NHL
Long Sheet
Saturday, May 20
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NASHVILLE (51-32-0-13, 115 pts.) at ANAHEIM (56-27-0-14, 126 pts.) - 5/20/2017, 7:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 20-28 ATS (-17.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 56-41 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 57-27 ATS (+20.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 38-21 ATS (+5.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 31-20 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ANAHEIM is 21-12 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NASHVILLE is 241-193 ATS (+32.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 31-19 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 23-12 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-9 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-9-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)
Long Sheet
Saturday, May 20
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NASHVILLE (51-32-0-13, 115 pts.) at ANAHEIM (56-27-0-14, 126 pts.) - 5/20/2017, 7:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 20-28 ATS (-17.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 56-41 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 57-27 ATS (+20.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 38-21 ATS (+5.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 31-20 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ANAHEIM is 21-12 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NASHVILLE is 241-193 ATS (+32.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 31-19 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 23-12 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-9 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-9-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)
NHL
Saturday, May 20
Home side won seven of last ten Anaheim-Nashville games, but is 2-2 in this series; Predators split their last four games in Orange County- over is 3-1-1 in their last five games played here. Nashville lost three of its last four road games; under is 5-1-2 in their last eight games overall. Ducks won three of their last four home games. Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Anaheim games; under is 5-1-2 in Predators’ last eight. Nashville is 1-21 on power play in its last five games; Ducks are 2-26 on power play in its last eight games.
Conference finals
Ottawa-Pittsburgh
Ottawa 2-1 OT
Pitt 1-0
Ottawa 5-1
Pitt 3-2
Nashville-Anaheim
Nashville 3-2 OT
Anaheim 5-3
Nashville 2-1
Anaheim 3-2 OT
Saturday, May 20
Home side won seven of last ten Anaheim-Nashville games, but is 2-2 in this series; Predators split their last four games in Orange County- over is 3-1-1 in their last five games played here. Nashville lost three of its last four road games; under is 5-1-2 in their last eight games overall. Ducks won three of their last four home games. Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Anaheim games; under is 5-1-2 in Predators’ last eight. Nashville is 1-21 on power play in its last five games; Ducks are 2-26 on power play in its last eight games.
Conference finals
Ottawa-Pittsburgh
Ottawa 2-1 OT
Pitt 1-0
Ottawa 5-1
Pitt 3-2
Nashville-Anaheim
Nashville 3-2 OT
Anaheim 5-3
Nashville 2-1
Anaheim 3-2 OT
Weekend Outlook
May 19, 2017
Cleveland (20-19) at Houston (29-12)
Series Price: Astros -135, Indians +115
Scheduled Rotation: Bauer (3-4) vs. Morton (5-2), Clevinger (1-1) vs. Fiers (1-1), Salazar (2-4) vs. Musgrove (3-3)
The Astros are running away with the American League West with a 7.5 game lead over Texas, the team that won the division last season. They have baseball's best record, and more importantly they have been the most profitable team at the bet window with +13.6 units. The good news for the Indians this weekend is that they'll miss Dallas Keuchel who leads the AL in wins (7) and ERA (1.84). Because of Keuchel missing the series, Station Casinos has posted the Astros as a short -135 favorite to win the series.
The Indians come in with with the best bullpen in baseball with a 1.96 ERA and converting all 11 of its save opportunities. Colorado has the second-best save percentage (90.48) converting 19 of 21. It's basically a lockdown with the Indians when the starter comes out which makes it hard to believe their record isn't better than it is. Only 25 runs allowed in 116.2 innings with opponents hitting .203 is incredible. The main reason why the Indians don't have a better record is because the starting rotation, which was supposed to be one of the best in baseball. They have a 4.95 ERA which ranks 28th.
One trend to take note of between these two clubs is going 21-6-2 to the 'under' in the last 29 meetings. The best value of the weekend is probably taking the Indians and 'under' on Sunday with Danny Salazar on the hill.
Toronto (18-24) at Baltimore (23-16)
Series Price: Orioles -155, Blue Jays +135
Scheduled Rotation: Sanchez (0-1) vs Tillman (1-0), Bolsinger (0-2) vs. Gausman (2-3), Estrada (2-2) vs. Miley (1-1)
After winning seven of eight games the Blue Jays found themselves in trouble during the week losing three of four to the Braves. The good news for them is that their bats are hot. They've been crushing the ball and have gone 'over' in their last four games. The Orioles come off an awful 1-6 road trip, but home is where their heart is. They've gone 16-5 in their last 21 home games. Toronto has gone 9-2 to the 'over' in their last 11 road games. However, 12 of the past 14 meetings between these two cubs have stayed 'under' the number.
Colorado (26-16) at Cincinnati (19-21)
Series Price: Reds -120, Rockies +100
Scheduled Rotation: Anderson (2-4) vs Bonilla (0-1), Senzatela (6-1) vs. Adleman (2-2), Freeland (4-2) vs. Arroyo (3-3)
And the Reds have finally come back to reality. Pittsburgh is still in last place of the NL Central, but the Reds should be there soon and it might happen this weekend. But somehow they're the favorite to win the series despite playing the NL West-leading Rockies and riding a six-game losing streak. The best value of the weekend should be Saturday with Antonio Senzatela who has been the third most profitable pitcher in baseball at +6.8 units. The Rockies have won seven of his eight starts. The Rockies have stayed 'under' in 10 of their last 14 games, but Senatela has gone 'over' in his last five starts after staying 'under' in his first three.
Texas (22-20) at Detroit (20-19)
Series Price: Tigers -150, Rangers +130
Scheduled Rotation: Martinez (0-2) vs. Norris (2-2), Griffin (4-0) vs. Verlander (3-3), Darvish (4-2) vs. Boyd (2-3)
The hard charging Rangers have won nine straight coming into this series -- all as favorites, but come into this series as an underdog which I believe offers great value. Yu Darvish comes off a fantastic outing and should win on Sunday and A.J. Griffin is having a career year so far and should be able compete with Justin Verlander on Saturday. Most of all, this Rangers squad is on fire. Why stop betting them to win? Also, Texas has won nine of the past 12 meetings. And something to also think of this weekend if that Detroit is 2-7 in their last nine games as a favorite.
NY Yankees (24-14) at Tampa Bay (21-22)
Series Price: Yankees -125, Rays +105
Scheduled Rotation: Severino (2-2) vs. Ramirez (2-0), Tanaka (5-2) vs. Andriese (3-1), Sabathia (3-2) vs. Archer (3-2)
The first-place Yankees are up +8.4 units of profit for bettors and lead baseball with a +1.6 average margin of victory (5.8 to 4.2). They've been a great 'over' team at 23-15 which is a winner for bettors 60.5 percent of the time. Early on the Yankees were looked at as a team that was great at home but struggled on the road, but now they're the road warriors going 8-2 in their last 10 on the road. Something to take note of in this series is that the Rays have been cashing in as underdogs going 6-2 in their last eight.
Kansas City (17-23) at Minnesota (20-17)
Series Price: Twins -130, Royals +110
Scheduled Rotation: Karns (2-2) vs. Santiago (4-2), Kennedy (0-3) vs. Wilk (0-1), Hammel (1-5) vs. Hughes (4-2)
The Royals are 3-9 in their last 12 road games and 3-10 in their last 13 as a favorite, so be careful this weekend even though they're hitting the ball with much more authority than the first five weeks of the season. The Twins have gone 8-3-1 to the 'over' in their last 12 home games, but the road has been where they've had more success. They're 11-5 on the road and only 9-12 at home. However, they're in first-place of the ultra-competitive AL Central. It's only a one-game lead over the Tigers and Indians, but it's still impressive considering they were supposed to finish last in the division. Last is where the Royals are and they have the worst margin of victory in the AL at -42 runs.
May 19, 2017
Cleveland (20-19) at Houston (29-12)
Series Price: Astros -135, Indians +115
Scheduled Rotation: Bauer (3-4) vs. Morton (5-2), Clevinger (1-1) vs. Fiers (1-1), Salazar (2-4) vs. Musgrove (3-3)
The Astros are running away with the American League West with a 7.5 game lead over Texas, the team that won the division last season. They have baseball's best record, and more importantly they have been the most profitable team at the bet window with +13.6 units. The good news for the Indians this weekend is that they'll miss Dallas Keuchel who leads the AL in wins (7) and ERA (1.84). Because of Keuchel missing the series, Station Casinos has posted the Astros as a short -135 favorite to win the series.
The Indians come in with with the best bullpen in baseball with a 1.96 ERA and converting all 11 of its save opportunities. Colorado has the second-best save percentage (90.48) converting 19 of 21. It's basically a lockdown with the Indians when the starter comes out which makes it hard to believe their record isn't better than it is. Only 25 runs allowed in 116.2 innings with opponents hitting .203 is incredible. The main reason why the Indians don't have a better record is because the starting rotation, which was supposed to be one of the best in baseball. They have a 4.95 ERA which ranks 28th.
One trend to take note of between these two clubs is going 21-6-2 to the 'under' in the last 29 meetings. The best value of the weekend is probably taking the Indians and 'under' on Sunday with Danny Salazar on the hill.
