Saturday 5/28/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Blue Jays


Current Conditions - Toronto


P/SUNNY 72 °F
Wind: SSE 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Boston Red Sox (29-19) at Toronto Blue Jays (25-25)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Toronto Blue Jays can match their longest winning streak of the season when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Jays won their third straight game overall and beat American League East-leading Boston for the third consecutive time with Friday's 7-5 victory.

Reigning MVP Josh Donaldson broke out of a 4-for-28 rut in a big way as Toronto snapped a five-game home losing streak. Donaldson went 4-for-5 with a pair of homers, including a tiebreaking two-run blast in the eighth inning, and five RBIs to pull the Blue Jays back to the .500 mark. One night after Boston's Jackie Bradley Jr. had his 29-game hitting streak snapped, shortstop Xander Bogaerts extended his to 20 games in a row. Red Sox right-hander Rick Porcello will make his third start against Toronto this season and will be opposed by Marcus Stroman, who has never lost to Boston.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (7-2, 3.47 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (5-1, 3.89)

Porcello bounced back from his worst outing of the season by holding Cleveland to two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, which was only the second time in nine turns that he failed to pitch six frames. He lasted only five innings in his previous start and was tagged for a season highs in runs (five) and hits (eight). Porcello beat the Blue Jays in his first two starts of the season, although he surrendered a pair of homers in each of the wins.

Stroman rebounded from his first loss with a stellar effort at Minnesota on Sunday, permitting one run on three hits over 7 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old New York native was hammered for seven runs and 13 hits -- both season worsts -- over 5 2/3 innings in a home loss to Tampa Bay in his previous turn. Stroman, who won his first four starts versus the Red Sox before giving up five runs in a no-decision on April 8, has held Bradley hitless in eight at-bats.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista sat out Friday after his one-game suspension was upheld by Major League Baseball.

2. Boston demoted struggling RHP Clay Buchholz to the bullpen.

3. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki had a rough return after missing two games, striking out four times Friday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Red Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Royals

Current Conditions - Kansas City

CLOUDY 59 °F
Wind: S 7
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Chicago White Sox (27-22) at Kansas City Royals (25-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Eric Hosmer emerged from a seven-game funk at a time when the Kansas City Royals badly need offensive reinforcements. The standout first baseman went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs - as the Royals won the series opener against the visiting Chicago White Sox and he aims for another strong effort in Saturday's middle contest of the three-game set.

Hosmer was just 3-for-29 over his previous seven games and will be counted on to carry more of the load with Mike Moustakas (knee) done for the season and Alex Gordon (wrist) out for 3-to-4 weeks. Kansas City's Kendrys Morales (right middle finger) also missed Friday's game and could sit out the series. Chicago has lost four straight games and 12 of its last 16 as its lead in the American League Central has been trimmed to one-half game over Cleveland and one over the Royals. Chicago's Todd Frazier belted his 15th homer to tie for the major-league lead in Friday's 7-5 loss, but it is his lone hit in 10 at-bats over the last three contests.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2-4, 4.47 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (4-3, 4.81)

Rodon defeated the Royals on Sunday in his first career start against them, allowing two runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. The victory halted a three-game losing streak and marked his first win since defeating Minnesota on April 13. Rodon already has served up eight homers in 52 1/3 frames this season after allowing 11 in 139 1/3 innings last year.

Ventura lost when paired against Rodon as he gave up three runs and six hits in six innings. The defeat dropped him to 2-3 with a 4.28 ERA in seven career outings against the White Sox, but he has held Avisail Garcia without a hit in 12 at-bats. After compiling a 2.35 ERA over his first four starts, the 24-year-old Ventura has a 7.01 ERA over his last five outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals OF Brett Eibner served as the DH in his major-league debut with Morales out and went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

2. Chicago LF Melky Cabrera hit a grand slam on Friday - his first since July 29, 2011, when he played for the Royals.

3. Kansas City RF Paulo Orlando is 19-for-38 with nine RBIs during his 10-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, White Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Cubs


Current Conditions - Chicago


CLOUDY 73 °F
Wind: SSW 16
5-Day Forecast GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (26-22) at Chicago Cubs (32-14)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The Chicago Cubs slugged three home runs in a series-opening victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, and they’ll have two of their biggest bats back in the lineup for the second of the three-game set Saturday. Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo should return to the lineup after getting the day off in Chicago’s 6-2 win Friday, a move that paid off as the Cubs’ right-handed sluggers pounded three homers against lefty Adam Morgan.



