds of the playoffs (3.42).

ABOUT THE SENATORS (54-32-7-4, 38-52 O/U): Ottawa's 1-3-1 system is largely responsible for flustering Pittsburgh, although defenseman Chris Wideman was quick to point out that it's a group effort as opposed to individual play. "I think it's been a full team buy-in, full team effort by whoever's on the ice," the 27-year-old Wideman said Thursday. "All five guys are conscientious of the time and the situation, where the puck is on the ice, and it's not a matter of who's scoring goals for us or who's making the plays." The defense-first mentality has been music to the ears of veteran goaltender Craig Anderson, who has turned aside 117 of 122 shots in his last four games and resides one playoff win shy of tying Patrick Lalime (21) for the most in franchise history.

TRENDS:

* Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic.

* Senators are 4-0 in their last 4 home games.

* Under is 6-1 in Senators last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

* Penguins are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 61 percent of users are siding with the road favorite Penguins and 70 percent of users are on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Dunkel

Friday, May 19


Pittsburgh @ Ottawa

Game 55-56
May 19, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
12.877
Ottawa
10.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-115
5
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-115); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, May 19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (59-25-0-13, 131 pts.) at OTTAWA (54-33-0-10, 118 pts.) - 5/19/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 54-43 ATS (+4.8 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 34-27 ATS (+2.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 16-9 ATS (+26.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 30-18 ATS (+51.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OTTAWA is 18-11 ATS (+31.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 123-80 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 80-48 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-15 ATS (+15.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 31-11 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-5-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday, May 19

Since losing 8-5 in Steel City Dec 5, Senators are 4-1 vs Pittsburgh, allowing one goal in each game- four of those five games stayed under the total. Home team won eight of last ten series games; Penguins lost four of last five visits to Ottawa. Pittsburgh won three of last five road games; under is 3-1 in their last four games overall- they’re 1-14 on power play in last four games. Ottawa won their last four home games; Senators are 0-21 on power play in their last eight games.

Conference finals
Ottawa-Pittsburgh
Ottawa 2-1 OT
Pitt 1-0
Ottawa 5-1

Nashville-Anaheim
Nashville 3-2 OT
Anaheim 5-3
Nashville 2-1
Anaheim 3-2 OT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday, May 19

Trend Report

8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. OTTAWA
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Strike Point Sports

San Francisco at St. Louis
Play: St. Louis -140

St. Louis got off to a slow start offensively this year but they have averaged over 5 runs per game in their last 15 games, which has led them to first place in the National League Central. Carlos Martinez has to be considered the ace of the staff now and he has been great in May winning all three starts behind a 2.70 ERA. San Francisco has been a major disappointment this year and just climbed out of the basement of the National League West. They have not been very good on the road this year as they are 6-15 away from San Francisco and Matt Moore has not helped that record. Moore has been awful in 4 starts on the road for the Giants as he is 0-3 with a 10.50 ERA, and I think he will have a tough time with the Cardinals in this one. Take St. Louis at home in this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Cubs
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (24-18) at Chicago Cubs (21-19)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Cubs seem to be back on track, and just in time for a visit from the first-place Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The Cubs aim for a fourth consecutive victory when they open a three-game set against the Brewers, who have won three straight and nine of their last 11 to climb to the top of the National League Central.



The Brewers lead the division for the first time since August 2014, thanks to a powerful offense led by some unlikely heroes. Journeyman Eric Thames has smashed 13 home runs, and Eric Sogard is batting .588 with two homers and seven RBIs in his first six games with the Brewers. The Cubs swept three games from Cincinnati to open their 10-game homestand after dropping seven of their previous nine. Chicago has taken two of three in each of the first two series between the NL Central rivals this season.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago



PITCHING MATCHUP: Milwaukee RH Paolo Espino (NR) vs. Cubs RH Eddie Butler (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Espino is set for his major-league debut after shining in seven starts at Triple-A Colorado Springs. The 30-year-old from Panama has spent 11th seasons in the minors and is 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA in seven starts this season. Espino has pitched in 92 games at Triple-A across eight seasons.

