Friday 9/2/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts


Belterra Park - Race #7 - Post: 5:54pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,500 Class Rating: 70

Rating:

#8 THELASTTHUNDER (ML=4/1)


THELASTTHUNDER - I am keen on that most recent effort on Aug 21st at Belterra Park where he finished third. He has the topmost earnings per race. Give the once over to this thoroughbred. That 68 fig this gelding recorded in his last affair tells me he's a chief player this time around.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 HUGHDOYALOVE (ML=3/1), #9 ABRAN PASO (ML=9/2), #3 HEREOSAURUS REX (ML=5/1),

HUGHDOYALOVE - Just can't bet on any steed right back after he doesn't hit the board after any extended time off. ABRAN PASO - Hard to put any cash on this gelding on the win end. Likes to hit the board though. HEREOSAURUS REX - 5/1 is too short of a price to take on most any mount that has run poorly in back to back races around the track. The fig last out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's affair. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued equine.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - THELASTTHUNDER - Racing pattern would suggest this animal is in good shape for today's race. I'd calculate a good performance.
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #8 THELASTTHUNDER to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

8 with 6

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST

The Evan Shipman Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 ROYAL POSSE
#2 WAKE UP IN MALIBU
#5 OSTROLENKA
#1 CRACKERJACK JONES

This race which was run at one mile in its first two editions in 1981 and 1982, the Evan Shipman for New York-breds is named for the late racing columnist of the Morning Telegraph, who died in 1957. A friend of Ernest Hemingway, Shipman was an aspiring poet in Paris in the 1920's, was wounded in the Spanish Civil War and served in a tank battalion during World War II. Upon his return to the United States he began covering thoroughbred and standardbred racing for the Morning Telegraph. His last column appeared on Kentucky Derby Day in 1957. Here in the 33rd running of The Shipman, #3 ROYAL POSSE has won half of his 14 career starts racing at, or about, today's distance of 9.0 furlongs on the dirt, shares the speed honors with #2 WAKE UP IN MALIBU, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, winning twice in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send him to the post for the "Friday Feature" ... they've hit the board with 56% of more than 250 entries saddled as a team to date. #2 WAKE UP IN MALIBU qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in four of his last five starts, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his 2nd and 4th races back, which is indicative of a "Bounce Pattern folks ... and the BoUnCe will be UP/POSITIVE this afternoon if this pattern continues.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DDLohaus’ Saratoga analysis

Friday’s picks
It’s getting down to crunch time and I’m running out of bullets…

Race #4
$25WP Buckwellspent

Total Bets: $50.00
Meet Total* $735.00

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 9/2 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 207 - 895 / $1,328.40

BEST BETS: 25 - 85 / $129.70

Best Bet: WILD AGAIN (4th)

Spot Play: MACHO CHICK (8th)


Race 1

(3) SHARK FANTASY was very game for the show spot last time around and this gelding appears to be heading in the right direction; the pick against a weak group. (4) GALLANT MAJOR needs to step up his game to have a say in here. (1) KILLER MARTINI gets serious post relief and that should help his cause.

Race 2

(6) ALL ARTIST had an easy lead turning for home but ran out of gas in deep stretch and settled for place money in his recent event; should be ready to boss these with Brennan at the helm. (4) WINNING IS SWEET came outside and mowed them down for all the glory last out; main danger. (1) DOJEA SOLO has speed, the rail and Bartlett; watch out.

Race 3

(3) BIG BAMBU seems to have found a perfect home in the $12k claiming ranks with two seconds in a row and a win three starts back; threat at his best. (1) AUTOMATIC SLIMS retains the rail and Bartlett is back at the controls; big factor. (2) ANDERLECHT returns to Yonkers where he was a good second three trips ago.

Race 4

(2) WILD AGAIN goes to a new barn and gets post relief. Gelding has done well at this level and could get the job done with a well-judged drive. (1) ULTIMATE G flashed speed in his last start to hold on for the placing; main danger. (6) CARTOON DADDY closed down the center of the track to get up in time for the score last out.

Race 5

(5) STYXIT TO EM N is knocking at the door based on his last two starts. Gelding is seeking his first score of the year and it appears that he has every right to take these to task for all of the cash. (4) SMOOTH CRIMINAL was sent down the road but ran out of gas turning for home in his last try; contender. (2) THISGUYSAROCKSTAR put in a mild bid to land the show spot last time around.

Race 6

(6) SELL A BIT N was dull in her latest but she is much better than her last flop. If she gets the favorable trip, the rest will have to settle for minor awards. (8) TESSA SEELSTER got the job done last out down the road and clearly will be the one to catch again. (7) KRISPY APPLE did not have the best of trips last out, but this mare is very capable; not out of this.

Race 7

(2) SAMMY THE BULL N has put in some nice efforts and seems to be moving forward. Pacing gelding can be the boss over these with a perfect trip. (3) WINDSUN STETSON showed good early zip last out but tired in the stretch run; player. (6) BIG N BAD is another with good early speed based on his last two tries; must be considered in all the exotics.

Race 8

(2) MACHO CHICK moves to the 2-hole and in her last try she made some headway at the three quarter pole but was fourth best. All systems go for this mare to get the job done. (6) NARCIAN JEWEL was very game against open foes at Saratoga last out and she is knocking at the door; big threat. (4) NORTHERN DALI leaves the 8-hole for a cozy post and Bartlett keeps the faith.

Race 9

(4) UNION MAN HANOVER moves up in class off his fine win effort last out and he seems to be in good form, so two straight is not out of the question. (7) RAMPAGE JACKSON moves up in class and draws door number seven; tough task but not impossible. (2) TENDTOWIN came up the rail to land the show spot in his latest; not out of this one by far.

Race 10

(1) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE did not fire in her Pocono finale, but the good news is she is back at Yonkers in the NW$15k ranks where she was a strong second three trips ago; worth a play from the fence. (5) SWEETNSINFUL will need a better trip to contend. She was sharp in her August 18th outing; main danger. (3) LISPATTY was all alone at the wire scoring by 5 lengths last out at Pocono.

