MLB
Monday, June 29
Trend Report
7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games on the road
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Texas
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
Toronto is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games
7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CINCINNATI
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. HOUSTON
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games
10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games at home
10:05 PM
COLORADO vs. OAKLAND
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oakland's last 12 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
Monday, June 29
Trend Report
7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games on the road
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Texas
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
Toronto is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games
7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CINCINNATI
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. HOUSTON
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games
10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games at home
10:05 PM
COLORADO vs. OAKLAND
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oakland's last 12 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
MLB MONEYLINE
MLB > (907) TEXAS@ (908) BALTIMORE | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 14 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+16.82 units)
MLB > (915) MINNESOTA@ (916) CINCINNATI | 06/29/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 29 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (+20.8 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-15.15 units)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY@ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in Road games in June games
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.35 units)
MLB RUNLINE
MLB > (917) COLORADO@ (918) OAKLAND | 06/29/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play AGAINST COLORADO using the in Road games in an inter-league game
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the last three seasons (-20.9 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE using the in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-19.9 units)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY@ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 25 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+22.05 units)
MLB > (907) TEXAS@ (908) BALTIMORE | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the in Road games in games played on a grass field
The record is 28 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+17.25 units)
MLB TOTALS
MLB > (917) COLORADO@ (918) OAKLAND | 06/29/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in night games
The record is 30 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+16.2 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the total in All games in June games
The record is 17 Overs and 6 Unders for the this season (+11.4 units)
MLB TOP POWERLINES
MLB > (905) BOSTON @ (906) TORONTO | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: TORONTO -125 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -174
Edge On: TORONTO (49)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY @ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: HOUSTON -135 BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON -198
Edge On: HOUSTON (63)
MLB > (907) TEXAS@ (908) BALTIMORE | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 14 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+16.82 units)
MLB > (915) MINNESOTA@ (916) CINCINNATI | 06/29/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 29 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (+20.8 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-15.15 units)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY@ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in Road games in June games
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.35 units)
MLB RUNLINE
MLB > (917) COLORADO@ (918) OAKLAND | 06/29/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play AGAINST COLORADO using the in Road games in an inter-league game
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the last three seasons (-20.9 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE using the in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-19.9 units)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY@ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 25 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+22.05 units)
MLB > (907) TEXAS@ (908) BALTIMORE | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the in Road games in games played on a grass field
The record is 28 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+17.25 units)
MLB TOTALS
MLB > (917) COLORADO@ (918) OAKLAND | 06/29/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in night games
The record is 30 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+16.2 units)
MLB > (901) MILWAUKEE@ (902) PHILADELPHIA | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the total in All games in June games
The record is 17 Overs and 6 Unders for the this season (+11.4 units)
MLB TOP POWERLINES
MLB > (905) BOSTON @ (906) TORONTO | 06/29/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: TORONTO -125 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -174
Edge On: TORONTO (49)
MLB > (911) KANSAS CITY @ (912) HOUSTON | 06/29/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: HOUSTON -135 BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON -198
Edge On: HOUSTON (63)
Preview: Rangers (38-38) at Orioles (40-34)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 29, 2015 7:05 PM EDT
The Texas Rangers' recent play at the plate does not bode well for a team looking to end a poor stretch of performances.
Neither does a road matchup Monday night with the Baltimore Orioles, who have dominated the AL West opponent in recent years.
Texas (38-38) has averaged 2.9 runs while losing seven of the last eight. The Rangers were dispatched in two of three over the weekend against Toronto, losing Sunday 3-2.
They had nine hits in that series finale, six from Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor, but failed to take advantage of run-scoring opportunities by going 2 for 15 with runners in scoring position.
"It's not how we designed it," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website. "We've got to be better with runners in scoring position. Felt like we got pitched tough but really had some opportunities to drive in some runs"
Trying to avoid falling below .500 for the first time since May 29, they'll face a Baltimore team that swept the Rangers at Camden Yards from June 30-July 3 and has won 11 of the last 12 against Texas.
The Orioles (41-34) have been on a tear of late, winning seven of their last eight for a league-best 18 wins since June 4. Manny Machado and Jimmy Paredes each hit home runs in Sunday's early 4-0 win over Cleveland, and Machado added two more RBIs in a 8-0 win in the doubleheader's nightcap.
Baltimore had not swept a doubleheader with shutouts in both games since Sept. 6, 1974.
"We've got to keep playing baseball," Machado said. "There's a lot more baseball going ahead. There's a lot more slumps. There's a lot more games lost coming ahead. We've got to stay focused and just stay with the mindset that we have, which is to make the playoffs and go on forward."
The majority of that recent success came without Adam Jones, who had been out of the lineup since June 20 with a sore right shoulder.
Jones went 14 for 26 (.538) with four homers and 11 RBIs in seven games against the Rangers last season.
Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 4.06 ERA) will try to slow Baltimore after his month-long stretch of solid play came to a crashing end with eight runs and 11 hits allowed in an 8-2 loss to Oakland on Wednesday.
The left-hander had gone 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in six starts from May 21-June 17, all Texas victories.
"Tough one, but we'll move on from it," Banister said. "I'm sure Wandy will erase this from his memory bank. If I know him well, he'll figure out what went wrong and move on."
Rodriguez has limited experience against Baltimore, facing the Orioles only twice over his 11-year career, but he struggled on May 21, 2014, while with Pittsburgh, surrendering six runs - one earned - in 1 2-3 innings of an eventual 9-8 victory.
He will oppose Bud Norris (2-6, 6.70), who finally lowered his ERA below seven Wednesday, though he allowed five unearned runs in a 5-1 loss to Boston. He has edged Texas in both career meetings, most recently winning 6-5 on June 4, 2014.
Norris has been hit hard this season, allowing an opponent batting average of .307 and OPS of .889, both of which rank among the highest in baseball.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rangers at Orioles
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Rangers at Orioles
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Rangers at Orioles
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Rangers at Orioles
Thu, Jul 2 - 7:05PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 29, 2015 7:05 PM EDT
The Texas Rangers' recent play at the plate does not bode well for a team looking to end a poor stretch of performances.
Neither does a road matchup Monday night with the Baltimore Orioles, who have dominated the AL West opponent in recent years.
Texas (38-38) has averaged 2.9 runs while losing seven of the last eight. The Rangers were dispatched in two of three over the weekend against Toronto, losing Sunday 3-2.
They had nine hits in that series finale, six from Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor, but failed to take advantage of run-scoring opportunities by going 2 for 15 with runners in scoring position.
"It's not how we designed it," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website. "We've got to be better with runners in scoring position. Felt like we got pitched tough but really had some opportunities to drive in some runs"
Trying to avoid falling below .500 for the first time since May 29, they'll face a Baltimore team that swept the Rangers at Camden Yards from June 30-July 3 and has won 11 of the last 12 against Texas.
The Orioles (41-34) have been on a tear of late, winning seven of their last eight for a league-best 18 wins since June 4. Manny Machado and Jimmy Paredes each hit home runs in Sunday's early 4-0 win over Cleveland, and Machado added two more RBIs in a 8-0 win in the doubleheader's nightcap.
Baltimore had not swept a doubleheader with shutouts in both games since Sept. 6, 1974.
"We've got to keep playing baseball," Machado said. "There's a lot more baseball going ahead. There's a lot more slumps. There's a lot more games lost coming ahead. We've got to stay focused and just stay with the mindset that we have, which is to make the playoffs and go on forward."
The majority of that recent success came without Adam Jones, who had been out of the lineup since June 20 with a sore right shoulder.
Jones went 14 for 26 (.538) with four homers and 11 RBIs in seven games against the Rangers last season.
Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 4.06 ERA) will try to slow Baltimore after his month-long stretch of solid play came to a crashing end with eight runs and 11 hits allowed in an 8-2 loss to Oakland on Wednesday.
The left-hander had gone 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in six starts from May 21-June 17, all Texas victories.
"Tough one, but we'll move on from it," Banister said. "I'm sure Wandy will erase this from his memory bank. If I know him well, he'll figure out what went wrong and move on."
Rodriguez has limited experience against Baltimore, facing the Orioles only twice over his 11-year career, but he struggled on May 21, 2014, while with Pittsburgh, surrendering six runs - one earned - in 1 2-3 innings of an eventual 9-8 victory.
He will oppose Bud Norris (2-6, 6.70), who finally lowered his ERA below seven Wednesday, though he allowed five unearned runs in a 5-1 loss to Boston. He has edged Texas in both career meetings, most recently winning 6-5 on June 4, 2014.
Norris has been hit hard this season, allowing an opponent batting average of .307 and OPS of .889, both of which rank among the highest in baseball.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rangers at Orioles
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Rangers at Orioles
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Rangers at Orioles
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Rangers at Orioles
Thu, Jul 2 - 7:05PM EDT
Preview: Red Sox (34-43) at Blue Jays (41-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 29, 2015 7:07 PM EDT
Even with some key contributors missing, the Boston Red Sox lineup has continued to perform well for much of the last two-plus weeks.
The Red Sox, however, couldn't outdo the Toronto Blue Jays in a series at Fenway Park earlier this month.
