Friday 8/19/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Belterra Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16500 Class Rating: 88

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 19 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 V C F PROUD MARY 3/1

# 5 SWEET ANGEL ROAN 9/2

# 1 MRS PEACOCK 7/2

V C F PROUD MARY is my choice. Is worth careful consideration and may be a bet - strong Speed Figures (89 average) at today's distance and surface recently. Exhibits the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 82 speed rating which is one of the most competitive in this field. Must be given a shot given the class of races run lately. SWEET ANGEL ROAN - Should go to the lead and should never look back. Has some positive handicapping angles which make this horse a wager. MRS PEACOCK - Anderson has a strong win percent with horses racing in dirt sprint races.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ellis Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $38000 Class Rating: 73

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 CONQUEST SORCEROR 4/1

# 2 MAJESTIC GALE 5/1

# 12 SPANISH ARCH 8/1

CONQUEST SORCEROR should be supported as the bet in here. Could best this field here, showing very strong figs of late. The average class fig alone makes this horse a solid contender. In this field, this entrant is in the upper half of earnings per start in turf route races. MAJESTIC GALE - Have to consider solely on class, with some of the strongest class figs of this field. SPANISH ARCH - Graham has recent ROI figures which make this horse a good bet.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Golden Gate Fields - Race #5 - Post: 3:45pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating:

#3 ULTRA FAME (ML=6/1)
#8 SWEET SHOP (ML=5/2)
#4 ANDALE (ML=3/1)


ULTRA FAME - This horse obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has registered the highest speed figure on the grass at the distance-surface. 88-92-97 are last three Equibase speed figures. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this field. SWEET SHOP - This rider/conditioner duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +40. Bonde seems to have this gelding primed for a big effort. His workout pattern is outstanding. ANDALE - Clearly didn't like the surface of the last race as much as two starts back on the grass. Watch out today for a return to a sharp race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 SILVER CHAMP (ML=4/1), #1 MONSAJEM PERVADE (ML=6/1), #7 JAYHAWKER (ML=8/1),

SILVER CHAMP - This gelding has had numerous attempts at Golden Gate Fields and still no victories. MONSAJEM PERVADE - Difficult to put any cash on this colt on the win end. Likes to hit the board though. The speed figure last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this racer as a likely underlay. JAYHAWKER - 8/1 is just not enough of a price to take on most any entrant that has run poorly in back to back outings.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SWEET SHOP - I like to check out the TrackMaster Platinum PPs to look for the top horse in earnings per start. This mount looks good to me so I'm making a bet on him.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #3 ULTRA FAME to win if you can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [3,4,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Louisiana Downs - Race #6 - Post: 5:30pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,500 Class Rating: 71

Rating:

#5 ALAMO STAR (ML=3/1)


ALAMO STAR - Great chance for this racer. Solid late speed and should have good position. This filly should find these state breds easier than what she faced in her last event on Jul 28th. Look for this filly to run much better in this event. Last race at Evangeline Downs finishing fourth on a track listed as good is no indication of her true talent.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 DREAMOFHONOR (ML=5/2), #4 DOUBLE DOWN BRITT (ML=4/1), #1 BEVOS WINCH (ML=9/2),

DREAMOFHONOR - Should have at least hit the board in the last couple of months in a short distance race to be worth the chance at nominal odds in a sprint. When looking at today's class rating, she will have to garner a much better speed rating than last time out to battle in this dirt sprint. DOUBLE DOWN BRITT - Earned a mediocre speed rating last time out in an Allowance race on June 18th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that fig. BEVOS WINCH - This racer made little impact last time finishing fifth. Don't see any chance of a reversal of fortune in today's race.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ALAMO STAR - The race on Jul 28th had a class rating of 83 while today's class rating is 71. I got to bet this one on such a big drop.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Put your money on #5 ALAMO STAR on the nose if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:

5 with [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #3 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 2:02 PM EASTERN POST

The Skidmore Stakes

5½ FURLONGS TURF TWO YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 HARLAN'S HARMONY
#5 FREUD'S FRIEND
#6 IRON MANE
#1 WELLABLED

Well folks, this race is named in honor of Skidmore College, a institution of higher learning for women which is located here in Saratoga Springs ... interestingly enough, their athletic teams carry the knickname of Thoroughbreds! Here in just the 2nd running of this stakes test, #3 HARLAN'S HARMONY is the overall speed leader, and comes off a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" in his first asking. Jockey Angel Arroyo was in his irons for that win, 35 days ago at Belmont Park, and is here at "The Spa" this afternoon for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #5 FREUD'S FRIEND, a 4-1 shot, is the pace profile leader, and like my top pick in this race, also comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" in his respective "first asking."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DDLohaus’ Saratoga analysis

Friday’s picks

A pair of fourth place finishes keep us going in the wrong direction.* Friday’s card has a few appealing plays that will jump start our weekend.

Race #6
$10WP Fire Starter

Race #8
$5WP Startwithsilver

Race #10
$10WP Ever So Clever

Total Bets: $50.00
Meet Total: – $350.00

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 8/19 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 1,4,5,9/1,2/2,6,7,9/4/5,8 = $12.80

EARLY PICK 4: 4/4,5,8/5/3,6,7,8 = $12

LATE PICK 4: 3,4,8,9/4/6,7,8/2,3,8,9 = $48

MEET STATS: 286 - 832 / $1507.70 BEST BETS: 48 - 77 / $155.80

SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 77 / $86.60

Best Bet: STORM POINT (9th)

Spot Play: BIG TSUNAMI (11th)


Race 1

(1) BIG RICH faces easier here and should be prominent throughout. (4) JUSTASMALLTOWNGIRL dropped, popped and took a new life's mark. She could be dangerous right back. (5) SHOOT THE THRILL's early move was rebuffed last week. He isn't out of this, but, he needs a better-timed move. Note: Top choice CROWN CLASSIC was an early scratch.

