Preview: Tigers at Twins
GAME: Detroit Tigers (44-42) at Minnesota Twins (47-40)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 116, -126 TOTAL: 8
The Minnesota Twins look to pick up where they left off when they host the Detroit Tigers for the third contest of their four-game series on Saturday. The Twins scored seven times in the ninth inning on Friday to complete a stretch of eight unanswered runs for an 8-6 victory - their third in 11 meetings with the Tigers this season.
It was the fourth win in five games for the Twins, and Brian Dozier has ended two of them with walk-off home runs. The second baseman smacked a three-run shot to cap Friday's comeback after hitting a two-run blast in the 10th inning of Monday's 4-2 win over Baltimore. The Twins will try to continue their hot hitting against the struggling Alfredo Simon, who opposes Minnesota's Phil Hughes. Yoenis Cespedes continues to hurt the Twins, going 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs on Friday, and is 6-for-12 with five extra-base hits versus Hughes.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (8-5, 4.18 ERA) vs. Twins RH Phil Hughes (7-6, 4.19)
Simon has been tagged for five or more runs in each of his last four starts, compiling a 10.18 ERA over that span while allowing opponents to hit .381. The 34-year-old was fortunate to have a 12-run outburst behind him in his last outing, giving him his first win since June 14 despite yielding five runs in 5 2/3 innings. One of Simon's best starts of the season came against the Twins on May 12, when he limited them to one run over 7 2/3 frames in a no-decision.
Hughes has turned his season around, capturing three straight decisions as the Twins have won the last five times he has started. The 29-year-old didn't get a decision last time out but held Baltimore to two runs over 6 1/3 innings for his fifth quality start in six outings. Hughes faced Detroit twice in April, going 0-1 while allowing seven runs in 11 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cespedes is a .373 career hitter in 26 games against the Twins and is batting .458 in 14 contests at Target Field.
2. Minnesota DH/3B Miguel Sano went 2-for-3 with a double Friday and is batting .414 through nine major-league games.
3. Detroit CF Anthony Gose is riding an nine-game hitting streak and Cespedes has hit safely in eight straight, while Minnesota 1B/DH Joe Mauer has a seven-game streak.
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 4
GAME: Detroit Tigers (44-42) at Minnesota Twins (47-40)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 116, -126 TOTAL: 8
The Minnesota Twins look to pick up where they left off when they host the Detroit Tigers for the third contest of their four-game series on Saturday. The Twins scored seven times in the ninth inning on Friday to complete a stretch of eight unanswered runs for an 8-6 victory - their third in 11 meetings with the Tigers this season.
It was the fourth win in five games for the Twins, and Brian Dozier has ended two of them with walk-off home runs. The second baseman smacked a three-run shot to cap Friday's comeback after hitting a two-run blast in the 10th inning of Monday's 4-2 win over Baltimore. The Twins will try to continue their hot hitting against the struggling Alfredo Simon, who opposes Minnesota's Phil Hughes. Yoenis Cespedes continues to hurt the Twins, going 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs on Friday, and is 6-for-12 with five extra-base hits versus Hughes.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (8-5, 4.18 ERA) vs. Twins RH Phil Hughes (7-6, 4.19)
Simon has been tagged for five or more runs in each of his last four starts, compiling a 10.18 ERA over that span while allowing opponents to hit .381. The 34-year-old was fortunate to have a 12-run outburst behind him in his last outing, giving him his first win since June 14 despite yielding five runs in 5 2/3 innings. One of Simon's best starts of the season came against the Twins on May 12, when he limited them to one run over 7 2/3 frames in a no-decision.
Hughes has turned his season around, capturing three straight decisions as the Twins have won the last five times he has started. The 29-year-old didn't get a decision last time out but held Baltimore to two runs over 6 1/3 innings for his fifth quality start in six outings. Hughes faced Detroit twice in April, going 0-1 while allowing seven runs in 11 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cespedes is a .373 career hitter in 26 games against the Twins and is batting .458 in 14 contests at Target Field.
2. Minnesota DH/3B Miguel Sano went 2-for-3 with a double Friday and is batting .414 through nine major-league games.
3. Detroit CF Anthony Gose is riding an nine-game hitting streak and Cespedes has hit safely in eight straight, while Minnesota 1B/DH Joe Mauer has a seven-game streak.
