Saturday 6/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chris Jordan

Colorado at SAN DIEGO (-115)

Now, let's get to my Bonus Play for Saturday night, as I delve into this National League West clash between the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies, who have lost three in a row. Something about the Friars, no matter how terrible they may be, they seem to perform well against Colorado.

Last-place San Diego (22-34) continued its dominance of Colorado (24-30) with last night's 4-0 win in the series lid-lifter. It was the Padres' fifth win in seven games against the Rockies this season.

Despite it being just the Padres' fifth win in their last 18 games, make note the Rockies have lost three straight and 12 of 16.

This is simply one of those matchups of bad teams, that you have to look at who is in the right flow and take advantage of the price in front of us. I'm playing San Diego here, with the cheap chalk.

3* PADRES

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gabriel DuPont

Washington at CINCINNATI (+175)

Let's move on to my complimentary play for tonight, as I look to improve on my 64-55 run with free picks: Washington at CINCINNATI (+175)

The STORYLINE in this game today - The Washington Nationals are understandbly big favorites in Cincinnati against the Reds today. But the problem is, the Reds are rolling right about now, and it's worth taking a look at them with this big a price, as they come in having won three in a row after last night's 7-2 victory.

The X-FACTOR in making this choice on this game - I'm rolling with confidence as my key factor. See, not only has Cincinnati won three in a row, but it's also won six of the last seven meetings with the Nationals. And while Washington hasn't lost one of Stephen Strasburg's starts since Sept. 9, he has also struggled in four outings against the Reds, building a 5.68 ERA with only 16 strikeouts in 19 innings. The Reds will have no fear in this game tonight.

BOTTOM LINE is - I am not listing pitchers, though, as I don't care much about who is going. I like the price no matter what, and would rather grab the big number with straight action, and be able to keep that price if there is a scratch. Take the Reds with a shot here, as the dog price will come in as a nice complement to my premium winner tonight.

4* REDS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brad Wilton

Arizona at CUBS (-1 1/2 runs)

No issue at all in laying the run-and-a-half and the juice with the Cubs as they host the Diamondbacks this Saturday afternoon.

No, when you have won 9 of your last 10 games after Friday's 6-0 blanking of the Snakes, and 7 of the 9 wins have come by 2 runs or more, I think laying this juice on the Run Line is the best way to go. Especially since the Cubbies have also won 4 of the 5 meetings with Arizona this year, and 7 of the last 9 overall versus the D-Backs with ALL 7 of the victories coming by at least 2 runs or better.

Arizona has now lost 8 of their last 11 games overall, and will send the untested Edwin Escobar - he of 3.1 innings of work to his credit and 10 hits and 8 runs allowed - against the 6-1 Jason Hammel who also owns a 2.09 ERA and held the Diamondbacks to one run back in an early April no-decision which happens to be Arizona's lone win this season over Chicago.

Only once choice here, and that is to lay it on the Run Line with the Cubs as they continue to turn up the heat here in June.

4* CUBS -1 1/2 RUNS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Delaney

Arizona at CHICAGO (-1', -150)

4? CUBS RUN LINE Winning streaks come and go, and there are times of the year it is imperative to catch on near the beginning, other times you jump on and ride the wave when you can.

My Bonus Play for Saturday is on the Chicago Cubs, getting it done over the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the price so big, obviously we're playing this one on the run line.

PITCHING NOTE: Although all Run Line/Total plays will list pitchers with the starting pitchers scheduled to go at the time of the wager, I don't care about who is starting for either team and want you playing this game regardless. Thus, please be sure you have action if one of the pitchers scheduled to start is scratched. Simply check back occasionally and in the event of a scratch, re-wager the game. This play will stand no matter what, so be sure you have action.

It doesn't really matter who goes for the Cubbies in this one, as they've been throwing gems up and down the rotation. Chicago starters boast an MLB-best 2.33 ERA, and most recently have posted a 0.98 mark and 0.80 WHIP through eight of their 10 consecutive home games.

Last night John Lackey lasted 6-2/3 innings in a 6-0 win against the Diamondbacks and gave Chicago five starters with sub-3.00 ERAs.

