Friday 7/17/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Tigers

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (44-44) at Detroit Tigers (44-44)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 7:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 110, -119 TOTAL: 8

The Baltimore Orioles won the American League East in 2014 and swept the Detroit Tigers in three games in the division series before falling to the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. When the Orioles open the second half of the 2015 season by visiting the Tigers on Friday, both teams are on the outside looking in at the AL playoff picture.

Detroit and Baltimore are meeting for the first time since that postseason series and enter the second half with twin 44-44 records. The Orioles were right in the mix for first place in the AL East at the end of June but dropped eight of 10 to close out the first half four games behind the first-place New York Yankees. The Tigers won the AL Central in each of the last four seasons but watched the pitching staff give up a total of 24 runs in dropping three straight before the break and now sit nine games behind first-place Kansas City. Detroit will try to get off to a fast start behind right-hander Anibal Sanchez while Baltimore hands the ball to Ubaldo Jimenez on Friday.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 2.81 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 4.63)

Jimenez needed 110 pitches to get through five innings at Minnesota on July 8 but did not allow a run and ended up with a no-decision. The Venezuelan allowed a total of one run and 17 hits over 20 frames in his last three turns. Jimenez did not get a chance to pitch against Detroit in the playoffs last season and is 5-9 with a 4.93 ERA in 17 starts against the Tigers in his career.

Sanchez issued five walks and gave up a home run in 6 1/3 innings at Seattle on July 8 but limited the damage to three earned runs and came out with the win to improve to 5-0 in his last six starts. The fellow Venezuelan is getting a lot of help from his offense in that span and surrendered at least three earned runs in each of the past four turns. Sanchez came out of the bullpen at Baltimore in the 2014 ALDS and worked two perfect innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles designated LHP Wesley Wright for assignment on Wednesday after he was activated from the 60-day DL.

2. RF J.D. Martinez leads Detroit with 25 home runs and 59 RBIs but drove in only one run in the six games before the break.

3. Baltimore CF Adam Jones hit three solo home runs in the three games prior to the break.

PREDICTION: Tigers 8, Orioles 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Blue Jays

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (46-45) at Toronto Blue Jays (45-46)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 121, -131 TOTAL: 8.5

The Tampa Bay Rays look to build off three consecutive wins before the All-Star break when they visit the struggling Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of their three-game series on Friday. After losing 15 of their previous 18 contests, the Rays allowed just four runs during their sweep of Houston last weekend to move into second place in the American League East -- 3 ½ games behind the New York Yankees.

“We feel that through all the injuries, through all the ups and downs, we’ve put ourselves with the opportunity to make a run at it in the second half,” Tampa Bay outfielder David DeJesus told the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays must be more consistent on offense, standing 13th in the AL in runs, while the Blue Jays have scored 77 more than any team in the majors. However, Toronto has dropped its last four series while going 4-10. Slugger Jose Bautista, who missed the All-Star Game with a sore shoulder, is expected back for the Blue Jays while teammate Jose Reyes is 14-for-38 during an eight-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 2.30 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Drew Hutchison (8-2, 5.33)

Odorizzi was solid in his first start since missing a little over a month with an oblique injury, limiting Houston to two hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings on Saturday. The 25-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in nine of his 13 outings in 2015 while holding opponents to a .210 average. Odorizzi, who is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in four career turns versus the Blue Jays, has controlled Bautista (0-for-9), Reyes (1-for-10) and Edwin Encarnacion (1-for-8).

Hutchison has struggled in his last two starts, yielding 11 runs (nine earned) over 9 2/3 innings after going 5-0 in his previous seven outings. The 24-year-old Florida native has been much better at home (6-1, 2.12 ERA) than on the road (2-1, 8.81), but James Loney (4-for-8, one homer) gives him plenty of trouble. Hutchison improved to 3-2 lifetime versus the Rays when he gave up three runs in five frames of a victory on June 22.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays placed SS Asdrubal Cabrera, who has committed only two errors in 82 contests, on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury.

