Friday 6/3/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (3rd) Pearl of Silk, 5-1
(5th) Arch Rivalry, 4-1

Belmont Park (2nd) Aix En Provence, 4-1
(6th) Hockey School, 8-1


Belterra Park (2nd) Jewelian 'n Roses, 7-2
(5th) Nelyn's Flyer, 3-1


Canterbury Park (4th) Reigning Warrior, 3-1
(5th) Minnesota Outlaw, 3-1


Charles Town (2nd) Giftofgrace, 6-1
(8th) Wildjustenuff, 3-1


Churchill Downs (3rd) Paden, 3-1
(7th) The Player, 3-1


Emerald Downs (1st) Rome New York, 3-1
(3rd) Old Fashion Halo, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (3rd) Whistling Ranger, 6-1
(4th) Southern Mister, 4-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Rose of Sicily, 5-1
(9th) Kitchi Warrior, 7-2

Golden Gate Fields (4th) Hawk's Journey, 6-1
(8th) Taelyns Prince, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (6th) Pretty Indiscreet, 6-1
(9th) Honorable Jonas, 9-2


Indiana Grand (4th) Bartbaalu, 4-1
(9th) Cash Tiz Wonderful, 10-1


Lone Star Park (2nd) Bling's Ace, 3-1
(6th) Cherished Obsession, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (5th) Skylas Gold, 3-1
(7th) My Gal Pal, 9-2


Monmouth Park (2nd) Play It Again, 6-1
(6th) Banana Anna, 3-1


Penn National (2nd) Divine Appeal, 7-2
(3rd) Loveshackled, 7-2

Pimlico (6th) Emelina, 8-1
(7th) Lorilee, 3-1

Prairie Meadows (5th) Aston, 4-1
(9th) Goose Town, 5-1


Santa Anita (1st) Bedeviled, 4-1
(4th) Papaslilprincess, 4-1


Thistledown (2nd) Served Cold, 7-2
(8th) Uptown Babe, 6-1


Woodbine (3rd) Theforgottenone, 6-1
(4th) Ransom Rose, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

June Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

You know the saying, “May flowers bring June showers.”

For Major League Baseball pitchers hurling during the month of June, showers are hopefully not in their immediate plans. Instead, it’s the hope of all MLB starting pitchers to stay around long enough in their starts to avoid having to clean up and go home early.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of June. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in June, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each June over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s June list.


GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 8-4 (6-2 A)

Only Clayton Kershaw has been in Arrieta's stratosphere since 2015. The right-hander is in the right organization which has allowed his abundant talents to flourish and this season opposing batters are hitting a mere .168 against him. His effortless delivery and mid-90's fastball causes a lot of swings and misses as does his breaking pitches.

Cole, Gerrit - 10-2 (6-0 A)

Cole is now the ace of the Pittsburgh staff and expertly commands a two and four-seam fastball in the mid to upper 90's which he can sink or have riding action. After a sluggish start to season, his ERA is down to close to 2.50 and expect him to have another fine month. Note: Cole’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

*Colon, Bartolo - 10-5 (7-0 H)

The 43-year old right-hander just keeps churning along on staff that is very talented and youthful. Colon knows how and where to spot his fastball, which he tosses 70 or more percent of the time and blends in a quick slider that has excellent depth. The fact is Colon understands his craft and wins.

Lackey, John - 11-5 (6-1 H)

Remember for years no pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch at Wrigley Field, now they line up for the chance. Being a talented young team helps and Lackey is the right fit, with fastball he keeps low in the zone and sinker opposing hitters cannot elevate. Through two months, the batter's Lackey has faced are at a lowly .209 batting average and his WHIP is sick 0.97.

Sanchez, Anibal - 9-4 (8-3 H)

The Detroit hurler has gotten off to a rugged start with ERA over 6 as June began. Sanchez's problems revolve around lack of pitch placement, not even having 2-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and giving up more than a hit an inning. Of the 58 hits allowed, 11 have left the yard and if the Tigers are going to be contenders in the AL Central, Sanchez will have to throw like previous June's.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If you research Mad Max's numbers, many are at or below career norm, yet he begins this month with an ERA over 4. The problem is too many pitches right down the middle, which is why he on pace to give up 45 home runs (15 thru May). If Scherzer solves this, he will have a great rest of the year.

Tillman, Chris - 11-3 (4-1 A)

After an off year in 2015, the Orioles righty has come back in a big way. When he's at his best like he has been this year, Tillman works his low 90's heater at the knees on both sides of the dish and his curve and changeup have sharp downward motion. He starts this month with hitters at .203 batting average versus his tosses.

Volquez, Edinson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The Royals right-hander is doing what he does best, as in nine of his 11 starts for Kansas City he has induced double digit groundball outs. Volquez is still thought to be a power pitcher and gets numerous weak swings with tilted curve and deluxe changeup he will throw on any count.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-5 (8-3 H)

After an unbelievable start, Zimmermann has drifted back to the previous career numbers. He pulled a groin late last month, but is expected to make start on June 3rd and continue from that point. His strengths include four pitches he trusts to throw for strikes and he has shown greater durability thus far in the AL.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Miller, Shelby - 6-12 (2-6 A)

After disastrous start with Arizona, having ERA over 7, maybe a trip to the DL with bad finger on throwing hand will settle Miller down, who looks like he is trying to throw a no-hitter on every pitch and is getting hammered. The talent has always been in place, just not the execution as this record shows. Note: Miller’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

Verlander, Justin - 4-10 (2-5 H)

No longer equipped with high 90's fastball, Verlander tends to give up runs in bunches these days. He can be sailing along for three to five innings and then give up three or four runs in single inning. Without the necessary secondary pitches, he's become easier to hit a third time through the lineup.

Weaver, Jered - 5-10 (1-6 A)

It is sometimes tough to watch former aces who were among the best in the game, as their stuff is in decline and they are not close to what they used to be. This is the case of Weaver, whose fastball barely reaches 85 MPH, which makes his breaking ball and assortment of change-ups less effective. It is no accident at this juncture hitters are clocking him for .311 BA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Updated Award Odds

Two months into the MLB season and several players are putting together a terrific campaign. The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook released the latest odds for the MVP award, Cy Young award, and home run champion.

In the National League, Cubs’ right-hander Jake Arrieta and Dodgers’ southpaw Clayton Kershaw are each the favorite to claim the Cy Young award at 8/5 odds (Bet $100 to win $160). Arrieta and Kershaw each own ERA’s of below 2.00, along with Mets’ standout Noah Syndergaard (18/1). Washington’s Stephen Strasburg (9/2) has compiled a perfect 9-0 record through 11 starts, while San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner (18/1) was unbeaten in six May starts to improve to 6-2 with an ERA of 2.12.

Over in the American League, Chris Sale of the White Sox is the odds-on favorite to claim the Cy Young award at 2/3 odds (Bet $150 to win $100). Although Sale is winless in his last two starts, the Chicago southpaw has put together a 9-1 record with an ERA of 2.29. David Price is a distant second at 8/1 odds, as the Boston left-hander owns a 7-1 mark in spite of a bloated ERA of 5.11.

Bryce Harper began the season with the highest odds to capture another National League MVP alongside Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado. The Washington right fielder has dropped behind Arenado and Mets’ slugger Yoenis Cespedes, who are each listed at 3/1 odds to win the MVP. Cespedes leads the National League in home runs with 15, while Arenado is one behind with 14, while the Rockies’ standout leads the NL in runs batted in with 39. Harper is batting only .242 on the season, but has walked 48 times, which is tied for first in the NL alongside Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

Orioles’ third baseman Manny Machado is the surprising favorite to win the American League MVP through two months at 9/4 odds (Bet $100 to win $225). Machado has solid numbers across the board by batting .313 to go along with 20 doubles and 13 home runs. For the analytics crowd, Machado owns the best WAR (wins above replacement) in the league at 3.2. Mariners’ second baseman Robinson Cano (11/4 odds) has put together a solid season as one of the leaders in the American League with 15 homers, while driving in 44 runs.


