NHL
Monday, May 16
Trend Report
8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. PITTSBURGH
Tampa Bay is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Monday, May 16
Trend Report
8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. PITTSBURGH
Tampa Bay is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
NHL
Long Sheet
Monday, May 16
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TAMPA BAY (55-33-0-5, 115 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (56-29-0-9, 121 pts.) - 5/16/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 13-22 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 56-38 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 38-19 ATS (+7.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 15-5 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 37-18 ATS (+11.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 201-209 ATS (+445.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 94-106 ATS (-33.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-5 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.7 Units)
Long Sheet
Monday, May 16
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TAMPA BAY (55-33-0-5, 115 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (56-29-0-9, 121 pts.) - 5/16/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 13-22 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 56-38 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 38-19 ATS (+7.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 15-5 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 37-18 ATS (+11.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 201-209 ATS (+445.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 94-106 ATS (-33.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-5 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.7 Units)
Preview: Reds at Indians
Current Conditions - Cleveland
CLOUDY 48 °F
Wind: NE 9
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (15-22) at Cleveland Indians (17-17)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The battle of Ohio kicks off on Monday when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Cleveland Indians for the first of a four-game, home-and-home series. The intrastate rivals will play two in Cleveland before heading to Cincinnati for two more on Wednesday to complete the interleague battle.
The Indians have dropped back-to-back series and are coming off two straight losses to the Minnesota Twins in which they totaled four runs. Cleveland went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base in Sunday’s 5-1 setback and is missing a big bat in the middle of the order with Michael Brantley (shoulder inflammation) being placed on the 15-day disabled list over the weekend. The Reds snapped a three-game slide with a 9-4 victory at Philadelphia on Sunday despite star first baseman Joey Votto going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. Votto is 0-for-10 with three strikeouts in his last three games to drop his batting average to .215.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH John Lamb (0-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.31)
Lamb was removed from a start against Milwaukee on May 8 with a bruised thumb and got some extra time to rest due to a rainout during the week. The 25-year-old has allowed a total of two runs on eight hits in 10 innings over two starts while striking out seven. Lamb, who made his major-league debut after arriving in a trade last summer from Kansas City, has never faced an American League opponent.
Anderson was used in relief during a 16-inning marathon at Houston on Wednesday and ended up yielding a walk-off home run after breezing through his first three innings. The California native is having some trouble keeping the ball in the park with at least one home run allowed in each of his six appearances. Anderson was ripped for five runs on nine hits – including three homers – over 4 2/3 innings in his lone start against a National League club this season on April15 against the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds OF Adam Duvall is 7-for-11 with four doubles in the last three games.
2. Indians OF Rajai Davis is 0-for-18 in his last four games and got the day off on Sunday.
3. Cleveland took five of six from Cincinnati last season and leads the all-time series 50-45.
PREDICTION: Reds 7, Indians 5
Current Conditions - Cleveland
CLOUDY 48 °F
Wind: NE 9
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (15-22) at Cleveland Indians (17-17)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The battle of Ohio kicks off on Monday when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Cleveland Indians for the first of a four-game, home-and-home series. The intrastate rivals will play two in Cleveland before heading to Cincinnati for two more on Wednesday to complete the interleague battle.
The Indians have dropped back-to-back series and are coming off two straight losses to the Minnesota Twins in which they totaled four runs. Cleveland went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base in Sunday’s 5-1 setback and is missing a big bat in the middle of the order with Michael Brantley (shoulder inflammation) being placed on the 15-day disabled list over the weekend. The Reds snapped a three-game slide with a 9-4 victory at Philadelphia on Sunday despite star first baseman Joey Votto going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. Votto is 0-for-10 with three strikeouts in his last three games to drop his batting average to .215.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH John Lamb (0-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.31)
Lamb was removed from a start against Milwaukee on May 8 with a bruised thumb and got some extra time to rest due to a rainout during the week. The 25-year-old has allowed a total of two runs on eight hits in 10 innings over two starts while striking out seven. Lamb, who made his major-league debut after arriving in a trade last summer from Kansas City, has never faced an American League opponent.
Anderson was used in relief during a 16-inning marathon at Houston on Wednesday and ended up yielding a walk-off home run after breezing through his first three innings. The California native is having some trouble keeping the ball in the park with at least one home run allowed in each of his six appearances. Anderson was ripped for five runs on nine hits – including three homers – over 4 2/3 innings in his lone start against a National League club this season on April15 against the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds OF Adam Duvall is 7-for-11 with four doubles in the last three games.
