Matt Josephs
PHI vs SDG
Bonus Play UNDER 8
Christian Friedrich is 4-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 14 starts for the Padres. He is coming off a solid effort at home against the Reds where he held them to one run and five hits over six innings. The southpaw is facing a Phillies team that is hitting .236 in night games and have gone under in 14 of 23 games against left-handed starters. Jeremy Hellickson has pitched well allowing four runs and 15 hits in his last three starts for Philadelphia. The righty has gone under in 13 of his 22 starts and could do so again against the Padres. San Diego is hitting .231 against right-handed starters and have scored two runs or less in four of their last six games. Both teams have mediocre bullpens, but their offenses are so bad that it shouldn't matter. We'll take the under in this one.
PHI vs SDG
Bonus Play UNDER 8
Christian Friedrich is 4-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 14 starts for the Padres. He is coming off a solid effort at home against the Reds where he held them to one run and five hits over six innings. The southpaw is facing a Phillies team that is hitting .236 in night games and have gone under in 14 of 23 games against left-handed starters. Jeremy Hellickson has pitched well allowing four runs and 15 hits in his last three starts for Philadelphia. The righty has gone under in 13 of his 22 starts and could do so again against the Padres. San Diego is hitting .231 against right-handed starters and have scored two runs or less in four of their last six games. Both teams have mediocre bullpens, but their offenses are so bad that it shouldn't matter. We'll take the under in this one.
Scott Spreitzer
Red Sox vs Dodgers
Bonus Play Los Angeles Dodgers
I'm backing the L.A. Dodgers on Friday night. Steven Wright got off to a great start this season, but as the weather warmed up and the humidity increased his knuckleball hasn't been as effective lately. Wright had a 6.23 ERA in July and he gave up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings against Detroit before allowing three runs and 10 hits in five innings at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Dodgers have won six of Scott Kazmir's last seven starts and though he is 4-4 at home, he has a much better ERA at Dodger Stadium than on the road. The Dodgers are 33-20 at home this season and have won 24 of their last 32 home games. Boston has lost 37 of its last 54 against left-handed starters on the road dating to last season. I'm recommending a play on the Dodgers on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Red Sox vs Dodgers
Bonus Play Los Angeles Dodgers
I'm backing the L.A. Dodgers on Friday night. Steven Wright got off to a great start this season, but as the weather warmed up and the humidity increased his knuckleball hasn't been as effective lately. Wright had a 6.23 ERA in July and he gave up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings against Detroit before allowing three runs and 10 hits in five innings at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Dodgers have won six of Scott Kazmir's last seven starts and though he is 4-4 at home, he has a much better ERA at Dodger Stadium than on the road. The Dodgers are 33-20 at home this season and have won 24 of their last 32 home games. Boston has lost 37 of its last 54 against left-handed starters on the road dating to last season. I'm recommending a play on the Dodgers on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Mike Lundin
Blue Jays vs Royals
5* MLB Free Pick Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays will travel to Kansas City for the opener of a three-game series against the reeling Royals Friday night. The Jays have won eight of their past 11, and this looks like a good spot to back Toronto.
The Royals have dropped 10 of their past 13 games and send Dillon Gee (3-5, 4.66) to the mound tonight. The 30 year old right-hander is 0-3 in his last five outings and he's been reached for nine runs on 17 hits through 11 innings of work in his last two starts alone.
The Jays turn to Francisco Liriano (6-11, 5.46 ERA) who'll make his team debut since coming over from Pittsburgh. Liriano labored through his last two starts with the Pirates, but I think the change of scenery will do him well. He's 6-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) against the Royals, but we can note that they're 0-7 in their last seven games vs. a left-handed starter.
Look for Toronto to get to Gee early and then take advantage of Kansas City's previously so feared bullpen which is struggling with Luke Hochevar and closer Wade Davis on the disabled list.
Blue Jays vs Royals
5* MLB Free Pick Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays will travel to Kansas City for the opener of a three-game series against the reeling Royals Friday night. The Jays have won eight of their past 11, and this looks like a good spot to back Toronto.
The Royals have dropped 10 of their past 13 games and send Dillon Gee (3-5, 4.66) to the mound tonight. The 30 year old right-hander is 0-3 in his last five outings and he's been reached for nine runs on 17 hits through 11 innings of work in his last two starts alone.
The Jays turn to Francisco Liriano (6-11, 5.46 ERA) who'll make his team debut since coming over from Pittsburgh. Liriano labored through his last two starts with the Pirates, but I think the change of scenery will do him well. He's 6-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) against the Royals, but we can note that they're 0-7 in their last seven games vs. a left-handed starter.
Look for Toronto to get to Gee early and then take advantage of Kansas City's previously so feared bullpen which is struggling with Luke Hochevar and closer Wade Davis on the disabled list.
Preview: Indians at Yankees
GAME: Cleveland Indians (61-45) at New York Yankees (54-54)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians used the long ball to avoid a sweep and are swinging the power bats at the right time as they begin a three-game series against the host New York Yankees on Friday. Yankee Stadium has the highest home run rate of any American League park and will be hard-pressed to contain the Indians, who have hit 15 shots over their last seven games.
Four came in Thursday's 9-2 rout of Minnesota, which helped Cleveland open a three-game lead in the AL Central. The Indians and Yankees pulled off one of the bigger deals before Monday's trade deadline, as former New York closer Andrew Miller was shipped to Cleveland for a host of prospects. Miller retired all four batters he faced - three via strikeout - on Thursday and is sure to be a factor this weekend as he returns to a stadium at which he is 8-1 with a 1.49 ERA in his career. The Yankees are coming off a four-game split of their Subway Series with the Mets that concluded with a 4-1 setback on Thursday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (11-3, 3.43 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Michael Pineda (5-10, 5.13)
Tomlin will be making his 20th start for the first time since 2011 and will tie his career high for wins - also accomplished five seasons ago - with a victory. He allowed two runs in seven innings to defeat Oakland on Saturday but gave up his 25th home run, the fourth-highest total in the AL entering Thursday. Mark Teixeira is 4-for-13 with a pair of homers against the 31-year-old Tomlin, who is 1-2 with a 7.16 ERA in four career games (three starts) at Yankee Stadium.
Pineda gave up exactly five runs in three of his five starts last month, including a six-inning effort in a loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. He has recorded eight strikeouts in each of his last three outings and pulled into Thursday leading the AL with an average of 10.78 per nine innings. The Dominican will be making his 90th career start but first against Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians 1B Mike Napoli's home run streak ended at five games Thursday, but he is 10-for-21 with nine RBIs and eight runs during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Cleveland is 11-14 against the AL East while New York is 17-10 versus the Central.
3. The Yankees scored 25 runs in winning three of four games at Cleveland last month.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Yankees 4
GAME: Cleveland Indians (61-45) at New York Yankees (54-54)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians used the long ball to avoid a sweep and are swinging the power bats at the right time as they begin a three-game series against the host New York Yankees on Friday. Yankee Stadium has the highest home run rate of any American League park and will be hard-pressed to contain the Indians, who have hit 15 shots over their last seven games.
Four came in Thursday's 9-2 rout of Minnesota, which helped Cleveland open a three-game lead in the AL Central. The Indians and Yankees pulled off one of the bigger deals before Monday's trade deadline, as former New York closer Andrew Miller was shipped to Cleveland for a host of prospects. Miller retired all four batters he faced - three via strikeout - on Thursday and is sure to be a factor this weekend as he returns to a stadium at which he is 8-1 with a 1.49 ERA in his career. The Yankees are coming off a four-game split of their Subway Series with the Mets that concluded with a 4-1 setback on Thursday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (11-3, 3.43 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Michael Pineda (5-10, 5.13)
Tomlin will be making his 20th start for the first time since 2011 and will tie his career high for wins - also accomplished five seasons ago - with a victory. He allowed two runs in seven innings to defeat Oakland on Saturday but gave up his 25th home run, the fourth-highest total in the AL entering Thursday. Mark Teixeira is 4-for-13 with a pair of homers against the 31-year-old Tomlin, who is 1-2 with a 7.16 ERA in four career games (three starts) at Yankee Stadium.