No matter who is on the hill, this is a staff that steps to the hill and gives the Cubs a chance to win every single day.

Chicago scored five runs in the eighth and improved to 7-1 during a current homestand at Wrigley Field, while improving to 9-1 in its last 10 overall.

Meanwhile, Arizona has lost four straight at Wrigley, and has lost eight of 11 overall. The Diamondbacks have also dropped five of six on the road.

Take the Cubs on the Run Line here.

4* CUBS RUN LINE

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Don Best Consensus

Tampa Bay at Minnesota
Pick: Tampa Bay

Head to Head TB are 11-4 in the last 15 meetings in Minnesota. MIN are 3-12 in their last 15 home games. Andriese has been great since joining the rotation; going 3-0 with a 0.93 WHIP and 2.36 ERA. Twins starter Santana hasn't won since May 14th.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Templer's Sports Picks

MLB

COLORADO ROCKIES +1.5 ‑200

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Cubs


Current Conditions - Chicago


P/SUNNY 69 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (24-33) at Chicago Cubs (38-15)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitchers have been lights-out during their current homestand, and right-hander Jason Hammel hopes to continue that trend when they continue a three-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The Cubs improved to 7-1 on the homestand and 21-7 overall at Wrigley Field with a 6-0 win in the series opener.



Cubs starting pitchers are 6-0 with a 1.15 ERA over the past eight games and have allowed only 10 runs over the past 10 contests at Wrigley Field. Hammel wasn’t able to contribute much to that cause, as he left his last start after two innings with hamstring cramping. The Cubs not only have the best record in baseball, but they’re racking up lopsided victories with a major league-high 20 wins by five or more runs. The struggling Diamondbacks have dropped eight of their last 11 and are 1-4 against the Cubs this season.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, WGN (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Edwin Escobar (0-1, 18.90 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.09)

Escobar was called up to make his first big-league start last week when Shelby Miller went to the disabled list. The 24-year-old allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to Houston. It was Escobar’s first major-league appearance since two relief outings with Boston in 2014.

Hammel’s hamstring appears to be fine, which is a relief for the Cubs after the team went 8-2 in his first 10 starts. The 33-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in all but two outings with six quality starts. Hammel is 4-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 14 appearances (11 starts) against Arizona.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo has eight RBIs in five games against Arizona this season.

2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt is a career .361 hitter against the Cubs with 17 of his 39 hits going for extra bases.

3. Chicago INF Javier Baez has recorded multiple RBIs in consecutive games for the first time in his career.



PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Diamondbacks 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Phillies


Current Conditions - Philadelphia


CLOUDY 72 °F
Wind: NNW 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (25-30) at Philadelphia Phillies (27-28)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Less than 24 hours after ending their seven-game losing streak, the Philadelphia Phillies vie for consecutive victories for the first time in more than two weeks when they host the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon in the third contest of their four-game series. Philadelphia, which hasn't posted back-to-back triumphs since May 17 and 18 versus Miami, landed in the win column for the first time since May 25 by topping Milwaukee 6-3 on Friday.

Cameron Rupp recorded a double and a solo homer for his second two-hit performance in three games and fifth multi-hit effort in his last 10 contests. The setback was just the fourth in the last 11 games for Milwaukee, which had won four straight on the road overall and eight in a row at Philadelphia. Jonathan Villar has doubled his home run total for the season in the series, belting a two-run shot in the Brewers' victory in the opener before launching a solo blast on Friday. Jonathan Lucroy is riding a seven-game hitting streak during which he is 12-for-24 with five two-hit performances.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (3-1, 3.47 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 3.68)

Guerra is coming off his first major-league loss, a setback against St. Louis on Monday in which he yielded four runs - three earned - and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old Venezuelan has worked at least six frames in five of his six starts and recorded six or more strikeouts in four of his last five outings. Guerra, who never has faced Philadelphia, has served up only two home runs in 36 1/3 innings this season after giving up one in four frames of relief with the Chicago White Sox last year.