National League Cy Young Odds

Pitcher Opening Odds Current Odds

Jake Arrieta, CHC 2/1 8/5
Clayton Kershaw, LAD 2/1 8/5
Stephen Strasburg, WSH 7/1 9/2
Madison Bumgarner, SF 15/1 18/1
Noah Syndergaard, NYM 15/1 18/1
Jose Fernandez, MIA 30/1 30/1
Max Scherzer, WSH 12/1 30/1
Johnny Cueto, SF 40/1 30/1
Jeff Samardzija, SF 40/1 40/1
Jon Lester, CHC 18/1 40/1
Gerrit Cole, PIT 25/1 50/1
Jacob deGrom, NYM 25/1 60/1
Jason Hammel, CHC 40/1 100/1
Carlos Martinez, STL 40/1 200/1
Vince Velasquez, PHI 100/1 200/1
Kenta Maeda, LAD 100/1 200/1


American League Cy Young Odds

Pitcher Opening Odds Current Odds

Chris Sale, CWS 5/7 2/3
David Price, BOS 8/1 8/1
Cole Hamels, TEX 15/1 10/1
Felix Hernandez, SEA 12/1 15/1
Jordan Zimmermann, DET 15/1 18/1
Jose Quintana, CWS 15/1 18/1
Chris Tillman, BAL 20/1 20/1
Danny Salazar, CLE 20/1 20/1
Rick Porcello, BOS 20/1 25/1
J.A. Happ, TOR 25/1 25/1
Marcus Stroman, TOR 25/1 25/1
Corey Kluber, CLE 50/1 30/1
Josh Tomlin, CLE 50/1 60/1
Taijuan Walker, SEA 50/1 80/1
Mat Latos, CWS 60/1 100/1
Chris Archer, TB 100/1 100/1


National League MVP Odds

Player Opening Odds Current Odds

Nolan Arenado, COL 11/4 3/1
Yoenis Cespedes, NYM 5/1 3/1
Bryce Harper, WSH 11/4 7/2
Anthony Rizzo, CHC 3/1 7/2
Kris Bryant, CHC 10/1 7/1
Giancarlo Stanton, MIA 10/1 15/1
Andrew McCutchen, PIT 30/1 30/1
Daniel Murphy, WSH 50/1 30/1
Trevor Story, COL 50/1 80/1
Paul Goldschmidt, ARZ 50/1 80/1
Hunter Pence, SF 200/1 100/1
Matt Carpenter, STL 200/1 100/1
Ryan Braun, MIL 100/1 200/1
Matt Holliday, STL 200/1 200/1
Matt Kemp, SD 200/1 200/1
Buster Posey, SF 200/1 200/1


American League MVP Odds

Player Opening Odds Current Odds

Manny Machado, BAL 5/2 9/4
Robinson Cano, SEA 3/1 11/4
Mike Trout, LAA 8/1 11/2
Josh Donaldson, TOR 12/1 15/1
Todd Frazier, CWS 15/1 15/1
David Ortiz, BOS 15/1 15/1
Eric Hosmer, KC 20/1 20/1
Jose Altuve, HOU 12/1 25/1
Miguel Cabrera, DET 60/1 30/1
Mookie Betts, BOS 50/1 30/1
Mark Trumbo, BAL 30/1 40/1
Xander Bogaerts, BOS 40/1 40/1
Nelson Cruz, SEA 50/1 40/1
Chris Davis, BAL 30/1 40/1
George Springer, HOU 40/1 50/1
Adrian Beltre, TEX 50/1 50/1
Jose Bautista, TOR 40/1 50/1
Edwin Encarnacion, TOR 40/1 60/1
Dustin Pedroia, BOS 40/1 80/1
Carlos Correa, HOU 60/1 100/1


Home Run Title Odds

Player Current Odds

Yoenis Cespedes, NYM 7/1
Chris Davis, BAL 7/1
Nolan Arenado, COL 7/1
Mark Trumbo, BAL 7/1
Giancarlo Stanton, MIA 8/1
Bryce Harper, WSH 8/1
Manny Machado, BAL 10/1
Todd Frazier, CWS 12/1
Field 18/1
Mike Trout, LAA 18/1
Jose Bautista, TOR 20/1
Edwin Encarnacion, TOR 25/1
Kris Bryant, CHC 25/1
Josh Donaldson, TOR 25/1
David Ortiz, BOS 30/1
Anthony Rizzo, CHC 30/1
Nelson Cruz, SEA 30/1
Miguel Cabrera, DET 40/1
Miguel Sano, MIN 40/1
Khris Davis, OAK 40/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Orioles belt seven homers in win
By The Sports Xchange

BALTIMORE -- Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking three-run homer, while Adam Jones and Mark Trumbo belted two homers apiece as Baltimore Orioles recorded a season-high seven in Thursday's 12-7 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Trumbo and Jones each hit two-run and solo shots but it was the Machado's homer in the seventh off Junichi Tazawa that snapped a 5-5 tie and gave Baltimore the lead for good.
Alvarez added his solo shot in the eighth which made it 9-5. Francisco Pena, in his first game with the Orioles, also hit a two-run homer later in the inning -- his first in the major leagues.
Jones hit his second later in the three-homer inning to make it 12-5. The Red Sox added two in the ninth.
The Orioles scored all 13 runs in Wednesday's victory without a homer, but got all 12 on Thursday via the long ball.
Mychal Givens (4-0) earned the victory with two innings of scoreless relief after starter Ubaldo Jimenez stumbled in the the sixth.

Diamondbacks 3, Astros 0
HOUSTON -- Zack Greinke delivered his best start of the season and Arizona averted a four-game series sweep with a victory over Houston at Minute Maid Park.
Greinke was masterful in seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits -- all singles. He did not walk a batter and had a season-high 11 strikeouts.
The Astros proved helpless against Greinke as their season-best five-game winning streak ended. They pushed only two runners into scoring position against Greinke.

Cubs 7, Dodgers 2
CHICAGO -- Chicago smacked three home runs off rookie Julio Urias and never looked back while taking three of four games in the series.
Kyle Hendricks went eight innings for the Cubs before he was pulled for a pinch hitter. He allowed two runs, three hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his second straight game of eight or more innings.
Urias, who gave up three runs and five hits against the Mets in a 2 2/3-inning major league debut on May 27, lasted longer but was hit harder. He gave up six runs and eight hits in five innings against the Cubs, including three home runs.

Giants 6, Braves 0
ATLANTA -- Madison Bumgarner smashed the first of San Francisco's three fifth-inning homers and allowed four hits in 7 2/3 innings as the Giants salvaged a split of a four-game series.
Bumgarner struck out 11 and walked two in winning his sixth straight decision and lowering his ERA to 1.91.
The homer by Bumgarner, a long blast into the left-field seats, was his second of the season and 13th of his career -- the most by an active pitcher. Joe Panik and Buster Posey followed with two-run shots to chase Braves rookie starter Aaron Blair.

Brewers 4, Phillies 1
PHILADELPHIA -- Chase Anderson won for just the second time in his last 10 starts as Milwaukee beat Philadelphia, its eighth straight victory in Citizens Bank Park.
Chris Carter and Jonathan Villar homered for Milwaukee, which won its second straight.
Anderson, who began the night 1-6 with two no-decisions since winning his first start of the season, went 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run and three hits while striking out six. He didn't walk a batter, but he did hit one, while improving to 3-6.

Indians 5, Royals 4
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on an RBI triple by Francisco Lindor and a sacrifice fly by Mike Napoli to beat Kansas City at Progressive Field.
Trailing 4-3, the Indians' ninth-inning rally began with a single by Carlos Santana off Joakim Soria (2-2). Santana's hit was bobbled by right fielder Paulo Orlando, with the error allowing Santana to go to second.
The win went to Tommy Hunter (2-1), who pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings. The loss snapped Kansas City's six-game losing streak.

Marlins 4, Pirates 3 (12 innings)
MIAMI -- Christian Yelich hit a two-out, walk-off double in the 12th inning to lead Miami over Pittsburgh at Marlins Park.
The Marlins are 3-0-2 in four-game series this season, sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers and taking three of four from the Tamp Bay Rays and the Pirates.
For Pittsburgh, it was more than just the three straight losses to end this series, pushing the Pirates to eight games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.
The bigger issue for the Pirates was the four starters who left due to injuries -- catcher Francisco Cervelli (right foot), center fielder Andrew McCutchen (right thumb), first baseman David Freese (right wrist) and shortstop Jordy Mercer (left elbow). All but McCutchen were hit by pitches.

Yankees 5, Tigers 4
DETROIT -- Jacoby Ellsbury drove in three runs, including a two-run triple during a four-run seventh, and New York halted a three-game losing streak by holding off Detroit at Comerica Park.
The game was a makeup of an April 10 postponement.
Rob Refsnyder contributed two hits, two runs scored and an RBI for the Yankees. Dellin Betances (2-2) got the win in relief, allowing one run and one hit in 1 1/3 innings with three strikeouts. Aroldis Chapman collected his eighth save despite allowing a run.
Detroit loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth before J.D. Martinez hit into a double play. Chapman then retired Miguel Cabrera on a groundout.