2. Indians OF Rajai Davis is 0-for-18 in his last four games and got the day off on Sunday.
3. Cleveland took five of six from Cincinnati last season and leads the all-time series 50-45.
PREDICTION: Reds 7, Indians 5
Preview: Red Sox at Royals
GAME: Boston Red Sox (24-14) at Kansas City Royals (18-19)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The defending champion Kansas City Royals snapped a streak of five straight series losses to open their homestand, but nothing is coming easily. The Royals will try to post back-to-back wins for the first time since April 21-22 when they host the red-hot Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Kansas City needed 13 innings to take down the major league-worst Atlanta Braves in the rubber match of a three-game set on Sunday, earning a 4-2 win when Kendrys Morales belted a walk-off home run. The victory gave the Royals their first series win since taking two of three from Baltimore at home on April 22-24, and Sunday’s victory was their sixth in the last 19 outings. Kansas City used nine pitchers in Sunday’s win and will be going up against a Red Sox lineup that is averaging 9.8 runs in the last eight games (7-1). Boston is getting production from every spot in the order down to No. 9 hitter Ryan Hanigan, who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored in a 10-9 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (6-1, 3.11 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (3-2, 4.62)
Porcello has gone at least six innings in 15 consecutive starts going back to last season and turned in a quality start in six straight. The New Jersey native scattered three runs and six hits across 6 2/3 innings against Oakland on Wednesday in a game Boston went on to win 13-3. Porcello has plenty of experience against Kansas City from his time in Detroit and is 8-6 with a 4.58 ERA in 20 career starts against the Royals.
Ventura bounced back from consecutive losses by holding the New York Yankees to three runs on six hits and three walks in six innings on Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native had allowed 10 runs and issued 11 walks in eight total innings over his two previous two turns. Ventura is 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three career starts against the Red Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. singled on Sunday to extend his career-best hitting streak to 21 straight games.
2. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is 1-for-13 with three strikeouts in the last three games.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz (rest) got the day off on Sunday and is expected back in the lineup on Monday.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Royals 4
GAME: Boston Red Sox (24-14) at Kansas City Royals (18-19)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The defending champion Kansas City Royals snapped a streak of five straight series losses to open their homestand, but nothing is coming easily. The Royals will try to post back-to-back wins for the first time since April 21-22 when they host the red-hot Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Kansas City needed 13 innings to take down the major league-worst Atlanta Braves in the rubber match of a three-game set on Sunday, earning a 4-2 win when Kendrys Morales belted a walk-off home run. The victory gave the Royals their first series win since taking two of three from Baltimore at home on April 22-24, and Sunday’s victory was their sixth in the last 19 outings. Kansas City used nine pitchers in Sunday’s win and will be going up against a Red Sox lineup that is averaging 9.8 runs in the last eight games (7-1). Boston is getting production from every spot in the order down to No. 9 hitter Ryan Hanigan, who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored in a 10-9 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (6-1, 3.11 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (3-2, 4.62)
Porcello has gone at least six innings in 15 consecutive starts going back to last season and turned in a quality start in six straight. The New Jersey native scattered three runs and six hits across 6 2/3 innings against Oakland on Wednesday in a game Boston went on to win 13-3. Porcello has plenty of experience against Kansas City from his time in Detroit and is 8-6 with a 4.58 ERA in 20 career starts against the Royals.
Ventura bounced back from consecutive losses by holding the New York Yankees to three runs on six hits and three walks in six innings on Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native had allowed 10 runs and issued 11 walks in eight total innings over his two previous two turns. Ventura is 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three career starts against the Red Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. singled on Sunday to extend his career-best hitting streak to 21 straight games.
2. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is 1-for-13 with three strikeouts in the last three games.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz (rest) got the day off on Sunday and is expected back in the lineup on Monday.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Royals 4
Preview: Braves at Pirates
Current Conditions - Pittsburgh
L/FOG 55 °F
Wind: E 3
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Atlanta Braves (9-27) at Pittsburgh Pirates (19-17)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
May has not been kind to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but a 10-game homestand – starting Monday against the Atlanta Braves – represents a chance to overcome a 4-8 start to the month and close the gap on the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. Pittsburgh wrapped up a 10-game road trip with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Chicago, receiving a homer and two RBIs from shortstop Jung Ho Kang in moving within eight games of the division-leading Cubs.
Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte hit .363 on the road trip to push his average to .326 on the season, but is expected to be placed on the paternity list when the club returns home, according to published reports Sunday. Atlanta enters the four-game series after losing two of three at reigning World Series champion Kansas City, but Braves starting pitchers continue to impress. Atlanta's rotation has posted a 2.28 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 13 walks in the past nine games. Gordon Beckham has established himself as the starting third baseman, reaching base in 11 of his past 13 contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m., FSN Southeast (Atlanta), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (1-0, 3.54 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (3-2, 5.63)
Perez was summoned from Triple-A Gwinnett after Jhoulys Chacin was traded Wednesday, and responded by throwing eight innings of one-run, two-hit ball in that night's victory over Arizona. That followed a one-hit, complete-game shutout for Gwinnett in his final minor-league start May 6. Perez got off to a great beginning as a rookie last season, going 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA before suffering a foot injury in Pittsburgh on June 26; he lost his first six decisions after returning from the disabled list.