2. Toronto rookie 2B Devon Travis is 9-for-20 over his last five games and is hitting .370 versus the Rays this season.

3. Tampa Bay OF Joey Butler batted .338 through June 23 but has recorded only four hits in 41 at-bats since then.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Braves

GAME: Chicago Cubs (47-40) at Atlanta Braves (42-47)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 7

The Chicago Cubs open the second half of the season clinging to the final National League wild-card spot, but the schedule presents a golden opportunity for Chicago to bolster its postseason standing. Starting with Friday’s opener of a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs play 17 consecutive games against sub-.500 competition.

The Cubs trail Pittsburgh by 5 ½ games for the first wild-card position, with three teams – the Mets, Giants and Diamondbacks – within five games of Chicago. Rookie third baseman Kris Bryant is in a slump, hitting only .220 since June 22, but first baseman Anthony Rizzo ranks third in the NL in on-base percentage (.413), OPS (.955) and offensive WAR (3.6). Atlanta overachieved for most of the first half but lost its final five games before the All-Star break, falling seven games behind Washington in the NL East. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who has missed the past 23 games with a bone bruise in his right wrist, is not expected back until early August.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.55 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (6-4, 4.56)

Hendricks ended the first half with a flourish, firing 20 1/3 scoreless innings across his final three starts while allowing 13 hits with two walks and 16 strikeouts. The 25-year-old won only two of his first 14 starts before going 2-0 in his final three outings. Hendricks, who went 7-2 with a 2.46 ERA as a rookie last season, is 10th in the NL in strikeouts-to-walks ratio (4.65).

Teheran has been outstanding at home, going 5-0 with a 2.04 ERA in eight starts at Turner Field with a .197 opponents batting average and a 0.92 WHIP. He struggled after starting the season 4-1, going 2-3 with a 5.12 ERA and seven homers allowed in 58 innings across his final nine starts of the first half. Teheran gave up three runs on two hits in seven innings July 8 at Milwaukee, a game in which the Braves’ bullpen gave up a lead in the eighth inning.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bryant, an All-Star selection in his first season, closed the first half 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts.

2. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis is tied for sixth in the NL in hits (98) but has yet to homer in 334 at-bats – 126 of those coming as the Braves’ cleanup hitter.

3. Cubs CF Dexter Fowler surpassed the 800-career hit mark by going 3-for-4 Sunday; Fowler is tied for fourth in the NL in runs scored (54).

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Braves 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Reds

GAME: Cleveland Indians (42-46) at Cincinnati Reds (39-47)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: -102, -106 TOTAL: 7.5

The Cincinnati Reds attempt to start the second half of the season on the right foot when they begin a seven-game homestand on Friday with the first of three interleague contests against the Cleveland Indians. Cincinnati is looking to get back into the playoff picture as it sits 7 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot in the National League after losing its last two contests before hosting the All-Star Game.

The Reds ended the first half with a 3-3 road trip but were outscored 24-5 in losing three of the last four games. Cleveland, which is 5 1/2 games back in the American League wild-card race, also dropped its last two contests after putting together a four-game winning streak. The Indians have received good pitching over their last six contests, allowing more than two runs only once. Cleveland dominated the first installment of the Battle of Ohio this season, outscoring Cincinnati 14-6 while sweeping a three-game set at home from May 22-24.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (8-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mike Leake (6-5, 4.08)

Bauer has won each of his last two starts, allowing two runs in 6 1/3 innings at Pittsburgh on July 3 and limiting Houston to a pair while striking out nine over a career-high eight frames five days later. The triumph over the Pirates helped the 24-year-old improve to 5-2 with a 1.82 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in eight road outings this season. Bauer evened his career record against Cincinnati at 1-1 on May 24, when he yielded one run and five hits over 7 2/3 innings in a home victory.

Leake is coming off his best start of the season, a win at Miami on Friday in which he struck out 10 and scattered three hits over eight scoreless innings. The 27-year-old has lost only one of his last eight outings, allowing three runs or fewer seven times in that span. Leake fell to 1-1 in five career turns versus the Indians on May 22, when he was tagged for five runs on seven hits and five walks in four frames at Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds All-Star LHP Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth inning Tuesday, throwing 12 of his 14 pitches 100 mph or higher, while Home Run Derby champ Todd Frazier went 0-for-3.

2. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis struck out in his only at-bat in the All-Star Game.

3. Cleveland LHP Nick Hagadone, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 8 with a strained lower back, left a rehab start for Class-A Mahoning Valley on Wednesday with discomfort in his left elbow.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Indians 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Brewers

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (53-35) at Milwaukee Brewers (38-52)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 103, -111 TOTAL: 8

The Pittsburgh Pirates own the second-most wins in the majors but have the misfortune of the lone team ahead of them being in their own division. The Milwaukee Brewers, who host the Pirates to open the second half on Friday, sit in last place in that National League Central and are gearing up for the trade deadline at the end of the month.

The Brewers are expected to be one of only a handful of teams firmly in the seller category at the deadline and limped into the break with losses in four of the last six contests – a stretch that followed an eight-game winning streak. Pittsburgh took more momentum into the break with wins in 11 of its last 13 contests, including back-to-back wins over the MLB-best St. Louis Cardinals in extra innings on Saturday and Sunday. The Pirates have taken six of the first nine meetings with Milwaukee this season after dropping 12 of 19 in the series in 2014. The Brewers turn to Mike Fiers to kick off the second half while Pittsburgh counters with Charlie Morton.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Charlie Morton (6-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Mike Fiers (4-7, 3.96)

Morton is 1-2 in his last four starts but was increasingly productive in those outings after being shelled for nine runs in two-thirds of an inning at Washington on June 21. The 31-year-old whittled that line down to two runs and five hits over six frames against San Diego on July 8 without factoring in the decision. Morton held Milwaukee scoreless on three hits over 7 1/3 innings to pick up a win on June 10 and is 3-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 12 career starts against the division rivals.

Fiers managed one win in five outings prior to the break but posted three quality starts in that span. The Florida native had some trouble with his command on July 8 against Atlanta, when he issued four walks and surrendered a pair of home runs over six innings in a no decision. Fiers was rocked for five runs in as many frames versus Pittsburgh on April 10 and is 2-4 with a 6.12 ERA in eight career games against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers own the worst home record in the majors at 16-28.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen homered in Tuesday’s All-Star Game while Milwaukee RF Ryan Braun tripled for the NL team.

3. Pittsburgh closer Mark Melancon and Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez combined to allow three runs in two innings in the All-Star Game.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Astros

GAME: Texas Rangers (42-46) at Houston Astros (49-42)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 138, -150 TOTAL: 8

The Houston Astros held a seven-game lead in the American League West less than a month into the season on the strength on a 10-game winning streak before the Texas Rangers rained on their parade. The Astros welcome the Rangers back for the first time since when the slumping in-state rivals begin a three-game series Friday in Houston.


The Astros rolled to a franchise-record 18-7 start - including a series win in Texas in early April – but the Rangers outscored them 20-5 from May 4-6 and remain the only team to record a sweep at Minute Maid Park this season. Houston rebounded by winning 20 of its next 28 at home, but dropped eight of nine overall heading into the All-Star break and gave up its division lead for the first time since April 18 following a sixth straight loss Sunday in Tampa Bay. Texas was unable to take advantage of the Astros’ pre-break struggles, however, winning only once during an eight-game homestand. Perhaps getting on the road will help the Rangers, who own an AL-best 26-20 away mark.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2014: 4-3, 4.38 ERA) vs. Astros RH Collin McHugh (9-5, 4.50)

Perez is expected to come off the 60-day disabled list and make his first big-league start since May 19, 2014, after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has been uneven in six rehab outings for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, going 0-1 with a 4.56 ERA while allowing hitters to bat .324 against him. Perez has dominated the Astros throughout his career, however, winning each of his three starts while posting a 1.50 ERA.

Since opening the season 4-0 with a 3.23 ERA in six turns, McHugh went 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA over his final 12 outings leading into the All-Star break. The 28-year-old Berry College (Ga.) product, who is 5-1 against the American League West this season, dropped his second consecutive start last Friday after yielding three runs in seven frames in a loss at Tampa Bay. McHugh improved to 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA all-time versus the Rangers in his season debut on April 10, allowing one run over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas is 35-12 when it scores first, but only 7-34 when its opponent does so.

2. The Astros lead the majors in homers (124) and rank first in the AL in steals (69) and fourth in the AL in runs scored (395).

3. The Rangers waived LHP Ross Detwiler on Wednesday after he rejected an outright assignment to the minors.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Rangers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at White Sox

GAME: Kansas City Royals (52-34) at Chicago White Sox (41-45)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 8.5


The Chicago White Sox believe they're still playoff contenders and they'll get a chance to prove it when they host the American League Central-leading Kansas City Royals for a doubleheader Friday. The Royals, who own the best record in the AL, hope to pick up where they left off after winning eight of 10 prior to the All-Star break.



Despite being tied for last place in the AL Central, the White Sox view themselves as potential contenders — they're only 5 1/2 games out of the wild card — after winning nine of 12 going into the break. "We've put ourselves in a situation where you have to just continue to play well," Chicago manager Robin Ventura told the club's website. "We're playing better baseball and that's really where you focus." Many of Kansas City's top players didn't get much of a rest as six Royals made the trip to the All-Star game in Cincinnati, and they begin the second half without All-Star left fielder Alex Gordon, who will miss several weeks with a groin injury. The Royals swept Chicago over three games to begin the season, but the White Sox took two of three when Kansas City visited the Windy City in late April.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, WGN (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Chris Young (7-5, 3.00 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (4-8, 5.30)

Young has allowed one or no runs in seven of his 13 starts since moving from the bullpen, but he's winless in his last three turns. The 36-year-old took a tough-luck loss on Saturday, allowing three runs over six innings against Toronto. Young pitched 1 2/3 scoreless frames in relief against the White Sox on April 24, his first appearance against them since 2005.

Danks snapped a four-start losing streak with seven scoreless innings against Baltimore on July 3, he was hit hard again in his final outing before the break. The 30-year-old gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings against Toronto on July 8 and has allowed four or more runs in six of his last nine starts. Danks split a pair of starts against the Royals in April and is 8-1 with a 2.73 ERA in 18 career outings against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RHP Frankie Montas is expected to be added as the team's 26th man for the doubleheader; the hard-throwing 22-year-old prospect is 2-1 with a 2.47 ERA in 15 starts at Double-A Birmingham.

2. Chicago DH/1B Jose Abreu has hit safely in 13 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors.

3. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar is batting .405 over a 10-game hitting streak and went 1-for-2 as a starter in the All-Star Game.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Royals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Cardinals

GAME: New York Mets (47-42) at St. Louis Cardinals (56-33)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 131, -142 TOTAL: 7

After winning four in a row and six of seven prior to the All-Star break, the New York Mets will test their mettle on Friday when they open a six-game road trip with the first of three contests at the St. Louis Cardinals. New York, which trails National League East-leading Washington by two games, will conclude the trek with three contests against the Nationals.

While the Mets' pitching has been as good as advertised, their offense has been limited at best - with offseason acquisition Michael Cuddyer among four players receiving plenty of time in the lineup despite posting sub-.300 on-base percentages. Signed to a two-year, $21 million deal, the 36-year-old Cuddyer hasn't provided much bang for the buck on the field as he deals with a bone bruise below his left kneecap. New York will need all hands on deck against St. Louis, which saw its lead over Pittsburgh in the NL Central trimmed to 2 1/2 games after losing three straight to the Pirates. All-Star Jhonny Peralta, who leads the team in average (.298), homers (13) and RBIs (46), collected two doubles among his four hits and two RBIs as the Cardinals split a four-game series at Citi Field on May 18-21.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (4-4, 3.11 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (6-5, 2.90)

Syndergaard was downright spectacular in his outing last Friday, striking out a career-best 13 batters over eight innings in a 4-2 victory over Arizona. The 22-year-old rookie hasn't fared well when he has left Citi Field, however, going 0-3 with a 5.33 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .286 against him. Syndergaard, who has a 1.23 ERA over his last three trips to the mound, will be making his 12th start of the season and the first of his career versus St. Louis.

Lynn suffered his first loss since May 22 after surrendering five runs on nine hits in a season-low four innings of a 5-2 setback to Pittsburgh last Friday. The 28-year-old was making his fourth start since returning from the disabled list, and had yielded only two runs (one earned) in 19 innings over the first three. Lynn owns a 4-1 mark at home this season but is just 1-3 in his career versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis 3B Matt Carpenter, who is batting .190 (24-for-126) since June 1, had a homer with four RBIs and five runs scored during his last four games.

2. New York's last 15 runs scored came as a result of home runs.

3. Cardinals LF Matt Holliday (quadriceps strain), who has been sidelined since June 8, is expected to return from the disabled list for the series opener.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Mets 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Athletics

GAME: Minnesota Twins (49-40) at Oakland Athletics (41-50)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 151, -164 TOTAL: 7

Winners of three in a row and six of their last seven, the Minnesota Twins look to continue their torrid pace when they open a three-game series versus the host Oakland Athletics on Friday. Offense has been the operative word for Minnesota, which erupted for 24 runs to take the final three contests against Detroit prior to the All-Star break and scored 28 times to win three of four versus Oakland from May 4-7.

The Twins' 49 wins at the break are their most since claiming 53 victories in 2008, and veteran Torii Hunter couldn't be happier. "I tell you what, a lot of those critics can eat their words," Hunter said of the doubters of Minnesota, which boasts the second-best record in the American League and trails only Central-leading Kansas City by 4 1/2 games. Oakland is signing a different tune as it occupies the basement in the AL West, but sends Sonny Gray and his AL-leading 2.04 ERA to the mound on Friday against fellow right-hander Ervin Santana.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (10-3, 2.04)

After a sterling effort in his season debut following an 80-game suspension for use of a performance-enhancing drug, Santana recorded his second straight no-decision despite being rocked for six runs on eight hits - including three homers - in four innings against Detroit. The 32-year-old looks to bounce back versus Oakland, against which he owns an impressive 14-6 career mark with a 2.12 ERA. Oakland's Ben Zobrist is 5-for-11 in his last three games, but is just 2-for-16 with four strikeouts in his career against Santana.

Gray yielded just two harmless singles en route to a complete-game gem versus Cleveland on Sunday. The 25-year-old has won both of his career outings against Minnesota, despite permitting four runs on seven hits in five innings in the last meeting. Minnesota's Brian Dozier belted a homer in his first All-Star at-bat on Tuesday, and is 2-for-5 in his career versus Gray.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota rookie Miguel Sano launched a two-run homer in Sunday's 7-1 rout of the Tigers and has hit safely in all but one of his 11 contests this season.

2. Oakland C Stephen Vogt belted a two-run homer on Sunday and is 3-for-7 with three runs scored in his last two games.

3. Twins closer Glen Perkins has converted every save opportunity this season and leads the AL with 28 saves.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks

GAME: San Francisco Giants (46-43) at Arizona Diamondbacks (42-45)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After winning three straight heading into the All-Star break, the San Francisco Giants look to continue heading in the right direction when they play the opener of a three-game series at the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. The reigning World Series champions swept lowly Philadelphia in dominant fashion, outscoring the hapless Phillies by a 27-9 margin while batting .393 (48-for-122) - including 18-for-43 with runners in scoring position.

Three-time All-Star Buster Posey led the charge by going a blistering 8-for-13 with two runs scored in the series as the Giants moved within 4 1/2 games of the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Posey is 10-for-35 with a homer, six RBIs and five runs scored in 10 meetings with Arizona, but San Francisco has just a 3-7 mark to show for it. The Diamondbacks dropped three games behind the Giants after getting swept by the New York Mets prior to the All-Star break, but can make up ground as they open a 10-game homestand. All-Star Paul Goldschmidt has an NL-best .340 batting average and his 70 RBIs are good enough to share top honors with Colorado's Nolan Arenado, but went just 1-for-11 in the series versus the Mets.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, KNTV (San Francisco), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (1-1, 4.09 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-4, 2.16)

Although manager Bruce Bochy was reportedly mulling a change to his starting rotation, Cain is expected to get the nod on Friday. The 30-year-old was simply dominant in handcuffing the New York Mets on July 7, scattering two hits and striking out seven in six innings of a 3-0 triumph. Cain has manhandled Arizona in his career, posting a 14-7 mark with a 3.38 ERA while allowing the Diamondbacks to bat just .220 against him.

Ray snapped a three-game skid by allowing two unearned runs on four hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 4-2 triumph over Texas on July 7. The 23-year-old has yet to taste victory at home, posting an 0-2 mark with a 3.78 ERA in three appearances this season. Ray will be making his ninth start since being recalled from Triple-A Reno and 15th of his career, albeit first against San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco rookie 3B Matt Duffy went 7-for-15 with four RBIs in the last series after being mired in a 5-for-33 slump without driving in a run in his previous nine contests.

2. Diamondbacks rookie 3B Yasmany Tomas has collected nine hits in his last seven outings and is 3-for-10 in five meetings with the Giants.

3. The Giants signed former All-Star SS Everth Cabrera to a minor-league deal on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Diamondbacks 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Padres

GAME: Colorado Rockies (39-49) at San Diego Padres (41-49)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 126, -137 TOTAL: 6.5

The Colorado Rockies look to extend their winning streak to five games when they visit the San Diego Padres for the opener of a three-game series on Friday. Colorado completed the first half of the season with a four-game home sweep of Atlanta, limiting the Braves to three runs or fewer in each contest.

The Rockies scored 13 runs over the first three contests before erupting for 11 in the finale, with Charlie Blackmon going 3-for-5 with four RBIs and All-Star Troy Tulowitzki belting a three-run homer. San Diego went 4-6 on its road trip prior to the All-Star break, winning its final two contests after losing six in a row. The Padres edged Texas 2-1 on Sunday as Will Middlebrooks and Jedd Gyorko each drove in a run while Tyson Ross scattered three hits over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. The National League West rivals, who are battling to avoid the division basement, split a four-game series at Colorado in April before the Padres opened May by sweeping a three-game set at home.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (6-3, 4.34 ERA) vs. Padres RH James Shields (7-3, 4.01)

De La Rosa settled for a no-decision against Atlanta on Saturday after allowing two runs and four hits in six innings. The 34-year-old Mexican is unbeaten in his last four outings, yielding a total of five runs over 24 frames, and has given up more than three runs just once in his last 10 turns. De La Rosa is 8-5 with a 4.90 ERA in 25 career games (21 starts) versus San Diego but lost both of his meetings with the Padres this year.

Shields' winless streak reached seven starts on Saturday, when he surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings at Texas. The 33-year-old is 0-3 during his drought, giving up four or more runs four times while working at least seven innings only twice. Shields improved to 3-1 in five career outings against Colorado on May 3 despite allowing five runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego OF Justin Upton on Tuesday became the first member of the Padres to record a single and a stolen base in the All-Star Game since Tony Gwynn in 1989.

2. Tulowitzki grounded out in his only at-bat in the All-Star Game.

3. The Padres have outscored the Rockies 52-27 this season.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Angels

GAME: Boston Red Sox (42-47) at Los Angeles Angels (48-40)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 17 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 120, -130 TOTAL: 8

Mike Trout spent All-Star week firmly planting himself at the front of the conversation as the best player in baseball while drawing universal praise from his peers and winning his second straight MVP Award in the Midsummer Classic. Trout will get back to the business of helping his team advance toward the playoffs when the Los Angeles Angels open the second half by hosting the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

The Angels finished out the first half by winning 11 of their last 14 games to vault over the Houston Astros and into first place in the American League West. Trout and fellow All-Star Albert Pujols, who share the AL lead with 26 home runs apiece, power an offense that put up an average of 7.2 runs in the nine games prior to the break. The Red Sox missed a big opportunity to gain ground in the AL East when they dropped two of three to the New York Yankees last weekend and remain in last place, five games under .500 (42-47). Wade Miley will get right back to work after suffering the loss in Sunday’s finale while the Angels will counter with fellow lefty C.J. Wilson.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (8-8, 4.80 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (7-7, 3.83)

Miley was rocked for six runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Yankees and has allowed 13 runs and 21 hits in 17 frames over his last three turns. That comes on the heels of a strong three-start stretch in which the Louisiana native surrendered a total of four runs. Miley’s best effort of the season came against Los Angeles on May 24, when he scattered one run and four hits over eight innings in a win.