Toronto (18-24) at Baltimore (23-16)
Series Price: Orioles -155, Blue Jays +135
Scheduled Rotation: Sanchez (0-1) vs Tillman (1-0), Bolsinger (0-2) vs. Gausman (2-3), Estrada (2-2) vs. Miley (1-1)
After winning seven of eight games the Blue Jays found themselves in trouble during the week losing three of four to the Braves. The good news for them is that their bats are hot. They've been crushing the ball and have gone 'over' in their last four games. The Orioles come off an awful 1-6 road trip, but home is where their heart is. They've gone 16-5 in their last 21 home games. Toronto has gone 9-2 to the 'over' in their last 11 road games. However, 12 of the past 14 meetings between these two cubs have stayed 'under' the number.
Colorado (26-16) at Cincinnati (19-21)
Series Price: Reds -120, Rockies +100
Scheduled Rotation: Anderson (2-4) vs Bonilla (0-1), Senzatela (6-1) vs. Adleman (2-2), Freeland (4-2) vs. Arroyo (3-3)
And the Reds have finally come back to reality. Pittsburgh is still in last place of the NL Central, but the Reds should be there soon and it might happen this weekend. But somehow they're the favorite to win the series despite playing the NL West-leading Rockies and riding a six-game losing streak. The best value of the weekend should be Saturday with Antonio Senzatela who has been the third most profitable pitcher in baseball at +6.8 units. The Rockies have won seven of his eight starts. The Rockies have stayed 'under' in 10 of their last 14 games, but Senatela has gone 'over' in his last five starts after staying 'under' in his first three.
Texas (22-20) at Detroit (20-19)
Series Price: Tigers -150, Rangers +130
Scheduled Rotation: Martinez (0-2) vs. Norris (2-2), Griffin (4-0) vs. Verlander (3-3), Darvish (4-2) vs. Boyd (2-3)
The hard charging Rangers have won nine straight coming into this series -- all as favorites, but come into this series as an underdog which I believe offers great value. Yu Darvish comes off a fantastic outing and should win on Sunday and A.J. Griffin is having a career year so far and should be able compete with Justin Verlander on Saturday. Most of all, this Rangers squad is on fire. Why stop betting them to win? Also, Texas has won nine of the past 12 meetings. And something to also think of this weekend if that Detroit is 2-7 in their last nine games as a favorite.
NY Yankees (24-14) at Tampa Bay (21-22)
Series Price: Yankees -125, Rays +105
Scheduled Rotation: Severino (2-2) vs. Ramirez (2-0), Tanaka (5-2) vs. Andriese (3-1), Sabathia (3-2) vs. Archer (3-2)
The first-place Yankees are up +8.4 units of profit for bettors and lead baseball with a +1.6 average margin of victory (5.8 to 4.2). They've been a great 'over' team at 23-15 which is a winner for bettors 60.5 percent of the time. Early on the Yankees were looked at as a team that was great at home but struggled on the road, but now they're the road warriors going 8-2 in their last 10 on the road. Something to take note of in this series is that the Rays have been cashing in as underdogs going 6-2 in their last eight.
Kansas City (17-23) at Minnesota (20-17)
Series Price: Twins -130, Royals +110
Scheduled Rotation: Karns (2-2) vs. Santiago (4-2), Kennedy (0-3) vs. Wilk (0-1), Hammel (1-5) vs. Hughes (4-2)
The Royals are 3-9 in their last 12 road games and 3-10 in their last 13 as a favorite, so be careful this weekend even though they're hitting the ball with much more authority than the first five weeks of the season. The Twins have gone 8-3-1 to the 'over' in their last 12 home games, but the road has been where they've had more success. They're 11-5 on the road and only 9-12 at home. However, they're in first-place of the ultra-competitive AL Central. It's only a one-game lead over the Tigers and Indians, but it's still impressive considering they were supposed to finish last in the division. Last is where the Royals are and they have the worst margin of victory in the AL at -42 runs.
Preview: Royals at Twins
GAME: Kansas City Royals (17-24) at Minnesota Twins (21-17)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Kansas City Royals are a big reason why the Minnesota Twins find themselves atop the American League Central in 2017, and the Twins' most recent victory in this rivalry may be just the lift they need to catch some fire at home. Following a dramatic comeback win in Friday's opener, Minnesota eyes an eighth straight victory against Kansas City one day later when the teams continue their three-game set at Target Field.
The Twins improved to 6-0 against the Royals this season courtesy of Friday's 4-3, 10-inning triumph, as pinch hitter Kennys Vargas belted a game-tying two-run homer in the ninth inning and Jorge Polanco ended it with a sacrifice fly in the 10th. Minnesota improved to 10-12 at home as a result and tied a club record for its longest winning streak against the Royals and further distance itself from the team against whom it went 4-15 a season ago. The Twins' 10th comeback victory of the season overshadowed one of the best performances in Jorge Bonifacio's career, as the rookie outfielder hit a two-run homer, had an outfield assist and made a jumping catch at the wall to rob Brian Dozier of an extra-base hit. The loss dropped the Royals to 3-13 against division rivals.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Kansas City, FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (0-3, 3.03 ERA) vs. Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (0-1, 5.79)
Kennedy (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list in time to make his first start since a May 4 loss to the Chicago White Sox in which he surrendered five runs (four earned) across 4 1/3 innings. The outing was the worst of the six this season from the 32-year-old, who posted a 2.30 ERA in his five April turns. Dozier (4-for-20, two homers) and Joe Mauer (3-for-19, one home run) have each struggled against Kennedy, who is 4-2 with a 3.74 ERA in nine starts versus the Twins.
Mejia is slated to return to the big-league mound for the first time since April 22 on only three days rest after allowing a hit over three scoreless innings for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. The 23-year-old rookie struggled in his final turn before his demotion against Detroit, giving up three runs on five hits - including a pair of homers - and three walks despite fanning six over 2 2/3 innings. Mejia's one and only appearance last season came against the Royals, who tagged him for two runs in 2 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mauer needs to score one more run to tie Kent Hrbek (903) for the fourth on the club's all-time list (since 1961).
2. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar will break Paul Schaal’s team record of 212 straight starts if he appears in the lineup Saturday.
3. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano went 2-for-4 in the opener to maintain his .500 batting average against Kansas City in 2017. Fourteen of Sano's 30 RBIs this season have come against the Royals.
PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (17-24) at Minnesota Twins (21-17)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Kansas City Royals are a big reason why the Minnesota Twins find themselves atop the American League Central in 2017, and the Twins' most recent victory in this rivalry may be just the lift they need to catch some fire at home. Following a dramatic comeback win in Friday's opener, Minnesota eyes an eighth straight victory against Kansas City one day later when the teams continue their three-game set at Target Field.
The Twins improved to 6-0 against the Royals this season courtesy of Friday's 4-3, 10-inning triumph, as pinch hitter Kennys Vargas belted a game-tying two-run homer in the ninth inning and Jorge Polanco ended it with a sacrifice fly in the 10th. Minnesota improved to 10-12 at home as a result and tied a club record for its longest winning streak against the Royals and further distance itself from the team against whom it went 4-15 a season ago. The Twins' 10th comeback victory of the season overshadowed one of the best performances in Jorge Bonifacio's career, as the rookie outfielder hit a two-run homer, had an outfield assist and made a jumping catch at the wall to rob Brian Dozier of an extra-base hit. The loss dropped the Royals to 3-13 against division rivals.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Kansas City, FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (0-3, 3.03 ERA) vs. Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (0-1, 5.79)
Kennedy (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list in time to make his first start since a May 4 loss to the Chicago White Sox in which he surrendered five runs (four earned) across 4 1/3 innings. The outing was the worst of the six this season from the 32-year-old, who posted a 2.30 ERA in his five April turns. Dozier (4-for-20, two homers) and Joe Mauer (3-for-19, one home run) have each struggled against Kennedy, who is 4-2 with a 3.74 ERA in nine starts versus the Twins.
Mejia is slated to return to the big-league mound for the first time since April 22 on only three days rest after allowing a hit over three scoreless innings for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. The 23-year-old rookie struggled in his final turn before his demotion against Detroit, giving up three runs on five hits - including a pair of homers - and three walks despite fanning six over 2 2/3 innings. Mejia's one and only appearance last season came against the Royals, who tagged him for two runs in 2 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mauer needs to score one more run to tie Kent Hrbek (903) for the fourth on the club's all-time list (since 1961).
2. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar will break Paul Schaal’s team record of 212 straight starts if he appears in the lineup Saturday.
3. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano went 2-for-4 in the opener to maintain his .500 batting average against Kansas City in 2017. Fourteen of Sano's 30 RBIs this season have come against the Royals.
PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 3
Preview: Brewers at Cubs
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (25-18) at Chicago Cubs (21-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
The Milwaukee Brewers want to prove their position atop the National League Central is not a fluke, and a series win on the road against the defending World Series champions would help make their case. The Brewers aim for a second straight win over the Cubs when the division rivals continue their three-game set Saturday at Wrigley Field.
