Monday 5/29/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Eric Schroeder

My free winner for Memorial Day is on a late game, as I'm playing the Over in the Braves-Angels contest in Anaheim.

I'll just be real quick with this, so you can get to your BBQ and Holiday, as there's not much to say. It's about the pitchers.

IMPORTANT: As you know every single Run Line play and Total wager will automatically list the scheduled starting pitchers at the time of the wager, and I want you to be sure the following pitchers are the registered starters on your ticket when making your wager: Julio Teheran and Ricky Nolasco. If one or both of these pitchers is not going, this is a no-play.

Teheran has shown control issues during the last month and has had a tough time keeping the ball inside the park. The right-hander has been poked for seven home runs in five May starts and arrives in Southern California with a 1-3 mark and a 6.58 ERA during that stretch.

Meanwhile, Nolasco is hoping to bounce back after losing his last 2 starts. The righty hasn’t pitched badly, turning in three quality starts before a rough showing at Tampa Bay, where he gave up 7 hits - including 3 home runs - over 6 innings of work.

Look for the long ball to be the story tonight, and this total to soar.

2* OVER Braves/Angels (Teheran/Nolasco)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chris Jordan

My free winner for Monday is on the Miami Marlins over the Philadelphia Phillies.

List Edinson Volquez over Jeremy Hellickson.

Guys, there won't be any analysis today for this freebie. It's a comp play, it's a Holiday, and I'm going to get my proteins ready for the grill.

Let's just enjoy the day, and remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Have a great day, and I'll write a little more about Tuesday's freebie, tomorrow.

3* MARLINS (Volquez over Hellickson)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Williams
May 29 '17, 9:05 PM in 9h
MLB | ATL vs LAA
Play on: OVER 8 -110

1* on Braves vs Angels over 8 -110

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bobby Conn
May 29 '17, 2:10 PM in 2h
MLB | BOS vs CWS
Play on: OVER 9½ -120

1* Bonus Play on Red Sox/White Sox over 9½ -120

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Orioles
GAME: New York Yankees (29-18) at Baltimore Orioles (25-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

The Baltimore Orioles were cruising along in first place in the American League East and sat 22-10 after a home win over Beltway rival Washington on May 9, but things have changed quickly. The Orioles will try to snap a seven-game slide and win for the fourth time in the last 17 games when they host the AL East-leading New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Baltimore totaled nine runs in its last five games and is in the midst of a brutal stretch of schedule that saw them drop three in a row to AL Central-leading Minnesota before being swept by AL West-leading Houston over the weekend, and it will now host the Yankees and Boston Red Sox - the two teams in front of the Orioles in the East - over the next seven games. At least Baltimore can point to a modest turnaround with the bats in Sunday's finale, in which Jonathan Schoop homered in an 8-4 setback. The Yankees used Baltimore's struggles to jump into first in the East and continue to be carried by rookie sensation Aaron Judge, who belted a grand slam in Sunday's 9-5 win over Oakland to move into a tie for first place in the majors in home runs with 16. Judge is 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts in his career against Orioles righty Dylan Bundy, who gets the start on Monday opposite rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH Jordan Montgomery (2-3, 4.30 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (5-3, 2.92)

Montgomery is coming off the best start of his rookie campaign and limited Kansas City to one run on two hits without walking a batter and striking out six in 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday. The South Carolina native did not factor in the decision in that one but snapped a sting of back-to-back losses, during which he allowed nine runs in 11 frames. Montgomery got the start against Baltimore on April 30 and was reached for three runs on three hits and four walks in five innings without earning a decision.

Bundy is trying to snap a string of three straight winless outings and was the tough-luck loser against Minnesota on Tuesday. The 24-year-old allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings but came out on the wrong end of a 2-0 final score. Bundy missed the Yankees the first two times the teams met this season and went 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four games - two starts - against the division rivals last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles CF Adam Jones (hip, ankle) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.

2. New York 3B Chase Headley sat out the last two games but is expected back on Monday.

3. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is 2-for-26 with 14 strikeouts in the last seven games.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Yankees 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Twins
GAME: Houston Astros (35-16) at Minnesota Twins (26-20)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

A pair of first-place teams meet Memorial Day in Minnesota as the Twins host the Houston Astros in the opener of a three-game set. The Astros enter the Twin Cities having won four straight and six of seven following a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, capped by Sunday's 8-4 victory.

