Saturday 6/11/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Astros vs Rays

Play - Tampa Bay Rays w/Archer

Edges - Rays: Chris Archer 2.03 ERA at home as opposed to 6.75 ERA away this season, and 7-2 last nine team starts during June. Astros: Mike Fiers 0-4 with 7.71 ERA and .67 WHIP away team starts this season, and visiting team 2-9 in Fiers starts this season. With Archer 4-1 in his career team starts in this series, including 2-0 at home, we recommend a 1* play on Tampa Bay. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sleepyj

Phillies / Nationals Over 7.5

These lineups know these pitchers..They have seen each pitcher three times already this season...The more looks each team has had, the more runs they have scored...I can see a elite pitcher being able to make the proper adjustments to confuse a lineup, but these two don't fit that bill...Roark hasn't been razor sharp this year and the Phils getting another look in a short period of time leans me to him getting hit up enough here...Same goes for Nola...Nola is a live arm, but the Nats lineup is deep and powerful...He got smoked by the Nats to open the season series and he is 1-2 vs the Nats this year..The bats on both side had it going last night as both teams put up 15+ runs combined...This number will only go up and I feel good grabbing 7.5 here..We might just see early exits for both guys here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Larry Ness

Los Angeles at San Francisco
Prediction: San Francisco

The Dodgers and Giants sent Kershaw and Cueto to the mound Friday night and the expected happened. Kershaw pitched eight innings, allowing two runs with 13 Ks and not a single walk. Cueto matched his eight innings and also allowed two runs with eight Ks and zero walks. The game was decided in the 9th on a solo HR by LA. The win allowed the 33-29 Dodgers to move within three games of the division-leading 36-26 Giants, heading into Saturday's middle game of the three-game set between these longtime rivals.

Saturday’s pitching matchup features Scott Kazmir (5-3, 4.46 ERA) and Jeff Samardzija (7-4, 3.33 ERA), pitchers who each team invested “big bucks” on over the offseason. Kazmir struggled twice in head-to-head meetings with the Giants over the first two weeks of the season, each time matched up against Cueto. He never saw the fifth inning in either start, allowing six runs in a 9-6 defeat in San Francisco and four runs in a 4-3 home loss. The successive losses dropped Kazmir's career record against the Giants to 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA in four starts (teams are 1-3).

However, Samardzija has faced the Dodgers three times in his career and come up short on all three occasions, allowing 11 ERs in 17.1 innings (5.71 ERA) in going 0-3. One of those matchups came April 17, when Joc Pederson's two-run HR was the difference in a 3-1 Giants loss. Both Kazmir and Samardzija have struggled against these respective opponents but overall, San Francisco starting pitchers have gone 13-4 with a 2.13 ERA since May 11. Expect the Giants to bounce back with a win here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bob Harvey

Chicago vs. Atlanta
Play: Atlanta +265

Reigning Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta looks to rebound from his first loss of the season when he leads the Cubs into Atlanta to battle the Braves. The Braves took Friday’s series opener 5-1 providing backers with a +184 payday.

The Cubs (41-17, 36-22 RL) have lost Arrieta’s last two starts – scoring a total of two runs in those contests – after winning the previous 24 games he started. He was charged with the loss Sunday against Arizona, marking his first regular-season defeat since July 25 last season.

Despite owning the worst record in the National League, the Braves (17-42, 24-35 RL) have won two of three meetings this season with the Cubs – who own the majors’ best mark. Atlanta has also won two straight following a six-game losing streak.

Arrieta (9-1, 1.80 ERA) struggled against Arizona, allowing three runs and nine hits over five innings, though he did punch out a season-high 12 strikeouts. It was just the fourth time in 12 outings this season the veteran righthander had failed to record a quality start. Arrieta is 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four starts versus the Braves and pitched 13 scoreless innings over two meetings against them last season.