They'll try for a different result when the teams meet again Monday night in Toronto with Clay Buchholz seeking to extend his recent string of effective road outings.
Boston (34-43) has averaged 5.4 runs and batted .286 in its last 16 games, but has only gone 7-9 in that stretch. The Red Sox, though, have produced with Dustin Pedroia on the disabled list (hamstring) and Hanley Ramirez having missed the past four games with a bruised left hand.
Ramirez, who has a team-best 15 homers, is expected to miss all four games against Toronto (41-36).
Pablo Sandoval, batting .386 in his last 15 games, had one of Boston's three home runs in a 5-3 victory in Tampa Bay on Sunday and Alejandro De Aza hit his third in four games.
Buchholz (5-6, 3.68 ERA) will next try to send the Red Sox to back-to-back wins for the second time since June 8.
The right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA in his last five road starts, including a 6-3 win in Toronto on May 10. He's won three consecutive overall decisions and has given up one earned run in 14 innings while winning in back-to-back starts, the latest a 5-1 victory over Baltimore on Wednesday.
"He's been very dependable for us," manager John Farrell said. "He's in a pretty solid run for us."
Buchholz was charged with four runs in six innings in a 5-4 loss in 11 innings to Toronto on June 13. The Blue Jays completed the sweep with a 13-5 victory the next day and rallied from a seven-run deficit for a 13-10 win in the opener.
Toronto enters having won 18 of 24 overall and 14 of 18 at home after Sunday's 3-2 win against Texas.
R.A. Dickey (3-7, 4.88) tries to earn just his second win in seven starts. The right-hander has a respectable 3.09 ERA in five outings this month and gave up three runs in seven innings in a 4-3 loss in Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Dickey was pitching one week after his father passed away from a heart attack.
"I was kind of foggy today," Dickey told MLB's official website. "It has been a tough week so I haven't gotten to prepare the way that I normally do, but I was able to repeat my mechanics enough."
Dickey is 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox this season and gave up four runs in six innings while pitching opposite Buchholz on June 13.
He was charged with six runs in six innings in a 6-3 loss to Boston at the Rogers Centre on May 10.
Sandoval is 4 for 9 with a homer and two doubles against Dickey this season and is batting .441 versus Toronto. Mookie Betts is batting .410 in a 10-game hit streak against Toronto and .400 in his last 15 contests.
Ryan Goins went 6 for 14 with nine RBIs and Russell Martin was 6 for 14 with six RBIs in the sweep in Boston. Goins, 9 for 19 lifetime against Buchholz, is 2 for 20 in his last eight games and Martin is 1 for 15 in his last five.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:07PM EDT
GAME 2
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:07PM EDT
GAME 3
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Wed, Jul 1 - 1:07PM EDT
GAME 4
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Thu, Jul 2 - 7:07PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 29, 2015 7:07 PM EDT
Even with some key contributors missing, the Boston Red Sox lineup has continued to perform well for much of the last two-plus weeks.
The Red Sox, however, couldn't outdo the Toronto Blue Jays in a series at Fenway Park earlier this month.
They'll try for a different result when the teams meet again Monday night in Toronto with Clay Buchholz seeking to extend his recent string of effective road outings.
Boston (34-43) has averaged 5.4 runs and batted .286 in its last 16 games, but has only gone 7-9 in that stretch. The Red Sox, though, have produced with Dustin Pedroia on the disabled list (hamstring) and Hanley Ramirez having missed the past four games with a bruised left hand.
Ramirez, who has a team-best 15 homers, is expected to miss all four games against Toronto (41-36).
Pablo Sandoval, batting .386 in his last 15 games, had one of Boston's three home runs in a 5-3 victory in Tampa Bay on Sunday and Alejandro De Aza hit his third in four games.
Buchholz (5-6, 3.68 ERA) will next try to send the Red Sox to back-to-back wins for the second time since June 8.
The right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA in his last five road starts, including a 6-3 win in Toronto on May 10. He's won three consecutive overall decisions and has given up one earned run in 14 innings while winning in back-to-back starts, the latest a 5-1 victory over Baltimore on Wednesday.
"He's been very dependable for us," manager John Farrell said. "He's in a pretty solid run for us."
Buchholz was charged with four runs in six innings in a 5-4 loss in 11 innings to Toronto on June 13. The Blue Jays completed the sweep with a 13-5 victory the next day and rallied from a seven-run deficit for a 13-10 win in the opener.
Toronto enters having won 18 of 24 overall and 14 of 18 at home after Sunday's 3-2 win against Texas.
R.A. Dickey (3-7, 4.88) tries to earn just his second win in seven starts. The right-hander has a respectable 3.09 ERA in five outings this month and gave up three runs in seven innings in a 4-3 loss in Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Dickey was pitching one week after his father passed away from a heart attack.
"I was kind of foggy today," Dickey told MLB's official website. "It has been a tough week so I haven't gotten to prepare the way that I normally do, but I was able to repeat my mechanics enough."
Dickey is 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox this season and gave up four runs in six innings while pitching opposite Buchholz on June 13.
He was charged with six runs in six innings in a 6-3 loss to Boston at the Rogers Centre on May 10.
Sandoval is 4 for 9 with a homer and two doubles against Dickey this season and is batting .441 versus Toronto. Mookie Betts is batting .410 in a 10-game hit streak against Toronto and .400 in his last 15 contests.
Ryan Goins went 6 for 14 with nine RBIs and Russell Martin was 6 for 14 with six RBIs in the sweep in Boston. Goins, 9 for 19 lifetime against Buchholz, is 2 for 20 in his last eight games and Martin is 1 for 15 in his last five.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:07PM EDT
GAME 2
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:07PM EDT
GAME 3
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Wed, Jul 1 - 1:07PM EDT
GAME 4
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Thu, Jul 2 - 7:07PM EDT
Preview: Twins (40-34) at Reds (34-39)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 29, 2015 7:10 PM EDT
A shaky bullpen has contributed to a recent rough stretch for the Minnesota Twins. For the Cincinnati Reds, the lack of offense was the culprit in a lost week in New York.
The two teams set out to regroup starting Monday night in Cincinnati in this three-game interleague series.
Minnesota (40-35) is still in second in the AL Central, 5 1/2 games behind Kansas City, but has dropped three games in the standings since June 20 as its relievers have been inconsistent. They have a 6.15 ERA in that span, made higher after Blaine Boyer and Casey Fien allowed all five runs in their 5-3 defeat at Milwaukee on Sunday for their fifth loss in eight games.
For Fien, who served up two homers and allowed four runs in the eighth without retiring a batter, the five runs he's yielded in his last three outings matched his total from his first 18 appearances.
'There's strikes and then there's quality strikes and I didn't throw enough quality strikes,' Fien said. 'The strikes I did throw, they hit.'
Mike Pelfrey (5-4, 3.06 ERA) is winless in three starts but has pitched better in his last two after getting roughed up for eight runs and 11 hits in 3 2-3 innings of an 11-7 loss at Texas on June 13. He took the loss Tuesday versus the Chicago White Sox, who reached him for three runs and 10 hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 6-2 defeat.
While Pelfrey is 2-4 in his last eight starts, he has been backed with only 14 runs in those games and never received more than three in any contest over that span. The right-hander is facing Cincinnati for the first time since 2011 after going 4-2 in seven starts while with the New York Mets.
Manager Paul Molitor said he will likely rest outfielder Torii Hunter for one game in this series, but it likely won't be this one after he hit three homers in the previous two games. Though it's the first time Hunter will play at Cincinnati and face the Reds for the first time since 2001, he is 9 for 22 with a homer, five doubles and a triple in six lifetime games.
Cincinnati (34-40) was held to four runs in three losses to the Mets, going a combined 1 for 19 with runners in scoring position. After their defense contributed to a 2-1, 13-inning loss in the completion of Saturday's suspended game Sunday, the Reds let Stephen Matz have arguably the best start to a major league career of any player as the pitcher limited them to two runs in 7 2-3 innings and went 3 for 4 with four RBIs in Sunday's 7-2 defeat.
Brandon Phillips was one of the few offensive bright spots over the weekend, hitting safely in all three games, and is 9 for 29 with two homers, a triple and a double in a six-game hitting streak. He's also 7 for 19 with a homer against Pelfrey but is questionable after injuring both his hands Sunday.
"He had a problem with the left hand on a swing," manager Bryan Price explained to MLB's official website. "But then on his right hand when he went back in to try and tag Granderson at second, he got his hand jammed on that play.
"Right now both hands are probably on ice."
Mike Leake (5-4, 3.91) will try to win his third consecutive start and fourth straight decision for the Reds. He limited Pittsburgh to two runs in seven innings of a 5-2 victory Wednesday and is trying to wrap up a solid June during which he's gone 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Twins at Reds
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Twins at Reds
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Twins at Reds
Wed, Jul 1 - 12:35PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 29, 2015 7:10 PM EDT
A shaky bullpen has contributed to a recent rough stretch for the Minnesota Twins. For the Cincinnati Reds, the lack of offense was the culprit in a lost week in New York.
The two teams set out to regroup starting Monday night in Cincinnati in this three-game interleague series.