Niese has struggled to keep the ball in the park in his first season with Pittsburgh, surrendering 10 homers in just 40 innings while giving up four earned runs or more four times in seven starts. He has lost his first two May outings, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 11 2/3 innings in defeats to the Cubs and Reds. Niese, who pitched for the Mets from 2008-15, is 9-6 in 22 lifetime starts against the Braves with a 3.08 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta is a major-league worst 9-27 overall, but is just 7-10 away from home and rallied to force extra innings Sunday with a two-run ninth before falling 4-2 in 13 innings.
2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen, who saw his eight-game hitting streak end on Sunday, is batting .300 in May after hitting .226 in April.
3. Pittsburgh has belted 25 homers in its past 17 games, while Atlanta comes in last in the majors with nine blasts on the season.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Braves 1
Current Conditions - Pittsburgh
L/FOG 55 °F
Wind: E 3
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Atlanta Braves (9-27) at Pittsburgh Pirates (19-17)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
May has not been kind to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but a 10-game homestand – starting Monday against the Atlanta Braves – represents a chance to overcome a 4-8 start to the month and close the gap on the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. Pittsburgh wrapped up a 10-game road trip with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Chicago, receiving a homer and two RBIs from shortstop Jung Ho Kang in moving within eight games of the division-leading Cubs.
Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte hit .363 on the road trip to push his average to .326 on the season, but is expected to be placed on the paternity list when the club returns home, according to published reports Sunday. Atlanta enters the four-game series after losing two of three at reigning World Series champion Kansas City, but Braves starting pitchers continue to impress. Atlanta's rotation has posted a 2.28 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 13 walks in the past nine games. Gordon Beckham has established himself as the starting third baseman, reaching base in 11 of his past 13 contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m., FSN Southeast (Atlanta), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (1-0, 3.54 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (3-2, 5.63)
Perez was summoned from Triple-A Gwinnett after Jhoulys Chacin was traded Wednesday, and responded by throwing eight innings of one-run, two-hit ball in that night's victory over Arizona. That followed a one-hit, complete-game shutout for Gwinnett in his final minor-league start May 6. Perez got off to a great beginning as a rookie last season, going 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA before suffering a foot injury in Pittsburgh on June 26; he lost his first six decisions after returning from the disabled list.
Niese has struggled to keep the ball in the park in his first season with Pittsburgh, surrendering 10 homers in just 40 innings while giving up four earned runs or more four times in seven starts. He has lost his first two May outings, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 11 2/3 innings in defeats to the Cubs and Reds. Niese, who pitched for the Mets from 2008-15, is 9-6 in 22 lifetime starts against the Braves with a 3.08 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta is a major-league worst 9-27 overall, but is just 7-10 away from home and rallied to force extra innings Sunday with a two-run ninth before falling 4-2 in 13 innings.
2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen, who saw his eight-game hitting streak end on Sunday, is batting .300 in May after hitting .226 in April.
3. Pittsburgh has belted 25 homers in its past 17 games, while Atlanta comes in last in the majors with nine blasts on the season.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Braves 1
Preview: Marlins at Phillies
Current Conditions - Philadelphia
RAIN 50 °F
Wind: SE 7
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Miami Marlins (20-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (22-16)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After putting an end to his homerless drought, Giancarlo Stanton looks to take advantage of the cozy comforts of Citizens Bank Park on Monday as the visiting Miami Marlins open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 26-year-old Stanton went deep for the team-high 11th time on Sunday and first since May 6 as Miami posted its second straight win to salvage a split of a four-game series versus Washington.
Stanton's previous blast was a mammoth 475-foot shot in the Marlins' 6-4 victory versus Philadelphia, but the latter rebounded to win the next two contests and take the series. Marcell Ozuna, who was involved in a scary collision with fellow outfielder Stanton on Sunday, went 5-for-12 with a homer in the initial series versus the Phillies and carries a 15-game hitting streak into Monday's contest. Philadelphia's bid for a seventh straight home victory went by the boards on Sunday as it suffered a 9-4 setback to Cincinnati for just its second loss in eight outings. Odubel Herrera, who has hit safely in 23 of his last 25 contests, went 5-for-13 with three runs scored versus Miami earlier this month.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-2, 3.72 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (1-5, 4.43)
Conley enjoyed two consecutive scoreless outings before allowing a season high-tying four runs in as many innings en route to a 10-2 setback against Milwaukee on Tuesday. The 25-year-old also struggled with his control, as he walked two batters, hit one and uncorked a wild pitch to boot. Conley owns an 0-1 record in three career starts versus Philadelphia despite permitting four runs in 18 innings while limiting the Phillies to just a .190 batting average.
Eickhoff fell to 0-4 in his last five outings after allowing four runs and seven hits over a season-low 4 1/3 innings in Wednesday's 5-1 setback to Atlanta. The 25-year-old has surrendered five homers in his last five turns, matching his sum total from his eight starts in 2015. Eickhoff did manage to keep the ball in the park in his lone outing versus Miami last season, scattering five hits over six scoreless frames to pick up the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia SS Freddy Galvis is riding a five-game hitting streak but is 1-for-9 (.111) in his career versus Conley.