"It's very easy to get into a lackluster game where we've already won the series, we've already come back from the start of the homestand being poor, but our guys came out with an explosive inning," manager A.J. Hinch told reporters after his team put up six runs in the second inning to seize control Sunday. The Twins fell 8-6 to Tampa Bay in 15 innings on Sunday to drop two of three games against the Rays, which came on the heels of their own sweep of the Orioles. Veteran Ervin Santana has led the way for Minnesota and entered Sunday leading the majors in ERA (1.80) and ranking second in wins (seven) and WHIP (0.83) among qualified hurlers. He spun his league-leading second shutout of the season Tuesday and will be opposed by fellow right-hander Brad Peacock.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Southwest (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (2-0, 0.87 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (7-2, 1.80)

Peacock was thrust into the starting rotation after 12 relief appearances and showed no issues with the transition, allowing one hit and striking out eight in 4 1/3 scoreless innings against Detroit last Monday. The 29-year-old has 30 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings overall and has yet to allow a home run. Peacock gave up three runs and fanned 10 in seven frames in his only prior appearance at Target Field in 2013.

Santana limited the Orioles to two hits and two walks in his gem at Camden Yards on Tuesday. Opponents are batting .134 - also the best figure in the majors - although six of the seven home runs he has allowed have come at home. The 34-year-old Dominican is 3-0 with a 2.20 ERA in four starts versus Houston, although Carlos Correa (3-for-4) and Carlos Beltran (5-for-13, one home run) have fared well against Santana.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RHP Charlie Morton (back) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

2. Twins DH Kennys Vargas had a seven-game hitting streak going until he went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts Sunday.

3. Houston averaged 8.1 runs in taking five of seven meetings last year.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at White Sox
GAME: Boston Red Sox (27-22) at Chicago White Sox (23-26)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois

The Boston Red Sox finally got themselves on a roll over the past week, especially among the pitching staff, and are ready to welcome back a big piece of the rotation. The Red Sox will send David Price to the mound to make his season debut when they open a 10-game road trip by visiting the Chicago White Sox in the first of a three-game series on Monday.

Price went down with an elbow strain in spring training and slowly made his way back after consulting with Dr. James Andrews and confirming the diagnosis. "It's always tough," Price told reporters. "Even if we're 40-0 right now, it's still tough to not be out there and to be able to contribute. The DL is not something that anybody wants to be on. But it's over now, and I'm excited for it." The Red Sox had won six straight before dropping a 5-0 decision to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday and take on a Chicago team that opened its homestand by taking three of four from the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. The White Sox, who will start converted reliever David Holmberg on Tuesday, are 1-5 against teams from the American League East after dropping two of three at New York and getting swept by Baltimore earlier this season.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (2016: 17-9, 3.99 ERA) vs. White Sox LH David Holmberg (0-0, 0.87)

Price led the majors in innings pitched with 230 last season but never quite reached the Cy Young heights the team envisioned when it signed him to a seven-year, $217 million deal prior to the 2016 campaign. The Vanderbilt product is hoping to slot into the rotation behind new ace Chris Sale and will be on a limit of 90 pitches after allowing nine runs (six earned) on 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings with Triple-A Pawtucket in two rehab appearances. Price is 5-5 with a 3.30 ERA in 13 career starts against Chicago.

Holmberg allowed one run in eight relief appearances covering 10 1/3 innings but none in his last seven chances. The 25-year-old Texan did not even surrender a hit in any of his last six outings, including two perfect innings at Arizona on Tuesday. Holmberg, who spent parts of the last three seasons in the National League with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds, is seeing the Red Sox for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval (knee) will spend another week in rehab with Triple-A Pawtucket instead of joining the team on Monday.

2. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is enjoying a 10-game hitting streak.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts went 0-for-11 over the weekend to drop his batting average to .269.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, White Sox 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Cardinals

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (31-20) at St. Louis Cardinals (24-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

The scuffling St. Louis Cardinals will get another chance to measure themselves against a playoff hopeful when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit for the opener of a four-game series on Monday. The Dodgers took two of three from the Cardinals at home last week and are coming off a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

St. Louis is 3-8 in its last 11 games and is struggling against teams from the National League West after dropping consecutive series to the San Francisco Giants, Dodgers and Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals never seemed to get their bats going in the thin air at Colorado and scored seven runs in the three-game set, leaving town on an 8-4 loss Sunday. St. Louis' lone win last week at Los Angeles came against left-hander Rich Hill, who will get the nod on Monday in a rematch against Cardinals righty Mike Leake. Hill gets to work behind an offense that managed to bail out a rare dud from ace Clayton Kershaw on Sunday and has pushed across six or more runs in seven of the last 11 games - nine wins.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-2, 4.76 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Mike Leake (5-2, 1.91)

Hill continues to battle the blister issues that have plagued him since arriving in Los Angeles last summer and he could not find his control while issuing seven walks in four innings against St. Louis on Wednesday. The 37-year-old has yet to go deeper than five innings this season and surrendered five runs in four frames in Wednesday's loss. Hill's best start came on the road, when he allowed one run and struck out six in five innings at San Francisco on May 16.