Twins 6, Rays 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- Byung Ho Park had a career-high three hits and Eduardo Nunez had an inside-the-park home run to lead Minnesota to a win over Tampa Bay at Target Field.
The Twins pounded out 15 hits as a team as every player in the lineup had at least one knock; Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak with the win.
Evan Longoria had a pair of hits, including a two-run homer, as Tampa Bay lost its fifth consecutive game.

Reds 11, Rockies 4
DENVER -- Cincinnati stumbled into Coors Field with 12 losses in 13 games. It put that agonizing stretch behind it and won their first road series of the season by pounding Colorado.
The victory gave the Reds three wins in the four-game series and back-to-back victories for the first time since they tied their season-high with a three-game winning streak May 4-6.
The Reds pounded Rockies starter Eddie Butler, driving him from the game in a six-run fifth where the big blow was a three-run homer by Eugenio Suarez.
The Reds hit four homers. Suarez had his first two-homer game and set a career-high with 10 total bases. He also tied his career-highs in hits (3) and RBIs (4).

Mariners 16, Padres 13
SAN DIEGO -- Seattle rallied from a 10-run deficit after five innings to defeat San Diego in the highest scoring game in the history of Petco Park.
The Mariners scored 14 runs over two innings -- five in the sixth and nine in the seventh -- after falling behind 12-2 when the Padres scored seven runs in the bottom of the fifth.
Seattle sent 13 hitters to the plate against three Padres relievers in the decisive seventh inning getting the nine runs on eight hits, a walk and a hit batter. The Mariners had seven straight singles after two out.
Kyle Seager and Dae-Ho Lee each had four RBIs for the Mariners.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (24-32) at Cubs (37-15)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 03, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

Already boasting the top rotation in baseball, Chicago Cubs starters have been lights out during one of their longest homestands of the season.

John Lackey has appeared quite comfortable at Wrigley Field throughout his first campaign with the Cubs and will seek another win there Friday while producing a better outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cubs' 2.38 ERA from their starters is the best in the majors by a wide margin, topping Washington's 3.06, and they have registered an exceptional 1.12 mark during this homestand.

Kyle Hendricks actually bumped that up from 0.89 after becoming the first starter during this stay at Wrigley Field to give up two earned runs Thursday in a 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"There's definitely a competitiveness (among starting pitchers), a friendly competition," said Hendricks, whose team is 6-1 on its homestand and has won eight of nine overall. "I think it fuels all of us. We see one guy go out there and dominate, and the next in line wants to go do it."

Lackey (5-2, 3.16 ERA) is set to open the final series on the homestand and has gone 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA in five starts at his new park. The right-hander has given up a combined two runs in 15 innings in his last two games there and yielded one in seven in a 7-2 victory against Philadelphia on Sunday.

His performance in his first win in four overall starts got him a little closer to getting out of last place in ERA among Cubs starters. Hendricks is next-to-last at 2.84 behind Jake Arrieta (1.56), Jason Hammel (2.09) and Jon Lester (2.29).

Lackey gave up six runs in six innings in his Cubs debut April 7 in Arizona but got the win from a 14-6 victory. He was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his prior three matchups.

The Cubs (37-15) took three of four at Chase Field in their second series this season and will face a team that's lost seven of 10. The Diamondbacks (24-32) managed to snap a four-game road losing streak and a three-game overall slide Thursday with a 3-0 victory against Houston.

Zack Greinke fanned 11 in seven innings while helping lower Arizona's ERA in its past 10 games to 6.39. Diamondbacks starters have a 7.66 mark over that span.

Archie Bradley (2-0, 6.11) yielded three runs in 7 1/3 innings while striking out a career-high nine in a 6-3 victory over San Diego on Sunday after being recalled from the minors. Arizona needed his assistance with Shelby Miller and Rubby De La Rosa heading to the disabled list.

"I know I'm going to get a chance to stay for a little bit," Bradley said. "I just want to prove it and earn my spot and show these guys every fifth day I can go out, take the ball and give them a chance to win."

Bradley will face the Cubs for the first time and one of their less-heralded players has proved a top performer against the Diamondbacks. Tommy La Stella is a career .464 hitter in nine lifetime matchups and went 4 for 8 in the series in April.

Jean Segura was 5 for 13 with two homers and two doubles for Arizona. He's 10 for 22 with two home runs lifetime against Lackey.

Paul Goldschmidt is batting .365 with eight homers in 28 career matchups, his second-best average versus any NL opponent. Goldschmidt, hitting .378 in his last 13 games, is 3 for 5 with a home run off Lackey.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (25-29) at Phillies (26-28)

Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

While most pitchers' success is determined by command, Jimmy Nelson has risen to ace status for the Milwaukee Brewers by being effectively wild.

That could be a wise game plan as he faces a struggling Philadelphia Phillies team that hasn't been patient enough to take many free passes.

Nelson will try to extend a strong three-week stretch Friday night when the Brewers seek their fifth straight road win and ninth in row at Philadelphia.

Nelson (5-3, 2.88 ERA) has come of age in his fourth season, leading Milwaukee starters in wins, ERA, strikeouts (59) and innings (72). The right-hander, however, has certainly taken an unusual path to get there.

The 26-year-old Nelson ranks in the majors' top 15 with 28 walks and 14.6 pitches thrown per inning. He's hit at least one batter in each of his last five.

"When guys step in the box, they know they can't really bank on a pitch where they're looking at," catcher Jonathan Lucroy told the league's official website. "He has a lot of movement within the zone. He throws strikes, but they're not going to hit my spot every time; they're going to be kind of spread around."

Nelson has been outstanding with a 1.57 ERA over his last four outings. He allowed six of the first seven batters to reach base Sunday before settling in and giving up two runs over 7 1/3 innings in a 5-4 home win over Cincinnati.

Nelson has pitched into the eighth inning in three of his last four starts.

He could fare well after Milwaukee (25-29) grabbed a 4-1 win in the opener of this four-game series. Entering Thursday, Philadelphia ranked near the bottom of MLB with 129 walks and 3.76 pitches seen per plate appearance.

The Phillies (26-28) also have totaled 12 runs, batted .189 and struck out 63 times during a season-worst seven-game losing streak. Maikel Franco and rookie Tommy Joseph combined for four of the team's five hits in the opener.

Franco, who hit his team-high ninth homer Thursday, is 9 for 17 with four long balls and nine RBIs in the four meetings with the Brewers this season.

Nelson went 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA in two starts versus Philadelphia last season. Odubel Herrera has hit two doubles in his three career at-bats in the matchup.

Vince Velasquez (5-2, 3.63) leads the Phillies in victories, but he's hoping to recapture his early season form. Since going 4-1 with a 1.44 ERA in his first five starts, the right-hander has gone 1-1 with a 6.31 mark over his past five.

Velasquez will try to rebound after allowing a career-high seven runs and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings in Sunday's 7-2 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.

'It's one of those days they put the bat on the ball, it falls into play and you've got to just continue pitching,' Velasquez said.

He'll get his first look at a Milwaukee team that has won seven of 10 overall and looks to extend a franchise-record winning streak at Philadelphia.

Jonathan Villar and Chris Carter homered and Lucroy added two hits for the Brewers in the opener. Lucroy is 11 for 21 with three homers and 11 RBIs over his last six games and has gone 16 for 36 in his past nine against the Phillies.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (25-28) at Orioles (30-22)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

Though the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles haven't played particularly well lately, a pair of winning streaks will be on the line Friday night.

Runs should be at a premium with both Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Tillman looking to win a seventh consecutive decision in the series opener at Camden Yards.

New York (25-28) held on for a 5-4 win in Detroit on Thursday to end a three-game skid. Jacoby Ellsbury drove in three runs for the Yankees, who entered batting .176 with 19 runs in the previous eight games.

"It was a big win for us," manager Joe Girardi said.

Brett Gardner (0 for 23) and Brian McCann (1 for 23) were held out of the starting lineup, while Mark Teixeira went 0 for 4 as his slump reached 3 for 42.

Baltimore's struggling offense busted out Wednesday with 13 runs against Boston and the onslaught continued in Thursday's 12-7 victory. Mark Trumbo and Adam Jones hit two of the Orioles' season-high seven homers as they salvaged a split of the four-game series and pulled within one game of the AL-East leading Red Sox.

"A lot of people would have folded the tent after the first two games," manager Buck Showalter said, "but our guys got their dander up a little bit and wanted to show everybody that we could score a few runs, too."

Trumbo, who moved into a tie for the major league with 17 home runs, is 10 for 30 with four homers, 11 RBIs and three doubles in his last eight games.

