Monday 8/29/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (74-56) at Baltimore Orioles (71-59)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Baltimore Orioles have dropped off the pace in the American League East, but they have a chance to quickly make up ground when they host the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in the opener of a three-game series. Baltimore salvaged the finale of a three-game set at the New York Yankees on Sunday to remain three games behind Toronto.

The Orioles were stomped by a combined 27-9 in the first two games at New York before halting a three-game skid with a 5-0 victory Sunday, getting a pair of homers to push their total to a major league-best 204. Mark Trumbo has gone deep in back-to-back games and tops the majors with 40 homers, but he has yet to connect in 13 games against the Blue Jays this season. Baltimore's pitching staff will be tested by a Toronto offense that produced 32 runs and nine homers in a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins. Reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson put on a show against the Twins, going 6-for-10 with four homers, nine RBIs and six runs scored.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, TVA Sports, Sportsnet (Toronto), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-6, 3.47 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wade Miley (8-10, 5.51)

Estrada's ERA has jumped up by more than half a run in his last two starts after he was shelled for six runs on 10 hits over five innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. He served up three homers over four innings in a no-decision versus the Yankees in his previous turn and has surrendered six blasts during a three-start stretch. He is 1-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three starts versus Baltimore this season.

Miley earned his first victory in five starts since he was acquired by Seattle at the trade deadline, giving up a pair of runs over five innings to beat the Washington Nationals. The 29-year-old was rocked for six earned runs in each of his previous two turns but managed to escape with a pair of no-decisions. Miley dropped to 1-3 with a 6.04 ERA versus the Blue Jays after tossing six innings of two-run ball on July 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. Donaldson is riding a seven-game hitting streak overall, but he's batting only .212 this season versus Baltimore.

2. Orioles 3B Manny Machado, who went 7-for-14 against the Yankees, is batting .388 against the Orioles this year.

3. Toronto leads the season series 7-6.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Orioles 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Phillies

GAME: Washington Nationals (75-55) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-70)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Washington Nationals have not been performing like a team cruising toward the playoffs, allowing six runs per game while losing six of their last eight contests. Washington sends Tanner Roark to the mound to try and turn things around Monday when they visit the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies for the opener of a three-game set.

Rookie Trea Turner has remained hot during the Nationals’ swoon, recording multiple hits in six consecutive games while going a sizzling 16-for-28 during that span to raise his average to .345. Roark is 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts against the Phillies this season and is two away from his career high of 15 wins in 2014 for Washington, which leads the NL East by eight games. Highly-regarded rookie Jake Thompson will go for the Phillies, who defeated the New York Mets 5-1 on Sunday for only their fourth victory in 11 games. Philadelphia took four of six games against the Nationals in April, but has dropped the last six to the Nationals by a combined 38-16.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (13-7, 2.99 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Thompson (1-3, 9.78)

Roark is winless in his last two starts while allowing eight runs over 11 1/3 innings after winning the previous four outings. The 29-year-old Illinois product gave up three homers in the past two games, but is 6-2 on the road and has limited left-handed hitters to a .211 average in 2016. Cesar Hernandez is 4-for-9 versus Roark, who is 4-5 with a 4.35 ERA in his career over 10 games (eight starts) against the Phillies.

Thompson struggled through his first four major league starts, permitting 21 runs in 19 1/3 innings overall and posting one victory against Colorado in which he yielded three tallies in five frames. The 22-year-old was picked in the second round by Detroit in 2012 then traded to Texas before coming to Philadelphia in the Cole Hamels deal last season. Thompson was 11-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 21 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia C A.J. Ellis, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in the week, went 1-for-4 with a two-run double in his debut with the team Sunday.

2. Washington RF Bryce Harper is 10-for-25 with six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. The Phillies have committed just one error in the last 10 games (75 overall) and the Nationals own the second-least errors in the NL with 61.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Red Sox

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (55-74) at Boston Red Sox (72-58)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Rick Porcello attempts to record his major league-leading 18th victory when the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in the opener of a three-game series between the division rivals. Porcello, who is tied with Toronto's J.A. Happ for the most wins in the league, was thwarted in his attempt for No. 18 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, settling for a no-decision after allowing three runs in 7 2/3 innings.

Boston, which is atop the American League wild-card standings, could use another strong effort from the right-hander as it dropped a 10-4 decision to Kansas City on Sunday for its fourth loss in five contests and fell two games behind first-place Toronto in the AL East. The setback was not without an impressive moment for the Red Sox as David Ortiz belted his 534th career home run to tie Jimmie Foxx for 18th place on the all-time list and pull within two of matching Mickey Mantle for 17th. The Red Sox could be without Dustin Pedroia for the opener against Tampa Bay as the second baseman left the team Sunday to attend the funeral of a family member and may not be back in time for the contest. The Rays, who are buried in last place in the AL East, salvaged the finale of their three-game set at Houston on Sunday as a 15-hit attack helped support a 10-strikeout performance by Chris Archer in a 10-4 victory.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Matt Andriese (6-5, 3.71 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (17-3, 3.23)

Andriese squared off against Porcello on Wednesday and also walked away without a decision after allowing three runs and seven hits in six innings. The 27-year-old Californian won his first five decisions as a starter but has lost his last four and has served up eight home runs over 21 frames in his last four turns. Andriese has fared well against Boston in his career, going 1-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in four games (two starts) while limiting the Red Sox to a .193 average.

Tampa Bay is looking to become the first team to defeat Porcello at home this season, as the 27-year-old is 12-0 with a 2.96 ERA in 13 starts at Fenway Park. The native of New Jersey has won 11 of his last 12 overall decisions and has allowed a total of four earned runs over 22 innings in his last three victories. Porcello is 8-4 lifetime against the Rays and 3-0 in four outings this year, including a triumph at home July 9 in which he gave up one runs and six hits over seven frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays optioned RHP Steve Geltz, who was recalled earlier in the day and allowed one run and three hits in one inning against Houston, back to Triple-A Durham after Sunday's game.