The Cubs have scored 27 runs during a three-game winning streak and hope to continue the hot hitting in support of right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who is 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA in four home starts. Chicago has scored only 23 runs in Hendricks’ eight starts and managed three or fewer runs in half of them. The Phillies haven’t fared any better when right-hander Jerad Eickhoff is on the mound, scoring just 24 runs in his nine starts with two or fewer in five of them. Philadelphia has lost five of its last seven games.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ABC 7 (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (2-6, 3.86 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (2-4, 3.30)

Eickhoff has been a solid contributor to the rotation, posting quality starts in six of his nine outings. The 25-year-old threw seven scoreless innings in a shutout of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday to snap a six-start winless streak. Eickhoff faced the Cubs last season, allowing just one run and three hits over seven innings with eight strikeouts in a no-decision.

Hendricks is winless in his last three starts and has taken the loss in the last two. The last one was a tough one to swallow, as he allowed just one run and three hits over 5 1/3 innings but was on the wrong end of a shutout loss to the San Francisco Giants. Hendricks beat the Phillies last season, limiting them to three runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are assured of finishing .500 or better for the eighth straight month since manager Joe Maddon took over.

2. Phillies OF Odubel Herrera went 2-for-5 Friday and is batting .358 since moving to the leadoff spot April 20.

3. Chicago 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is 22-for-50 during a 13-game hitting streak and has reached base in 32 straight starts.



PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Athletics


Current Conditions - Oakland


M/SUNNY 56 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Detroit Tigers (24-23) at Oakland Athletics (20-29)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Detroit Tigers have won nine of their last 11 games as they visit the Oakland Athletics on Saturday in the middle contest of their three-game series, and the successful run has coincided with the beginning of Cameron Maybin's season. The center fielder contributed an RBI and a run in Friday's 4-1 victory and is 19-for-36 with a home run, seven RBIs and 10 runs scored while hitting in all 10 games since missing the first 37 of the campaign with wrist and shoulder injuries.

The surge vaulted fourth-place Detroit (24-23) to within two games of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the American League Central. The Athletics (20-29) have lost seven of their last eight contests and five straight at home, falling to 8-16 at Oakland Coliseum, and are 1-4 versus the Tigers this season. The Athletics scored 23 runs in their last eight games and are batting .168 during that span. Oakland's Jesse Hahn allowed five home runs in 24 1/3 innings this season after yielding five in 96 2/3 frames in 2015 and and opposes Matt Boyd, who will be called up from Triple-A Toledo as Jordan Zimmermann misses at least one start with a groin injury.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matt Boyd (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (1-2, 4.07)

Boyd was 1-3 with a 2.08 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while striking out 41 in eight starts over 48 innings with Toledo. The 25-year-old Washington native did not factor in the decision after permitting two hits and three walks while striking out two in 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief in Detroit's 6-5 loss to Cleveland on April 24 in his only appearance with the Tigers this season. Boyd, a sixth round pick by Toronto in 2013, is 1-6 with a 6.97 ERA in 14 career appearances (12 starts) — 12 with Detroit and two with Toronto.

Hahn allowed four runs and six hits (two home runs) in six innings of a 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday. The 26-year-old Connecticut native, who was a teammate of the Mets' Matt Harvey while at Fitch High School in Groton, Conn., pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings in winning his season debut 2-0 over Houston on April 30 but has yielded 11 earned runs and 24 hits over 17 2/3 frames since. Hahn is 2-0 and permitted one run in 16 innings covering two starts versus the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit LF Justin Upton (quadriceps) returned to the starting lineup Friday after missing three games and 2B Ian Kinsler (illness) returned after missing two. Kinsler was 3-for-5 with single, double, triple and run scored while Upton contributed a hit and a run in four at-bats.