Race 11

(1) ZOOMING is sharp and now he moves up the ladder. Trotter can rate or be on the engine; capable for the repeat. (2) FLYING ISA N has wheeled off three straight and in his last try was never headed; dangerous again. (6) WATKINS could have a say in the outcome with a favorable trip; maybe.

Race 12

(7) CHEYENNE ROBIN has hit the board in her last five outings and she is quite versatile; gets the call. (3) TOTALLY RUSTY put in a mild rally to land the show spot against tougher last out; capable. (1) JADED DREAM was second best in her last trip to the post and now she moves to the fence; must be considered.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 9/2 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 3,5,6/3,5,7/2,4,7/1,3/6,7,8,9 = $43.20

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3/6,7,8,9/1,6,7/3,4,7 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 2,8,9/1,5/1,3,8/2 = $18

MEET STATS: 318 - 938 / $1654.70 BEST BETS: 52 - 87 / $166.60

SPOT PLAYS: 20 - 87 / $119.10

Best Bet: IMAGINE DRAGON (11th)

Spot Play: HOPE FOR PADDY (4th)


Race 1

(6) GOD FORBID N got hung the mile last week with the trainer driving. She picks up Miller and drops in class. Expect sharp improvement here. (5) GRACIES PARADE also gets class relief and her potent late kick should put her into the picture late vs. these. (3) AINSLEYNOELLE chased some hot fractions on the limb and understandably stopped. She could hit the board at a price here with an easier trip. (7) JORDIES HOPE is another mare to consider at a price for the lower exotics rungs.

Race 2

(7) KATHY PARKER hasn't been near as good as she was last year, but her most recent start was better and now she adds Lasix here; call to upset. (5) EMOTICON HANOVER is having a stellar season and is clearly the filly to beat. (3) DOUBLE EXPOSURE was 2nd to the choice last time and she can follow along for a good share here, too. (8) ROYAL CHARM can hit the ticket at a price if she stays flat this time.

Race 3

(2) MACHIN A TRICK comes off a powerful win in this class last week; call to repeat. (7) LINDY BEACH came off a long break to destroy maidens and he is the other one that you need on your Pick 5 tickets. (4) THINK AGAIN improved sharply in his first start out of the Auciello barn. He is an exacta factor here. (10) VEGAS DREAM has a great in-the-money record but he likely won't get bet from out there. He could sneak into the Tri or Super at a price.

Race 4

(1) HOPE FOR PADDY - a drop-and-pop specialist - gets class relief and a good post to work with here; top call. (3) APPLE PIE ANGEL went a phenomenal trip on the engine last week to take a new life's mark. She's the one to beat and is likely to be odds-on. (4) REQUEST FOR PAROLE is an interesting entrant that could pepper the early pace and set the table for the choice. (7) REGALLY READY is likely to close from far back for a minor share here.

Race 5

(9) VERO AMORE BI was very impressive breaking his maiden last time in an OSS Gold event. It appears that Waples chose him over the other Alagna trainee here; slight nod in a contentious Grand Circuit dash. (7) INTERNATIONAL MONI has been perfectly prepped for this by a hot barn and would be no surprise in this spot. (6) KING OF THE HILL has the speed to contend and should be put into play early by Tetrick; using. (8) SIGNAL HILL raced much better last time on a wet track to break his maiden. These are tougher, but the $250K yearling buy may also be figuring things out now.

Race 6

(6) BEDROOMCONFESSIONS was an unlucky loser in the very last step after doing all of the work last week. Her consistency should be respected and she doesn't need the lead to win. (1) DELIGHTFUL HILL could topple the choice again here if she can work out another pocket trip. (7) STORM POINT is on a roll and the barn signaled intent at scratch time by listing Miller to drive; using. (3) WRANGLER MAGIC hasn't won in this class yet but she should take another share here.

Race 7

(4) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE was burned up in a third 1/4 pace duel last time now goes for a potent barn off the claim; top call. (3) JIMMY BE GOOD has ripped off four blowout wins in a row at Georgian and he is worth consideration here shipping in to go for a much bigger purse. (7) JENKINS CREEK drops back into a claimer where he should be dangerous. (8) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT should benefit from some quick early fractions and pass many of these late.

Race 8

(8) MISS TEZSLA has turned up her game in her past two starts and I would think Gingras will generate some speed early here to put her in a good spot near the front; slight nod. (9) CAPRICE HILL had no issue whatsoever with the outermost post last week. She's the one to beat. (2) FLOWERS N SONGS is in with an upset chance if she can get a good following spot near the front early. (6) WORLDCLASS HANOVER can pass a few late here and take a slice.

Race 9

(5) RUBIO should bounce back here after having his unbeaten skein broken in the Haughton when he was out the entire mile. (1) WHAT THE HILL beat the choice that day and is the obvious main rival here again. (8) MOUNTAIN OF LOVE is worth a look here going for a barn that has been on fire at this meet the past few weeks. (7) MASS PRODUCTION can contend for a smaller share getting back on the big track.

Race 10

(1) RIDE AWAY SHARK should push for position early, which makes all the difference for her chances. (3) P L HURRICANE has faced some very tough winners in her last four starts. She fits much better here and should be heard from. (8) KISS ME OR NOT has a history of racing well off breaks; consider. (6) TRUE REFLECTION picked up Tetrick at scratch time and she should be passing most of these in the second 1/2 for a small share.