Matt Wisler (2-6, 3.98 ERA) will oppose Arrieta and like the Cubs ace, also has eight quality starts. The 23-year-old faced the Cubs last season and was roughed up for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Chicago is 7-1 in the last eight meetings but is just 2-8 in the past 10 meetings in Atlanta.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big Al

Oakland vs. Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati

Reds RHP Dan Straily will get his first start tonight against the team that first drafted him in 2009 and for which he played his first 2 1/2 seasons in the Majors. And after bouncing around to Chicago and Houston, Straily is now starting to show the promise that he had in his first two seasons as a member of the Reds. Straily is 3-2 with a 3.34 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 13 appearances, which includes 10 starts. He still walks too many batters - which has always been his problem - but he's also gotten his hit rate way down this season (6.3 per nine IP). Cincy is among the leaders in runs (58), home runs (17), and batting average (.306) for the month of June. Meanwhile, the A's are 5-19 in their last 24 road games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brandon Shively

Oakland vs. Cincinnati
Pick: Oakland

The Cincinnati Reds are not going to be a favorite often. In fact, this will be only the 10th time they have been a favorite this season. In this rare occasion, I want to look to fade the Reds and I think this game poses some advantages on our side.

The Reds will have Dan Straily on the mound, who used to pitch for the Athletics in 2012-2014. I think that the Oakland offense could possibly have the advantage in this matchup. Oakland’s pitching coach, Curt Young, was with Oakland in 2012-2014 when Dan Straily was with the Athletics also. Young should be able to tip the Oakland hitters on what to expect from Straily.

Daniel Mengden is making his first MLB start for Oakland on Saturday. A lot of times, the pitcher has the advantage here as opposing betters don’t have any history of facing the pitcher. If Mengden can control his emotions, then Oakland will be in position to win this game. Mengden has a 3.9:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 7 AAA starts this season with a 1.39 ERA. He has a 15-5 record with a 2.87 career ERA in 3 seasons in the Minors in All Levels.

The Reds bullpen already has 12 blown saves this season with a 6.71 ERA. That’s another reason why I like to take a closer look when the Reds are a favorite. Speedster Billy Hamilton is also out for the Reds. I like the value with Oakland getting plus money Saturday afternoon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MARTIN GRIFFITHS

Costa Rica vs. Colombia
Play: Over 2½

Colombia and Costa Rica face one another for the final Group A match of the Copa America Centenario, and supporters can expect an entertaining match with more than 2.5 goals scored.

Group leaders Colombia have already secured their progression to the knockout stages after winning both matches against the United States and Paraguay. However, Los Cafeteros will be seeking for a third successive victory to continue their momentum and are unlikely to go easy on their opponents. Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez has been a stand-out star for the team, scoring twice in the Copa America so far and providing a boost in their performances. An average 3.6 goals have been scored in Colombia’s previous 5 fixtures, and another high-scoring result is almost certain again this evening.

Costa Rica will be disappointed in their Copa America record this year, having failed to score during their opening draw against Paraguay, as well as their heavy defeat to the US. The absence of goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been devastating for the team, as the Real Madrid star has often been the main factor preventing large scorelines. Oscar Ramirez’s squad will almost certainly throw everything into attack in a desperate bid to earn something from the tournament, opening the game up and providing more goals for spectators.

Overall, I believe that the fixture between Colombia and Costa Rica will be an entertaining spectacle with more than 2.5 goals scored.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Strike Point Sports

San Diego at Colorado
Play: Colorado

Colorado continues to pile up runs on offense, but their pitching is still allowing too many as they are searching for some answers. Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 2.79 ERA) is giving them hope as he has won two out of his last three starts at home, beating the Mets and Giants, who are two of the best teams in baseball. Chatwood shut out the Padres already this season, going eight innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven. Luis Pedermo will have the ball for San Diego and he has been a spot starter for them at times this season but mostly working out of the bullpen. Pedermo has allowed at least one run in 16 out of his 21 appearances including 6 earned runs on 8 hits (2 home runs) over 4.1 innings to the Rockies on Sunday at PETCO Park. San Diego are looking like sellers now that they are off to another brutal start (24-35) after sending James Shields to the White Sox, and I'm sure they will be looking to trade away other assets to build for the future and clear some cap space. The Rockies will be playing at home and they have won four out of Chatwood's last five starts and I like them to pick up the win in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

John Ryan
MLB | Jun 11, 2016
Royals vs. White Sox

Royals +130 at 5dimes

Following Ryan’s proven SIM Algorithm generated Titans has gone 19-12 in L31 MLB picks. His 3-Pack today features an unbelievable over +200 DOG play!

10* graded play on Kansas City as they take on Chicago White Sox in AL Central action set to start at 2:10 PM ET. SIM algorithm shows a high probability that KC will win this game.