Minnesota (40-35) is still in second in the AL Central, 5 1/2 games behind Kansas City, but has dropped three games in the standings since June 20 as its relievers have been inconsistent. They have a 6.15 ERA in that span, made higher after Blaine Boyer and Casey Fien allowed all five runs in their 5-3 defeat at Milwaukee on Sunday for their fifth loss in eight games.
For Fien, who served up two homers and allowed four runs in the eighth without retiring a batter, the five runs he's yielded in his last three outings matched his total from his first 18 appearances.
'There's strikes and then there's quality strikes and I didn't throw enough quality strikes,' Fien said. 'The strikes I did throw, they hit.'
Mike Pelfrey (5-4, 3.06 ERA) is winless in three starts but has pitched better in his last two after getting roughed up for eight runs and 11 hits in 3 2-3 innings of an 11-7 loss at Texas on June 13. He took the loss Tuesday versus the Chicago White Sox, who reached him for three runs and 10 hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 6-2 defeat.
While Pelfrey is 2-4 in his last eight starts, he has been backed with only 14 runs in those games and never received more than three in any contest over that span. The right-hander is facing Cincinnati for the first time since 2011 after going 4-2 in seven starts while with the New York Mets.
Manager Paul Molitor said he will likely rest outfielder Torii Hunter for one game in this series, but it likely won't be this one after he hit three homers in the previous two games. Though it's the first time Hunter will play at Cincinnati and face the Reds for the first time since 2001, he is 9 for 22 with a homer, five doubles and a triple in six lifetime games.
Cincinnati (34-40) was held to four runs in three losses to the Mets, going a combined 1 for 19 with runners in scoring position. After their defense contributed to a 2-1, 13-inning loss in the completion of Saturday's suspended game Sunday, the Reds let Stephen Matz have arguably the best start to a major league career of any player as the pitcher limited them to two runs in 7 2-3 innings and went 3 for 4 with four RBIs in Sunday's 7-2 defeat.
Brandon Phillips was one of the few offensive bright spots over the weekend, hitting safely in all three games, and is 9 for 29 with two homers, a triple and a double in a six-game hitting streak. He's also 7 for 19 with a homer against Pelfrey but is questionable after injuring both his hands Sunday.
"He had a problem with the left hand on a swing," manager Bryan Price explained to MLB's official website. "But then on his right hand when he went back in to try and tag Granderson at second, he got his hand jammed on that play.
"Right now both hands are probably on ice."
Mike Leake (5-4, 3.91) will try to win his third consecutive start and fourth straight decision for the Reds. He limited Pittsburgh to two runs in seven innings of a 5-2 victory Wednesday and is trying to wrap up a solid June during which he's gone 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Twins at Reds
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Twins at Reds
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Twins at Reds
Wed, Jul 1 - 12:35PM EDT
Preview: Indians (33-40) at Rays (42-35)
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 29, 2015 7:10 PM EDT
Cody Anderson's outstanding major league debut seemed to have the Cleveland Indians riding high toward the end of the month, but little has gone right for them since.
Fresh off one of the franchise's worst single-day performances in four decades, the Indians will look to avoid matching their longest losing streak of the season Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cleveland (33-41) was shut out in both ends of a doubleheader Sunday for the first time since Sept. 26, 1975, losing to Baltimore 4-0 and 8-0. Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor each went 0 for 7 over the sweep, as the Indians lost their seventh in nine games.
'Today was not a pretty day for us,' manager Terry Francona said. 'I don't see guys grinding the at-bat. We're not doing the things we're capable of doing.'
Francona's team has scored three runs and gone 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position while striking out 24 times in the three-game skid.
Anderson will face the Rays (42-35) for the second time looking to duplicate a stellar debut on June 21. He allowed six hits over 7 2-3 innings and did not factor into the decision of a 1-0 win - a performance that left Francona impressed.
"A small sample, like a game, I don't think defines somebody's career," Francona told MLB's official site. "But, besides the fact that he really pitched well, everything - from his poise to the way he competed, holding runners when he had to, fielding his position, covering first - he really (did well)."
He'll be facing a Tampa Bay team that has dropped two of three in each of its last two series, and fell 5-3 to Boston on Sunday.
Steven Souza Jr. went hitless for the fourth straight game, going 0 for 13. He's struck out 13 times during a 3-for-22 slump.
"We're playing good baseball, we're in every game," manager Kevin Cash said. "We know the way our team is we have to pitch well."
Newly acquired Grady Sizemore was one of the few bright spots in that defeat, going 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI in his Rays debut. The 32-year-old was signed by Tampa Bay to a minor league contract earlier this month, and expects to be a staple in the lineup against Cleveland, his former team.
"We're excited," Cash said. "We're going to face a string of right-handed pitching in these upcoming games and hopefully he can provide a little boost in our lineup. He's a veteran hitter. See if we can click a little bit."
Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28) takes the mound for the Rays seeking his fourth consecutive solid start. The right-hander has posted a 1.04 ERA in 17 1-3 innings over his last three outings, including 5 1-3 in a 4-1 win at Cleveland on June 19.
Karns, however, has fared far better away from Tropicana Field this season, posting a 2.25 ERA in road games, compared with 3.79 at home.
Michael Brantley is hitting just .202 in 32 career games against the Rays, his lowest versus any opponent with at least 10 meetings.
Evan Longoria is 9 for 24 during a six-game hitting streak overall, but is 2 for 17 in his last five meetings with Cleveland.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Indians at Rays
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Indians at Rays
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Indians at Rays
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 4
Indians at Rays
Thu, Jul 2 - 12:10PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 29, 2015 7:10 PM EDT
Cody Anderson's outstanding major league debut seemed to have the Cleveland Indians riding high toward the end of the month, but little has gone right for them since.
Fresh off one of the franchise's worst single-day performances in four decades, the Indians will look to avoid matching their longest losing streak of the season Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cleveland (33-41) was shut out in both ends of a doubleheader Sunday for the first time since Sept. 26, 1975, losing to Baltimore 4-0 and 8-0. Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor each went 0 for 7 over the sweep, as the Indians lost their seventh in nine games.
'Today was not a pretty day for us,' manager Terry Francona said. 'I don't see guys grinding the at-bat. We're not doing the things we're capable of doing.'
Francona's team has scored three runs and gone 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position while striking out 24 times in the three-game skid.
Anderson will face the Rays (42-35) for the second time looking to duplicate a stellar debut on June 21. He allowed six hits over 7 2-3 innings and did not factor into the decision of a 1-0 win - a performance that left Francona impressed.
"A small sample, like a game, I don't think defines somebody's career," Francona told MLB's official site. "But, besides the fact that he really pitched well, everything - from his poise to the way he competed, holding runners when he had to, fielding his position, covering first - he really (did well)."
He'll be facing a Tampa Bay team that has dropped two of three in each of its last two series, and fell 5-3 to Boston on Sunday.
Steven Souza Jr. went hitless for the fourth straight game, going 0 for 13. He's struck out 13 times during a 3-for-22 slump.
"We're playing good baseball, we're in every game," manager Kevin Cash said. "We know the way our team is we have to pitch well."
Newly acquired Grady Sizemore was one of the few bright spots in that defeat, going 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI in his Rays debut. The 32-year-old was signed by Tampa Bay to a minor league contract earlier this month, and expects to be a staple in the lineup against Cleveland, his former team.
"We're excited," Cash said. "We're going to face a string of right-handed pitching in these upcoming games and hopefully he can provide a little boost in our lineup. He's a veteran hitter. See if we can click a little bit."
Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28) takes the mound for the Rays seeking his fourth consecutive solid start. The right-hander has posted a 1.04 ERA in 17 1-3 innings over his last three outings, including 5 1-3 in a 4-1 win at Cleveland on June 19.
Karns, however, has fared far better away from Tropicana Field this season, posting a 2.25 ERA in road games, compared with 3.79 at home.
Michael Brantley is hitting just .202 in 32 career games against the Rays, his lowest versus any opponent with at least 10 meetings.
Evan Longoria is 9 for 24 during a six-game hitting streak overall, but is 2 for 17 in his last five meetings with Cleveland.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Indians at Rays
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Indians at Rays
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Indians at Rays
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 4
Indians at Rays
Thu, Jul 2 - 12:10PM EDT
Preview: Royals (43-28) at Astros (43-34)
Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 29, 2015 8:10 PM EDT
The Kansas City Royals' contact-hitting approach is one reason they are developing into a mainstay as an AL contender.
The Houston Astros are using an all-or-nothing approach at the plate to muscle their way into contention.
These division leaders with contrasting hitting styles meet for the first time Monday night in Houston to start a three-game series.
Kansas City (44-28) ended its 29-year postseason drought last year, and the AL Central leaders are now out to win their first division title in 30 years. The contact-hitting Royals are second in the majors with a .273 average, have struck out the fewest times (420) and drawn the fewest walks (152).
"We know what we're up against, we know that they're a good team, they've got a good record, they've got good talent, they got a million guys going to the All-Star Game as of right now," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "So we'll show up prepared, ready to play and they're going to be a tough team to match up against."