Leake had little trouble with the Dodgers on Wednesday, scattering one run and four hits over a season-high eight innings to earn the win. The Arizona State product did not issue a walk in either of his last two turns - covering 15 innings - and surrendered three or fewer earned runs in each of his nine outings this season. Wednesday's win improved Leake to 5-5 with a 3.91 ERA in 11 career games - 10 starts - against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals placed 2B Kolten Wong (elbow) on the disabled list Saturday and Greg Garcia hit a solo homer while starting in his place on Sunday.

2. Dodgers 1B Cody Bellinger smacked his 10th home run in his 31st game on Sunday, becoming the fastest in franchise history to reach double digits in homers.

3. Los Angeles LF Franklin Gutierrez (illness) left Sunday's game in the first inning and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Dodgers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rockies
GAME: Seattle Mariners (22-29) at Colorado Rockies (33-19)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

The Colorado Rockies will try to build upon the best record in the National League when they open the first half of a four-game, home-and-home interleague series with the visiting Seattle Mariners on Monday. The Rockies are 8-0-1 in their last nine series after taking the rubber game from the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday by an 8-4 margin.

Gerardo Parra slugged a three-run homer and scored three times as Colorado scored at least seven runs for the fifth time in seven games. The squads will play two in Coors Field before moving to Seattle for two more, and the Mariners enter the visit to Denver having lost four of six on their eight-game road trip. Robinson Cano and Guillermo Heredia homered while Christian Bergman tossed seven scoreless innings as Seattle salvaged the finale of a three-game set at Fenway Park with a 5-0 triumph Sunday. The Mariners scored one run or less in six of seven games before pounding out 16 hits in the victory.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), ROOT Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Sam Gaviglio (0-1, 1.38 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (4-6, 4.50)

Gaviglio has helped save Seattle's battered rotation with two solid turns following one relief outing earlier in the month. He tossed five scoreless innings in his first career start May 18 against the Chicago White Sox before getting charged with five runs (one earned) over six frames in a loss at Washington on Wednesday, getting victimized by a first-inning error that opened up a big rally. The 27-year-old has allowed 11 hits and three walks with seven strikeouts through his first three appearances in the majors.

Chatwood was dominant through seven scoreless innings at Philadelphia on Wednesday, limiting the Phillies to one hit and striking out eight en route to the win. Opponents are hitting .229 against the 27-year-old California native, who has not allowed a home run over the last four outings, but walks remain an issue as he has handed out 20 free passes in 28 2/3 innings in May. Chatwood was reached for five runs in 6 1/3 frames in his lone start versus Seattle during his rookie season in 2011.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners have won five of their last six games at Coors Field.

2. Colorado starters are 10-2 with a 2.88 ERA over the past 14 games.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura has four multi-efforts in his last six games.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Pirates
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (31-21) at Pittsburgh Pirates (23-28)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Arizona Diamondbacks cooled off in Milwaukee over the weekend but look to get back in the win column when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. The Diamondbacks had won 10 of 11 before dropping the last two encounters with the Brewers, allowing 15 runs in the process, and are 2-2 on their 11-game road trip - their longest trek since 2010.

Paul Goldschmidt, who was relegated to pinch-hitting duty on Sunday, should be back in the lineup for Arizona after he belted three homers and knocked in five runs during a four-game split with the visiting Pirates from May 11-14. Randall Delgado will make his second start of the season for the Diamondbacks on Monday against Trevor Williams, who also started the year in the bullpen. The Pirates have won nine of 15 since taking the last two against Arizona but suffered a 7-2 loss against the New York Mets on Sunday night after giving up 14 hits. Josh Harrison has hit safely in 10 straight contests for Pittsburgh, going 17-for-44 during that stretch, while Gregory Polanco is riding a seven-game hitting streak (10-for-27) for the Pirates.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Randall Delgado (1-0, 3.82 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2-3, 5.93)

Delgado made his first start of the season Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, allowing two runs - one earned - and three hits over four innings of a no-decision. The 27-year-old Panamanian had given up one run in 14 1/3 innings of relief - including three scoreless frames against Pittsburgh - prior to his last outing. Harrison is 3-for-5 versus Delgado, who is 0-1 with a 4.95 ERA in 14 career appearances (one start) against the Pirates.