The Brewers waited out a two-hour rain delay before outlasting the Cubs 6-3 in the opener – their 10th win in 12 games. Milwaukee’s bullpen turned in a stellar performance Friday, with four relievers combining to allow just one hit over five scoreless innings. Meanwhile, it was a sloppy afternoon for the Cubs, not only in terms of the weather but also in the sense that they committed three errors and issued 10 walks. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Chicago, which is trying to avoid its third series loss at home after dropping only six series at Wrigley Field all of last season.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (2-0, 3.43 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (4-3, 5.44)
Anderson has received five straight no-decisions since beating the Cubs on April 17 in Chicago. The 29-year-old recorded quality starts in three of his first four outings but has failed to do so in his last four and hasn’t made it out of the sixth inning in his last three times out. Anderson is 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA in four starts against the Cubs.
Arrieta has lost two straight starts and three of his last four. The 31-year-old surrendered a pair of home runs while allowing four runs and seven hits over six frames in a loss at St. Louis on Sunday and has posted just one quality start in his last six outings. Arrieta is 7-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 13 starts against the Brewers, including a seven-inning gem April 9 in which he fanned a season-high 10 in a win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee 3B Travis Shaw is 14-for-40 with two homers during a career-best 10-game hitting streak.
2. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist has reached base in 18 consecutive games.
3. Brewers 1B Eric Thames returned to the lineup Friday after missing four straight starts with strep throat and was 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 4
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (25-18) at Chicago Cubs (21-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
The Milwaukee Brewers want to prove their position atop the National League Central is not a fluke, and a series win on the road against the defending World Series champions would help make their case. The Brewers aim for a second straight win over the Cubs when the division rivals continue their three-game set Saturday at Wrigley Field.
The Brewers waited out a two-hour rain delay before outlasting the Cubs 6-3 in the opener – their 10th win in 12 games. Milwaukee’s bullpen turned in a stellar performance Friday, with four relievers combining to allow just one hit over five scoreless innings. Meanwhile, it was a sloppy afternoon for the Cubs, not only in terms of the weather but also in the sense that they committed three errors and issued 10 walks. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Chicago, which is trying to avoid its third series loss at home after dropping only six series at Wrigley Field all of last season.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (2-0, 3.43 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (4-3, 5.44)
Anderson has received five straight no-decisions since beating the Cubs on April 17 in Chicago. The 29-year-old recorded quality starts in three of his first four outings but has failed to do so in his last four and hasn’t made it out of the sixth inning in his last three times out. Anderson is 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA in four starts against the Cubs.
Arrieta has lost two straight starts and three of his last four. The 31-year-old surrendered a pair of home runs while allowing four runs and seven hits over six frames in a loss at St. Louis on Sunday and has posted just one quality start in his last six outings. Arrieta is 7-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 13 starts against the Brewers, including a seven-inning gem April 9 in which he fanned a season-high 10 in a win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee 3B Travis Shaw is 14-for-40 with two homers during a career-best 10-game hitting streak.
2. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist has reached base in 18 consecutive games.
3. Brewers 1B Eric Thames returned to the lineup Friday after missing four straight starts with strep throat and was 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 4
Preview: Red Sox at Athletics
GAME: Boston Red Sox (21-20) at Oakland Athletics (19-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
The Oakland Athletics can't wait to see what Mark Canha will do for an encore when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. Canha fell a single shy of the cycle on Friday but sent Oakland home with a 3-2 victory when he led off the 10th inning with his second home run of the year.
he triumph put the Athletics in position to win their fifth consecutive home series, as they powered their way to an 8-3 win in Thursday's opener. Boston built a 2-0 lead Friday on Mitch Moreland's blast and received another strong effort from Chris Sale, who settled for a no-decision despite fanning 10 to match the major-league record of eight consecutive starts with a double-digit strikeout total. Moreland has homered in each of the first two games of the series following a drought that dated back to April 23 while Dustin Pedroia has registered a hit in 14 of his 17 contests this month. Oakland has a pair of hot hitters as well, with Ryon Healy riding a seven-game hitting streak and Trevor Plouffe hitting safely in 10 of the last 11 contests in which he had a plate appearance.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBC Sports California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (3-3, 5.29 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (1-3, 5.52)
Pomeranz is coming off his second straight setback, an 11-2 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday in which he allowed two runs on three hits and three walks before exiting after three innings with tightness in his left triceps. The 28-year-old native of Tennessee pitched a total of seven frames in the back-to-back defeats and has yet to work more than six this season. Pomeranz, who pitched mostly in relief for Oakland in 2014 and 2015, will be facing his former team for the first time in his career.
Manaea also has lost his last two outings, including a setback at Seattle on Monday in which he surrendered four runs on two hits and five walks over five innings. It was the first start since April 26 for the 25-year-old from Indiana, who had been on the disabled list with a strained shoulder. Manaea was pounded last year in his first career turn against the Red Sox, yielding eight runs and 10 hits over 2 2/3 frames at Boston.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LHP David Price (elbow) lasted only two innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday due to an escalating pitch count that reached 65.
2. Oakland RHP John Axford (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list either Saturday or Sunday.
3. Boston recalled RHP Noe Ramirez from Pawtucket to fill the open roster spot created when LHP Robbie Ross Jr. was optioned after Thursday's game.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Athletics 3
GAME: Boston Red Sox (21-20) at Oakland Athletics (19-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
The Oakland Athletics can't wait to see what Mark Canha will do for an encore when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. Canha fell a single shy of the cycle on Friday but sent Oakland home with a 3-2 victory when he led off the 10th inning with his second home run of the year.
he triumph put the Athletics in position to win their fifth consecutive home series, as they powered their way to an 8-3 win in Thursday's opener. Boston built a 2-0 lead Friday on Mitch Moreland's blast and received another strong effort from Chris Sale, who settled for a no-decision despite fanning 10 to match the major-league record of eight consecutive starts with a double-digit strikeout total. Moreland has homered in each of the first two games of the series following a drought that dated back to April 23 while Dustin Pedroia has registered a hit in 14 of his 17 contests this month. Oakland has a pair of hot hitters as well, with Ryon Healy riding a seven-game hitting streak and Trevor Plouffe hitting safely in 10 of the last 11 contests in which he had a plate appearance.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBC Sports California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (3-3, 5.29 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (1-3, 5.52)
Pomeranz is coming off his second straight setback, an 11-2 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday in which he allowed two runs on three hits and three walks before exiting after three innings with tightness in his left triceps. The 28-year-old native of Tennessee pitched a total of seven frames in the back-to-back defeats and has yet to work more than six this season. Pomeranz, who pitched mostly in relief for Oakland in 2014 and 2015, will be facing his former team for the first time in his career.
Manaea also has lost his last two outings, including a setback at Seattle on Monday in which he surrendered four runs on two hits and five walks over five innings. It was the first start since April 26 for the 25-year-old from Indiana, who had been on the disabled list with a strained shoulder. Manaea was pounded last year in his first career turn against the Red Sox, yielding eight runs and 10 hits over 2 2/3 frames at Boston.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LHP David Price (elbow) lasted only two innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday due to an escalating pitch count that reached 65.
2. Oakland RHP John Axford (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list either Saturday or Sunday.
3. Boston recalled RHP Noe Ramirez from Pawtucket to fill the open roster spot created when LHP Robbie Ross Jr. was optioned after Thursday's game.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Athletics 3
Preview: Phillies at Pirates
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (15-24) at Pittsburgh Pirates (18-24)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin held a team meeting before the start of a three-game series at Pittsburgh in an effort to jolt his team out of a funk that saw them drop 15 of 18. The meeting seemed to work for at least one night, and the Phillies are in position to post back-to-back victories for the first time since a six-game winning streak came to an end on April 27 when they visit the Pirates on Saturday.
"We just want to stick together as a team," Mackanin told reporters. "I don't expect anybody to be happy when you're going through what we're going through. Nobody should be happy or careless about it. If they are, then they're not the right people. We just have to fight through it." Philadelphia finally got some length out of a starting pitcher on Friday with six quality innings from Jeremy Hellickson, who also doubled in a run, and recorded a 7-2 win in the opener. The Phillies will try to coax a similar effort out of young Vince Velasquez, who goes up against Ivan Nova on Saturday. Pittsburgh had a string of six straight games with at least four runs scored come to an end with Friday's setback and dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand.
TV: 4: 05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-3, 5.63 ERA) vs. Pirates RHP Ivan Nova (3-3, 2.48)
Velasquez was lit up for six runs and seven hits in seven innings of a home loss to Washington on May 6 but was a bit better in his next outing, when he allowed three runs - two earned - and five hits in five frames against the Nationals on the road. The seven-inning stint was a rarity for the 24-year-old, who is averaging just over five per turn this season. Velasquez made one previous start against Pittsburgh, allowing four runs in six frames without factoring in the decision.
Nova has not won since tossing a three-hit shutout at Miami on April 29 and is making his first home start following four in a row on the road. The Dominican surrendered three runs and nine hits in six frames at Arizona on Sunday but did not factor in the decision. Nova allowed a total of one earned run over 12 2/3 innings in two previous career starts against Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Pirates claimed RHP Jhan Marinez off waivers from Milwaukee on Friday.
2. Philadelphia RF Michael Saunders (groin) was held out of the starting lineup on Friday but entered the game as a defensive replacement.
3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell has homered in four of his last seven games and doubled in a run on Friday.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Phillies 2
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (15-24) at Pittsburgh Pirates (18-24)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin held a team meeting before the start of a three-game series at Pittsburgh in an effort to jolt his team out of a funk that saw them drop 15 of 18. The meeting seemed to work for at least one night, and the Phillies are in position to post back-to-back victories for the first time since a six-game winning streak came to an end on April 27 when they visit the Pirates on Saturday.