Pineda gave up exactly five runs in three of his five starts last month, including a six-inning effort in a loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. He has recorded eight strikeouts in each of his last three outings and pulled into Thursday leading the AL with an average of 10.78 per nine innings. The Dominican will be making his 90th career start but first against Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians 1B Mike Napoli's home run streak ended at five games Thursday, but he is 10-for-21 with nine RBIs and eight runs during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Cleveland is 11-14 against the AL East while New York is 17-10 versus the Central.
3. The Yankees scored 25 runs in winning three of four games at Cleveland last month.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Yankees 4
Preview: Reds at Pirates
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (44-63) at Pittsburgh Pirates (53-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Struggling Andrew McCutchen is expected to return to the lineup when the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. McCutchen was benched for the entire three-game series versus the Atlanta Braves as the Pirates lost two of three to drop back to .500 on the season.
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle made the decision to sit McCutchen after the 2013 National League MVP went 1-for-12 in a three-game set at Milwaukee last weekend. The Pirates are in the midst of a 12-game stretch against four opponents who are at least 10 games below .500, but they lost five of six to the Brewers and majors-worst Braves. It is the beginning of a nine-game road trip for last-place Cincinnati, which has won six consecutive series since the All-Star break. "This is the time when some teams might phone it in," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "This group hasn't."
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-0, 2.93 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.52)
Although he kept his unbeaten string intact, DeSclafani's four-start winning streak came to an end last time out at San Diego when he wound up with a no-decision despite permitting one run on four hits over six innings. It marked the seventh time in his last eight starts that DeSclafani has permitted three runs or fewer. The 26-year-old made four starts versus the Pirates last season, posting a 1-1 record and 2.59 ERA.
Taillon recorded his fourth consecutive quality start but suffered a tough-luck loss at Milwaukee, giving up a pair of runs and six hits over six innings. The former No. 2 overall draft pick is still seeking his first career victory at home, logging four no-decisions in as many starts at PNC Park. Taillon has notched 37 strikeouts while walking only five batters in 46 innings and hasn't yielded a free pass in his last four turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds SS Zack Cozart (bruised finger) has sat out the past three games.
2. McCutchen is 6-for-30 in eight games versus Cincinnati this season.
3. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is 5-for-8 with three RBIs and four runs scored in his past two games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Reds 2
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (44-63) at Pittsburgh Pirates (53-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Struggling Andrew McCutchen is expected to return to the lineup when the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. McCutchen was benched for the entire three-game series versus the Atlanta Braves as the Pirates lost two of three to drop back to .500 on the season.
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle made the decision to sit McCutchen after the 2013 National League MVP went 1-for-12 in a three-game set at Milwaukee last weekend. The Pirates are in the midst of a 12-game stretch against four opponents who are at least 10 games below .500, but they lost five of six to the Brewers and majors-worst Braves. It is the beginning of a nine-game road trip for last-place Cincinnati, which has won six consecutive series since the All-Star break. "This is the time when some teams might phone it in," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "This group hasn't."
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-0, 2.93 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.52)
Although he kept his unbeaten string intact, DeSclafani's four-start winning streak came to an end last time out at San Diego when he wound up with a no-decision despite permitting one run on four hits over six innings. It marked the seventh time in his last eight starts that DeSclafani has permitted three runs or fewer. The 26-year-old made four starts versus the Pirates last season, posting a 1-1 record and 2.59 ERA.
Taillon recorded his fourth consecutive quality start but suffered a tough-luck loss at Milwaukee, giving up a pair of runs and six hits over six innings. The former No. 2 overall draft pick is still seeking his first career victory at home, logging four no-decisions in as many starts at PNC Park. Taillon has notched 37 strikeouts while walking only five batters in 46 innings and hasn't yielded a free pass in his last four turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds SS Zack Cozart (bruised finger) has sat out the past three games.
2. McCutchen is 6-for-30 in eight games versus Cincinnati this season.
3. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is 5-for-8 with three RBIs and four runs scored in his past two games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Reds 2
Preview: Giants at Nationals
GAME: San Francisco Giants (62-46) at Washington Nationals (64-44)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Riding some momentum after wrapping up a road trip with a dominating sweep at Arizona, the Washington Nationals will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday night in the opener of an eight-game homestand. Washington amassed 32 runs in a three-game set against the Diamondbacks to finish 6-3 on the nine-game trek.
Holding a comfortable seven-game lead over Miami atop the National League East, the Nationals split a four-game series at San Francisco last week. Daniel Murphy, batting an NL-best .358, was 7-for-12 with a homer, four RBIs and six runs scored in the sweep at Arizona. The NL West-leading Giants averted a three-game sweep at Philadelphia on Thursday to improve to 5-13 since the All-Star break. San Francisco had dropped nine of 10 away from home before posting a 3-2 win over the Phillies on Denard Span's 10th-inning homer.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-7, 4.30 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-9, 4.29)
Samardzija initially was scheduled to start Thursday's series finale at Philadelphia but was pushed back one day following the acquisition of Matt Moore from Tampa Bay. The extra rest can't hurt Samardzija, who has surrendered 14 runs over 16 2 /3 innings while going 0-2 over his last three outings. Murphy is 6-for-12 with a homer and four RBIs against Samardzija, who gave up four runs in six innings in last week's loss to Washington.
Gonzalez got off to a brilliant start this season only to unravel over an ugly six-week span, but he appears to be rounding back into form despite a loss to the Giants in his last outing. Gonzalez allowed one earned run over six innings in a 3-1 setback at San Francisco, the fourth straight start in which he has yielded two earned runs or fewer. Hunter Pence and recently acquired Eduardo Nunez are a combined 2-for-27 against Gonzalez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Murphy was named the NL Player of the Month and Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg was selected as NL Pitcher of the Month for July.
2. Span, who played for Washington in the previous three seasons, is 8-for-16 with five runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Nationals RF Bryce Harper has four hits in his last 38 at-bats.
PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Giants 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (62-46) at Washington Nationals (64-44)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Riding some momentum after wrapping up a road trip with a dominating sweep at Arizona, the Washington Nationals will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday night in the opener of an eight-game homestand. Washington amassed 32 runs in a three-game set against the Diamondbacks to finish 6-3 on the nine-game trek.
Holding a comfortable seven-game lead over Miami atop the National League East, the Nationals split a four-game series at San Francisco last week. Daniel Murphy, batting an NL-best .358, was 7-for-12 with a homer, four RBIs and six runs scored in the sweep at Arizona. The NL West-leading Giants averted a three-game sweep at Philadelphia on Thursday to improve to 5-13 since the All-Star break. San Francisco had dropped nine of 10 away from home before posting a 3-2 win over the Phillies on Denard Span's 10th-inning homer.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-7, 4.30 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-9, 4.29)
Samardzija initially was scheduled to start Thursday's series finale at Philadelphia but was pushed back one day following the acquisition of Matt Moore from Tampa Bay. The extra rest can't hurt Samardzija, who has surrendered 14 runs over 16 2 /3 innings while going 0-2 over his last three outings. Murphy is 6-for-12 with a homer and four RBIs against Samardzija, who gave up four runs in six innings in last week's loss to Washington.
Gonzalez got off to a brilliant start this season only to unravel over an ugly six-week span, but he appears to be rounding back into form despite a loss to the Giants in his last outing. Gonzalez allowed one earned run over six innings in a 3-1 setback at San Francisco, the fourth straight start in which he has yielded two earned runs or fewer. Hunter Pence and recently acquired Eduardo Nunez are a combined 2-for-27 against Gonzalez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Murphy was named the NL Player of the Month and Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg was selected as NL Pitcher of the Month for July.
2. Span, who played for Washington in the previous three seasons, is 8-for-16 with five runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Nationals RF Bryce Harper has four hits in his last 38 at-bats.
PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Giants 3
Preview: Mets at Tigers
GAME: New York Mets (56-52) at Detroit Tigers (59-49)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The surging Detroit Tigers continue their pursuit of the top spot in the American League Central when they host the New York Mets on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, who was unbeaten in six starts last month, squares off with Mets fireballer Noah Syndergaard in the series opener.