Race 11

(2) IMAGINE DRAGON drops, moves inside and picks up Tetrick. Sharp improvement should be forthcoming here. (3) BET YA made a big move last time but was nailed by one coming from even farther back as the late pace collapsed. She can lay closer here from a better post and she should be a threat. (1) NINETTE B has been known to pop at a price here; don't discount. (5) NAUGHTY LADY B should repeat her last two trips where she takes a share off a following trip. (4) JUSTABIT MEAN is typically a fringe player that can hit the bottom rung of the exotics.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (6th) Stealthy Traveler, 9-2
(7th) Franklin County, 7-2


Belterra Park (4th) Lady Monavi, 5-1
(9th) Poage's Landing, 7-2


Canterbury Park (4th) Patty's Key, 3-1
(6th) Dot's Vow, 8-1


Charles Town (3rd) One Move, 5-1
(7th) Lady Jillet, 6-1


Del Mar (1st) Shehastheritestuff, 7-2
(3rd) American League, 5-1


Ellis Park (3rd) Georgie My Boy, 4-1
(5th) Texas Sky, 4-1


Emerald Downs (3rd) Mojave Mandate, 4-1
(4th) Storm the Channel, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (5th) Pulpit Hanna, 3-1
(7th) The Common Man, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (4th) Katinka, 7-2
(7th) Sassy Astray, 3-1


Indiana Grand (4th) Seattle Lights, 3-1
(7th) Reallyareyakiddin, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Kat Blue, 7-2
(5th) Sunny Sister, 6-1


Monmouth Park (2nd) Ghazi's Stone, 9-2
(5th) Teufles and Roses, 3-1


Penn National (6th) Pea Shooter Pro, 4-1
(8th) Endless Ride, 7-2


Remington Park (4th) Kanza Kowboy, 9-2
(5th) Excessive, 6-1


Retama Park (3rd) Kaibo Cat, 3-1
(5th) Primal Flirt, 9-2


Saratoga (4th) Blarney Stones, 3-1
8th) Sunrise Kitty, 7-2


Thistledown (2nd) Mr. Elkhorn, 4-1
(6th) Kyles Marigold, 9-2


Timonium (2nd) Katie's Caddie, 7-2
(6th) Willful Limit, 7-2


Woodbine (2nd) Bombita, 8-1
(5th) Run to the Beat, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

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

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

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

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Cubs knock off Giants
By The Sports Xchange

CHICAGO -- Addison Russell's two-run seventh inning single propelled the Chicago Cubs a lead they never relinquished in a 5-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night.
Russell dropped a bloop single into left field off Giants reliever Cory Gearrin to score to Dexter Fowler and Kris Bryant with the tying and go-ahead runs.
The Cubs won their fourth straight and extended their National League Central lead to 15 1/2 games.
Cubs reliever Joe Smith worked two innings for the victory, secured just hours after he was activated from the disabled list. Giants reliever Hunter Strickland took the loss after he put tying and go-ahead runners on base.
Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. pitched a one-two-three ninth for his first career save.
The Giants fell two games behind the idle NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. They remained atop a tight pack in the NL wild card playoff chase.

Twins 8, White Sox 5
MINNEAPOLIS -- Byron Buxton and Trevor Plouffe homered to help Minnesota snap a 13-game losing streak with a win over Chicago at Target Field.
The losing skid was tied for the second-longest in team history, one shy of team record of 14 set in 1982, a group that lost a franchise-record 102 times.
Buxton's homer came in his first game back since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester earlier in the day. It was the second home run of the season for the rookie center fielder, who entered the game hitting a paltry .193.
The home run was Plouffe's 10th, the fifth consecutive season he's reached double-digit homers.
Ervin Santana scattered 11 hits but stranded 10 White Sox batters and allowed just two runs over five innings, walking two and striking out six in earning the victory.

Marlins 6, Mets 4
NEW YORK -- Christian Yelich continued to thrive in the cleanup spot when he homered for the third time in as many nights and finished with three hits, three RBIs and two stolen bases, helping Miami salvage the finale of a four-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
The Marlins snapped a five-game losing streak and won for just the third time in 10 contests. Miami, which scored eight runs during its losing streak, moved within three games of the idle St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second wild-card spot in the National League.
The Mets missed a chance to move within a game of the Cardinals. New York has won nine of its last 12 games.

Braves 9, Padres 6
ATLANTA -- It took until September, but Atlanta finally have a series sweep at home this season.
Mike Foltynewicz won his fourth straight decision and Freddie Freeman homered in a three-RBI game as the Braves defeated San Diego.
The Braves outscored San Diego 24-10 in the three-game series while sweeping the Padres for the first time since 2008.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (72-61) at Cubs (86-47)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 02, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Even in the midst of his own strong season left-handed starter Jon Lester is quick to stand up and cheer for fellow members of the Chicago Cubs rotation.

After Kyle Hendricks tossed seven shutout innings in the Cubs 3-0 victory over the Pirates on Tuesday, Lester took to social media to praise the Cubs righty.

"Another gem turned in by Kyle Hendricks last night. Hoping the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America) takes notice," Lester proclaimed on his Twitter feed.

Hendricks (13-7, 2.09 ERA) is increasingly part of conversations for NL Cy Young Award consideration by baseball writers while reigning award winner Jake Arrieta of the Cubs (16-5, 2.84 ERA) is also having another impressive year.

So why not Lester, too?

The 32-year-old left-hander brings a 14-4 record and 2.70 ERA to his Friday start against the San Francisco Giants. He'll face right-hander Albert Suarez (3-2, 4.35 ERA) in a 1:20 p.m. match at Wrigley Field.

Lester has a team-leading 21 quality starts in 26 appearances. He finished August with a 3-0 record and a 1.71 ERA for the month and is 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco.

He's even contributed with the bat. As a pinch hitter in a July 31 walk off win over the Seattle Mariners, Lester delivered a squeeze bunt in the 12th inning that scored Javier Baez with the winning run.

"I was trying not to screw anything up and just get (the bunt) down and see what happened from there," Lester said.

Lester, who has World Series wins with the Red Sox in 2007 and 2013, says he'd rather pull for the entire staff rather than concentrate on individual accolades.

"I don't compete with my other pitchers," Lester said recently. "I want them to do way better than me. I think the biggest thing, and the way I've always felt, is you don't want to be kind of the loose link in the chain. You want to keep going, keep pressing along."