2. Porcello has struggled against Rays INF Brad Miller, who has taken him deep three times in 15 career at-bats.

3. Tampa Bay is expected to activate RHP Alex Cobb, who has not pitched in the majors since 2014 due to Tommy John surgery but likely will start against Toronto next weekend.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 9, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Tigers

GAME: Chicago White Sox (63-66) at Detroit Tigers (69-61)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Detroit Tigers are hoping a pair of losses will not turn into a longer slide as they try to stay in the wild card race in the American League. The Tigers will see their third straight opponent with a losing record when they host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Detroit had no trouble breezing through a three-game road sweep of the Minnesota Twins last week but struggled a bit with the bats when they returned home and dropped two of three to the Los Angeles Angels. The Tigers totaled two runs in losses on Saturday and Sunday, capped by a 5-0 shutout, and fell two games behind the Baltimore Orioles for the second wild card while remaining 4 1/2 in back of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central. The White Sox have been out of the race but are still making their presence fell and did Detroit a favor by taking three of four from wild-card contender Seattle over the weekend. Chicago has won six of eight overall to pull within three games of .500, and its pitching staff is surrendering an average of 2.9 runs in that span.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPWR (Chicago), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (5-16, 5.98 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matt Boyd (5-2, 3.98)

Shields was sharp in July but is battling through a terrible August, going 0-4 with a 13.95 ERA in five starts this month. The 34-year-old surrendered 11 home runs in 15 innings over his last four turns and completed six innings only once in August. Shields’ tough month began at Detroit on Aug. 2, when he was lit up for six runs on nine hits and a pair of walks in five innings.

Boyd is looking for his fourth straight quality start and allowed a total of four runs in 19 innings over his last three outings. The Oregon State product struck out seven in six innings at Minnesota on Wednesday while scattering three runs and five hits. Boyd struggled in two career starts against Chicago, allowing a total of nine runs – seven earned - and 12 hits in 8 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox OF Adam Eaton left Sunday’s game after being hit by a pitch in the right forearm but x-rays were negative and he is day-to-day.

2. Detroit SS Jose Iglesias is 4-for-31 over his last nine games.

3. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu went 0-for-1 with a sacrifice fly and two HBPs on Sunday to snap a 10-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Tigers 9, White Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (49-81) at Cleveland Indians (73-56)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Cleveland Indians are buried in a deep offensive slump but have an ideal opponent to break out of their malaise against when the reeling Minnesota Twins come to town for a three-game series beginning Monday night. Cleveland has dropped five of its last six but maintains a 4 1/2-game lead over Detroit atop the American League Central.

Although the Indians briefly broke out of their funk with a 12-run outburst at Texas on Friday night, they scored one run or fewer six times on their seven-game road trip. They could find a panacea for their offensive woes in the form of the Twins, who have dropped 10 consecutive games and set a dubious franchise record Sunday by surrendering at least eight runs for the sixth straight contest. Although Cleveland lost five of seven on its recent road trip, it owns a 39-23 record at Progressive Field and has feasted on division rivals (33-17). Third baseman Trevor Plouffe went 5-for-11 with two homers and five RBIs over the weekend for Minnesota, which scored 21 runs but coughed up 32 while getting swept in Toronto.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Hector Santiago (10-8, 5.16 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (9-6, 3.88)

Santiago continues to regress since he was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels, for whom he won his last six starts and seven straight decisions. He was tagged for season highs in runs (8) and hits (11) while serving up three homers in a 10-0 loss at Kansas City to fall to 0-4 with a ghastly 10.89 in four starts with the Twins. He lost at Cleveland in his debut with Minnesota, giving up a pair of homers and four runs in five innings.

Bauer was victimized by an early five-run inning in a 5-1 loss at Oakland last time out, a setback that came after a dominating effort in which he struck out 13 and permitted two runs over eight innings in a no-decision versus Toronto. He had his worst outing of the season against Minnesota on Aug. 3, giving up eight runs in 2 2/3 innings to drop to 1-5 with a 5.86 ERA versus the Twins. Eddie Rosario is 8-for-16 against Bauer.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins OF Danny Santana was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder.

2. Indians 1B-DH Mike Napoli remains stuck on 29 homers after failing to go deep in his last 16 games.

3. Minnesota can match the third-longest skid in franchise history with a loss Monday. The team record is 14 losses in 1982.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Mets

GAME: Miami Marlins (67-63) at New York Mets (66-64)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Mets are trying to claw their way back into the battle for a National League wild card spot while the Miami Marlins seem to be sinking away from the top of that race. The Mets will try to take advantage of the slumping Marlins when they host the opener of a key four-game series on Monday.

New York has won six of eight but missed out on a chance to sweep the struggling Philadelphia Phillies when they suffered a 5-1 setback on Sunday. The Mets enter the week 2 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild card but have two other teams to climb over before even pulling up behind the Cardinals, including Miami. The Marlins are a game ahead of New York and 1 1/2 shy of St. Louis but dropped two of three to the San Diego Padres over the weekend and went 2-4 on the just-completed homestand. Miami totaled three runs in those four losses and is struggling to find thump in the middle of the lineup with Giancarlo Stanton (groin) out and new cleanup hitter Marcell Ozuna (no homers in his last nine games) slumping.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (13-7, 2.91 ERA) vs. Mets RH Rafael Montero (0-0, 11.57)

Fernandez bounced back from a rough outing at Cincinnati on Aug. 18 by breezing through seven scoreless innings against Kansas City on Wednesday. The Cuba native struck out nine in that outing and is second in the majors with 213 k’s on the season, including 59 in 41 1/3 innings since the All-Star break. Fernandez is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 19 innings spread over three starts against the Mets this season.