Detroit had its eight-game winning streak snapped in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox to drop three games behind first-place Cleveland in the division. Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is in the midst of a torrid stretch of his own with six home runs and 13 RBIs over the past eight games. Two days after acquiring slugger Jay Bruce from Cincinnati, the Mets were forced to place Yoenis Cespedes on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday -- a move tinged with controversy after the outfielder played golf earlier that day despite a recurring quadriceps injury that has had him in and out of the lineup. Bruce was hitless in his first 10 at-bats since the trade before delivering a three-run blast in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-5, 2.48 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (11-6, 3.54)
Syndergaard again struggled with his command as his winless drought reached four starts when he gave up two earned runs over six innings in a no-decision versus Colorado. He also allowed two earned runs over six frames in his previous start against St. Louis, but threw a combined 232 pitches in those two outings. He was 8-2 with a 2.08 ERA through June 22, but has one win since it was reported that he is pitching with a bone spur in his elbow.
Verlander is coming off a dominant performance against Houston, striking out a season-high 11 batters while recording his first nine-inning complete game of the year. A .500 pitcher for much of the season, Verlander has permitted a combined 10 runs while going 4-0 over his last six outings. His ability to keep the ball in the park has big a been reason for the turnaround -- Verlander has allowed one homer during the unbeaten streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera reached 25 homers for the 12th time and is one behind Juan Gonzalez and Andruw Jones (434) for 44th place on the all-time list.
2. The Mets, who are one game out of the second wild card, haven't won back-to-back games since July 6-7.
3. Tigers RHP Jordan Zimmermann, who came off the 15-day disabled list in Thursday's loss, will have an MRI exam on his lat muscle.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Mets 3
GAME: New York Mets (56-52) at Detroit Tigers (59-49)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The surging Detroit Tigers continue their pursuit of the top spot in the American League Central when they host the New York Mets on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, who was unbeaten in six starts last month, squares off with Mets fireballer Noah Syndergaard in the series opener.
Detroit had its eight-game winning streak snapped in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox to drop three games behind first-place Cleveland in the division. Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is in the midst of a torrid stretch of his own with six home runs and 13 RBIs over the past eight games. Two days after acquiring slugger Jay Bruce from Cincinnati, the Mets were forced to place Yoenis Cespedes on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday -- a move tinged with controversy after the outfielder played golf earlier that day despite a recurring quadriceps injury that has had him in and out of the lineup. Bruce was hitless in his first 10 at-bats since the trade before delivering a three-run blast in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-5, 2.48 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (11-6, 3.54)
Syndergaard again struggled with his command as his winless drought reached four starts when he gave up two earned runs over six innings in a no-decision versus Colorado. He also allowed two earned runs over six frames in his previous start against St. Louis, but threw a combined 232 pitches in those two outings. He was 8-2 with a 2.08 ERA through June 22, but has one win since it was reported that he is pitching with a bone spur in his elbow.
Verlander is coming off a dominant performance against Houston, striking out a season-high 11 batters while recording his first nine-inning complete game of the year. A .500 pitcher for much of the season, Verlander has permitted a combined 10 runs while going 4-0 over his last six outings. His ability to keep the ball in the park has big a been reason for the turnaround -- Verlander has allowed one homer during the unbeaten streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera reached 25 homers for the 12th time and is one behind Juan Gonzalez and Andruw Jones (434) for 44th place on the all-time list.
2. The Mets, who are one game out of the second wild card, haven't won back-to-back games since July 6-7.
3. Tigers RHP Jordan Zimmermann, who came off the 15-day disabled list in Thursday's loss, will have an MRI exam on his lat muscle.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Mets 3
Preview: Twins at Rays
GAME: Minnesota Twins (43-65) at Tampa Bay Rays (44-63)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins have been playing much better than their current lot in the standings would indicate. The cellar dwellers in the American League East and Central divisions, respectively, look to continue their solid play of late at the other's expense on Friday when they open a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tampa Bay's Brad Miller belted a three-run homer in Thursday's 3-2 victory over Kansas City, marking the fourth time that the 26-year-old has gone deep in six outings. Miller has 11 hits in his last eight games overall, but is batting just .212 in 21 career contests against Minnesota and is 1-for-7 versus Friday starter Ervin Santana. While the Rays have won two in a row and six of their last eight, the Twins suffered just their second loss in eight outings with a 9-2 setback in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon. Veteran Joe Mauer went 12-for-18 with seven extra-base hits, six RBIs and eight runs scored in the series against the Indians and is batting .360 in 60 career contests versus Tampa Bay.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (4-9, 3.66 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (3-4, 3.08)
Santana improved to 3-2 with two complete games and a 1.96 ERA in his last eight outings after allowing one earned run in six innings in Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The 33-year-old Dominican has made three consecutive quality starts overall, but is a disastrous 0-6 with a 5.09 ERA in nine night outings this season. Santana fell to 6-7 in his career versus Tampa Bay after taking the loss on June 4 when he permitted five runs on six hits - including three homers - in a 7-4 setback.
Snell improved to 2-0 in his last three starts on Sunday after yielding two runs and striking out a career high-tying nine in 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees. The 23-year-old rookie has struggled with his control, however, issuing 24 walks in his last eight outings. Snell will be making his 10th career start and first versus Minnesota on Friday, but has faced Max Kepler, Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton in the minors.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria followed an 0-for-15 stretch by recording one hit in each of his last two games and is 8-for-20 with three homers in his career versus Santana.
2. Sano is mired in a 4-for-28 slump in his last eight games, although he is 4-for-13 with a homer in three career contests against the Rays.
3. The Rays are 9-18 versus the AL Central while the Twins are a woeful 8-20 against the AL East.
PREDICTION: Twins 3, Rays 2
GAME: Minnesota Twins (43-65) at Tampa Bay Rays (44-63)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins have been playing much better than their current lot in the standings would indicate. The cellar dwellers in the American League East and Central divisions, respectively, look to continue their solid play of late at the other's expense on Friday when they open a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tampa Bay's Brad Miller belted a three-run homer in Thursday's 3-2 victory over Kansas City, marking the fourth time that the 26-year-old has gone deep in six outings. Miller has 11 hits in his last eight games overall, but is batting just .212 in 21 career contests against Minnesota and is 1-for-7 versus Friday starter Ervin Santana. While the Rays have won two in a row and six of their last eight, the Twins suffered just their second loss in eight outings with a 9-2 setback in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon. Veteran Joe Mauer went 12-for-18 with seven extra-base hits, six RBIs and eight runs scored in the series against the Indians and is batting .360 in 60 career contests versus Tampa Bay.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (4-9, 3.66 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (3-4, 3.08)
Santana improved to 3-2 with two complete games and a 1.96 ERA in his last eight outings after allowing one earned run in six innings in Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The 33-year-old Dominican has made three consecutive quality starts overall, but is a disastrous 0-6 with a 5.09 ERA in nine night outings this season. Santana fell to 6-7 in his career versus Tampa Bay after taking the loss on June 4 when he permitted five runs on six hits - including three homers - in a 7-4 setback.
Snell improved to 2-0 in his last three starts on Sunday after yielding two runs and striking out a career high-tying nine in 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees. The 23-year-old rookie has struggled with his control, however, issuing 24 walks in his last eight outings. Snell will be making his 10th career start and first versus Minnesota on Friday, but has faced Max Kepler, Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton in the minors.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria followed an 0-for-15 stretch by recording one hit in each of his last two games and is 8-for-20 with three homers in his career versus Santana.
2. Sano is mired in a 4-for-28 slump in his last eight games, although he is 4-for-13 with a homer in three career contests against the Rays.
3. The Rays are 9-18 versus the AL Central while the Twins are a woeful 8-20 against the AL East.
PREDICTION: Twins 3, Rays 2
Preview: Orioles at White Sox
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (61-46) at Chicago White Sox (52-56)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Chicago White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez likely won't need additional motivation heading into the opener of a three-game series versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Friday. After spending his first four seasons with the Orioles, the 32-year-old Gonzalez was released by the club in late March after posting a 1-4 mark with a bloated 9.78 ERA in spring training.