2. Zimmermann (7-2, 2.52 ERA) threw a long-toss session Friday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday before the Tigers determine whether he'll rejoin the rotation or be placed on the disabled list.

3. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus is expected to return Saturday after missing two games because of his daughter's high school graduation and mother's death. Bench coach Gene Lamont managed the club in Ausmus' absence.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Athletics 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Rays


Current Conditions - St. Petersburg


SUNNY 79 °F
Wind: ENE 8
5-Day Forecast GAME: New York Yankees (23-24) at Tampa Bay Rays (21-25)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays are in a tailspin and need to find a way to muster some offense as they continue their three-game set against the visiting New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon. The Rays have scored five runs during a three-game losing streak and have dropped six of seven following a 4-1 loss in the series opener.

Steve Pearce's solo homer with two outs in the ninth inning prevented Tampa Bay from being shut out for the first time since April 15. Red-hot Logan Morrison was hitless in four at-bats Friday to fall to 8-for-41 with 15 strikeouts in his career against the Yankees. Designated hitter Alex Rodriguez belted a two-run homer in his second game since coming off the disabled list for New York, which is 7-2 in its last nine contests. During that span, the Yankees have received eight quality starts from their pitching staff.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (2-5, 6.34 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (1-3, 5.47)

Pineda finally put an end to a winless stretch of 6 1/2 weeks Sunday with six innings of three-run ball in a 5-4 victory over Oakland. It marked the first time since his season debut that Pineda received more than five runs of support -- the Yankees scored a total of 14 runs during his seven-start dry spell. Pineda had his worst outing of the season versus Tampa Bay on April 24, when he was shelled for seven runs and surrendered four homers.

Moore saw his winless streak reach six starts with another lackluster performance at Miami on Monday when he gave up five runs on a season-high 10 hits -- the fourth consecutive outing in which he failed to pitch beyond five innings. Receiving two extra days of rest offered no respite for Moore, who has given up nine homers in only 51 innings. Moore took the loss in New York on April 22, allowing four runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RF Carlos Beltran homered Friday to move within one hit of 2,500 for his career.

2. Rays RF Brandon Guyer is 10-for-28 with two homers and four doubles in his last seven games.

3. Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira (neck), who sat out his third straight game, could be back in the lineup Sunday or Monday, manager Joe Girardi said.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Indians


Current Conditions - Cleveland


M/SUNNY 80 °F
Wind: S 6
5-Day Forecast GAME: Baltimore Orioles (27-19) at Cleveland Indians (25-21)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Baltimore Orioles put an end to their season-high four-game losing streak by extending their dominance over the Cleveland Indians. The Orioles will vie for their sixth consecutive victory over the Indians on Saturday when the clubs play the second contest of their three-game series at Progressive Field.

Manny Machado had an RBI single among his four hits in Friday's 6-4 victory and has reached base a staggering 14 times during his four-game hitting streak. Cleveland's Jose Ramirez also had four hits in the series opener and has scored at least one run in five consecutive contests. Ramirez could be licking his chops as he'll face a struggling right-hander in Baltimore's Ubaldo Jimenez. The veteran Jimenez also needs to prevent the streaky Francisco Lindor from getting untracked as the 22-year-old rebounded from a 1-for-16 stretch to collect four hits and three RBIs in his last two games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WJZ, MASN (Baltimore), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (2-5, 6.04 ERA) vs. Indians RH Danny Salazar (4-3, 2.32)

Jimenez was taken to task for the fourth time in five outings, allowing 25 runs on 38 hits with 16 walks en route to losing three of four decisions. The 32-year-old Dominican's troubles on the road continued on Sunday as he permitted six runs for the second straight contest in a 10-2 setback to the Los Angeles Angels. Jimenez fell to 0-3 away from home with a bloated 7.02 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .299 against him this season.

Salazar struggled through a season-low 4 1/3-inning outing on Sunday as he allowed four runs on eight hits in a 5-2 setback to Boston. The 26-year-old Dominican looks to bounce back versus Baltimore, against which he has pitched well in splitting a pair of career decisions. Salazar yielded just one run and struck out 10 to pick up the win in his last encounter with the Orioles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Elevated to the leadoff position, Baltimore CF Adam Jones showed signs of breaking out of his 3-for-37 slump by matching that hit total in the series opener.