Houston (44-34) leads the West and is poised to end a six-year stretch of losing seasons and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. The Astros lead the majors with 110 homers and 728 strikeouts, and also are among baseball's leaders with 241 walks.
The Royals have won four straight after a three-game sweep at Oakland in which their pitchers did not allow a homer and their starters posted a 1.89 ERA. Kansas City has allowed the AL's fewest homers with 56.
Kansas City will get its first look at sensational Houston shortstop Carlos Correa, who is 5 for 8 with a homer and three doubles in his last two games. Correa has a .930 OPS since being recalled June 8 from the minors.
Lorenzo Cain figures to return to the lineup after he did not start Sunday's 5-3 win after tweaking his hamstring stealing a base Saturday. Eric Hosmer is day to day after he left early Sunday due to a sprained left ring finger suffered Saturday. Alcides Escobar is expected to start Monday despite having a split nail on his right index finger.
Kendrys Morales is batting .357 in an 11-game hitting streak.
The Royals will start Joe Blanton (2-0, 1.73 ERA), who improved to 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two starts after giving up one run in six-plus innings in last Monday's 4-1 victory at Seattle. It's been a remarkable turnaround since coming out of retirement.
"Being able to get back was kind of almost the Pinnacle and now I'm just riding it out and enjoying it," he said.
The right-hander is 3-2 with a 2.77 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros. Jose Altuve is 5 for 14 against him and Chris Carter is 3 for 8 with three homers.
Blanton will be opposed by rookie Lance McCullers (3-2, 2.33), who is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in four home starts. The right-hander surrendered one run in six innings in Wednesday's 2-1, 13-inning defeat to the Los Angeles Angels.
McCullers is averaging 10.10 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting hitters to a .189 average.
The visiting team went 6-0 in this series last year.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Royals at Astros
Mon, Jun 29 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Royals at Astros
Tue, Jun 30 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Royals at Astros
Wed, Jul 1 - 8:10PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 29, 2015 8:10 PM EDT
The Kansas City Royals' contact-hitting approach is one reason they are developing into a mainstay as an AL contender.
The Houston Astros are using an all-or-nothing approach at the plate to muscle their way into contention.
These division leaders with contrasting hitting styles meet for the first time Monday night in Houston to start a three-game series.
Kansas City (44-28) ended its 29-year postseason drought last year, and the AL Central leaders are now out to win their first division title in 30 years. The contact-hitting Royals are second in the majors with a .273 average, have struck out the fewest times (420) and drawn the fewest walks (152).
"We know what we're up against, we know that they're a good team, they've got a good record, they've got good talent, they got a million guys going to the All-Star Game as of right now," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "So we'll show up prepared, ready to play and they're going to be a tough team to match up against."
Houston (44-34) leads the West and is poised to end a six-year stretch of losing seasons and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. The Astros lead the majors with 110 homers and 728 strikeouts, and also are among baseball's leaders with 241 walks.
The Royals have won four straight after a three-game sweep at Oakland in which their pitchers did not allow a homer and their starters posted a 1.89 ERA. Kansas City has allowed the AL's fewest homers with 56.
Kansas City will get its first look at sensational Houston shortstop Carlos Correa, who is 5 for 8 with a homer and three doubles in his last two games. Correa has a .930 OPS since being recalled June 8 from the minors.
Lorenzo Cain figures to return to the lineup after he did not start Sunday's 5-3 win after tweaking his hamstring stealing a base Saturday. Eric Hosmer is day to day after he left early Sunday due to a sprained left ring finger suffered Saturday. Alcides Escobar is expected to start Monday despite having a split nail on his right index finger.
Kendrys Morales is batting .357 in an 11-game hitting streak.
The Royals will start Joe Blanton (2-0, 1.73 ERA), who improved to 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two starts after giving up one run in six-plus innings in last Monday's 4-1 victory at Seattle. It's been a remarkable turnaround since coming out of retirement.
"Being able to get back was kind of almost the Pinnacle and now I'm just riding it out and enjoying it," he said.
The right-hander is 3-2 with a 2.77 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros. Jose Altuve is 5 for 14 against him and Chris Carter is 3 for 8 with three homers.
Blanton will be opposed by rookie Lance McCullers (3-2, 2.33), who is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in four home starts. The right-hander surrendered one run in six innings in Wednesday's 2-1, 13-inning defeat to the Los Angeles Angels.
McCullers is averaging 10.10 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting hitters to a .189 average.
The visiting team went 6-0 in this series last year.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Royals at Astros
Mon, Jun 29 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Royals at Astros
Tue, Jun 30 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Royals at Astros
Wed, Jul 1 - 8:10PM EDT
Preview: Dodgers (43-34) at Diamondbacks (35-39)
Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: June 29, 2015 9:40 PM EDT
It's been 11 seasons since the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks eight straight times.
The Dodgers can accomplish that feat Monday night when starter Mike Bolsinger returns to Chase Field for the opener of a three-game set to oppose former Los Angeles draft pick Allen Webster.
Los Angeles (43-34) dropped the first two meetings before outscoring Arizona 41-18 over the next seven. The Dodgers have won 12 of the last 14 matchups and last took eight straight from July 5-Aug. 31, 2004.
Bolsinger (4-2, 2.95 ERA) was a 15th-round draft pick by the Diamondbacks in 2010 who went 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA for them last year as a rookie in 10 games - nine starts. He was traded in the offseason to Los Angeles.
The right-hander faced Arizona (36-39) for the first time June 8, allowing two runs in seven innings to earn a 9-3 victory.
Bolsinger is 0-1 with a 5.52 ERA in three starts since that win, giving up two runs in 4 2-3 innings in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He is 0-1 with a 3.81 ERA in five road outings.
The Diamondbacks will counter with Webster (1-1, 6.46), who the Dodgers selected in the 18th round in 2008 before he was dealt to Boston on Aug. 25, 2012, in a deal that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Los Angeles. Arizona acquired Webster in an offseason deal that sent Wade Miley to the Red Sox.
Webster has never faced the Dodgers. The only Los Angeles hitter he has seen is Howie Kendrick, who is 1 for 6 in this matchup.
The right-hander allowed five runs in 4 1-3 innings Wednesday in an 8-7 victory at Colorado.
The Dodgers are searching for offense on this 10-game trip, batting .208 through seven games. They have won four of their last five, though, after Zack Greinke pitched 7 2-3 effective innings in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Miami.
Yasiel Puig went 0 for 2 with three walks in his first start in four games after being limited by a torn callus on his left hand.
Justin Turner will return to Monday's lineup after he got a day off. He's batting .364 with six homers and 15 RBIs in his last 18 games.
Gonzalez went 6 for 13 over the weekend against the Marlins. He's at .235 in the season series with one of his team-high 48 RBIs.
Arizona center fielder A.J. Pollock will be back in the starting lineup after he began on the bench in Sunday's 6-4 win at San Diego. Pollock was out of the lineup for just the second time in 30 games because manager Chip Hale was concerned about fatigue.
Slugger Paul Goldschmidt has hit safely in his last nine games and is second in the majors with a 1.104 OPS. He is 15 for 36 with four homers and 10 RBIs in the season series.
The Diamondbacks ended a three-game slide Sunday. They failed to homer in those losses before Welington Castillo, Jake Lamb and David Peralta all went deep.
"The guys bounced back,' Hale said. 'Welington's home run was beautiful, Lamber off the lefty, that was nice. It was a day of home runs.'
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Mon, Jun 29 - 9:40PM EDT
GAME 2
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Tue, Jun 30 - 9:40PM EDT
GAME 3
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Wed, Jul 1 - 9:40PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: June 29, 2015 9:40 PM EDT
It's been 11 seasons since the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks eight straight times.
The Dodgers can accomplish that feat Monday night when starter Mike Bolsinger returns to Chase Field for the opener of a three-game set to oppose former Los Angeles draft pick Allen Webster.
Los Angeles (43-34) dropped the first two meetings before outscoring Arizona 41-18 over the next seven. The Dodgers have won 12 of the last 14 matchups and last took eight straight from July 5-Aug. 31, 2004.
Bolsinger (4-2, 2.95 ERA) was a 15th-round draft pick by the Diamondbacks in 2010 who went 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA for them last year as a rookie in 10 games - nine starts. He was traded in the offseason to Los Angeles.
The right-hander faced Arizona (36-39) for the first time June 8, allowing two runs in seven innings to earn a 9-3 victory.
Bolsinger is 0-1 with a 5.52 ERA in three starts since that win, giving up two runs in 4 2-3 innings in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He is 0-1 with a 3.81 ERA in five road outings.
The Diamondbacks will counter with Webster (1-1, 6.46), who the Dodgers selected in the 18th round in 2008 before he was dealt to Boston on Aug. 25, 2012, in a deal that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Los Angeles. Arizona acquired Webster in an offseason deal that sent Wade Miley to the Red Sox.
Webster has never faced the Dodgers. The only Los Angeles hitter he has seen is Howie Kendrick, who is 1 for 6 in this matchup.
The right-hander allowed five runs in 4 1-3 innings Wednesday in an 8-7 victory at Colorado.