Race 2

(1) WITCH DALI returned from a 5-week break vs. some salty male competition. Back with her own kind here, she should be tough. (2) SOLAR SISTER twice finished second to the best mare on the continent down south and she is the one to beat but she will be a very low price on the board. (4) DELIGHTFUL HILL should be closer early here and grab a share. (5) MS MAC N CHEESE should stick around for a smaller share.

Race 3

(2) SASS set a new track record at Grand River last time and he should offer some value here as (8) WILL TAKE CHARGE will likely be a big chalk. The latter is obviously one of the best in here, but post and intent are factors to consider. (6) AMITYVILLE LINDY has gone two big trips in a row and he is a contender with his improved form.

Race 4

(4) PASSPORT TO ART paced a good last 1/4 last week and should go forward here with that initial start under his belt. (1) OAK ISLAND is out of a $1.6 million earning mare who has produced several winners. He looks like the main threat. (2) ARSENAL SEELESTER should be closer here dropping back to face maidens. (4) TUXEDO BAY is another that should improve in his second start.

Race 5

(8) MARLEE B should get put into this race early on the class drop; slight nod. (5) APPLE PIE ANGEL steps up off a sharp win and she should be a top contender here. (4) ST LADS PENNY LANE can be close at this level and she should be passing many of these late. (7) BET YA is another class dropper that should get a share here.

Race 6

(5) MAMBO LINDY faces much easier here and he should have no trouble handling these if he stays flat. (9) A ROD HALL has been showing improved form of late. He is worth a look for exotic wagers at a price. (7) WARAWEE ROO is capable, but note the passive drive he was given in this class last time. (10) MUSCLES FOR LIFE can share if he leaves for position here.

Race 7

(8) CAROLINA HURRICANE will be very tough here if he comes close to producing his race from two starts back, which is quite possible. (7) BUGGER JERRY has been racing well and taking shares. That trend should continue here. (3) MACH MESSIER picks up Filion here; beware. (6) LOOKIN AT A WINNER has form that is likely better than it looks due to several outside posts. He can share here.

Race 8

(9) GIN AND LINDY has raced great since she won here in a similar class on June 30th. She can beat this group if she is put into the race early enough. (8) MANOFMANYIMAGES - winner of three of his last four - looks like the main threat from close range. (3) WORLDCLASS HANOVER won in this class last week and must be considered for late Pick 4 bets. (4) P L JERICO should be close up early which gives him a good shot at taking a slice here.

Race 9

(4) STORM POINT comes off a sharp win from the 10-hole and she will be tough to beat here. (5) KAYLA GRACE moves to the middle of the gate and she could crash the exotics at a price here. (9) ARTISTIC MADISON was all over the track down the lane last week. She is classy, but also obviously has some issues. (6) LIGHTS GO OUT fits this class well and should take a share.

Race 10

(8) HOPE FOR PADDY has won at good prices the past couple of times she dropped in class. She will be no better than third choice here and is worth taking a stab on. (6) WRANGLER MAGIC also drops and gets Lasix for the second time; using. (7) STONEBRIDGE QUEST is another that faces easier who is in the equation here. (5) RIDE AWAY SHARK has been racing well of late. She can take a minor share.

Race 11

(9) BIG TSUNAMI races better off cover and she should be able to find some here; slight nod at a price. (8) DOCS HOLLYWOOD reversed tactics last time and it almost worked. She could do if similar tactics are employed here. (3) PINKY TUSCADERO faces easier and should be heard from here. (2) KATIES BEACH is another to consider in a wide open finale. The move to the inner post helps her cause. (1) WILDCAT BEAUTY drops but hasn't won all year and has missed some time; small share predicted.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 8/19 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 196 - 847 / $1,239.00

BEST BETS: 25 - 81 / $129.70

Best Bet: LUCY’S PEARL (5th)

Spot Play: LIGHTNING RAIDER N (8th)


Race 1

(1) AUTOMATIC SLIMS has good speed and draws the rail slot; can boss these at his best. (5) ADDWATER got the job done last out via the pocket route. (3) MCENROE HALL was sharp in victory two starts back at Monticello.

Race 2

(1) HALTON HURRICANE put in a good effort last time out and this gelding should be sharper from the fence; big threat for win honors. (6) REGAL SIGHT raced evenly in his Pocono finale and was a good third here four starts back; main danger. (2) ULTIMAGE G should fare well from the 2-hole.

Race 3

(5) MAINLAND KEY N 11-year-old gelding was a sharp second so it might be an indication he will move forward against these; we shall see. (1) ELRAMA N has wheeled off three straight victories and is back on the fence; dangerous again. (8) SHADIOS has very good early zip; post hurts but is very ca

Race 4

(6) HEY KOBE came down the center of the track to run down Cherry Bliss for all the glory last time out. Mare is in fine form so with another great effort the rest will have to settle for second money. (3) DEUCES FOR CHARITY has scored two straight victories and she fits will against this group despite the rise in class; main danger. (1) DO YOUR JOB drops in class and gets post relief; not out of this.

