MLB
Monday, July 21
Weather info you must know for Indians-Twins matchup
The Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins open a three-game series at Target Field Monday, but bettors should be aware weather conditions in the forecast.
There is a 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms, but also wind blowing in from right field at 15 mph.
When wind blows in from right field at Target Field, the Over/Under record is 2-5 on the season. Oddsmakers have tabbed Monday's matchup with a total of nine.
Rain could be on tap at Turner Field Monday
The Atlanta Braves host the Miami Marlins from Turner Field Monday evening, but that game could be impacted by some rain.
According to DailyBaseballData.com, forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms with temperatures in the low-80s, dipping to high-70s.
Sportsbooks have the Braves as -200 home faves with a total of seven for the meeting of N.L. East rivals.
Niese to come off DL to start Monday for Mets
The Mets get a boost for their second-half hopes when left-handed starting pitcher Jon Niese comes off the disabled list to pitch the opener of a three-game series in Seattle.
Niese has been on the disabled list since July 5 with a left shoulder strain -- more specifically an inflammation in the AC joint in the shoulder.
Niese, 27, is 5-4 this season with a 2.96 earned-run average. But he has been battling shoulder and elbow soreness and has been limited to 17 starts. Niese has an opponents' batting average of .250 and has 74 strikeouts against 28 walks in 103 1/3 innings.
Niese left his July 4 start after pitching only one-third of an inning against the Texas Rangers. He went on the disabled list the following day.
Niese will be the only left-hander in the Mets rotation, joining right-handers Bartolo Colon, Dillon Gee, Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom.
Pirates cashing in with Volquez on the mound
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 4-0 in their last four games when Edinson Volquez gets the start.
Volquez is 8-6 with a 3.65 ERA on the season but has allowed a total of just three earned runs in 31 innings of work in those previous four starts.
The righty will take the mound at PNC Park with the Los Angeles Dodgers visiting Monday. The Bucs are currently -111 home faves with a total of 7.5.
Cubs to start Wada on Wednesday
Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada was chosen to start the Chicago Cubs' game Wednesday, manager Rick Renteria announced Sunday, a move that fills out the post-break rotation.
Wada, 33, has made one previous start in the majors this season, having given up one unearned run in five innings of a no-decision in the second game of a July 8 doubleheader at Cincinnati. Wada is 10-6 with a 2.77 ERA in 18 appearances, 17 starts at Triple-A Iowa this season.
The eyes of baseball focus on Cliff Lee tonight
The market for starting pitchers will get a little more interesting on Monday night. Actually it could get a lot more interesting if Cliff Lee pitches well. The left-hander will come off the disabled list to face the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park.