The Dodgers are searching for offense on this 10-game trip, batting .208 through seven games. They have won four of their last five, though, after Zack Greinke pitched 7 2-3 effective innings in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Miami.
Yasiel Puig went 0 for 2 with three walks in his first start in four games after being limited by a torn callus on his left hand.
Justin Turner will return to Monday's lineup after he got a day off. He's batting .364 with six homers and 15 RBIs in his last 18 games.
Gonzalez went 6 for 13 over the weekend against the Marlins. He's at .235 in the season series with one of his team-high 48 RBIs.
Arizona center fielder A.J. Pollock will be back in the starting lineup after he began on the bench in Sunday's 6-4 win at San Diego. Pollock was out of the lineup for just the second time in 30 games because manager Chip Hale was concerned about fatigue.
Slugger Paul Goldschmidt has hit safely in his last nine games and is second in the majors with a 1.104 OPS. He is 15 for 36 with four homers and 10 RBIs in the season series.
The Diamondbacks ended a three-game slide Sunday. They failed to homer in those losses before Welington Castillo, Jake Lamb and David Peralta all went deep.
"The guys bounced back,' Hale said. 'Welington's home run was beautiful, Lamber off the lefty, that was nice. It was a day of home runs.'
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Mon, Jun 29 - 9:40PM EDT
GAME 2
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Tue, Jun 30 - 9:40PM EDT
GAME 3
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Wed, Jul 1 - 9:40PM EDT
Preview: Rockies (33-41) at Athletics (34-43)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: June 29, 2015 10:05 PM EDT
There's hasn't been a whole lot for the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics to feel good about this season.
At least a young player for each team is making each game a little more exciting.
Nolan Arenado looks to extend a pair of impressive streaks for the Rockies, while Athletics rookie Billy Burns brings one of his own into Monday night's matchup in Oakland.
Colorado (33-42) appears headed for a fifth consecutive losing season, sitting last in the NL West with one of the majors' worst records. Pitching is again a huge issue for the Rockies, who rank last in baseball with a 4.94 ERA and have received only five quality starts in the past 18 games.
The offense, however, seems to be in very good hands with Arenado leading the way for a team that leads the NL in runs (344) and is tied for the best batting average (.270).
After two solid years, Arenado is putting together a breakout season that should put him in the conversation with the best third basemen in the game.
He homered twice in Sunday's 6-3 loss at San Francisco, giving him a career-high 24 this season and eight in his last seven games. Arenado is batting .379 with 21 RBIs during a 15-game hitting streak and set a franchise record for consecutive games (12) with at least one hit and one run scored.
His three RBIs Sunday gave him a major league-leading 68. Thirty-three have come 33 in June, seven more than any other player this month.
'Every time I get a ball up in the zone lately, I've been hitting them,' Arenado said. 'I've been sticking with a plan and it's been going good. I'll stick with that."
Oakland (34-44) can empathize with Colorado, also last in its division with a double-digit deficit to first-place Houston. The Athletics appeared to be turning a corner with nine wins in 11 games, but they scored seven runs while being swept in a three-game set by Kansas City.
'We were playing really good ball lately and this happens,' said rookie third baseman Max Muncy, who made a key error in Sunday's 5-3 loss.
Burns returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a hip flexor. His leadoff single sparked a two-run third inning and extended his hitting streak to 16 games in which he's batting .365.
Burns is one away from tying the Oakland rookie hitting streak record of 17 games shared by Mike Edwards (1978), Luis Polonia (1987) and Terrence Long (2000).
The A's will try to avoid their second four-game skid this month behind resurgent Kendall Graveman (4-4, 3.86 ERA). Since he was recalled from the minors in late May, the rookie right-hander has gone 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA in seven starts after he posted an 8.27 ERA in his first four.
He regrouped from two straight tough-luck losses with another strong performance Wednesday in an 8-2 victory at Texas. Spotted a five-run lead before he even took the mound, Graveman limited the Rangers to two runs over seven-plus innings.
'It's the guy we saw in spring training, he just needed a little break after a few starts, and went down there and made use of his time,' manager Bob Melvin said.
The Rockies have lost 18 of 20 interleague games, including all six this season, and will send struggling David Hale (2-2, 5.86) to the mound Monday.
The right-hander is 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA in his last three outings after going 2-0 with a 4.12 mark in his first three. He lasted a season-low 4 2-3 innings Wednesday against Arizona and allowed five runs, eight hits and three walks before leaving without a decision in an 8-7 loss.
Hale is 0-2 with a 10.32 ERA in seven interleague games, including one start.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rockies at Athletics
Mon, Jun 29 - 10:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Rockies at Athletics
Tue, Jun 30 - 10:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Rockies at Athletics
Wed, Jul 1 - 3:35PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: June 29, 2015 10:05 PM EDT
There's hasn't been a whole lot for the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics to feel good about this season.
At least a young player for each team is making each game a little more exciting.
Nolan Arenado looks to extend a pair of impressive streaks for the Rockies, while Athletics rookie Billy Burns brings one of his own into Monday night's matchup in Oakland.
Colorado (33-42) appears headed for a fifth consecutive losing season, sitting last in the NL West with one of the majors' worst records. Pitching is again a huge issue for the Rockies, who rank last in baseball with a 4.94 ERA and have received only five quality starts in the past 18 games.
The offense, however, seems to be in very good hands with Arenado leading the way for a team that leads the NL in runs (344) and is tied for the best batting average (.270).
After two solid years, Arenado is putting together a breakout season that should put him in the conversation with the best third basemen in the game.
He homered twice in Sunday's 6-3 loss at San Francisco, giving him a career-high 24 this season and eight in his last seven games. Arenado is batting .379 with 21 RBIs during a 15-game hitting streak and set a franchise record for consecutive games (12) with at least one hit and one run scored.
His three RBIs Sunday gave him a major league-leading 68. Thirty-three have come 33 in June, seven more than any other player this month.
'Every time I get a ball up in the zone lately, I've been hitting them,' Arenado said. 'I've been sticking with a plan and it's been going good. I'll stick with that."
Oakland (34-44) can empathize with Colorado, also last in its division with a double-digit deficit to first-place Houston. The Athletics appeared to be turning a corner with nine wins in 11 games, but they scored seven runs while being swept in a three-game set by Kansas City.
'We were playing really good ball lately and this happens,' said rookie third baseman Max Muncy, who made a key error in Sunday's 5-3 loss.
Burns returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a hip flexor. His leadoff single sparked a two-run third inning and extended his hitting streak to 16 games in which he's batting .365.
Burns is one away from tying the Oakland rookie hitting streak record of 17 games shared by Mike Edwards (1978), Luis Polonia (1987) and Terrence Long (2000).
The A's will try to avoid their second four-game skid this month behind resurgent Kendall Graveman (4-4, 3.86 ERA). Since he was recalled from the minors in late May, the rookie right-hander has gone 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA in seven starts after he posted an 8.27 ERA in his first four.
He regrouped from two straight tough-luck losses with another strong performance Wednesday in an 8-2 victory at Texas. Spotted a five-run lead before he even took the mound, Graveman limited the Rangers to two runs over seven-plus innings.
'It's the guy we saw in spring training, he just needed a little break after a few starts, and went down there and made use of his time,' manager Bob Melvin said.
The Rockies have lost 18 of 20 interleague games, including all six this season, and will send struggling David Hale (2-2, 5.86) to the mound Monday.
The right-hander is 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA in his last three outings after going 2-0 with a 4.12 mark in his first three. He lasted a season-low 4 2-3 innings Wednesday against Arizona and allowed five runs, eight hits and three walks before leaving without a decision in an 8-7 loss.
Hale is 0-2 with a 10.32 ERA in seven interleague games, including one start.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rockies at Athletics
Mon, Jun 29 - 10:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Rockies at Athletics
Tue, Jun 30 - 10:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Rockies at Athletics
Wed, Jul 1 - 3:35PM EDT
Preview: Brewers (28-48) at Phillies (26-50)
Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 29, 2015 7:05 PM EDT
In a battle of the National League's worst, both teams are coming in relatively hot.
The Milwaukee Brewers face the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night for the start of a four-game series that can determine baseball's last-place team.
Milwaukee (29-48) got home runs from Ryan Braun and Adam Lind in a 5-3 victory over Minnesota on Sunday to win its second straight series.
Braun is 10 for 30 in his last nine games with two homers and eight RBIs.
"There's still three months of baseball left," Braun told MLB's official website. "And I think we've gotten to a point where we need to get back to wanting to win, to feeling like we're going to win, to showing up and feeling like we have a legitimate chance to win."
Jonathan Lucroy is mired in a 3-for-23 slump, but could be poised for a big series this week. He's 18 for 39 (.462) with hour homers and 11 runs in 10 career games in Philadelphia.
'We've got some good hitters in the lineup,' Lucroy said. 'We've got to put it all together, so we can get all clicking.'
This series marks the first time this season that the Brewers will play a team with a lower winning percentage.
"There's a challenge every night in front of a major league baseball player," manager Craig Counsell told MLB's official website. "The challenge is to perform every single night, no matter what the record is, and I think we've done a good job of responding to that challenge. That's the challenge that these guys live for."