Montero is making his first start of the season as the Mets give Jacob deGrom a one-turn break in the rotation. The 25-year-old made two appearances out of the New York bullpen earlier in the season but spent most of the campaign between Double-A and Triple-A, where he combined to go 8-8 with a 5.15 ERA in 24 starts. Montero has faced Miami three times in his career – one start – without earning a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera (left knee) left Sunday’s game and is day-to-day.

2. Miami RF Ichiro Suzuki is 1-for-17 in his last seven games.

3. New York LF Yoenis Cespedes (quad) and 2B Neil Walker (back) each sat out Sunday and are day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Mets 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Brewers

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (68-61) at Milwaukee Brewers (56-74)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 7:20 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


In desperate need of a win to maintain their tenuous lead for the second wild-card spot in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals probably are happy to return to a place that has been a home away from home for a few seasons. The Cardinals look to improve on their major league-best road record and maintain their recent dominance over an NL Central rival on Monday, when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers.



St. Louis dropped two of three to Oakland over the weekend to fall to 30-37 at home and also watched its lead over Pittsburgh for the NL's final wild-card berth shrink to one-half game. A visit to Milwaukee may be the cure again, like it has been so many times in recent years, as the Cardinals have defeated the Brewers 57 times in their last 84 meetings - going 29-12 at Miller Park - since topping them in the NL Championship Series in 2011. Milwaukee has been extremely inconsistent over the last two weeks, following a six-game skid with a four-game winning streak before getting swept by the Pirates at home in a four-game series over the weekend. The Brewers have been outscored 73-28 while dropping nine of 12 in the season series versus the Cardinals.


TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (12-7, 3.13 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (10-6, 4.06)


Martinez cruised through another efficient turn for his second win in as many tries against the New York Mets on Wednesday, allowing one run and four hits while needing only 97 pitches to complete eight innings. The 24-year-old Dominican also was resourceful a week earlier at Houston, yielding only one run and three hits while fanning seven during a 79-pitch, seven-inning outing. Martinez easily won both of his previous starts versus the Brewers this season, giving up only one run and nine hits while striking out 19 over 13 frames.


Davies halted a three-game winless slide Wednesday with a strong showing at home versus Colorado, collecting the victory after holding the Rockies to a solo home run by Nolan Arenado and four other hits over six innings. The Arizona native has been much more effective at Miller Park this year, going 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA while posting a 3-2 record and 4.81 ERA on the road. Davies enjoyed the finest performance of his career in his only start against St. Louis on July 1, striking out a career-high nine over eight scoreless frames.


WALK-OFFS


1. St. Louis has homered in 17 straight games - the longest active streak in the league. It also matches the longest such run by the team this season (July 6-26).


2. Brewers SS Jonathan Villar homered for the 11th time in 550 plate appearances this season on Sunday, surpassing his total in 658 combined plate appearances over his first three years with Houston.


3. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter is 15-for-33 with 11 runs, five doubles, three triples and eight RBIs against Milwaukee this season.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rangers

GAME: Seattle Mariners (68-62) at Texas Rangers (77-54)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Texas Rangers affirmed their status as the top team in the American League with just over a month left in the regular season by taking three of four at home over the weekend from their closest challenger. The Rangers continue what well may be a season-defining 10-game homestand on Monday, when they open a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.



Texas held Cleveland to a total of one run in its three victories over the AL Central leader, maintaining its 2 1/2-game advantage over Toronto for the best record in the AL while sending the Indians tumbling one-half game behind the Blue Jays in the same race. After the Rangers complete this series with one of the two teams against which they hold an 8 1/2-game lead in the West, they will face the other as Houston visits Globe Life Park on Friday. The Mariners have dropped five of six to fall three games behind Baltimore for the second AL wild-card spot, and they likely will need a good showing in this series if they want to maintain realistic hopes of visiting the postseason for the first time since 2001. Seattle would like nothing more than to ride the bat of Kyle Seager, who is a career .339 hitter with eight home runs and 32 RBIs over 49 games in Arlington.


TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Southwest (Texas)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (14-9, 3.81 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (4-3, 2.91)


Iwakuma has factored into the decision in each of his last 18 turns (13-5, 3.56 ERA), although he lost consecutive outings for the first time during that streak after surrendering three runs over six innings Wednesday versus the New York Yankees. Despite his recent struggles, the 35-year-old is 5-3 with a 2.77 ERA in eight turns since the All-Star break. Iwakuma defeated Texas by allowing three runs over seven frames for his only win in four tries this season to improve to 9-5 with a 3.38 ERA against the Rangers in 18 career games (17 starts).


Darvish struggled with his command throughout six innings of work at Cincinnati on Wednesday, but he managed to escape with a no-decision despite permitting five runs - three earned - on four hits and a season-high five walks. The poor outing was a rare one for the three-time All-Star, who had recorded 48 strikeouts versus only four walks over his previous six turns. Darvish is 4-0 with a 2.80 ERA in eight home starts this season but only 1-2 despite posting a 3.14 ERA in four career turns versus the Mariners.


WALK-OFFS


1. The matchup between Darvish and Iwakuma will mark only the 14th time in major-league history two Japanese-born pitchers will square off. Incidentally, Iwakuma faced the New York Yankees' Masahiro Tanaka on Wednesday.


2. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano needs one double to become only the fourth major-leaguer to hit 30 in 12 consecutive seasons at any point of their careers. He is the only player ever to do so in each of his first 11 campaigns.


3. Rangers OF Carlos Gomez is hitless in 14 at-bats since belting a three-run homer in his first at-bat with Texas on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Cubs

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (67-61) at Chicago Cubs (82-47)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The Pittsburgh Pirates have surged into the thick of the National League wild-card race and will try to maintain that momentum when they begin a three-game road series against the majors’ best team on Monday. The Pirates have won four straight overall and eight in a row on the road heading into their clash with the Chicago Cubs, who hold a 14-game lead in the NL Central.