Williams has made four consecutive starts after opening the season as a reliever, and his best was a win at Arizona on May 13 in which he yielded one run and four hits over five innings. The 25-year-old Arizona State product permitted six runs and 10 hits over 10 2/3 frames in his last two outings, coming away with a loss and a no-decision. Nick Ahmed homered to plate the only run in the contest earlier this month against Williams, who struck out four and walked one.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh RF Andrew McCutchen is tied with Manny Sanguillen for 18th place on the franchise list with 1,343 hits.

2. Arizona 2B Brandon Drury (13-for-36) and OF David Peralta (24-for-74) both have hit well against the Pirates.

3. Pirates SS Jordy Mercer went 0-for-3 with a walk on Sunday but has recorded multi-hit performances in five of his last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Pirates 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Giants
GAME: Washington Nationals (30-19) at San Francisco Giants (22-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

One of the most dynamic teams in the major leagues heads to the West Coast this week, as the Washington Nationals begin a nine-game road trip Monday against the San Francisco Giants. Perhaps the Nationals’ greatest weakness has been playing on the road, where they’ve lost their last three series.



The Nationals have won five of their last seven following a stretch during which they dropped five of seven, restoring their lead in the National League East to 8 1/2 games. Washington was denied a three-game sweep by San Diego with a 5-3 loss on Sunday. The Giants won their final two games against Atlanta after losing four straight overall, and they’ve captured seven of their last nine at AT&T Park. San Francisco's Matt Moore has the difficult task of facing one of the league’s best lineups but has been excellent at home, where he owns a 2.57 ERA compared to a 7.80 mark on the road.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN2, WUSA 9 (Washington), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (4-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. Giants LH Matt Moore (2-5, 5.28)

Roark is coming off his best start of the season, a victory over Seattle on Wednesday in which he allowed one run and eight hits while striking out eight over seven innings. The 30-year-old snapped a four-start winless streak during which he recorded only one quality start. Roark is 5-0 with a 2.51 ERA in six career games (three starts) against the Giants.

Moore has posted three straight quality starts, yet he has recorded only one win in his last eight outings. The 27-year-old served up a pair of home runs to Chicago Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo last time out and was charged with four runs - three earned - over six innings in a loss. Moore has faced the Nationals only once, allowing two runs and three hits over five innings of a no-decision in 2012.



WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Buster Posey has gone 55 plate appearances without a strikeout dating to May 14 – the longest active streak in the majors.

2. Nationals C Matt Wieters is 9-for-26 with two homers versus Moore.

3. The Giants have hit the second-fewest home runs in the majors, while 20 of their last 22 have been solo shots.



PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Giants 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Mets
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (27-23) at New York Mets (21-27)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York

The New York Mets attempt to avenge a sweep on the road earlier this month when they begin a four-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. New York lost three straight in Milwaukee from May 12-14, getting outscored 29-17 in the process.

The Mets have very little time to prepare for the Brewers as they cruised to a 7-2 victory in the rubber match of a three-game set in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Milwaukee enters following a six-game homestand that began with four straight losses but ended with back-to-back wins over Arizona, including Sunday's 9-5 triumph. Domingo Santana was the hitting star for the Brewers, going 2-for-4 with his first career grand slam - the first by Milwaukee at home since August 2015 - and scoring three runs. The Brewers have scored 15 runs in their last two contests after totaling nine in their previous four.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Matt Garza (2-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Mets RH Robert Gsellman (2-3, 6.45)

Garza is coming off his first loss of the season, a setback against Toronto on Wednesday in which he was tagged for six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old Californian had produced four straight quality starts prior to the setback and had yielded fewer than three earned runs in four of his first five outings of 2017. Garza improved to 2-1 with a 4.60 ERA in five career starts against New York after allowing two runs over six frames in a home victory on May 12.

Gsellman returned to the rotation Wednesday after making a pair of relief appearances and allowed three runs over six innings in a no-decision against San Diego. The 23-year-old from the Golden State has given up three or more runs in each of his eight starts this year and has worked more than five innings only twice. Gsellman faced the Brewers for the first time in his brief career on May 13 and was battered for six runs - five earned - on nine hits and three walks over four frames en route to a loss at Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Curtis Granderson went 3-for-5 on Sunday to extend his hitting streak to five games but raised his season average to just .191.