Jimmy Nelson (4-8, 4.34 ERA) takes the hill for a Brewers team that has posted a 2.83 ERA over the past six games. The right-hander had struggled with a 1-3 record and 6.86 ERA in June, but rebounded with eight two-hit innings in a 4-1 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday.
"I know I have the ability to go out there and perform like that, or close to that, every time I go out there," said Nelson. "It's not so much the ups and downs, the really highs and really lows. It's just trying to stay on a level plane."
Philadelphia (27-50) snapped a three-game skid with an 8-5 victory over Washington in the back end of Sunday's doubleheader after dropping the first game 3-2.
Cesar Hernandez matched a career high with four hits and Maikel Franco added three RBIs to give the Phillies their first win under interim manager Pete Mackanin.
Philadelphia has won four of seven and averaged 9.8 runs in those victories.
'It's nice to see,' Mackanin said. 'We have it in us to do it more often and confidence is the factor.'
Confidence doesn't seem to be a problem for Franco, who is batting .421 with 14 RBIs in his last nine games.
Sean O'Sullivan (1-5, 5.34) struggled in his last outing, but has been far more comfortable at Citizens Bank Park. The right-hander allowed six runs in 4 1-3 innings Tuesday and did not factor into the decision of an 11-6 win at the New York Yankees.
O'Sullivan has a 3.48 ERA at home, compared with 7.67 on the road, and lost his only meeting with Milwaukee 3-1 at Miller Park on July 24, 2013, while with San Diego.
Philadelphia swept a four-game set in Milwaukee on July 7-10, but suffered a three-game sweep of their own at home April 8-10, 2014.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Brewers at Phillies
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Brewers at Phillies
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Brewers at Phillies
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Brewers at Phillies
Thu, Jul 2 - 6:35PM EDT
Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 29, 2015 7:05 PM EDT
In a battle of the National League's worst, both teams are coming in relatively hot.
The Milwaukee Brewers face the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night for the start of a four-game series that can determine baseball's last-place team.
Milwaukee (29-48) got home runs from Ryan Braun and Adam Lind in a 5-3 victory over Minnesota on Sunday to win its second straight series.
Braun is 10 for 30 in his last nine games with two homers and eight RBIs.
"There's still three months of baseball left," Braun told MLB's official website. "And I think we've gotten to a point where we need to get back to wanting to win, to feeling like we're going to win, to showing up and feeling like we have a legitimate chance to win."
Jonathan Lucroy is mired in a 3-for-23 slump, but could be poised for a big series this week. He's 18 for 39 (.462) with hour homers and 11 runs in 10 career games in Philadelphia.
'We've got some good hitters in the lineup,' Lucroy said. 'We've got to put it all together, so we can get all clicking.'
This series marks the first time this season that the Brewers will play a team with a lower winning percentage.
"There's a challenge every night in front of a major league baseball player," manager Craig Counsell told MLB's official website. "The challenge is to perform every single night, no matter what the record is, and I think we've done a good job of responding to that challenge. That's the challenge that these guys live for."
Jimmy Nelson (4-8, 4.34 ERA) takes the hill for a Brewers team that has posted a 2.83 ERA over the past six games. The right-hander had struggled with a 1-3 record and 6.86 ERA in June, but rebounded with eight two-hit innings in a 4-1 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday.
"I know I have the ability to go out there and perform like that, or close to that, every time I go out there," said Nelson. "It's not so much the ups and downs, the really highs and really lows. It's just trying to stay on a level plane."
Philadelphia (27-50) snapped a three-game skid with an 8-5 victory over Washington in the back end of Sunday's doubleheader after dropping the first game 3-2.
Cesar Hernandez matched a career high with four hits and Maikel Franco added three RBIs to give the Phillies their first win under interim manager Pete Mackanin.
Philadelphia has won four of seven and averaged 9.8 runs in those victories.
'It's nice to see,' Mackanin said. 'We have it in us to do it more often and confidence is the factor.'
Confidence doesn't seem to be a problem for Franco, who is batting .421 with 14 RBIs in his last nine games.
Sean O'Sullivan (1-5, 5.34) struggled in his last outing, but has been far more comfortable at Citizens Bank Park. The right-hander allowed six runs in 4 1-3 innings Tuesday and did not factor into the decision of an 11-6 win at the New York Yankees.
O'Sullivan has a 3.48 ERA at home, compared with 7.67 on the road, and lost his only meeting with Milwaukee 3-1 at Miller Park on July 24, 2013, while with San Diego.
Philadelphia swept a four-game set in Milwaukee on July 7-10, but suffered a three-game sweep of their own at home April 8-10, 2014.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Brewers at Phillies
Mon, Jun 29 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Brewers at Phillies
Tue, Jun 30 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Brewers at Phillies
Wed, Jul 1 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Brewers at Phillies
Thu, Jul 2 - 6:35PM EDT
Preview: Rangers at Orioles
GAME: Texas Rangers (38-38) at Baltimore Orioles (41-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: 122, -132 TOTAL: 8.5
The Texas Rangers are losers of seven of their last eight games and are about to run into a team on fire. The Baltimore Orioles look for their fifth straight win and eighth in nine games when they host the Rangers in the opener of a four-game series on Monday.
The Orioles swept a doubleheader from the Cleveland Indians by a combined score of 12-0 on Sunday to move into a tie for first place in the American League East. The sweep marked the first time Baltimore recorded a shutout in both ends of a doubleheader since 1974. The Rangers are not having as much success scoring runs and were limited to two or fewer runs in seven of the last 10 games. Texas will try to turn things around when they go up against Orioles right-hander Bud Norris, who will be opposed by Rangers lefty Wandy Rodriguez.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 4.06 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Bud Norris (2-6, 6.70)
Rodriguez is hoping to put a terrible outing behind him after getting rocked for eight runs on 11 hits in four innings against Oakland on Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native had surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his six previous outings. Rodriguez went 1 2/3 innings against Baltimore on May 21 last season and was charged with six runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk.
Norris was let down by his defense at Boston on Wednesday and was charged with five unearned runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings to absorb the loss. The 30-year-old allowed two earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last two outings but took the loss in each as the offense managed a single run in both games. Norris last faced Texas on June 4 last season and was reached for five runs in as many innings but escaped with a win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis has hit safely in eight straight games and driven in a run in five in a row.
2. Texas OF Josh Hamilton (hamstring) could rejoin the team on Monday and be activated during the series.
3. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is enjoying a 10-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Orioles 9, Rangers 6
GAME: Texas Rangers (38-38) at Baltimore Orioles (41-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: 122, -132 TOTAL: 8.5
The Texas Rangers are losers of seven of their last eight games and are about to run into a team on fire. The Baltimore Orioles look for their fifth straight win and eighth in nine games when they host the Rangers in the opener of a four-game series on Monday.
The Orioles swept a doubleheader from the Cleveland Indians by a combined score of 12-0 on Sunday to move into a tie for first place in the American League East. The sweep marked the first time Baltimore recorded a shutout in both ends of a doubleheader since 1974. The Rangers are not having as much success scoring runs and were limited to two or fewer runs in seven of the last 10 games. Texas will try to turn things around when they go up against Orioles right-hander Bud Norris, who will be opposed by Rangers lefty Wandy Rodriguez.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 4.06 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Bud Norris (2-6, 6.70)
Rodriguez is hoping to put a terrible outing behind him after getting rocked for eight runs on 11 hits in four innings against Oakland on Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native had surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his six previous outings. Rodriguez went 1 2/3 innings against Baltimore on May 21 last season and was charged with six runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk.
Norris was let down by his defense at Boston on Wednesday and was charged with five unearned runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings to absorb the loss. The 30-year-old allowed two earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last two outings but took the loss in each as the offense managed a single run in both games. Norris last faced Texas on June 4 last season and was reached for five runs in as many innings but escaped with a win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis has hit safely in eight straight games and driven in a run in five in a row.
2. Texas OF Josh Hamilton (hamstring) could rejoin the team on Monday and be activated during the series.
3. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is enjoying a 10-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Orioles 9, Rangers 6
Preview: Brewers at Phillies
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (29-48) at Philadelphia Phillies (27-50)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -147, 136 TOTAL: 8
The Milwaukee Brewers look to make it three series wins in a row when they begin a four-game set against the Phillies in Philadelphia on Monday. After taking two of three from the New York Mets, Milwaukee did the same against Minnesota thanks to Sunday's 5-3 victory.
Ryan Braun snapped a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning with a two-run homer and Adam Lind added another two-run shot later in the frame as the Brewers concluded a 4-2 homestand. Philadelphia snapped a three-game slide by posting an 8-5 triumph over Washington in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Sunday. Cesar Hernandez went 4-for-4 and Maikel Franco collected three RBIs as the Phillies earned Pete Mackanin his first win after taking over on an interim basis for Ryne Sandberg, who resigned as manager on Friday. Philadelphia and Milwaukee own the two worst records in the major leagues, with the Phillies last at 27-50 and the Brewers just slightly better at 29-48.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (4-8, 4.34 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Sean O'Sullivan (1-5, 5.34)
After being knocked around for 21 hits over his previous two starts, Nelson bounced back to defeat the offensively challenged Mets on Wednesday, allowing one run and two hits in eight innings. The 26-year-old has yielded totals of two runs and 11 hits over 29 frames in his four victories this season. Nelson, who never has faced Philadelphia, is 2-5 with a 4.74 ERA in eight road outings in 2015.