Chicago is beginning a seven-game stretch at home, where it has won four straight and 12 of its last 14, while the Pirates have outscored opponents 49-28 during their eight-game road winning streak. The Cubs have dominated the season series, claiming nine of 12 meetings - including five of six at Wrigley Field. Rookie Steven Brault will get the call to make a spot start for the Pirates in place of ace Gerrit Cole and face off against Jake Arrieta. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Arrieta is 24-10 with a 2.05 ERA all-time at Wrigley Field.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), CSN Chicago



PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Steven Brault (0-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (16-5, 2.62)

Brault will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to make a spot start for the third time this season. The 24-year-old’s last big-league turn was on July 29 at Milwaukee, and he suffered a tough-luck loss despite allowing three runs over six innings. Brault struggled in his last two minor-league outings, allowing 10 runs - nine earned - over 6 1/3 frames.

Arrieta has enjoyed a productive month, going 4-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four starts. The 30-year-old twice has worked eight scoreless innings over that stretch, including last time out at San Diego as he gave up two hits and three walks while striking out six. Arrieta is 9-2 with a 1.99 ERA in 13 starts against the Pirates, including a 3-1 record and 2.67 ERA in four meetings this season.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant is 20-for-41 with seven homers during his 10-game hitting streak while OF Jason Heyward is 9-for-27 during his seven-game run.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen, a career .315 hitter versus the Cubs, is 9-for-22 with two doubles and a homer during his six-game hitting streak.

3. The Cubs are 75-1 when leading after eight innings.



PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Astros

GAME: Oakland Athletics (57-73) at Houston Astros (68-62)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Oakland Athletics suddenly have the look of a team that might relish playing the spoiler down the stretch. The Athletics will try their hand at another playoff contender when they open a three-game series at the Houston Astros on Monday.

Oakland, which is closing in on its second straight losing season, has taken two of three from American League Central-leading Cleveland and NL wild card hopeful St. Louis in the past week, finishing off the Cardinals with a 7-4 triumph Sunday afternoon. Khris Davis homered for the seventh time in 15 games and Stephen Vogt slugged a three-run shot to pace Oakland, which also won two of three the last time it faced the Astros. Houston had won three in a row and seven of eight before dropping a 10-4 decision against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The loss left the Astros three games back in the race for the AL's second wild card.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (5-8, 4.53 ERA) vs. Astros RH Joe Musgrove (1-2, 5.20)

Manaea shined in a win over Cleveland on Tuesday, allowing one run and a season low-tying three hits while fanning eight over seven innings. The one run came on a home run and the 24-year-old has allowed eight of those in his last six outings. Manaea's major-league debut came against the Astros on April 29 and he allowed four runs in five innings, but the former first-round pick rebounded to spin seven scoreless in a no-decision at Houston on July 10.

After allowing three runs in 18 1/3 innings over his first three career starts, Musgrove has been pounded for 13 runs and 19 hits over 9 1/3 frames in his last two appearances. He also has just four strikeouts in those rocky outings after producing 21 over the course of the first three. The California native has managed to maintain his control with just three walks in 27 2/3 innings overall.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is hitting .353 over his last 12 games.

2. Houston RHP Luke Gregerson (ankle) hasn't pitched since Aug. 18 but could be available in this series, according to manager A.J. Hinch.

3. Oakland is 22-20 in the first game of a series but 35-53 in all other contests.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Athletics 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Royals

GAME: New York Yankees (67-62) at Kansas City Royals (68-62)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Two teams scrambling for a wild-card spot in the American League butt heads Monday as the Kansas City Royals host the New York Yankees for the opener of a three-game series. The reigning world champion, Kansas City sits three games behind Baltimore for the second wild card after using an eight-run rally in the sixth inning to erase a deficit and post a 10-4 triumph at Boston.

Raul Mondesi highlighted the outburst with a three-run triple as the Royals completed a 4-2 road trip and climbed within 5 1/2 games of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central. New York trails the Orioles by 3 1/2 games for the second wild-card spot after being blanked 5-0 by Baltimore on Sunday. The setback prevented the Yankees from completing a three-game sweep as they fell 6 1/2 behind the Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL East. Rookie Gary Sanchez was held without a home run in a game for just the second time in six contests but is riding a six-game hitting streak during which he is 12-for-23.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (6-10, 5.02 ERA) vs. Royals RH Dillon Gee (5-7, 4.55)

Pineda escaped Seattle last Monday with a no-decision after surrendering five runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against his former team. The 27-year-old Dominican has been victorious only once in his last five outings and has yielded five runs in four of his last nine turns. Pineda fell to 3-4 lifetime against Kansas City on May 11, when he was tagged for six runs on six hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings at home.

Gee pitched well in his last start at home, notching the victory over Minnesota on Aug. 18 after allowing just one run and five hits over seven innings, but was saddled with the loss at Miami on Wednesday as he yielded three runs in 5 1/3 frames. The 30-year-old Texan also picked up the win at Kauffman Stadium in a relief appearance on Aug. 10, striking out three over two scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox. Gee is 1-2 with a 3.04 ERA in four career games (three starts) versus New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have won six of their last eight road games and have scored at least five runs on six occasions during that span.

2. Kansas City LHP Matt Strahm has worked 13 scoreless frames over his last eight relief appearances after yielding a run in one-third of an inning in his major-league debut.

3. After this series, New York will play 27 of its last 30 games aginst division rivals.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Rockies

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (73-57) at Colorado Rockies (62-68)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The Los Angeles Dodgers have surged to the top of the National League West and will try to maintain or add to their lead when they begin a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Monday. The Dodgers have won two straight and six of their last eight to open a two-game lead over San Francisco after trailing the Giants by 6 1/2 at the All-Star break.