2. Miami OF Christian Yelich is batting .331 in 33 career games versus Philadelphia after going 5-for-12 in the previous series.
3. Struggling Phillies 1B Ryan Howard is 2-for-22 in his last nine games, including an 0-for-4 stretch versus the Marlins.
PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Phillies 3
Current Conditions - Philadelphia
RAIN 50 °F
Wind: SE 7
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Miami Marlins (20-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (22-16)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After putting an end to his homerless drought, Giancarlo Stanton looks to take advantage of the cozy comforts of Citizens Bank Park on Monday as the visiting Miami Marlins open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 26-year-old Stanton went deep for the team-high 11th time on Sunday and first since May 6 as Miami posted its second straight win to salvage a split of a four-game series versus Washington.
Stanton's previous blast was a mammoth 475-foot shot in the Marlins' 6-4 victory versus Philadelphia, but the latter rebounded to win the next two contests and take the series. Marcell Ozuna, who was involved in a scary collision with fellow outfielder Stanton on Sunday, went 5-for-12 with a homer in the initial series versus the Phillies and carries a 15-game hitting streak into Monday's contest. Philadelphia's bid for a seventh straight home victory went by the boards on Sunday as it suffered a 9-4 setback to Cincinnati for just its second loss in eight outings. Odubel Herrera, who has hit safely in 23 of his last 25 contests, went 5-for-13 with three runs scored versus Miami earlier this month.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-2, 3.72 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (1-5, 4.43)
Conley enjoyed two consecutive scoreless outings before allowing a season high-tying four runs in as many innings en route to a 10-2 setback against Milwaukee on Tuesday. The 25-year-old also struggled with his control, as he walked two batters, hit one and uncorked a wild pitch to boot. Conley owns an 0-1 record in three career starts versus Philadelphia despite permitting four runs in 18 innings while limiting the Phillies to just a .190 batting average.
Eickhoff fell to 0-4 in his last five outings after allowing four runs and seven hits over a season-low 4 1/3 innings in Wednesday's 5-1 setback to Atlanta. The 25-year-old has surrendered five homers in his last five turns, matching his sum total from his eight starts in 2015. Eickhoff did manage to keep the ball in the park in his lone outing versus Miami last season, scattering five hits over six scoreless frames to pick up the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia SS Freddy Galvis is riding a five-game hitting streak but is 1-for-9 (.111) in his career versus Conley.
2. Miami OF Christian Yelich is batting .331 in 33 career games versus Philadelphia after going 5-for-12 in the previous series.
3. Struggling Phillies 1B Ryan Howard is 2-for-22 in his last nine games, including an 0-for-4 stretch versus the Marlins.
PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Phillies 3
Preview: Rays at Blue Jays
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (16-19) at Toronto Blue Jays (19-20)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Familiar foes take their battle North of the Border on Monday as the Tampa Bay Rays begin a nine-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The American League East rivals already have met seven times this season, with Toronto claiming four victories at Tropicana Field.
"I know them, and they know me," Rays left-hander Drew Smyly told MLB.com hours ahead of making his third start versus the Blue Jays this season. "They're a really tough lineup if you make mistakes. They're going to hit it. So you've just got to be on top of your game and make good pitches." Neither club has been on top of its game of late as Tampa Bay has dropped five of six while Toronto has lost three of four - including a tension-filled 7-6 setback to Texas that saw Jose Bautista take a stiff punch to the face from the Rangers' Rougned Odor. Bautista presumably will attempt to turn the other cheek when he returns to the field to face Smyly, against whom he is just 1-for-9 (.111) in his career.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Drew Smyly (1-4, 3.63 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (5-0, 2.05)
Smyly allowed two homers for the second time in three outings to suffer his second loss in that span with Tuesday's 6-4 setback to Seattle. The 26-year-old lost both of his previous encounters with Toronto this season and looks to get back on track at Rogers Centre, where he owns a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in three career meetings. Josh Donaldson, who went 0-for-14 in his last three games, is a blistering 7-for-14 with three homers in his career versus Smyly.
Happ improved upon his unblemished season by recording his best outing of the campaign, scattering six hits over 8 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 4-0 triumph against San Francisco. The 33-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in 17 consecutive contests while allowing just that many in 6 2/3 frames of a no-decision versus the Rays on April 30. Tampa Bay's Brandon Guyer homered twice in Sunday's 7-6 setback to Oakland and has recorded four hits and seven RBIs in his last two contests but is just 2-for-14 (.143) lifetime against Happ.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto MGR John Gibbons likely will face discipline from Major League Baseball for returning to the field Sunday following an ejection earlier in the contest.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has collected a double and a run scored in each contest during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki is 8-for-20 (.400) with three homers, seven RBIs and as many runs scored in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Rays 2
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (16-19) at Toronto Blue Jays (19-20)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Familiar foes take their battle North of the Border on Monday as the Tampa Bay Rays begin a nine-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The American League East rivals already have met seven times this season, with Toronto claiming four victories at Tropicana Field.
