Jack Jones
Jul 24 '17, 10:10 PM
MLB | MIN vs LAD
Play on: OVER 9½ -110
Jack's Free Pick Monday: Twins/Dodgers OVER 9.5
Expect plenty of runs in tonight's game between the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Both teams are throwing their worst starters in Bartolo Colon and Hyun-Jin Ryu, respectively. Double-digit runs shouldn't be a problem in this one.
It's unbelievable that the Twins actually picked up Colon midseason. He has gone 2-9 with an 8.19 ERA and 1.791 WHIP in 14 starts this season. He is 0-3 with a 13.88 ERA and 2.399 WHIP in his last three starts. The Twins surely could have found someone better to help them in their wild card chase.
Ryu has struggled to a 3-6 record with a 4.46 ERA and 1.442 WHIP in 13 starts this season. He has already allowed 15 homers in 68 2/3 innings as the long ball continue to be his Achilles' heel. He has allowed 11 of those homers in 32 2/3 innings at Dodger Stadium.
Colon is 8-1 to the OVER when the total is 8.5 to 10 this season. The OVER is 6-1 in Twins last seven interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. The OVER is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings. Bet the OVER in this game Monday.
Jul 24 '17, 10:10 PM
MLB | MIN vs LAD
Play on: OVER 9½ -110
Jack's Free Pick Monday: Twins/Dodgers OVER 9.5
Expect plenty of runs in tonight's game between the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Both teams are throwing their worst starters in Bartolo Colon and Hyun-Jin Ryu, respectively. Double-digit runs shouldn't be a problem in this one.
It's unbelievable that the Twins actually picked up Colon midseason. He has gone 2-9 with an 8.19 ERA and 1.791 WHIP in 14 starts this season. He is 0-3 with a 13.88 ERA and 2.399 WHIP in his last three starts. The Twins surely could have found someone better to help them in their wild card chase.
Ryu has struggled to a 3-6 record with a 4.46 ERA and 1.442 WHIP in 13 starts this season. He has already allowed 15 homers in 68 2/3 innings as the long ball continue to be his Achilles' heel. He has allowed 11 of those homers in 32 2/3 innings at Dodger Stadium.
Colon is 8-1 to the OVER when the total is 8.5 to 10 this season. The OVER is 6-1 in Twins last seven interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. The OVER is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings. Bet the OVER in this game Monday.
GAME: Chicago White Sox (38-57) at Chicago Cubs (51-46)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitchers have been dominant since the All-Star break, and they get a key member of the rotation back Monday. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks returns from a seven-week stint on the disabled list to take the mound in the opener of a four-game, home-and-home series against the crosstown-rival Chicago White Sox.
Cubs starters have posted a 2.41 ERA and seven quality starts in nine games since the break, as Chicago has won eight of nine to move into a tie with Milwaukee atop the National League Central. Hendricks hopes to continue that trend in his return from a lengthy bout with tendinitis in his throwing hand. The White Sox will miss former left-hander Jose Quintana, who started in the Cubs’ 5-3 victory in the rubber match of a three-game series against visiting St. Louis on Sunday. The White Sox have the worst record in the American League and have dropped nine straight dating to the final game before the All-Star break, though five of those defeats were by one run.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago (White Sox), ABC 7 (Cubs)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (4-9, 4.89 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 4.09)
Gonzalez has been the victim of poor run support as the White Sox have scored three or fewer runs in seven of his last 10 starts. The 33-year-old made his first start since June 14 on Tuesday and held the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run over six innings but took the loss in a 1-0 defeat. Gonzalez has faced the Cubs twice, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.
Hendricks was inconsistent early in the season, often struggling with his usually pinpoint command before landing on the disabled list. The 27-year-old has issued 21 walks in 61 2/3 innings compared with 44 in 190 frames while winning the NL ERA title last season. Hendricks is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts against the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs RH Wade Davis has converted all 20 save opportunities this season, tied for the fourth-longest streak in franchise history and the longest in a single season.
2. The White Sox are batting .154 with runners in scoring position and averaging 2.7 runs during their nine-game skid.
3. The Cubs are batting .337 with runners in scoring position since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, White Sox 3
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitchers have been dominant since the All-Star break, and they get a key member of the rotation back Monday. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks returns from a seven-week stint on the disabled list to take the mound in the opener of a four-game, home-and-home series against the crosstown-rival Chicago White Sox.