Butler was stellar in his Cubs debut Friday at St. Louis, limiting the Cardinals to two hits over six scoreless innings. The 26-year-old picked up where he left off at Triple-A Iowa, where he was 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA and didn’t allow more than two runs in any of his five starts. Butler has made one start and one relief appearance against the Brewers, allowing three runs and five hits over eight innings.



WALK-OFFS

1. Rookie OF Ian Happ is the second Cubs player since 1913 to record an extra-base hit in four of his first five career games, joining Jorge Soler in 2014.

2. Brewers 3B Travis Shaw is 13-for-35 with two homers and nine RBIs during a career-best nine-game hitting streak.

3. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist has reached base in 17 consecutive games.



PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Brewers 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Pirates
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (14-24) at Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Phillies are struggling to get their starters working deep into games and have dropped four straight and 15 of their last 18 games. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who host the Phillies in the opener of a three-game series on Friday, are trending in the opposite direction with wins in four of their last five contests.

Philadelphia went to the bullpen in the fifth inning of Thursday's 8-4 loss at Texas, and early hooks for the starters is contributing to the relief corps seeing their results diminish. "When you're surprising guys and pitching them in the fourth and fifth, it's not ideal," Phillies right-hander Pat Neshek told the team's website. "You can take any bullpen in the league, and I don't think they're going to have much success in that same situation. I've got a lot of confidence in the guys, but we're not doing stuff that we normally do." The Pirates can put pressure on any pitching staff when getting contributions up and down the order, and utilityman Adam Frazier is providing a spark from the leadoff spot of late by going 10-for-20 with four runs scored and five RBIs in the last four games. Frazier is 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his career against Phillies right-hander Jeremy Hellickson, who gets the nod on Friday opposite Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-1, 3.71 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2-2, 6.41)

Hellickson enjoyed a string of three straight starts with at least six innings pitched last month but has yet to get through the sixth in three May turns. The 30-year-old was reached for three runs and six hits in five innings at Washington on Sunday but did not factor in the decision. Hellickson won his lone start against Pittsburgh last season while allowing an unearned run and three hits across 6 1/3 frames.

Williams is making the transition from the bullpen to the rotation and is coming off his best start after allowing one run and four hits over five innings at Arizona on Saturday. The rookie from Arizona State was not quite as sharp in his previous turn, when he was lit up for eight runs - six earned - in three innings at the Dodgers on May 8. Williams is making his first career appearance against Philadelphia.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Phillies optioned RHP Nick Pivetta to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

2. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell homered in back-to-back games.

3. Philadelphia OF Michael Saunders left Thursday's game with a left groin injury and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (18-24) at Baltimore Orioles (23-16)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

The Baltimore Orioles dropped six of seven during their rain-shortened road trip, but a return home to face a familiar foe could get manager Buck Showalter's charges back on track. Baltimore opens a three-game series at Camden Yards on Friday versus the Toronto Blue Jays, against whom they outscored 26-14 en route to winning five of their previous six meetings this season.

Chris Davis extended his hitting streak to seven games by belting his fifth homer in five contests in Thursday's 6-5 setback at Detroit. The 31-year-old has recorded nine RBIs and scored as many runs during that stretch while notching five hits - including two homers - in the season series versus the Blue Jays. While Baltimore has slipped behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East, Toronto has shown signs of making a move out of the division's basement by winning six of their last nine contests - including a 9-0 rout of Atlanta on Thursday. Emphatic bat flips aside, Jose Bautista is starting to heat up after an ice-cold start to the season with eight hits in the series versus the Braves and four homers, 12 RBIs and 11 runs scored in his last nine contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (0-1, 2.95 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (1-0, 2.89)

Sanchez took a positive step in his first start since returning from a pair of stints on the disabled list, allowing an unearned run and five hits in five innings of a no-decision versus Seattle. The 24-year-old didn't fare as well in his last encounter with Baltimore, permitting five runs and seven hits - three homers - over 5 1/3 frames in a 6-4 setback. Davis, Jonathan Schoop and J.J. Hardy all went deep against Sanchez, who owns a 5-3 career record versus Baltimore despite yielding 11 homers and 32 walks in 56 1/3 innings.