2. Milwaukee 3B Travis Shaw is 6-for-17 during his four-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 contests.

3. New York LHP Steven Matz (elbow) was brilliant in his second rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas, recording eight strikeouts while throwing 50 of his 73 pitches for strikes in five perfect innings.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Mets 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Indians
GAME: Oakland Athletics (22-27) at Cleveland Indians (25-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Indians got back on track with a big victory last time out and look to continue their success against American League West foes when they host the Oakland Athletics on Monday for the opener of a four-game series. The Indians pounded out 18 hits in a 10-1 rout of Kansas City on Sunday to end a three-game slide and have won 10 of 12 contests against the AL West over the first two months of the season.

Cleveland standout shortstop Francisco Lindor is expected back in the lineup after his first day of rest this season and will bring a 12-game hitting streak into the series while teammate Michael Brantley matched that run with three hits on Sunday. Carlos Carrasco looks to rebound from two straight substandard starts when he takes the mound for the Indians in the opener against Daniel Mengden, who is making his 2017 debut. Oakland is 7-17 on the road after losing two of three at the New York Yankees over the weekend, including a sloppy 9-5 setback on Sunday. Khris Davis belted his 15th homer of the season in the series finale for the Athletics, who are among the major-league leaders with 71 blasts and have allowed the fewest (45) in the AL.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (2016: 2-9, 6.50 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (4-2, 2.93)

Mengden is slated to be called up to make the start Monday with Kendall Graveman (shoulder) landing on the 10-day disabled list for the injury-plagued Athletics. The 24-year-old Mengden was a candidate for the rotation but was set back by a foot injury in the spring and has gone 2-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in four starts for Triple-A Nashville. The Texas A&M product did not face Cleveland as a rookie in 2016, when he struck out 71 in 72 innings.

Carrasco escaped with no-decisions while struggling in his last two starts, permitting nine runs and 11 hits over 10 innings in a pair of 8-7 victories for the Indians. The 30-year-old Venezuelan had surrendered two or fewer runs in six of his first seven outings of the season, posting a 1.82 ERA in that stretch. Trevor Plouffe is 5-for-14 with three RBIs against Carrasco, who is 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) versus Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics lead the majors with 49 errors after committing two on Sunday and have surrendered 35 unearned runs - five in their last game.

2. Cleveland DH Edwin Encarnacion has hit safely in seven straight contests (10-for-27) but has recorded just five hits in 48 at-bats with runners in scoring position this year.

3. Oakland’s leadoff hitters are batting .159 overall, which is better than only one other team in the majors (Kansas City).

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Athletics 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Padres
GAME: Chicago Cubs (25-24) at San Diego Padres (19-33)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 4:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California

The West Coast hasn’t been kind to the Chicago Cubs, who have started their six-game swing with three losses – and surrendered their division lead. The Cubs look to get back on track when they head to San Diego to begin a three-game series against the struggling Padres on Monday afternoon.



After being shut out in the first two contests against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs were hammered 9-4 in Sunday’s finale - marking the third time this season they’ve been swept in a three-game series. The Padres salvaged a split of their six-game road trip with a 5-3 win over Washington on Sunday, but they remain entrenched in the National League West cellar. Chicago's Kyle Hendricks should be eager to take the mound at Petco Park, where he has won both of his previous starts while posting a 1.20 ERA. Hendricks will face a Padres lineup that ranks near the bottom of the league in many offensive categories and has produced three or fewer runs in eight of its last 12 games.

TV: 4:40 p.m. ET, ABC 7 (Chicago), FSN San Diego



PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-2, 3.25 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jarred Cosart (0-1, 4.50)

Hendricks has proven his early-season struggles are behind him, going 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA over his last six starts. The 27-year-old has not allowed more than two earned runs over that stretch, and he limited San Francisco to two runs and five hits over seven innings last time out to record his second straight win. Hendricks is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five career starts against the Padres.

Cosart will make his third start since coming off the disabled list, and after tossing five solid innings against Milwaukee in his return to the rotation, he was dinged for four runs in 2 2/3 frames by the New York Mets last time out. The 27-year-old also issued a season-high four walks against the Mets. Cosart’s only previous start against the Cubs was a loss in 2015 in which he was tagged for seven runs in 1 2/3 innings.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have not had an RBI on a hit other than a home run since May 21.