Technical Discussion Points Supporting this graded play is a proven system posting a 71-62 over the last 5 seasons good for 54% winners and made 40 units/unit wagered. Play on all underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 (KANSAS CITY) - terrible offensive team (under 4.2 runs/game) against a good starting pitcher (ERA under 4.20) (AL), with a starting pitcher who strikes out 5 or more batters per start. The following game situations match the SIM projections and my compiled research for the outcome of this game. KC is a money winning 62-37 (+26.9 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.2 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons; 136-102 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. CWS are a money losing 8-18 (-13.2 Units) against the money line vs. a starting pitcher whose gives up 1 or more HR's/start over the last 2 seasons; 35-50 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. Quintana is 4-13 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Fundamental Discussion Points Kansas City is 5-2 (+3.8 Units) against CWS this season. Jose Quintana has lost five consecutive starts and allowed a season-worst five runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers in his last start. He has a 9.64 ERA in June. Quintana also struggles when starting against Kansas City going 1-7 with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.319. Danny Duffy's team's record is 8-3 (+5.1 units) when starting against CWS with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.182. The Royals can bounce back especially in this starting pitching matchup. Take Kansas City Royals.

 

[escrow]

Hi CPAW, I see there is some Wizard's analysis info in the Belmont thread . Any chance of getting his full card analysis?
thanks for everything you do for us!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Nationals

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (29-32) at Washington Nationals (37-24)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 12:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Washington Nationals have made amends after being unceremoniously swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in April, outscoring their National League East rival by a 25-12 margin en route to winning the last four encounters. Washington looks to ride its potent offense toward another victory on Saturday afternoon when the clubs play the second contest of their three-game series.

Daniel Murphy drove in three runs in Friday's 9-6 triumph to improve to 14-for-38 (.368) in the season series. The 31-year-old Murphy is 7-for-20 (.350) with two homers, eight RBIs and seven runs scored in his last five games for the first-place Nationals, who have erupted for 41 runs during their last five contests (4-1). Philadelphia is careening in the other direction with losses in 15 of its last 20 to get comfortable in fourth place. Tommy Joseph is making the most of his playing time as the rookie first baseman belted a pair of two-run homers to improve to 11-for-24 (.458) with four blasts and seven RBIs in his last seven games.

TV: 12:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Philadelphia, MASN, USA-9 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (5-4, 2.65 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (4-4, 3.21)

Nola recorded his ninth straight quality start on Sunday after matching a season high with nine strikeouts in six shutout innings of an 8-1 rout of Milwaukee. The 23-year-old has won five of his last seven decisions overall, but is 0-2 in three meetings with Washington this season - with a seven-run performance serving as a lowlight in an 8-1 setback on April 16. Nola has struggled mightily against Bryce Harper, who is 6-for-10 with two homers and four RBIs against the hurler.

Roark was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision in his last outing on Sunday as he permitted five runs in a season-worst three innings. The 29-year-old will look to record his third straight strong outing versus Philadelphia this season, as he scattered just two hits in seven scoreless innings of a no-decision on April 28 before allowing just two runs in seven frames of a 4-3 win on May 30. Freddy Galvis belted a solo homer off Roark in the most recent meeting to improve to 2-for-6 versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Former Phillie OF Jayson Werth is 12-for-37 (.342) with four homers, 13 RBIs and eight runs scored in his last 10 games.

2. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco's struggles have been evident as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Friday to drop to 4-for-34 (.117) in the season series.

3. Washington OF Ben Revere, who is also a former Phillie, has answered an 0-for-23 stretch by going 8-for-19 (.421) with six runs scored in his last four contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Blue Jays

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (36-24) at Toronto Blue Jays (33-30)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Edwin Encarnacion snapped out of a slump in a big way last time out and hopes to build off that emotion when his Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon in the third contest of their four-game series. Encarnacion was hitless in his previous 19 at-bats before belting a walk-off solo homer in the 10th inning to edge the Orioles 4-3 on Friday.