Hellickson settled for a no-decision against Washington on Monday despite allowing just one run and three hits while striking out eight in seven innings. The 29-year-old native of Iowa has surrendered three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings, working seven frames on three occasions, but is just 2-1 in that span. Hellickson is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA in three career starts versus Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies RHP Jeanmar Gomez leads the majors with 18 saves after entering the season with one in 139 career relief appearances.

2. Milwaukee RF Domingo Santana went 1-for-4 and scored a run Friday in his return from the disabled list, where he resided with a sore right shoulder, while OF Keon Broxton was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

3. Philadelphia scored fewer than four runs in every game during its skid before erupting for two three-run innings on Friday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Pirates


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (25-29) at Pittsburgh Pirates (29-25)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Los Angeles Angels wasted little time making themselves at home in just their second visit to Pittsburgh's PNC Park in nearly 12 years. After scoring seven runs in the first four innings of the opener, Los Angeles looks to keep its offense in tune when it plays the second contest of the three-game interleague series on Saturday.

Kole Calhoun homered to highlight his third multi-hit performance in five outings in Friday's 9-2 rout for the Angels, who have scored 25 runs en route to winning three of their last four. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is struggling to find its offense as it has mustered just eight runs and struck out 44 times during its four-game losing skid. Starling Marte snapped out of a 1-for-13 stretch (with seven strikeouts) by belting a solo homer among his three hits on Friday. The 27-year-old Dominican, however, will join the rest of his teammates in receiving a first look at Angels right-hander Nick Tropeano.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (3-2, 3.25 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (4-3, 4.33)

Tropeano matched a season high with five walks and was able to escape with a no-decision on Sunday despite allowing four runs in five innings against Houston. The subpar performance came on the heels of three strong ones, as the 25-year-old posted a 2-0 mark with a 1.47 ERA after permitting just three earned runs on 16 hits in 18 2/3 innings. Tropeano has been pretty consistent this season, pitching at least five frames in each of his 10 starts.

Locke went the distance for the first time in his career on Monday, scattering three hits without issuing a walk in a 10-0 rout of Miami. The 28-year-old has won each of his last three starts, but yielded six homers in his previous four turns before his dominating effort versus the Marlins. Shane Robinson and Yunel Escobar are the lone current members of the Angels to face Locke, against whom the former is 0-for-8 while the latter is 0-for-3.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh 2B Josh Harrison has followed an eight-game hitting streak by going 0-for-9 with two strikeouts in his last two contests.

2. Los Angeles OF Mike Trout reached base four times in the opener to increase his on-base percentage to .424 -- second in the American League.

3. The Pirates are just 2-6 in interleague play this season.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (30-26) at Boston Red Sox (32-23)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Toronto Blue Jays look to keep the pressure on first-place Boston when the American League East rivals continue a three-game series at Fenway Park on Saturday. The Blue Jays have won four in a row and eight of the last nine after opening the set with a 5-2 win over Red Sox ace David Price on Friday.

The victory pulled Toronto within 2 1/2 games of the Red Sox and Baltimore in the division standings after it trailed by seven as late as May 25. Boston has tied its season high with three straight losses and it has dropped six of nine overall, first struggling on the mound to close out a rocky road trip before being stifled at the plate in the series opener. Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning in Friday's contest, which was Toronto's fifth win in the last six meetings. Steven Wright, who is coming off his third complete game of the season, will get the start for the Red Sox opposite Marcus Stroman.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (5-1, 4.46 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Steven Wright (5-4, 2.45)

Stroman has given up seven runs in two of his last three starts, including a 5 1/3-inning appearance against Boston last Saturday. The 25-year-old is 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five road starts this season and allowed one run in seven frames in his only career start at Fenway Park. Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, whose 26-game hitting streak came to an end Friday, is 6-for-14 with a home run against Stroman.

Wright yielded two runs and four hits in his nine-inning effort at Baltimore on Monday while striking out seven for the second straight outing. He has limited opponents to three earned runs or fewer in all but one of his 10 starts this season. The 31-year-old knuckleballer opened the season allowing three earned runs in 12 2/3 innings over back-to-back appearances against Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox DH David Ortiz is hitting. 465 with nine doubles during his 11-game hitting streak.