"We just want to stick together as a team," Mackanin told reporters. "I don't expect anybody to be happy when you're going through what we're going through. Nobody should be happy or careless about it. If they are, then they're not the right people. We just have to fight through it." Philadelphia finally got some length out of a starting pitcher on Friday with six quality innings from Jeremy Hellickson, who also doubled in a run, and recorded a 7-2 win in the opener. The Phillies will try to coax a similar effort out of young Vince Velasquez, who goes up against Ivan Nova on Saturday. Pittsburgh had a string of six straight games with at least four runs scored come to an end with Friday's setback and dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand.
TV: 4: 05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-3, 5.63 ERA) vs. Pirates RHP Ivan Nova (3-3, 2.48)
Velasquez was lit up for six runs and seven hits in seven innings of a home loss to Washington on May 6 but was a bit better in his next outing, when he allowed three runs - two earned - and five hits in five frames against the Nationals on the road. The seven-inning stint was a rarity for the 24-year-old, who is averaging just over five per turn this season. Velasquez made one previous start against Pittsburgh, allowing four runs in six frames without factoring in the decision.
Nova has not won since tossing a three-hit shutout at Miami on April 29 and is making his first home start following four in a row on the road. The Dominican surrendered three runs and nine hits in six frames at Arizona on Sunday but did not factor in the decision. Nova allowed a total of one earned run over 12 2/3 innings in two previous career starts against Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Pirates claimed RHP Jhan Marinez off waivers from Milwaukee on Friday.
2. Philadelphia RF Michael Saunders (groin) was held out of the starting lineup on Friday but entered the game as a defensive replacement.
3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell has homered in four of his last seven games and doubled in a run on Friday.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Phillies 2
Preview: Nationals at Braves
GAME: Washington Nationals (25-16) at Atlanta Braves (17-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer aims to continue his domination of the Atlanta Braves when the teams continue a three-game series Saturday in Atlanta. Scherzer is 5-0 with a 3.12 ERA against the Braves since the start of last season, and the Nationals – who sit comfortably atop the National League East – look to defeat Atlanta for the 18th time in the past 23 meetings.
But it was the Braves, who continue to adjust to life without the injured Freddie Freeman, who rode three hits from Matt Kemp and a bullpen that pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball to a 7-4 victory in Friday’s series opener. Kemp has reached base in 23 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the National League, and Atlanta has won six of its last eight. Washington’s bullpen has surrendered 10 runs in its past 11 1/3 innings as Enny Romero allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in the eighth inning. Center fielder Michael Taylor extended his hitting streak to seven games with two hits,and five of his 11 hits during that stretch have been extra-base hits for the Nationals, who have lost three in a row and four of their past six.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-2, 2.80 ERA) vs. Braves RH Bartolo Colon (2-4, 6.80)
Scherzer already has defeated Atlanta once this season, firing seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts and two hits allowed in a road victory April 18. The 32-year-old has allowed more than two earned runs three times in eight starts, giving up three runs on nine hits in six innings of a no-decision on Sunday against Philadelphia. Scherzer entered the weekend leading the NL with 70 strikeouts, including back-to-back 11-strikeout performances against Arizona and Baltimore to open May.
Following three shaky starts in which the oldest player in the majors allowed 19 runs in 14 2/3 innings, Colon bounced back by holding Toronto to three runs in five innings for his first victory since April 16. Colon, who turns 44 Wednesday, has held opponents to a .211 batting average in two home starts with a 4.91 ERA. He is 4-6 with a 3.71 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against Washington, going 1-1 with a 5.51 ERA in three starts for the Mets last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals LF Jayson Werth has reached base safely in 11 consecutive games, scoring 10 runs during that span.
2. Washington RF Bryce Harper is 2-for-16 through the first four games of the Nationals’ six-game road trip.
3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis is hitting .317 in 41 career at-bats against Scherzer, while Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon (.381) and Werth (.375) have enjoyed success against Colon.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Braves 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (25-16) at Atlanta Braves (17-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer aims to continue his domination of the Atlanta Braves when the teams continue a three-game series Saturday in Atlanta. Scherzer is 5-0 with a 3.12 ERA against the Braves since the start of last season, and the Nationals – who sit comfortably atop the National League East – look to defeat Atlanta for the 18th time in the past 23 meetings.
But it was the Braves, who continue to adjust to life without the injured Freddie Freeman, who rode three hits from Matt Kemp and a bullpen that pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball to a 7-4 victory in Friday’s series opener. Kemp has reached base in 23 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the National League, and Atlanta has won six of its last eight. Washington’s bullpen has surrendered 10 runs in its past 11 1/3 innings as Enny Romero allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in the eighth inning. Center fielder Michael Taylor extended his hitting streak to seven games with two hits,and five of his 11 hits during that stretch have been extra-base hits for the Nationals, who have lost three in a row and four of their past six.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-2, 2.80 ERA) vs. Braves RH Bartolo Colon (2-4, 6.80)
Scherzer already has defeated Atlanta once this season, firing seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts and two hits allowed in a road victory April 18. The 32-year-old has allowed more than two earned runs three times in eight starts, giving up three runs on nine hits in six innings of a no-decision on Sunday against Philadelphia. Scherzer entered the weekend leading the NL with 70 strikeouts, including back-to-back 11-strikeout performances against Arizona and Baltimore to open May.
Following three shaky starts in which the oldest player in the majors allowed 19 runs in 14 2/3 innings, Colon bounced back by holding Toronto to three runs in five innings for his first victory since April 16. Colon, who turns 44 Wednesday, has held opponents to a .211 batting average in two home starts with a 4.91 ERA. He is 4-6 with a 3.71 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against Washington, going 1-1 with a 5.51 ERA in three starts for the Mets last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals LF Jayson Werth has reached base safely in 11 consecutive games, scoring 10 runs during that span.
2. Washington RF Bryce Harper is 2-for-16 through the first four games of the Nationals’ six-game road trip.
3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis is hitting .317 in 41 career at-bats against Scherzer, while Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon (.381) and Werth (.375) have enjoyed success against Colon.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Braves 2
Preview: Indians at Astros
GAME: Cleveland Indians (21-19) at Houston Astros (29-13)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
Jason Kipnis started the season on the disabled list with a shoulder injury and is just starting to find some rhythm at the plate as his Cleveland Indians visit the Houston Astros on Saturday for the second of a three-game set. Kipnis belted his third homer and knocked in his seventh run during a five-game hitting streak as the Indians defeated the Astros 5-3 on Friday in the series opener.
Kipnis has improved his batting average from .155 to .215 during his streak (9-for-22) and Cleveland got another positive sign Friday as struggling slugger Edwin Encarnacion launched his seventh homer of the season and second in three games. Mike Clevinger makes his third start in place of injured Corey Kluber for the Indians on Saturday and Houston will counter with fellow right-hander Mike Fiers, who is 2-0 in three career outings against Cleveland. The major league-best Astros (29-13) coughed up an early two-run lead Friday to see their four-game winning streak come to an end and lose for just the second time in the last 11 contests. Houston shortstop Carlos Correa continued his torrid month with a solo homer Friday, improving to 23-for-60 with 11 walks, four blasts and 16 RBIs in May.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (1-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. Astros RH Mike Fiers (1-1, 5.75)
Clevinger struggled in his last start on May 13 after making a strong debut with 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball against Kansas City in a victory six days earlier. The 26-year-old Citadel product, who retired one batter in relief Tuesday, gave up three runs on three hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings to suffer the loss in his second start against Minnesota last Saturday. Yuli Gurriel and Jose Altuve each doubled in their lone at-bat against Clevinger, who allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings of a loss to Houston in 2016.
Fiers is unbeaten in the last six starts, but he has managed just one victory and completed six innings once during that stretch. The 31-year-old Floridian, who lost his only quality start in the season debut, permitted four runs on four hits - two of them homers to push his major league-leading total through Thursday to 16 allowed in seven outings. Jose Ramirez is 4-for-8 in his career against Fiers, who gave up two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus the Indians on April 27.
WALK-OFFS
1. Houston’s Brian McCann boasts 238 career homers as a catcher, one behind Roy Campanella for 10th on the major league’s all-time list at the position.
2. Cleveland OF Austin Jackson (toe) went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in his first rehab game with Triple-A Columbus on Friday.
3. The Astros have won two more games than they ever have through the first 42 of the season, but they are just 1-3 against the Indians.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Indians 4
GAME: Cleveland Indians (21-19) at Houston Astros (29-13)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
Jason Kipnis started the season on the disabled list with a shoulder injury and is just starting to find some rhythm at the plate as his Cleveland Indians visit the Houston Astros on Saturday for the second of a three-game set. Kipnis belted his third homer and knocked in his seventh run during a five-game hitting streak as the Indians defeated the Astros 5-3 on Friday in the series opener.