2. Padres 1B Wil Myers has struck out 16 times in his last 33 at-bats.

3. Chicago 3B Kris Bryant homered in both of his previous at-bats against Cosart.



PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Padres 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Blue Jays
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (24-25) at Toronto Blue Jays (23-27)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Toronto native Joey Votto was a mere 25-year-old in his second full season in the majors in 2009 when he last got a chance to perform at the Rogers Centre. The four-time All-Star will return home for the first time in nearly eight years Monday when his Cincinnati Reds visit the Blue Jays.

One season before he would go on to win his first and only National League MVP, Votto gave his friends and family in attendance a memorable performance in his last game in Toronto on June 25, 2009, going 4-for-5 with a solo home run and three RBIs. The 33-year-old first baseman scored twice in Sunday's 8-4 victory, although his effort took a bit of a back seat to a pair of two-homer games from Adam Duvall and Patrick Kivlehan. While the Reds improved to 3-1 on their seven-game road trip, the Blue Jays watched their second five-game winning streak in May snapped with a 3-1 home defeat to Texas. Devon Travis extended his hitting streak to 12 games in the loss and is batting .360 with three homers and 15 RBIs this month after hitting .130 with a home run and four RBIs in April.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Lisalverto Bonilla (0-2, 6.17 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (5-2, 3.30)

Bonilla is winless in three starts in 2017 after claiming each of his first three big-league turns with Texas in 2014, and he is coming of a no-decision Wednesday at Cleveland in which he gave up three runs in five frames. The 26-year-old's only other road outing was the best of the season, yielding three runs over eight innings in a loss to San Francisco on May 13. Bonilla, who will make his seventh career start Monday, is allowing left-handed hitters to bat .313 against him as he faces the Blue Jays for the first time.

Stroman labored through 5 2/3 innings and a season-high 106 pitches Wednesday in Milwaukee, but he still managed to win his fourth straight decision despite giving up two homers and permitting four runs on four hits and four walks. It was a rare poor outing from the Duke product, who had allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his nine previous turns. Stroman has yet to face the Reds, but he has been dominant in 13 interleague appearances (10 starts), going 7-1 with a 2.33 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Votto will catch the ceremonial first pitch on Monday from his senior team baseball coach, Steve "Whitey" Breitner, who will be honored in a pregame ceremony.

2. Toronto failed to go deep Sunday for only the second time in its last 17 games but remained in a tie for third in the majors with 40 home runs in May.

3. Cincinnati 2B Jose Peraza is riding a career-best 13-game hitting streak, while SS Zack Cozart ranks third in the NL with a .350 average and in the midst of an 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Reds 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Marlins
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (17-31) at Miami Marlins (18-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida

When the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies last parted ways at the end of last month, neither club had a losing record. As they reconvene in Miami for a three-game set starting Monday, the clubs are separated by one game for the worst record in the majors.

The Phillies swept a rain-shortened two-game series with Miami at home to cap a six-game winning streak and improve to 11-9 on April 27, but the roof collapsed on their season immediately thereafter, as they have dropped 22 of their last 28 and own the worst record in the majors (17-31). Philadelphia lost the rubber match of its three-game set to Cincinnati on Sunday to give away a home series to the Reds for the first time in 11 years, surrendering five homers in the finale and eight for the series. The Marlins (18-30) left Citizens Bank Park last month with a 10-10 mark, but a 1-10 stretch from May 8-19 sent their season into a tailspin. Miami has shown signs of life since by alternating wins and losses in the seven games and took two of three over the weekend from the Los Angeles Angels for its first series victory since April 21-23 at San Diego.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (5-2, 4.28 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Edinson Volquez (0-7, 4.82)

Hellickson struggled through his worst outing of the season Wednesday versus Colorado after he was pounded for seven third-inning runs and gave up eight hits to go along with four walks in five frames. The Iowa native, who has fanned only 22 in 54 2/3 innings, had been one of the few bright spots on the Phillies' staff up to that point, allowing three runs or fewer in eight of his first nine turns. Hellickson permitted one run in six frames to beat the Marlins on April 27 and improved to 4-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 11 starts against them.

Volquez continued to receive very little run support and lost his sixth consecutive start Wednesday in Oakland, giving up three runs on seven hits across six innings. The 2008 All-Star is among the league leaders with 29 walks, although he has issued seven free passes in three outings since returning from the disabled list after handing out 20 in the four turns prior. Volquez allowed three runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 frames at Philadelphia to lose to Hellickson but is 4-2 with a 2.30 ERA in seven career starts versus the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Phillies' bullpen surrendered their first run in 22 2/3 frames Sunday, stopping the club's longest such streak since 2004 (28 innings).