Encarnacion has belted 13 homers this season and notched his 600th RBI with the Blue Jays on Friday as fellow slugger Jose Bautista (12 homers) sat out with a tight quadriceps and sore hip flexor. Bautista could return Saturday as Toronto sends J.A. Happ to the mound against Mike Wright after Baltimore saw its five-game winning streak come to an end. Chris Davis is on a roll for the Orioles as he went deep for the third consecutive contest on Friday, posting his fifth and sixth RBIs during that span. Baltimore’s Manny Machado went 0-for-4 with a run scored on Friday as he intends to appeal the four-game suspension for his role in a recent brawl with the Kansas City Royals.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, MASN 2, WJZ (Baltimore), Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Mike Wright (3-3, 5.14 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (6-3, 3.57)

Wright has not lost in his last five starts, winning his second in that span last time out when he limited Kansas City to one unearned run over seven innings. The 26-year-old East Carolina product gave up six runs and four homers in his previous start versus Boston on June 1. Bautista is 3-for-6 with a homer against Wright, who yielded three runs and six hits in six frames of a loss to Toronto on April 19.

Happ surrendered six runs and six hits in five innings last time out after two straight starts in which he yielded one run. The 33-year-old Northwestern product began the season 5-0 but has won just once since then despite giving up three or fewer runs three times in that span. Pedro Alvarez is 3-for-7 with a double versus Happ, who is 2-3 with a 3.56 ERA in nine career games (eight starts) against the Orioles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles DH-OF Mark Trumbo, who has belted 20 homers, went 0-for-3 on Friday but has registered multiple hits in five of his last nine contests.

2. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar is 7-for-14 with three RBIs over his last four games.

3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop homered for the first time since May 22 on Friday – his ninth blast of the season.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Twins

GAME: Boston Red Sox (35-25) at Minnesota Twins (18-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox have been white-hot at the plate of late, and both faced little resistance from the Minnesota Twins in the opener of their three-game series. Pedroia collected two doubles and a single to extend his hitting streak to 16 games for visiting Boston, which vies for a series victory on Saturday afternoon.

Xander Bogaerts homered to highlight his career high-tying four-hit performance in Friday's 8-1 rout. Both Bogaerts and Pedroia have been cooled in a small sample size versus Saturday starter Kyle Gibson, going a combined 0-for-6. While the Red Sox have recorded at least five runs in 10 of their last 13 games, Minnesota ruined any positive momentum it gained from a four-game winning streak by losing eight of its 11 subsequent contests. Eduardo Nunez, who scored his team's lone run in the opener, has hit safely in 14 of his last 16 contests.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (1-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (0-3, 6.10)

After pitching well in his season debut, Rodriguez was ripped for four homers and five runs total in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-4 setback to Toronto on Sunday. The 23-year-old Venezuelan issued three walks and did not strike out a batter versus the Blue Jays after reversing those numbers in a 6-2 win at Baltimore on May 31. Rodriguez looks to bounce back against Minnesota, versus which he allowed just one run on two hits and struck out seven in as many innings to pick up the win last season.

Gibson is set to make his first start since April 22 as the 28-year-old worked his way back from both a right shoulder strain and lower-back stiffness. Gibson, who pitched well in a rehab outing with Triple-A Rochester, is looking to rebound after allowing 16 runs and 12 walks over 20 2/3 frames in four starts (20 2/3 innings). Gibson deserved a better fate in his lone career outing versus Boston, recording a no-decision despite allowing two hits and striking out eight in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston DH/1B David Ortiz recorded two hits on Friday and is batting .324 (85-for-262) against the team with which he began his major-league career.

2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier is 12-for-37 (.324) with eight RBIs in his last nine contests.

3. Twins CF Robbie Grossman is 6-for-17 (.353) with two homers and five RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at White Sox

GAME: Kansas City Royals (30-30) at Chicago White Sox (31-30)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago White Sox have a chance to win three straight games for the first time since May 6-9 when they host the skidding Kansas City Royals on Saturday afternoon. Alex Avila swatted two of his team's four home runs as Chicago handed Kansas City its eighth consective loss and moved past the Royals into second place in the American League Central.

Since returning from a family emergency leave, Chicago's Melky Cabrera is 8-for-15 with a homer, three doubles and five RBIs over four games. Shortstop Tim Anderson, a first-round draft pick in 2013, recorded a pair of hits in his major-league debut as Chicago ended a nine-game skid against AL Central foes with its 7-5 victory. Kansas City finally got its offense untracked, scoring more runs on Friday than in its previous six games combined as Eric Hosmer belted a pair of homers and drove in three runs. However, the Royals have surrendered 20 homers on their road trip -- 15 by the starting rotation.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (1-1, 3.35 ERA) vs. White Sox LH José Quintana (5-6, 2.58)

With Chris Young sporting an 0-5 mark with a 9.70 ERA and 13 homers allowed in five road starts, Kansas City opted to skip his turn in favor of Duffy on Saturday. Duffy posted his second straight quality start in a losing effort last time out, giving up two runs over 6 1/3 frames at Baltimore after beating Tampa Bay with six innings of three-run ball in his previous turn. Duffy is 3-2 with a 3.81 ERA in 13 career appearances (11 starts) versus the White Sox.