Kipnis has improved his batting average from .155 to .215 during his streak (9-for-22) and Cleveland got another positive sign Friday as struggling slugger Edwin Encarnacion launched his seventh homer of the season and second in three games. Mike Clevinger makes his third start in place of injured Corey Kluber for the Indians on Saturday and Houston will counter with fellow right-hander Mike Fiers, who is 2-0 in three career outings against Cleveland. The major league-best Astros (29-13) coughed up an early two-run lead Friday to see their four-game winning streak come to an end and lose for just the second time in the last 11 contests. Houston shortstop Carlos Correa continued his torrid month with a solo homer Friday, improving to 23-for-60 with 11 walks, four blasts and 16 RBIs in May.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (1-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. Astros RH Mike Fiers (1-1, 5.75)
Clevinger struggled in his last start on May 13 after making a strong debut with 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball against Kansas City in a victory six days earlier. The 26-year-old Citadel product, who retired one batter in relief Tuesday, gave up three runs on three hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings to suffer the loss in his second start against Minnesota last Saturday. Yuli Gurriel and Jose Altuve each doubled in their lone at-bat against Clevinger, who allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings of a loss to Houston in 2016.
Fiers is unbeaten in the last six starts, but he has managed just one victory and completed six innings once during that stretch. The 31-year-old Floridian, who lost his only quality start in the season debut, permitted four runs on four hits - two of them homers to push his major league-leading total through Thursday to 16 allowed in seven outings. Jose Ramirez is 4-for-8 in his career against Fiers, who gave up two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus the Indians on April 27.
WALK-OFFS
1. Houston’s Brian McCann boasts 238 career homers as a catcher, one behind Roy Campanella for 10th on the major league’s all-time list at the position.
2. Cleveland OF Austin Jackson (toe) went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in his first rehab game with Triple-A Columbus on Friday.
3. The Astros have won two more games than they ever have through the first 42 of the season, but they are just 1-3 against the Indians.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Indians 4
Preview: Rockies at Reds
GAME: Colorado Rockies (27-16) at Cincinnati Reds (19-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Colorado Rockies are used to putting up big offensive numbers at home, but they seem to find the cozy confines of Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park equally accommodating. The first-place Rockies look to continue their offensive outburst when they face the host Cincinnati Reds in the second of a three-game series Saturday.
The Rockies slugged 16 hits in a 12-6 victory in Friday’s opener and have won four of their last five games to maintain the second-best record in the National League. Colorado displayed its depth, as six players recorded multiple hits, including a 3-for-5 performance with a homer and four RBIs from shortstop Alexi Amarista. Things haven’t been as rosy for the Reds, who surrendered 45 runs over their past five games and have lost seven straight overall. Cincinnati’s offense showed life late in Friday’s game, as the Reds snapped a streak of 10 straight games scoring five or fewer runs.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (6-1, 3.31 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (2-2, 5.27)
Senzatela has been impressive in his first eight big-league starts, recording five quality starts. The 22-year-old Venezuelan didn’t have his best stuff Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he still picked up the win despite allowing four runs and seven hits over five innings. Senzatela has won three straight starts, and the Rockies are 7-1 when he takes the mound.
Adleman will be eager to put his last start behind him, as he lasted just one inning because of tightness in his neck and allowed four runs (three earned) in a loss at San Francisco. The 29-year-old had won his previous two starts, both at home, where he is 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in four games (three starts) this season. Adleman has never faced the Rockies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 2B Jose Peraza is 8-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak, including a two-run homer - his first of the season - in the opener.
2. Rockies SS Trevor Story, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list May 11 with a left shoulder strain, began a rehab stint with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.
3. Cincinnati C Devin Mesoraco (hamstring) missed his fourth consecutive start but apparently will avoid a DL stint and could return to the lineup Saturday after passing physical tests and pinch-hitting in the ninth inning Friday.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Reds 5
GAME: Colorado Rockies (27-16) at Cincinnati Reds (19-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Colorado Rockies are used to putting up big offensive numbers at home, but they seem to find the cozy confines of Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park equally accommodating. The first-place Rockies look to continue their offensive outburst when they face the host Cincinnati Reds in the second of a three-game series Saturday.
The Rockies slugged 16 hits in a 12-6 victory in Friday’s opener and have won four of their last five games to maintain the second-best record in the National League. Colorado displayed its depth, as six players recorded multiple hits, including a 3-for-5 performance with a homer and four RBIs from shortstop Alexi Amarista. Things haven’t been as rosy for the Reds, who surrendered 45 runs over their past five games and have lost seven straight overall. Cincinnati’s offense showed life late in Friday’s game, as the Reds snapped a streak of 10 straight games scoring five or fewer runs.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (6-1, 3.31 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (2-2, 5.27)
Senzatela has been impressive in his first eight big-league starts, recording five quality starts. The 22-year-old Venezuelan didn’t have his best stuff Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he still picked up the win despite allowing four runs and seven hits over five innings. Senzatela has won three straight starts, and the Rockies are 7-1 when he takes the mound.
Adleman will be eager to put his last start behind him, as he lasted just one inning because of tightness in his neck and allowed four runs (three earned) in a loss at San Francisco. The 29-year-old had won his previous two starts, both at home, where he is 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in four games (three starts) this season. Adleman has never faced the Rockies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 2B Jose Peraza is 8-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak, including a two-run homer - his first of the season - in the opener.
2. Rockies SS Trevor Story, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list May 11 with a left shoulder strain, began a rehab stint with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.
3. Cincinnati C Devin Mesoraco (hamstring) missed his fourth consecutive start but apparently will avoid a DL stint and could return to the lineup Saturday after passing physical tests and pinch-hitting in the ninth inning Friday.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Reds 5
Preview: Yankees at Rays
GAME: New York Yankees (24-15) at Tampa Bay Rays (22-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE:
Evan Longoria looks to follow up a huge night at the plate when his Tampa Bay Rays host the American League East-rival New York Yankees on Saturday for the middle contest of a three-game series. Longoria, who owns more RBIs against the Yankees (102) than any other active player in the majors, collected four hits and knocked in the winning run in Friday’s 5-4 victory - Tampa Bay’s fifth in seven games.
Longoria was 0-for-10 with five strikeouts in his previous two games and came back strong after a day off to lead an offense that also received two RBIs from Logan Morrison, who boasts a six-game hitting streak. Masahiro Tanaka attempts to cool off the Rays after losing for the first time in seven decisions against them on Opening Day, when he gave up seven runs over just 2 2/3 innings, and he will oppose fellow right-hander Matt Andriese. Slugger Aaron Judge brings a seven-game hitting streak into Saturday’s contest after going 1-for-4 on Friday while Starlin Castro and Jacoby Ellsbury own six-game streaks after each registered a pair of hits for the Yankees. New York catcher Gary Sanchez, who is 7-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak, was rested Friday and should be back in the lineup for the second contest of the series.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-2, 5.80 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (3-1, 3.18)
Tanaka had posted four quality starts in five games before getting pounded by Houston last Sunday when he allowed eight runs, including four homers, over 1 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old Japan native had given up 11 earned runs in the previous five contests, but has surrendered seven homers in the last three games after permitting three in the first five. Kevin Kiermaier is 6-for-12 with a homer against Tanaka, who owns a career 3.79 ERA versus the Rays.
Andriese yielded three runs or fewer in seven straight starts after giving up two runs and four hits over five innings in the victory over Boston on Sunday. The 27-year-old Californian’s pitch count has risen of late after issuing 12 walks the past four outings - five more than he allowed in the season’s first four appearances. Judge is 3-for-7 with a homer and Aaron Hicks 3-for-5 with a pair of blasts against Andriese, who gave up one run on five hits in a no-decision versus New York on April 13.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay OF-DH Cory Dickerson had two hits Friday and has homered eight times in the leadoff spot this season - the most in franchise history before June.
2. New York DH Matt Holliday boasts eight RBIs in his last six games after belting a two-run homer Friday that tied the game 4-4 in the eighth inning.
3. The Rays placed INF Brad Miller (abdomen) on the 10-day disabled list and acquired UTIL Michael Martinez from Cleveland for a player to be named later.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3
GAME: New York Yankees (24-15) at Tampa Bay Rays (22-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE:
Evan Longoria looks to follow up a huge night at the plate when his Tampa Bay Rays host the American League East-rival New York Yankees on Saturday for the middle contest of a three-game series. Longoria, who owns more RBIs against the Yankees (102) than any other active player in the majors, collected four hits and knocked in the winning run in Friday’s 5-4 victory - Tampa Bay’s fifth in seven games.
Longoria was 0-for-10 with five strikeouts in his previous two games and came back strong after a day off to lead an offense that also received two RBIs from Logan Morrison, who boasts a six-game hitting streak. Masahiro Tanaka attempts to cool off the Rays after losing for the first time in seven decisions against them on Opening Day, when he gave up seven runs over just 2 2/3 innings, and he will oppose fellow right-hander Matt Andriese. Slugger Aaron Judge brings a seven-game hitting streak into Saturday’s contest after going 1-for-4 on Friday while Starlin Castro and Jacoby Ellsbury own six-game streaks after each registered a pair of hits for the Yankees. New York catcher Gary Sanchez, who is 7-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak, was rested Friday and should be back in the lineup for the second contest of the series.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-2, 5.80 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (3-1, 3.18)
Tanaka had posted four quality starts in five games before getting pounded by Houston last Sunday when he allowed eight runs, including four homers, over 1 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old Japan native had given up 11 earned runs in the previous five contests, but has surrendered seven homers in the last three games after permitting three in the first five. Kevin Kiermaier is 6-for-12 with a homer against Tanaka, who owns a career 3.79 ERA versus the Rays.