The revitalized offense now takes aim at Eovaldi (6-2, 3.71 ERA), who has won a career-best five straight starts and is 6-0 in his last seven since losing consecutive outings in April. He limited an opponent to one run or less for the third straight game, giving up one with seven strikeouts over six innings in a 2-1 victory at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

The right-hander has a 2.03 ERA during his five-start streak after he posted a 5.46 mark in his first five.

Eovaldi went 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in three starts last season against the Orioles (30-22), failing to complete six innings in any of them.

Tillman (7-1, 2.92) is also 6-0 in his last seven starts with a 2.33 ERA during that span. He had recorded six straight quality starts before Sunday's 6-4 win at Cleveland during which he allowed four runs - all on three homers - over six innings.

After surrendering four home runs in his last two starts - both on the road - Tillman will be happy to get back to Camden Yards, where is 5-0 with a 2.04 ERA in seven starts with just two home runs allowed.

The right-hander has reversed his fortunes against the Yankees after opening his career 3-4 with a 7.43 ERA in his first nine meetings. He's gone 4-2 with a 2.58 ERA in the last eight, including a seven-inning, one-run performance May 3 in a 4-1 victory.

This has always been a favorable matchup for Alex Rodriguez, who is 6 for 16 with four homers off Tillman. Teixeira (9 for 25) and Didi Gregorius (5 for 10 with two home runs) also have fared well.

Baltimore has won seven of eight against New York, including two of three at home in early May.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (24-29) at Pirates (29-24)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

Albert Pujols did plenty of damage at PNC Park during his most productive years in the National League. With injuries and age taking their toll over the last few seasons, he's used the AL's designated hitter rule to his advantage with the Los Angeles Angels.

That won't be an option in this series, but manager Mike Scioscia believes Pujols will be just fine playing first base Friday night and through the weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who might be without a few key contributors for the opener.

Pujols left St. Louis to sign with the Angels (24-29) after 2011 and hasn't played in Pittsburgh since, but being back on the field could trigger some good memories.

He's a .376 career hitter at PNC Park, with his 133 hits, 29 homers and 32 doubles being the most he's registered at any visiting stadium. Aside from that favorable history, Pujols is hitting .295 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 17 games as a first baseman this season compared to a .203 average in 35 as a DH.

Pujols didn't start for the first time this year in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Detroit, striking out as a pinch hitter in the eighth.

"It was by design to work him into (first base) slowly," Scioscia told MLB's official website. "I think he's shown that he has the stamina to go out there and play first base more than maybe might have been anticipated from. We'll take advantage of that when we have that presented to us."

Los Angeles is hoping to have Yunel Escobar back in the lineup against the Pirates (29-24) after he missed his third straight game with a sore left wrist. The club won't have Cliff Pennington, though, after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring just days after being activated from the same injury.

The Angels didn't get their first hit until two outs in the seventh Wednesday and now begin a seven-game trip in one of Pujols' favorite ballparks. However, he's only 1 for 15 in his career against Francisco Liriano, who will get the ball for Pittsburgh.

Liriano (4-4, 4.63 ERA) had a rough outing Sunday, though, giving up five runs in six innings of a 6-2 loss to Texas. He allowed two homers to left-handed hitters in the same game for the first time in his career, both coming in the fourth after he cruised through the first three innings.

The left-hander also walked four after issuing five free passes in his prior start.

"There's times when he gets in those situations that he seems to overthrow," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Two runaway walks to right-handers and two missed locations to left-handers. They both made us pay."

Jered Weaver didn't fare much better in his last start. Weaver (4-4, 5.40) gave up four runs - the sixth time in his 10 starts he's allowed at least that many - and walked a season-high three over six innings of Saturday's 4-2 loss to Houston.

Astros' manager A.J. Hinch said Weaver "lulls you to sleep," partially because of a fastball that has lost its zip. Weaver didn't throw that pitch with a higher velocity than 86 mph, with his curve dropping under 70 at times.

The right-hander relied heavily on his fastball through 2014, topping out at a 64.6 percent usage rate in 2012. This season, Weaver is throwing it only 20.8 percent of the time.

"I don't have a fastball anymore, apparently, according to what everybody says," Weaver said. "I'm just going out there and trying to pitch."

Weaver's only start against the Pirates was a loss in 2013. Former teammate David Freese is 4 for 6 against Weaver, but he left after being hit by a pitch in the eighth inning of Thursday's 4-3, 12-inning loss to Miami.

Andrew McCutchen left in the sixth with right thumb discomfort after lining out, and catcher Francisco Cervelli also exited after being hit on the foot in the second. It's uncertain if any of the three will play in this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (29-23) at Marlins (29-25)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

After a pair of outings that were far from typical for Noah Syndergaard, the New York Mets' hard-throwing right-hander hopes to return to his usual form.

Syndergaard gets that opportunity Friday night against a team he dominated earlier this season when the Mets visit the Miami Marlins, who are seeking their fifth win in the last six games of this NL East series.

Miami (29-25) took the first two of a three-game set over New York (29-23) from April 11-13, extending its win streak in this matchup to four games dating to September.

The Marlins won the middle game 2-1 despite a typical Syndergaard performance. The 6-foot-6, 242-pound flamethrower struck out 12 over seven innings, allowing seven hits and a run.

However, Syndergaard (5-2, 1.84 ERA) is coming off a pair of odd appearances. First, the second-year pitcher threw only 34 pitches in Saturday's 9-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers before he was ejected in the third inning for firing a 99 mph fastball behind Chase Utley - seemingly a retaliation for Utley's postseason takeout slide at second base that broke the right leg of then-Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada.

Syndergaard was immediately ejected by plate umpire Adam Hamari.

"It was just a pitch that got away from me. That's all I got," Syndergaard said. "I can understand why (Hamari) did what he did. I still think a warning would have been better."

Three days later, Syndergaard made the first regular-season relief appearance of his two-year career. He struck out two Chicago White Sox hitters in a perfect seventh inning of Tuesday's 6-4 loss. Syndergaard consistently hit 100 mph on the radar gun while throwing 17 pitches.

In Syndergaard's lone career outing against the Marlins in April, third baseman Derek Dietrich went 2 for 3 with a double and RBI off him.

A matchup against Syndergaard might be a nightmare right now for Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. The three-time All-Star has struck out 21 times in his last 41 plate appearances, going 4 for 34 in the 10-game stretch. One of his two RBIs in the slump came on a May 24 home run before taking a week off with soreness in his right side.

Though Stanton returned in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Pittsburgh, Dietrich exited after getting hit on the wrist. According to MLB's official website, X-rays revealed a bone bruise, and the second baseman hopes to only miss a couple games.

"It didn't sound good, from him," manager Don Mattingly told MLB's website. "He felt like something happened right away. Usually guys kind of hang in there and say, 'Ah, wait, wait (to check out the injury).' He knew something right away, which is not great. Hopefully we'll get some good news."

Christian Yelich hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the 12th inning Thursday night to lift the Miami Marlins to a 4-3 victory over the Pirates. A Miami lineup that has scored just 10 runs its last four games will back Tom Koehler on Friday.

Koehler (3-5, 4.50) has been wild over his last five starts but somewhat effective. While the right-hander is 1-2 with 22 walks in the stretch, he has 24 strikeouts and a 2.56 ERA.

The five-year pro picked up his first win since April 26 with Sunday's 7-3 victory at Atlanta. Koehler gave up three hits and three runs - two earned - while walking five in seven innings in his fourth straight game issuing five walks.

Koehler is 2-5 with a 4.26 ERA in 14 career starts against the Mets. He held an 8.22 ERA in five 2015 starts in the NL East matchup.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (33-21) at Reds (19-35)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

(AP) - A player batting almost .400 is the driving force behind the Washington Nationals' offense. And his name isn't Bryce Harper.

Second baseman Daniel Murphy is the guy swinging the hot bat. He's picked up where he left off during the New York Mets' run to the World Series and taken his game to another level.

Murphy is hitting a major league-best .394 two months into the season and has nine home runs and 34 RBIs entering Friday night's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

"He's been great all over," manager Dusty Baker said. "He just keeps doing his thing, and we're going to help him keep doing his thing. We're glad we have him."

Expectations were high for Murphy given his big October and $37.5 million, three-year contract with the Nationals (33-21), but few expected him to lead the majors with 78 hits this far into the season and be Washington's offensive catalyst.

Murphy on Thursday was selected NL player of the month. His 47 hits in May tied the franchise record for a month - a mark shared by Montreal's Al Oliver and Marquis Grissom. That's some impressive company but nothing compared to whether Murphy can be the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941.

"Right now, he's not thinking about hitting .400," Baker said. "He's not thinking about anything other than the simplest form each at-bat, each inning at a time."

Murphy, like a lot of superstitious baseball players, is reticent to talk about his hitting. The 31-year-old chalked up the hot start to "good fortune" and said he's having a blast because the Nationals are in first place in the NL East and he's getting hits.

"They're falling right now," Murphy said. "I'm in another good lineup, here in Washington. I'm swinging the bat well. We're all playing well right now, and I think we put ourselves in a really good spot."

Murphy is a major reason for that, along with the pitching of undefeated Stephen Strasburg and hitting of catcher Wilson Ramos.

And while batting .400 in a season is a daunting task, it's not crazy to think Murphy could win the NL batting title. He has a comfortable cushion, up 52 points on Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun.

After leaving the Mets in free agency, Murphy has fit right in as the Nationals' cleanup hitter. Despite being on pace to shatter his career high in home runs, he's not a traditional power hitter in the No. 4 spot but does the job Baker needs.

"He wasn't my choice as the cleanup hitter from the beginning. He was my choice because of his performance and what other guys weren't doing with their performance," Baker said. "Daniel Murphy can hit. In my mind he can hit second, third, fifth, six. There are a whole bunch of places for a guy like Daniel Murphy, and there are times I wish I could hit him in more than a couple spots."

With Harper, Ramos, Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth, there should be enough depth in the Nationals' lineup to survive even if Murphy falls off this pace. But right now, they're happy to let it ride.

"Murph has given me his best, plus some," Baker said. "Instead of worrying about, 'When is it going to stop,' it's just, 'Give me some more, keep it going.'"

Keeping it going would be a big boost to Gio Gonzalez (3-3), who is coming off a horrid two-start stretch in which he's allowed 13 earned runs over 9 2/3 innings.

After allowing 10 hits - three of them homers - and seven runs in a 7-1 loss to the Mets on May 23, he gave up six runs and six hits in a 9-4 loss to St. Louis on Saturday. It was the first time in his career he allowed six earned runs in back-to-back starts, and they ballooned his ERA from 1.86 to 3.57.

The Reds (19-35) will hand to ball to Brandon Finnegan (1-4, 4.14 ERA) looking to end an eight-game losing streak in his starts. Cincinnati hasn't won when he pitches since he earned his only victory in a 9-8 win over the Cardinals on April 16.

"It's really easy to get frustrated, it's easy to make excuses, too, at the same time," Finnegan said. "I don't question anybody's effort. Everyone's out there wanting to do the same thing. We want to win. It doesn't matter if we're rebuilding or not.

"We've got the talent on this team to win, and I think we can. It's a matter of getting on a roll, something we haven't had since the first week of the season. I think it's going to come. It's just one of those things, we have to grind out every pitch."

Cincinnati appears poised to end Finnegan's slump behind an offense that has come to life with 44 runs scored during a 4-2 stretch, although four of those games and 33 of the runs came at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (29-25) at Tigers (25-28)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

The Detroit Tigers knew they had little choice to put Jordan Zimmermann on the disabled list if he missed more than one start, but a unique method for a pitcher to test his injury seems to have worked.

He'll be back on the hill Friday night against the visiting Chicago White Sox in the first meeting between the AL Central rivals this season.

Zimmermann (7-2, 2.52 ERA) certainly lived up to the expectations early after signing a $110 million contract in the offseason, posting a 0.55 ERA while winning his first five outings. He's leveled out with a 4.88 ERA over his last four, including giving up two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a win over Tampa Bay in his last start May 22.

The right-hander suffered a strained right groin in that contest, though, and was forced to miss Saturday's start against Oakland. Rather than focusing on his motion on the mound, Zimmermann went through multiple fielding drills earlier this week to test the groin and came away feeling good.

A solid bullpen session confirmed he would be good to go against the White Sox (29-25). Manager Brad Ausmus said there won't be any pitch restrictions and would let Zimmermann decide how he feels as he goes along.

"The big test was (the drills)," Zimmermann said. "I came out just fine, so I'm sure I will be a little sore but nothing to be concerned about."

Zimmermann has a 1.29 ERA in two starts against the White Sox, who head to Detroit with a little more life after winning the final two of three-game series with the New York Mets.

Chicago had dropped seven in a row before winning Tuesday, then Todd Frazier's tying homer in the seventh and relief pitcher Matt Albers' unlikely winning run gave the White Sox a 2-1 victory in 13 innings Wednesday.

It gave Chicago its first road series victory since April 25-27 at Toronto.

"We battled the whole game, made key plays, pitchers came up big, shutting everybody out every time," said Todd Frazier, whose 17 homers lead the majors. "We were focused and determined.

"I told everybody, 'Keep battling. We have an off day (Thursday). Keep going.'"

The White Sox hit a low point the last time Carlos Rodon was on the mound, blowing a six-run lead in the ninth and losing to Kansas City on Saturday. They'll send Rodon to the hill again for this one as they shoot for their first three-game winning streak since a four-game run May 6-9.

Rodon (2-4, 4.24) has pitched much better over his last three, posting a 2.55 ERA to bring his season mark down from 4.99. He allowed one run in five innings and was in line for the win before the bullpen imploded.

The left-hander faced Detroit once as a rookie last year, giving up four runs and eight hits in five innings. Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez homered off Rodon in that contest.

Ausmus gave Kinsler the day off for rest Thursday as the Tigers (25-28) played a makeup game against the New York Yankees. They fell 5-4 for their fifth loss in six tries despite Miguel Cabrera going 3 for 4.

Former Tiger Austin Jackson's status for this series is unclear. Jackson missed the White Sox's entire series against the Mets with turf toe, and if he's not ready he'll likely head to the disabled list.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (30-23) at Indians (28-24)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: June 03, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

Even though the club is missing some key hitters, Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain have helped lead the Kansas City Royals to a positive stretch at the plate.

It might be difficult to continue that effort against a right-hander that has given trouble to the defending World Series champions and AL Central leaders.

Danny Salazar will try to help the Cleveland Indians move closer to the Royals with their third consecutive victory Friday night at Progressive Field.

Kansas City is currently without three players who held major roles in last year's run to the title: Salvador Perez, Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon.

Moustakas had season-ending surgery on his right knee following a May 22 collision with Gordon, who suffered a broken wrist and is on the disabled list. Perez has been out since last weekend with a left quad contusion but may return during this series.

The short-handed Royals (30-23), however, have averaged 6.8 runs and batted .356 while winning eight of their last 10 games. Cain has been seeing the ball well, batting .440 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in his last 12 games. He's also 11 for 22 with a double over his past five against the Indians.

Hosmer has gone 16 for 32 with 14 RBIs over an eight-game hitting streak.

In Thursday's opener of this four-game set, Kansas City handed a two-run advantage over to its normally reliable bullpen before for Indians (28-24) rallied for three runs in the final two innings to steal a 5-4 victory.

Tyler Naquin had an RBI single in the eighth inning before Francisco Lindor hit an RBI triple ahead of Mike Napoli's walk-off sacrifice fly in the ninth off Joakim Soria, who filled in for resting closer Wade Davis.

"We know we can do it, but it's always fun, it's always good to have moments like this," Lindor said after Cleveland closed within 1 1/2 games of Kansas City.

Now the Royals could have a tougher time scoring when Salazar (5-3, 2.39 ERA) takes the mound. The right-hander, who ranks in the AL's top five in ERA, has limited opponents to two runs or less in eight of his 10 starts.

Salazar bounced back from his worst outing of the season when he allowed two runs over six innings in Saturday's 11-4 home win over Baltimore. He's gone 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA with 29 strikeouts in four outings at Progressive Field.

The 26-year-old also has gone 2-1 with a 1.35 ERA in his last three meetings with Kansas City. He surrendered just four hits and struck out a season high-tying nine over 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 7-1 home victory May 6.

Cain went 2 for 3 when facing Salazar in that contest and is 8 for 20 lifetime in the matchup. Hosmer has gone 8 for 23 with two homers off him.

Edinson Volquez (5-4, 3.74) hopes to help the Royals avoid their first back-to-back losses since a three-game skid May 8-10. He has a 2.38 ERA in seven home starts, but owns a 6.55 mark in his four away from Kauffman Stadium.

The right-hander hasn't had much success in anywhere versus Cleveland, going 2-5 with an 8.31 ERA with 11 home runs allowed in eight career starts.

Volquez last faced the Indians on May 8 when he surrendered five runs, seven hits and walked four over 4 1/3 innings in a 5-4 defeat. Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli each hit solo home runs off him in that contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (29-26) at Red Sox (32-22)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 03, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

Xander Bogaerts emphatically extended his career-best hitting streak last weekend against the Toronto Blue Jays. In this rematch at Fenway Park, the AL batting leader's biggest competition might happen to be his teammate.