The White Sox received a jolt of momentum by snapping Detroit's eight-game winning streak on Thursday, with Avisail Garcia belting a solo homer in the 6-3 victory over the Tigers for his third blast in as many outings. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has 14 hits in 15 career contests with Baltimore, but is 0-for-5 with three strikeouts against Friday starter Yovani Gallardo. The Orioles, who dropped a 5-3 setback to Texas on Thursday for their sixth loss in nine outings, begin a 10-game road trip looking for better success as they have lost seven of their last nine away from home. Mark Trumbo launched his majors-best 31st homer on Thursday and has a pair of solo shots for his lone two career hits versus Gonzalez.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (3-3, 5.70 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-5, 4.06)
Gallardo fell to 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in his last six outings on Saturday after allowing five runs on as many hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 9-1 setback at Toronto. Control issues have plagued the 30-year-old this season, as Gallardo issued five walks versus the Blue Jays while permitting as many as four on five occasions in his last nine outings. Gallardo has yet to surrender an earned run in both career outings (11 innings) versus the White Sox, but has encountered trouble when facing Todd Frazier (11-for-32).
Gonzalez settled for his third straight no-decision and saw his winless streak extend to four contests on Saturday despite yielding one earned run in seven innings at Minnesota. The 32-year-old was in line to pick up the victory versus the Twins before the bullpen let him down. Gonzalez has been consistent throughout July, pitching at least six innings in all six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore DH Pedro Alvarez is 11-for-23 with four homers and five RBIs in his last six games.
2. The White Sox have posted a 34-48 mark since splitting a four-game series with the Orioles in April.
3. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is 3-for-20 in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, White Sox 2
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (61-46) at Chicago White Sox (52-56)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Chicago White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez likely won't need additional motivation heading into the opener of a three-game series versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Friday. After spending his first four seasons with the Orioles, the 32-year-old Gonzalez was released by the club in late March after posting a 1-4 mark with a bloated 9.78 ERA in spring training.
The White Sox received a jolt of momentum by snapping Detroit's eight-game winning streak on Thursday, with Avisail Garcia belting a solo homer in the 6-3 victory over the Tigers for his third blast in as many outings. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has 14 hits in 15 career contests with Baltimore, but is 0-for-5 with three strikeouts against Friday starter Yovani Gallardo. The Orioles, who dropped a 5-3 setback to Texas on Thursday for their sixth loss in nine outings, begin a 10-game road trip looking for better success as they have lost seven of their last nine away from home. Mark Trumbo launched his majors-best 31st homer on Thursday and has a pair of solo shots for his lone two career hits versus Gonzalez.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (3-3, 5.70 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-5, 4.06)
Gallardo fell to 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in his last six outings on Saturday after allowing five runs on as many hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 9-1 setback at Toronto. Control issues have plagued the 30-year-old this season, as Gallardo issued five walks versus the Blue Jays while permitting as many as four on five occasions in his last nine outings. Gallardo has yet to surrender an earned run in both career outings (11 innings) versus the White Sox, but has encountered trouble when facing Todd Frazier (11-for-32).
Gonzalez settled for his third straight no-decision and saw his winless streak extend to four contests on Saturday despite yielding one earned run in seven innings at Minnesota. The 32-year-old was in line to pick up the victory versus the Twins before the bullpen let him down. Gonzalez has been consistent throughout July, pitching at least six innings in all six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore DH Pedro Alvarez is 11-for-23 with four homers and five RBIs in his last six games.
2. The White Sox have posted a 34-48 mark since splitting a four-game series with the Orioles in April.
3. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is 3-for-20 in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, White Sox 2
Preview: Rangers at Astros
GAME: Texas Rangers (63-46) at Houston Astros (56-52)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers attempt to continue their dominance of in-state rival Houston when they open a three-game series against the host Astros on Friday. Texas is 9-1 versus Houston this season and has won seven of the eight contests decided by fewer than three runs.
The Rangers salvaged the finale of a three-game set against Baltimore to regain possession of the American League's best record at 63-46. The newly acquired Jonathan Lucroy hit his first homer in three games with Texas to help produce a 5-3 victory on Thursday. The Astros, who trail the first-place Rangers by 6 1/2 games in the AL West and are 3 1/2 behind Boston for the second wild card, dropped a 4-1 decision to Toronto on Thursday for their sixth loss in seven games. Houston scored only five runs while losing three of four to the Blue Jays and has totaled just seven over its last six contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (7-7, 4.22 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (6-11, 4.86)
Perez is winless over his last six starts and allowed five or more earned runs in three of the outings. He was sharp during a no-decision in his last turn, when he limited Kansas City to one run and four hits over seven innings. Perez gave up two runs and four hits in six frames while defeating the Astros on June 9 to improve to 5-2 with a 1.88 ERA in seven career matchups but has struggled with Evan Gattis (5-for-11) and Jose Altuve (8-for-21).
Keuchel's poor season continued Sunday as he gave up seven runs and seven hits in five innings during a loss to Detroit. He had displayed signs of turning things around with a 2.45 ERA over a five-start span before being roughed up by the Tigers. Keuchel allowed four runs and 10 hits over 7 1/3 frames in a loss to Texas on June 7 and is 4-7 with a 4.58 ERA in 17 career starts against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo (lower back) was activated from the 15-day disabled on Thursday and went 2-for-5 with a run scored against Baltimore while LHP Dario Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
2. Houston LF Colby Rasmus was hitless in 16 at-bats in the Toronto series, and a 2-for-58 dive over the last 15 games has dropped his average to .211.
3. Texas CF Ian Desmond, who recorded two RBIs on Thursday, is 6-for-12 with two homers against Keuchel.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Astros 3
GAME: Texas Rangers (63-46) at Houston Astros (56-52)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers attempt to continue their dominance of in-state rival Houston when they open a three-game series against the host Astros on Friday. Texas is 9-1 versus Houston this season and has won seven of the eight contests decided by fewer than three runs.
The Rangers salvaged the finale of a three-game set against Baltimore to regain possession of the American League's best record at 63-46. The newly acquired Jonathan Lucroy hit his first homer in three games with Texas to help produce a 5-3 victory on Thursday. The Astros, who trail the first-place Rangers by 6 1/2 games in the AL West and are 3 1/2 behind Boston for the second wild card, dropped a 4-1 decision to Toronto on Thursday for their sixth loss in seven games. Houston scored only five runs while losing three of four to the Blue Jays and has totaled just seven over its last six contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (7-7, 4.22 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (6-11, 4.86)
Perez is winless over his last six starts and allowed five or more earned runs in three of the outings. He was sharp during a no-decision in his last turn, when he limited Kansas City to one run and four hits over seven innings. Perez gave up two runs and four hits in six frames while defeating the Astros on June 9 to improve to 5-2 with a 1.88 ERA in seven career matchups but has struggled with Evan Gattis (5-for-11) and Jose Altuve (8-for-21).
Keuchel's poor season continued Sunday as he gave up seven runs and seven hits in five innings during a loss to Detroit. He had displayed signs of turning things around with a 2.45 ERA over a five-start span before being roughed up by the Tigers. Keuchel allowed four runs and 10 hits over 7 1/3 frames in a loss to Texas on June 7 and is 4-7 with a 4.58 ERA in 17 career starts against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo (lower back) was activated from the 15-day disabled on Thursday and went 2-for-5 with a run scored against Baltimore while LHP Dario Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
2. Houston LF Colby Rasmus was hitless in 16 at-bats in the Toronto series, and a 2-for-58 dive over the last 15 games has dropped his average to .211.
3. Texas CF Ian Desmond, who recorded two RBIs on Thursday, is 6-for-12 with two homers against Keuchel.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Astros 3
Preview: Blue Jays at Royals
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (62-47) at Kansas City Royals (51-57)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have won three games in a row and eight of 11 to pull within one percentage point of the top spot in the American League East. The surging Blue Jays look to continue their torrid stretch on Friday, when they open a three-game series at the reeling Kansas City Royals.