Race 5

(4) LUCYS PEARL was on the rim at the 3/4 pole but could not go forward in the stretch run last out. Team Burke's pacing mare has been picking up checks and might get a favorable trip; the pick with Brennan at the controls. (2) ALHAMBRA Even finish in her last start and clearly she is knocking at the door; player. (3) JADED DREAM was third best last out and gets some class relief in here; watch out.

Race 6

(3) TESSA SEELSTER moves up the ladder off two sharp victories in a row so hopefully she can keep stepping it up against this select group; possible. (5) PURRFECT BAGS Sharp in victory in her Delaware finale and has hit the board 9 out of 10 starts this year; threat. (4) BETTOR N BETTER did not fire in Meadowlands stakes last out but is back with old friends where she just missed the score by a head 2 starts ago; beware.

Race 7

(2) SHINOBU HANOVER was over his head last out but this gelding knows how to get the job done and this seems to be a perfect spot for him to return to the cameraman for pictures. (5) NATIONAL SEELSTER was on the engine most of the way but did not have enough gas in the tank and held on for the show spot recently. (4) BAKERSFIELD game outside trip last time out to miss glory by 1/2 length.

Race 8

(1) LIGHTNING RAIDER N moves down the scale and gets the best of the draw. Gelding most likely will be on the engine hoping to boss these down the road. (4) DEMOCRACY N is better than his last start and the 4-hole could help his cause; maybe. (8) SOMEWHERE FANCY Sharp for second last time out but now will try to make so serious noise from the far outside post; not out of the question.

Race 9

(5) RAMPAGE JACKSON Once again the gelding returned to winning form with two down the road scores in a row and he is fit and ready to keep on his winning ways. (1) J T needs a better trip to contend with these and a return to the fence could make him a factor. (3) STONEBRIDGE TONIC has hit the board in his last five tries; big threat.

Race 10

Will give a try with (8) AL RAZA N to put it all together. Knocking at the door based on her last two starts and is on the dropdown; gets the call. (3) EMPRESS DEO has been sharp in her last four outings and could have a say in the outcome. (7) ROCK N ROLL XAMPLE got the job done last out via the pocket route.

Race 11

(1) RED HOT HERBIE was sitting in the pocket most of the way but could not catch the top two in his last trip to the post. Now this gelding moves to the fence and with a favorable trip he can be the boss over these. (2) WORLD CUP moves his trade to Yonkers and gets a cozy post to work with; dangerous. (4) SUMATRA did not fire in his Philly finale but might find these to his liking.

Race 12

(4) MOSQUITO BLUE CHIP is 0 for 9 this year but the good news is the mare was very game in her last try with a second place finish so she is very capable of moving forward. (2) DELIGHTFUL DRAGON has hit the board in her last three starts and has good speed; main danger. (1) CHEYENNE ROBIN has wheeled off two straight victories and now moves to the rail; not out of this despite the escalation in class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (5th) Chocolate Wildcat, 4-1
(7th) High Heel Lady, 7-2


Belterra Park (2nd) Last Prospect, 3-1
(8th) Aurora's Secret, 7-2


Canterbury Park (3rd) War General Too, 10-1
(8th) Kluszewski, 4-1


Charles Town (2nd) Artefacto, 4-1
(6th) Saint Eddie, 7-2


Del Mar (1st) Curlin Road, 3-1
(8th) Black Tie, 9-2


Ellis Park (5th) Conquest Sorceror, 4-1
(8th) Cold Desert, 6-1


Emerald Downs (3rd) Look Above, 4-1
(4th) Inkey Mooey, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Wildnd'moonlight, 7-2
(7th) Ginger Tee, 5-1


Golden Gate Fields (4th) Red Rose Lady, 7-2
(5th) Silver Champ, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Shoshone Brave, 4-1
(10th) Herr Drosselmeyer, 7-2


Hastings Park (6th) Katchin Fire, 7-2
(7th) Mr. Candy, 6-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Bosphorus Storm, 3-1
(7th) Saint Prado, 9-2


Laurel Park (1st) Waves on the Sea, 9-2
(8th) Jump Ship, 9-2


Louisiana Downs (1st) Z Walk, 5-1
(5th) Sevenoaks, 3-1


Monmouth Park (5th) Gourmet Delight, 8-1
(9th) Mr. Logistics, 8-1


Penn National (1st) Cherokee Cousin, 7-2
(6th) I Wrote the Script, 10-1


Remington Park (5th) Pass the Buck, 7-2
(8th) Medal of Courage, 3-1


Saratoga (4th) Narvaez, 5-1
(8th) Startwithsilver, 7-2


Woodbine (4th) Show Shape, 8-1
(5th) Single Action, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

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 August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, 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 April 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 August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Orioles blast six HRs in victory
By The Sports Xchange

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles erupted for six home runs, including two apiece by J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis, in a 13-5 victory over the Houston Astros on Thursday in the opener of a four game series.
Mark Trumbo regained the major league lead with his career-high 35th homer, while Manny Machado got his 27th of the season.
Baltimore moved into a second-place tie with the Boston Red Sox and trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 1 1/2 games in the American League East. Houston has lost five in a row.
The Orioles' Kevin Gausman (4-10) allowed five runs (four earned) and seven hits with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

Indians 5, White Sox 4
CLEVELAND -- Tyler Naquin's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning drove in the winning run as Cleveland beat Chicago.
Andrew Miller (7-1) pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to get the win.
Indians starter Danny Salazar came off the disabled list to make his first appearance since Aug. 1 and was removed from the game after a 34-pitch, three-walk, three-run first inning. He then went out to the bullpen to do more throwing.

Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
PHILADELPHIA -- Maikel Franco hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning as Philadelphia beat Los Angeles.
Ryan Howard added a solo homer for the Phillies, who salvaged the finale of a three-game series while winning for the fifth time in seven games.
Justin Turner and Yasmani Grandal went deep for the National League West-leading Dodgers.

Cubs 9, Brewers 6
CHICAGO -- Kris Bryant went 5-for-5 with two home runs while right-hander Jake Arrieta picked up his 15th win as Chicago completed a four-game sweep of Milwaukee.
Bryant, who also scored four times and collected five RBIs, has 30 home runs to tie Colorado's Nolan Arenado for the National League lead.
Brewers starter Zach Davies (9-6) suffered his second straight loss after giving up seven runs in a four-inning outing.

Tigers 4, Red Sox 3
DETROIT -- Andrew Romine walked with the bases loaded and two out in the eighth inning to force home the winning run in Detroit's victory over Boston.
It was the Tigers' first victory following three straight losses and the first time the Red Sox had tasted defeat in seven games.
Detroit scored one run in each of three straight defeats to Kansas City and looked on its way to possibly a fourth when the game entered the eighth tied at 1-1. Boston scored twice in the top of the inning only to see Detroit answer with three.

Reds 5, Marlins 4
CINCINNATI -- Ramon Cabrera hit his second career home run and right-hander Dan Straily outpitched Jose Fernandez as Cincinnati held on to defeat Miami.
Fernandez (12-7) eclipsed the 200-strikeout mark in the second inning but not much else went right for the Marlins' ace, who lasted only four innings.
Straily (9-6) allowed two runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

Royals 8, Twins 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Dillon Gee pitched a season-high seven innings and hot-hitting Alex Gordon belted a grand slam as Kansas City won its fifth straight game.
Gee (5-6) gave up one run on five hits while matching a career high with seven strikeouts and claiming his first victory as a starter since May 31.
In the past four games, the Royals have allowed one run in each -- all on solo home runs.

Nationals 8, Braves 2
ATLANTA -- Rookie right-hander Reynaldo Lopez struck out 11 over seven innings as Washington routed Atlanta, improving to 9-1 against the Braves this year.
Lopez (2-1) has recorded both of his major league wins against the Braves. He gave up four hits, two walks and two runs (one earned) in a follow-up to his outing against Atlanta at Washington last Saturday, when he allowed five hits and a run over seven innings in his third career start.
Jayson Werth had an RBI double and a single for Washington, extending his on-base streak to 46 games.

Angels 6, Mariners 4
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Matt Shoemaker surrendered five hits in seven innings, Yunel Escobar had three hits and scored two runs, and Los Angeles defeated Seattle at Angel Stadium.
The Angels won for only the second time in their past 14 games and remain in last place in the AL East, trailing the Oakland Athletics by a game.
Shoemaker (7-13) lowered his ERA to 4.14 with the win, his first in three decisions against the Mariners this season. He gave up two runs, walked two and struck out five in a 97-pitch outing.

Giants 10, Mets 7
SAN FRANCISCO -- Madison Bumgarner came to his own rescue with a two-run home run to cap a five-run fourth inning, helping San Francisco outslug New York in the opener of a four-game series.
Eduardo Nunez had four hits and three RBIs for the Giants, who moved seven games ahead of the Mets in the National League wild-card race while also edging within a half-game of the Los Angeles Dodgers atop the NL West.
Bumgarner served up a grand slam to Mets center fielder Justin Ruggiano in the top of the fourth inning, putting the Giants, who entered the game on a four-game losing streak, in a 4-0 hole.
But following singles by Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence off Mets starter Jacob deGrom, Nunez tripled in a pair of runs to get with the Giants back within 4-3.

Padres 9, Diamondbacks 8
SAN DIEGO -- Alex Dickerson hit a three-run double with two outs in the eighth inning to give San Diego a come-from behind victory over Arizona at Petco Park.
The win moved the Padres back into sole possession of fourth in the National League West and snapped a five-game losing streak. Arizona saw its four-game winning streak end.
Arizona's Archie Bradley allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. San Diego's Paul Clemens gave up three runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (62-59) at Pirates (62-56)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- Say what you will about the Pittsburgh Pirates' questionable moves at the trade deadline or the poor numbers former National League Most Valuable Player Andrew McCutchen has had most of the season.

Right now, things are looking up.

Going into what could be a wild-card showdown against the Miami Marlins starting Friday at PNC Park, the Pirates are en fuego.

Pittsburgh (62-56), which was off Thursday, just completed a 5-1 West Coast road trip - including a three-game sweep in San Francisco. Since June 24, the Pirates' 28-17 record is the best in baseball.

They stand one game behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot, and 1 1/2 games ahead of Miami (62-59) in that chase after the Marlins dropped a 5-4 decision at Cincinnati on Thursday night.

"We've been a confident group all year. Road trips like this really bring a team together," Pittsburgh closer Tony Watson told MLB.com. "We're playing great baseball right now. Playing well down the stretch has been key the last few years. ... This year is no different."