Cubs starters have posted a 2.41 ERA and seven quality starts in nine games since the break, as Chicago has won eight of nine to move into a tie with Milwaukee atop the National League Central. Hendricks hopes to continue that trend in his return from a lengthy bout with tendinitis in his throwing hand. The White Sox will miss former left-hander Jose Quintana, who started in the Cubs’ 5-3 victory in the rubber match of a three-game series against visiting St. Louis on Sunday. The White Sox have the worst record in the American League and have dropped nine straight dating to the final game before the All-Star break, though five of those defeats were by one run.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago (White Sox), ABC 7 (Cubs)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (4-9, 4.89 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 4.09)
Gonzalez has been the victim of poor run support as the White Sox have scored three or fewer runs in seven of his last 10 starts. The 33-year-old made his first start since June 14 on Tuesday and held the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run over six innings but took the loss in a 1-0 defeat. Gonzalez has faced the Cubs twice, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.
Hendricks was inconsistent early in the season, often struggling with his usually pinpoint command before landing on the disabled list. The 27-year-old has issued 21 walks in 61 2/3 innings compared with 44 in 190 frames while winning the NL ERA title last season. Hendricks is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts against the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs RH Wade Davis has converted all 20 save opportunities this season, tied for the fourth-longest streak in franchise history and the longest in a single season.
2. The White Sox are batting .154 with runners in scoring position and averaging 2.7 runs during their nine-game skid.
3. The Cubs are batting .337 with runners in scoring position since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, White Sox 3
GAME: Houston Astros (65-33) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-62)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros own the best road record in baseball, and they have a chance to add a few more victories away from home when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game interleague series that begins Monday. Houston is 35-12 on the road after beginning a nine-game trip by winning two of three at Baltimore over the weekend.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have the worst record in the majors and are 18-26 at home, although they took two of three from National League Central-leading Milwaukee after posting a 6-3 win on Sunday. Philadelphia has captured five of its last seven overall contests. The Astros are just 5-4 since the All-Star break but possess the best record in the American League by a wide margin and lead the AL West by 17 games. Philadelphia's Vince Velasquez, a second-round pick of the Astros in the 2010 draft, will face his former team for the first time in the series opener.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (8-1, 2.49 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-5, 5.14)
Peacock continued his breakout season with his fifth consecutive win Tuesday against Seattle, holding the Mariners to one run and three hits over seven innings while striking out nine. The 29-year-old has posted a 1.82 ERA with 35 strikeouts during his five-start winning streak. Peacock is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies.
Velasquez was excellent at Miami on Tuesday, holding the Marlins to two runs - one earned - over six innings but settled for a no-decision. It was the 25-year-old’s first start since May 30 after spending six weeks on the disabled list with a strained flexor in his right elbow. Velasquez has struggled to a 6.26 ERA in five home starts this season after going 4-3 with a 2.88 ERA at home a year ago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve is hitting .500 with four homers, 15 runs, and 16 RBIs during his career-best 15-game hitting streak.
2. Philadelphia has scored five or more runs in seven straight games, its longest such streak in a single season since an eight-game run in 2005.
3. Houston INF Marwin Gonzalez has hit safely in six straight games, registering multiple hits in each of his last three contests.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Phillies 4
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros own the best road record in baseball, and they have a chance to add a few more victories away from home when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game interleague series that begins Monday. Houston is 35-12 on the road after beginning a nine-game trip by winning two of three at Baltimore over the weekend.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have the worst record in the majors and are 18-26 at home, although they took two of three from National League Central-leading Milwaukee after posting a 6-3 win on Sunday. Philadelphia has captured five of its last seven overall contests. The Astros are just 5-4 since the All-Star break but possess the best record in the American League by a wide margin and lead the AL West by 17 games. Philadelphia's Vince Velasquez, a second-round pick of the Astros in the 2010 draft, will face his former team for the first time in the series opener.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (8-1, 2.49 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-5, 5.14)
Peacock continued his breakout season with his fifth consecutive win Tuesday against Seattle, holding the Mariners to one run and three hits over seven innings while striking out nine. The 29-year-old has posted a 1.82 ERA with 35 strikeouts during his five-start winning streak. Peacock is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies.