2. Cleveland RHP Carlos Carrasco (strained left hamstring) is scheduled to throw four innings or 60 pitches in an injury rehab start for Double-A Akron on Saturday.

3. Orioles RHP Yovani Gallardo, who has been sidelined since April 23 with right shoulder tendinitis, will throw a simulated game on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Orioles 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Braves


Current Conditions - Atlanta


SUNNY 72 °F
Wind: S 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Miami Marlins (25-23) at Atlanta Braves (13-34)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Miami Marlins are off to a solid start while contending in the National League East, but have yet to find a way to beat the NL’s worst team in their first four meetings. The Marlins hope to end that drought when they visit the struggling Atlanta Braves in the middle contest of a three-game series on Saturday afternoon.

The Marlins coughed up a two-run lead and fell 4-2 at Atlanta on Friday for their fourth consecutive defeat against the Braves this season. Miami’s Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in nine straight games and boasts multiple hits in five in a row, but Jeff Francoeur went 4-for-5 with an RBI Friday to help the Braves end a four-game losing streak. Nick Markakis snapped out of a 0-for-16 slump over a five-game span with two hits and two RBIs in the series opener for Atlanta, which has won just three of 23 home games. The Braves hope to match the 14-hit attack they produced on Friday night.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (3-2, 4.61 ERA) vs. Braves RH Aaron Blair (0-3, 7.59)

Chen has won three of his last four decisions, but struggled last time out when he allowed five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay. The Taiwan native yielded two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings against Atlanta on April 15 without being involved in the decision. Erick Aybar, who left Friday’s game with a foot injury, is 3-for-7 with a homer versus Chen, who limited opponents to three runs in six of nine starts.

Blair is expected to return from Triple-A after permitting nine runs on nine hits in his last major-league start on May 17 against Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old Las Vegas native gave up seven total runs in his first three starts before struggling in his last two before the demotion. Blair has struck out eight and walked 12 in 21 1/3 innings so far and gave up one run in six innings against the NL-best Chicago Cubs on April 29 without a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami SS Adeiny Hechavarria went 0-for-4 in the series opener, but had 16 hits in his previous 11 contests.

2. Atlanta 3B Gordon Beckham is 4-for-10 in his last three games to raise his batting average to .308.

3. Miami LF Christian Yelich (back) walked as a pinch hitter Friday and could return to the starting lineup for the first time since Monday.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Brewers


Current Conditions - Milwaukee


SUNNY 70 °F
Wind: S 12
5-Day Forecast GAME: Cincinnati Reds (15-33) at Milwaukee Brewers (22-26)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Cincinnati Reds seemingly can't buy a win on the road - or anywhere else for that matter. Mired in an 11-game losing streak, the reeling Reds will look to pick themselves off that canvas and even their three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, when the National League Central rivals reconvene at Miller Park.

Adam Duvall belted a three-run homer to give Cincinnati an early lead, but the wheels came off in a hurry as his club fell to a dismal 3-18 on the road following a 9-5 setback in Friday's series opener. The 27-year-old Duvall has gone deep three times in his last five games overall and has hit safely in all five meetings with Milwaukee this season. While the Reds are just two losses shy of matching last year's season-ending skid, the Brewers have won a campaign-best four in a row as the offense has erupted for 15 runs in the last two contests after mustering just 12 in the previous five. Aaron Hill has tormented cellar-dwelling Cincinnati with five homers this season - including two in Friday's slugfest.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Alfredo Simon (1-5, 10.16 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson 2-6, 5.33)

Simon's disastrous season endured another black eye on Sunday as the 35-year-old Dominican allowed five runs in as many innings of a 5-4 setback to Seattle. Simon has been blitzed for 15 runs and 23 hits in his last two outings and looks to get back on track versus Milwaukee, against which he traditionally has fared well. Simon yielded three runs in 7 2/3 innings of a 9-5 win on May 5 to improve his career record against the club to 4-1 with a 1.06 WHIP.