O'Sullivan escaped with a no-decision against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday after surrendering six runs and 10 hits - four homers - in 4 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old is 0-3 in his last seven starts since defeating Arizona on May 17 for his first major-league victory since 2011 with Kansas City. O'Sullivan lost his only career start against Milwaukee despite allowing just two earned runs in 6 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy is a career .462 hitter at Citizens Bank Park, going 18-for-39 with four doubles, one triple, four home runs and 10 RBIs.
2. Franco had gone three games without driving in a run following back-to-back five-RBI performances against the Yankees.
3. Lind enters with an eight-game hitting streak thanks to Sunday's homer.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Phillies 1
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (29-48) at Philadelphia Phillies (27-50)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -147, 136 TOTAL: 8
The Milwaukee Brewers look to make it three series wins in a row when they begin a four-game set against the Phillies in Philadelphia on Monday. After taking two of three from the New York Mets, Milwaukee did the same against Minnesota thanks to Sunday's 5-3 victory.
Ryan Braun snapped a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning with a two-run homer and Adam Lind added another two-run shot later in the frame as the Brewers concluded a 4-2 homestand. Philadelphia snapped a three-game slide by posting an 8-5 triumph over Washington in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Sunday. Cesar Hernandez went 4-for-4 and Maikel Franco collected three RBIs as the Phillies earned Pete Mackanin his first win after taking over on an interim basis for Ryne Sandberg, who resigned as manager on Friday. Philadelphia and Milwaukee own the two worst records in the major leagues, with the Phillies last at 27-50 and the Brewers just slightly better at 29-48.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (4-8, 4.34 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Sean O'Sullivan (1-5, 5.34)
After being knocked around for 21 hits over his previous two starts, Nelson bounced back to defeat the offensively challenged Mets on Wednesday, allowing one run and two hits in eight innings. The 26-year-old has yielded totals of two runs and 11 hits over 29 frames in his four victories this season. Nelson, who never has faced Philadelphia, is 2-5 with a 4.74 ERA in eight road outings in 2015.
O'Sullivan escaped with a no-decision against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday after surrendering six runs and 10 hits - four homers - in 4 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old is 0-3 in his last seven starts since defeating Arizona on May 17 for his first major-league victory since 2011 with Kansas City. O'Sullivan lost his only career start against Milwaukee despite allowing just two earned runs in 6 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy is a career .462 hitter at Citizens Bank Park, going 18-for-39 with four doubles, one triple, four home runs and 10 RBIs.
2. Franco had gone three games without driving in a run following back-to-back five-RBI performances against the Yankees.
3. Lind enters with an eight-game hitting streak thanks to Sunday's homer.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Phillies 1
Preview: Red Sox at Blue Jays
GAME: Boston Red Sox (34-43) at Toronto Blue Jays (41-36)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 116, -126 TOTAL: 8.5
The last time the Boston Red Sox faced Toronto, the Blue Jays were in the midst of their best stretch in franchise history. The Red Sox are hoping for a better performance when they head to Toronto for the start of a four-game series on Monday.
The Blue Jays offense ripped Boston pitching for a total of 31 runs in a three-game sweep at Fenway Park June 12-14, and Toronto has taken five of the last six between the American League East rivals. The Red Sox began their road trip by taking two of three from Tampa Bay, securing their first series win against an AL East foe since April. The Blue Jays are not consistently putting up the big run totals that defined their 11-game winning streak and were held to three or fewer runs in four of the last five games. Toronto will take its swings at Boston right-hander Clay Buchholz while the Blue Jays will start the series with R.A. Dickey on the mound.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), SNET (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-6, 3.68 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (3-7, 4.88)
Buchholz is coming off back-to-back wins and has allowed a total of one earned run and 14 hits in as many innings over those outings. The Texan has not lost since May 26 and is keeping the ball in the park, going six straight games without giving up a homer. Buchholz is making his fourth start of the season against the Blue Jays and went 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA in the first three, with the lone win coming at Toronto.
Dickey took a loss at Tampa Bay on Tuesday but yielded three or fewer earned runs for the fifth straight start. The knuckleballer struggles to keep the ball in the zone at times and issued eight walks in 14 1/3 innings over his last two outings. Dickey is 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox in 2015 and was knocked around for six runs in as many innings against the division rivals at home on May 10.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LF Hanley Ramirez (hand) was sent back to Boston to undergo further testing and has missed the last four games.
2. Toronto C Russell Martin is 11-for-29 with nine runs and nine RBIs against the Red Sox this season.
3. Boston OF Alejandro De Aza has homered in three of the last four games.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 6
GAME: Boston Red Sox (34-43) at Toronto Blue Jays (41-36)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 116, -126 TOTAL: 8.5
The last time the Boston Red Sox faced Toronto, the Blue Jays were in the midst of their best stretch in franchise history. The Red Sox are hoping for a better performance when they head to Toronto for the start of a four-game series on Monday.
The Blue Jays offense ripped Boston pitching for a total of 31 runs in a three-game sweep at Fenway Park June 12-14, and Toronto has taken five of the last six between the American League East rivals. The Red Sox began their road trip by taking two of three from Tampa Bay, securing their first series win against an AL East foe since April. The Blue Jays are not consistently putting up the big run totals that defined their 11-game winning streak and were held to three or fewer runs in four of the last five games. Toronto will take its swings at Boston right-hander Clay Buchholz while the Blue Jays will start the series with R.A. Dickey on the mound.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), SNET (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-6, 3.68 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (3-7, 4.88)
Buchholz is coming off back-to-back wins and has allowed a total of one earned run and 14 hits in as many innings over those outings. The Texan has not lost since May 26 and is keeping the ball in the park, going six straight games without giving up a homer. Buchholz is making his fourth start of the season against the Blue Jays and went 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA in the first three, with the lone win coming at Toronto.
Dickey took a loss at Tampa Bay on Tuesday but yielded three or fewer earned runs for the fifth straight start. The knuckleballer struggles to keep the ball in the zone at times and issued eight walks in 14 1/3 innings over his last two outings. Dickey is 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox in 2015 and was knocked around for six runs in as many innings against the division rivals at home on May 10.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LF Hanley Ramirez (hand) was sent back to Boston to undergo further testing and has missed the last four games.
2. Toronto C Russell Martin is 11-for-29 with nine runs and nine RBIs against the Red Sox this season.
3. Boston OF Alejandro De Aza has homered in three of the last four games.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 6
Preview: Indians at Rays
GAME: Cleveland Indians (33-41) at Tampa Bay Rays (42-35)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 120, -130 TOTAL: 7
The Tampa Bay Rays lost a little momentum in the last eight days and look to begin turning things around when they host the struggling Cleveland Indians on Monday in the opener of a four-game set. Tampa Bay has dropped two straight series and lost five of its last seven games overall to fall into a virtual tie with Baltimore atop the American League East.
The Rays took two of three at Cleveland earlier this month and the Indians are only 1-5 since that series after being shut out in both ends of a doubleheader at Baltimore on Sunday. Cleveland, which was expected to contend for a playoff spot, has dropped 12 games behind first-place Kansas City in the AL Central and is 23rd in the majors in run scoring. Jason Kipnis went 6-for-10 against Tampa Bay in the most recent series, though, and stands second in the AL with 100 hits. Former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera has been red hot, going 15-for-40 over his last 10 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28)
Anderson did not factor in the decision despite turning in a stellar performance in his major-league debut against Tampa Bay on June 21. The 24-year-old from California tossed 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing six hits while striking out four and walking one. "Any time you're in a big stadium for the first time, the adrenaline takes over and you don't get as fatigued," Anderson told reporters of his longest outing as a professional.
Karns has been outstanding in his last three starts while yielding only two runs and scattering 16 hits combined over 17 1/3 innings, including a victory at Cleveland. The 27-year-old Pennsylvania native has given up two or fewer runs in 11 of his 15 starts, but managed to complete more than six innings just twice. Kipnis was 2-for-3 with a double June 19 against Karns, who allowed one run in 5 1/3 frames during a 4-1 victory that day.
WALK-OFFS
1. Former Indians OF Grady Sizemore had three hits and an RBI in his debut with the Rays on Sunday.
2. Cleveland OF David Murphy is 7-for-13 in his last six games after his sacrifice fly in the ninth inning beat Tampa Bay 1-0 on June 21.
3. The Indians, who are 18-18 on the road and 15-23 at home, took two of three games at Tampa Bay last season.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Rays 3
GAME: Cleveland Indians (33-41) at Tampa Bay Rays (42-35)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 120, -130 TOTAL: 7
The Tampa Bay Rays lost a little momentum in the last eight days and look to begin turning things around when they host the struggling Cleveland Indians on Monday in the opener of a four-game set. Tampa Bay has dropped two straight series and lost five of its last seven games overall to fall into a virtual tie with Baltimore atop the American League East.