Velasquez was excellent at Miami on Tuesday, holding the Marlins to two runs - one earned - over six innings but settled for a no-decision. It was the 25-year-old’s first start since May 30 after spending six weeks on the disabled list with a strained flexor in his right elbow. Velasquez has struggled to a 6.26 ERA in five home starts this season after going 4-3 with a 2.88 ERA at home a year ago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve is hitting .500 with four homers, 15 runs, and 16 RBIs during his career-best 15-game hitting streak.
2. Philadelphia has scored five or more runs in seven straight games, its longest such streak in a single season since an eight-game run in 2005.
3. Houston INF Marwin Gonzalez has hit safely in six straight games, registering multiple hits in each of his last three contests.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Phillies 4
GAME: Oakland Athletics (44-54) at Toronto Blue Jays (44-54)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two teams with identical disappointing records begin a four-game series Monday, when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Oakland Athletics. A third straight postseason appearance likely isn't in the cards for Toronto (44-54), which sits in the basement of the American League East after being on the wrong end of a three-game sweep at Cleveland over the weekend.
The Blue Jays began the second half of the season with a 3-7 road trip, are 10 games behind division-leading Boston and 6 1/2 out of the second AL wild-card spot. Slugger Jose Bautista has recorded just one RBI over his last seven games, striking out 12 times in that span - including three in Sunday's 8-1 loss to the Indians. Oakland, which is languishing in last place in the AL West, salvaged the finale of its three-game road series against the New York Mets on Sunday with a 3-2 triumph. Rookie Matt Chapman belted a solo homer (one of three on the day by the Athletics) in the seventh inning to snap a tie, giving him two blasts in as many days and four in nine contests since the All-Star break.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (Oakland), Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Smith (0-0, 2.77 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Francisco Liriano (5-5, 6.15)
Smith will be making his third start of the season - and the third of his career - after 63 relief appearances over parts of four major-league campaigns. The 36-year-old Californian is coming off a strong outing against Tampa Bay on Tuesday in which he allowed two runs - one earned - and three hits over seven innings. Smith was tagged for four runs and six hits - two homers - over 2 1/3 frames out of the bullpen at Toronto on Aug. 23, 2008 while with Boston.
Liriano will be starting on three days' rest in place of Aaron Sanchez, who has landed on the disabled list with a blister. The 33-year-old should be well-rested, as the Dominican lasted only 1 2/3 innings in a no-decision at Boston on Thursday after yielding three runs - two earned - and six hits. Liriano is 5-4 with a 4.30 ERA in 17 career appearances (15 starts) against the Athletics, including a no-decision at Oakland on June 7 in which he gave up four runs over five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki has missed two straight games with a sore groin and is questionable for the series opener.
2. Oakland OF Khris Davis is two shots away from his second straight 30-homer season and has belted 89 since July 23, 2015 - the most in the majors over that span.
3. Toronto acquired INF Rob Refsnyder from the New York Yankees for 1B Ryan McBroom and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Athletics 3
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two teams with identical disappointing records begin a four-game series Monday, when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Oakland Athletics. A third straight postseason appearance likely isn't in the cards for Toronto (44-54), which sits in the basement of the American League East after being on the wrong end of a three-game sweep at Cleveland over the weekend.
The Blue Jays began the second half of the season with a 3-7 road trip, are 10 games behind division-leading Boston and 6 1/2 out of the second AL wild-card spot. Slugger Jose Bautista has recorded just one RBI over his last seven games, striking out 12 times in that span - including three in Sunday's 8-1 loss to the Indians. Oakland, which is languishing in last place in the AL West, salvaged the finale of its three-game road series against the New York Mets on Sunday with a 3-2 triumph. Rookie Matt Chapman belted a solo homer (one of three on the day by the Athletics) in the seventh inning to snap a tie, giving him two blasts in as many days and four in nine contests since the All-Star break.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (Oakland), Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Smith (0-0, 2.77 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Francisco Liriano (5-5, 6.15)
Smith will be making his third start of the season - and the third of his career - after 63 relief appearances over parts of four major-league campaigns. The 36-year-old Californian is coming off a strong outing against Tampa Bay on Tuesday in which he allowed two runs - one earned - and three hits over seven innings. Smith was tagged for four runs and six hits - two homers - over 2 1/3 frames out of the bullpen at Toronto on Aug. 23, 2008 while with Boston.