The four-game series between the Giants and Cubs could serve as a preview to next month's National League playoffs.

While Chicago appears to be a virtual playoff lock, each one of the next three games in the series is critical for a Giants team that now has 11 losses in its last 17 games following Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Cubs.

"It's a case of us putting it all together," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "There's no easy answer, but we've got to pitch well and get these bats going."

The Giants, winners of World Series championships between 2010 and 2014, are just two games in back of the NL West-leading Dodgers and narrowly lead the NL wild card chase.

San Francisco is scheduled to send left-hander Madison Bumgarner (13-8, 2.49 ERA) against Arrieta on Saturday. Johnny Cueto (14.5, 2.98 ERA) is scheduled for Sunday against a Cubs pitcher to be named, but could be John Lackey coming off the disabled list.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (57-76) at Pirates (67-64)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 02, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- It's hard to know which team has momentum going into Friday's series opener between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park.

Maybe neither.

The Brewers are coming off of a 3-1 win over St. Louis that ended a 10-game homestand, but they lost six in a row before that.

The Pirates got swept in three games by the Cubs in Chicago, ending with a 6-5 loss Wednesday, after a rousing four-game sweep of the Brewers last weekend in Milwaukee, where Pittsburgh rarely has won.

Both teams had a day off Thursday.

"We got pushed down three games in a row. We just went through Milwaukee and pushed forward four days in a row," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.

"You just keep showing up and keep playing. It's the beauty of the sport and the beauty of what those men out there do, are built to do and are wired to do together."

While Milwaukee (57-76) dropped far off the pace, Pittsburgh (67-64) has a realistic shot at making the playoffs despite some highly streaky play. Since the All-Star break, the Pirates are .500 at 21-21.

"Ups and downs," shortstop Jordy Mercer told mlb.com. "I wish we had the answer. I don't know. I can't pinpoint one thing. It's part of it, really."

Hurdle expects his club to be resilient.

"They keep coming. Why would you back away?" he said. "You've got a month of baseball left to play, so you've got to keep pushing it out there every day, regardless if you get pushed down."

Friday's game will be the first of 17 at home this month for the Pirates, while Milwaukee will be playing the first of 18 on the road in September.

"We expected in September to be playing teams that are in the thick of things; good teams," manager Craig Counsell said. "Going on the road doesn't get any easier for us, for sure, but we'll keep going."

Just like Pittsburgh, the Brewers expect some never-quit in their game.

"You have to keep coming," outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis said. "That's why I really love this group. I think we have a good group in the clubhouse. We keep each other accountable for coming to play every day."

Perhaps Milwaukee can get a lift from the return of right-hander Junior Guerra, who is expected to come off of the DL (right elbow inflammation) and start Friday.

Guerra (7-3, 2.93) was arguably the Brewers' most consistent starter before getting hurt. He is 1-0 with a 1.72 ERA in three career appearances against the Pirates.

With Guerra back, the Brewers will expand their rotation to six.

"I think initially we'll definitely use six guys, so he'll just kind of slot in," Counsell said. "There'll be six guys for sure, and then we'll kind of judge it going forward from there."

Rookie right-hander Jameson Taillon (3-3, 3.39) is expected to start Friday for Pittsburgh. Taillon will look to bounce back from a tough start Saturday against the Brewers, when he allowed five earned runs on seven hits over three innings in a game the Pirates came back to win 9-6.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (51-83) at Phillies (60-73)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 02, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to awaken their slumbering offense. Atlanta Braves right-hander Joel De La Cruz is just looking for a victory.

De La Cruz (0-7, 4.66 ERA) will oppose Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.80 ERA) when the National League East rivals open a three-game series Friday night in Citizens Bank Park.

De La Cruz, a 27-year-old rookie, signed with the Braves as a free agent in December, having previously pitched in the minors for the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers.

His struggles have continued even as the National League's worst team has gone on a rare hot streak, winning four of five and five of seven. De La Cruz has pitched to a 6.60 ERA over his last four outings.

Most recently he was tagged with a 7-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants, lasting just four innings and allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits. He struck out two without walking a batter.

De La Cruz surrendered four consecutive two-out hits in the first inning, including an RBI single by Brandon Belt and a two-run double by Joe Panik. He then yielded a two-run homer to Angel Pagan in the second, after an error by second baseman Jace Peterson.

"(De La Cruz) threw the ball OK, but when (your defense) makes some miscues, you've got to be able to get the next guy out," Braves manager Brian Snitker said, according to Major League Baseball's official web site. "He wasn't able to do that. I think in the third inning, things were little bit better and crisper. But to assess his performance, it wasn't real good."

He has faced Philadelphia three times this season, twice as a starter and once as a reliever, going 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA over 11 innings.

The Phillies, who have lost five of six, are last in the major leagues with 492 runs, and their .238 team batting average is next-to-last. They are also hitting an MLB-worst .224 at home, and managed three runs on nine hits while being swept in a three-game series by the Nationals earlier this week.

"Nine hits in a three-game series isn't going to cut it," manager Pete Mackanin said after a 2-1 loss in Wednesday's series finale. "We're just not hitting the ball. We need more offense, obviously."

Hellickson leads the Phillies in victories, and 15 of his first 18 outings were quality starts. Last time out, however, Hellickson went just four innings against the New York Mets, his second-shortest appearance of the season, and allowed five runs on seven hits to absorb a 12-1 loss.

Hellickson, who saw his ERA balloon from 3.60 to 3.80, gave up a two-run homer to Asdrubal Cabrera in the third, and a three-run homer to Yoenis Cespedes in the fourth.

"I just lost command of pretty much all three pitches tonight," Hellickson told MLB.com. "I think the two home runs were probably two of the better fastballs that I threw. It's a good lineup. It's hot right now."

Hellickson is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two career starts against the Braves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (78-55) at Mets (69-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: September 02, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- An early September series last season between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals laid the groundwork for the Mets' trip to the World Series while spelling the end of the Nationals' playoff hopes.