Russell Martin scored the winning run in a 4-1 victory over Houston on Thursday and will see a familiar face when his 2013-14 batterymate Francisco Liriano takes the mound on Friday. While Toronto is ascending in the standings, its 2015 AL Championship Series opponent has dropped 10 of 13 to plummet into fourth place in the Central. Alex Gordon's brutal season found a highlight on Thursday as the veteran belted a two-run homer in a 3-2 setback against Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old struck out in his other three at-bats in the series finale to see his season average drop to .202, although he is batting a significantly better .296 versus Liriano in his career.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Francisco Liriano (6-11, 5.46 ERA) vs. Royals RH Dillon Gee (3-5, 4.66)
Acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, Liriano will make his debut for his fourth team on Friday. The 32-year-old Dominican hopes the fresh start will alter his recent fortunes, as Liriano has been taken deep on two occasions in both of his last two starts and has averaged 5 1/2 walks per contest. Alcides Escobar has hit safely in six of his last seven games but is just 2-for-15 with three strikeouts versus Liriano.
Gee fell to 0-3 in his last five outings on Sunday after yielding four runs and seven hits - two homers - in a 5-3 loss at Texas. The 30-year-old's lone positive was that he lasted a season-high six innings in the setback. Gee went a bit longer in his lone career meeting with Toronto, permitting three runs and overcoming four walks in 6 2/3 frames to pick up the win while pitching for the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto DH Edwin Encarnacion, who belted a solo homer on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to seven games, recorded five hits to help his team sweep Kansas City last month.
2. The Royals own a 32-19 record at home, although they have dropped six of their last eight at Kauffman Stadium.
3. Blue Jays 2B Devon Travis had an RBI single among his three hits on Thursday, but he went 1-for-9 in last month's series versus Kansas City.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Royals 2
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (62-47) at Kansas City Royals (51-57)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have won three games in a row and eight of 11 to pull within one percentage point of the top spot in the American League East. The surging Blue Jays look to continue their torrid stretch on Friday, when they open a three-game series at the reeling Kansas City Royals.
Russell Martin scored the winning run in a 4-1 victory over Houston on Thursday and will see a familiar face when his 2013-14 batterymate Francisco Liriano takes the mound on Friday. While Toronto is ascending in the standings, its 2015 AL Championship Series opponent has dropped 10 of 13 to plummet into fourth place in the Central. Alex Gordon's brutal season found a highlight on Thursday as the veteran belted a two-run homer in a 3-2 setback against Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old struck out in his other three at-bats in the series finale to see his season average drop to .202, although he is batting a significantly better .296 versus Liriano in his career.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Francisco Liriano (6-11, 5.46 ERA) vs. Royals RH Dillon Gee (3-5, 4.66)
Acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, Liriano will make his debut for his fourth team on Friday. The 32-year-old Dominican hopes the fresh start will alter his recent fortunes, as Liriano has been taken deep on two occasions in both of his last two starts and has averaged 5 1/2 walks per contest. Alcides Escobar has hit safely in six of his last seven games but is just 2-for-15 with three strikeouts versus Liriano.
Gee fell to 0-3 in his last five outings on Sunday after yielding four runs and seven hits - two homers - in a 5-3 loss at Texas. The 30-year-old's lone positive was that he lasted a season-high six innings in the setback. Gee went a bit longer in his lone career meeting with Toronto, permitting three runs and overcoming four walks in 6 2/3 frames to pick up the win while pitching for the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto DH Edwin Encarnacion, who belted a solo homer on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to seven games, recorded five hits to help his team sweep Kansas City last month.
2. The Royals own a 32-19 record at home, although they have dropped six of their last eight at Kauffman Stadium.
3. Blue Jays 2B Devon Travis had an RBI single among his three hits on Thursday, but he went 1-for-9 in last month's series versus Kansas City.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Royals 2
Preview: Braves at Cardinals
GAME: Atlanta Braves (39-69) at St. Louis Cardinals (57-51)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are getting healthy but are looking for a boost in their battle for a National League wild-card spot as they return home Friday to open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Leadoff hitter Matt Carpenter is expected to play in the opener after missing 29 games with a strained right oblique, while infielders Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Moss came off the disabled list earlier this week.
But the focus for St. Louis currently is on its starting rotation, which has posted a 5.55 ERA since the All-Star break and has failed to reach the sixth inning eight times in the last 11 games. Yadier Molina is hitting .355 over his last 17 games, but his 16-game hitting streak ended Wednesday. Atlanta is one of three teams with a worse rotation ERA since the break, piecing together a unit since All-Star Julio Teheran is on the disabled list with a strained right lat muscle and Matt Wisler was demoted to Triple-A last week. Two Braves bring double-digit hitting streaks into the series, as Ender Inciarte has hit in 15 straight contests while Erick Aybar is riding a 10-game streak.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (7-8, 4.30)
De La Cruz made the third start of his rookie season Sunday against Philadelphia and gave Atlanta’s patchwork rotation a boost, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-1 victory. He was pounded for seven runs in a start on July 4 but pitched better in seven appearances out of the bullpen afterward, giving up three runs in 7 1/3 frames while recording seven strikeouts. De La Cruz has not made back-to-back starts since losing to Cleveland and Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break.
Garcia has struggled to replicate last year’s success (10-6, 2.43 ERA) thanks in part to allowing nearly one home run every nine innings after surrendering only 0.4 per nine frames a season ago. He posted a 3.47 ERA through the first two months of 2016 but has posted a 5.11 mark and .305 opponents’ batting average in 11 starts since. Garcia gave up six runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings Saturday against the Marlins, marking the third time in his last five starts he has surrendered four or more runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta RHP Aaron Blair likely would have been recalled from the minors to start Saturday’s middle game before injuring his left knee during a bullpen session Wednesday at Triple-A Gwinnett.
2. Carpenter, who was hitting .298 with a .988 OPS before the injury, is expected to rotate defensively between second and third base.
3. St. Louis has lost four of its last five contests, allowing 34 runs in that stretch.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Braves 2
GAME: Atlanta Braves (39-69) at St. Louis Cardinals (57-51)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are getting healthy but are looking for a boost in their battle for a National League wild-card spot as they return home Friday to open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Leadoff hitter Matt Carpenter is expected to play in the opener after missing 29 games with a strained right oblique, while infielders Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Moss came off the disabled list earlier this week.
But the focus for St. Louis currently is on its starting rotation, which has posted a 5.55 ERA since the All-Star break and has failed to reach the sixth inning eight times in the last 11 games. Yadier Molina is hitting .355 over his last 17 games, but his 16-game hitting streak ended Wednesday. Atlanta is one of three teams with a worse rotation ERA since the break, piecing together a unit since All-Star Julio Teheran is on the disabled list with a strained right lat muscle and Matt Wisler was demoted to Triple-A last week. Two Braves bring double-digit hitting streaks into the series, as Ender Inciarte has hit in 15 straight contests while Erick Aybar is riding a 10-game streak.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (7-8, 4.30)
De La Cruz made the third start of his rookie season Sunday against Philadelphia and gave Atlanta’s patchwork rotation a boost, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-1 victory. He was pounded for seven runs in a start on July 4 but pitched better in seven appearances out of the bullpen afterward, giving up three runs in 7 1/3 frames while recording seven strikeouts. De La Cruz has not made back-to-back starts since losing to Cleveland and Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break.
Garcia has struggled to replicate last year’s success (10-6, 2.43 ERA) thanks in part to allowing nearly one home run every nine innings after surrendering only 0.4 per nine frames a season ago. He posted a 3.47 ERA through the first two months of 2016 but has posted a 5.11 mark and .305 opponents’ batting average in 11 starts since. Garcia gave up six runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings Saturday against the Marlins, marking the third time in his last five starts he has surrendered four or more runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta RHP Aaron Blair likely would have been recalled from the minors to start Saturday’s middle game before injuring his left knee during a bullpen session Wednesday at Triple-A Gwinnett.
2. Carpenter, who was hitting .298 with a .988 OPS before the injury, is expected to rotate defensively between second and third base.