2. Toronto RHP Roberto Osuna has a scoreless streak of 17 innings.

3. Blue Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion is 8-for-22 with two homers and eight RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Tigers


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Chicago White Sox (29-26) at Detroit Tigers (26-28)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Detroit Tigers may have to go without two-time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera on Saturday afternoon, when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. Cabrera, who is batting .310 with 33 RBIs, extended his hitting streak to five games with a run-scoring single before leaving Friday's 10-3 victory due to lower back tightness and is day-to-day.

The Tigers will have to depend more on veteran Victor Martinez, who is 16-for-34 with four homers against Chicago’s scheduled starter Chris Sale. Martinez went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs and his 28th career homer against the White Sox on Friday, improving his lifetime average versus Chicago to .331 in 177 games. The White Sox suffered their eighth loss in 10 contests as their bullpen surrendered six runs after pitching 13 scoreless innings over the previous three games. Chicago also will be without Melky Cabrera, who was placed on the family emergency leave list before Friday’s contest and likely will miss two games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (9-1, 2.29 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Pelfrey (0-5, 4.96)

Sale has gone winless in his last two outings after a 9-0 start but limited Kansas City to two runs and seven hits in seven innings of a no-decision on Sunday. The 27-year-old has recorded 38 strikeouts over his last five outings and completed at least seven innings in nine of his 11 starts. Ian Kinsler is riding a five-game hitting streak overall and has belted two homers versus Sale, who is 7-5 with a 3.02 ERA in 24 career games (14 starts) against Detroit.

Pelfrey gave up three unearned runs over 5 2/3 innings in his last start against Oakland before suffering his fifth loss. The 32-year-old Wichita State product has yielded three earned runs or fewer in six of his 10 outings overall but only three of his last seven. Avisail Garcia is 6-for-15 and Jimmy Rollins has homered against Pelfrey, who is 0-4 with a 6.20 ERA in eight career starts versus the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B Todd Frazier went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the series opener after going deep in each of his previous two games to push his team-high total to 17 homers.

2. Detroit C James McCann registered his first three-hit performance of the season Friday, including a home run and a triple.

3. White Sox CF Austin Jackson (turf toe) has missed four straight contests after going 8-for-16 in a four-game span and is considered day-to-day.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Astros


Current Conditions - Houston


CLOUDS AND SUN 73 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Oakland Athletics (25-30) at Houston Astros (26-30)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Houston Astros have overcome a sluggish start to become one of the hottest teams in baseball, and they look to defeat the visiting Oakland Athletics for the second straight day on Saturday. Houston rolled to an easy 12-2 victory in the opener of the three-game series on Friday and has won nine of its last 11 contests to move within four games of .500 (26-30).

The Astros began their rise by flip-flopping George Springer and Jose Altuve in the batting order, and the switch has been sensational for both players. Springer is 21-for-49 with four homers in 11 games since moving into the leadoff spot while Altuve is 15-for-35 during a nine-game hitting streak. Evan Gattis was in the lineup again on Friday due to Jason Castro's illness and tied his career high of four hits while contributing a homer and four RBIs as Houston racked up 16 hits while halting Oakland's five-game winning streak. Scheduled Athletics starter Rich Hill - the American League Pitcher of the Month for May - was scratched due to a groin injury and Kendall Graveman was moved up one day to start in his place.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2-6, 5.09 ERA) vs. Astros RH Collin McHugh (5-4, 4.82)

Graveman lost five straight decisions before beating Minnesota in his last turn. He gave up two runs and six hits in six innings against the Twins, marking the third consecutive start in which he allowed exactly two runs. Graveman is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two career starts against the Astros - both coming last season - and served up a homer to Altuve (2-for-6).

McHugh has won four of his last five decisions and has pushed his ERA below 5.00 for the first time this season. He has recorded 26 strikeouts against three walks in his last three starts after fanning just 30 over his first eight outings. McHugh has fared well against Oakland, posting a 4-1 record and 2.67 ERA in five career starts, but has struggled to retire Marcus Semien (5-for-9).

WALK-OFFS

1. Semien belted his 11th homer of the season on Friday to end his 15-game drought.

2. Houston SS Carlos Correa went 2-for-5 and scored twice in the opener and is 9-for-21 during his six-game hitting streak.