Liriano will be starting on three days' rest in place of Aaron Sanchez, who has landed on the disabled list with a blister. The 33-year-old should be well-rested, as the Dominican lasted only 1 2/3 innings in a no-decision at Boston on Thursday after yielding three runs - two earned - and six hits. Liriano is 5-4 with a 4.30 ERA in 17 career appearances (15 starts) against the Athletics, including a no-decision at Oakland on June 7 in which he gave up four runs over five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki has missed two straight games with a sore groin and is questionable for the series opener.
2. Oakland OF Khris Davis is two shots away from his second straight 30-homer season and has belted 89 since July 23, 2015 - the most in the majors over that span.
3. Toronto acquired INF Rob Refsnyder from the New York Yankees for 1B Ryan McBroom and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Athletics 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (50-47) at Detroit Tigers (45-52)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals have had no shortage of drama in their recent surge and will try to stay hot when they hit the road Monday for the first of three games at the Detroit Tigers. Brandon Moss delivered an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Royals to a 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, their fourth walk-off victory during a 10-game homestand.
Kansas City has won five in a row overall, one shy of matching its longest winning streak of the season, and remains 1 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central. Whit Merrifield has been the primary catalyst and the second baseman had a pair of solo homers Sunday to finish the homestand with a .375 average and eight RBIs. The Tigers split four games at Kansas City last week and followed that up by taking two of three at Minnesota - capped by Sunday's 9-6 win behind Jose Iglesias, who homered and drove in three runs. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera returned from a collarbone issue but went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts to drop his average to .256, the lowest it has been in nearly two months.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (4-8, 4.81 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (5-7, 4.54)
Hammel has gone five straight starts without a win but he was solid opposite Verlander on Wednesday, allowing one run in 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old has let up three runs or fewer in eight of his last nine outings since giving up four runs in 4 1/3 frames against the Tigers on May 29. Hammel is 2-2 with a 6.98 ERA in 11 career games (eight starts) versus Detroit.
Verlander allowed two runs and struck out eight in seven innings against Kansas City his last time out, leaving him with a 2.57 ERA in three meetings with the Royals in 2017 compared to 4.97 against all other opponents. He has the highest walk rate of his career (4.2 per nine innings) but has issued exactly one free pass in three of his last six outings. The six-time All-Star has had good success against most Royals regulars, with the notable exception of catcher Salvador Perez, who is 25-for-61 with two homers and eight doubles against Verlander.
WALK-OFFS
1. Moss is 8-for-19 with two homers and eight RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tigers CF Alex Presley has back-to-back three-hit games and is batting .459 during his 10-game hitting streak.
3. Kansas City has 30 comeback wins, most in the AL.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Royals 4
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals have had no shortage of drama in their recent surge and will try to stay hot when they hit the road Monday for the first of three games at the Detroit Tigers. Brandon Moss delivered an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Royals to a 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, their fourth walk-off victory during a 10-game homestand.
Kansas City has won five in a row overall, one shy of matching its longest winning streak of the season, and remains 1 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central. Whit Merrifield has been the primary catalyst and the second baseman had a pair of solo homers Sunday to finish the homestand with a .375 average and eight RBIs. The Tigers split four games at Kansas City last week and followed that up by taking two of three at Minnesota - capped by Sunday's 9-6 win behind Jose Iglesias, who homered and drove in three runs. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera returned from a collarbone issue but went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts to drop his average to .256, the lowest it has been in nearly two months.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (4-8, 4.81 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (5-7, 4.54)
Hammel has gone five straight starts without a win but he was solid opposite Verlander on Wednesday, allowing one run in 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old has let up three runs or fewer in eight of his last nine outings since giving up four runs in 4 1/3 frames against the Tigers on May 29. Hammel is 2-2 with a 6.98 ERA in 11 career games (eight starts) versus Detroit.
Verlander allowed two runs and struck out eight in seven innings against Kansas City his last time out, leaving him with a 2.57 ERA in three meetings with the Royals in 2017 compared to 4.97 against all other opponents. He has the highest walk rate of his career (4.2 per nine innings) but has issued exactly one free pass in three of his last six outings. The six-time All-Star has had good success against most Royals regulars, with the notable exception of catcher Salvador Perez, who is 25-for-61 with two homers and eight doubles against Verlander.