"I know them, and they know me," Rays left-hander Drew Smyly told MLB.com hours ahead of making his third start versus the Blue Jays this season. "They're a really tough lineup if you make mistakes. They're going to hit it. So you've just got to be on top of your game and make good pitches." Neither club has been on top of its game of late as Tampa Bay has dropped five of six while Toronto has lost three of four - including a tension-filled 7-6 setback to Texas that saw Jose Bautista take a stiff punch to the face from the Rangers' Rougned Odor. Bautista presumably will attempt to turn the other cheek when he returns to the field to face Smyly, against whom he is just 1-for-9 (.111) in his career.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Drew Smyly (1-4, 3.63 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (5-0, 2.05)
Smyly allowed two homers for the second time in three outings to suffer his second loss in that span with Tuesday's 6-4 setback to Seattle. The 26-year-old lost both of his previous encounters with Toronto this season and looks to get back on track at Rogers Centre, where he owns a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in three career meetings. Josh Donaldson, who went 0-for-14 in his last three games, is a blistering 7-for-14 with three homers in his career versus Smyly.
Happ improved upon his unblemished season by recording his best outing of the campaign, scattering six hits over 8 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 4-0 triumph against San Francisco. The 33-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in 17 consecutive contests while allowing just that many in 6 2/3 frames of a no-decision versus the Rays on April 30. Tampa Bay's Brandon Guyer homered twice in Sunday's 7-6 setback to Oakland and has recorded four hits and seven RBIs in his last two contests but is just 2-for-14 (.143) lifetime against Happ.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto MGR John Gibbons likely will face discipline from Major League Baseball for returning to the field Sunday following an ejection earlier in the contest.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has collected a double and a run scored in each contest during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki is 8-for-20 (.400) with three homers, seven RBIs and as many runs scored in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Rays 2
Preview: Twins at Tigers
Current Conditions - Detroit
RAIN 49 °F
Wind: NE 13
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Minnesota Twins (10-26) at Detroit Tigers (16-21)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Detroit Tigers avoided a series sweep on Sunday and are happy to be returning home after a disappointing road trip in which they went 2-5 at Washington and Baltimore. The Tigers will try to take the positive momentum generated from Sunday’s 6-5 triumph and begin a winning streak on Monday when they face the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series and a nine-game homestand.
Detroit is one of the most disappointing teams in the majors over the last few weeks and has dropped 11 of 13 since sweeping a three-game series at Minnesota from April 29-May 1. The Tigers went 17 innings without scoring on Friday and Saturday but got back-to-back home runs from Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez in the eighth inning on Sunday to propel themselves to victory. The Twins are hoping back-to-back wins over the Cleveland Indians marked a turnaround after the club had fallen in eight straight and 12 of the previous 13. Minnesota became the final American League team to reach double digits in wins with Sunday’s 5-1 triumph and has yet to beat an AL Central opponent other than the Indians.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (1-1, 6.28 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (5-2, 1.50)
Berrios is one of several highly-touted prospects working his way to the top levels of the Minnesota system and will make his fourth career major league start on Monday. The 21-year-old Puerto Rico native could not make it through six innings in any of his first three turns but held the Baltimore Orioles to three runs in five innings on Tuesday. Berrios has issued a total of eight walks in 14 1/3 innings and surrendered a pair of home runs in each of his last two turns.
Zimmermann was once a highly-touted prospect himself and is now the $110 million ace of the Tigers after breezing through his first trip around the American League. The Wisconsin native allowed one or no earned runs in each of his first five starts for his new club but could not get enough run support while yielding a total of six runs in 15 innings in back-to-back losses. Zimmermann started at Minnesota on April 30 and scattered one run and six hits over seven innings while striking out seven to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Tigers will activate CF Cameron Maybin (wrist) from the 15-day DL prior to Monday’s game.
2. Minnesota 1B Byung Ho Park went 5-for-12 with two home runs and four runs scored in the last three games.
3. Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos is 2-for-17 in his last four games.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 2
Current Conditions - Detroit
RAIN 49 °F
Wind: NE 13
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Minnesota Twins (10-26) at Detroit Tigers (16-21)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Detroit Tigers avoided a series sweep on Sunday and are happy to be returning home after a disappointing road trip in which they went 2-5 at Washington and Baltimore. The Tigers will try to take the positive momentum generated from Sunday’s 6-5 triumph and begin a winning streak on Monday when they face the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series and a nine-game homestand.