Tillman needed 105 pitches (with only 61 for strikes) to get through just 4 1/3 innings at Kansas City on Saturday, avoiding a loss after allowing three runs and eight hits. "Command has been a challenge for him," Showalter said of the 29-year-old Tillman. "He feels good health-wise, so that's a good sign. Looking forward to him getting in a groove and pitching like he's capable of." Tillman may have an uphill battle versus Toronto, against which he owns a 5-10 career mark with a 5.44 ERA while surrendering 29 homers in 137 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

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

2. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar will finish serving his two-game suspension on Friday for yelling a homophobic slur at an Atlanta pitcher.

3. Orioles 3B Manny Machado sat out his first contest of the season on Thursday and is questionable for the series opener with an injured finger on his right hand.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Rays
GAME: New York Yankees (24-14) at Tampa Bay Rays (21-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

The New York Yankees lead the American League in several offensive categories and haven't encountered much trouble at the plate this season ... well, aside from their last outing. After scraping for a run in the ninth inning to avoid being shut out for the first time this season, the Yankees look to get back on track Friday when they open a three-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays.

AL East-leading New York erupted for 36 runs during a four-game stretch before striking out 14 times in a 5-1 setback to Kansas City on Thursday. Gary Sanchez is 7-for-16 with one homer, three RBIs and four runs scored during his four-game hitting streak, but went 1-for-14 with three strikeouts against Tampa Bay in the teams' season-opening series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. While the Yankees have won four of six versus the Rays this season, Tampa Bay recorded its first winning road trip in a year by going 4-2 on its recent trek - with 10 homers highlighting its three-game series at Cleveland. Corey Dickerson, who is 19-for-47 in his last 11 contests, went deep for the third time in two days in Wednesday's 7-4 victory over the Indians and also homered in a 4-1 triumph over the Yankees on April 5.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (2-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 2.92)

Severino struggled out of the blocks on Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and walking three in 2 1/3 innings of a no-decision versus Houston. The 23-year-old Dominican fared significantly better in his previous outing with Tampa Bay this season, permitting two runs and striking out 11 in a 3-2 win on April 13. Severino sports a 4-1 mark with a 3.26 ERA in eight career appearances against the Rays, including a 2-0 record with an 0.82 ERA in four outings at Tropicana Field.

Ramirez will make his just his second start among 13 appearances this season on Friday after left-hander Blake Snell was optioned to Triple-A Durham. "I'm excited to be back and do my best, because you never know what's going to happen or how many starts they're going to give me or what idea they've got," Ramirez said. The 27-year-old, who collected the win after working five innings in his lone start versus Detroit on April 20, struck out four and did not surrender a hit in two scoreless innings at Boston on Sunday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 1B Logan Morrison has two homers and four RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury, who is currently riding a five-game hitting streak, recorded seven hits in the first six contests versus the Rays this season.

3. Tampa Bay SS Tim Beckham has collected multi-hit performances in five of his last nine games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Reds
GAME: Colorado Rockies (26-16) at Cincinnati Reds (19-21)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati Reds have begun to fade after a hot start, and they have another tough matchup this weekend with the first-place Colorado Rockies visiting Great American Ball Park on Friday. The Rockies own the second-best record in the National League, while the Reds dropped the final six contests on a seven-game road trip to fall two games below .500.