The Rockies aren’t in the picture for the division title as they trail the Dodgers by 11 games, but they are 6 1/2 behind St. Louis for the second NL wild card and have won three of their last four series. All three of those series victories have come against division leaders, with Washington becoming the latest victim by losing two of three over the weekend, and Colorado will try to rise to another challenge with the Dodgers in town. Nolan Arenado continued his recent tear by going 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs in Sunday’s 5-3 win and is 16-for-29 with five blasts and 13 RBIs over his last seven games. Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda will make his fourth start against Colorado – he is 2-1 with a 1.45 ERA in the first three meetings – and try to cool off Arenado and the Rockies.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), ROOT (Colorado)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (13-7, 3.37 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (8-6, 4.61)

Maeda has been steady - if unspectacular - of late, going 5-0 with a 3.74 ERA over his last six starts. The 28-year-old has produced just two quality starts over that stretch, but the Dodgers have won all six games. Maeda beat San Francisco last time out, allowing three runs and six hits over five innings.

Gray is winless over his last four starts and has posted a 10.00 ERA during that stretch, but he turned in a strong performance Tuesday at Milwaukee. The 24-year-old struck out 10 while allowing two runs and four hits in six innings of a no-decision for his first quality start since July 27. Gray is 1-2 with a 4.35 ERA in four starts against the Dodgers.



WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager (5-for-8, home run) and 1B Adrian Gonzalez (4-for-10, homer) have enjoyed success against Gray.

2. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu, who leads the National League with a .344 average, is 2-for-8 with a pair of strikeouts versus Maeda.

3. Dodgers RHP Kenley Jansen recorded his 39th save Sunday and has registered 22 of 31 outs this month via strikeout.



PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Angels

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (55-74) at Los Angeles Angels (56-74)
DATE/TIME: Monday, August 29 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Both teams take a break from playing the spoiler role when the Los Angeles Angels host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday in the opener of a three-game interleague series. Los Angeles and Cincinnati both sit in last place in their respective divisions but have been thorns in the sides of playoff contenders of late.

The Angels just finished up a 4-2 road trip during which they threw a wrench into the race atop the American League East and the AL wild card chase by winning series at Toronto and Detroit. Los Angeles has had issues with its pitching staff all season but had no trouble shutting down the powerful offenses of the Blue Jays and the Tigers with an average of three runs allowed on the trip, capped by Sunday’s 5-0 shutout in Detroit. The Reds dropped two of three at Arizona to begin its road trip over the weekend but did some spoiling of its own by winning a series against the Miami Marlins and splitting sets against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers on the last homestand. Cincinnati had some trouble getting the pitching and the offense on track at the same time over the weekend, posting a 13-0 win on Saturday followed by an 11-2 loss on Sunday.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Dan Straily (10-6, 3.57 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (8-13, 3.98)

Straily earned the win in each of his last six decisions and is enjoying a string of eight starts allowing two or fewer runs. The 27-year-old scattered three hits over six scoreless innings to beat Texas on Tuesday while striking out five. Straily has plenty of experience against Los Angeles from his time in the AL West with Oakland and Houston and is 1-3 with a 6.69 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels.

Shoemaker is coming off his own start of three hits allowed in six scoreless innings to earn a win at Toronto on Wednesday. The Michigan native earned the win in his last two outings and turned in four quality starts in his last five contests. Shoemaker is making his first career appearance against the Reds and is 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA in eight career interleague games – seven starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Scott Schebler is 7-for-16 with three home runs, seven RBIs and six runs scored in the last four games.

2. Los Angeles 3B Yunel Escobar (concussion) has been out since Aug. 19 but could return Monday.

3. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton, who leads the majors with 53 steals, has gone seven straight games without a stolen base.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Reds 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Toronto at Baltimore
W/L Trends



Toronto
•Blue Jays are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Blue Jays are 6-2 in their last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 12-4 in their last 16 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Blue Jays are 19-8 in their last 27 vs. American League East.
• Blue Jays are 19-9 in their last 28 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Blue Jays are 6-0 in Estradas last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Blue Jays are 6-1 in Estradas last 7 road starts.
• Blue Jays are 6-1 in Estradas last 7 starts vs. American League East.
• Blue Jays are 6-1 in Estradas last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Blue Jays are 6-1 in Estradas last 7 starts on grass.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 8-2 in Estradas last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 0-4 in Estradas last 4 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.




Baltimore
•Orioles are 39-14 in their last 53 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Orioles are 37-17 in their last 54 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Orioles are 15-7 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Orioles are 47-22 in their last 69 home games.
• Orioles are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win.
• Orioles are 2-5 in their last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 2-7 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League East.


OU Trends



Toronto
•Under is 7-1 in Blue Jays last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 5-1-1 in Blue Jays last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 9-2-1 in Blue Jays last 12 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Blue Jays last 6 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Blue Jays last 5 Monday games.
• Under is 10-3 in Blue Jays last 13 road games.
• Under is 10-3 in Blue Jays last 13 on grass.
• Under is 18-6-2 in Blue Jays last 26 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Blue Jays last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Blue Jays last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 20-8-1 in Blue Jays last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 10-4 in Blue Jays last 14 vs. American League East.
• Under is 10-4 in Blue Jays last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Estradas last 11 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 4-1 in Estradas last 5 starts overall.
• Under is 10-3 in Estradas last 13 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 10-3 in Estradas last 13 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2 in Estradas last 8 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 6-2 in Estradas last 8 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 11-4 in Estradas last 15 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 19-7 in Estradas last 26 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 19-7 in Estradas last 26 starts vs. a team with a winning record.




Baltimore
•Under is 7-1 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 18-3 in Orioles last 21 games following a win.
• Under is 13-3 in Orioles last 16 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Under is 15-4 in Orioles last 19 home games.
• Under is 11-3 in Orioles last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 19-6-2 in Orioles last 27 Monday games.
• Under is 10-4 in Orioles last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 10-4 in Orioles last 14 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 12-5 in Orioles last 17 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 7-3 in Orioles last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 27-12 in Orioles last 39 on grass.
• Under is 31-14 in Orioles last 45 overall.