Like Simon, Anderson has struggled to get it together as the 28-year-old has lost six of his last seven starts. Anderson's issues with keeping the ball in the park led to his undoing on Sunday, as Michael Conforto's homer ignited the New York Mets to a 3-1 win. The beleaguered hurler has been taken deep 12 times in his last seven outings (38 innings).

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee LF Ryan Braun has reached base in 29 consecutive contests.

2. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 0-for-22 with 15 strikeouts in his last seven games.

3. Brewers SS Jonathan Villar is 11-for-25 (.444) with five RBIs and as many runs scored in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Rockies


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: San Francisco Giants (30-20) at Colorado Rockies (23-24)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Madison Bumgarner seeks his sixth consecutive victory when he takes the mound for the San Francisco Giants in Saturday's contest against the host Colorado Rockies. The left-handed ace has posted a 1.25 ERA during his six-start unbeaten streak and has allowed a total of 11 hits over his last three outings.

Bumgarner stymied the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, allowing three hits over 7 2/3 innings of a 1-0 victory, and is well on his way to registering his third consecutive 18-win season. He will try to get the torrid Giants back on the winning side of the ledger after they suffered a 5-2 loss in Friday's series opener - just their second defeat in the last 15 games. The Rockies have scored 13 runs while winning their last two games after posting three or fewer runs in six of their previous eight contests. Charlie Blackmon has recorded three two-hit performances in his last five games - he is 8-for-22 with a homer and three doubles during that stretch - and has reached base in a career-best 22 consecutive contests.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (6-2, 2.17 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Eddie Butler (2-2, 3.58)

Bumgarner defeated Colorado on May 6, when he struck out 10 in 7 1/3 innings while allowing four runs (two earned) and seven hits. He is 12-6 with a 3.18 ERA in 23 career starts against the Rockies and has experienced success against Nolan Arenado (6-for-28, two homers) while struggling against Carlos Gonzalez (16-for-50, five homers). Bumgarner has given up two earned runs or fewer in eight of his 10 starts and has served up just one homer over his last six turns.

Butler has just six major-league victories, and three of them have come against the Giants - he has a 2.08 ERA in the three wins. He was superb against San Francisco on May 8, when he pitched six scoreless innings and struck out six while allowing four hits and two walks. Butler is 3-5 with a hefty 6.70 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) at Coors Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Trevor Story is 3-for-8 with a homer and four RBIs in two games since being dropped to seventh in the batting order.

2. Giants RF Hunter Pence (hamstring) could be in the starting lineup for the first time since May 20 and 1B Brandon Belt (ankle) expects to play after a one-game absence.

3. Arenado delivered a run-scoring double on Friday but is just 2-for-24 over his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Rockies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Mets


Weather information is currently unavailable.
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (25-24) at New York Mets (28-19)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard has dominated the opposition with a blistering fastball, but the Los Angeles Dodgers have every right to be wary of his bat as well. After jolting the Dodgers with a pair of homers two weeks ago, Syndergaard looks to keep them on their heels again on Saturday when the clubs play the second contest of their three-game series at Citi Field.

Right-hander Kenta Maeda, who served up both blasts to Syndergaard in the May 11 tilt, will provide the opposition as Los Angeles attempts to rebound from a heartbreaking 6-5 loss in the series opener. Syndergaard's abilities at the plate notwithstanding, Maeda also needs to keep a keen eye on David Wright as the Mets captain has overcome a pronounced slump to homer in three consecutive contests. Curtis Granderson led off the ninth inning for his second career walk-off blast and Juan Lagares also went deep in Friday's triumph for New York, which has 13 homers en route to winning six of its last seven. Chase Utley's bases-clearing double with two outs in the ninth capped a four-RBI performance, but the Mets nemesis is 0-for-7 in his career versus Syndergaard.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FOX, Sportsnet Los Angeles

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (3-3, 3.29 ERA) at Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (5-2, 1.94)

Maeda has struggled mightily over the last month, posting an 0-3 mark after allowing four runs in four of his last five starts. The 28-year-old Japanese star carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning of his last outing before coming undone in a no-decision versus San Diego. Maeda also yielded four runs - including a pair of homers - in just five frames of a 4-3 setback to the Mets.