Wilson enjoyed a run of three straight quality starts into the All-Star break but took a loss at Seattle on Saturday, when he was reached for three runs on five hits and four walks in 6 2/3 frames. The 34-year-old did not complete seven frames in any of his last four starts and issued a total of 11 walks in that span. Wilson was reached for four runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings to suffer a loss at Boston on May 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox All-Star UTL Brock Holt stole a base and scored while pinch running for Trout in the Midsummer Classic before striking out against Cincinnati LHP Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning.

2. Trout is 11-for-23 with five home runs, 10 RBIs and eight runs scored in the last six games.

3. Boston took two of three from Los Angeles on May 22-24, winning the final two of the series by a combined 14-4.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Red Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday, July 17

Trend Report
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2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 16-5 SU in their last 21 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 15-5 SU in their last 20 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Chi White Sox's last 15 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 23 games

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games
Seattle is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of NY Yankees's last 24 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 9 of NY Yankees's last 13 games at home

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Dodgers's last 14 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Washington is 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:35 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Texas's last 11 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City16-5-1 SU in their last 22 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games
Chi White Sox9-3-1 SU in their last 13 games
Chi White Sox are 5-15-1 SU in their last 21 games ,when playing Kansas City

8:15 PM
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing NY Mets
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 9 games at home

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games at home
Oakland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Minnesota

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 17 games at home
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimenez has faltered when visiting Comerica Park

Ubaldo Jimenez does not appear to be a fan of Detroit, as the rightie has struggled in his career at Comerica Park.

Jimenez holds a 2-7 record with a 6.80 in nine career starts at Comerica Park. That's only slightly better than his career numbers against the Tigers which is 5-9 with a 4.93 ERA in 17 starts.

The Baltimore Orioles and Jimenez will visit Detroit Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jays backers happy Hutchison starts 2nd half at home

Toronto Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison and his backers must be happy he is startying the second half at home, because his home and road splits have been absurd in 2015.

Hutchison is 6-1 with a 2.12 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP when taking the mound in eight starts at the Rogers Centre in 2015. While on the road, Hutchison is pitching to a putrid 8.81 ERA and a WHIP of almost 2.00.

Hutchison and the Jays begin the unofficial second half at home against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tanaka has dominated the Mariners in limited play

Masahiro Tanaka hopes will look to register his third career starts against the Seattle Mariners with the Japanese product dominating the M's.

Tanaka is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in his two career starts against the Mariners, which includes a seven inning appearances where he only allowed one hit on June 3.

The Yankees and Mariners start the second half of the season in New York Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Fernandez goes for third-straight win since return

Save for the home runs of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, it's largely been a season to forget for Marlins' fans and bettors alike. Thankfully, one of the bright spots of the struggling NL East club returns to the bump for his third start of the season.

Jose Fernandez is expected to start for the Fish against the Philadelphia Phillies as the MLB schedule resumes Friday. Fernandez has been in dominant form since returning to the mound on July 2 versus the San Francisco Giants. The 22-year-old is 2-0 in two starts with a 2.08 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He went seven strong innings in his last outing, allowing six hits and zero runs in a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Phils are expected to counter with Adam Morgan as the clubs begin a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Small chance of storms in Chicago Friday

According to weather forecasts, there is a small 42 percent chance of thunderstorms at U.S. Cellular Field as the Chicago White Sox host the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a doubleheader Friday.

Temperatures are expected to be in the high-80s and wind is expected to blow from rightfield to leftfield at around nine miles per hour.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Padres save their best for Rockies

The San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies have squared off seven times this season and the Friars' bats come in full force against their NL West rivals, outscoring them 52-27 so far this season.

The Padres have a 5-2 in head-to-head matchups this season, including a three-game sweep when the two clubs met at Petco Park back in May. The Over/Under count 4-3 in those seven meetings.

The pair will renew acquaintances at Coors Field as the MLB schedule resumes Friday. Jorge De La Rosa is probable for the Rockies while James Shields is expected to start for the Padres.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NL's worst money starter kicks off second half

Last season's National League's Cy Young and MVP winner, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, has been the exact opposite of a betting MVP in 2015.

Kershaw is dead last when it comes to starter money in the NL, coming in at -$889 in 18 starts this season.

The problem for Kershaw, who was last season's top money starter at $1,582, is that he sees so much chalk when he pitches, a loss is very costly.