3. Oakland C Stephen Vogt doubled twice on Friday and is 13-for-35 during his nine-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Astros 8, Athletics 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Twins


Current Conditions - Minneapolis


CLOUDS AND SUN 62 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (23-30) at Minnesota Twins (16-38)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays look to string together back-to-back wins after putting an end to their longest losing streak of the season when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday afternoon. Logan Morrison and Evan Longoria attempt to extend their hitting streaks to eight contests after each belted a homer in a 4-2 victory over the Twins on Friday that halted a five-game slide.

Morrison is red hot after a very slow start, batting .426 with four homers and 13 RBIs over the last 18 games, and Longoria boasts 10 RBIs during his hitting streak. “(Morrison) is really playing complete baseball,” Tampa Bay shortstop Brad Miller told reporters after extending his hitting streak to six games. “The way he’s running the bases, his intensity. … He’s a leader in there and he gets us going.” Minnesota had a season-high 15 hits to win the series opener Thursday, but went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position one day later to leave manager Paul Molitor one shy of his 100th victory. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe has hit safely in four straight games for the Twins after going 2-for-4 with an RBI on Friday.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Matt Andriese (3-0, 2.36 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (1-4, 4.13)

Andriese has gone without a win in his last two starts, but has continued his strong pitching while allowing five runs (four earned) over 13 innings combined. The California native gave up two runs (one earned) over seven frames at Kansas City last time out. Brian Dozier homered against Andriese, who yielded five runs over three innings in his lone appearance against Minnesota last season to suffer the loss.

Santana has not gotten much run support this season, managing just one victory despite holding seven of nine opponents to three runs or fewer. The 33-year-old Dominican gave up a homer in each of the last three games after surrendering just two in his first six outings. Longoria is 7-for-17 with a pair of homers versus Santana, who is 6-6 with a 5.34 ERA in 15 career games against Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 1B Joe Mauer has reached base in 16 straight games against the Rays after working a walk and scoring a run Friday.

2. Tampa Bay will likely be without RHP Alex Colome on Saturday after he threw 34 pitches Friday to improve to 13-for-13 in save opportunities.

3. Minnesota’s rookie CF Byron Buxton has hit safely in five straight games, going 6-for-20 in that span to raise his average to .200.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Reds


Current Conditions - Cincinnati


M/SUNNY 69 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Washington Nationals (33-22) at Cincinnati Reds (20-35)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Cincinnati Reds are scoring runs at an alarming pace, but opposing teams traditionally have hit the snooze when facing Washington Nationals fireballer Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals will vie for their 16th straight victory in a start by the undefeated Strasburg when they visit the Reds in the second contest of the three-game series on Saturday.

Eugenio Suarez homered for the third time in two outings on Friday, collecting three hits in both as the Reds raced to a 7-2 triumph in the series opener. Zack Cozart also went deep and is 10-for-22 with three homers, six RBIs and as many runs scored during his five-game hitting streak, but is 0-for-6 in his career versus Strasburg. Cincinnati has scored 51 runs en route to winning five of its last seven games while National League East-leading Washington saw its offense held in check after erupting for 26 runs in wins in its previous four contests. Jayson Werth homered for the third time during his five-game hitting streak after being held in the park in each of his previous 19 appearances.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-0, 2.69 ERA) vs. Reds RH Dan Straily (3-2, 3.43)

Strasburg recorded his fourth win in as many starts on Sunday, as he surrendered a solo homer for the lone run he allowed in a 10-2 rout of St. Louis. The 27-year-old has struggled with the long ball of late as Strasburg has been taken deep five times in his last five tilts. Strasburg has split a pair of decisions in four career outings versus Cincinnati, although his 5.68 ERA through 19 innings leaves a bit to be desired.

Straily picked up the victory on Monday despite permitting five runs on eight hits with three walks in an 11-8 triumph over Colorado. The 27-year-old has issued three free passes in six of his last eight outings, but sports a 3-2 record in that span. Straily, who has yet to face Washington in his career, has pitched well at home with a 1-0 mark while limiting the opposition to a .187 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington INF prospect Trea Turner, who replaced 1B Ryan Zimmerman (paternity leave), collected three of his team's seven hits on Friday.