3. St. Louis has lost four of its last five contests, allowing 34 runs in that stretch.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Braves 2
Preview: Marlins at Rockies
GAME: Miami Marlins (57-51) at Colorado Rockies (54-54)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Miami Marlins have had a day off to recover from a dreadful defeat and will look to turn things around when they begin a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Friday. The Marlins kicked off their six-game road trip with three straight losses to the Chicago Cubs, none worse than Wednesday's 5-4 defeat.
The Cubs rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and scored the game-winner on a wild pitch, leaving Miami tied with St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the National League. The Rockies are three back in that same race after dropping a 4-2 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. David Phelps will make his first start of the season for the Marlins after 50 appearances out of the bullpen as he opposes Rockies veteran Jorge De La Rosa. Ichiro Suzuki remains stuck on 2,998 career hits after going hitless in three at-bats at Chicago.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH David Phelps (5-5, 2.65 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.51)
Phelps has made 59 career starts but is expected to be limited to two turns through Colorado's lineup as he slowly gets stretched out. His most recent outing resulted in 2 2/3 scoreless innings and a win against St. Louis on Saturday. The Notre Dame product has been hammered for 11 runs and 14 hits in 9 2/3 frames in his career at Coors Field.
De La Rosa earned his 100th career win after limiting the New York Mets to two runs in six innings on Saturday. The 35-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in eight of nine starts since returning to the rotation in June. Suzuki is 5-for-12 and Marcell Ozuna 4-for-8 with three home runs against De La Rosa, who is 7-5 lifetime with a 5.17 ERA versus Miami.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez (ankle) sat out Thursday's contest but has a 15-game hitting streak, his longest of the season.
2. The Marlins are expected to activate 1B Justin Bour (ankle) from the 15-day disabled list.
3. Miami is 38-55 all-time in Colorado.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Marlins 5
GAME: Miami Marlins (57-51) at Colorado Rockies (54-54)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Miami Marlins have had a day off to recover from a dreadful defeat and will look to turn things around when they begin a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Friday. The Marlins kicked off their six-game road trip with three straight losses to the Chicago Cubs, none worse than Wednesday's 5-4 defeat.
The Cubs rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and scored the game-winner on a wild pitch, leaving Miami tied with St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the National League. The Rockies are three back in that same race after dropping a 4-2 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. David Phelps will make his first start of the season for the Marlins after 50 appearances out of the bullpen as he opposes Rockies veteran Jorge De La Rosa. Ichiro Suzuki remains stuck on 2,998 career hits after going hitless in three at-bats at Chicago.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH David Phelps (5-5, 2.65 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.51)
Phelps has made 59 career starts but is expected to be limited to two turns through Colorado's lineup as he slowly gets stretched out. His most recent outing resulted in 2 2/3 scoreless innings and a win against St. Louis on Saturday. The Notre Dame product has been hammered for 11 runs and 14 hits in 9 2/3 frames in his career at Coors Field.
De La Rosa earned his 100th career win after limiting the New York Mets to two runs in six innings on Saturday. The 35-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in eight of nine starts since returning to the rotation in June. Suzuki is 5-for-12 and Marcell Ozuna 4-for-8 with three home runs against De La Rosa, who is 7-5 lifetime with a 5.17 ERA versus Miami.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez (ankle) sat out Thursday's contest but has a 15-game hitting streak, his longest of the season.
2. The Marlins are expected to activate 1B Justin Bour (ankle) from the 15-day disabled list.
3. Miami is 38-55 all-time in Colorado.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Marlins 5
Preview: Brewers at Diamondbacks
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (48-58) at Arizona Diamondbacks (43-65)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks look to end a disappointing run of pitching performances when they host the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday for the opener of a three-game set. The last-place Diamondbacks have given up 46 runs during a four-game losing streak and their opponents recorded nine tallies per contest over the last seven.
Arizona, which dropped three of four at Milwaukee from July 25-28, is 29th in the majors in ERA (5.07) while standing in the middle of the pack in the National League in runs scored. Diamondbacks rookie Braden Shipley attempts to end the team’s rough pitching streak while Brewers right-hander Chase Anderson goes for his second victory over Arizona in two weeks after giving up two runs over five innings on July 25. Milwaukee lost two of three in its most recent series against San Diego, but is 7-3 over its last 10 games. Ryan Braun has homered in back-to-back games for the Brewers, going 3-for-8 with three RBIs.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-10, 5.13 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Braden Shipley (1-1, 4.76)
Anderson allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last five starts and won the last two, including Saturday versus Pittsburgh when he gave up one unearned run over five innings. The Texas native has not given up a homer in three consecutive starts after yielding 18 in his first 17 outings. Paul Goldschmidt is 2-for-3 and Jean Segura is 4-for-9 versus Anderson, who 1-6 on the road this season.
Shipley rebounded from a rough career debut against Milwaukee to limit the Los Angeles Dodgers to five hits over six scoreless innings Saturday. The 24-year-old Oregon native permitted six runs, eight hits (three homers) and four walks across 5 1/3 innings versus the Brewers and Anderson on July 25. Shipley, the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft, went 8-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A Reno.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers are the third-worst road team in the majors (18-33) and the Diamondbacks have struggled mightily at home (17-38).
2. Arizona OF Yasmany Tomas has homered in back-to-back games and is 16-for-39 while hitting safely in his last 10 starts.
3. Milwaukee’s highly regarded SS prospect Orlando Arcia went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in his first two major league games.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Brewers 3
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (48-58) at Arizona Diamondbacks (43-65)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks look to end a disappointing run of pitching performances when they host the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday for the opener of a three-game set. The last-place Diamondbacks have given up 46 runs during a four-game losing streak and their opponents recorded nine tallies per contest over the last seven.
Arizona, which dropped three of four at Milwaukee from July 25-28, is 29th in the majors in ERA (5.07) while standing in the middle of the pack in the National League in runs scored. Diamondbacks rookie Braden Shipley attempts to end the team’s rough pitching streak while Brewers right-hander Chase Anderson goes for his second victory over Arizona in two weeks after giving up two runs over five innings on July 25. Milwaukee lost two of three in its most recent series against San Diego, but is 7-3 over its last 10 games. Ryan Braun has homered in back-to-back games for the Brewers, going 3-for-8 with three RBIs.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-10, 5.13 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Braden Shipley (1-1, 4.76)
Anderson allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last five starts and won the last two, including Saturday versus Pittsburgh when he gave up one unearned run over five innings. The Texas native has not given up a homer in three consecutive starts after yielding 18 in his first 17 outings. Paul Goldschmidt is 2-for-3 and Jean Segura is 4-for-9 versus Anderson, who 1-6 on the road this season.
Shipley rebounded from a rough career debut against Milwaukee to limit the Los Angeles Dodgers to five hits over six scoreless innings Saturday. The 24-year-old Oregon native permitted six runs, eight hits (three homers) and four walks across 5 1/3 innings versus the Brewers and Anderson on July 25. Shipley, the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft, went 8-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A Reno.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers are the third-worst road team in the majors (18-33) and the Diamondbacks have struggled mightily at home (17-38).
2. Arizona OF Yasmany Tomas has homered in back-to-back games and is 16-for-39 while hitting safely in his last 10 starts.
3. Milwaukee’s highly regarded SS prospect Orlando Arcia went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in his first two major league games.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Brewers 3
Preview: Cubs at Athletics
GAME: Chicago Cubs (66-41) at Oakland Athletics (48-60)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Addison Russell once dreamed of playing at Oakland Coliseum, and he finally will do so Friday as the visiting Chicago Cubs begin a three-game interleague series against the Oakland Athletics. Once a top prospect in the Oakland organization, Russell has blossomed into a key player for the major league-best Cubs, who have won four straight and seven of their last eight.