McCutchen's two-run homer Thursday, his 17th of the season, was huge in a 6-5 win over the Giants. Although he is batting .248 overall, McCutchen's average in August is .317.

"I've turned something," McCutchen told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don't know if it's turning a page or a corner or something. Things are going well for us. Going well for me, too.

"I've been getting pitches to hit, hitting them, having good at-bats, seeing the ball. They try to hit a location. Miss a location, I'm able to make them pay."

An unexpected bump in the Pirates' good play recently is right-hander Gerrit Cole (7-8, 3.17 ERA), who is scheduled to start Friday. The presumed ace of the staff entering the season has dealt with some inconsistency and injuries.

In his past two starts, Cole is 0-2, has failed to get through the sixth inning and has given up a combined nine runs on 15 hits. However, he could be aided by being at home, where he has a 2.94 ERA over his past nine starts.

The Marlins are not as comfortable at PNC Park, where they are 16-31.

On Friday, Miami will start right-hander Tom Koehler (9-8, 3.86 ERA), who is 0-4 with a 5.73 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

However, Koehler has been arguably the Marlins' best starter of late. In his past five starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.36 ERA.

"It's not like he doesn't have good stuff," Miami manager Don Mattingly told reporters earlier this month. "His stuff is good.

"He's got a good breaking ball that most guys don't really hit. He can change speeds and he's a little erratic. He can be effectively wild. You don't quite know what you're going to get with Tom. To me, that's part of his success."

Success that hasn't been matched team-wide lately. Miami has lost three straight games, three series in a row and four of its past five series.

The Pirates, meanwhile, have won four consecutive series and could put some distance between themselves and the Marlins in the wild-card scenario this weekend.

"Obviously, this is the time of year teams make or break themselves," Pittsburgh's Matt Joyce told MLB.com. "It's nice to see some guys turn the corner and keep fighting and keep pushing, because it's very easy to just say, 'We're not in the race,' and just kind of roll over. It's exciting, man. It's exciting to be a part of, and we're having a lot of fun."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (64-56) at Phillies (57-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- Adam Wainwright and Adam Morgan will be looking to snap slumps of varying degrees on Friday when the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies open a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.

Wainwright (9-7, 4.72 ERA), the Cardinals' 34-year-old right-hander, matched the shortest start of his career in his last time out - working just two innings in a 13-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The three-time All-Star allowed seven runs on six hits and walked three, and afterward called his outing "embarrassing," according to Major League Baseball's official web site.

Wainwright, who is winless in his last five outings, also surrendered six runs on nine hits over six innings in losing his previous start to Atlanta.

Morgan's struggles are much more pronounced. Philadelphia's second-year left-hander is 1-7 with a 6.62 ERA, and hasn't won since beating the Braves for his lone victory on May 10. In the meantime, he has gone 0-7 with a 7.46 ERA over 12 starts, a drought interrupted by a stint at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in which he went 5-0.

Morgan returned to the parent club last weekend but was forced to depart Sunday's start against Colorado after three innings when he was hit on the elbow by a line drive off the bat of Nick Hundley. Morgan reported no ill effects.

Morgan was saddled with a no-decision in his only start against St. Louis this year, allowing three runs on six hits over four innings. He is 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals.

Wainwright, who is 6-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 13 career outings against Phillies, told reporters after the loss to the Cubs that he was feeling a little under the weather, but did not wish to use that as an excuse. He also denied that he was tipping his pitches, as was suspected in his previous outing.

"Today, the way I was tipping is that when they got in the batters' box, they knew I was going to throw something in the middle of the plate," Wainwright said, according to MLB.com. "You do that against a good team, and they're going to hit it really hard."

The Cardinals, who hold a one-game lead over Pittsburgh in the race for the National League's second wild-card berth, have won four in a row. The Phillies, who beat the Dodgers 5-4 on Thursday night to salvage the finale of a three-game series, have won four of six.

Maikel Franco's two-run homer off Dodgers reliever Grant Dayton in the seventh inning proved decisive.

"Fastball, right down the middle," said Franco, who jumped on a 1-1 offering. "Put a good contact on it, nothing else. I just go try to put the ball in play, put good contact on it."

It was Franco's 11th game-winning RBI, which leads the Phillies and is tied for fourth in the National League. It was also his team-leading 19th go-ahead RBI.

"With all the swings and misses and expanding the strike zone, he comes up big an awful lot," manager Pete Mackanin said. "You can't deny the numbers that he's put up."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (61-60) at Orioles (67-53)

Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- After struggling earlier in the week, the Baltimore Orioles' bats finally came alive in the series opener against the Houston Astros.

Baltimore will look to keep that momentum going Friday.

After scoring four runs in two games against Boston, the Orioles managed 18 hits in the 13-5 victory over the Astros on Thursday. Baltimore slugged six home runs and leads the majors with 183.

"It was big," said shortstop J.J. Hardy, who went deep twice. "We haven't been swinging the bats all that great, and to bust out like that. Hopefully, it keeps going and we can keep that confidence."

The Orioles have spent 111 of 136 days in first place of the AL East this season, but have struggled since the All-Star break, going 16-17. However, with the win Thursday, the Orioles moved into a second-place tie with the Red Sox and trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 1 1/2 games in the American League East.

Houston has lost five straight and is mired in third place in the AL West behind Texas and Seattle. The Astros, however, are still within striking distance in the wild card standings.