2. Cincinnati LF Adam Duvall has homered in back-to-back contests and gone deep six times in his last eight outings.

3. The Nationals (33-22) are just 5-7 against NL Central representatives this season.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Marlins


Current Conditions - Miami


P/SUNNY 80 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: New York Mets (30-23) at Miami Marlins (29-26)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


New York Mets manager Terry Collins came up aces after electing to shuffle the cards within his lineup in a bid to generate some offense. The new deal paid immediate dividends for the Mets, who look to ride the momentum of a trio of homers in the opener when they play the second contest of the three-game series versus the host Miami Marlins on Saturday.

Asdrubal Cabrera, who was moved into injured David Wright's No. 2 slot in the order, homered and Nos. 7-8 batters James Loney and Rene Rivera belted two-run shots in New York's 6-2 triumph on Friday. The uprising was a welcome change for the Mets, who posted just nine runs during their previous five games (1-4). Miami's offense continues to struggle as it has mustered just 12 runs in its last five contests (3-2). Slugger Giancarlo Stanton is mired in a woeful 4-for-38 stretch in his last 11 games, but is 5-for-11 with a pair of homers in his career versus Saturday starter Bartolo Colon.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Bartolo Colon (4-3, 3.39 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (2-3, 4.50)

Colon turned in his second straight strong outing on Sunday, following up his one-run, five-hit performance in a win over Washington by surrendering just two runs in six innings of a no-decision versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 43-year-old Dominican has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three outings and allowed just six homers in 61 innings this season. Colon owns a strong 7-4 career mark versus Miami with a 2.92 ERA, but did not pitch in the teams' initial series in April.

Nicolino fell to 0-3 in his last five starts after allowing three runs on six hits in five innings of a 10-0 setback to Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old kept the ball in the park after serving up three homers in his previous two outings and has only issued one walk over the last three contests. Nicolino overcame a pair of homers to pitch six innings in his lone career start versus the Mets last year, drawing a no-decision for his efforts.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RHP Zack Wheeler is expected to throw 30 pitches on Saturday as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

2. Miami LF Christian Yelich is 8-for-17 with three RBIs and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

3. Mets LF Michael Conforto, who fell to fifth in the batting order, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the opener to drop to 1-for-26 in his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Cardinals


Current Conditions - St. Louis


P/SUNNY 72 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: San Francisco Giants (35-22) at St. Louis Cardinals (28-27)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The loss of Hunter Pence for the next two months might be nothing more than a minor speed bump for the San Francisco Giants, who have won 18 of their last 22 games heading into Saturday’s contest against the host St. Louis Cardinals. The Giants rolled to a 5-1 victory in Friday’s series opener and improved to 12-3 over their last 15 road games.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said utilityman Kelby Tomlinson will be one of several players called upon to fill in for Pence, who is expected to need surgery on his torn right hamstring and could miss approximately eight weeks. “It’s important we keep pushing here,” Bochy told reporters. “We’ve dealt with this. We’ve overcome, even in our good years, big injuries. You have to realize these things will happen. We’ve got to hold the fort.” St. Louis has been without shortstop Jhonny Peralta all season due to a torn ligament in his thumb, but he could be activated for Tuesday’s series opener at Cincinnati. The Cardinals have fallen 11 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central and could use a spark from Peralta, who is expected to serve as the team’s regular third baseman when he returns.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (7-3, 2.84 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (2-6, 4.99)

Samardzija is looking to bounce back from his shortest start of the season, a five-inning effort in which he allowed five runs (four earned) at Atlanta on Monday. Yadier Molina is 10-for-20 against the 31-year-old, who has provided the Giants with a strong return on their investment since signing as a free agent during the offseason. Samardzija owns a 4-3 record and 4.11 ERA in 19 career games (eight starts) against St. Louis, including 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA over his eight starts.