2. Since Marlins manager Don Mattingly moved OF Giancarlo Stanton from his usual cleanup spot to No. 2 in the order five games ago, the three-time All-Star is 10-for-24 with two homers and three three-hit performances.

3. Philadelphia (6-19) and Miami (7-18) own the worst and third-worst records in the majors this month.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Phillies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Royals
GAME: Detroit Tigers (23-27) at Kansas City Royals (21-28)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

The Detroit Tigers hope to end what has been a disappointing 11-game road trip on a high note as they visit the Kansas City Royals on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. Detroit has gone 2-6 on the trek, dropping three of four to both Houston and the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers are hoping Sunday's effort was a sign of things to come from Miguel Cabrera, who plated a run in the 7-3 loss to Chicago for his first RBI of the road trip. After losing three straight series, Kansas City was unable to complete a three-game sweep at Cleveland as it was pounded 10-1 on Sunday. Rookie Jorge Bonifacio produced the lone run for the Royals with his seventh home run of the season and fifth in nine games. The 23-year-old Dominican outfielder also has collected 10 of his 16 RBIs in that span

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Detroit, FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-3, 4.38 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jason Hammel (1-6, 5.98)

Norris' winless streak reached four starts Wednesday as he settled for a no-decision at Houston despite allowing only two runs - one earned - and four hits in 6 1/3 innings. It matched the longest outing of the season for the 24-year-old native of Tennessee, who has served up only four home runs over 49 1/3 frames. Norris has yet to defeat Kansas City, going 0-1 with a 3.47 ERA in four career starts.

Hammel yielded three runs over six innings and recorded a season-high seven strikeouts on the road against the New York Yankees on Wednesday but still suffered his third straight loss. The 34-year-old from South Carolina has worked six or more innings in each of his last four turns but has received a paltry 2.12 runs of support over nine outings this year. Hammel owns an ugly 7.98 ERA in nine career appearances (six starts) versus Detroit but a 2-2 record.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 1B Eric Hosmer has recorded multi-hit performances in five of his last nine contests.

2. The Tigers designated Tyler Collins for assignment and replaced him on the roster with fellow OF Alex Presley, who delivered an RBI double in Sunday's loss after having his contract purchased from Triple-A Toledo.

3. Detroit INF/OF Andrew Romine is coming off a solid series at Chicago during which he went 6-for-16.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Rangers
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (27-26) at Texas Rangers (25-26)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

The Texas Rangers finished a disappointing road trip on a high note and could add a big bat to the lineup as early as Monday, when they host the Tampa Bay Rays for the opener of their three-game series. The Rangers used some solid pitching and Joey Gallo’s 15th homer of the season to post a 3-1 triumph at Toronto on Sunday and complete a 3-6 road trip, and they have won just two of eight since a 10-game winning streak.

Adrian Beltre (calf) went 7-for-17 in three rehab games and will be re-evaluated Monday before potentially being activated to make his season debut for Texas. The Rangers send Martin Perez to the mound in the series opener while Erasmo Ramirez will start for the Rays despite throwing 12 pitches to record the save in Sunday's 8-6, 15-inning victory at Minnesota. Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison belted back-to-back homers in the 15th as Tampa Bay took two of three from the Twins to improve to 8-3 on the road this month. Corey Dickerson recorded four singles in eight at-bats Sunday to raise his average to .337 and has hit safely in 18 of his last 20 games for the Rays.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (3-0, 2.92 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-5, 3.77)

Ramirez gave up two runs in each of his two starts since rejoining the rotation, combining to surrender 10 hits with seven strikeouts over 11 1/3 frames. The 27-year-old Nicaraguan has walked six batters and struck out 27 in 37 innings while yielding 26 hits and posting a 0.86 WHIP. Shin-Soo Choo is 2-for-4 with a homer and a walk versus Ramirez, who is 0-1 with a 5.72 ERA in 11 career appearances (four starts) against Texas.

Perez went 1-4 with a 4.26 ERA over six starts in April and has improved this month with a 1-1 record and 3.16 mark in four outings after permitting three runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Boston on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has served up only four homers in 57 1/3 frames - one in May. Longoria is 6-for-12 with three doubles and a homer against Perez, who is 0-2 with a 5.33 ERA versus the Rays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier is 9-for-21 with four extra-base hits during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Texas placed LHP Dario Alvarez (elbow) on the 10-day disabled list Sunday and recalled 3B Drew Robinson from Triple-A Round Rock.