Andriese yielded three runs or fewer in seven straight starts after giving up two runs and four hits over five innings in the victory over Boston on Sunday. The 27-year-old Californian’s pitch count has risen of late after issuing 12 walks the past four outings - five more than he allowed in the season’s first four appearances. Judge is 3-for-7 with a homer and Aaron Hicks 3-for-5 with a pair of blasts against Andriese, who gave up one run on five hits in a no-decision versus New York on April 13.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay OF-DH Cory Dickerson had two hits Friday and has homered eight times in the leadoff spot this season - the most in franchise history before June.
2. New York DH Matt Holliday boasts eight RBIs in his last six games after belting a two-run homer Friday that tied the game 4-4 in the eighth inning.
3. The Rays placed INF Brad Miller (abdomen) on the 10-day disabled list and acquired UTIL Michael Martinez from Cleveland for a player to be named later.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3
Preview: Angels at Mets
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (22-22) at New York Mets (17-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
The New York Mets are capable of looking like a World Series contender one week and a last-place team the next but are trying to find some consistency in a positive direction. The Mets will try to make it two straight wins following a seven-game slide when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series.
New York allowed at least five runs in each of those seven losses but looked like a different team with Jacob deGrom on the mound in Friday's 3-0 triumph. The Mets have been criticized recently for how they’ve handled injuries to their entire roster, and in particular the pitching staff, and deGrom is one of the few reliable arms in the rotation at the moment. Zack Wheeler, who still is making his way back after missing the previous two seasons following Tommy John surgery, will try to make it two reliable starters and give New York some length on Saturday while going up against Alex Meyer. Los Angeles had its four-game winning streak come to an end Friday and will try to get back the offense that produced a total of 28 runs in those four contests.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Alex Meyer (2-1, 5.59 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-2, 3.76)
Meyer is coming off back-to-back wins and posted his first quality start last time out, when he held Detroit to one run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 6-9 Kentucky product runs into trouble with his control from time to time, as he has issued a total of 14 walks in 19 1/3 innings this season. Meyer is 1-1 while allowing nine runs on 12 hits and eight walks in 9 1/3 frames on the road this year.
Wheeler is increasing his pitch count with every outing and was strong in the last two turns, allowing a total of two runs over 12 innings against San Francisco and Arizona. The Georgia native struck out six at Arizona on Monday while giving up just one run in six frames. Wheeler is just 2-3 with a 6.42 ERA in seven career interleague starts but has not faced an American League opponent since 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Mets could get some rotation help soon as LHP Steven Matz (elbow) and RHP Seth Lugo (elbow) both began rehab assignments this week.
2. The Angels reportedly reached a deal with free-agent RHP Doug Fister.
3. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols (hamstring) could return this weekend.
PREDICTION: Angels 8, Mets 5
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (22-22) at New York Mets (17-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
The New York Mets are capable of looking like a World Series contender one week and a last-place team the next but are trying to find some consistency in a positive direction. The Mets will try to make it two straight wins following a seven-game slide when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series.
New York allowed at least five runs in each of those seven losses but looked like a different team with Jacob deGrom on the mound in Friday's 3-0 triumph. The Mets have been criticized recently for how they’ve handled injuries to their entire roster, and in particular the pitching staff, and deGrom is one of the few reliable arms in the rotation at the moment. Zack Wheeler, who still is making his way back after missing the previous two seasons following Tommy John surgery, will try to make it two reliable starters and give New York some length on Saturday while going up against Alex Meyer. Los Angeles had its four-game winning streak come to an end Friday and will try to get back the offense that produced a total of 28 runs in those four contests.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Alex Meyer (2-1, 5.59 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-2, 3.76)
Meyer is coming off back-to-back wins and posted his first quality start last time out, when he held Detroit to one run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 6-9 Kentucky product runs into trouble with his control from time to time, as he has issued a total of 14 walks in 19 1/3 innings this season. Meyer is 1-1 while allowing nine runs on 12 hits and eight walks in 9 1/3 frames on the road this year.
Wheeler is increasing his pitch count with every outing and was strong in the last two turns, allowing a total of two runs over 12 innings against San Francisco and Arizona. The Georgia native struck out six at Arizona on Monday while giving up just one run in six frames. Wheeler is just 2-3 with a 6.42 ERA in seven career interleague starts but has not faced an American League opponent since 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Mets could get some rotation help soon as LHP Steven Matz (elbow) and RHP Seth Lugo (elbow) both began rehab assignments this week.
2. The Angels reportedly reached a deal with free-agent RHP Doug Fister.
3. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols (hamstring) could return this weekend.
PREDICTION: Angels 8, Mets 5
Preview: Rangers at Tigers
GAME: Texas Rangers (23-20) at Detroit Tigers (20-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
The Texas Rangers are the hottest team in baseball as they extended their winning streak to 10 games with a triumph in the series opener. The Rangers will try to make it 11 straight and keep the pressure on Houston in the American League West when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Saturday for the middle contest of their set.
Texas got off to a slow start and was sitting at 13-20 after a 5-1 loos at San Diego on May 8, but an average of 6.4 runs over the last 10 contests and some solid work from the pitching staff got the team back over .500 and pointed in the right direction in the standings as the team tries to keep sight of the MLB-best Astros. The Rangers are not getting much contact from Mike Napoli (.182 batting average) or Joey Gallo (.188), but both can make the ball travel far when they do connect as each homered in Friday's triumph. Trying to keep the ball away from the sweet spots of the bats of Napoli and Gallo on Saturday will be Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who goes up against A.J. Griffin. Detroit is 5-7 in its last 12 contests and dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (4-0, 3.15 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (3-3, 4.47)
Griffin had a string of four straight wins come to an end with a no-decision against Oakland on Sunday, when he was reached for four runs and seven hits in five innings. The Californian tossed a four-hit shutout at San Diego in his previous outing and has not allowed a run in two of his last four turns. Griffin has not had as much success against Detroit as he is 1-2 with an 8.53 ERA and 30 hits allowed in 19 innings.
Verlander had a string of three straight quality starts come to an end Sunday, when he was tagged for four runs on five hits and five walks in six innings by the Angels in Los Angeles. The former Cy Young Award winner and MVP is struggling a bit with his control, issuing 20 walks in his last five starts. Verlander is 9-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 17 career starts against Texas.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera (oblique) sat out the last three games and remains day-to-day.
2. Texas RF Nomar Mazara, who is 9-for-19 over his last five contests, was held out of the lineup in the opener but is expected to play Saturday.
3. Detroit RF J.D. Martinez has hit safely in six of seven games since making his season debut on May 12 and has five home runs.
PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Rangers 1
GAME: Texas Rangers (23-20) at Detroit Tigers (20-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
The Texas Rangers are the hottest team in baseball as they extended their winning streak to 10 games with a triumph in the series opener. The Rangers will try to make it 11 straight and keep the pressure on Houston in the American League West when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Saturday for the middle contest of their set.
Texas got off to a slow start and was sitting at 13-20 after a 5-1 loos at San Diego on May 8, but an average of 6.4 runs over the last 10 contests and some solid work from the pitching staff got the team back over .500 and pointed in the right direction in the standings as the team tries to keep sight of the MLB-best Astros. The Rangers are not getting much contact from Mike Napoli (.182 batting average) or Joey Gallo (.188), but both can make the ball travel far when they do connect as each homered in Friday's triumph. Trying to keep the ball away from the sweet spots of the bats of Napoli and Gallo on Saturday will be Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who goes up against A.J. Griffin. Detroit is 5-7 in its last 12 contests and dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (4-0, 3.15 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (3-3, 4.47)
Griffin had a string of four straight wins come to an end with a no-decision against Oakland on Sunday, when he was reached for four runs and seven hits in five innings. The Californian tossed a four-hit shutout at San Diego in his previous outing and has not allowed a run in two of his last four turns. Griffin has not had as much success against Detroit as he is 1-2 with an 8.53 ERA and 30 hits allowed in 19 innings.
Verlander had a string of three straight quality starts come to an end Sunday, when he was tagged for four runs on five hits and five walks in six innings by the Angels in Los Angeles. The former Cy Young Award winner and MVP is struggling a bit with his control, issuing 20 walks in his last five starts. Verlander is 9-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 17 career starts against Texas.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera (oblique) sat out the last three games and remains day-to-day.
2. Texas RF Nomar Mazara, who is 9-for-19 over his last five contests, was held out of the lineup in the opener but is expected to play Saturday.
3. Detroit RF J.D. Martinez has hit safely in six of seven games since making his season debut on May 12 and has five home runs.
PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Rangers 1
Preview: Giants at Cardinals
GAME: San Francisco Giants (18-25) at St. Louis Cardinals (21-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
The St. Louis Cardinals look to snap a season high-tying three-game losing streak and rebound from a difficult setback when they continue a three-game series with the visiting San Francisco Giants on Saturday. The Cardinals' bullpen allowed six runs over the final three innings of a 6-5 loss in Friday's series opener, with Eduardo Nunez delivering a go-ahead two-run double in the ninth for the Giants.