Wacha dropped his sixth straight decision on Sunday as the 24-year-old allowed three runs over six innings in a 10-2 loss at Washington. The 2015 All-Star has failed to pitch past the sixth frame in five straight outings but hopes to build on the encouraging effort against the Nationals. Wacha is 1-0 with a 0.47 ERA in three career starts against San Francisco and 15-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 38 career contests (34 starts) at Busch Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants starting pitchers are 13-2 with a 1.64 ERA over their last 22 games.

2. St. Louis OF Randal Grichuk is mired in a 3-for-28 slump and has not drawn a walk in his last 12 contests.

3. San Francisco SS Brandon Crawford is 12-for-34 with eight RBI in his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Cardinals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Orioles


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Yankees (25-29) at Baltimore Orioles (31-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Baltimore Orioles look to extend their winning streak to four games when they continue a three-game series with the visiting New York Yankees on Saturday. The Orioles rallied from an early three-run deficit to top the Yankees by a 6-5 margin in the series opener, pulling into a tie with Boston atop the American League East.

Mark Trumbo had three hits and Chris Davis slugged his 11th homer to lead the way for Baltimore. The Yankees have lost four of five, are 3-5 on their current 10-game road trip and will turn to right-hander Ivan Nova, who has two of his three career complete games against the Orioles. That might give outfielder Hyun Soo Kim another start for Baltimore after the rookie had three hits Saturday to raise his average to .321 in 21 games this season, virtually all against right-handers. The Orioles counter with Tyler Wilson, who has lost three straight starts.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (3-3, 3.98 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Tyler Wilson (2-4, 3.83)

After allowing one run in each of his first three starts, Nova has given up eight runs in 12 2/3 innings over his last two outings. The Dominican is 6-4 but has a 5.07 ERA in 15 career games (four starts) against the Orioles. Davis is 9-for-29 with three homers and 10 RBIs versus Nova.

Wilson lasted at least six innings in each of his five starts last May, allowing three earned runs or fewer in four of them. He yielded two earned runs in six frames in a loss to the New York Yankees on May 11 and owns a 1.93 ERA in their previous encounters. The 26-year-old is 0-3 with a 4.12 ERA at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trumbo is 6-for- 11 with two homers and five RBIs over the course of a three-game hitting streak.

2. The Orioles placed set-up man RHP Darren O'Day on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain

3. Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira was due to receive an MRI after leaving Friday's game with a right knee issue.

PREDICTION: Orioles 6, Yankees 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Indians


Current Conditions - Cleveland


M/SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: SW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (30-24) at Cleveland Indians (29-24)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




By taking advantage of a visit from the American League Central-leading Kansas City Royals, the Cleveland Indians are in position to take over the top spot in the division with a victory Saturday. The Indians are just a half-game back of the visiting Royals as they aim for their fourth straight victory overall in the third of a four-game series.



The Royals entered the series riding a six-game winning streak, but Cleveland rallied in the ninth inning to win the series opener Thursday and held Kansas City to three hits in a 6-1 win Friday. The Indians hope they can keep the Royals’ offense quiet by handing the ball to right-hander Josh Tomlin, who is 7-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 17 games (13 starts) against Kansas City including a victory May 8. Looking to avoid their first three-game slide since May 8-10, the Royals will turn to right-hander Ian Kennedy, who blanked the Indians for seven innings in a 7-0 win at Cleveland on May 7. The Indians are 4-1 against the defending World Series champions this season.

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



PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.03 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (7-1, 3.79)

Kennedy is winless in his last four starts, but the Royals have won the last three. The 31-year-old recorded his fifth quality start in 10 outings this season when he allowed one unearned run over six innings Monday in a no-decision versus Tampa Bay. Kennedy is 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three starts against the Indians.

Tomlin had been rock solid all season for the Indians before being roughed up last time out. The 31-year-old was dinged for eight runs (four earned) and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings against Texas, suffering his first loss of the season. Home runs have been an issue, though, as Tomlin has surrendered at least one in eight of his nine starts and 10 overall.



WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City C Salvador Perez (quadriceps contusion) has missed six straight games but could return to the lineup Saturday and is 11-for-17 with five doubles and a homer against Tomlin.

2. The Indians are 16-7 against the AL Central and 13-17 against non-division opponents.

3. Indians CF Tyler Naquin hit his first major-league home run Friday and has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 starts.