Washington hopes to return the favor this weekend.

The National League East-leading Nationals head to New York on Friday for the opener of a three-game series at Citi Field. Washington, which was off Thursday, enters on a three-game winning streak following a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies this week. The Mets had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 6-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.

Unlike a year ago, the NL East is not up for grabs as September begins. Last season, New York entered a three-game series that began on Labor Day with a four-game lead but swept Washington and never trailed by fewer than six games the rest of the way.

Now, the Nationals (78-55) lead the second-place Mets (69-65) by 9 1/2 games and are already playing with October in mind. The Nationals/Montreal Expos franchise has not won a playoff series since 1981, the longest drought in the "big four" sports.

"I think we're starting to jell a little bit," Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth said Wednesday following Washington's 2-1 win over the Phillies. "Once we get into about halfway through September, I hope we're hitting on all cylinders and we can carry that through as long as we can."

While a second consecutive division title appears out of reach, the Mets also enter the weekend with hopes of reaching the postseason. New York won nine of its past 12 games to move within two games of the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the NL's second wild card.

If the Mets are to return to the playoffs, they will have to do so with a piecemeal roster. Five of the 10 players who took the field against the Kansas City Royals on Opening Day are out for the season, including second baseman Neil Walker, who confirmed Thursday he soon will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back.

In addition, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (left knee) and left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (right quad) were each on the disabled list in August are likely going to need semi-regular days off down the stretch. Neither player started Thursday, though Cabrera hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the ninth, an inning after Cespedes struck out as a pinch hitter.

"It's a tough situation -- that's exactly what it is," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "That's part of the gig, and that's why we've got backup players here."

Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound Friday against Nationals right-hander A.J. Cole (0-1, 4.97 ERA).

Syndergaard, who ranks third in the NL in ERA, has allowed a total of three earned runs while winning each of his past three starts. In three starts against the Nationals this year, he is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA. He has a 2-2 record and a 3.12 ERA in six career starts vs. Washington.

Cole, who will be making his third start of the season and his fourth as a major-leaguer, has never faced the Mets. In his most recent outing, he gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings during a no-decision against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (69-63) at Orioles (72-61)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 02, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles' playoff hopes are fading a bit while the New York Yankees are trying to pull back into the postseason race, and both will have a chance to help their causes when they meet in the opener of a three-game series Friday at Camden Yards.

Baltimore (72-61) lost four of its last six games and slipped four games behind first place Toronto in the American League East. The Orioles also are tied with Detroit for the final wild-card spot with the Yankees (69-63) sitting 2 1/2 games behind them.

New York has been making a move with a bunch of young players doing well, led by catcher Gary Sanchez. He's the rookie who's already banged out 11 homers and 21 RBIs in just 25 games and posted an impressive .374 batting average as the kids are leading the way after the Yankees unloaded a bunch of high-priced veterans at the trade deadline.

"It's definitely a nice feeling when you're doing well, and at the same time, the team is doing well," Sanchez said through an interpreter to MLB.com. "We're right there in the fight; it's even better. If we keep winning games, we'll have a good chance of making the playoffs."

New York's big question is if the young players can continue to play well in the pressure-packed final 30 games after taking two of three in Kansas City. They'll have to do it against the American League East, as will the Orioles, as both teams play most of their schedules in the division in the last month.

On Friday, Dylan Bundy (7-5, 3.71) gets the start for the Orioles, who dropped two of three to Toronto this week. The right-hander has pitched very well since joining the rotation in mid-July although running into trouble in two of the last three starts, including last Saturday's outing versus New York. That's when Bundy allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings and took the loss.

The Yankees send Chad Green (2-3, 4.09) to the mound. Baltimore touched him up for four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings last Saturday but got a no-decision in the win.

The Orioles made several moves on Wednesday to try and improve their outfield depth and give them speed and defensive help. They began having problems out there when utility outfielder Joey Rickard went on the DL on July 22 (retroactive to the day before) due to a thumb injury.

Losing him was costly, manager Buck Showalter said earlier this week. It hurt the team's versatility in the outfield, and that situation worsened when center fielder Adam Jones strained his hamstring and has been out since last Friday.

Showalter said Wednesday that they're hoping Jones can return on Friday

The Orioles also acquired outfielders Drew Stubbs (waivers from Texas) and Michael Bourn (trade from Arizona), which gives them that extra help in the outfield, especially if Jones needs more time to recover.

But the Orioles, who've been slipping since the All-Star break, know that the time for winning is now.

"It's big from here on out," pitcher Yovani Gallardo said. "All these games are real important for us, and we just have to figure out a way to get it done."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (70-62) at Reds (55-77)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 02, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- With Mike Leake on the disabled list with shingles, rookie right-hander Alex Reyes is getting an opportunity to start for the St. Louis Cardinals, who are chasing a National-League wild-card spot.

Reyes will make his second career start on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Rated by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the Cardinals organization, Reyes has shown good stuff, but command has been lacking at times.

In 14 career innings, Reyes has allowed just one run while striking out 17. He has also walked eight, including four in his last outing.

"There's a lot of room to grow," said manager Mike Matheny of Reyes. "Most of it is going to be with fastball command, and fastball movement. Comes through struggles, trying to overthrow. He'll progress."

Reyes faced the Reds once so far: a scoreless inning in relief on August 9.

St. Louis enters this series having set a new franchise record with homers in 20 straight games. The Cardinals might add more offensive firepower on Friday when first baseman Matt Adams is expected to return. Adams who owns a 1.016 OPS against the Reds and has homered seven times at Great American Ball Park, missed the past 19 games with shoulder inflammation.

Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will make his 16th start of the season for the Reds on Friday. This will be DeSclafani's sixth career appearance and fifth start against the Cardinals, and second start of the season.

DeSclafani is coming off his finest outing of the season on Saturday when he tossed a complete game, giving up only four hits with nine strikeouts in a 13-0 win at Arizona.