The Rays took two of three at Cleveland earlier this month and the Indians are only 1-5 since that series after being shut out in both ends of a doubleheader at Baltimore on Sunday. Cleveland, which was expected to contend for a playoff spot, has dropped 12 games behind first-place Kansas City in the AL Central and is 23rd in the majors in run scoring. Jason Kipnis went 6-for-10 against Tampa Bay in the most recent series, though, and stands second in the AL with 100 hits. Former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera has been red hot, going 15-for-40 over his last 10 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28)
Anderson did not factor in the decision despite turning in a stellar performance in his major-league debut against Tampa Bay on June 21. The 24-year-old from California tossed 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing six hits while striking out four and walking one. "Any time you're in a big stadium for the first time, the adrenaline takes over and you don't get as fatigued," Anderson told reporters of his longest outing as a professional.
Karns has been outstanding in his last three starts while yielding only two runs and scattering 16 hits combined over 17 1/3 innings, including a victory at Cleveland. The 27-year-old Pennsylvania native has given up two or fewer runs in 11 of his 15 starts, but managed to complete more than six innings just twice. Kipnis was 2-for-3 with a double June 19 against Karns, who allowed one run in 5 1/3 frames during a 4-1 victory that day.
WALK-OFFS
1. Former Indians OF Grady Sizemore had three hits and an RBI in his debut with the Rays on Sunday.
2. Cleveland OF David Murphy is 7-for-13 in his last six games after his sacrifice fly in the ninth inning beat Tampa Bay 1-0 on June 21.
3. The Indians, who are 18-18 on the road and 15-23 at home, took two of three games at Tampa Bay last season.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Rays 3
Preview: Twins at Reds
GAME: Minnesota Twins (40-35) at Cincinnati Reds (34-40)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: 146, -159 TOTAL: 8
The Cincinnati Reds attempt to bounce back from a lost weekend in New York when they host the Minnesota Twins in the opener of their three-game interleague series on Monday. Cincinnati posted back-to-back victories at Pittsburgh prior to visiting the Mets, who recorded a pair of 2-1 triumphs before completing the three-game sweep with a 7-2 win on Sunday.
Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier hit solo homers in the finale for the Reds, who have won seven of their last eight home games. Minnesota has alternated wins and losses over its last seven contests, with Sunday's 5-3 defeat in Milwaukee dropping it to 3-4 in that stretch. Torii Hunter launched a two-run shot for the Twins, who lost for the sixth time in eight road games. The 39-year-old Hunter is wielding a hot bat, going 4-for-8 with a double, three homers and four RBIs in his last two contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mike Leake (5-4, 3.91)
Pelfrey is coming off his second loss in three starts as he yielded three runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 31-year-old is only 2-3 over his last seven outings despite allowing fewer than two runs on five occasions. Pelfrey has made eight career appearances (seven starts) versus Cincinnati, going 4-2 with one complete game and a 5.09 ERA.
Leake improved to 3-0 over his last five starts on Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in seven innings en route to the victory at Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old has given up three runs or fewer in each outing during his unbeaten streak after surrendering five or more in three straight turns. Leake settled for a no-decision in his only career start against Minnesota despite yielding only two runs over eight frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Hunter passed Gary Gaetti for seventh place on the Twins' all-time list with his two homers on Saturday and climbed within four of Kirby Puckett for sixth on Sunday with his 203rd blast with the club.
2. Cincinnati is 3-8 in interleague play this season but won its only home game against an American League team, defeating Detroit on June 17.
3. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins has converted 24 straight save opportunities, tying him with Eddie Guardado for the second-longest streak in club history. Joe Nathan owns the team mark of 27, set from May 8-Aug. 15, 2004.
PREDICTION: Reds 5, Twins 2
GAME: Minnesota Twins (40-35) at Cincinnati Reds (34-40)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: 146, -159 TOTAL: 8
The Cincinnati Reds attempt to bounce back from a lost weekend in New York when they host the Minnesota Twins in the opener of their three-game interleague series on Monday. Cincinnati posted back-to-back victories at Pittsburgh prior to visiting the Mets, who recorded a pair of 2-1 triumphs before completing the three-game sweep with a 7-2 win on Sunday.
Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier hit solo homers in the finale for the Reds, who have won seven of their last eight home games. Minnesota has alternated wins and losses over its last seven contests, with Sunday's 5-3 defeat in Milwaukee dropping it to 3-4 in that stretch. Torii Hunter launched a two-run shot for the Twins, who lost for the sixth time in eight road games. The 39-year-old Hunter is wielding a hot bat, going 4-for-8 with a double, three homers and four RBIs in his last two contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mike Leake (5-4, 3.91)
Pelfrey is coming off his second loss in three starts as he yielded three runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 31-year-old is only 2-3 over his last seven outings despite allowing fewer than two runs on five occasions. Pelfrey has made eight career appearances (seven starts) versus Cincinnati, going 4-2 with one complete game and a 5.09 ERA.
Leake improved to 3-0 over his last five starts on Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in seven innings en route to the victory at Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old has given up three runs or fewer in each outing during his unbeaten streak after surrendering five or more in three straight turns. Leake settled for a no-decision in his only career start against Minnesota despite yielding only two runs over eight frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Hunter passed Gary Gaetti for seventh place on the Twins' all-time list with his two homers on Saturday and climbed within four of Kirby Puckett for sixth on Sunday with his 203rd blast with the club.
2. Cincinnati is 3-8 in interleague play this season but won its only home game against an American League team, defeating Detroit on June 17.
3. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins has converted 24 straight save opportunities, tying him with Eddie Guardado for the second-longest streak in club history. Joe Nathan owns the team mark of 27, set from May 8-Aug. 15, 2004.
PREDICTION: Reds 5, Twins 2
Preview: Royals at Astros
GAME: Kansas City Royals (44-28) at Houston Astros (44-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 122, -132 TOTAL: 7.5
The Houston Astros battled one team fighting for the top of its division to a draw over the weekend, and the schedule does not get any easier. The Astros will test themselves in a battle of division leaders when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Houston worked its way to the top of the American League West with its powerful offense but needed its pitching staff to pull out two wins over the New York Yankees, capped by an eight-inning gem from Collin McHugh in Sunday’s 3-1 triumph. A large part of the Astros offense of late is coming from rookie Carlos Correra, who is 5-for-8 with three runs scored, three doubles and a home run in the last two games. The Royals are getting some strong starting pitching as well and have allowed a total of nine runs during a four-game winning streak. Joe Blanton will try to keep that run alive for Kansas City while rookie Lance McCullers gets the nod for Houston on Monday.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, ROOT Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Joe Blanton (2-0, 1.73 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (3-2, 2.33)
Blanton continues to surprise and won each of his first two starts since moving into the rotation. The veteran, who had not started in the majors since 2013 before making the transition from the bullpen, allowed a run on two hits and struck out seven without issuing a walk over six innings at Seattle last Monday. Blanton is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three road games – one start – in 2015.
McCullers was held out of the win column at the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday despite yielding one run on four hits and three walks in six innings. The 21-year-old is fighting his control a bit of late and has issued 10 walks in 15 1/3 innings over his last three starts. McCullers is making his first career appearance against Kansas City and is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in four home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Royals SS Alcides Escobar has hit safely in 12 of the last 13 games.
2. Houston 1B Chris Carter is 3-for-30 over his last eight games.
3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas is hitting .354 in night games.
PREDICTION: Astros 8, Royals 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (44-28) at Houston Astros (44-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 29 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 122, -132 TOTAL: 7.5
The Houston Astros battled one team fighting for the top of its division to a draw over the weekend, and the schedule does not get any easier. The Astros will test themselves in a battle of division leaders when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Houston worked its way to the top of the American League West with its powerful offense but needed its pitching staff to pull out two wins over the New York Yankees, capped by an eight-inning gem from Collin McHugh in Sunday’s 3-1 triumph. A large part of the Astros offense of late is coming from rookie Carlos Correra, who is 5-for-8 with three runs scored, three doubles and a home run in the last two games. The Royals are getting some strong starting pitching as well and have allowed a total of nine runs during a four-game winning streak. Joe Blanton will try to keep that run alive for Kansas City while rookie Lance McCullers gets the nod for Houston on Monday.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, ROOT Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Joe Blanton (2-0, 1.73 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (3-2, 2.33)
Blanton continues to surprise and won each of his first two starts since moving into the rotation. The veteran, who had not started in the majors since 2013 before making the transition from the bullpen, allowed a run on two hits and struck out seven without issuing a walk over six innings at Seattle last Monday. Blanton is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three road games – one start – in 2015.
McCullers was held out of the win column at the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday despite yielding one run on four hits and three walks in six innings. The 21-year-old is fighting his control a bit of late and has issued 10 walks in 15 1/3 innings over his last three starts. McCullers is making his first career appearance against Kansas City and is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in four home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Royals SS Alcides Escobar has hit safely in 12 of the last 13 games.
2. Houston 1B Chris Carter is 3-for-30 over his last eight games.
3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas is hitting .354 in night games.
PREDICTION: Astros 8, Royals 3