Quintana is coming off his worst - and shortest - outing, lasting only 4 2/3 innings while allowing season highs in runs (five) and hits (nine) at Detroit to lose his fifth consecutive start. Quintana has registered three quality starts during his winless drought, but Chicago's offense hasn't been much of a help with a total of seven runs scored in that span. He allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings versus the Royals on May 20 to fall to 1-7 with a 4.34 ERA against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox CF Austin Jackson will undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear and is expected to be sidelined a minimum of six weeks.

2. Royals C Salvador Perez has recorded multiple hits in six of his last 11 games.

3. Chicago designated SS Jimmy Rollins for assignment to make room for Anderson.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Royals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Rays

GAME: Houston Astros (29-34) at Tampa Bay Rays (28-31)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays have changed their course over the last week, winning six of their last seven contests, and look to continue the improvement when they host the Houston Astros on Saturday. The Rays were in a freefall after dropping eight of nine before reviving their season with five wins in the last six contests of a road trip and edging the Astros 4-3 at home on Friday.

Evan Longoria’s 11-game hitting streak ended in the openern of the three-game series, but Steve Pearce has been huge for Tampa Bay - going 9-for-14 during a span of five contests. Chris Archer takes the mound for the Rays with a 3-1 record and 0.80 ERA against the Astros, who will counter with fellow right-hander Mike Fiers. Houston went 11-2 to rise in the standings but has dropped four of its last five contests. Star shortstop Carlos Correa (ankle) missed Friday’s game and hopes to return soon while Jose Altuve remains hot, hitting safely in 15 of his last 16 contests (27-for-64 in that span).

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (3-3, 5.00 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (4-7, 4.73)

Fiers is winless in his last five starts but limited opponents to two or fewer runs in three of those outings. The 30-year-old Floridian has allowed 78 hits – 11 homers – in 66 2/3 innings and faces Tampa Bay for the first time in his career. Logan Morrison is 3-for-5 with an RBI against Fiers, who gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 frames last time out versus Texas.

Archer snapped a three-game losing streak on Monday by holding Arizona to three runs and five hits over six innings while matching his season high with 12 strikeouts. The 27-year-old North Carolina native gave up two homers in that start to push his season total to 14 in 13 starts after surrendering 19 in 34 outings last year. Archer owns a 2.03 ERA at home and has struggled to a 6.75 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston RHP Will Harris has not allowed a run in 26 consecutive relief outings spanning 26 1/3 innings.

2. Tampa Bay 2B Logan Forsythe (shoulder) went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI on Friday in his first game in a little over a month.

3. Astros 3B Luis Valbuena is 9-for-23 while registering a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Reds

GAME: Oakland Athletics (25-35) at Cincinnati Reds (23-38)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Interleague play has not been kind to the Cincinnati Reds, who ended a seven-game losing streak against American League opponents with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Winners of six of nine overall, the Reds look to make it two in a row against the Athletics on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game set.

Left fielder Adam Duvall came up big once again for Cincinnati, delivering a tying RBI double in the seventh inning and scoring the winning run on a wild pitch in the series opener. Duvall has 12 RBIs during a career-high eight-game hitting streak to boost his total to 41 -- one behind team leader Jay Bruce. The Athletics have dropped a season-high six consecutive games, all coming on the current eight-game road trip, and have scored two runs or fewer four times in that span. "We're sick of losing," said Oakland catcher Stephen Vogt, whose solo homer accounted for his team's lone run Friday night.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (NR) vs. Reds RH Dan Straily (3-2, 3.34)

Mengden, acquired in the deal that sent left-hander Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros in July 2015, will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday to make his major-league debut. The 23-year-old Mengden has posted a combined 5-1 record with a 1.19 ERA in 11 starts between Double-A Midland and Nashville. He struck out 28 in 23 innings to go with an 0.78 ERA at Midland before he was promoted to Triple-A, where he posted a 1.38 ERA in seven turns.