WALK-OFFS
1. Moss is 8-for-19 with two homers and eight RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tigers CF Alex Presley has back-to-back three-hit games and is batting .459 during his 10-game hitting streak.
3. Kansas City has 30 comeback wins, most in the AL.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Royals 4
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (47-51) at Tampa Bay Rays (51-48)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays must lick their wounds after a disastrous weekend and move back in a positive direction when they host the American League East-rival Baltimore Orioles on Monday to open a three-game set. The Rays coughed up multiple-run leads in three straight setbacks against Texas at home to push their losing streak to four and lose some ground in the wild-card race.
“We put ourselves in a position we want to be in,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters of his team, which is in a virtual tie with Kansas City for the final AL wild-card position. “The way these three games have unfolded is not ideal, but I totally believe we can bounce back with a good series. … This team is good and we’ll respond.” The Rays will need a big effort from winless Blake Snell as he takes on Baltimore’s Kevin Gausman, who was dominant with nine strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against Tampa Bay on July 2. The Orioles have climbed back into contention with five victories in their last seven games, pulling within 3 ½ games of the AL’s second wild-card, while Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones are red-hot. Schoop is 13-for-27 with 15 RBIs and Jones 13-for-28 with 10 runs knocked in during six-game hitting streaks in which they’ve both gone deep three times.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (6-7, 6.11 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (0-5, 4.98)
Gausman is unbeaten in five consecutive outings after limiting Texas to one run on four hits over six innings in a 10-2 victory on Wednesday. The 26-year-old LSU product allowed one run over 18 1/3 innings in his last three wins, but opponents are batting .316 against him overall and he owns a 7.98 ERA on the road in 2017. Trevor Plouffe is 4-for-9 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 4-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Rays.
Snell is still looking for his first victory of the season, but the Rays snapped a five-game losing streak with him on the mound Tuesday at Oakland after he allowed three runs in four frames. The 24-year-old Seattle native has given up nine runs on 11 hits and 12 walks over 14 innings in three outings since being recalled from a stint at Triple-A Durham. Snell permitted four runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings in his only meeting with Baltimore last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Schoop is 10-for-32 with three homers and nine RBIs, while Jones is 10-for-37 with two blasts against the Rays in 2017.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has hit safely in 15 of his last 18 games, batting .333 with 12 RBIs during that stretch.
3. Baltimore LHP Zach Britton converted his AL-record 55th straight save opportunity Sunday in a 9-7 victory over Houston.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 4
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays must lick their wounds after a disastrous weekend and move back in a positive direction when they host the American League East-rival Baltimore Orioles on Monday to open a three-game set. The Rays coughed up multiple-run leads in three straight setbacks against Texas at home to push their losing streak to four and lose some ground in the wild-card race.
“We put ourselves in a position we want to be in,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters of his team, which is in a virtual tie with Kansas City for the final AL wild-card position. “The way these three games have unfolded is not ideal, but I totally believe we can bounce back with a good series. … This team is good and we’ll respond.” The Rays will need a big effort from winless Blake Snell as he takes on Baltimore’s Kevin Gausman, who was dominant with nine strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against Tampa Bay on July 2. The Orioles have climbed back into contention with five victories in their last seven games, pulling within 3 ½ games of the AL’s second wild-card, while Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones are red-hot. Schoop is 13-for-27 with 15 RBIs and Jones 13-for-28 with 10 runs knocked in during six-game hitting streaks in which they’ve both gone deep three times.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (6-7, 6.11 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (0-5, 4.98)
Gausman is unbeaten in five consecutive outings after limiting Texas to one run on four hits over six innings in a 10-2 victory on Wednesday. The 26-year-old LSU product allowed one run over 18 1/3 innings in his last three wins, but opponents are batting .316 against him overall and he owns a 7.98 ERA on the road in 2017. Trevor Plouffe is 4-for-9 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 4-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Rays.
Snell is still looking for his first victory of the season, but the Rays snapped a five-game losing streak with him on the mound Tuesday at Oakland after he allowed three runs in four frames. The 24-year-old Seattle native has given up nine runs on 11 hits and 12 walks over 14 innings in three outings since being recalled from a stint at Triple-A Durham. Snell permitted four runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings in his only meeting with Baltimore last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Schoop is 10-for-32 with three homers and nine RBIs, while Jones is 10-for-37 with two blasts against the Rays in 2017.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has hit safely in 15 of his last 18 games, batting .333 with 12 RBIs during that stretch.