"When you play these four-game series, the first couple of games are key because it puts you in a powerful position to potentially win the series," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We know these guys are in the middle of this race as well. I think it tells us how muddy the waters are going to be when it comes down to this. As much as we'd like to watch what Baltimore is doing, or Detroit, or Toronto, or Boston, or Seattle, the teams that are in this race, we need to take care of ourselves. We need to win our own games and not worry about what everyone else is doing."

Left-hander Wade Miley (7-10, 5.23 ERA) is still looking for his first win with the Orioles since being acquired from Seattle at the trade deadline. Miley has taken the loss in two of his past three starts. He didn't get a decision in his previous outing Saturday against the Giants when he allowed seven runs (six earned) in 4 1/3 innings. In his three starts with the Orioles, Miley has a 7.04 ERA, with a 8:5 strikeout to walk ratio.

Collin McHugh (7-10, 4.70) gets the start for Houston and tries to snap a four-game losing streak. McHugh has not earned a win since July 23 against the Angels. In his last start, McHugh gave up three runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings in a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

McHugh will be challenged to contain the Orioles' powerful lineup, which especially thrives at hitter-friendly Camden Yards. Baltimore owns the best home record in the American League at 40-19.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (67-53) at Reds (51-69)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 19, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- When the Los Angeles Dodgers arrive in Cincinnati for a four-game weekend series beginning Friday, Clayton Kershaw will be with them.

Kershaw, who's been on the disabled list since June 27 with a herniated disk, has been throwing off flat ground. On Saturday, he'll throw off the mound for the first time since going on the disabled list with a light bullpen session.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw so far is pain-free. A rehab assignment is still possible if Kershaw is ready before the minor league seasons end.

"Our expectation is that he would go out there and face hitters," Roberts told MLB.com on Thursday. "As we look at the calendar, we feel that there's time for Clayton to make a couple, two, three starts before the end of the season."

Another starter returns for Los Angeles on Friday.

Right-hander Bud Norris completed his rehab stint at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Aug. 13. He hasn't pitched for Los Angeles since July 31 when he was pulled from his start in the first inning and placed on the DL with a mild back strain.

Norris faces Cincinnati for the second time this season. On June 15 while with the Braves, Norris allowed three runs and three hits in five innings in a 9-8 Atlanta victory. In 10 appearances (nine starts) against the Reds, Norris is 1-3 with a 4.41 ERA and 49 strikeouts and 19 walks in 49 innings.

He'll face a Cincinnati club which is playing better baseball since the All-Star break, despite several minor injuries.

Cincinnati ranks eighth in the major leagues and third in the National League with a .269 batting average with runners in scoring position.

"I wish I had an answer (for that)," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "If I had, I would say, 'This is what we're going to do all the time.' Maybe it's more focused at bats. The guys are listening to what (batting coach) Don (Long) is saying. If it was as easy as having a philosophy, we would've been doing it for the past 150 years."

Reds right-hander Tim Adleman who was recalled this week from Triple-A Louisville, makes his first career appearance against the Dodgers on Friday. It's the fifth career start for Adleman, who was a non-roster invitee to spring training.

Adleman hasn't started for the Reds since May 19 when he left with a strained oblique and was placed on the DL the following day. He made six rehab starts before being activated then optioned to Triple-A.

Cincinnati took three of four from the Miami Marlins and has gone 19-12 while winning eight of 10 series since the All-Star break.

"We've been firing on all cylinders," Reds right-hander Dan Straily said. "We finally have a group of guys here who are playing really well. This is how we expected to play."

The National-League West leading Dodgers, though, have won nine straight games and three straight series against the Reds. In May, Los Angeles swept Cincinnati at Dodger Stadium for the first time since 2009.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (72-50) at Rays (50-69)

Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 19, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have won four straight games, and the only thing stopping them from their longest winning streak of the season Friday is the best team in the American League, the Texas Rangers.

The Rays (50-69) enter the series with serious momentum -- they scored a franchise-record 35 runs in a three-game span before a 2-0 win Wednesday against the San Diego Padres to finish a three-game sweep. Unfortunately, the Rangers (72-50) are coming off their own three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics and have won nine of 12 entering the series.

Texas continues to show its resilience -- nearly half its wins (38) have been comeback wins, like an extra-winning win that saw the Rangers score three runs in the bottom of the 10th on Tuesday. Manager Jeff Banister continues to encounter situations where his team could pack it in, and they refuse to do so.

"You would think these guys at some point would," Banister said of their comeback nature. "They haven't. I don't think they will. I don't think it's in their DNA. I don't think it's in their culture, their chemistry. They're going to continue to grind."

Texas opens the series with Cole Hamels (12-4, 2.88 ERA), who knows a thing or two about big wins against the Rays. With the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008, he was on the mound for two World Series win, including the Game 5 clincher, holding the Rays to two earned runs in both starts.

Hamels hasn't faced the Rays since 2012, when he threw seven scoreless innings in a 3-2 Rays win, and he's coming off a rough start in which he gave up 14 hits -- amazingly yielding only two runs -- in a loss to the Tigers.

The Rays answer with Matt Andriese (6-4, 3.36 ERA), who has seen Tampa Bay lose in each of his three starts since joining the rotation after a trade-deadline deal sent Matt Moore to the San Francisco Giants. He has a 6.59 ERA in those three starts and hasn't lasted longer than five innings in any, stretching himself out to 76 pitches after a move from the bullpen, but not yet showing he can pitch efficiently to last longer in games.