San Francisco's rally spoiled six scoreless innings by St. Louis right-hander Michael Wacha and a big three-run homer in the seventh by Dexter Fowler, who has gone deep in consecutive games for the Cardinals. The Giants continue to put their miserable start behind them - winning six of their last seven - and they won for just the seventh time in 22 road outings. Nunez has hit safely in six consecutive games and has eight RBIs over his last five contests for San Francisco. Buster Posey saw his five-game hitting streak come to an end in Friday's win, although he did draw two walks and has reached base in 32 of his 34 games.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-5, 5.26 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (3-3, 3.88)
It's been a rocky start to the season for Samardzija, who is 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA on the road. His first win of the year came Sunday at home against Cincinnati, which was held to three runs in 6 2/3 innings. The Indiana native, who has 28 strikeouts with no walks over his last three appearances, will need to be careful with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, who is 11-for-24 against the big right-hander.
Martinez is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts this month after leading his team past the Chicago Cubs last Saturday. He allowed three runs in 6 2/3 frames in the outing while striking out seven for the second consecutive start. The 25-year-old has allowed eight runs in 14 1/3 innings in his four appearances (two starts) against the Giants.
WALK-OFFS
1. Each of San Francisco's last 13 home runs have been solo shots.
2. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong has seven hits and two walks over his last four games.
3. Posey is a career .322 hitter at Busch Stadium.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Giants 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (18-25) at St. Louis Cardinals (21-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
The St. Louis Cardinals look to snap a season high-tying three-game losing streak and rebound from a difficult setback when they continue a three-game series with the visiting San Francisco Giants on Saturday. The Cardinals' bullpen allowed six runs over the final three innings of a 6-5 loss in Friday's series opener, with Eduardo Nunez delivering a go-ahead two-run double in the ninth for the Giants.
San Francisco's rally spoiled six scoreless innings by St. Louis right-hander Michael Wacha and a big three-run homer in the seventh by Dexter Fowler, who has gone deep in consecutive games for the Cardinals. The Giants continue to put their miserable start behind them - winning six of their last seven - and they won for just the seventh time in 22 road outings. Nunez has hit safely in six consecutive games and has eight RBIs over his last five contests for San Francisco. Buster Posey saw his five-game hitting streak come to an end in Friday's win, although he did draw two walks and has reached base in 32 of his 34 games.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-5, 5.26 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (3-3, 3.88)
It's been a rocky start to the season for Samardzija, who is 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA on the road. His first win of the year came Sunday at home against Cincinnati, which was held to three runs in 6 2/3 innings. The Indiana native, who has 28 strikeouts with no walks over his last three appearances, will need to be careful with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, who is 11-for-24 against the big right-hander.
Martinez is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts this month after leading his team past the Chicago Cubs last Saturday. He allowed three runs in 6 2/3 frames in the outing while striking out seven for the second consecutive start. The 25-year-old has allowed eight runs in 14 1/3 innings in his four appearances (two starts) against the Giants.
WALK-OFFS
1. Each of San Francisco's last 13 home runs have been solo shots.
2. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong has seven hits and two walks over his last four games.
3. Posey is a career .322 hitter at Busch Stadium.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Giants 3
Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (18-25) at Baltimore Orioles (24-16)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Orioles put a difficult road trip behind them with a dramatic victory and they look to make it two straight over the Toronto Blue Jays in the continuation of a three-game series Saturday in Camden Yards. After a 1-6 trip that dropped the Orioles into second place in the American League East, they opened the series with a walk-off 5-3 victory in 10 innings Friday night.
Welington Castillo was the hero with a two-run homer - his second of the night - as he drove in four of Baltimore's five runs. Castillo has hit safely in eight straight games, the last three of which have come since he returned from a shoulder injury, and he has four consecutive three-hit efforts. The Orioles have won six of seven meetings with their American League East rivals and they are 14-3 at home, where they will play 14 of their next 17 contests. Toronto is expected to have center fielder Kevin Pillar back from a two-game suspension.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Mike Bolsinger (0-2, 6.10 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2-3, 7.19)
Bolsinger was respectable in his debut for the Blue Jays on May 9 against Cleveland but was rocked for six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks against Atlanta on Monday. He has yet to allow a home run in his 10 1/3 innings but has issued six free passes to go along with 11 hits. The 29-year-old has never faced the Orioles.
Gausman followed up perhaps his best start of the season with another clunker in Kansas City on Sunday, allowing five runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He limited Washington to two runs over seven frames six days earlier at home and is 16-10 with a 3.24 ERA in his career at Camden Yards. The LSU product is 3-3 with a 3.99 mark against Toronto and has had his issues with Darwin Barney (5-for-10, one home run) and Ezequiel Carrera (5-for-13, one home run).
WALK-OFFS
1. Castillo has collected 10 RBIs over his last five games.
2. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista has scored at least one run in nine of his last 10 contests while raising his average from .174 to .218.
3. Pillar is 8-for-24 with a home run and two doubles against Baltimore this season.
PREDICTION: Orioles 7, Blue Jays 5
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (18-25) at Baltimore Orioles (24-16)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Orioles put a difficult road trip behind them with a dramatic victory and they look to make it two straight over the Toronto Blue Jays in the continuation of a three-game series Saturday in Camden Yards. After a 1-6 trip that dropped the Orioles into second place in the American League East, they opened the series with a walk-off 5-3 victory in 10 innings Friday night.
Welington Castillo was the hero with a two-run homer - his second of the night - as he drove in four of Baltimore's five runs. Castillo has hit safely in eight straight games, the last three of which have come since he returned from a shoulder injury, and he has four consecutive three-hit efforts. The Orioles have won six of seven meetings with their American League East rivals and they are 14-3 at home, where they will play 14 of their next 17 contests. Toronto is expected to have center fielder Kevin Pillar back from a two-game suspension.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Mike Bolsinger (0-2, 6.10 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2-3, 7.19)
Bolsinger was respectable in his debut for the Blue Jays on May 9 against Cleveland but was rocked for six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks against Atlanta on Monday. He has yet to allow a home run in his 10 1/3 innings but has issued six free passes to go along with 11 hits. The 29-year-old has never faced the Orioles.
Gausman followed up perhaps his best start of the season with another clunker in Kansas City on Sunday, allowing five runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He limited Washington to two runs over seven frames six days earlier at home and is 16-10 with a 3.24 ERA in his career at Camden Yards. The LSU product is 3-3 with a 3.99 mark against Toronto and has had his issues with Darwin Barney (5-for-10, one home run) and Ezequiel Carrera (5-for-13, one home run).
WALK-OFFS
1. Castillo has collected 10 RBIs over his last five games.
2. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista has scored at least one run in nine of his last 10 contests while raising his average from .174 to .218.
3. Pillar is 8-for-24 with a home run and two doubles against Baltimore this season.
PREDICTION: Orioles 7, Blue Jays 5
Preview: Diamondbacks at Padres
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (25-18) at San Diego Padres (15-29)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
After falling a few votes short of winning a spot on last year’s All-Star team, Jake Lamb is leaving nothing to chance this season. Lamb is 13-for-29 with four homers and 11 RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have won four in a row heading into Saturday’s matchup against the host San Diego Padres.
Lamb belted two homers and drove in five runs in Friday’s 10-1 win as the Diamondbacks began the series by sending 14 batters to the plate and scoring eight times in the first inning. Brandon Drury and David Peralta also went deep for Arizona, which has won seven of its last nine games and could have catcher Chris Iannetta (concussion) back in the lineup as soon as Saturday. The rebuilding Padres have lost four straight but continue to be impressed by the play of Rule 5 draftee Allen Cordoba, a 21-year-old utilityman who is batting .276 with three home runs. Cordoba has played multiple positions but views himself as a future regular at shortstop for the Padres, who have scored a total of six runs over their last four games.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-3, 4.57 ERA) vs. Padres RH Luis Perdomo (0-0, 4.19)
Ray set a career high with 13 strikeouts in his last outing at Petco Park on Aug. 20, 2016 while allowing one run over seven frames in a 2-1 victory. The 25-year-old is winless in his last four starts and yielded four runs over four frames in Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. Ray is 1-4 with a 4.82 ERA in five career starts against San Diego, including 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 13 innings in two starts at Petco Park.
Perdomo has opened the season with six straight no-decisions but turned in a solid outing against Milwaukee on Monday, allowing three runs with a career-high nine strikeouts over six innings. The 24-year-old has recorded four consecutive quality starts since April 28 with a 3.00 ERA and 26-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch. Paul Goldschmidt is 5-for-11 with two homers against Perdomo, who has gone 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA in seven career games (three starts) against Arizona.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Diamondbacks are 23-7 when scoring three or more runs.
2. Padres C Hector Sanchez (foot) is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso this weekend.
3. Arizona leads the major leagues with 45 stolen bases.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 4
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (25-18) at San Diego Padres (15-29)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
After falling a few votes short of winning a spot on last year’s All-Star team, Jake Lamb is leaving nothing to chance this season. Lamb is 13-for-29 with four homers and 11 RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have won four in a row heading into Saturday’s matchup against the host San Diego Padres.