3. Baltimore LHP Zach Britton converted his AL-record 55th straight save opportunity Sunday in a 9-7 victory over Houston.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 4
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (41-57) at Cleveland Indians (51-45)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians found their best form over the weekend and look to post a fourth straight victory when the Cincinnati Reds pay visit Monday for a make-up game to complete the Ohio Cup series. The American League Central-leading Indians had lost six of seven contests coming into Friday before winning three in a row against struggling Toronto while posting 23 runs and giving up just five.
Cleveland used three RBIs each from Brandon Guyer and All-Star Michael Brantley to support Corey Kluber’s 14-strikeout effort in an 8-1 victory over the Blue Jays to cap the weekend Sunday. Josh Tomlin goes after his third consecutive victory for the Indians on Monday against Tim Adleman for the Reds, who have lost 14 of their last 16 at Cleveland but won there on May 24 before the following day’s game was postponed. Cincinnati will try to win the Ohio Cup after taking two of three in the home-and-home set two months ago and must get more from slugger Joey Votto, who was 4-for-33 as the Reds went 2-8 on the homestand that ended with a 6-3 win over Miami on Sunday. Eugenio Suarez is warming up for Cincinnati with four homers during a seven-game hitting streak (10-for-26).
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Adleman (5-7, 4.96 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (6-9, 5.74)
Adleman is winless in his last four starts win in which he allowed 15 runs (14 earned) combined over 20 1/3 innings with 20 strikeouts. The 29-year-old Georgetown product has had trouble with the home run ball, giving up at least one blast in 10 consecutive games and 22 overall in 94 1/3 frames. Carlos Santana has a homer against Adleman, who yielded two runs on three hits and two walks over 3 1/3 innings of a loss to Cleveland in 2016.
Tomlin rebounded from a rough stretch with two consecutive victories, beating San Francisco and San Diego while permitting five runs and 10 hits over 14 1/3 innings combined. The 32-year-old Texan, who struck out 11 and did not walk a batter in those two outings, has issued just 11 bases on balls in 100 1/3 innings overall in 2017. Zack Cozart is 7-for-14 with two doubles and a triple against Tomlin, who is 2-3 with a 4.75 ERA lifetime versus the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati INF/OF Scooter Gennett is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor went 5-for-12 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs scored in the last series.
3. Reds C Tucker Barnhart, who homered Sunday, is 4-for-7 with a double against the Indians in 2017.
PREDICTION: Indians 7, Reds 4
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians found their best form over the weekend and look to post a fourth straight victory when the Cincinnati Reds pay visit Monday for a make-up game to complete the Ohio Cup series. The American League Central-leading Indians had lost six of seven contests coming into Friday before winning three in a row against struggling Toronto while posting 23 runs and giving up just five.
Cleveland used three RBIs each from Brandon Guyer and All-Star Michael Brantley to support Corey Kluber’s 14-strikeout effort in an 8-1 victory over the Blue Jays to cap the weekend Sunday. Josh Tomlin goes after his third consecutive victory for the Indians on Monday against Tim Adleman for the Reds, who have lost 14 of their last 16 at Cleveland but won there on May 24 before the following day’s game was postponed. Cincinnati will try to win the Ohio Cup after taking two of three in the home-and-home set two months ago and must get more from slugger Joey Votto, who was 4-for-33 as the Reds went 2-8 on the homestand that ended with a 6-3 win over Miami on Sunday. Eugenio Suarez is warming up for Cincinnati with four homers during a seven-game hitting streak (10-for-26).
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Adleman (5-7, 4.96 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (6-9, 5.74)
Adleman is winless in his last four starts win in which he allowed 15 runs (14 earned) combined over 20 1/3 innings with 20 strikeouts. The 29-year-old Georgetown product has had trouble with the home run ball, giving up at least one blast in 10 consecutive games and 22 overall in 94 1/3 frames. Carlos Santana has a homer against Adleman, who yielded two runs on three hits and two walks over 3 1/3 innings of a loss to Cleveland in 2016.