3. The Rays pushed their total to an American League-high 74 homers with a pair of blasts Sunday and have gone deep 23 times in their last 12 contests.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Angels
GAME: Atlanta Braves (21-27) at Los Angeles Angels (26-27)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 29 - 9:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

The Los Angeles Angels will be holding their breath on the status of superstar Mike Trout as they begin a three-game interleague series with the visiting Atlanta Braves on Monday. Trout suffered a sprained thumb stealing second base in Sunday's 9-2 loss at Miami as the Angels finished a 4-6 road trip.

"A scary thing," Trout told reporters. "Hopefully, it's just sore and just jammed, a bad jam. I'm obviously bummed out, but Monday if it feels a little better, we'll see how it goes." Trout is tied for the major league lead in home runs with 16 and tops all batters in OPS (1.203), so the club hopes he can avoid the disabled list. The Braves hope to take advantage of Trout's potential absence after losing four of their last five, the latest setback a 7-1 defeat at San Francisco on Sunday. Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran has been excellent on the road (2-0, 0.71 ERA) and he will try to keep that trend alive opposite veteran Ricky Nolasco.

TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (3-4, 4.88 ERA) vs. Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (2-4, 4.37)

Teheran has struggled in brand new SunTrust Park, although he yielded only three unearned runs in six frames of a no-decision against Pittsburgh at home Wednesday. He has lasted at least six innings in each of his four road appearances and has yet to serve up a home run away from home. The 26-year-old, who has never faced the Angels, is 3-9 with a 5.63 ERA in 15 interleague starts.

Nolasco has finished at least six frames in four consecutive outings, although he surrendered a season high-tying five runs in a loss at Tampa Bay on Wednesday. The California native gave up three long balls in that contest and opponents have gone deep 16 times against Nolasco, the second-highest total in the American League entering Sunday. Nolasco, 34, is 6-10 with a 5.11 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) against Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols (hamstring) sat Sunday and remains three home runs shy of 600 for his career.

2. Braves 2B Brandon Phillips left Sunday's game in the fifth inning after fouling a ball off his knee.

3. Los Angeles C Martin Maldonado has two of his four home runs this season in the past three games.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Angels 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - NY Yankees at Baltimore

Red - Hot trends
W/L Trends


NY Yankees
•Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Yankees are 8-1 in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 Monday games.
• Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Yankees are 16-5 in their last 21 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. American League East.
• Yankees are 5-2 in their last 7 overall.
• Yankees are 5-2 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Yankees are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Yankees are 9-4 in their last 13 road games.
• Yankees are 9-4 in their last 13 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Yankees are 27-12 in their last 39 games on grass.
• Yankees are 1-5 in Montgomerys last 6 starts.
• Yankees are 1-5 in Montgomerys last 6 starts on grass.



Baltimore
•Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 Monday games.
• Orioles are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Orioles are 3-13 in their last 16 overall.
• Orioles are 3-13 in their last 16 games on grass.
• Orioles are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 0-6 in their last 6 games following a loss.
• Orioles are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Orioles are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 0-4 in their last 4 home games.
• Orioles are 4-0 in Bundys last 4 starts vs. American League East.
• Orioles are 5-1 in Bundys last 6 home starts.
• Orioles are 5-2 in Bundys last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Orioles are 5-2 in Bundys last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Orioles are 7-3 in Bundys last 10 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Orioles are 1-4 in Bundys last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 0-4 in Bundys last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends


NY Yankees
•Over is 8-1 in Yankees last 9 vs. American League East.
• Under is 6-1 in Yankees last 7 overall.
• Under is 6-1 in Yankees last 7 on grass.
• Over is 6-1 in Yankees last 7 Monday games.
• Under is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 games following a win.
• Under is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Montgomerys last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.



Baltimore
•Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 games following a loss.
• Over is 7-2 in Orioles last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Under is 17-5 in Orioles last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 16-5-1 in Orioles last 22 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 41-15-2 in Orioles last 58 home games.
• Under is 10-4 in Orioles last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Orioles last 7 vs. American League East.
• Under is 25-10-2 in Orioles last 37 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Orioles last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 23-11-2 in Orioles last 36 Monday games.
• Under is 9-0-1 in Bundys last 10 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 7-1-1 in Bundys last 9 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Under is 6-1 in Bundys last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1 in Bundys last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Bundys last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Bundys last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 7-2 in Bundys last 9 home starts.
• Under is 9-3-1 in Bundys last 13 starts on grass.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Bundys last 8 starts vs. American League East.


Head to Head


•Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
• Yankees are 7-21 in the last 28 meetings in Baltimore.