Detroit is one of the most disappointing teams in the majors over the last few weeks and has dropped 11 of 13 since sweeping a three-game series at Minnesota from April 29-May 1. The Tigers went 17 innings without scoring on Friday and Saturday but got back-to-back home runs from Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez in the eighth inning on Sunday to propel themselves to victory. The Twins are hoping back-to-back wins over the Cleveland Indians marked a turnaround after the club had fallen in eight straight and 12 of the previous 13. Minnesota became the final American League team to reach double digits in wins with Sunday’s 5-1 triumph and has yet to beat an AL Central opponent other than the Indians.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (1-1, 6.28 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (5-2, 1.50)
Berrios is one of several highly-touted prospects working his way to the top levels of the Minnesota system and will make his fourth career major league start on Monday. The 21-year-old Puerto Rico native could not make it through six innings in any of his first three turns but held the Baltimore Orioles to three runs in five innings on Tuesday. Berrios has issued a total of eight walks in 14 1/3 innings and surrendered a pair of home runs in each of his last two turns.
Zimmermann was once a highly-touted prospect himself and is now the $110 million ace of the Tigers after breezing through his first trip around the American League. The Wisconsin native allowed one or no earned runs in each of his first five starts for his new club but could not get enough run support while yielding a total of six runs in 15 innings in back-to-back losses. Zimmermann started at Minnesota on April 30 and scattered one run and six hits over seven innings while striking out seven to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Tigers will activate CF Cameron Maybin (wrist) from the 15-day DL prior to Monday’s game.
2. Minnesota 1B Byung Ho Park went 5-for-12 with two home runs and four runs scored in the last three games.
3. Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos is 2-for-17 in his last four games.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 2
Preview: Yankees at Diamondbacks
Current Conditions - Phoenix
P/SUNNY 70 °F
Wind: SW 16
5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Yankees (16-20) at Arizona Diamondbacks (17-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees are showing signs of life after a miserable start, collecting series wins over two division leaders and the defending World Series champions. The Yankees attempt to inch closer to .500 on Monday as they hit the road for the first of three interleague games with the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks.
New York (16-20) began its 10-game homestand at 9-17 before taking two of three from American League East co-leading Boston, three of four from Kansas City and two of three over the weekend from AL Central-leading Chicago. Carlos Beltran symbolized the Yankees' resurgence with a two-run homer, becoming only the fourth switch-hitter and 54th major leaguer to reach 400 home runs in his career in Sunday's 7-5 win. Arizona scored a total of seven runs while getting swept in four games by San Francisco and has lost five straight following a five-game winning streak during which it averaged 6.2 runs. Sunday's 2-1 setback was perhaps the most disheartening of the bunch for the Diamondbacks, however, as the Giants had only one hit through eight innings before getting three straight singles off closer Brad Ziegler in the ninth to pull ahead.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Chad Green (NR) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (1-2, 4.84 ERA)
As a result of New York giving Michael Pineda an extra day of rest, Green will make his major-league debut following a stellar showing at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. The 24-year-old Louisville product is only 2-3 despite a sparkling 1.22 ERA in seven starts with the RailRiders, although each of those victories came in his last two trips to the mound. Green dominated right-handed hitters at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, holding them to a .159 batting average.
Ray has seen his ERA jump nearly three runs over his last four trips to the mound and was tagged for five runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks across 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision at Colorado on Wednesday. Since working six scoreless frames en route to his only victory of the season at San Francisco on April 19, the Tennessee native has yielded at least five runs in fewer than five innings in three of his last four turns. Ray is 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA in six interleague starts heading into his first career meeting with the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona placed David Peralta (wrist) on the disabled list and recalled fellow OF Michael Bourn in a corresponding move.
2. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury (hip strain) made his first start since May 6 on Sunday, going 1-for-5 and scoring twice.
3. Diamondbacks rookie 3B/OF Brandon Drury is coming off his first career four-hit effort and is batting .350 with seven doubles, six homers and 11 RBI over his last 25 games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Diamondbacks 3
Current Conditions - Phoenix
P/SUNNY 70 °F
Wind: SW 16
5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Yankees (16-20) at Arizona Diamondbacks (17-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees are showing signs of life after a miserable start, collecting series wins over two division leaders and the defending World Series champions. The Yankees attempt to inch closer to .500 on Monday as they hit the road for the first of three interleague games with the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks.
New York (16-20) began its 10-game homestand at 9-17 before taking two of three from American League East co-leading Boston, three of four from Kansas City and two of three over the weekend from AL Central-leading Chicago. Carlos Beltran symbolized the Yankees' resurgence with a two-run homer, becoming only the fourth switch-hitter and 54th major leaguer to reach 400 home runs in his career in Sunday's 7-5 win. Arizona scored a total of seven runs while getting swept in four games by San Francisco and has lost five straight following a five-game winning streak during which it averaged 6.2 runs. Sunday's 2-1 setback was perhaps the most disheartening of the bunch for the Diamondbacks, however, as the Giants had only one hit through eight innings before getting three straight singles off closer Brad Ziegler in the ninth to pull ahead.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Chad Green (NR) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (1-2, 4.84 ERA)
As a result of New York giving Michael Pineda an extra day of rest, Green will make his major-league debut following a stellar showing at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. The 24-year-old Louisville product is only 2-3 despite a sparkling 1.22 ERA in seven starts with the RailRiders, although each of those victories came in his last two trips to the mound. Green dominated right-handed hitters at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, holding them to a .159 batting average.