The Cubs have shown a flair for the dramatic of late, recording walk-off wins in two of their last four games - including a 5-4 victory over Miami on Wednesday in which they scored three runs in the ninth to complete a three-game sweep. The Athletics snapped a five-game losing streak Thursday with an 8-6 win in 10 innings against the Los Angeles Angels, finishing 3-6 on their road trip. Now it’s back home, where the A’s have won three straight and went 7-3 on their last homestand. It also will be a homecoming of sorts for Chicago's Jon Lester, who went 6-4 with a 2.35 ERA in 11 starts after being acquired by Oakland in 2014 to help the team earn a wild-card spot.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago Plus, CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (11-4, 2.95 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Dillon Overton (1-2, 9.33)
Lester has been outstanding in two of his three starts since the All-Star break, including a dominant outing Friday against Seattle. The 32-year-old struck out seven and allowed four hits over six scoreless innings to beat the Mariners and match last season’s win total. Lester is 5-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 14 career starts against the A’s.
Overton’s first stint in the majors hasn’t gone smoothly, as he has posted just one quality start in his first four outings. The 24-year-old was tagged for five runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings Saturday at Cleveland, failing to get through four frames for the second time in his last three turns. Overton has surrendered nine home runs in 18 1/3 innings, serving up three blasts in his last start.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs have not hit a home run in five straight games – their longest such streak since an eight-game drought from June 23-July 1 last season.
2. Athletics DH/1B Billy Butler is 11-for-19 with two homers during his six-game hitting streak, but he’s just 4-for-28 with 11 strikeouts in his career versus Lester.
3. Chicago CF Dexter Fowler has scored a run in six consecutive games, his longest streak since 2013.
PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Athletics 3
GAME: Chicago Cubs (66-41) at Oakland Athletics (48-60)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Addison Russell once dreamed of playing at Oakland Coliseum, and he finally will do so Friday as the visiting Chicago Cubs begin a three-game interleague series against the Oakland Athletics. Once a top prospect in the Oakland organization, Russell has blossomed into a key player for the major league-best Cubs, who have won four straight and seven of their last eight.
The Cubs have shown a flair for the dramatic of late, recording walk-off wins in two of their last four games - including a 5-4 victory over Miami on Wednesday in which they scored three runs in the ninth to complete a three-game sweep. The Athletics snapped a five-game losing streak Thursday with an 8-6 win in 10 innings against the Los Angeles Angels, finishing 3-6 on their road trip. Now it’s back home, where the A’s have won three straight and went 7-3 on their last homestand. It also will be a homecoming of sorts for Chicago's Jon Lester, who went 6-4 with a 2.35 ERA in 11 starts after being acquired by Oakland in 2014 to help the team earn a wild-card spot.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago Plus, CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (11-4, 2.95 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Dillon Overton (1-2, 9.33)
Lester has been outstanding in two of his three starts since the All-Star break, including a dominant outing Friday against Seattle. The 32-year-old struck out seven and allowed four hits over six scoreless innings to beat the Mariners and match last season’s win total. Lester is 5-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 14 career starts against the A’s.
Overton’s first stint in the majors hasn’t gone smoothly, as he has posted just one quality start in his first four outings. The 24-year-old was tagged for five runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings Saturday at Cleveland, failing to get through four frames for the second time in his last three turns. Overton has surrendered nine home runs in 18 1/3 innings, serving up three blasts in his last start.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs have not hit a home run in five straight games – their longest such streak since an eight-game drought from June 23-July 1 last season.
2. Athletics DH/1B Billy Butler is 11-for-19 with two homers during his six-game hitting streak, but he’s just 4-for-28 with 11 strikeouts in his career versus Lester.
3. Chicago CF Dexter Fowler has scored a run in six consecutive games, his longest streak since 2013.
PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Athletics 3
Preview: Red Sox at Dodgers
GAME: Boston Red Sox (59-48) at Los Angeles Dodgers (60-48)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox have their sights on ending a 11-game West Coast trek with a winning record as they open Friday's three-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston is 4-4 on the trip after versatile Brock Holt delivered the tiebreaking RBI single in the 11th inning Thursday for a 3-2 victory over Seattle and a split of a four-game series.
Los Angeles posted a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep and stands two games behind the first-place San Francisco Giants in the National League West and is in possession of the first wild card. Rookie All-Star Corey Seager smacked his 19th homer of the season, tying the franchise record for shortstops set by current Boston player Hanley Ramirez in 2013. Ramirez (sprained left wrist) is now a first baseman and he has missed the past two games after slipping in the dugout and being injured following Tuesday's game in Seattle. Red Sox manager John Farrell said he would prefer not to play veteran David Ortiz at first despite their being no use of the designated hitter in a NL ballpark.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Steven Wright (12-5, 3.20 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (9-4, 4.41)
Wright has won four straight decisions but has allowed 11 runs and 19 hits in back-to-back no-decisions covering 9 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs and 10 hits in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn to conclude July with a 6.23 ERA in six starts. Wright is 5-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 10 road starts this season, including three complete-game efforts.
Kazmir won seven consecutive decisions before falling to Arizona in his last start when he gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 32-year-old hasn't walked a batter in his last three outings and four of his past five turns. Kazmir is 9-9 with a 3.99 ERA in 29 career starts against Boston and has been torched by Dustin Pedroia (22-for-43, two homers) while succeeding against Ortiz (12-for-51, two homers).
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers RF Josh Reddick is hitless in eight at-bats since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
2. Boston 3B Travis Shaw had two hits — including a homer — on Thursday for just his second multi-hit outing in his past 19 contests.
3. Los Angeles C Yasmani Grandal had two hits and two RBIs on Thursday and is 8-for-19 with two homers and seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Dodgers 2
GAME: Boston Red Sox (59-48) at Los Angeles Dodgers (60-48)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox have their sights on ending a 11-game West Coast trek with a winning record as they open Friday's three-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston is 4-4 on the trip after versatile Brock Holt delivered the tiebreaking RBI single in the 11th inning Thursday for a 3-2 victory over Seattle and a split of a four-game series.
Los Angeles posted a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep and stands two games behind the first-place San Francisco Giants in the National League West and is in possession of the first wild card. Rookie All-Star Corey Seager smacked his 19th homer of the season, tying the franchise record for shortstops set by current Boston player Hanley Ramirez in 2013. Ramirez (sprained left wrist) is now a first baseman and he has missed the past two games after slipping in the dugout and being injured following Tuesday's game in Seattle. Red Sox manager John Farrell said he would prefer not to play veteran David Ortiz at first despite their being no use of the designated hitter in a NL ballpark.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Steven Wright (12-5, 3.20 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (9-4, 4.41)
Wright has won four straight decisions but has allowed 11 runs and 19 hits in back-to-back no-decisions covering 9 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs and 10 hits in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn to conclude July with a 6.23 ERA in six starts. Wright is 5-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 10 road starts this season, including three complete-game efforts.
Kazmir won seven consecutive decisions before falling to Arizona in his last start when he gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 32-year-old hasn't walked a batter in his last three outings and four of his past five turns. Kazmir is 9-9 with a 3.99 ERA in 29 career starts against Boston and has been torched by Dustin Pedroia (22-for-43, two homers) while succeeding against Ortiz (12-for-51, two homers).
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers RF Josh Reddick is hitless in eight at-bats since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
2. Boston 3B Travis Shaw had two hits — including a homer — on Thursday for just his second multi-hit outing in his past 19 contests.
3. Los Angeles C Yasmani Grandal had two hits and two RBIs on Thursday and is 8-for-19 with two homers and seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Dodgers 2
Preview: Angels at Mariners
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-59) at Seattle Mariners (54-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Seattle Mariners are attempting to make up ground in the American League wild-card race and are entering a stretch in which seven of their next 13 games are against the soaring Los Angeles Angels. Seattle is just 2-4 against the Angels this season and Los Angeles is a 12-7 since the All-Star break entering Friday's opener of a three-game series in Seattle.
The Mariners, who are five games behind the Boston Red Sox for the AL's second wild card, opened a 10-game homestand with a four-game split against the Boston — losing Thursday's finale 3-2 in 11 innings. Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano was hitless in eight at-bats over the past two games and is a dismal 3-for-25 against the Angels this season. Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout is expected back in the starting lineup after not entering Thursday's 8-6, 10-inning loss to the Oakland Athletics until the eighth inning because of a head cold. Struggling Angels right-hander Tim Lincecum, who was born in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue before becoming a high school standout in nearby Renton and a college star at the University of Washington, starts at Safeco Field for the second time in his career.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Tim Lincecum (2-5, 8.49 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.46)
Lincecum has been awful in eight outings since joining the Angels and has served up 10 homers in 35 innings. Opposing batters are hitting .381 against him and he has allowed 59 hits and 21 walks for a horrific 2.29 WHIP. Lincecum is 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two career starts against Seattle and has struggled to retire Chris Iannetta (7-for-18) while serving up three homers to Seth Smith (12-for-47).