PREDICTION: Royals 5, Indians 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rangers


Current Conditions - Arlington


SUNNY 75 °F
Wind: WNW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Seattle Mariners (31-23) at Texas Rangers (32-22)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Texas Rangers produced the opening salvo in a series of games against Seattle and look to defeat the visiting Mariners for the second straight night on Saturday. Texas posted a 7-3 victory on Friday in the first of six meetings over a 10-day span to take a one-game lead over the Mariners in the American League West.

Adrian Beltre homered and recorded five RBIs against his former team as part of a 13-hit attack in the opener of a three-game set that helped Texas win for the fifth time in its last six contests. Beltre registered the third straight two-hit performance during his nine-game hitting streak while Ian Desmond went 4-for-5 and scored twice. Seattle's Kyle Seager notched two hits and one RBI in the opener and is a torrid 13-for-20 with two homers, 12 RBIs and eight runs scored over his last five games. Teammate Robinson Cano has reached base in 32 consecutive games and ranks second in the majors with 48 RBIs.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Nathan Karns (5-1, 3.43 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (3-4, 3.12)

Karns has won five consecutive decisions since losing his first start of the campaign. He has allowed two runs or fewer on five occasions, including his last turn in which he gave up two runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings of a victory over San Diego. Karns is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers, with both outings coming last season while with Tampa Bay.

Perez has emerged victorious in each of his last two starts, allowing just two runs in 12 innings. He has given up two runs or fewer in six of his last seven outings to whittle down an ERA that stood at 4.50 after four turns. Perez is 2-2 with a 3.43 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) versus Seattle and has been rocked by Seager, who is 10-for-22 with three homers against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

2. Seattle 1B Dae-Ho Lee is 9-for-16 with two homers and seven RBIs over his last five games.

3. Texas 2B Jurickson Profar went 2-for-5 with a homer Friday and was 12-for-33 with two blasts while filling in for Rougned Odor, whose seven-game suspension for punching Toronto's Jose Bautista has ended.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Dodgers


Current Conditions - Los Angeles


CLEAR 55 °F
Wind: E 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Atlanta Braves (16-38) at Los Angeles Dodgers (29-27)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 04 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to extend their home winning streak to six games when they host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday in the middle contest of their three-game set. Los Angeles, which hasn't lost at Dodger Stadium since May 16 against the Los Angeles Angels, posted a 4-2 victory in Friday's series opener to halt a brief two-game slide despite registering only five hits — four of which were home runs.

Corey Seager led the way, registering the first three-homer performance of his career to raise his team-leading total to 12 blasts and notch his second three-RBI effort in four games. The loss was the second straight and third in four games for Atlanta, which built a 2-0 lead after two innings before succumbing to the long ball. Mallex Smith went 2-for-3 with a run-scoring single, giving him five RBIs in as many contests. The Braves, who were shut out in each of their previous two losses, will have their hands full Saturday as Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw looks to win his sixth consecutive decision.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Bud Norris (1-6, 5.71 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (7-1, 1.56)

Norris will make his sixth start of the season and first since April 27 in place of Mike Foltynewicz, who is dealing with a bone spur in his right elbow. The 31-year-old Norris went 1-4 while in the rotation, surrendering four or more runs in each of his final four turns before being sent to the bullpen. Norris has pitched well against Los Angeles, going 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in eight career contests (six starts).

Kershaw has been phenomenal since suffering his lone loss of the season on April 26 against Miami, allowing a total of five runs and tossing a career high-tying three shutouts in his last six starts. The 28-year-old Texan settled for a no-decision against the Mets in New York on Sunday after giving up two runs and four hits in 7 2/3 innings, although he fanned 10 to reach double digits in strikeouts for the seventh time in his last eight outings. Kershaw has yet to lose to Atlanta, going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in seven career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers placed OF Yasiel Puig on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

2. Atlanta activated Jim Johnson (groin) from the DL while fellow RHP Ryan Weber was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

3. Los Angeles INF/OF Howie Kendrick is expected to be back in the starting lineup Saturday after sitting on the bench for two games because of a shoulder injury.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Braves 1