Straily opened the season in the bullpen but has been a nice addition to Cincinnati's rotation, permitting three runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts. A 10-game winner with the Athletics in 2013, Straily went seven strong innings of two-run ball in his last start but did not factor in the decision. Straily has been solid in seven starts at Great American Ball Park, posting a 1-0 record and 2.84 ERA while holding opponents to a .172 batting average against.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is riding a 13-game hitting streak.

2. Oakland recalled IF Max Muncy and RHP Zach Neal and optioned RHP Jesse Hahn to Nashville.

3. Reds CF Billy Hamilton was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list Friday.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Athletics 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Braves

GAME: Chicago Cubs (41-18) at Atlanta Braves (18-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Coming off his first regular-season loss in nearly a year, Jake Arrieta tries to start another streak when he takes the mound Saturday for the Chicago Cubs in the second of a three-game road series against the Atlanta Braves. The Cubs look to even the series after a 5-1 loss in Friday’s opener.

The Cubs have lost Arrieta’s last two starts – scoring a total of two runs in those contests – after winning the previous 24 games he started. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was tagged with the loss Sunday against Arizona, marking his first regular-season defeat since July 25 last season. Despite having the worst record in the National League, the Braves have won two of three meetings this season with the Cubs – who own the majors’ best mark. Atlanta has won two straight following a six-game losing streak.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago, FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (9-1, 1.80 ERA) vs. Braves RH Matt Wisler (2-6, 3.98)

Arrieta was not at his best against the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs and nine hits over five innings, though he did rack up a season-high 12 strikeouts. It was only the fourth time in 12 outings this season the 30-year-old failed to record a quality start. Arrieta is 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four starts versus the Braves and pitched 13 scoreless innings over two meetings against them last season.

Wisler has matched Arrieta with eight quality starts, providing one of few bright spots for the Braves. The 23-year-old endured his worst outing of the season Sunday in Los Angeles, though, allowing eight runs and nine hits over four innings in a loss to the Dodgers. Wisler faced the Cubs last season and was roughed up for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo was scratched from the lineup Friday with back tightness and is considered day-to-day.

2. Braves C A.J. Pierzynski is 8-for-14 with two homers against Arrieta, while the remainder of Atlanta’s active roster has a combined seven hits against him.

3. Atlanta 3B Adonis Garcia and C Tyler Flowers hit the Braves’ first back-to-back home runs of the season Friday.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Braves 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Rockies

GAME: San Diego Padres (26-36) at Colorado Rockies (28-33)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Tyler Chatwood delivered a stellar performance in his last turn and looks to ride the momentum when the Colorado Rockies host the San Diego Padres in the middle contest of a three-game series. Chatwood gave up just one run and one hit in eight innings while defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road and will try to carry the success into Coors Field.

Chatwood has been terrific on the road (5-0, 0.65 ERA) but has struggled at home by going 2-4 with a 5.30 ERA. The right-hander has been a pleasant surprise after missing most of 2014 and all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. San Diego was one strike away from losing in Friday's series opener before rallying for a 7-5 victory as first baseman Wil Myers hit a go-ahead three-run homer to cap a four-run ninth inning. Myers was 1-for-3 with four RBIs - his streak of five consecutive multi-hit outings ended - and is 20-for-45 with six homers, 15 RBIs and 12 runs scored over the past 11 games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Erik Johnson (0-2, 6.94 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 2.79)

Johnson was acquired from the Chicago White Sox as part of the package for starter James Shields and is sliding into the San Diego rotation. The 26-year-old is 7-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 18 career starts, and struggled in both of this year's major league starts with Chicago - losing each time and serving up five homers to go with a 6.94 ERA. Johnson started against the Rockies in Coors Field early in the 2014 season and gave up four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings while receiving a no-decision.

Chatwood has a 2.03 ERA over his last four outings and has won five of his last seven decisions. He hasn't allowed a homer in any of his last four starts and all six of the long balls he has served up have come at home. Chatwood pitched eight innings of three-hit shutout ball to win at San Diego on May 4 and he is 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA in six career appearances (four starts) versus the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres RHP Fernando Rodney converted his 12th consecutive save opportunity in the opener and hasn't allowed an earned run in 22 1/3 innings this season.

2. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado hit a two-run blast in the opener - his fifth homer in 11 games - to raise his National League-leading homer total to 19.