Syndergaard began his three-game winning streak with a dazzling performance versus the Dodgers on May 11, allowing just two runs in a career high-tying eight strong innings of a 4-3 win. The 23-year-old upped the ante in his next two outings, permitting zero earned runs and striking out 21 without issuing a walk in dominating victories over Washington and Milwaukee. Syndergaard etched his name next to elite company following those two outings, joining Nolan Ryan, Jose Fernandez and Clayton Kershaw as the lone pitchers since 1913 to post consecutive double-digit strikeout games without yielding a walk or an earned run.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles CF Joc Pederson, who went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Friday, is 1-for-14 (.071) versus New York this season.

2. Mets 2B Neil Walker is 9-for-23 (.391) during his six-game hitting streak.

3. Members of the 1986 World Series champion Mets team will attend a pregame ceremony prior to Saturday's tilt.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Dodgers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Nationals


Current Conditions - Washington


M/SUNNY 74 °F
Wind: S 9
5-Day Forecast GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (25-24) at Washington Nationals (29-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Although they put up only 10 hits in the past two games, the St. Louis Cardinals have managed to split a pair of decisions with the host Washington Nationals. Stephen Piscotty's grand slam was the big blow in Friday's 6-2 victory for the Cardinals, who send Adam Wainwright to the mound Saturday night against Washington.

St. Louis snapped a three-game winning streak and gave manager Mike Matheny his 400th win despite a patchwork lineup missing Matt Carpenter and Matt Adams, who could both return Saturday. Greg Garcia, called up from Triple-A Memphis when Carpenter went on the paternity list, homered Friday and is 2-for-3 with three walks and two runs scored in his first two games. Danny Espinosa homered for the second straight day for the Nationals, who have scored four runs over their past three games. Washington, which fell into a first-place tie with the New York Mets atop the National League East, sends left-hander Gio Gonzalez to the mound Saturday.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (4-3, 5.77 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 2.87)

Although he did not factor in the decision, Wainwright extended his unbeaten string to six starts after giving up three runs on seven hits over six innings last time out. The 34-year-old turned in his best start of the season in his previous turn, tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings of six-hit ball in a 2-0 victory over Colorado. Daniel Murphy is 7-for-14 and Bryce Harper 6-for-15 versus Wainwright, who owns a 7-3 mark and 2.78 ERA against Washington.

Gonzalez had been a model of consistency until he was shelled by the New York Mets for seven runs on 10 hits over five innings while also serving up three homers -- matching his total in his previous eight starts combined. In his first eight outings, Gonzalez held opponents to one earned run or fewer on six occasions. Gonzalez is 2-1 with a razor-thin 1.54 ERA in five starts versus St. Louis, but he must be wary of Yadier Molina, who is 6-for-15 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Adams, on a 7-for-11 tear, reported improvement Friday after back stiffness forced him to exit the series opener.

2. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon is 4-for-6 in the series and has multiple hits in six of his last 10 games.

3. Carpenter missed the past three games to be with his wife, who gave birth to the couple's first child.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Cardinals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Rangers


Current Conditions - Arlington


CLOUDY 66 °F
Wind: S 6
5-Day Forecast GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (28-19) at Texas Rangers (27-21)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to match their season high with a sixth consecutive victory when they visit the Texas Rangers on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series. Pittsburgh, which ended April with six straight victories, used a 14-hit attack that featured four home runs to roll to a 9-1 triumph over Texas in Monday's series opener.

Starling Marte belted one of the shots and finished 3-for-4 to give him at least one hit in eight of his last nine contests. Friday's setback was just the second in eight games for Texas, which managed just one run after producing 15 in a victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Adrian Beltre went 2-for-4 with a homer for the Rangers, who were without Rougned Odor as the second baseman began serving his seven-game suspension - reduced from eight - for an altercation with Toronto's Jose Bautista. Texas will look to bounce back from the rare defeat behind three-time All-Star Yu Darvish, who has been sidelined since August 2014 due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Juan Nicasio (4-3, 4.46 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (2014: 10-7, 3.06)

Nicasio will be making his first start since working one inning against Colorado on Sunday before the game was postponed. The 29-year-old Dominican notched the victory versus Atlanta on May 17 despite yielding five runs - three earned - in five innings. Nicasio won his only career start against Texas while with the Rockies on May 6, 2014, when he walked five but allowed just one run and two hits over five frames.