It was his 11th quality start in 15 outings since coming off the disabled list on June 10.

DeSclafani was the first Reds pitcher to produce at least six wins without a loss over his first nine starts to begin a season since Paul Wilson went 6-0 in his first nine starts in 2004.

Cincinnati scored only four runs total while being swept in a three-game series at Anaheim, after averaging 5.7 runs per game in August going into the series.

"It's certainly a step back from where we've been, but it's the ebb and flow of the season," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We had a few tough starts, short starts, had to go to the bullpen early and weren't able to get back into those games. That hadn't been the recipe to our success in July and the better part of August."

Despite being swept, Cincinnati has played better since the All-Star break. A big reason why is the hot bat of first baseman Joey Votto, who batted .394 in August after a .419 clip in July. He just missed becoming the first major league player since Josh Hamilton in 2010 to bat .400 or better in consecutive months.

Also hot for Cincinnati since being recalled from Triple-A is Jose Peraza, who's been getting regular time at shortstop with Zack Cozart out recently with an injury. Peraza is batting .463 since coming back.

The normally vacant lockers in both clubhouses at Great American Ball Park likely will be occupied beginning Friday after the rosters expanded to 40 on Thursday.

St. Louis has won seven of 12 meetings against the Reds this season. The teams have split six games at Great American Ball Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (76-57) at Rays (56-76)

Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 02, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Cobb will take the mound in the big leagues on Friday for the first time in 23 months.

It's been a long road back from Tommy John surgery for Cobb, who will face the Toronto Blue Jays in the series opener.

Cobb hurt his elbow in last year's spring training and had his surgery in May, hopeful he could make a summer return to the rotation. Instead of July, it's September, so the return means that much more to him.

"It wasn't like it was smooth," Cobb told the Tampa Bay Times. "Some people just pick up a ball and they're like, 'OK, the pain's gone.' With me, it was like, this kind of hurts a little more than before I got the surgery."

Cobb's rehab was longer than expected - he had to be activated Monday per rehab guidelines, and he's in position to get five starts in September to give him confidence for a return to health.

Cobb had an ERA under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons, posting a 10-9 mark with a 2.87 ERA in 2014 after going 11-3 with a 2.76 in 2013. Much has changed since his last outing in 2014 - the Rays changed managers, and much of the lineup around him has changed as well.

The Rays (56-76) come home having dropped four of six games on a road trip, and they face a Toronto team leading the American League East at 76-57 and having won five of six games. Tampa Bay actually has a 7-6 edge in the season series, although the Jays took two of three in the most recent series.

Toronto has a new pitcher to throw at the Rays in left-hander Francisco Liriano, who was acquired from the Pirates. He's 7-12 with a 5.22 ERA for the season, but in four starts since joining the Blue Jays, he's 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA. For his career against the Rays, he's 2-3 with a 4.93 ERA.

The Blue Jays for now are moving forward with a six-man rotation, which is less taxing on key arms late in the season but takes starters out of the rhythm and the routine they've kept for months. They're trusting their leaders on the call.

"If it helps us get to the World Series I could care less," 41-year-old R.A. Dickey told the Toronto Star on Wednesday. "I just have to do a professional job of getting myself ready to pitch and do my job when it's my turn."

For this weekend at least, that challenge is having a first-place team beat a last-place team, something they've failed to do more often than not this season.

Toronto holds a two-game lead on Boston and a four-game advantage on Baltimore, so the margin of error between winning a division and missing the playoffs is as little as one bad series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (68-66) at Indians (76-56)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 02, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians are chasing a division championship in the American League Central and the Miami Marlins are pursuing a Wild Card spot in the National League.

On Friday night, the teams will meet in Cleveland for the first game of a three-game series, the final interleague games for both teams.

The Indians are in first place in the AL Central, 4 1/2 games ahead of the second-place Detroit Tigers. The Marlins are in third place in the NL East, but are still very much alive in the race for the second Wild Card spot.

With major league rosters able to be expanded starting Sept. 1, both the Indians and Marlins made several roster moves Thursday.

The Indians officially added Coco Crisp to their roster. Crisp was acquired in a trade with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in which the Indians sent minor league pitcher Colt Hynes to the A's.

Crisp was acquired to replace Abraham Almonte on the Indians' postseason roster, assuming they make it. Almonte is not eligible for the postseason after being suspended for the first 80 games of the season for a positive steroids test.

"If we're fortunate enough to move on (to the postseason), we won't have Abe. That's the reality of where we are," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "Coco is a veteran player who has been through it before. He can play left field or center, and he's hitting really well with runners in scoring position."

Crisp leads the majors with a .424 batting average with runners in scoring position.

The Indians also recalled pitchers Cody Anderson and Joe Colon on Thursday, and infielder Erik Gonzalez from Triple-A Columbus. Catcher Adam Moore's contract was purchased from Columbus, and the Indians designated Columbus outfielder Collin Cowgill for assignment.

The Indians also activated pitcher Danny Salazar from the paternity leave list.

The Marlins recalled pitchers Brian Ellington and Nefi Ogando and catcher Tomas Telis from Triple-A New Orleans. In addition, outfielder Destin Hood's contract was purchased from New Orleans. The Marlins also designated pitcher Raudel Lazo for assignment.

The addition of Hood gives Miami manager Don Mattingly another option in the outfield, where the Marlins are short a man. Marcell Ozuna did not play in the Marlins 6-4 win over the Mets on Thursday night, due to a sprained left wrist. Ozuna hurt the wrist making a diving catch in Wednesday's game. X-rays were negative, and Ozuna is day-to-day.

The Marlins can ill-afford to lose Ozuna for any length of time. With a month left in the regular season, Miami is still in the hunt for a spot in the postseason.

"I like our club and our makeup," Mattingly told MLB.com. "We'll see where we go this last month. We think it's going to be a fun month for us. We're going to learn a lot about our team, playing in these types of games."