Ray has seen his ERA jump nearly three runs over his last four trips to the mound and was tagged for five runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks across 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision at Colorado on Wednesday. Since working six scoreless frames en route to his only victory of the season at San Francisco on April 19, the Tennessee native has yielded at least five runs in fewer than five innings in three of his last four turns. Ray is 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA in six interleague starts heading into his first career meeting with the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona placed David Peralta (wrist) on the disabled list and recalled fellow OF Michael Bourn in a corresponding move.
2. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury (hip strain) made his first start since May 6 on Sunday, going 1-for-5 and scoring twice.
3. Diamondbacks rookie 3B/OF Brandon Drury is coming off his first career four-hit effort and is batting .350 with seven doubles, six homers and 11 RBI over his last 25 games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Diamondbacks 3
Preview: Rangers at Athletics
Current Conditions - Oakland
P/SUNNY 64 °F
Wind: WSW 8
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Texas Rangers (22-16) at Oakland Athletics (16-22)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers' running feud with the Toronto Blue Jays reached a boiling point over the weekend, and the aftermath figures to leave the American League West leaders short-handed sooner rather than later. Following their third straight series win, the Rangers hope to avoid a letdown as they begin a six-game road trip with the first of three against the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
Texas won two of three at home against Toronto, but Rougned Odor was ejected for punching Jose Bautista in the jaw after the Blue Jays slugger's slide into second base broke up a potential double play late in the game, inciting a benches-clearing melee that resulted in eight ejections. The Rangers are only 8-9 away from home thus far but stand a reasonably good chance at going over the .500 mark as a result of playing Oakland and Houston - the bottom two teams in the AL West - over the next six games. The Athletics are returning home after a 3-6 road trip but ended their trek on a high note by winning two of three at Tampa Bay. Danny Valencia put an exclamation point on Oakland's first series win of the month Sunday, homering a career-high three times in a 7-6 victory.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (3-2, 6.09 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (0-1, 11.37)
Holland has been abysmal in his two turns this month but escaped with a no-decision after yielding five runs (four earned) and eight hits over a season-low 2 1/3 innings in Tuesday's 13-11 win over the Chicago White Sox. The Ohio native was pounded for a career-high 11 runs and as many hits in his previous outing at Toronto, which followed six scoreless frames in a win against the Los Angeles Angels to end April. Holland is 5-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 18 appearances (13 starts) versus the Athletics.
After turning in a pair of sub-par five-inning outings at home to begin his big-league career, Manaea was blasted for eight runs and 10 hits - including a pair of homers - in only 2 2/3 frames of a 13-5 loss in Boston on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who was the centerpiece of the return Oakland received for Ben Zobrist last summer, has surrendered at least four runs in all three of his turns. Manaea is allowing a .382 batting average against heading into his first career start against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rangers have won the last four meetings, including a three-game sweep from Sept. 22-24 in Oakland.
2. Valencia, who clubbed all five of his home runs this season against Tampa Bay over the weekend, is batting .405 during his 10-game hitting streak.
3. Oakland 3B Chris Coghlan delivered a pinch-hit home run Sunday, ending the team's 285-game streak without one.
PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Athletics 5
Current Conditions - Oakland
P/SUNNY 64 °F
Wind: WSW 8
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Texas Rangers (22-16) at Oakland Athletics (16-22)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers' running feud with the Toronto Blue Jays reached a boiling point over the weekend, and the aftermath figures to leave the American League West leaders short-handed sooner rather than later. Following their third straight series win, the Rangers hope to avoid a letdown as they begin a six-game road trip with the first of three against the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
Texas won two of three at home against Toronto, but Rougned Odor was ejected for punching Jose Bautista in the jaw after the Blue Jays slugger's slide into second base broke up a potential double play late in the game, inciting a benches-clearing melee that resulted in eight ejections. The Rangers are only 8-9 away from home thus far but stand a reasonably good chance at going over the .500 mark as a result of playing Oakland and Houston - the bottom two teams in the AL West - over the next six games. The Athletics are returning home after a 3-6 road trip but ended their trek on a high note by winning two of three at Tampa Bay. Danny Valencia put an exclamation point on Oakland's first series win of the month Sunday, homering a career-high three times in a 7-6 victory.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (3-2, 6.09 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (0-1, 11.37)
Holland has been abysmal in his two turns this month but escaped with a no-decision after yielding five runs (four earned) and eight hits over a season-low 2 1/3 innings in Tuesday's 13-11 win over the Chicago White Sox. The Ohio native was pounded for a career-high 11 runs and as many hits in his previous outing at Toronto, which followed six scoreless frames in a win against the Los Angeles Angels to end April. Holland is 5-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 18 appearances (13 starts) versus the Athletics.