As Bogaerts looks to move closer to Jackie Bradley Jr.'s season-high run, the resurgent David Price will try to pitch the Boston Red Sox to their third victory over his former team in as many starts in Friday night's series opener.

Bogaerts went 2 for 5 with three RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 26 games in Thursday's 12-7 loss at Baltimore. The shortstop's current run is the second-longest in the major leagues this season behind Bradley's 29-game streak.

'Hopefully, we just continue to swing the bats and the pitching will take care of itself," he said after the Red Sox were outscored 25-16 in the last two games.

Bogaerts will try to continue his streak while helping Boston notch its 14th win in 17 home games. He went 5 for 11 with a home run, two RBIs and four runs scored in the final two games of last weekend's series at Toronto (29-26).

The Blue Jays took two of three to even the season series through 10 games before sweeping the New York Yankees with Wednesday's 7-0 home win. They've outscored their last eight opponents 46-27 to move within 3 1/2 games of first-place Boston.

Josh Donaldson has gone 9 for 24 with two home runs over his past six games and is batting .366 with four long balls in the 10 meetings with Boston (32-22).

Price (7-1, 5.11 ERA), however, limited Toronto to two runs over 6 1/3 innings Sunday in his first start at Rogers Centre since helping the Blue Jays reach the ALCS in October as the Red Sox salvaged a 5-3, 11-inning win.

The left-hander allowed two runs over seven innings while striking out nine in a 4-2 home win over Toronto on April 16. Ezequiel Carrera is 3 for 5 off Price this season, while Bautista is hitting .345 with six homers in 55 career at-bats.

Since posting a 6.75 ERA over his first seven starts, the five-time All-Star has rediscovered his ace form by going 3-0 with a 2.63 mark in his last four.

"This is a very tough lineup to navigate through, one through nine," Price told the league's official website on Sunday. "So for me, I wanted to continue with what I have done my past couple starts and give us a chance to win."

Toronto's R.A. Dickey took a no-hitter into the sixth inning Sunday before surrendering three runs and three hits in giving up his two-run lead. He's 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA with 10 walks over three meetings with Boston this season.

"That's a really good hitting ballclub, so I'm not going to give in to their hitters," the knuckleballer explained.

Bogaerts has hit .361 with a home run and four doubles in 36 career at-bats off Dickey (2-6, 4.64), while Mookie Betts has batted .323 in 31 at-bats. Betts also has gone 10 for 21 with five homers and eight RBIs over his last five games.

David Ortiz is batting .439 with 17 RBIs over a 10-game hitting streak and has homered in five of his last six. The retiring slugger is hitting .278 with three home runs and three doubles in 36 at-bats versus Dickey.

Bradley, who has been on paternity leave, is expected to return Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (31-22) at Rangers (31-22)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: June 03, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

The Texas Rangers finally got a long-awaited look at Yu Darvish over the weekend, and they seem to feel more comfortable that their top-end of the rotation pitcher is back.

Darvish hopes to continue settling in after a long layoff when he takes the mound in Friday night's series opener against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

The AL West leaders split the opening six games of this season's series, but Texas (31-22) and Darvish will face a lineup that is rolling. Seattle (31-22) piled up 54 hits and 47 runs while taking three of four from San Diego.

The Mariners are coming off one of the most remarkable wins in franchise history, erasing a 10-run deficit en route to a wild 16-13 victory over the Padres on Thursday. Kyle Seager went 3 for 5 with five RBIs, while Nelson Cruz and Dao-Ho Lee homered to help Seattle score 16 for the second time in three games.

Seager is 15 for 25 with 11 RBIs during a six-game hitting streak, and has had some success against Darvish. He's 7 for 22 with four doubles.

Darvish (1-0, 1.80 ERA) struck out seven and allowed a run and three hits in five innings of Saturday's 5-2 win over Pittsburgh. The right-hander threw 81 pitches in his return from last year's Tommy John surgery.

'Physically I felt I could go more innings, but mentally I was like 'I'm done here,'' Darvish said through an interpreter. '(Saturday) I was heating it up pretty good so I felt pretty good.'

Cole Hamels, Colby Lewis and Martin Perez have carried Texas' staff through the season's opening two months, but Darvish should provide another quality arm in the mix.

Texas manager Jeff Banister had only seen Darvish once in the majors before Saturday, as a bench coach with Pittsburgh in September 2013.

'It's still as electric, explosive as I remember it,' Banister said. 'The stuff, when you look at the hitters, and you watch the expressions and their reactions, you can tell the stuff was electric. Just as impressive tonight as it was back then.'

Darvish struggled to a 4.47 ERA in eight career starts against the Mariners from 2012-14, going 3-3. However, he went 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his last five.

Adam Lind (5 for 11) and Seth Smith (5 for 13, three doubles) have seen him well.

The Mariners will counter with Taijuan Walker, who hopes June brings him far better luck than May did.

The 23-year-old went 0-5 in six May starts with a 4.91 ERA. He has given up nine home runs in his last five outings.

Walker (2-5, 3.31) opened the season 2-0 with a 1.44 ERA in his first four starts but hasn't won since April 25. Run support and defensive issues weighed him down in May, but his latest loss fell on his shoulders.

Walker, who gets only 2.82 runs of support per nine innings, saw his ERA jump 0.61 points when he gave up five runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings of Sunday's 5-4 loss to Minnesota. He matched a career high with three home runs allowed while walking two and hitting a batter.

'I tried to sneak a couple offspeed pitches by them and they got them,' Walker said.

Walker's strong opening month included six strong innings in a 4-2 win over Texas on April 13. He permitted one run and five hits, lowering his ERA to 3.68 in four career starts against them.

Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder are each 5 for 11 against Walker, while one of Mitch Moreland's two hits in 10 at-bats in the matchup was a homer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (25-29) at Astros (25-30)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 03, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

Although one team had its momentum slowed in its latest game, the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros have found some traction lately in their attempted turnarounds.

The A's will try to add to their reversal of fortune by earning a season high-tying sixth consecutive win Friday night against the Astros.

Oakland was nine games below .500 until a 12-3 rout of Detroit on Saturday and has continued to shine at the plate during the win streak, batting .339 and scoring 31 runs. It produced 11 hits in a 5-1 win over Minnesota on Wednesday.

The A's (25-29) will look to carry those performances into an eight-game trip and begin to improve a 5-13 record in their last 18 on the road. The pitchers have been to blame for much of that dismal mark with a 7.52 ERA in that stretch, and the starters have put up an 8.42 mark.

Oakland has a 2.40 ERA during the win streak, its longest since a six-game run April 16-22, and its relievers have given up one run in 16 innings.

"We have a few guys that are swinging the bat well, bullpen's pitched pretty well, defense has been much better," manager Bob Melvin said. "You put all that together and typically you run off a few wins. In our case it's five right now."

The Astros (25-30) were batting .300 with 33 runs in a five-game win streak that was snapped with a 3-0 loss to Arizona on Thursday. Houston registered five singles in only its second defeat in 10 games and the end to a season-high, four-game home win streak.

Jesse Hahn (2-2, 4.15 ERA) will try to stifle the Astros again while building on his first win in four starts. The right-hander gave up three runs in six innings Saturday and got plenty of support against the Tigers.

Hahn was 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in his previous three starts. He opened his season with a 2-0 win against Houston on April 30, yielding three hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings to help the A's take two of three over the Astros.

Doug Fister (4-3, 3.86) earned the lone win for Houston in the series finale, a 2-1 victory May 1. He gave up one run in 6 2/3 innings while outdueling the A's top starter, Rich Hill.

The right-hander went 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in six starts in May and allowed one earned run - three total - in six innings of Sunday's 8-6 win in 13 against the Los Angeles Angels.

"In the end, you look up, and Doug Fister has always got us in the game," manager A.J. Hinch told MLB's official website.

Danny Valencia, batting .667 with two homers during Oakland's win streak, is a career .410 hitter against Houston but 1 for 8 lifetime versus Fister.

The A's have lost four of their last five at Minute Maid Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (22-30) at Twins (16-37)

Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 03, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

It's only fitting that a home run ruined Jake Odorizzi's otherwise fantastic start the last time he took the mound.

The results of Ricky Nolasco's last outing were a bit more surprising.

Minnesota finally showed a little power in the series opener, something that might not bode well for Odorizzi as he gets the ball for the visiting Tampa Bay Rays against Nolasco and the Twins on Friday night.