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 4
Preview: White Sox at Cubs
GAME: Chicago White Sox (40-44) at Chicago Cubs (46-39)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 103, -111 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago White Sox can tie a franchise record with a third consecutive shutout Saturday, and they have the right guy on the mound to do it. White Sox ace Chris Sale takes the hill for the second of a three-game series with the host Chicago Cubs, who hope to generate some offense for left-hander Jon Lester.
Sale looks to get back to racking up strikeouts after having his streak of eight consecutive starts with 10 or more snapped in his last turn. He'll also try to give the White Sox three straight shutouts for the first time since 1973 and the eighth time in club history. The surging White Sox have won three straight and eight of their last 10 after a 1-0 victory in Friday's series opener. Lester's winless streak has reached nine starts dating to May 16, and the Cubs have scored a total of 11 runs in the last eight games he has started.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago (White Sox), ABC 7 (Cubs)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (7-4, 2.80 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (4-7, 3.48)
Sale had a down night in the "K" column last time out with six, but he snapped a four-start winless streak with a complete game victory over Toronto. The only blemishes for the 26-year-old were a pair of solo homers. Sale will make his first start against the Cubs after two scoreless relief appearances in 2011.
Despite his drought of nearly two months, Lester has recorded quality starts in four of his last five outings and has not allowed an earned run in his last two turns. The 31-year-old gave up two unearned runs over seven innings in a loss to St. Louis on Monday, yielding only two hits. Lester faced the White Sox often during his time in the American League and is 6-5 with a 4.38 ERA in 13 career meetings.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH/1B Jose Abreu is 16-for-49 during a 12-game hitting streak, the longest active streak by an American League player.
2. Cubs starting pitchers have allowed two or fewer runs in 11 consecutive games, the club's longest such streak since 1914.
3. The Cubs lead the majors in one-run games (35) and are tied with the White Sox in one-run victories (19), but Friday marked their first 1-0 defeat.
PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Cubs 1
GAME: Chicago White Sox (40-44) at Chicago Cubs (46-39)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 103, -111 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago White Sox can tie a franchise record with a third consecutive shutout Saturday, and they have the right guy on the mound to do it. White Sox ace Chris Sale takes the hill for the second of a three-game series with the host Chicago Cubs, who hope to generate some offense for left-hander Jon Lester.
Sale looks to get back to racking up strikeouts after having his streak of eight consecutive starts with 10 or more snapped in his last turn. He'll also try to give the White Sox three straight shutouts for the first time since 1973 and the eighth time in club history. The surging White Sox have won three straight and eight of their last 10 after a 1-0 victory in Friday's series opener. Lester's winless streak has reached nine starts dating to May 16, and the Cubs have scored a total of 11 runs in the last eight games he has started.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago (White Sox), ABC 7 (Cubs)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (7-4, 2.80 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (4-7, 3.48)
Sale had a down night in the "K" column last time out with six, but he snapped a four-start winless streak with a complete game victory over Toronto. The only blemishes for the 26-year-old were a pair of solo homers. Sale will make his first start against the Cubs after two scoreless relief appearances in 2011.
Despite his drought of nearly two months, Lester has recorded quality starts in four of his last five outings and has not allowed an earned run in his last two turns. The 31-year-old gave up two unearned runs over seven innings in a loss to St. Louis on Monday, yielding only two hits. Lester faced the White Sox often during his time in the American League and is 6-5 with a 4.38 ERA in 13 career meetings.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH/1B Jose Abreu is 16-for-49 during a 12-game hitting streak, the longest active streak by an American League player.
2. Cubs starting pitchers have allowed two or fewer runs in 11 consecutive games, the club's longest such streak since 1914.
3. The Cubs lead the majors in one-run games (35) and are tied with the White Sox in one-run victories (19), but Friday marked their first 1-0 defeat.
PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Cubs 1
Preview: Diamondbacks at Mets
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43) at New York Mets (45-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 131, -142 TOTAL: 6.5
Citi Field has been a safe haven for the New York Mets, who improved to 30-14 at home after posting a 4-2 series-opening victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. New York vies for its 10th win in 15 outings following a seven-game skid when it continues its three-game series against Arizona on Saturday.