Lamb belted two homers and drove in five runs in Friday’s 10-1 win as the Diamondbacks began the series by sending 14 batters to the plate and scoring eight times in the first inning. Brandon Drury and David Peralta also went deep for Arizona, which has won seven of its last nine games and could have catcher Chris Iannetta (concussion) back in the lineup as soon as Saturday. The rebuilding Padres have lost four straight but continue to be impressed by the play of Rule 5 draftee Allen Cordoba, a 21-year-old utilityman who is batting .276 with three home runs. Cordoba has played multiple positions but views himself as a future regular at shortstop for the Padres, who have scored a total of six runs over their last four games.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-3, 4.57 ERA) vs. Padres RH Luis Perdomo (0-0, 4.19)
Ray set a career high with 13 strikeouts in his last outing at Petco Park on Aug. 20, 2016 while allowing one run over seven frames in a 2-1 victory. The 25-year-old is winless in his last four starts and yielded four runs over four frames in Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. Ray is 1-4 with a 4.82 ERA in five career starts against San Diego, including 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 13 innings in two starts at Petco Park.
Perdomo has opened the season with six straight no-decisions but turned in a solid outing against Milwaukee on Monday, allowing three runs with a career-high nine strikeouts over six innings. The 24-year-old has recorded four consecutive quality starts since April 28 with a 3.00 ERA and 26-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch. Paul Goldschmidt is 5-for-11 with two homers against Perdomo, who has gone 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA in seven career games (three starts) against Arizona.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Diamondbacks are 23-7 when scoring three or more runs.
2. Padres C Hector Sanchez (foot) is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso this weekend.
3. Arizona leads the major leagues with 45 stolen bases.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 4
Preview: Marlins at Dodgers
GAME: Miami Marlins (14-27) at Los Angeles Dodgers (25-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Chris Taylor spent the first three weeks of the season in the minors, but he’s quickly become an invaluable player for the surging Los Angeles Dodgers. Taylor figures to be in the lineup again Saturday as Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Miami Marlins, who have lost five in a row and 19 of their last 23.
The 26-year-old Taylor went 3-for-4 with a solo homer from the leadoff spot in Friday’s 7-1 win and likely will receive steady playing time over the next week after third baseman Justin Turner landed on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Logan Forsythe (foot) will fill in at third when he returns on Tuesday, with Taylor and Chase Utley sharing time at second base. Miami turned in another sluggish performance Friday, but both benches cleared in the ninth inning after Ross Stripling threw behind Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Miami's Justin Bour homered for the second straight game and has gone 22-for-60 with seven blasts and 17 RBIs since April 30.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Florida (Miami), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (1-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Julio Urías (0-1, 3.43)
Straily exited Tuesday’s game against Houston with a bruised right forearm after tossing five scoreless innings but was able to maintain his regular routine in advance of Saturday’s start. The 28-year-old is winless in his last six starts but has worked at least five frames in each outing. Straily last faced the Dodgers while with Cincinnati on May 25, 2016, allowing three runs with 11 strikeouts over seven innings.
After posting a 1.06 ERA in his first three starts of the season, Urias allowed six runs and seven hits over four innings in Sunday’s 9-6 loss at Colorado. The 20-year-old, who is making his first career start against the Marlins, owns a 3-0 record and 2.54 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) at Dodger Stadium. Urias has posted a 2-1 record and 2.30 ERA with 39 strikeouts against 19 walks over his last 10 appearances (nine starts) dating back to last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers OF Yasiel Puig exited Friday’s game with lower back tightness and is listed as day-to-day.
2. Miami RHP David Phelps has not allowed an earned run in his last 10 appearances covering 10 innings.
3. The Dodgers recalled OF Brett Eibner from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Marlins 3
GAME: Miami Marlins (14-27) at Los Angeles Dodgers (25-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Chris Taylor spent the first three weeks of the season in the minors, but he’s quickly become an invaluable player for the surging Los Angeles Dodgers. Taylor figures to be in the lineup again Saturday as Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Miami Marlins, who have lost five in a row and 19 of their last 23.
The 26-year-old Taylor went 3-for-4 with a solo homer from the leadoff spot in Friday’s 7-1 win and likely will receive steady playing time over the next week after third baseman Justin Turner landed on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Logan Forsythe (foot) will fill in at third when he returns on Tuesday, with Taylor and Chase Utley sharing time at second base. Miami turned in another sluggish performance Friday, but both benches cleared in the ninth inning after Ross Stripling threw behind Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Miami's Justin Bour homered for the second straight game and has gone 22-for-60 with seven blasts and 17 RBIs since April 30.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Florida (Miami), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (1-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Julio Urías (0-1, 3.43)
Straily exited Tuesday’s game against Houston with a bruised right forearm after tossing five scoreless innings but was able to maintain his regular routine in advance of Saturday’s start. The 28-year-old is winless in his last six starts but has worked at least five frames in each outing. Straily last faced the Dodgers while with Cincinnati on May 25, 2016, allowing three runs with 11 strikeouts over seven innings.
After posting a 1.06 ERA in his first three starts of the season, Urias allowed six runs and seven hits over four innings in Sunday’s 9-6 loss at Colorado. The 20-year-old, who is making his first career start against the Marlins, owns a 3-0 record and 2.54 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) at Dodger Stadium. Urias has posted a 2-1 record and 2.30 ERA with 39 strikeouts against 19 walks over his last 10 appearances (nine starts) dating back to last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers OF Yasiel Puig exited Friday’s game with lower back tightness and is listed as day-to-day.
2. Miami RHP David Phelps has not allowed an earned run in his last 10 appearances covering 10 innings.
3. The Dodgers recalled OF Brett Eibner from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Marlins 3
Preview: White Sox at Mariners
GAME: Chicago White Sox (18-22) at Seattle Mariners (20-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
A day after posting the first win of their 10-game road trip, the Chicago White Sox look to make it two in a row when they continue their four-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Saturday. Chicago began its trek with three losses to the Los Angeles Angels and dropped the series opener in Seattle before edging the Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings on Friday.
Melky Cabrera delivered a two-out RBI double in the 10th while Jose Quintana and David Robertson combined on a one-hitter for the White Sox, who had dropped seven straight on the road. Seattle's lone hit was a leadoff triple in the second inning by Danny Valencia, who scored on a sacrifice fly by Ben Gamel. The setback denied the Mariners a three-game winning streak and dropped them to 3-2 on their seven-game homestand. Guillermo Heredia was the lone member of the Mariners who didn't strike out Friday and has not been fanned over his last five contests.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.70 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Yovani Gallardo (2-3, 4.53)
Pelfrey remains in search of his first win with Chicago after yielding four runs on three hits and three walks over 4 2/3 frames in a road setback against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The 33-year-old native of Ohio has given up three or more runs in each of his five turns this season and has yet to last six innings, working a season-high 5 1/3 in a loss at Kansas City on May 3. Pelfrey has yet to defeat Seattle in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts.
Gallardo ended his three-start winless streak Monday with a triumph over Oakland in which he allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings. It matched the longest outing of the season for the 31-year-old Mexican, who also worked 6 1/3 frames at Oakland on April 23. Gallardo has been outstanding against Chicago in three career starts, allowing three runs - two earned - over 17 innings while posting a 1-0 record.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu 7-for-23 with three homers and five RBIs on the team's road trip.
2. Chicago CF Leury Garcia was kept out of the starting lineup Friday after being hit on the elbow by a pitch in the series opener but entered the game as a pinch-runner and scored the winning run.
3. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano (quadriceps) participated in batting practice on Friday and is on track to be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Mariners 5, White Sox 3
GAME: Chicago White Sox (18-22) at Seattle Mariners (20-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 20 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
A day after posting the first win of their 10-game road trip, the Chicago White Sox look to make it two in a row when they continue their four-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Saturday. Chicago began its trek with three losses to the Los Angeles Angels and dropped the series opener in Seattle before edging the Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings on Friday.
Melky Cabrera delivered a two-out RBI double in the 10th while Jose Quintana and David Robertson combined on a one-hitter for the White Sox, who had dropped seven straight on the road. Seattle's lone hit was a leadoff triple in the second inning by Danny Valencia, who scored on a sacrifice fly by Ben Gamel. The setback denied the Mariners a three-game winning streak and dropped them to 3-2 on their seven-game homestand. Guillermo Heredia was the lone member of the Mariners who didn't strike out Friday and has not been fanned over his last five contests.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.70 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Yovani Gallardo (2-3, 4.53)
Pelfrey remains in search of his first win with Chicago after yielding four runs on three hits and three walks over 4 2/3 frames in a road setback against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The 33-year-old native of Ohio has given up three or more runs in each of his five turns this season and has yet to last six innings, working a season-high 5 1/3 in a loss at Kansas City on May 3. Pelfrey has yet to defeat Seattle in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts.
Gallardo ended his three-start winless streak Monday with a triumph over Oakland in which he allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings. It matched the longest outing of the season for the 31-year-old Mexican, who also worked 6 1/3 frames at Oakland on April 23. Gallardo has been outstanding against Chicago in three career starts, allowing three runs - two earned - over 17 innings while posting a 1-0 record.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu 7-for-23 with three homers and five RBIs on the team's road trip.
2. Chicago CF Leury Garcia was kept out of the starting lineup Friday after being hit on the elbow by a pitch in the series opener but entered the game as a pinch-runner and scored the winning run.
3. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano (quadriceps) participated in batting practice on Friday and is on track to be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Mariners 5, White Sox 3