Colorado split a doubleheader at Minnesota on Thursday, taking two of three from the Twins. The usually powerful Rockies lineup was limited to three hits in a 2-0 loss in the nightcap, but Colorado’s sluggers hope to get back on track against a struggling Cincinnati staff. The Reds have allowed 33 runs over their past four games, including 24 in a three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs earlier this week. Cincinnati is 12-10 and averages 5.18 runs at home, where it has won six of its last seven.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (2-4, 6.43 ERA) vs. Reds RH Lisalverto Bonilla (0-1, 4.85)

Anderson has made it through six innings just once in eight starts, which doesn’t bode well for an overtaxed bullpen. The 27-year-old has pitched much better in his last two outings, combining for 18 strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings while allowing four runs and 11 hits to lower his ERA from 7.71 to 6.43. Anderson has never faced the Reds.

Bonilla was impressive in his first major-league start since 2014 on Saturday at San Francisco, allowing thee runs and six hits over eight innings. The 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic has given up three home runs in 13 innings with the Reds this season, but he also has 11 strikeouts. Bonilla has faced mixed results at Triple-A Louisville in 2017, going 2-2 with a 5.61 ERA in five starts.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies are 9-0 in one-run games - the only undefeated team in the majors in such contests.

2. Reds C Devin Mesoraco has missed the past three games with a sore left hamstring and could land on the 10-day disabled list.

3. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado hit his 10th home run Thursday and maintained his perfect fielding percentage at the hot corner.



PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Reds 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Mets
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (22-21) at New York Mets (16-23)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York

The New York Mets are about to face the worst thing a struggling pitching staff can see: a red-hot Mike Trout. The Mets, who are losers of seven in a row, will try to find some way to slow the reigning American League MVP when they open a three-game interleague series against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.

New York's staff is allowing an average of 7.4 runs during its slide and it fell 5-4 at Arizona in 11 innings on Wednesday to finish up a winless six-game road trip. "We didn't play too good as a team," Mets third baseman Jose Reyes told the team's website. "It's not one thing. There's a lot of other stuff happening right now. It's hard to describe. We're going to get better. We're not going to stay the whole season playing like this. At some point, this has to turn around. Hopefully, it's sooner than later." The Angels are averaging seven runs during a four-game winning streak and Trout homered five times in the last six contests. Trout does not have much of a track record against any New York pitchers and will be seeing Jacob deGrom for the first time on Friday while Los Angeles counters with veteran Ricky Nolasco.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (2-2, 4.34 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (2-1, 4.07)

Nolasco enjoyed back-to-back quality starts in his last two outings but was held out of the decision in each turn. The 34-year-old allowed three runs on five hits and four walks against Detroit on Saturday while surrendering a pair of home runs - the third straight start in which he yielded two home runs. Nolasco spent the first eight seasons of his career in the National League and is 6-8 with a 5.03 ERA in 26 career games - 24 starts - against New York.

DeGrom is racking up good strikeout numbers but is not finding the win column of late with back-to-back no-decisions. The Stetson product was reached for four runs and eight hits in six innings while striking out seven at Milwaukee on Sunday in a game the Mets went on to lose 11-9. DeGrom is making his first career start against the Angels and is 4-3 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 career interleague starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels OF Cameron Maybin is 8-for-10 with four runs scored in the last two games.

2. Mets OF Michael Conforto is 1-fo-14 with eight strikeouts in the last three games.

3. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols left Wednesday's game early with hamstring tightness and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Angels 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Tigers
GAME: Texas Rangers (22-20) at Detroit Tigers (20-19)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

The Texas Rangers just pulled off a perfect homestand and will try to keep the momentum going on the road when they open a nine-game trip by visiting the Detroit Tigers on Friday. The Rangers are winners of nine in a row while averaging 6.6 runs.

Texas got a three-run homer from Ryan Rua to highlight Thursday's 8-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies and continues to get unexpected contributions from the likes of Rua and Joey Gallo while waiting for slugging third baseman Adrien Beltre (calf) to make his season debut. "We win a couple of games, and I think that momentum carried over and kept carrying over," Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus told reporters. "And you keep winning and winning, and you don't want to lose. It's always great when you keep finding a way." Detroit opened its homestand by taking two of three from the Baltimore Orioles and is being led by right fielder J.D. Martinez, who is 8-for-16 with five home runs in six games since making his season debut last Friday. Martinez is 0-for-2 in his career against Rangers righty Nick Martinez, who gets the nod on Friday opposite Tigers lefty Daniel Norris.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Martinez (0-2, 5.04 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-2, 4.34)

Martinez is still searching for his first win but turned in a quality start with three runs allowed in six innings against Oakland on Saturday. The Fordham product was reached for a total of 11 runs - 10 earned - and 17 hits in 11 1/3 innings over his previous two starts - both losses. Martinez is 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA in three career games against Detroit - two starts.

Norris is having some trouble working deep into games due to control issues and walked at least two batters in each of his first seven starts. The 24-year-old allowed two runs and seven hits while walking a pair and striking out four in 5 2/3 innings at the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday without factoring in the decision. Norris started just once previously against Texas and was rocked for six runs - two earned - and five hits in 1 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers DH Victor Martinez (paternity leave) is not expected to play this weekend.

2. Rangers RF Nomar Mazara hit safely in the last eight games and recorded multiple hits in four of the last five.

3. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera (oblique) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Rangers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Braves
GAME: Washington Nationals (25-15) at Atlanta Braves (16-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia

The Washington Nationals are having pronounced troubles with losses in five of their six road contests, but a trip to the Atlanta Braves' new ballpark could be just what they need to turn around their fortunes. Washington would welcome a repeat of last month's three-game sweep at SunTrust Park when it takes the field this weekend, beginning with the opener of the three-game set on Friday.

Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run homer off Friday starter R.A. Dickey in Washington's 3-2 win over Atlanta on April 20 but is mired in a 6-for-33 slump over his last nine games to see his batting average dip from .435 to .376. The current average puts him ahead of Bryce Harper (.365), who went 0-for-8 with three strikeouts as the Nationals dropped back-to-back contests in Pittsburgh. While first-place Washington has lost six of its last 10 overall, Atlanta had won three in a row and five of six before getting shellacked 9-0 in the finale of a heated interleague series with Toronto. The Braves struggled to get their offense going in their first game since learning that Freddie Freeman would be sidelined 10 weeks with a non-displaced left wrist fracture.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-1, 2.47 ERA) vs. Braves RH R.A. Dickey (3-3, 4.22)

Gonzalez answered his worst start of the season with a solid one on Sunday but saw his winless streak extend to three outings despite allowing one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Philadelphia. The 31-year-old surrendered a homer in that contest and has been taken deep six times in his last four outings while issuing 23 walks in his last six trips to the mound. Gonzalez has struggled mightily against Atlanta, going 0-1 with a 7.11 ERA in four starts last season to drop his career mark to 4-9 with a 5.06 ERA.

Dickey's mark against the Nationals isn't much better, as he permitted three runs in seven innings to take the loss on April 20 and fall to 4-8 with a 3.69 ERA in his career versus Washington. The 42-year-old knuckleballer answered that performance with back-to-back wins but sustained the loss in his last outing on Sunday despite yielding just three runs and five hits in seven frames at Miami. Dickey has struggled to keep the ball in the park, however, as he was taken deep once versus the Marlins and nine times in his last six outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy is 24-for-75 with four homers and 17 RBIs in his last 20 contests.

2. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis is 13-for-28 with eight RBIs and four runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. Nationals SS Trea Turner is hitless in his last nine at-bats and 2-for-17 in his last four contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Astros
GAME: Cleveland Indians (20-19) at Houston Astros (29-12)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

The starting rotation for the Cleveland Indians is in shambles as they prepare to open a three-game series at the red-hot Houston Astros, who just happen to own the best record in the major leagues. Cleveland will send right-hander Trevor Bauer, author of a 6.92 ERA, to the mound in Friday night's series opener against the American League West leaders.

Bauer may be in the midst of a rocky season but he owns a spotless record against the Astros -- he is 6-0 with a 2.61 ERA in six career starts against them. Losers of five of their last seven, the Indians are in desperate need of a strong outing from Bauer after their starting rotation posted a collective 9.14 ERA over the past five games and ranks 29th in the majors with a 5.15 mark. Houston is riding a four-game winning streak after capping off a 6-1 road trip with a three-game sweep of Miami, outscoring the Marlins 22-4. Charlie Morton will take the mound for the Astros, who have won 14 of 17 to move 17 games over .500 (29-12) for the first time since the end of the 2004 season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (3-4, 6.92 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (5-2, 3.97)

Bauer is coming off his second quality start of the season, permitting three runs and seven hits while striking out seven over six innings to beat Minnesota. Most noteworthy, Bauer did not issue a base on balls after walking eight batters over 10 innings in dropping his previous two starts. Bauer will need to be wary of Brian McCann, who is 5-for-17 with two homers and six homers against him.

Morton has been a welcome addition to Houston's staff after he was limited to four starts in 2016 due to surgery to repair a torn hamstring. He had one bad inning last time out against the New York Yankees, giving up a three-run homer after Houston built a nine-run lead, but struck out 10 over 5 2/3 innings. He took the loss in his lone career start versus the Indians with six innings of three-run ball.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve is 8-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak, including two doubles and two triples on Wednesday.

2. Indians CF Bradley Zimmer went 2-for-4 with a homer and double on Wednesday in his second career game.

3. Astros CF George Springer has hit safely in 14 of 15 games.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Indians 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Twins
GAME: Kansas City Royals (17-23) at Minnesota Twins (20-17)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nathan Karns has been superb over his last three starts, and the Kansas City Royals are hopeful he will put forth another strong effort when they open a 10-game road trip against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. Karns is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings during the stretch and looks to have his first good outing against the Twins in the opener of the three-game series.

Karns struck out a career-best 12 in five innings against Baltimore in his last start but did not factor in the decision. The Royals are winless in five games against the Twins this season, and Karns experienced issues in his first appearance with the club as he allowed four runs while recording only two outs in a relief appearance on April 5. Minnesota halted a three-game slide with a 2-0 victory over Colorado in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader. The Twins totaled only three runs in the twinbill and have scored 14 in their last six contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Nate Karns (2-2, 4.46 ERA) vs. Twins LH Hector Santiago (4-2, 3.80)

Karns has struggled greatly against the Twins as he has a 17.55 ERA and 3.00 WHIP over 6 2/3 innings in three career appearances (two starts). Minnesota's Miguel Sano is 2-for-2 with a homer and six RBIs against Karns, including a three-run triple in the April contest. The 29-year-old Karns has struggled on the road this season, going 1-2 with a 6.56 ERA in five appearances (four starts).

Santiago is coming off his worst outing of the season as he gave up six runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings while losing to Cleveland. The 29-year-old won his previous three decisions and also defeated the Royals on April 5, when he gave up one run and four hits over five frames. Santiago is 3-3 with a 3.82 ERA in 16 career appearances (10 starts) versus Kansas City and has shut down Mike Moustakas (1-for-17) while struggling with Alcides Escobar (10-for-24).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins have outscored the Royals 34-14 this year, including 21-5 during the season-opening three-game series in Minnesota.

2. Moustakas hit a three-run homer in Thursday's 5-1 win over the New York Yankees, giving him two blasts and eight RBIs over his last four games.

3. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier was 0-for-9 with three strikeouts in Thursday's doubleheader.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Cardinals
GAME: San Francisco Giants (17-25) at St. Louis Cardinals (21-17)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis Cardinals will be looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak since mid-April when they host the San Francisco Giants on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. St. Louis had won eight of nine before it was swept by visiting Boston in a two-game interleague set, including a 13-inning setback on Wednesday night.

The Cardinals wasted a strong start by National League ERA leader Mike Leake in their latest loss, blowing a four-run lead to relinquish sole possession of first place in the National League Central Division. Matt Carpenter was hitless in five at-bats Wednesday, but he has feasted on San Francisco's pitching, batting .431 in 30 career games. The Giants had a five-game winning streak snapped by Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on Wednesday, but now they hit the road where they are a dismal 6-15. Catcher Buster Posey is 9-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak, boosting his batting average to an NL-best .378 through Wednesday's play.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Matt Moore (2-4, 5.67 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (2-1, 3.19)

Similar to his team, there is a wide disparity between Moore's performance at home and on the road. He tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball to beat Cincinnati last time out and lower his ERA at AT&T Park to 2.57, but he has been pounded to the tune of an 0-3 record and 10.50 ERA in four starts away from home. Carpenter is 2-for-3 against Moore, who will make his second start versus the Cardinals.

Wacha has pitched at least six innings in each of his six turns, recording five quality starts in that span, but he has not factored in the decision in the last three outings. Wacha owns a strong record in four career starts against San Francisco, logging a 1-0 record with a 1.88 ERA and .231 batting average against. Brandon Crawford is 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a triple against Wacha.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals rookie RF Magneuris Sierra (.367) has hit safely in all seven major league games.

2. The Giants activated closer Mark Melancon from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday.

3. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong is coming off a three-hit game but he is only 8-for-47 against San Francisco pitching.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Giants 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Athletics
GAME: Boston Red Sox (21-19) at Oakland Athletics (18-23)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 9:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Oakland Athletics used the long ball to get their six-game homestand started on the right foot and hope to continue flexing their muscles when they host the Boston Red Sox on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. Jed Lowrie, Khris Davis and Chad Pinder all went deep in the opener as Oakland topped Boston 8-3 for its fifth win in six home contests.

Davis' blast was his second in four games and 12th overall this season, tying him with Yonder Alonso for the team lead. The Red Sox managed only six hits in the series opener as they fell to 2-1 on their six-game road trip. Dustin Pedroia recorded two of the hits and Mitch Moreland homered for Boston, which had its three-game winning streak away from home come to an end. Pedroia has registered a hit in 13 of his 16 contests this month, producing four multi-hit performances along the way.

TV: 9:35 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBC Sports California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (4-2, 2.15 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2-2, 3.95)

Sale is looking to win his fourth consecutive start and tie a major-league record in the process. The 28-year-old Floridian fanned 12 batters over seven innings in a triumph over Tampa Bay on Saturday, marking the seventh consecutive start in which he reached double digits in strikeouts - one shy of the mark he shares with Pedro Martinez. Sale has made seven starts and five relief appearances against Oakland in his career, going 5-2 with one save and a 2.60 ERA.

Graveman is seeking his first victory since April 8, as he has gone 0-2 over his last five turns. The 26-year-old native of Alabama escaped with a no-decision on Sunday after yielding four runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings at Texas - just the second time in seven outings he surrendered more than two runs. Graveman owns a 1.35 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Boston but has yet to record a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Trevor Plouffe has hit safely in nine of the last 10 contests in which he had a plate appearance after going 3-for-4 on Thursday while INF Ryon Healy is riding a six-game hitting streak.

2. Alonso sat out the opener with a sore left knee and will be sidelined through at least Saturday.

3. Boston designated INF Chase d'Arnaud for assignment and transferred RHP Steven Wright (season-ending knee surgery) to the 60-day disabled list to make room for RHP Hector Velazquez, whose started Thursday after his contract was purchased from Triple-A Pawtucket.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Athletics 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Mariners
GAME: Chicago White Sox (17-22) at Seattle Mariners (20-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington

American League batting leader Jean Segura continues to energize his team's offense and looks to extend his career-best hitting streak to 18 games when the Seattle Mariners host the Chicago White Sox on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. Segura, who is batting .359, reached base three times and slugged a three-run homer as Seattle posted a 5-4 victory in Thursday's opener.

The Mariners also received a spark from Jarrod Dyson in the opener as the speedster went 2-for-4 with a homer, three runs scored and two stolen bases to take over the AL lead with 12 thefts. Seattle blew a 4-0 lead on Thursday before pinch-hitter Guillermo Heredia singled in the winner in the bottom of the ninth inning to boost the club's home record to 13-6. The White Sox are 0-4 on their 10-game road trip and have lost seven consecutive contests away from home, matching their longest such skid since the 2015 season. Todd Frazier went 2-for-4 with a homer in the opener and is 6-for-16 with four blasts and eight RBIs in four career games at Safeco Field.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-5, 4.38 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Ariel Miranda (3-2, 4.79)

Quintana did not factor in the decision in his last outing after giving up three runs and five hits over seven innings against San Diego. The 28-year-old has posted a 2.13 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in his last 11 starts versus AL West teams. Quintana is 2-1 with a 3.46 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) against the Mariners and has limited Kyle Seager to 2-for-19 hitting but both hits are homers.


Miranda recorded a season-high eight strikeouts in five innings against Toronto but yielded one run and three hits in a no-decision. The 28-year-old has enjoyed success at home, going 6-1 with a 3.02 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) at Safeco Field. Miranda lost to the White Sox in Chicago last season when he gave up three runs and five hits over four innings, serving up a homer to fellow Cuban Jose Abreu.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox SS Tim Anderson went 3-for-4 with a homer in the opener and is 13-for-28 with two blasts during his seven-game winning streak.

2. Mariners LHP James Paxton (forearm) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday and remains on track to make a rehab start in the middle of next week.

3. Chicago CF Leury Garcia (elbow) departed Thursday's game in the fifth inning after being hit by a pitch and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Dodgers
GAME: Miami Marlins (14-26) at Los Angeles Dodgers (24-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 19 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

The Los Angeles Dodgers likely will be without one of their key run producers Friday as they continue their four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins, who have lost four in a row and 18 of their last 22. Justin Turner is batting .379 with 17 RBIs but might be headed to the disabled list after exiting Los Angeles' 7-2 victory on Thursday in the seventh inning with a strained right hamstring that left him in considerable pain.

Turner’s injury was the lone sour note of the night as the Dodgers welcomed back Adrian Gonzalez, who made his return after landing on the disabled list for the first time in his career on May 5 with elbow and back pain. Logan Forsythe (foot) is on a minor-league rehab assignment and could be activated as soon as Sunday for the Dodgers, who were 1-6 against Miami last season. The Marlins’ depleted starting rotation took another step back Thursday as Edinson Volquez fell to 0-6 after allowing five runs over six innings. One bright spot has been the play of Justin Bour, who homered in the loss and has gone 21-for-56 with six home runs and 16 RBIs since April 30.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (4-0, 2.27)

Recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to make his season debut against Atlanta on Sunday, Nicolino earned another start after allowing one run over six strong innings. The 25-year-old appeared in 18 games (13 starts) for Miami last year, going 3-6 with a 4.99 ERA. Nicolino turned in a stellar outing in his only previous start against the Dodgers on April 27, 2016, allowing two hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in the Marlins’ 2-0 victory.

Wood recorded his third straight win with another stellar outing Saturday at Colorado, tossing six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts. “He’s commanding the ball, he’s changing speeds, he’s throwing his three pitches at any time and he’s on a nice roll,” Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters. Giancarlo Stanton is 3-for-20 with five strikeouts against Wood, who has gone 4-3 with a 3.42 ERA in 11 career games (eight starts) versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. A Southern California native, Stanton has batted .324 with nine home runs at Dodger Stadium.

2. The Dodgers optioned OF Scott Van Slyke to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Gonzalez.

3. The Marlins placed RHP Tom Koehler on the 10-day disabled list Thursday with right shoulder bursitis.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Marlins 3