Head to Head



•Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 starts vs. Orioles.
• Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
• Blue Jays are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Baltimore.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Washington at Philadelphia
W/L Trends



Washington
•Nationals are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Nationals are 7-3 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Nationals are 38-17 in their last 55 vs. National League East.
• Nationals are 11-5 in their last 16 Monday games.
• Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 overall.
• Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 games on grass.
• Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Nationals are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Nationals are 4-0 in Roarks last 4 road starts.
• Nationals are 4-0 in Roarks last 4 starts vs. National League East.
• Nationals are 5-0 in Roarks last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Nationals are 10-1 in Roarks last 11 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Nationals are 6-1 in Roarks last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Nationals are 13-3 in Roarks last 16 starts.
• Nationals are 13-3 in Roarks last 16 starts on grass.
• Nationals are 4-1 in Roarks last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Nationals are 7-2 in Roarks last 9 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Nationals are 6-2 in Roarks last 8 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Nationals are 2-6 in Roarks last 8 Monday starts.




Philadelphia
•Phillies are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 7-17 in their last 24 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Phillies are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 10-26 in their last 36 games following a win.
• Phillies are 6-21 in their last 27 Monday games.
• Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 1 of a series.
• Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends



Washington
•Over is 7-0 in Nationals last 7 vs. National League East.
• Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 games following a loss.
• Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 16-4-1 in Nationals last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 15-5-2 in Nationals last 22 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Under is 6-2 in Nationals last 8 Monday games.
• Over is 8-3 in Nationals last 11 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 road games.
• Over is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 33-16-2 in Nationals last 51 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 4-0 in Roarks last 4 Monday starts.
• Under is 5-1 in Roarks last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Roarks last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Roarks last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 4-1 in Roarks last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Roarks last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Roarks last 5 starts overall.
• Under is 7-3 in Roarks last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 16-7-1 in Roarks last 24 starts vs. National League East.




Philadelphia
•Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-1-1 in Phillies last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 8-1-1 in Phillies last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 8-1 in Phillies last 9 games following a win.
• Over is 8-1 in Phillies last 9 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Phillies last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 6-2-1 in Phillies last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Phillies last 28 overall.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Phillies last 28 on grass.
• Over is 8-3-2 in Phillies last 13 home games.
• Under is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 Monday games.
• Over is 10-4-1 in Phillies last 15 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 10-4-2 in Phillies last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 13-6 in Phillies last 19 vs. National League East.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Thompsons last 4 starts on grass.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Thompsons last 4 starts overall.


Head to Head



•Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
• Nationals are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
• Nationals are 8-1 in the last 9 meetings in Philadelphia.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Tampa Bay at Boston
W/L Trends



Tampa Bay
•Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rays are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rays are 17-36 in their last 53 during game 1 of a series.
• Rays are 17-40 in their last 57 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rays are 6-15 in their last 21 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rays are 14-37 in their last 51 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Rays are 7-20 in their last 27 games on grass.
• Rays are 7-21 in their last 28 road games.
• Rays are 11-40 in their last 51 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rays are 1-4 in their last 5 Monday games.
• Rays are 2-5 in Andrieses last 7 starts vs. American League East.
• Rays are 1-4 in Andrieses last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rays are 1-5 in Andrieses last 6 starts.
• Rays are 1-8 in Andrieses last 9 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rays are 0-5 in Andrieses last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.




Boston
•Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 Monday games.
• Red Sox are 7-2 in their last 9 during game 1 of a series.
• Red Sox are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Red Sox are 21-8 in their last 29 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Red Sox are 12-5 in their last 17 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 9-4 in their last 13 games on grass.
• Red Sox are 4-10 in their last 14 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Red Sox are 3-9 in their last 12 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Red Sox are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Red Sox are 4-0 in Porcellos last 4 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Red Sox are 6-0 in Porcellos last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Red Sox are 9-1 in Porcellos last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 8-1 in Porcellos last 9 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 5-1 in Porcellos last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Red Sox are 5-1 in Porcellos last 6 Monday starts.
• Red Sox are 5-1 in Porcellos last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 9-2 in Porcellos last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Red Sox are 7-2 in Porcellos last 9 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Red Sox are 19-7 in Porcellos last 26 home starts.
• Red Sox are 19-7 in Porcellos last 26 starts.
• Red Sox are 19-7 in Porcellos last 26 starts on grass.


OU Trends



Tampa Bay
•Over is 6-0 in Rays last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 6-0 in Rays last 6 road games.
• Over is 6-0 in Rays last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 6-0 in Rays last 6 on grass.
• Over is 6-0 in Rays last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 7-0 in Rays last 7 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 6-1 in Rays last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Over is 13-3 in Rays last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 8-2 in Rays last 10 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 16-4-7 in Rays last 27 Monday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Rays last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Rays last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 14-4 in Rays last 18 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 20-8 in Rays last 28 overall.
• Over is 5-1 in Andrieses last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Andrieses last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Andrieses last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Over is 4-1 in Andrieses last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Andrieses last 5 road starts.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Andrieses last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Andrieses last 5 starts vs. American League East.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Andrieses last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.




Boston
•Over is 3-0-1 in Red Sox last 4 on grass.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Red Sox last 4 home games.
• Over is 6-1 in Red Sox last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 games following a loss.
• Under is 11-3 in Red Sox last 14 vs. American League East.
• Under is 6-2 in Red Sox last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Red Sox last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Red Sox last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 20-7-1 in Red Sox last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 8-3 in Red Sox last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 8-3-1 in Red Sox last 12 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 21-8-3 in Red Sox last 32 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Porcellos last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 7-3 in Porcellos last 10 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 9-4 in Porcellos last 13 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 9-4 in Porcellos last 13 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Head to Head



•Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Red Sox are 6-2 in Porcellos last 8 starts vs. Rays.
• Under is 28-13 in the last 41 meetings in Boston.
• Rays are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
• Rays are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Chi. White Sox at Detroit
W/L Trends



Chi. White Sox
•White Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 Monday games.
• White Sox are 6-2 in their last 8 overall.
• White Sox are 6-2 in their last 8 games on grass.
• White Sox are 4-9 in their last 13 games following a win.
• White Sox are 7-16 in their last 23 road games.
• White Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League Central.
• White Sox are 2-5 in Shields' last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• White Sox are 2-5 in Shields' last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• White Sox are 1-4 in Shields' last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• White Sox are 1-4 in Shields' last 5 road starts.
• White Sox are 1-4 in Shields' last 5 starts.
• White Sox are 1-4 in Shields' last 5 starts on grass.
• White Sox are 1-5 in Shields' last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• White Sox are 0-4 in Shields' last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.