After turning in a pair of sub-par five-inning outings at home to begin his big-league career, Manaea was blasted for eight runs and 10 hits - including a pair of homers - in only 2 2/3 frames of a 13-5 loss in Boston on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who was the centerpiece of the return Oakland received for Ben Zobrist last summer, has surrendered at least four runs in all three of his turns. Manaea is allowing a .382 batting average against heading into his first career start against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rangers have won the last four meetings, including a three-game sweep from Sept. 22-24 in Oakland.
2. Valencia, who clubbed all five of his home runs this season against Tampa Bay over the weekend, is batting .405 during his 10-game hitting streak.
3. Oakland 3B Chris Coghlan delivered a pinch-hit home run Sunday, ending the team's 285-game streak without one.
PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Athletics 5
Preview: Angels at Dodgers
Current Conditions - Los Angeles
SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: S 10
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (16-21) at Los Angeles Dodgers (20-18)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Angels attempt to remain perfect on their road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for the opener of their four-game, home-and-home interleague series. After an 0-6 homestand, the Angels turned things around in Seattle, posting a 3-0 triumph Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the Mariners.
Mike Trout is 6-for-16 over his last four contests and has hit safely in 11 of his 13 games this month. The Dodgers had their three-game winning streak halted Sunday, dropping a 5-2 decision to St. Louis to fall to 4-3 on their nine-game homestand. Corey Seager extended his hitting streak to six games with a pair of solo homers, marking the first time he has both gone deep twice in a contest and homered in back-to-back games. The Dodgers look to continue their recent dominance in the all-time series after winning eight of their last nine meetings with the Angels.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN West (Angels), SportsNet LA (Dodgers)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (1-5, 9.12 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (3-2, 2.30)
Shoemaker suffered his fourth consecutive loss Wednesday against St Louis, allowing four runs and seven hits over four innings after being recalled from the minors to replace the injured Garrett Richards. The 29-year-old Shoemaker has worked more than four frames only twice in his six outings — the only two outings in which he has yielded fewer than three runs. A native of Michigan, Shoemaker took the loss in his lone career start against the Dodgers despite allowing only two runs over six innings on Aug. 6, 2014.
Maeda is coming off his second straight defeat, a loss to the New York Mets on Wednesday in which he surrendered four runs and six hits over five innings. The 28-year-old from Osaka, Japan, has yielded 10 runs while going 0-2 in his last three outings after giving up just one en route to a 3-0 record over his first four turns. Maeda, who never has faced the Angels, has lost each of his last two home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers' bullpen had its streak of seven straight games without allowing an earned run come to an end Sunday, as it surrendered four against St. Louis.
2. Angels slugger Albert Pujols will start both games at Dodger Stadium at first base.
3. Dodgers OF Scott Van Slyke (back) could begin a rehab assignment this week while LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder) began his with two scoreless innings for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Angels 2
Current Conditions - Los Angeles
SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: S 10
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (16-21) at Los Angeles Dodgers (20-18)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 16 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Angels attempt to remain perfect on their road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for the opener of their four-game, home-and-home interleague series. After an 0-6 homestand, the Angels turned things around in Seattle, posting a 3-0 triumph Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the Mariners.
Mike Trout is 6-for-16 over his last four contests and has hit safely in 11 of his 13 games this month. The Dodgers had their three-game winning streak halted Sunday, dropping a 5-2 decision to St. Louis to fall to 4-3 on their nine-game homestand. Corey Seager extended his hitting streak to six games with a pair of solo homers, marking the first time he has both gone deep twice in a contest and homered in back-to-back games. The Dodgers look to continue their recent dominance in the all-time series after winning eight of their last nine meetings with the Angels.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN West (Angels), SportsNet LA (Dodgers)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (1-5, 9.12 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (3-2, 2.30)
Shoemaker suffered his fourth consecutive loss Wednesday against St Louis, allowing four runs and seven hits over four innings after being recalled from the minors to replace the injured Garrett Richards. The 29-year-old Shoemaker has worked more than four frames only twice in his six outings — the only two outings in which he has yielded fewer than three runs. A native of Michigan, Shoemaker took the loss in his lone career start against the Dodgers despite allowing only two runs over six innings on Aug. 6, 2014.
Maeda is coming off his second straight defeat, a loss to the New York Mets on Wednesday in which he surrendered four runs and six hits over five innings. The 28-year-old from Osaka, Japan, has yielded 10 runs while going 0-2 in his last three outings after giving up just one en route to a 3-0 record over his first four turns. Maeda, who never has faced the Angels, has lost each of his last two home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers' bullpen had its streak of seven straight games without allowing an earned run come to an end Sunday, as it surrendered four against St. Louis.
2. Angels slugger Albert Pujols will start both games at Dodger Stadium at first base.
3. Dodgers OF Scott Van Slyke (back) could begin a rehab assignment this week while LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder) began his with two scoreless innings for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Angels 2