Odorizzi (2-3, 3.36 ERA) gave up just two homers in five April starts, then watched seven sail over the fence in six outings last month. The latest was especially demoralizing.

The right-hander was perfect through 5 1/3 innings Sunday against the New York Yankees before shortstop Brad Miller's error led to the first baserunner. Odorizzi then issued a walk with one out in the seventh before Starlin Castro's two-run homer accounted for the only hit he would surrender.

He left after that inning and was saddled with a 2-1 defeat. It was the first time since 1914 the Yankees won with just one hit, and Odorizzi has allowed only three in 12 innings over his last two starts.

'One swing changes the whole outcome, and that's solely upon me,' Odorizzi said. 'I didn't even watch it. I knew it went off the bat pretty hot, so I didn't even look. I knew we were losing.'

The Twins (16-37) have gone deep off Odorizzi in each of his last two starts against them, and they broke a three-game homerless streak in Thursday's 6-4 win over the slumping Rays (22-30).

Eduardo Nunez led off Minnesota's half of the first with an inside-the-park homer before Brian Dozier's solo shot in the fifth. Byung Ho Park had three of a season-high 15 hits for the Twins, who had lost three in a row. They'll try to keep rolling behind Nolasco, who earned another start with a solid performance his last time out.

Nolasco (2-3, 5.28) had an 8.14 ERA in five May starts prior to Sunday, including giving up six runs in 2 2/3 innings against Kansas City on the 23rd. There was speculation that he would be removed from the rotation when Kyle Gibson returns from the disabled list, but he allowed two runs and three hits in six innings to beat Seattle 5-4.

"I was commanding the fastball pretty good, had some (velocity) going," Nolasco said.

The right-hander allowed at least four runs in six of his first nine starts, but manager Paul Molitor was happy with what he saw Sunday.

'He made enough pitches,' Molitor said. 'It seems like he's one of those guys that has a little trouble settling into a rhythm, but once he gets a little feel, the outs can start coming quickly. Good outing.'

Nolasco hasn't had much success against the Rays, posting a 7.33 ERA in eight career starts. Last-place Tampa has dropped five in a row, though, and has been outscored by 29 runs while going 2-11 since May 21.

Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer while Miller and Curt Casali also had two hits Thursday, but Brandon Guyer went hitless and is 1 for 18 over his last four.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (34-22) at Cardinals (28-26)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 03, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

Adam Wainwright is on a roll, albeit not quite like the one Johnny Cueto and the San Francisco Giants are enjoying.

As Wainwright looks to extend a seven-start unbeaten run, Cueto vies to join the NL's list of nine-game winners Friday night when the Giants begin a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

This marquee matchup between previous Cy Young Award runner-ups finds both hurlers in good form now that Wainwright has sorted out his early season issues. After recording a 7.25 ERA while losing three of his first four starts, the St. Louis ace is 5-0 over his last seven and posted quality starts in four of the past six.

Wainwright (5-3, 5.71 ERA) has been aided by the NL's highest scoring offense, as the Cardinals have totaled nine or more runs in four of his five victories. He was again supported well Saturday in Washington, where the right-hander allowed four runs on three homers over a season-high seven innings.

'My stuff is back, I've just got to hone it a little bit," he said. "Home runs sometimes can cost you the lead or a loss, but luckily our offense did a good job.'

St. Louis (28-26) produced 16 runs and 26 hits in winning two straight in Milwaukee prior to Wednesday's 3-1 loss, in which the Brewers' Zach Davies struck out nine and yielded three hits over eight scoreless innings.

Cueto (8-1, 2.31) also comes in 5-0 over his last seven starts and owns a minuscule 0.92 through his last five. He battled through back soreness to win his fourth straight by limiting Colorado to one earned run over six innings in Sunday's 8-3 victory at Coors Field.

'He's that good where he found a way to get through it,' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

Cueto is far from the only pitcher going well during a period in which San Francisco (34-22) has won 17 of 21. Giants starters are 12-2 with a 1.71 ERA and have allowed one earned run or less 17 times over that span.

Madison Bumgarner delivered another dominant effort Thursday, striking out 11 Atlanta hitters over 7 2/3 innings in a 6-0 win that earned a four-game series split. The standout left-hander also had the first of three two-run homers off the Braves' Aaron Blair in the fifth inning.

Buster Posey also homered for his lone hit of the series. He's a .383 hitter in 13 games at Busch Stadium but just 2 for 11 against Wainwright, who's 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA over his last five regular-season meetings with San Francisco and won't have to face Hunter Pence after the Giants placed the outfielder on the disabled list Thursday with a hamstring strain.

The Cardinals have given Cueto problems at times, especially at Busch Stadium. His 5.71 ERA there is his second-highest among current NL parks, and he's 1-5 over his last 10 overall starts against St. Louis.

Cueto is 0-3 with a 5.59 ERA in six starts since earning his last win in St. Louis on April 30, 2010, with Cincinnati.

Matt Adams is 5 for 14 with a home run off Cueto and hitting .410 with six homers in 25 home games. The first baseman is 11 for 25 with five doubles, two homers and eight RBIs over his last nine overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (16-37) at Dodgers (28-27)

Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 03, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers are 6-0 when they face Atlanta Braves starter Julio Teheran.

They should be confident of posting a fifth straight home win Friday night in the opener of this three-game series against Teheran and the Atlanta Braves.

Los Angeles (28-27) took two of three in Atlanta from April 19-21, winning 5-3 in 10 innings in the middle game in which Teheran (1-5, 2.77 ERA) allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings.

The right-hander had been 0-5 with a 7.36 ERA in his first five outings versus the Dodgers, including one in the postseason. Chase Utley and Adrian Gonzalez have the most regular-season at-bats against him among Los Angeles hitters, with each posting .286 averages.

One issue for Teheran is that he has a 2.50 run-support average that is among the worst in the majors, with Atlanta (16-37) yet to give him more than three runs of support. He yielded three runs over 5 1/3 innings in Sunday's 7-3 home defeat to Miami.

Teheran's 1.38 ERA in May was tied for the majors' third-best mark behind Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner.

Los Angeles has given Kenta Maeda (4-3, 3.00) an extra day of rest ahead of this outing after he was being treated for swelling in his right hand. He ended a five-start winless streak with five scoreless innings in Saturday's 9-1 rout of the New York Mets.

'My hand feels good,' Maeda said through an interpreter. 'It was a decision that the coaches made, to give me one more day.'

The right-hander had gone 0-3 with a 6.08 ERA through his previous five outings. He'll face the Braves for the first time and try to improve upon his 1-3 home mark and 4.08 ERA in five starts.

The Dodgers completed a 3-4 trip against the teams that competed in the NL Championship Series a year ago with Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. They batted .290 and scored 18 runs in taking two of three against the Mets before totaling eight runs and hitting .136 in dropping three of four to the Cubs.

Atlanta starts a six-game trip after being shut out for the second time in three games, striking out 11 times against Bumgarner in Thursday's 6-0 defeat to San Francisco.

This figures to be a special series for the Braves' Chase d'Arnaud, a Southern California native who was drafted out of high school by the Dodgers in the 44th round. D'Arnaud is hitting .351 in 19 games, with four hits in his last seven at-bats.

"He's done a good job, he's swinging the bat well," interim manager Brian Snitker said.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal figures to be back behind the plate after he sat out Wednesday and Thursday. Grandal is batting .184, although he is 4 for 9 with three doubles versus Teheran.

Gonzalez went 6 for 11 with a home run when these teams met in April.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (24-29) at Padres (21-34)

Game: 1
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: June 03, 2016 10:40 PM EDT

After justifying his spot in the San Diego Padres' rotation, Drew Pomeranz is out to prove his first real hiccup was an aberration.

Pomeranz hopes to end the Padres' struggles in the opener of an NL West series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Friday night.

San Diego (21-34) pounded out a season-high 20 hits Thursday but blew a 10-run lead to fall on the wrong end of a 16-13 slugfest against Seattle. The loss was the ninth in 11 games for the Padres, who fell to 11-16 at home.

However, San Diego won two of three in each of this season's first two series against Colorado (24-29). The Padres have won 14 of the last 18 of this series at home.

Manager Andy Green took a chance on Pomeranz (4-5, 2.48 ERA) at the end of a shaky spring performance, naming him the fifth starter even though most believed he'd work out of the bullpen.

The 2010 first-round draft pick made his skipper look like a genius in his first nine starts, leading the Padres in wins and strikeouts (60). His 1.70 ERA through his first nine career outings was second to Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and only former San Diego Cy Young Award winners Randy Jones and Jake Peavy.

However, the left-hander suffered his first major setback in Sunday's 6-3 loss at Arizona. Pomeranz struck out nine but gave up six runs on five hits in five innings, and he walked four for the second straight start. He settled down after a five-run second inning and didn't allow a hit to the final 13 batters he faced.

"I just had a better mix," Pomeranz told MLB's official website of his approach from the third inning on. "I didn't mix from the beginning, I kind of got a little predictable. You've got to be able to read that sooner and start mixing pitches."

While Pomeranz has taken the loss in two of his three starts since his last victory May 11, Colorado's Chris Rusin has two losses and a no-decision in his last three.

After showing improvement by giving up two runs over 10 2/3 innings in two outings - including one relief appearance - Rusin (1-3, 4.75) took a step back in Sunday's 8-3 loss to San Francisco.

The Giants pounded the left-hander for 11 hits and six runs in five innings. Rusin gave up his first homer of the year and issued four walks, though one was intentional.

"I didn't make pitches to get out of the jams," Rusin said.

After throwing five one-hit innings in his first start April 30, Rusin has given up 40 hits and 19 runs in 21 1/3 innings over his last four starts with an 8.14 ERA.

Rusin opened the season out of the bullpen and was hit hard in an April 8 outing against San Diego, giving up three hits and three runs to move his career ERA to 4.12 versus the Padres.

He held a 2.95 mark in three previous starts against them, which included a five-hitter in a 5-0 victory Aug. 16.

In limited at-bats against him, Jon Jay (5 for 6, two doubles), Matt Kemp (3 for 6, home run), Derek Norris (4 for 8, double), Yangervis Solarte (2 for 4, double) and Melvin Upton Jr. (3 for 6, two doubles) have hit Rusin well.

Jay went 4 for 6 with a double in Wednesday's 14-6 win over Seattle and followed with a 5-for-6 performance on Thursday - raising his batting average above .300 for the first time since April 12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Friday, June 3, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

We are just past June 1, but I found some interesting stats for the day that I want to share. You often hear how first-place teams on Memorial Day usually make the playoffs. Well, since the advent of the wild card in 1996, 69 of 120 division champions held their division lead on June 1 (58 percent). There were 34 of those from the American League and 35 from the National League. Only twice overall in each league, however, have all three division leaders on June 1 gone on to win their division that season. Last year none did in the AL (they were Yankees, Twins and Astros on June 1). The last time all three division leaders in one league held on was eight years ago when the Rays, White Sox and Angels did it in the AL. And know this: In the last nine seasons, no NL team with a division lead on June 1 has gone on to win the World Series. The NL Central-leading Cubs are the current betting favorites to win the Fall Classic.


Royals at Indians (-147, 7.5)

Cleveland had a second outfielder suspended for PED use this season as on Wednesday it was announced that veteran Marlon Byrd was given a 162-game ban because it was the second time in his career he had been caught. That surely means the 38-year-old's career is over, and the cheater isn't even appealing. Byrd was hitting .270 with five homers and 19 RBIs and the Indians needed him because top outfielder Michael Brantley has barely played this season off shoulder surgery (currently back on DL) and Abraham Almonte got hit with an 80-game PED suspension in April. The Tribe start Danny Salazar (5-3, 2.39) here, and he's among the AL ERA leaders. He beat the Royals on May 6, shutting them out on four hits over a season-high 7.2 innings. Eric Hosmer is 8-for-23 with four doubles and two homers off him. Lorenzo Cain is 8-for-20. The Royals go with Edinson Volquez (5-4, 3.74). He lost in Cleveland on May 8, giving up five runs in 4.1 innings. Lonnie Chisenhall is 5-for-9 with three RBIs against him. Carlos Santana is 3-for-12 with two homers.

Key trends: The Royals are 1-5 in Volquez's past six road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Indians are 7-1 in Salazar's past eight at home. The "over/under" has gone under in nine of Salazar's past 14 overall.

Early lean: Indians and under.

Giants at Cardinals (-105, 7)

No NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Finals game on Friday night, so this is your lone national TV major sports broadcast (MLB Network) and will have live betting at sportsbooks. The Giants won't have outfielder Hunter Pence as he has been placed on the DL with a hamstring injury. San Francisco starts Johnny Cueto (8-1, 2.31), who would be a Cy Young candidate most other seasons. He won in Colorado on Sunday, allowing one earned run and six hits in six innings -- only his second time going fewer than seven. Cueto did have a stiff back during the start but is expected to start Friday. He hasn't faced the Cardinals this season. Matt Holliday is a career .300 hitter off him with seven RBIs in 40 at-bats. Yadier Molina is 10-for-37 with two homers and eight RBIs. It's Adam Wainwright (5-3, 5.71) for the Cards. They have won his past seven. He beat the Nationals on Saturday, allowing four runs (season-high three homers) in seven innings. Wainwright hasn't faced the Giants since 2014. Brandon Belt is 2-for-11 with two doubles against him.

Key trends: The Giants are 6-0 in Cueto's past six on the road. The Cardinals are 5-0 in Wainwright's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 4-1 in Cueto's past five. The over is 5-2 in Wainwright's past seven vs. the Giants.

Early lean: Cardinals and under.

White Sox at Tigers (-132, 8.5)

The Detroit rotation is largely a mess, so the Tigers have to ensure that ace Jordan Zimmermann stays healthy the rest of the way. He hasn't pitched since suffering a groin injury May 22 against the Rays. He is 7-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in nine starts this season. He hadn't been on the DL since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2009 while with Washington. Zimmermann, who might be on an innings limit, hasn't faced the White Sox in his career. Todd Frazier is 2-for-8 off him with three strikeouts. Melky Cabrera is 1-for-6 with a double. White Sox lefty Carlos Rodon (2-4, 4.24) hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in each of his past three starts but has only one win to show for it. Last year as a rookie, Rodon made one start vs. Detroit and took a no-decision, allowing four runs in five innings. Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez both homered off him.

Key trends: The White Sox are 4-1 in Rodon's past five road starts vs. teams with a losing record. The Tigers are 2-8 in their past 10 against lefties. The under is 7-3-2 in Rodon's past 12.

Early lean: White Sox and under.

Mariners at Rangers (-134, 8.5)

Texas couldn't have been happier with the first big-league start of ace Yu Darvish in 659 days (off Tommy John surgery) on Saturday. Darvish beat a good Pirates team, allowing a run and three hits over five innings, striking out seven. He was pulled at 81 pitches and was clocked as high as 98 mph on his fastball. I'd call Texas the AL West favorite now. Seattle's Robinson Cano is 3-for-13 off him. Kyle Seager is 7-for-22 with four doubles and seven RBIs. Nelson Cruz has never faced his former teammate. The Mariners' Taijuan Walker (2-5, 3.31) lost a third straight outing Sunday against the Twins, allowing a season-high five runs in 4.1 innings. He was great in April but 0-5 with a 4.91 ERA in May. Walker took a no-decision on April 13 vs. Texas, allowing a run and five hits in six innings. Adrian Beltre is 5-for-11 with a double and three RBIs against him. Prince Fielder is also 5-for-11 with a double.

Key trends: The Mariners are 1-5 in Walker's past six starts. The Rangers are 5-1 in Darvish's past six at home. Texas is 4-1 in Darvish's past five at home vs. Seattle. The under is 6-1 in Walker's past seven series openers.

Early lean: Rangers and under.

Braves at Dodgers (-208, 7)

This was to be Clayton Kershaw's spot in the rotation, so I guess the Braves catch a break in that he won't go but that Japanese rookie Kenta Maeda will -- except Atlanta now has to face Kershaw on Saturday. Maeda was originally to start Thursday's series finale at the Cubs but had been dealing with a minor hand injury so he was pushed back a day. Maeda (4-3, 3.00) reverted back to his early-season form last Saturday at the Mets in shutting them out on two hits over five innings to end a three-start losing streak -- it was in that game he took a line drive off his pitching hand. Maeda has never faced Atlanta. The Braves start their best pitcher in Julio Teheran (1-5, 2.77), and he reportedly has been made available in a trade -- but it's going to take a ton because Teheran is only 25 and locked up through 2019. He is getting no run support this season. Teheran took a no-decision against the Dodgers on April 20, allowing two runs in 5.1 innings. Yasmani Grandal is 4-for-9 with three doubles against him. Yasiel Puig is 4-for-8 with a homer.

Key trends: The Braves are 14-3 in Teheran's past 17 on Friday. The Dodgers are 1-4 in Maeda's past five at home. The under is 4-1 in Teheran's past five.

Early lean: Braves in an upset and under (guess I like all the pitching on Friday).