Darvish returns to make his first start since Aug. 8, 2014, when he was tagged for six runs - five earned - on nine hits and four walks in four innings at Houston. The 29-year-old from Japan, who will be limited to 85-90 pitches, went 1-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 21 strikeouts over 20 frames in five rehab starts between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. Darvish suffered the hard-luck loss in his only career start against Pittsburgh on Sept. 9, 2013 after allowing just one run and four hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers RHP Shawn Tolleson took a family emergency medical leave Friday and was replaced on the roster by INF Jurickson Profar, who was recalled from Round Rock and will start at second base during Odor's absence.

2. Pittsburgh INF Jung Ho Kang has recorded 15 hits this season - 10 of which have gone for extra bases.

3. Texas C Robinson Chirinos (forearm) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Frisco on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Pirates 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Angels

GAME: Houston Astros (20-29) at Los Angeles Angels (22-26)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Los Angeles Angels veteran Albert Pujols has slugged more homers against the Houston Astros than any player in baseball history and his latest blast was one for the record books. Pujols moved into 12th place on the all-time list with his 570th career homer in the series opener and looks to make an impact again when the two American League West rivals play in Anaheim on Saturday.

Pujols broke a tie with Rafael Palmeiro with his homer in Friday's 7-2 victory and he stands just three behind 11th-place Harmon Killebrew. His two-run homer was his 51st regular-season shot against Houston and he also had six playoff homers against the Astros in the 2004-05 postseasons when Houston was part of the National League. Pujols is just 5-for-25 with a homer against Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel, who is still searching for last season's AL Cy Young Award-winning form. Keuchel has dropped his last five decisions and has allowed a whopping 31 runs and 45 hits in 28 1/3 innings in those defeats.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2-6, 5.92 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jered Weaver (4-3, 5.33)

Keuchel has fared well against the Angels in his career with a 7-2 record and 3.86 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts). He was rocked by the Texas Rangers in his last outing when he gave up seven runs and nine hits in six innings. Keuchel is 1-4 with a 6.57 ERA in six road starts this season with the victory coming in his season debut against the New York Yankees.

Weaver allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings to beat Baltimore in his last turn and halt a three-game losing streak. The 33-year-old, who once struck out 233 batters in a season (2010), fanned a season-high six against the Orioles and has just 32 in 52 1/3 innings this season. Weaver is 5-3 with a 2.98 ERA in nine career starts against the Astros and has easily handled Colby Rasmus (1-for-17) while struggling to retire Jose Altuve (10-for-29).

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels CF Mike Trout, who is 10-for-31 with a homer against Keuchel, had a three-run double in the opener.

2. Houston SS Carlos Correa is just 4-for-33 over his last eight games and has gone 10 games without a homer.

3. Los Angeles 2B Johnny Giavotella has nine multi-hit outings over the last 14 games and is 23-for-54 with one homer and seven doubles during the stretch.

PREDICTION: Angels 9, Astros 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Mariners


Current Conditions - Seattle


L/RAIN 49 °F
Wind: SSE 14
5-Day Forecast GAME: Minnesota Twins (13-34) at Seattle Mariners (28-19)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Minnesota Twins appear to be finding their offensive stroke and look to continue using it when they visit the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Minnesota had scored four runs or fewer in seven of their previous eight contests before producing seven in each of their last two games — both victories.

Joe Mauer remains hot at the plate as he is 8-for-17 with two homers and four RBIs over his last four contests after posting his third multi-hit performance in that span Friday. Seattle managed only five hits Friday after outscoring Oakland 19-8 over the final two contests of their three-game series. Franklin Gutierrez delivered one of those hits — a solo home run that extended his hitting streak to four games. He has gone 5-for-13 on the run, raising his batting average from .176 to .219.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Phil Hughes (1-7, 5.55 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Wade Miley (5-2, 4.50)

After a stretch during which he yielded four or more runs in three straight starts, Hughes has given up a total of four in his last two outings but remains winless since April 18. The 29-year-old Californian is 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA in four turns on the road but allowed just one run and three hits over 6 1/3 innings at Detroit on May 17. Hughes has had some success against Seattle in his career, going 7-4 with one complete game and a 3.50 ERA in 14 games (11 starts).