The pitching matchup Friday will be Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (9-7, 3.23) versus Miami's Andrew Cashner (4-10, 4.73). This will be Cashner's seventh appearance and sixth start since the July 29 trade that sent him from the San Diego Padres to Miami. In three starts since the trade, Cashner is 0-3 with a 4.61 ERA. He has never faced the Indians, nor has Carrasco ever faced the Marlins.

Miami snapped a five-game losing streak with its win over the New York Mets on Thursday. The Indians are coming off a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (71-62) at Rangers (80-54)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 02, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros open up the final month of the season faithful to the company line -- "one game, one series at a time" -- but with plenty of ambition.

The Rangers will be difficult to catch in the AL West with an 8.5-game lead over the Astros with 28 games to play. Winning two of three against Houston this weekend in a series at Globe Life Park in Arlington will all but actually clinch the division save for a very rare and unforeseen series of events. Texas would then have the luxury of resting key pieces and setting up its rotation for the divisional round of the AL playoffs.

However, if the Astros, winners of 10 of their last 12 games, can take two or even sweep, the division might yet have some intrigue left.

After Houston, the Rangers go on the road for four at Seattle, three against the Angels and three at Houston.

"There's no doubt the next 10 days or so will be a challenge for us to get some separation from the guys behind us," Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre said. "The one coming up with Houston will be important for us to create some separation so we can get some rest."

Houston enters one game back in the AL wild-card standings. They'll need to go 15-14 in their final 29 to match the 86-win plateau they hit in 2015 and will likely need to do that to have a chance at the wild card in 2016.

The Astros' first order of business is solving the Rangers riddle. Texas is 11-2 against Houston this year.

But the schedule doesn't get any easier.

After the Texas series are four games against Cleveland on the road and three with the Cubs at Minute Maid Park.

"Trust me, I'd love to rattle off a ton of wins and clinch a week in advance and set up your rotation and set up everything, but it doesn't seem like it's going to play out that way for too many teams in the game," manager A.J. Hinch said. "The scoreboard is right in front of us (in left field at Minute Maid Park), but the more you scoreboard watch, the more you're taking your attention away from beating the team that's on the field in front of you."

In game one on Friday, the Astros will throw right-hander Doug Fister (12-9, 3.60 ERA) against Texas righty A.J. Griffin (6-3, 4.39).

Fister has battled consistency in the second half, going 4-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts since June 26. He had success against the Rangers in his last start against them on Aug. 6, holding Texas to one run in six innings.

Griffin, too, has struggled with consistency since coming off the DL in June. The right-hander has only one quality start since May 2, though it was in his last outing. Griffin threw six scoreless innings in a victory over Cleveland.

Texas enters having won five straight and six of seven on its current 10-game homestand.

"The body of work speaks for itself," manager Jeff Banister said of Texas' recent results. "We need to play well. Houston is hot right now. We still have some work to do. We need to come back ready to play."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (63-70) at Twins (50-84)

Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: September 02, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins will try and build on their new-found momentum in the second of a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night at Target Field.

The Twins avoided history in an 8-5 win in Thursday's series opener, snapping a 13-game losing streak, one shy of the team record set in 1982.

Minnesota flexed its muscle, getting a three-run homer from Byron Buxton and a two-run blast from Trevor Plouffe, opening up a six-run lead before holding on in the late innings.

"It's a relief," said Twins manager Paul Molitor, "but we know that you can't enjoy these things very long."

Chicago hit Twins starter Ervin Santana hard, piling up 11 hits in five innings against the Minnesota right-hander, but was able to scratch just two runs across the board and stranding 10 off Santana.

The White Sox left 12 men on base overall while the Twins were more efficient, leaving two on base.

"We left a lot of runs out there," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "We left 10 guys at one point, and they had cashed everybody in. When you look up there and see you've left 10 guys and they didn't leave any at one point, that really kind of tells the tale."

Kyle Gibson will get the start for Minnesota, looking to bounce back after allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks in his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The right-hander went beyond 5 1/3 innings in just one of his six starts in the month of August, compiling a 6.62 ERA in those starts. Gibson has been good against the White Sox this season, however, allowing one earned run in 12 2/3 innings.

Carlos Rodon will get the nod for Chicago, hoping to build on a strong month of August. The left-hander went 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA in five starts last month and didn't allow more than two runs in any of those outings.

Rodon will be making his fourth start against the Twins this season and has been roughed up in each of his last two games against them. He allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings in a loss at Target Field on July 31 and gave up four runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings in a no decision at U.S. Cellular Field on June 30.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (56-77) at Rockies (64-69)

Game: 1
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 02, 2016 8:40 PM EDT

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies were off Thursday, giving them a day to get away from an utterly agonizing defeat before they begin a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.

The Rockies entered the eighth inning Wednesday night leading the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2. Colorado was poised to sweep a doubleheader and a three-game series, match its season-high five-game winning streak and move within eight games of first place in the National League West for the first time since Aug. 7.

Instead, the Dodgers scored three runs in the eighth and torched closer Adam Ottavino for five runs in the ninth. The final four scored on Andrew Toles' first career grand slam, giving the Dodgers a 10-8 win and leaving the stunned Rockies to wonder in amazement how things could go so wrong so fast.

A day off undoubtedly benefited the Rockies, who went 12-16 in August and will continue a nine-game homestand against the Diamondbacks, who were also off Thursday.

The teams have not played since June 26. The Rockies are 8-5 against the Diamondbacks this season and 3-4 at Coors Field.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado will try to carry his torrid August into September. He set a franchise record for RBIs in the month with 36 -- Andres Galarraga set the old record of 33 August RBI in 1996 -- and hit 10 homers along with a .356/.433/.702 slash line.

Arenado was actually in a slump during the month, a tailspin he escaped with a two-homer, six-RBI game Aug. 21 against the Chicago Cubs after working late the previous evening with batting practice pitcher Garrett Carson watching video and swinging in the indoor cage at Coors Field until Arenado finally determined he was overstriding.