3. San Diego RF Matt Kemp, who has 41 career homers against the Rockies, struck out four times while going 0-for-5 in the opener.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Brewers

GAME: New York Mets (34-26) at Milwaukee Brewers (28-33)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Mets look to remain perfect against the Milwaukee Brewers this season when they visit Miller Park on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. New York swept a three-game set versus Milwaukee at home from May 20-22 and has captured the first two meetings of this series after outlasting the Brewers 2-1 in 11 innings on Friday.

Slugger Yoenis Cespedes could be breaking out of his power slump as he homered for the first time since May 23, ending a 15-game drought. Milwaukee dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand as it suffered its second straight loss following a three-game winning streak. The Brewers managed only three hits on Friday - one of which was a triple by Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who scored the team's lone run and robbed his former club of one with a leaping catch on a potential homer by Kelly Johnson. Hernan Perez has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games while Scooter Gennett was hitless in five at-bats Friday after going 9-for-18 over his previous five contests.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Logan Verrett (3-3, 3.22 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (3-7, 6.79)

Due to a rainout that forced New York to play six games in five days, Verrett will make his fourth start of the season and first since May 14, when he was battered for seven runs on 10 hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings in a loss at Colorado. The 25-year-old Texan made his last appearance on Tuesday, allowing one hit in two scoreless frames of relief. Verrett has faced the Brewers once in his brief career, working two scoreless innings out of the bullpen at Milwaukee on June 24, 2015.

Peralta is coming off his second straight loss and fourth in five decisions, a setback at Philadelphia on Sunday in which he was tagged for six runs - five earned - and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old Dominican has yet to work more than six frames in 12 outings this season and has reached that plateau only twice. Peralta fell to 3-2 in five career starts against the Mets on May 20, when he yielded three runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings at New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. Johnson went 2-for-4 in his first game since being reacquired by the Mets from Atlanta on Wednesday while INF Ty Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

2. Milwaukee placed Domingo Santana (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled fellow OF Keon Broxton from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

3. New York RHP Jim Henderson, a former closer for the Brewers, suffered an apparent finger injury Friday and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Yankees

GAME: Detroit Tigers (30-30) at New York Yankees (31-30)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


After playing 17 of 20 on the road, the New York Yankees were determined to provide a show for their fans entering their current seven-game homestand. With 33 runs scored during their five-game winning streak, the Yankees look to remain perfect on the homestand on Saturday when they play the second contest of the three-game series versus the Detroit Tigers.

Brett Gardner has ignited New York's offense by going 16-for-30 (.533) with 11 runs scored in his last eight games. Veteran Carlos Beltran has also been giving the fans a thrill by going 9-for-18 with three homers, six runs scored and 11 RBIs during the homestand, although he is just 1-for-13 (.077) versus Saturday starter Justin Verlander. While New York has won 18 of its last 24 encounters with Detroit at the current Yankee Stadium, the Tigers have dropped two in a row overall following a season high-tying five-game winning streak. Miguel Cabrera saw his 10-game hitting streak halted in the series opener and remains one hit shy of becoming the seventh active player to reach 2,400 for his career.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (5-5, 3.97 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 2.76)

Verlander evened his record after winning three of his last four starts, allowing just nine runs and 18 hits while collecting 35 strikeouts during that span (29 2/3 innings). The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner owns a 5-7 career mark versus New York, but he has struggled mightily in seven regular-season games at Yankee Stadium - posting an 0-4 mark with a 4.84 ERA. Perhaps the presence of stunning fiancee Kate Upton could motivate Verlander, who permitted three homers and six runs total in 6 2/3 innings in his last start at Yankee Stadium.

Tanaka recorded his fourth consecutive quality start on Monday, receiving a no-decision versus the Los Angeles Angels despite allowing two runs on six hits in seven innings. The 27-year-old Japanese native owns a 2-1 mark with a 1.33 ERA in that stretch while pitching at least seven innings in three of those outings. Tanaka's last encounter with Detroit did not go nearly as well as he was blitzed for three homers and seven runs total in five innings of a loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers DH Victor Martinez is 1-for-15 (.067) with five strikeouts versus the Yankees this season.

2. New York's Rob Refsnyder went 0-for-3 on Friday in place of fellow 1B Chris Parmelee, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury.

3. Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos is 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in his last three games versus the Yankees.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Tigers 5