A big part of the Rays' win streak has been Brad Miller, who has three home runs in his last seven at-bats. Miller has 19 home runs since June 17, matching the most in baseball in that span, and has been especially productive at Tropicana Field, where 19 of his 25 home runs have been hit. He has already set a major-league record for most home runs by a left-handed batter playing primarily at shortstop.

"I think I'm picking the right pitch to swing at," Miller said of his hot bat. "When you do that, you can't miss them, because you might only get one per at-bat. That's all I'm trying to do is hit the one pitch I get per at-bat."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (67-53) at Tigers (64-57)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 19, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- He doesn't consider it a homecoming, but Rick Porcello is returning to pitch in his old home Friday night for the first time since being traded from Detroit to Boston.

Porcello was signed by Detroit as their No. 1 draft choice in 2007 and made the Tigers out of spring training in 2009.

At the end of the 2014 season, he was traded to Boston in a winter deal for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. He has faced Detroit once -- last year in Boston -- and allowed a run on five hits with six strikeouts over seven innings without getting a decision.

Players almost religiously tell the media it's "just another game" or "no big deal" when facing a former employer. It's also generally regarded as nonsense.

"Seeing them in Boston earlier this year helped," Porcello said of pitching against Detroit for the first time in Comerica Park on Friday night. "And obviously last year pitching against them in Boston, then coming here kind of took care of feelings or whatever you want to call it.

"With the race that we're in, I'm really trying my hardest not to let any of that creep into my head. I want to maintain the focus I've had in my past three or four starts and not let anything alter that.

"I'm trying to kind of block it out, really. After Friday then obviously I can go over and say, 'Hi,' to those guys. But I'm not talking to them before Friday."

Though it's been less than two seasons since he pitched for Detroit, Porcello should face at least three Tiger starters -- at short, third and in left -- who weren't on the team during his time there.

Porcello (16-3, 3.30 ERA) is having one of the better seasons of any pitcher in baseball and is 9-1 with a 2.75 ERA over his last 11 starts.

He'll be up against an equally formidable opponent in Detroit's rookie Michael Fulmer (10-3, 2.25 ERA), who at this time a year ago had just switched over from the New York Mets' Double-A team to Detroit's Double-A affiliate.

The right-handed Fulmer was part of the trade that sent Cespedes from the Tigers to the Mets at last year's non-waiver trade deadline.

Fulmer pitched at Fenway Park on July 27 without getting a decision, allowing three runs on seven hits.

In his last start, the rookie recorded his first major league complete game and shutout, taming Texas on four hits and nine strikeouts.

Fulmer is two of three key pitchers obtained for Detroit by Dave Dombrowski at the non-waiver trade deadline last year, a scant couple of days before he was fired by the Tigers and quickly found a new home as head of the Boston Red Sox.

Dombrowski is going to see all three of the key pitchers he acquired for Detroit on consecutive days. Lefty Matt Boyd started against Boston on Thursday and gave up one run in six innings of a 4-3 Tigers' win in which he did not figure in the decision.

Fulmer pitches Friday and lefty Daniel Norris goes Saturday. Norris and Boyd came from Toronto in the deal that sent lefty David Price to the Blue Jays, then subsequently signing with the Red Sox as a free agent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (69-52) at Indians (69-50)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 19, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The last time the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians met, the results were rather garish. In a three-game series in Toronto starting July 1, the Indians won the first game 2-1 in 19 innings and the Blue Jays won the next two games by a combined score of 26-7. The third game of that series was won by Toronto 17-1.

Six weeks later, the teams will reconvene for another three-game series, this one in Cleveland. Both teams are in first place in their divisions -- Toronto in the AL East, Cleveland in the AL Central -- so this series could potentially be a playoff preview.

In game one of the series Friday night the pitching matchup is Cleveland's Trevor Bauer (9-5, 3.97) vs. Toronto's Francisco Liriano (6-12, 5.46).

Liriano will be making his third start for Toronto since the Blue Jays acquired him in a trade deadline deal with Pittsburgh. In his first two starts for the Jays Liriano was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA. In 18 career appearances, 13 starts, against Cleveland Liriano is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA. He has made nine career appearances, six starts, at Progressive Field and is 2-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

Bauer was the winning pitcher in that epic 19-inning 2-1 Cleveland victory in Toronto on July 1, pitching five scoreless innings, after the Indians ran out of relievers. Bauer has made two career starts against the Blue Jays and is 0-1 with a 17.47 ERA.

Whether Bauer will have to face Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson in Friday's game remains to be seen. Donaldson missed a game earlier this season with a jammed right thumb, and in Toronto's 7-4 win over the Yankees on Wednesday he was removed from the game in the sixth inning when he aggravated the thumb during an at bat.

"I didn't want to do any further damage to it than I already did, and having it possibly getting jammed further, a second or third time and then having to miss more time than I need to," said Donaldson, whose status is considered day-to-day.

Given Donaldson's success against Cleveland, it would be a surprise if he's not in the lineup Friday night. In four games against the Indians this year he is 7-for-18 (.389) with two home runs and four RBIs. In 120 career at bats against Cleveland he has a .333 average with seven home runs and 31 RBIs.

The Toronto series will be the last three games of the Indians' 11-game homestand, their longest homestand of the season. They are 6-2 in the first eight games, including winning two of three games from the White Sox in a series that concluded Thursday night.