In his final 10 games in August, Arenado went 21-for-40 and hit .525/.578/1.100 with six homers and 17 RBI.

"I feel like about a month ago, I was kind of changing things and not thinking different pitches, but now I'm thinking middle (of the field) and staying positive and trusting myself," Arenado said. "Good things are happening."

The Diamondbacks have been better on the road (31-34) than at home (25-43). They split two games in San Francisco and are in the midst of an eight-game trip that will conclude against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The Diamondbacks went 14-14 in August, a vast improvement over their 7-17 July and reached .500 in a month for the first time this season.

The Diamondbacks welcomed the recent return of center fielder A.J. Pollock. He broke his right elbow in the waning days of spring training and was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list Aug. 26.

An All-Star and Gold Glove winner last year when he hit .315 with 20 homers, 76 RBIs and 39 stolen bases, Pollock went hitless in eight at-bats in his first two games but has gone 6-for-12 in his past three with three runs scored, two walks and four stolen bases. His five-month absence left a huge void in the Diamondbacks' offense and defense.

"When you have a player like A.J., who's multi-dimensional, he just takes (care of) the defense at centerfield, and that by itself is a game-changer many times," Diamondbacks chief baseball officer Tony La Russa said. "Then you take away what he does offensively. He has a very live bat -- .300 hitter with a ball that jumps (off the bat) and really has exciting legs."

Left-hander Robbie Ray will start for Arizona. He's 7-12 with a 4.28 ERA and is averaging 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, second in the majors behind Miami's Jose Fernandez (12.7). Ray will have six days' rest since his last start Aug. 25 against Atlanta when he gave up two runs and six hits in five innings and took the loss in Atlanta's 3-1 win.

On his past four starts, Ray is 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA (29 innings, four earned runs) with seven walks and 29 strikeouts.

Ray is 1-1 with a 4.10 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies and 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA in three career starts at Coors Field. In two games against the Rockies this season, Ray is 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA.

The Diamondbacks are 38-60 against right-handed starters but 18-17 against lefties and will face one for the second straight game. They lost 4-2 Wednesday at San Francisco when Matt Moore started, and Jorge De La Rosa will start for the Rockies.

De La Rosa is 8-7 with a 5.09 ERA and is coming off a no-decision Aug. 26 at Washington where he gave up eight hits and three runs in five innings with one walk and a season-high tying eight strikeouts before the Rockies won 9-4 in 11 innings.

De La Rosa has not lost in seven starts since July 20 and is 2-0 with a 3.40 ERA in that span. The Rockies are 3-4 in those games.

He's 10-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 28 games, 24 starts, against Arizona in his career. De La Rosa is 1-0 with a 5.06 ERA in two starts this season against the Diamondbacks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (72-61) at Royals (69-64)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 02, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When the calendar flips to September, contending teams do more than peek at the scoreboard and standings. They stare.

The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals, two teams hoping to extend their seasons deep into October, open a three-game series Friday night at Kauffman Stadium. Both teams are chasing the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central and both are in the thick of the wild card madness.

"We don't have many series that aren't important, but Kansas City has been hot, so in that sense we've got to bring our A-game," Indians manager Brad Ausmus said. "They've played very well against us this year."

The Royals have won nine of 13 against the Tigers this season, including five of seven in Kansas City.

The white-hot Royals had won 18 of 22 after thrashing the New York Yankees on Monday night, but then were cooled off, losing two-extra-inning games to snap their seven-series winning streak.

"I'm very aware of KC," Ausmus said. "When I do check the scoreboard, I'm checking both of their (scores). I have with more frequency looked at what other teams are doing in the last week. The first two months of the season, I will look at highlights of games, parts of games, but not the standings very often."

Both teams had Thursday off and Royals manager Ned Yost said it could not have come at a better time with his bullpen depleted from overwork.

"The off-day is going to do us good," Yost said. "Everybody is going to be able to recharge a little bit. It's going to be good for us to just relax a little bit and get recharged."

While the Royals have yet to announce who will be their September callups, Yost said closer Wade Davis will be activated Friday and return to the bullpen. Davis threw an inning Tuesday for Triple-A Omaha, striking out two and yielding a hit. He has been on the disabled list since July 28 with a strained flexor.

"Our bullpen is in dire straits right now," Yost said. "We've had a ton of usages on these guys the last four or five days. We were hoping to get to September 1st but we just couldn't. Wade threw (Tuesday for Omaha). It would have been perfect if they didn't get a rainout Monday, Wade would have been available for (Wednesday), but with him throwing him Tuesday, we'll activate him (Friday)."

The Tigers announced they will call up pitcher Buck Famer and third-string catcher John Hicks, who was with the Seattle Mariners last year but has yet to make his Detroit debut. This will be Farmer's sixth stint this season with Detroit. While he started with Triple-A Toledo, he will be used out of the bullpen.

Royals left-hander Danny Duffy will start the series opener. Duffy had won 10 straight decisions before losing his past outing at Boston, allowing seven runs on nine hits over five innings. Duffy is 7-1 with a 2.90 ERA and 55 strikeouts since the All-Star break.

Duffy is 6-0 with a 3.16 ERA at home and hasn't lost at Kauffman Stadium since Sept. 5, 2015.

Duffy is 2-0 with a 4.71 ERA in five appearances, including three starts, against Detroit this season. He beat the Tigers 6-1 on Aug. 16, limiting them to one run and three hits over 7 2/3 innings. He is 5-6 with a 3.24 ERA in 27 career appearances against Detroit.

The Tigers will start right-hander Anibal Sanchez, who is 7-13 with a 5.92 ERA, but pitched brilliantly in his last start against the Royals. In one start and one relief appearance this season against the Royals, Sanchez has a 0.96 ERA, yielding one earned run while striking out nine in 9 1/3 innings.

Eric Hosmer has a .306 average (11-for-36) with one home run and five RBIs off Sanchez, while Jarrod Dyson is only 3-for-26 against him.