Tomlin rebounded from a rough stretch with two consecutive victories, beating San Francisco and San Diego while permitting five runs and 10 hits over 14 1/3 innings combined. The 32-year-old Texan, who struck out 11 and did not walk a batter in those two outings, has issued just 11 bases on balls in 100 1/3 innings overall in 2017. Zack Cozart is 7-for-14 with two doubles and a triple against Tomlin, who is 2-3 with a 4.75 ERA lifetime versus the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati INF/OF Scooter Gennett is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor went 5-for-12 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs scored in the last series.
3. Reds C Tucker Barnhart, who homered Sunday, is 4-for-7 with a double against the Indians in 2017.
PREDICTION: Indians 7, Reds 4
GAME: Miami Marlins (44-52) at Texas Rangers (48-50)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers ended a long road trip with three straight one-run wins and they will look to build upon their winning streak when they begin a nine-game homestand against the Miami Marlins on Monday. After opening the trip with a 2-5 mark, the Rangers eked out a pair of 4-3 victories at Tampa Bay before surviving Sunday's series finale 6-5.
Rougned Odor homered twice and Carlos Gomez delivered the go-ahead blast in the eighth for Texas, which received 10 1/3 scoreless innings from its bullpen in the series. The Marlins had a chance for a three-game road sweep of their own but dropped a 6-3 decision in Cincinnati on Sunday. Despite the setback, Miami is 7-2 in its last nine road games and it has also claimed five of eight previous meetings in Arlington. Adam Conley gets the nod for the Marlins in the series opener in his second game since returning from the minors, while fellow lefty Martin Perez goes for Texas.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-3, 6.75 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (5-7, 4.72)
Conley was solid in his return to the majors after making 12 starts for Triple-A New Orleans, allowing two runs in six innings in a no-decision against Philadelphia on Tuesday. "I think it's a step in the right direction," he told reporters. "I love the direction I'm headed but I still have a lot of work to do. Obviously, there's been benefits to the work I've been doing." The 27-year-old has never faced Texas and is 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in seven career games (six starts) in interleague action.
Perez gave up five runs in six innings in a loss at Baltimore his last time out, snapping his string of three straight winning decisions. He has completed at least six frames in two consecutive starts after doing so just once in his previous six outings. The Venezuela native is 21-16 with a 3.94 ERA in his career at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre begins the homestand with 2,989 career hits after recording two Sunday.
2. Marlins 2B Dee Gordon had three stolen bases over the weekend to move into a tie with Washington's Trea Turner for second in the National League with 35.
3. Rangers RF Nomar Mazara is hitless in 21 at-bats over his last six games.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Marlins 4
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 24 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers ended a long road trip with three straight one-run wins and they will look to build upon their winning streak when they begin a nine-game homestand against the Miami Marlins on Monday. After opening the trip with a 2-5 mark, the Rangers eked out a pair of 4-3 victories at Tampa Bay before surviving Sunday's series finale 6-5.
Rougned Odor homered twice and Carlos Gomez delivered the go-ahead blast in the eighth for Texas, which received 10 1/3 scoreless innings from its bullpen in the series. The Marlins had a chance for a three-game road sweep of their own but dropped a 6-3 decision in Cincinnati on Sunday. Despite the setback, Miami is 7-2 in its last nine road games and it has also claimed five of eight previous meetings in Arlington. Adam Conley gets the nod for the Marlins in the series opener in his second game since returning from the minors, while fellow lefty Martin Perez goes for Texas.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-3, 6.75 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (5-7, 4.72)
Conley was solid in his return to the majors after making 12 starts for Triple-A New Orleans, allowing two runs in six innings in a no-decision against Philadelphia on Tuesday. "I think it's a step in the right direction," he told reporters. "I love the direction I'm headed but I still have a lot of work to do. Obviously, there's been benefits to the work I've been doing." The 27-year-old has never faced Texas and is 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in seven career games (six starts) in interleague action.
Perez gave up five runs in six innings in a loss at Baltimore his last time out, snapping his string of three straight winning decisions. He has completed at least six frames in two consecutive starts after doing so just once in his previous six outings. The Venezuela native is 21-16 with a 3.94 ERA in his career at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre begins the homestand with 2,989 career hits after recording two Sunday.
2. Marlins 2B Dee Gordon had three stolen bases over the weekend to move into a tie with Washington's Trea Turner for second in the National League with 35.
3. Rangers RF Nomar Mazara is hitless in 21 at-bats over his last six games.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Marlins 4