Hernandez is 1-0 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts since returning from a calf injury and has issued eight walks in 17 2/3 innings. He received a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs in his last turn when he allowed two runs and two hits in five innings while striking out eight and walking five. Hernandez is 14-16 with a 3.32 ERA in 48 career starts against Los Angeles and has had trouble with Trout (27-for-72, five home runs).
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz was 1-for-13 with six strikeouts in the four games against Boston— the hit was a home run.
2. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons had three hits Thursday and is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.
3. Seattle RHP Steve Cishek (hip) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday after being removed as closer earlier in the week.
PREDICTION: Mariners 8, Angels 4
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-59) at Seattle Mariners (54-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Seattle Mariners are attempting to make up ground in the American League wild-card race and are entering a stretch in which seven of their next 13 games are against the soaring Los Angeles Angels. Seattle is just 2-4 against the Angels this season and Los Angeles is a 12-7 since the All-Star break entering Friday's opener of a three-game series in Seattle.
The Mariners, who are five games behind the Boston Red Sox for the AL's second wild card, opened a 10-game homestand with a four-game split against the Boston — losing Thursday's finale 3-2 in 11 innings. Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano was hitless in eight at-bats over the past two games and is a dismal 3-for-25 against the Angels this season. Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout is expected back in the starting lineup after not entering Thursday's 8-6, 10-inning loss to the Oakland Athletics until the eighth inning because of a head cold. Struggling Angels right-hander Tim Lincecum, who was born in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue before becoming a high school standout in nearby Renton and a college star at the University of Washington, starts at Safeco Field for the second time in his career.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Tim Lincecum (2-5, 8.49 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.46)
Lincecum has been awful in eight outings since joining the Angels and has served up 10 homers in 35 innings. Opposing batters are hitting .381 against him and he has allowed 59 hits and 21 walks for a horrific 2.29 WHIP. Lincecum is 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two career starts against Seattle and has struggled to retire Chris Iannetta (7-for-18) while serving up three homers to Seth Smith (12-for-47).
Hernandez is 1-0 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts since returning from a calf injury and has issued eight walks in 17 2/3 innings. He received a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs in his last turn when he allowed two runs and two hits in five innings while striking out eight and walking five. Hernandez is 14-16 with a 3.32 ERA in 48 career starts against Los Angeles and has had trouble with Trout (27-for-72, five home runs).
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz was 1-for-13 with six strikeouts in the four games against Boston— the hit was a home run.
2. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons had three hits Thursday and is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.
3. Seattle RHP Steve Cishek (hip) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday after being removed as closer earlier in the week.
PREDICTION: Mariners 8, Angels 4
Preview: Phillies at Padres
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (50-60) at San Diego Padres (47-61)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Philadelphia's Jeremy Hellickson was a prime candidate to be moved prior to Monday's trade deadline, but the veteran right-hander remained a Phillie and takes the ball in Friday's three-game series opener against the Padres in San Diego. “Now that it's passed us, I'm happy to have him,” Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin told reporters. “Obviously there wasn't the right deal. I'm happy to have him with us, and I think he's fine with it.”
“I think having Jeremy here is very important to our club,” Phillies general manager Matt Klentak told reporters. “There was a reason we brought him here in the first place. The reason we traded for him was to add some stability to our rotation, help to mentor our young pitchers, to help to protect them from the workloads, help to save the bullpen." As Philadelphia (50-60) continues with an eye toward the future, San Diego (47-61) won't look back after trading Matt Kemp prior to the deadline and dumping other high-priced free agents James Shields and Justin Upton earlier this season as its attempt to "go for it" failed. "That was a bad experiment,” executive chairman Ron Fowler told reporters as the Padres begin rebuilding again. “The chemistry wasn’t there. But we took a run at it.” Christian Friedrich is coming off a quality start for the first time in seven outings for San Diego, which continues its nine-game homestand after splitting six contests with Milwaukee (2-1) and Cincinnati (1-2).
TV: 10:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.70 ERA) vs. Padres LH Christian Friedrich (4-6, 4.72)
Hellickson stretched his unbeaten streak to three starts (2-0) after allowing three runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 9-5 victory in Atlanta on Saturday. The 29-year-old Iowa native is 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA in his last seven starts. Wil Myers (4-for-11, two solo home runs) fares well against Hellickson, who is 1-4 with a 7.18 ERA in seven starts versus San Diego - 1-4, 6.98 in six outings last season while pitching for Arizona.
Friedrich earned a no-decision after yielding one run and five hits in six innings of the Padres' 2-1 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday. The 29-year-old Illinois native hasn't won since June 23 and was 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA in his five starts prior to Saturday. Carlos Ruiz is 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles against Friedrich, who is 1-0 in four appearances (one start) with nine strikeouts and one run allowed in 10 innings versus Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Diego rookie OF Jabari Blash (.189) is 4-for-12 in his last four games, including his first major-league home run in Wednesday's 12-3 victory over Milwaukee.
2. The Padres have won 129 consecutive games when leading after eight innings.
3. The Phillies won three of four against San Diego from April 11-14 - two by shutout - as the Padres were blanked in five of their first 10 games this season.
PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Padres 2
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (50-60) at San Diego Padres (47-61)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 05 - 10:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Philadelphia's Jeremy Hellickson was a prime candidate to be moved prior to Monday's trade deadline, but the veteran right-hander remained a Phillie and takes the ball in Friday's three-game series opener against the Padres in San Diego. “Now that it's passed us, I'm happy to have him,” Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin told reporters. “Obviously there wasn't the right deal. I'm happy to have him with us, and I think he's fine with it.”
“I think having Jeremy here is very important to our club,” Phillies general manager Matt Klentak told reporters. “There was a reason we brought him here in the first place. The reason we traded for him was to add some stability to our rotation, help to mentor our young pitchers, to help to protect them from the workloads, help to save the bullpen." As Philadelphia (50-60) continues with an eye toward the future, San Diego (47-61) won't look back after trading Matt Kemp prior to the deadline and dumping other high-priced free agents James Shields and Justin Upton earlier this season as its attempt to "go for it" failed. "That was a bad experiment,” executive chairman Ron Fowler told reporters as the Padres begin rebuilding again. “The chemistry wasn’t there. But we took a run at it.” Christian Friedrich is coming off a quality start for the first time in seven outings for San Diego, which continues its nine-game homestand after splitting six contests with Milwaukee (2-1) and Cincinnati (1-2).
TV: 10:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.70 ERA) vs. Padres LH Christian Friedrich (4-6, 4.72)
Hellickson stretched his unbeaten streak to three starts (2-0) after allowing three runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 9-5 victory in Atlanta on Saturday. The 29-year-old Iowa native is 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA in his last seven starts. Wil Myers (4-for-11, two solo home runs) fares well against Hellickson, who is 1-4 with a 7.18 ERA in seven starts versus San Diego - 1-4, 6.98 in six outings last season while pitching for Arizona.
Friedrich earned a no-decision after yielding one run and five hits in six innings of the Padres' 2-1 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday. The 29-year-old Illinois native hasn't won since June 23 and was 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA in his five starts prior to Saturday. Carlos Ruiz is 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles against Friedrich, who is 1-0 in four appearances (one start) with nine strikeouts and one run allowed in 10 innings versus Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Diego rookie OF Jabari Blash (.189) is 4-for-12 in his last four games, including his first major-league home run in Wednesday's 12-3 victory over Milwaukee.
2. The Padres have won 129 consecutive games when leading after eight innings.
3. The Phillies won three of four against San Diego from April 11-14 - two by shutout - as the Padres were blanked in five of their first 10 games this season.
PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Padres 2