Miley recorded his fifth consecutive victory Sunday despite surrendering four runs and eight hits over six innings at Cincinnati. The 29-year-old native of Louisiana has given up four runs three times during the winning streak while keeping the opposition off the scoreboard in the other two, including his first career shutout on April 30 against Kansas City. Miley, who never has faced Minnesota, has worked at least six frames in eight of his nine starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 3B Trevor Plouffe is slated to undergo an MRI on Saturday after leaving the series opener in the fourth inning with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

2. Seattle CF Leonys Martin was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring while OF Stefen Romero was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.

3. Mariners SS Ketel Marte (thumb) hit off a tee Friday and expects to begin a rehab assignment with Tacoma next week.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks


Current Conditions - Phoenix


SUNNY 65 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: San Diego Padres (20-29) at Arizona Diamondbacks (21-29)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 28 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Another disappointing month has resulted in a series of roster changes for the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks, who have dropped four in row heading into Saturday’s game against the visiting San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks dropped Friday’s series opener 10-3 and have been outscored 35-11 during their losing streak.

The roster movement began early Friday as starting pitchers Rubby De La Rosa (elbow) and Shelby Miller (finger) were placed on the disabled list and continued when relievers Dominic Leone, Silvino Bracho and Josh Collmenter were added to an underachieving bullpen. “We’re (eight) games under .500, and this is what happens,” manager Chip Hale told reporters. “No one likes a lot of change, but that’s what happens in professional sports when you’re not performing to where we’re supposed to be.” Bracho tossed two scoreless innings of relief Friday against the Padres, who snapped a four-game losing streak and collected 18 hits in the victory. Matt Kemp broke out of a 3-for-33 slump by going 3-for-5 with his 11th home run and Wil Myers returned after being held out of the starting lineup for the previous two games with a left forearm injury.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Cesar Vargas (0-2, 3.34 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (5-3, 4.59)

Vargas recorded the best start of his career last Saturday, as he held the Los Angeles Dodgers to two runs and four hits while striking out seven over seven innings. The 24-year-old is seeking his first major-league victory despite working at least five frames in five of his first six outings. Vargas, who has walked 13 batters in his first 32 1/3 innings, was signed by the Padres during the offseason after spending the previous seven campaigns in the New York Yankees' minor-league system.

Greinke continued to round into form Sunday, allowing one run while striking out seven over eight innings to earn the win at St. Louis. The reigning NL ERA champion has won five of his last seven starts and has issued a total of four walks over his last three outings. Myers is 2-for-17 against Greinke, who is 6-1 with a 1.64 ERA in 13 career games against the Padres - including seven straight quality starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hale announced that RHP Archie Bradley will be recalled from Triple-A Reno to start in place of Miller in Sunday’s series finale.

2. Kemp’s 32 home runs against Arizona ranks second behind the Dodgers’ Adrian Gonzalez among active players.

3. Arizona optioned relievers Evan Marshall and Andrew Chafin to Reno and recalled OF/1B Peter O'Brien.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 28

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GOLDEN STATE (83 - 14) at OKLAHOMA CITY (66 - 32) - 5/28/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 158-114 ATS (+32.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 53-41 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 60-43 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 68-48 ATS (+15.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-36 ATS (-12.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-40 ATS (-15.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-7 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 9-6 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 28

Golden State at Oklahoma City, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 13-4 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3
Oklahoma City: 27-36 ATS after scoring 105 points or more

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Saturday, May 28

Trend Report

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Golden State is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Golden State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Golden State

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, May 28


Golden State @ Oklahoma City

Game 723-724
May 28, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
128.607
Oklahoma City
134.126
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-2 1/2); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 28

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CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at SEATTLE (10 - 24) - 5/28/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 4-0 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons