Friday 6/26/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (35-37) at Pirates (40-31)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: June 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed a surprising season from Williams Perez, but another strong showing Friday night from the right-hander could be wasted behind their slumping offense.

The same problem could arise for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who will turn to Francisco Liriano when they welcome the Braves to PNC Park.

Perez (4-0, 2.78 ERA) has impressed for much of his rookie season with Atlanta (35-38) and still managed to secure a win Saturday despite a subpar showing, allowing four runs in six innings of a 6-4 victory against the New York Mets.

"He settled down, but he wasn't the same Perez," manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB's official website. "He hit two batters and his command wasn't as good as we've seen it."

Perez, who has a 2.14 ERA in seven starts, had previously allowed no earned runs in two consecutive wins and yielded one or no runs in five of six outings.

His only shaky performance in that time came against Pittsburgh (40-32), which scored four runs and drew five walks in five innings off Perez en route to a 10-8 win June 5. Neil Walker did most of the damage with a three-run home run and Francisco Cervelli went 2 for 3.

Liriano (4-6, 3.26) also struggled on Saturday, allowing five runs in a 6-0 loss to Washington, but now returns home, where he dominated the Chicago White Sox with eight shutout innings in his last appearance.

That's been atypical for the left-hander, as he owns a 4.35 ERA at PNC Park compared with a 2.30 on the road.

Considering Pittsburgh's recent trend, Liriano may also suffer from lack of run support. The Pirates have dropped five of six and totaled nine runs in those defeats, the most productive of which came in Thursday's 5-4 loss to Cincinnati in 13 innings.

Two of those runs were driven in by starter A.J. Burnett.

'We missed some opportunities tonight in some different areas,' manager Clint Hurdle said. " ... We hit some balls hard, couldn't find some grass."

Andrew McCutchen has reached safely in four straight with three doubles and a home run in that span, but Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte are a combined 6 for 40 in their last six games.

Atlanta's struggles at the plate have been even worse. The Braves were swept out of Washington and scored only two runs over the three-game set, including a 7-0 loss Thursday.

Jace Peterson went 0 for 13 in the series and the Braves posted a .555 OPS while failing to pick up the slack for Freddie Freeman, who's been on the disabled list since Tuesday with a right wrist contusion.

'We'd love to have him,' Peterson said. 'But at the end of the day, he's not here and we're still capable. We just need to play better.'

The Braves were also shut out in their last meeting with Pittsburgh, falling 3-0 on June 7, and did not face Liriano during that series.

Chris Johnson, Kelly Johnson and Cameron Maybin are a combined 0 for 16 against Liriano. Only Nick Markakis has had luck with Liriano, going 6 for 17.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Pirates
Fri, Jun 26 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Braves at Pirates
Sat, Jun 27 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Pirates
Sun, Jun 28 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Orioles

GAME: Cleveland Indians (33-38) at Baltimore Orioles (38-34)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: -108, 100 TOTAL: 7.5

The Baltimore Orioles have surged into contention in the American League East and hope to continue the momentum when they host reigning Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians on Friday in the opener of a three-game set. The Orioles have won 15 of 20 contests to draw within two games of first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East.

Baltimore took two of three from division rival Boston to remain unbeaten in its last seven series (6-1) heading into a seven-game homestand. Kluber, meanwhile, has dropped four consecutive starts following a dominating stretch last month and has already matched last season's loss total. The Indians, who averted a sweep by winning the series finale against Detroit, are seeking back-to-back victories for the first time since winning three straight from May 30-June 2. Cleveland has won six of its last 16 contests entering a 10-game road trip that includes stops at Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (3-9, 3.65 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Wei-Yin Chen (3-4, 2.89)

Kluber gave up four runs over seven innings in a 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday, but he's deserved a better fate as the Indians scored only six runs during his four-game skid. That's been an onging issue for them this season for Kluber, who has seen the Indians limited to two runs or fewer in 11 of his 15 outings. The 29-year-old Kluber has made three career starts against the Orioles, splitting a pair of decisions and posting a 3.26 ERA.

Chen turned in his best effort of the season with eight scoreless innings of four-hit ball against Philadelphia on June 15, but his reward was a head-scratching demotion to Class A. The Orioles made the move so Chen would skip his scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays, who crush left-handed pitching. The 29-year-old from Taiwan has yet to beat the Indians in three starts, logging an 0-1 record and 5.40 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles are batting a robust .441 (26-for-59) with runners in scoring position over the past six games.

2. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis stretched his hitting streak to 19 games by going 7-of-13 against Detroit.

3. Baltimore acquired RHP Richard Rodriguez from Houston for a player to be named later or cash.

PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Pirates

GAME: Atlanta Braves (35-38) at Pittsburgh Pirates (40-32)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 178, -194 TOTAL: 7

The Atlanta Braves scored three runs in their past four games without their top offensive threat, and getting on track will not be easy in Friday’s series opener at the Pittsburgh Pirates. Francisco Liriano, who ranks into the top 10 in the National League in several categories, starts the opener as the Pirates try to cut into the St. Louis Cardinals’ lead in the NL Central.

Pittsburgh is 14-8 in June but has struggled of late, losing five of six after an eight-game winning streak. Closer Mark Melancon leads the majors with 24 saves - 11 coming this month, but the Pirates sit eight games back in the Central. The Braves’ offense has grinded to a halt without first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is on the disabled list with a sprained right wrist. Atlanta lost three games at Washington to drop five games behind the Nationals in the NL East, scoring only two runs in the series after a 1-0 victory Sunday over the Mets.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (4-0, 2.78 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.26)

Perez has been a revelation at the back end of Atlanta’s rotation, winning four of his seven starts with a 2.14 ERA and a 2:1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. The 24-year-old has won his past three starts, allowing four runs on five hits in six innings Saturday against the Mets after firing six shutout innings June 15 at Boston. Perez has been outstanding on the road, giving up five earned runs in 22 1/3 innings.

Liriano’s record would be much better had the Pirates had not scored two runs or less in half of his 14 starts. He gave up five runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings Saturday at Washington, after a five-start stretch in which he gave up only five runs with 47 strikeouts in 35 innings. The 31-year-old Liriano is sixth in the NL in WHIP (0.98) and fifth in strikeouts (105).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates won two of three at Atlanta from June 5-7, and are unbeaten in nine games at home against NL East competition this season.

2. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis made his first error since Aug. 10, 2012 on Thursday, ending his streak of 398 consecutive games without a miscue.

3. Pittsburgh has scored three runs or fewer 13 times in its past 17 contests.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Braves 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Phillies

GAME: Washington Nationals (40-33) at Philadelphia Phillies (26-48)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -205, 188 TOTAL: 7

After following up a 16-strikeout gem with his first career no-hitter, Max Scherzer looks to continue his run of dominance when the Washington Nationals open a three-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Scherzer came within one strike of throwing a perfect game versus Pittsburgh on Saturday and has retired 54 of 57 batters with 26 strikeouts in his past two starts.

While the odds are astronomical of Scherzer matching Johnny Vander Meer's record of tossing consecutive no-hitters, the National League Player of the Week has pitched well versus Philadelphia in all three starts this season. Washington won its sixth straight contest with a convincing 7-0 rout of Atlanta on Thursday, but did so with Bryce Harper sitting out with a leg cramp. Harper, who scored the winning run in the Nationals' 2-1 victory in 11 innings on Wednesday, is 10-for-22 (.455) with a homer versus Friday starter Aaron Harang. The Phillies saw their modest three-game winning streak end with a thud in a 10-2 setback to the New York Yankees on Wednesday afternoon.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (8-5, 1.76 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Harang (4-9, 3.41)

Signed to a seven-year, $210 million deal in the offseason, Scherzer was slow to pay dividends out of the blocks before winning seven of his last nine trips to the mound. The 30-year-old is 2-0 in three outings versus Philadelphia this season, allowing one run on four hits in eight innings in victories on both April 17 and May 22. Ben Revere is 10-for-19 with six runs scored in his last four contests and 7-for-21 (.333) in his career versus Scherzer.

Harang lost his sixth straight start on Saturday after allowing four runs on seven hits in six innings of a 10-1 setback to St. Louis. The 37-year-old was pitching well until Randal Grichuk's three-run shot in the sixth, accounting for the sixth homer he's allowed in his last three starts. Harang also pitched well in his last meeting with the Nationals on May 24, but suffered the hard-luck loss despite allowing two runs in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington's starting rotation has tossed a franchise-best 41 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings over its last six contests.

2. Philadelphia rookie 3B Maikel Franco was a blistering 13-for-21 with three homers and 11 RBIs during a five-game stretch before going 0-for-4 on Wednesday.

3. Nationals SS Ian Desmond, who belted a two-run homer on Thursday, is just 3-for-18 in his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Phillies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Blue Jays

GAME: Texas Rangers (37-36) at Toronto Blue Jays (39-35)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 152, -165 TOTAL: 8.5

Promising rookie Devon Travis is expected to make his return from a six-week absence as the Toronto Blue Jays open a three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers on Friday. "You hope he picks up where he left off," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said of Travis, who was named the American League Rookie of the Month for April before trying to play through a left shoulder injury in May.

Travis, who likely will be activated off the disabled list prior to the contest, had a double among his three hits while playing with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday afternoon. While Toronto enters the series having won two of three against Tampa Bay and five of its last seven overall, Texas tumbled to its fifth straight loss with a 6-3 setback to Oakland on Thursday. Mitch Moreland homered among his three hits in the series finale and has hit safely in 17 of the 20 games in June. Unfortunately for the Rangers, rookie Joey Gallo struck out twice and has fanned 20 times in his last 10 contests.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Martinez (5-3, 2.77 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (7-4, 3.90)

Martinez fell to 1-3 in his last five outings on Saturday despite allowing three runs on six hits in as many innings of a 3-2 setback to the Chicago White Sox. The loss dropped the 24-year-old to 3-1 on the road this season despite having a 1.69 ERA while limiting the opposition to a .214 batting average. Martinez pitched well in his lone career meeting with Toronto last season, settling for a no-decision despite permitting one run on four hits in five frames.

Buehrle recorded his third straight no-decision despite yielding two runs in each of those contests. The 36-year-old has allowed five earned runs over his last 37 2/3 innings to see his ERA dip below 4.00 for the first time since April 15. Buehrle enjoyed considerable success versus Texas, posting a 13-5 mark while notching a 1.10 WHIP in 24 career appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto OF Chris Colabello, who homered in the 12th inning of a 1-0 win versus the Rays on Wednesday, has hit safely in 17 of 19 games in June.

2. Texas recalled RHP Spencer Patton from Round Rock on Thursday and optioned OF Michael Choice to the Triple-A club.

3. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson is 6-for-35 in his last nine contests to see his average fall from .315 to .298.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 3, Rangers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Tigers

GAME: Chicago White Sox (32-40) at Detroit Tigers (37-36)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 149, -162 TOTAL: 8

Although the Chicago White Sox have struggled mightily on the road, Melky Cabrera certainly can make the claim that he feels at home in Detroit. Cabrera looks to continue his success at Comerica Park on Friday as the White Sox vie for their fifth win in seven outings when they play the Tigers in the second contest of their four-game set.

The 31-year-old Dominican reached base three times and scored twice Thursday, including on Carlos Sanchez's bases-clearing triple in the 10th inning to lift Chicago to an 8-7 victory in the series opener. Cabrera is 46-for-138 (.333) in 32 career games in the Motor City and 14-for-27 (.519) lifetime versus Friday starter Anibal Sanchez. Detroit's J.D. Martinez is swinging a hot bat in his own right with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last four contests, but is just 2-for-14 with six strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Jose Quintana. The Tigers have dropped two in a row and six of nine to fall six games behind American Central-leading Kansas City.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (3-7, 3.92 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (6-7, 4.59)

Quintana allowed two homers for the second straight start, but walked away with a no-decision after tossing seven strong innings against Texas on Sunday. The 26-year-old fell to 4-3 in his career versus Detroit after dropping his first two meetings this season, including a nine-run, 10-hit shellacking on April 19. Yoenis Cespedes, who is 9-for-27 during his seven-game hitting streak, is 8-for-12 with four homers and nine RBIs in his career versus Quintana.

Sanchez recorded his third straight win on Sunday after overcoming a pair of homers to work seven strong innings in a 12-4 victory over the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old Venezuelan lost his scoreless streak at 21 2/3 innings after Brian McCann's solo shot in the second, but settled down from there. Sanchez was blitzed in his last meeting with Chicago on April 18, permitting nine runs on as many hits in 3 1/3 innings to fall to 2-5 with a 5.45 ERA in his career versus the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 1B Adam LaRoche is 7-for-16 with a home run and seven RBIs in his last four games.

2. Detroit grounded into three double plays on Thursday to increase its total to a major league-high 76 on the season.

3. The White Sox are just 3-9 in their last 12 road games and 4-12 away from home versus AL Central rivals.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, White Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Rays

GAME: Boston Red Sox (32-42) at Tampa Bay Rays (41-33)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 107, -116 TOTAL: 7.5

The Tampa Bay Rays are setting the pace in the American League East while the Boston Red Sox flounder at the bottom. The Rays will try to take advantage of the last-place Red Sox and gain some separation in the division when they host the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Tampa Bay dropped three of its last four games, including a pair of 1-0 shutouts, but has had no problem with Boston while winning each of the two previous series between the division rivals. The Red Sox are trying to cover over the loss of second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with a hamstring strain, and dropped a series to the Baltimore Orioles with an 8-6 loss in the rubber game. One thing that might help is a return to form for right-hander Rick Porcello, who gets the start for Boston on Friday as he tries to work his way out of a nasty slump. Opposing Porcello for the Rays will be right-hander Alex Colome, who is trying to maintain a solid groove.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (4-8, 5.61 ERA) vs. Rays RH Alex Colome (3-3, 4.50)

Porcello’s personal losing streak reached six straight when he was hammered for six runs on eight hits and a pair of walks in five innings at Kansas City on Saturday. The New Jersey native surrendered a pair of home runs in that outing, which marked the fourth time in the last six turns that he was reached for at least five earned runs. Porcello had his best start in a Red Sox uniform against Tampa Bay on May 5, when he scattered eight hits and no walks over seven scoreless innings.

Colome is enduring some ups and downs in his first full season in the Rays’ rotation but showed off the reason the front office thinks so highly of him at Cleveland on Sunday. The 26-year-old Dominican took a perfect game into the sixth inning and ended up allowing one hit in seven scoreless frames but did not get the win in a game Tampa Bay went on to lose 1-0. Colome went five innings at Boston on May 6, allowing two runs on four hits in a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox optioned RHP Joe Kelly to Triple-A on Thursday, and RHP Justin Masterson will take his spot in the rotation on Sunday.

2. Tampa Bay LHP Jake McGee has not allowed a run in any of his last 11 appearances.

3. Boston LF Hanley Ramirez (hand contusion) sat out Thursday and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Red Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Marlins

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (41-33) at Miami Marlins (30-44)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -120, 111 TOTAL: 7


The Los Angeles Dodgers make the second stop on their three-city, 10-game road trip when they open a three-game set against the Miami Marlins on Friday. The Dodgers seem to have found their footing after a bumpy stretch, outscoring the Chicago Cubs 9-2 over the past two games to salvage a four-game split.



The Dodgers stumbled to seven losses in nine games before rebounding to take the final two contests from the Cubs, but they haven't relinquished the National League West lead since taking over the top spot on May 30. The Marlins have dropped four straight after being swept in a three-game set by visiting St. Louis, including a 5-1 defeat Thursday. The losing streak comes in spite of the continued hot hitting of Giancarlo Stanton, who is batting .403 with nine homers and 20 RBIs over his past 17 games. It's the second meeting between the teams this season, as the Dodgers took two of three from the Marlins from May 11-13 in Los Angeles.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, FSN Florida (Miami)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Brett Anderson (3-4, 3.29 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (1-0, 0.00)

Anderson has allowed two or fewer runs in eight of his last 10 outings and has turned in two straight strong starts. The 27-year-old earned his first win since May 8 in his last turn, holding San Francisco to one run and five hits over six frames to snap a seven-start winless streak. Anderson has faced the Marlins only once, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings of a loss last season in Miami.

Nicolino was lights-out in his big-league debut Saturday at Cincinnati, holding the Reds to four hits over seven shutout innings. The 23-year-old doesn't miss a lot of bats — he struck out two in his debut — but is effective and efficient. Nicolino is tough on lefties, which bodes well against a Dodgers lineup loaded with dangerous left-handed hitters.



WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers RF Yasiel Puig has missed the past two games after tearing open a callus on his left palm and will be a game-time decision Friday.

2. Stanton has 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in 28 career games against the Dodgers.

3. Marlins 2B Dee Gordon, who played his first four seasons with the Dodgers, is 11-for-32 during a seven-game hitting streak.



PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Mets

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (34-37) at New York Mets (37-37)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 6.5

The New York Mets will try to erase the memory of a disastrous road trip when they kick off a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. The Mets managed to snap a seven-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory at Milwaukee on Thursday, but were outscored 31-11 on their eight-game trek.

No team has a great discrepancy between its home and away records than New York, which is 15 games above .500 (26-11) at Citi Field and 15 games below (11-26) on the road. Rookie Noah Syndergaard is set to make his ninth career start for the Mets, who are expected to promote prospect Steven Matz on Friday and go to a six-man rotation. Cincinnati opened its six-game road trip by banging out 43 hits in winning two of three in Pittsburgh, capping the series in dramatic fashion on Brandon Phillips' tiebreaking homer in the 13th inning. Third baseman Todd Frazier has hit safely in four straight games and has six homers and 13 RBIs in his last eight contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (4-4, 2.98 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (2-4, 4.03)

Cueto skipped his last start due to elbow stiffness and will pitch for the first time since June 17, when he gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus Detroit. Cueto, who also missed a turn late last month with the same ailment, is 1-1 over his last six starts while allowing 13 earned runs. Cueto is 3-3 with a 4.12 ERA lifetime versus the Mets, but held them to three earned runs in two starts last season.

Syndergaard lasted only four innings and was charged with four runs (three earned) on six hits in a 6-4 setback at Atlanta on Saturday that stretched his winless drought to four starts. The 22-year-old Texan was overpowering in his previous turn, striking out 11 while yielding one run and two hits over six innings in a no-decision versus Toronto. He has been much better at home with a 2-1 mark and 2.13 ERA in four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 2B Phillips has hit safely in all 29 career road games against the Mets.

2. Mets RF Curtis Granderson has homered three times during a five-game hitting streak.

3. Reds RF Jay Bruce is 14-for-31 with three homers and nine RBIs in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Brewers

GAME: Minnesota Twins (39-33) at Milwaukee Brewers (27-47)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -105, -103 TOTAL: 7.5

The Milwaukee Brewers nearly managed a series sweep this week and will try to keep rolling at home when they welcome the Minnesota Twins for the opener of a three-game interleague series on Friday. The Twins dropped two of three to the Brewers at home earlier in the month.

Milwaukee caught Minnesota last time during its best run of the season, a stretch of eight wins in 12 games bridging May and June. The Brewers cooled off again with losses in eight of nine before beginning their homestand with some solid pitching in a series win over the New York Mets. The Twins bring a little more offense than the Mets and totaled 21 runs in taking two of three from the Chicago White Sox this week, wrapping up a 5-3 homestand. Trying to quiet those bats for the Brewers will be veteran Kyle Lohse while Trevor May takes the mound for Minnesota.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Trevor May (4-5, 4.03 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (3-9, 6.30)

May is enjoying a positive stretch of late and has allowed one or no runs in three of his last four starts. The 25-year-old limited the Chicago Cubs to one run and seven hits while striking out seven in six innings on Saturday but did not factor in the decision. May is making his first appearance against Milwaukee but has faced National League Central opponents in each of his last two turns – Chicago and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lohse is winless in his last seven outings but at least turned in a quality start with three runs allowed on four hits in six innings at Colorado on Saturday. The Brewers would love to see the veteran put together a strong month so that he can be moved at the trade deadline, and ending a stretch of six straight starts yielding at least one home run would help. Lohse, who came up with Minnesota, was rocked for five runs on eight hits in six innings at the Twins on June 5.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Carlos Gomez and 3B Aramis Ramirez (rest) each sat out the start on Thursday but are expected to return on Friday.

2. The Twins will recall top pitching prospect, RHP Alex Meyer, and have him available in the bullpen on Friday.

3. Minnesota manager Paul Molitor, whose number is retired by Milwaukee, will be making his first trip back to the city as an opposing manager.

PREDICTION: Twins 8, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Astros

GAME: New York Yankees (39-34) at Houston Astros (43-32)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 100, -108 TOTAL: 8.5

Inconsistency from their rotation continues to plague the New York Yankees, who have received only 26 quality starts through the first 73 games of the season. Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi looks to buck that trend and record back-to-back quality outings for the first time this season as visiting New York continues its four-game series against the Houston Astros.

The Yankees have dropped four of five after they were blanked 4-0 by Dallas Keuchel and Houston on Thursday in the opener of a seven-game road trip. New York's offense piled up a staggering 58 runs during the previous seven games but went 4-3 in that span. Second baseman Jose Altuve entered the series mired in a 5-for-30 slump but broke out with three hits and three runs scored Thursday as the Astros opened a five-game lead atop the American League West. Houston has won eight of 10 at Minute Maid Park in June to improve to 24-14 on the season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (6-2, 4.95 ERA) vs. Astros RH Vincent Velásquez (0-0, 4.15)

Eovaldi received a big boost from his offense to help his bounce back from a wretched performance, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings in a 14-3 rout of Detroit. The 25-year-old Eovaldi, who was born in Houston, was battered for eight runs and nine hits over two-thirds of an inning in a 12-2 drubbing at Miami in his previous turn. It marked the third straight road start in which Eovaldi failed to get through five innings.

Velásquez remains in search of his first decision as he prepares to make his fourth major-league start. Since tossing five scoreless innings of three-hit ball at the Chicago White Sox in his career debut, Velásquez had taken a step back in his last two outings. He was knocked around for five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings versus Colorado on June 16 and lasted only 3 1/3 innings last time out, exiting after 93 pitches.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Chris Young had two of his team's six hits Thursday and is 40-for-101 in his career at Minute Maid Park.

2. Astros LF Evan Gattis has a pair of doubles and four RBIs during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees RF Carlos Beltran has multiple hits in four of his last five games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Astros 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Cardinals

GAME: Chicago Cubs (39-32) at St. Louis Cardinals (48-24)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 107, -116 TOTAL: 7


The Chicago Cubs have the fourth-best winning percentage in the National League but find themselves in third place in the NL Central. They'll try to make up some ground starting Friday, when they begin a three-game road series with the division-leading St. Louis Cardinals.



The Cubs have lost two straight following a four-game winning streak and are 8 1/2 games behind St. Louis, which wrapped up a three-game sweep at Miami on Thursday and owns the best record in baseball. "When you're playing them head up, you definitely want to make some noise," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "But I don't want our guys to approach it any differently. I don't want them to think they have to play any harder, any better. Just go play." St. Louis right-hander John Lackey aims to duplicate his performance against the Cubs on May 7, when he struck out a season-high 10 batters and allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings to outduel Jake Arrieta. It will be a rematch Friday with Arrieta looking to build on his second career shutout Sunday against Minnesota and continue his success versus St. Louis as he's 3-1 with a 1.51 ERA in seven starts against the Cardinals.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ABC 7 (Chicago), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (7-5, 3.07 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH John Lackey (6-4, 3.41)

Arrieta threw a career-high 122 pitches last time out, but it wasn't a huge stretch for the 29-year-old, who has topped 100 pitches in nine of his 14 starts this season. The Missouri native has won three of his last four starts with all three victories coming on the road. Arrieta is 5-1 with a 2.78 ERA in seven starts away from home in 2015.

Lackey's solid campaign was interrupted by a disastrous outing at Colorado on June 8 in which he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in four innings, but he has bounced back with two strong starts. The 36-year-old gave up two runs over eight innings to beat Minnesota on June 15 before holding Philadelphia to one run in seven frames to earn the win Saturday. Lackey is 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant, who left Thursday's game with flu-like symptoms, has started every game since making his big-league debut April 17.

2. Cardinals RF Jason Heyward is 14-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak and is 5-for-12 versus Arrieta.

3. St. Louis averaged 6.2 runs while winning five of its past six games.



PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Cubs 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Athletics

GAME: Kansas City Royals (41-28) at Oakland Athletics (34-41)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 7

The Kansas City Royals are winners of seven of their last 10 and are off to a strong start on their final road trip of the first half of the season. The Royals, who took two of three from Seattle to begin the trip, will try to keep rolling when they visit the Oakland Athletics for the start of a three-game series on Friday.

Kansas City beat the Athletics in extra innings in the wild card game last fall to begin a run to the seventh game of the World Series, and took two of three in a contentious series that included several benches-clearing incidents when Oakland visited in April. The A’s are winners of five straight and seem to be turning around some of the worst luck in the majors. Oakland sits seven games below .500 and tied for last place in the AL West despite a plus-46 run differential. The A’s will send right-hander Jesse Hahn to the mound on Friday to oppose Royals veteran Edinson Volquez.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (7-4, 3.33 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (5-5, 3.40)

Volquez earned the win in each of his last three starts but failed to make it through six innings in either of the last two. The Dominican Republic native was reached for four runs on eight hits and a pair of walks and did not strike out a batter in 5 1/3 innings against Boston on Saturday but was bailed out by his offense. Volquez is facing Oakland for the first time since 2007 and is 2-2 with a 3.50 ERA in six road starts this season.

Hahn posted his second straight win against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, allowing one run and four hits in 7 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old has been charged with a total of two runs and seven hits in 14 1/3 innings over his last two turns. Hahn started at Kansas City on Apr. 18 and scattered three hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas, who went 1-for-12 against the A’s in April, has hit safely in nine straight games.

2. Oakland C Stephen Vogt is 6-for-10 in two games since coming back from a cortisone shot in his elbow.

3. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar is 18-for-41 with 10 RBIs in the last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Angels

GAME: Seattle Mariners (33-40) at Los Angeles Angels (37-36)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 7.5

The Los Angeles Angels look to build upon a big walk-off win when they host the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a three-game series on Friday. After splitting a pair to begin a set with American League West-leading Houston, the Angels used a 13th-inning RBI single from rookie Taylor Featherston to claim the rubber match by a 2-1 margin on Wednesday.

It was the 17th win in the last 26 home games for Los Angeles, a stretch that began with consecutive one-run victories over the Mariners in early May. Seattle is 9-16 over its last 25 games after an 8-2 setback to Kansas City on Wednesday, ending a 4-4 homestand that left the underachieving club 8 1/2 games behind the Astros. It marked the 15th time in the 25-game swoon that the Mariners have been held to two runs or fewer. Additionally, the AL's worst hitting team (.231) will be facing a hurler in Matt Shoemaker, who is 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA in six career meetings with the Mariners.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (5-6, 4.94 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (4-5, 5.20)

Walker's resurgence continued with his third straight victory Saturday against Houston, which featured a career-high 11 strikeouts. He yielded three runs in 6 1/3 innings in that effort, which gave him a 2.04 ERA over his last five starts. The former first-round pick, who has never faced the Angels, owns a 7.03 ERA in eight road appearances, six of which came before his season began to turn around.

While he has a pair of quality starts in his two meetings with the Mariners this season - including a season-high 10 strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings on May 4 - Shoemaker has endured an otherwise inconsistent campaign. That continued with a rocky outing at Oakland last Friday, when he let up five runs on eight hits in four frames. The 28-year-old is winless in four decisions at home this year after going 9-3 at Angel Stadium in 2014.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels CF Mike Trout has gone 12 games without a home run, his longest drought since Aug. 28-Sept. 15, 2013.

2. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano is batting .222 with six RBIs in 135 at-bats on the road.

3. Angels 1B Albert Pujols' 12 home runs in June are one shy of the tying the team mark for any month.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Padres

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (35-37) at San Diego Padres (35-40)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 128, -139 TOTAL: 7

Tyson Ross recorded his top outing of the season against Arizona six days ago and looks to equal it when the San Diego Padres open a three-game series against the visiting Diamondbacks on Friday. Ross allowed one run and four hits and tied a season best with nine strikeouts in his first complete game of the campaign as the Padres routed Arizona 8-1 last Saturday.

Ross had lost four of five decisions before the superb effort and is hoping to regain the form that earned him an All-Star spot in 2014. San Diego dropped eight of its last 11 games and allowed 19 runs while losing the final two contests of a three-game set against San Francisco that concluded on Thursday. The Diamondbacks (35-37) lost 6-4 to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday to mark the 11th consecutive time they were defeated when having a chance to reach .500. Arizona is in third place in the National League West and resides 1 1/2 games ahead of the Padres.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-2, 1.78 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (4-7, 3.61)

Ray lost to Ross and the Padres on Saturday when he allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He has been spectacular in three road starts, going 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA. Ray has given up just six earned runs in five big-league outings this season.

Ross also pitched against Arizona on May 9 and received a no-decision after allowing two runs and five hits over six innings. He is 3-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Diamondbacks. Ross has struggled with Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt, who is 7-for-20 with two homers against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks and Padres have split 10 meetings this season.

2. San Diego LF Matt Kemp hit his fifth homer of the season on Thursday -- four coming since June 5.

3. Arizona 3B Aaron Hill is 5-for-30 over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Giants

GAME: Colorado Rockies (32-40) at San Francisco Giants (40-34)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 26 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 130, -141 TOTAL: 7

Buster Posey enjoys swinging the lumber against Colorado pitching and looks for another strong outing when the San Francisco Giants open a three-game set against the visiting Rockies on Friday. Posey is a lifetime .368 hitter with 16 homers and 61 RBIs in 80 career games against Colorado despite experiencing some struggles this season.

Posey is just 6-for-28 with four RBIs against the Rockies in 2015 but warmed up for this series by going 3-for-5 with three RBIs in Thursday's 13-8 victory over the San Diego Padres. He had seven RBIs as San Francisco scored 19 runs while winning the final two games of the series and has helped the Giants win five of the last seven games. The Rockies are opening a 10-game road trip and hope to fare better than their last excursion, when they dropped five of six against Miami and Houston. Colorado has scored 38 runs while winning four of its last five overall games -- including Thursday's 6-4 win over Arizona.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (3-2, 3.44 ERA) vs. Giants RH Tim Hudson (5-6, 4.52)

Bettis defeated Milwaukee in his last turn when he gave up one run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. He had a strong effort when he beat the Giants on May 24, allowing two runs and six hits in 8 1/3 innings. Bettis, who has struck out 43 in 49 2/3 innings, struggles against San Francisco first baseman Brandon Belt (6-for-9, two doubles).

Hudson was victorious against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last outing when he allowed two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He is 5-4 with a 4.77 ERA in 18 career starts against Colorado and was torched for eight runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings in a losing effort on May 24. Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez is 4-for-21 with one homer against Hudson.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gonzalez (left hand) sat out Thursday but is expected to be available on Friday.

2. San Francisco had four triples on Thursday for the first time since Sept. 15, 1960 (three by Willie Mays, one by Eddie Bressoud) with Belt recording two of them while SS Brandon Crawford and 3B Matt Duffy had one apiece.

3. Colorado RHP Rafael Betancourt (sinus infection, vertigo) is expected to be activated during the series.

PREDICTION: Giants 8, Rockies 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

This pitcher is winless in his last seven starts

Things have been far from sunny in Philadelphia for Phillies starter Aaron Harang lately.

Much to the chagrin of their backers, the Phils are 0-7 in Harang's previous seven outings. The veteran will have an opportunity to turn things around when Philly hosts Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals on Friday.

Philadelphia is presently +188 on the moneyline.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Will Kluber's road woes continue Friday?

Bettors of the Cleveland Indians have noticed an ugly trend recently concerning last year's Cy Young Award winner.

In Corey Kluber's last eight starts away from home, the Tribe are a paltry 1-7. He'll get the nod on the road once again Friday when the Indians take on Wei-Yin Chen (3-4, 2.89 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles in Maryland.

Sportsbooks were offering Cleveland in the -108 ballpark as of this writing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

When the Braves face lefties, Overs are cashing

The Over has paid out in each of the Atlanta Braves' last seven games versus a left-handed starter.

Over bettors will be hoping that trend continues Friday when the Braves face off against southpaw Francisco Liriano and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Williams Perez is slated to counter for Atlanta.

Oddsmakers have set a total of 7 for the tilt.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, June 26

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ATLANTA (35 - 38) at PITTSBURGH (40 - 32) - 7:05 PM
WILLIAMS PEREZ (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 112-120 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 225-178 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 125-76 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-27 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-2 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 125-76 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 155-107 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 101-60 (+26.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 74-43 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-16 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ATLANTA is 77-44 (+32.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
LIRIANO is 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 9-16 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 1-7 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PEREZ is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.389.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (40 - 33) at PHILADELPHIA (26 - 48) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 17-22 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SCHERZER is 59-24 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 31-8 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 56-23 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 21-6 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 123-174 (-43.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
HARANG is 57-72 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 (+0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SCHERZER is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.41 and a WHIP of 0.844.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)

AARON HARANG vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HARANG is 4-6 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 7-8 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-6. (+2.4 units)

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CINCINNATI (34 - 37) at NY METS (37 - 37) - 7:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 26-11 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 26-11 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 18-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
NY METS are 66-49 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 703-798 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 511-576 (+33.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 348-372 (+35.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
NY METS are 11-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-31 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOHNNY CUETO vs. NY METS since 1997
CUETO is 3-3 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.7 units)

NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (41 - 33) at MIAMI (30 - 44) - 7:10 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. JUSTIN NICOLINO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 14-20 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 14-20 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 9-15 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 6-12 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
MIAMI is 403-396 (+38.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
MIAMI is 30-44 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 30-41 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 15-28 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. MIAMI since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

JUSTIN NICOLINO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (39 - 32) at ST LOUIS (48 - 24) - 8:15 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1426-1585 (-276.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1049-1181 (-212.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 48-24 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 26-7 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 52-24 (+19.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 39-15 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 48-24 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 31-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 41-15 (+24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 31-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 21-11 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 9-2 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 112-119 (+2.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-57 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-65 (+4.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARRIETA is 15-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ARRIETA is 3-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.51 and a WHIP of 1.056.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.1 units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.28 and a WHIP of 1.193.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

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ARIZONA (35 - 37) at SAN DIEGO (35 - 40) - 10:10 PM
ROBBIE RAY (L) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 99-135 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 99-135 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 21-16 (+6.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

ROBBIE RAY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
RAY is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

TYSON ROSS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ROSS is 3-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.062.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.3 units)

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COLORADO (32 - 40) at SAN FRANCISCO (40 - 34) - 10:15 PM
CHAD BETTIS (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 98-136 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 151-271 (-64.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 36-78 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 98-136 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 58-95 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-59 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 12-38 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 140-113 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 140-113 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1048-877 (+118.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-16 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HUDSON is 297-187 (+52.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 168-78 (+47.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 125-68 (+34.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 285-175 (+57.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 170-96 (+41.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 88-30 (+32.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-20 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-3 (+3.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

CHAD BETTIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BETTIS is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HUDSON is 5-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.249.
His team's record is 10-8 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-10. (-4.8 units)

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TEXAS (37 - 36) at TORONTO (39 - 35) - 7:05 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 33-55 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 53-33 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 16-6 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
TORONTO is 32-17 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 29-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 163-85 (+51.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 21-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 30-15 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 17-7 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 37-36 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 9-4 (+10.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 this season.
TEXAS is 22-17 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 28-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 40-29 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 10-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 19-7 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARTINEZ is 6-1 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 7-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NICK MARTINEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. TEXAS since 1997
BUEHRLE is 13-5 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.090.
His team's record is 16-5 (+10.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-11. (-2.4 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (32 - 40) at DETROIT (37 - 36) - 7:05 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 28-48 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-23 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-15 (+12.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 369-373 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
DETROIT is 18-25 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 63-56 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 63-56 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-25 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 14-21 (-9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 59-60 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-5 (+0.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. DETROIT since 1997
QUINTANA is 4-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.374.
His team's record is 6-5 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.45 and a WHIP of 1.538.
His team's record is 2-5 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.7 units)

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CLEVELAND (33 - 38) at BALTIMORE (38 - 34) - 7:05 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 33-38 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-38 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-22 (-17.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-21 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KLUBER is 3-12 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 1-7 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 3-12 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 138-104 (+39.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-47 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 31-20 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 122-91 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 94-62 (+36.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 105-77 (+32.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 75-61 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 63-41 (+21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 9-1 (+9.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 27-14 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+1.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
KLUBER is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.7 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CHEN is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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BOSTON (32 - 42) at TAMPA BAY (41 - 33) - 7:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. ALEX COLOME (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 32-42 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 11-23 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 20-28 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 24-31 (-13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 11-18 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 41-33 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 575-654 (+18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 31-23 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 55-64 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 5-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 56-65 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-71 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-46 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 27-34 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-2 (+2.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.1 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PORCELLO is 4-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.061.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-7. (-6.4 units)

ALEX COLOME vs. BOSTON since 1997
COLOME is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (39 - 34) at HOUSTON (43 - 32) - 8:10 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. VINCENT VELASQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 43-32 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 43-29 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 27-15 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 42-46 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 87-42 (+30.3 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 23-14 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. HOUSTON since 1997
EOVALDI is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

VINCENT VELASQUEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (41 - 28) at OAKLAND (34 - 41) - 10:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. JESSE HAHN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 161-83 (+62.8 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 41-28 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 46-29 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-15 (+10.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 71-51 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 16-5 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 15-5 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-9 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 41-28 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-18 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-15 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 34-41 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 30-41 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 14-20 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 32-39 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 79-72 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 61-59 (-20.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 1-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

JESSE HAHN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HAHN is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (33 - 40) at LA ANGELS (37 - 36) - 10:05 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. MATT SHOEMAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 33-40 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 28-39 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 24-29 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 26-31 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 13-20 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 281-204 (+54.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 108-74 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 75-44 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SHOEMAKER is 23-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 21-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 62-52 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 21-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-7 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT SHOEMAKER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SHOEMAKER is 3-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 0.766.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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MINNESOTA (39 - 33) at MILWAUKEE (27 - 47) - 8:10 PM
TREVOR MAY (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 39-33 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-33 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 28-13 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-47 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-47 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-40 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-29 (-12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

TREVOR MAY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE LOHSE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LOHSE is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 9.28 and a WHIP of 1.593.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)