Detroit
•Tigers are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Tigers are 10-3 in their last 13 during game 1 of a series.
• Tigers are 24-8 in their last 32 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Tigers are 5-2 in their last 7 overall.
• Tigers are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Tigers are 11-5 in their last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Tigers are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Tigers are 3-8 in their last 11 games following a loss.
• Tigers are 3-8 in their last 11 home games.
• Tigers are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Tigers are 1-7 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Tigers are 5-0 in Boyds last 5 home starts.
• Tigers are 5-0 in Boyds last 5 starts.
• Tigers are 5-0 in Boyds last 5 starts on grass.
• Tigers are 4-1 in Boyds last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Tigers are 2-6 in Boyds last 8 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends



Chi. White Sox
•Over is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 road games.
• Under is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 16-6-2 in White Sox last 24 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0 in Shields' last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Shields' last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Shields' last 5 road starts.
• Over is 4-1 in Shields' last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
• Over is 7-2 in Shields' last 9 starts vs. a team with a winning record.




Detroit
•Under is 6-0-1 in Tigers last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 Monday games.
• Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Tigers last 11 home games.
• Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Tigers last 21 games following a loss.
• Under is 17-5-4 in Tigers last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 vs. American League Central.
• Under is 20-7 in Tigers last 27 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 11-4 in Tigers last 15 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Tigers last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 18-8 in Tigers last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 13-6-2 in Tigers last 21 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 5-1 in Boyds last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Boyds last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 4-1 in Boyds last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-2 in Boyds last 8 starts vs. American League Central.
• Under is 5-2 in Boyds last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.


Head to Head



•Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Detroit.
• White Sox are 16-40 in the last 56 meetings in Detroit.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Minnesota at Cleveland
W/L Trends



Minnesota
•Twins are 32-65 in their last 97 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Twins are 24-58 in their last 82 games following a loss.
• Twins are 15-38 in their last 53 vs. American League Central.
• Twins are 5-16 in their last 21 overall.
• Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Twins are 3-13 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Twins are 0-7 in their last 7 road games.
• Twins are 0-7 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Twins are 0-5 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Twins are 0-8 in their last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Twins are 0-7 in their last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Twins are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Twins are 0-7 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Twins are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Twins are 0-4 in Santiagos last 4 starts.
• Twins are 0-4 in Santiagos last 4 starts on grass.




Cleveland
•Indians are 4-1 in their last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
• Indians are 20-7 in their last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 8-3 in their last 11 games following a loss.
• Indians are 23-9 in their last 32 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series.
• Indians are 27-11 in their last 38 home games.
• Indians are 37-16 in their last 53 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Indians are 22-10 in their last 32 vs. American League Central.
• Indians are 39-18 in their last 57 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Indians are 3-13 in their last 16 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.
• Indians are 1-5 in their last 6 games on grass.
• Indians are 6-2 in Bauers last 8 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Indians are 6-2 in Bauers last 8 home starts.
• Indians are 5-2 in Bauers last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Indians are 9-4 in Bauers last 13 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Indians are 6-13 in Bauers last 19 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Indians are 2-5 in Bauers last 7 starts vs. American League Central.
• Indians are 4-13 in Bauers last 17 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends



Minnesota
•Over is 4-0-1 in Twins last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 5-1 in Twins last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 12-3-1 in Twins last 16 vs. American League Central.
• Over is 37-12-4 in Twins last 53 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 27-9-3 in Twins last 39 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 36-12-3 in Twins last 51 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-2-1 in Twins last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 22-8-2 in Twins last 32 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 53-21-5 in Twins last 79 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Twins last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 42-17-5 in Twins last 64 games following a loss.
• Over is 59-24-4 in Twins last 87 overall.
• Over is 36-15-4 in Twins last 55 road games.
• Over is 53-24-4 in Twins last 81 on grass.
• Over is 38-18-2 in Twins last 58 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Santiagos last 4 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-0 in Santiagos last 4 starts overall.




Cleveland
•Under is 4-0-1 in Indians last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 9-1 in Indians last 10 vs. American League Central.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Indians last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 8-2 in Indians last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Indians last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 8-2-2 in Indians last 12 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 16-5-1 in Indians last 22 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Indians last 5 overall.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Indians last 5 on grass.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Indians last 5 games following a loss.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Indians last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Under is 5-2 in Indians last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 10-4-1 in Indians last 15 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Bauers last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Bauers last 7 home starts.
• Under is 4-1-2 in Bauers last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Bauers last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Bauers last 21 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Bauers last 21 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 7-2-2 in Bauers last 11 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 12-4 in Bauers last 16 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 17-6-3 in Bauers last 26 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 17-6-3 in Bauers last 26 starts on grass.
• Under is 19-7 in Bauers last 26 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 23-9-3 in Bauers last 35 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Bauers last 7 Monday starts.
• Under is 32-15-4 in Bauers last 51 starts overall.


Head to Head



•Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
• Twins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Cleveland.
• Over is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in Cleveland.
• Twins are 15-7 in the last 22 meetings.
• Indians are 1-5 in Bauers last 6 home starts vs. Twins.
• Indians are 0-4 in Bauers last 4 starts vs. Twins.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Miami at NY Mets
W/L Trends



Miami
•Marlins are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Marlins are 7-2 in their last 9 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Marlins are 6-13 in their last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Marlins are 2-5 in their last 7 Monday games.
• Marlins are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 2-7 in their last 9 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 6-1 in Fernandezs last 7 Monday starts.
• Marlins are 8-2 in Fernandezs last 10 starts vs. National League East.
• Marlins are 7-2 in Fernandezs last 9 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Marlins are 10-3 in Fernandezs last 13 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 16-5 in Fernandezs last 21 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 22-8 in Fernandezs last 30 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Marlins are 15-6 in Fernandezs last 21 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Marlins are 5-2 in Fernandezs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Marlins are 40-19 in Fernandezs last 59 starts on grass.
• Marlins are 41-20 in Fernandezs last 61 starts.
• Marlins are 4-10 in Fernandezs last 14 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Marlins are 1-4 in Fernandezs last 5 road starts.




NY Mets
•Mets are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Mets are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Mets are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Mets are 20-6 in their last 26 Monday games.
• Mets are 6-2 in their last 8 overall.
• Mets are 6-2 in their last 8 games on grass.
• Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. National League East.
• Mets are 4-9 in their last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Mets are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 during game 1 of a series.
• Mets are 1-6 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Mets are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Mets are 1-8 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 2-5 in Monteros last 7 home starts.
• Mets are 2-7 in Monteros last 9 starts.
• Mets are 2-7 in Monteros last 9 starts on grass.


OU Trends



Miami
•Under is 5-0 in Marlins last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-1 in Marlins last 8 overall.
• Under is 7-1 in Marlins last 8 on grass.
• Under is 6-1 in Marlins last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1 in Marlins last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 12-3-1 in Marlins last 16 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3-1 in Marlins last 12 vs. National League East.
• Over is 10-4 in Marlins last 14 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Fernandezs last 4 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 5-1 in Fernandezs last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 7-2 in Fernandezs last 9 starts vs. National League East.
• Over is 13-4 in Fernandezs last 17 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 6-2 in Fernandezs last 8 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Fernandezs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Fernandezs last 7 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 5-2 in Fernandezs last 7 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.




NY Mets
•Over is 7-0 in Mets last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 5-0 in Mets last 5 games following a loss.
• Over is 6-0 in Mets last 6 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 7-1 in Mets last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1 in Mets last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Mets last 5 Monday games.
• Over is 6-2 in Mets last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 9-3 in Mets last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 19-7-1 in Mets last 27 vs. National League East.
• Over is 20-8 in Mets last 28 overall.
• Under is 5-2 in Mets last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 20-8 in Mets last 28 on grass.
• Under is 5-2 in Mets last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 14-6-1 in Mets last 21 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Over is 9-4 in Mets last 13 home games.
• Under is 4-0 in Monteros last 4 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Monteros last 4 starts overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Monteros last 5 home starts.


Head to Head



•Marlins are 6-0 in Fernandezs last 6 starts vs. Mets.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York.
• Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Marlins are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - St. Louis at Milwaukee
W/L Trends



St. Louis
•Cardinals are 6-0 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Cardinals are 6-1 in their last 7 road games.
• Cardinals are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Cardinals are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Cardinals are 9-3 in their last 12 during game 1 of a series.
• Cardinals are 6-2 in their last 8 Monday games.
• Cardinals are 20-8 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Cardinals are 19-9 in their last 28 vs. National League Central.
• Cardinals are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Cardinals are 5-1 in Martinezs last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Cardinals are 4-1 in Martinezs last 5 Monday starts.
• Cardinals are 25-9 in Martinezs last 34 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Cardinals are 20-8 in Martinezs last 28 road starts.
• Cardinals are 17-7 in Martinezs last 24 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Cardinals are 16-7 in Martinezs last 23 starts vs. National League Central.
• Cardinals are 2-5 in Martinezs last 7 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Cardinals are 1-4 in Martinezs last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Cardinals are 1-4 in Martinezs last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.




Milwaukee
•Brewers are 16-36 in their last 52 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Brewers are 21-48 in their last 69 vs. National League Central.
• Brewers are 15-36 in their last 51 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Brewers are 5-13 in their last 18 Monday games.
• Brewers are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Brewers are 1-7 in their last 8 during game 1 of a series.
• Brewers are 1-8 in their last 9 games following a loss.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games.
• Brewers are 5-1 in Davies' last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Brewers are 4-1 in Davies' last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 9-3 in Davies' last 12 home starts.


OU Trends



St. Louis
•Over is 10-1 in Cardinals last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 games following a loss.
• Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 7-2-2 in Cardinals last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 16-5 in Cardinals last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 12-4-1 in Cardinals last 17 road games.
• Over is 8-3-1 in Cardinals last 12 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 20-8-1 in Cardinals last 29 overall.
• Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 20-8-1 in Cardinals last 29 on grass.
• Over is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 vs. National League Central.
• Over is 35-17-1 in Cardinals last 53 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-0 in Martinezs last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Martinezs last 5 starts vs. National League Central.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Martinezs last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 4-1 in Martinezs last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Martinezs last 5 starts overall.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Martinezs last 5 Monday starts.
• Under is 3-1-2 in Martinezs last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Martinezs last 9 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Martinezs last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Martinezs last 8 road starts.
• Over is 7-3-1 in Martinezs last 11 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.




Milwaukee
•Under is 5-0-1 in Brewers last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 Monday games.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 home games.
• Under is 6-2 in Brewers last 8 vs. National League Central.
• Under is 22-8-1 in Brewers last 31 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 13-5-2 in Brewers last 20 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2 in Brewers last 7 games following a loss.
• Under is 15-7-1 in Brewers last 23 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-2 in Davies' last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Head to Head



•Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in Milwaukee.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Martinezs last 4 road starts vs. Brewers.
• Cardinals are 4-0 in Martinezs last 4 road starts vs. Brewers.
• Under is 3-0-2 in Martinezs last 5 starts vs. Brewers.
• Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.
• Cardinals are 4-1 in Martinezs last 5 starts vs. Brewers.
• Cardinals are 49-21 in the last 70 meetings.
• Cardinals are 35-16 in the last 51 meetings in Milwaukee.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable



No trends available.