Cleveland's successful season has been built on its starting pitching, although the rotation has hit a couple of speed bumps lately. Thursday night, in his first start after a 15-day stay on the disabled list, Danny Salazar was removed after a nightmarish 34-pitch, three-walk, 3-run first inning.

"He was rusty. You could tell from the beginning he couldn't find the plate," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

"I was wild. That's it," said Salazar. "I felt great, I just couldn't find my release point."

The Indians will have to make a roster move Friday, when pitcher Josh Tomlin is expected to be activated off the Family Emergency List, assuming he returns from his home in Tyler, Tex. Tomlin is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (71-49) at Braves (44-77)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 19, 2016 7:35 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Tanner Roark and Julio Teheran each has a 2.81 ERA to tie for eighth-best among qualified pitchers in the National League.

That is where the statistical similarity ends, though.

The records of the two right-handers reflect the positions of their teams, with Roark 13-6 for the Washington Nationals, which top the National League East, and Teheran is 3-9 for the last-place Atlanta Braves.

Roark will try to continue his dominance against the Braves this season and for his career on Friday night, with Teheran coming off a stint on the disabled list to start for Atlanta.

Roark has won his past four outings and has gone at least seven innings in 15 of his 24 starts in establishing himself as the workhorse in a rotation that is loaded with much bigger names.

"I pride myself is going as long as I can and as hard as I can," he said. "That's what starting pitchers are supposed to do."

Roark has gone seven innings in each of his two victories against the Braves this season, allowing just one run and nine hits. He is 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA in nine career starts against Atlanta.

"He's hungry. He's like a warrior," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. "He doesn't run from anybody. He's like the epitome of a competitor."

It was Teheran, though, who pitched in the All-Star Game -- as the Braves' lone representative -- while Roark missed out because Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer represented the Nationals rotation.

Teheran, who missed three because of a lat strain, is a misleading 3-9 and still looking for his first victory at home, where he is 0-5.

The native of Colombia worked five innings in a rehab outing for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

"I didn't feel anything and that's a good thing," Teheran said. "I'm glad we took care of it before it got worse."

Teheran has pitched against the Nationals 13 times in his career, going 3-3 with a 3.95 ERA. He is 0-1 with a 5.54 ERA in two starts this year.

When Teheran went on the disabled list, it left the Braves without their only tested starter.

The last time a Braves starter worked past six innings was Teheran, who went seven in a 1-0 victory at Colorado on July 17.

"It feels real good to get him back. He's an experienced guy," Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. "You talk about a green rotation and guys rushed up here out of necessity really. It will be nice to get him back in the swing of things and pitching every five days."

Friday will be the first time Teheran has pitched as a father. A son, Jordan, was born on Tuesday and came home from the hospital on Thursday.

"I've got another motivation to play," Teheran said.

The Nationals have won nine of the 10 games against the Braves this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (52-69) at White Sox (57-63)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 19, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox return home from a nine-game road trip to face the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

The homecoming could not have arrived soon enough for the up-and-down White Sox (57-63). Manager Robin Ventura's club is coming off an uninspiring 4-5 road trip, which concluded with a ninth-inning loss Thursday night to the rival Cleveland Indians.

"Definitely an empty feeling," White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon told the Chicago Sun-Times. "All of us are playing hard, giving 100 percent. We are leaving it all out there and it just doesn't happen."

Meanwhile, Oakland (52-69) has lost five consecutive games, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers earlier this week. The Athletics have scored two runs or fewer in seven of the last 13 games, and their minus-104 run differential is worst in the American League.

With the postseason well out of reach, Oakland has turned its focus toward developing its young talent in the final stretch of the season. Earlier this week, the Athletics promoted infield prospect Chad Pinder from Triple-A Nashville. Pinder hit .258 with 14 home runs and 51 RBIs in 107 games in the minor leagues this season and could see time at second base, shortstop and third base.

"He swings the bat well, has got some power, and we saw that in spring," Oakland manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com. "It's great that he gets an opportunity."

Right-hander James Shields (5-14, 5.78 ERA) will start for Chicago. The 34-year-old is mired in the worst statistical season of his career -- and one of the most bizarre seasons in the majors.

In four starts from May 31 to June 18, Shields surrendered a mind-boggling 31 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings to go 1-3 with a 24.62 ERA. He recovered nicely in his next seven starts, during which time he posted a 2.11 ERA and limited hitters to a .215 batting average.

Then the bottom fell out yet again. In his past three starts, opponents have rocked Shields for 21 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings. He is 1-2 with a 20.25 ERA during that span.

Will Friday's start mark the start of another turnaround? Or yet another disastrous outing?

Shields has fared well against the Athletics in his career. In 15 starts, he is 6-4 with a 3.82 ERA. He has not faced Oakland since 2014, when he went 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts as a member of the Kansas City Royals.

For Oakland, right-hander Kendall Graveman (8-8, 4.37 ERA) will make his 24th start of the season. The 25-year-old Mississippi State alum is trending in a much better direction than Shields. He is 7-2 with a 3.83 ERA in his past 14 starts after opening the year 1-6 with a 5.36 ERA. However, Graveman gave up four runs in six innings to sustain the loss in his most recent outing Saturday against the Seattle Mariners.

Graveman has faced the White Sox once in his career. He drew the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings on April 7. White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu stung Graveman for a two-run home run in the sixth inning that day.

Abreu will look to feast against Graveman once again Friday night. The White Sox slugger has hit safely in 13 of his 15 games in August, including six multiple-hit performances.