Lucas Duda and Michael Cuddyer showed signs of slugging their way out of their respective slumps, with the former belting a three-run homer to end an 0-for-13 drought and the latter also going deep to highlight a first-inning flourish. Cuddyer collected two hits after entering the contest 4-for-40 in his previous 13 games, but is 4-for-11 (.364) in his career versus Saturday starter Patrick Corbin. The Mets have won nine of their last 14 at home against Arizona, which fell for the second time in seven contests. A.J. Pollock, who scored the Diamondbacks' first run on a sacrifice fly Friday, is 14-for-36 (.389) with seven RBIs and eight runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (7-6, 3.11)
Although showing a little rust, Corbin picked up the victory on Saturday in his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old New York native allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings en route to a 7-3 triumph over Colorado. Corbin has struggled when facing the Mets, posting an 0-2 mark after yielding 11 runs on 15 hits in three starts (15 1/3 innings).
After walking just 17 batters over 99 1/3 innings, Harvey inexplicably matched a career high with five free passes to drive up his pitch count on Saturday and suffer his second straight losing decision in a 4-3 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 26-year-old will look to rebound versus Arizona, against which he improved to 2-1 in his career after allowing two runs on six hits and striking out nine in seven frames of a 6-2 triumph on June 4. Aaron Hill is 3-for-8 in his career versus Harvey while Paul Goldschmidt is just 1-for-5 against the hurler.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York 2B Wilmer Flores had two hits in the series opener and is 14-for-30 in his last eight games.
2. Arizona rookie 3B Yasmany Tomas has three multi-hit performances in his last four outings.
3. Diamondbacks RHP Jeremy Hellickson (thumb) is expected to return to the rotation after the All-Star break, manager Chip Hale told reporters.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Diamondbacks 1
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43) at New York Mets (45-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 131, -142 TOTAL: 6.5
Citi Field has been a safe haven for the New York Mets, who improved to 30-14 at home after posting a 4-2 series-opening victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. New York vies for its 10th win in 15 outings following a seven-game skid when it continues its three-game series against Arizona on Saturday.
Lucas Duda and Michael Cuddyer showed signs of slugging their way out of their respective slumps, with the former belting a three-run homer to end an 0-for-13 drought and the latter also going deep to highlight a first-inning flourish. Cuddyer collected two hits after entering the contest 4-for-40 in his previous 13 games, but is 4-for-11 (.364) in his career versus Saturday starter Patrick Corbin. The Mets have won nine of their last 14 at home against Arizona, which fell for the second time in seven contests. A.J. Pollock, who scored the Diamondbacks' first run on a sacrifice fly Friday, is 14-for-36 (.389) with seven RBIs and eight runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (7-6, 3.11)
Although showing a little rust, Corbin picked up the victory on Saturday in his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old New York native allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings en route to a 7-3 triumph over Colorado. Corbin has struggled when facing the Mets, posting an 0-2 mark after yielding 11 runs on 15 hits in three starts (15 1/3 innings).
After walking just 17 batters over 99 1/3 innings, Harvey inexplicably matched a career high with five free passes to drive up his pitch count on Saturday and suffer his second straight losing decision in a 4-3 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 26-year-old will look to rebound versus Arizona, against which he improved to 2-1 in his career after allowing two runs on six hits and striking out nine in seven frames of a 6-2 triumph on June 4. Aaron Hill is 3-for-8 in his career versus Harvey while Paul Goldschmidt is just 1-for-5 against the hurler.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York 2B Wilmer Flores had two hits in the series opener and is 14-for-30 in his last eight games.
2. Arizona rookie 3B Yasmany Tomas has three multi-hit performances in his last four outings.
3. Diamondbacks RHP Jeremy Hellickson (thumb) is expected to return to the rotation after the All-Star break, manager Chip Hale told reporters.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Diamondbacks 1
Preview: Astros at Rays
GAME: Houston Astros (49-40) at Tampa Bay Rays (44-45)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: -116, 107 TOTAL: 7
The Tampa Bay Rays look to extend their winning streak against left-handed starting pitchers to a club-record 11 games when they host All-Star Dallas Keuchel and the Houston Astros on Saturday. The Rays have an American League-best 15-8 record versus southpaws, but Keuchel has been one of best pitchers in baseball this season with a 0.99 WHIP and 11 victories – one shy of his career high.
Brandon Guyer homered as Tampa Bay snapped its four-game slide with a 3-1 victory in the opener of the three-game set with Houston, winning for only the fourth time in its last 19 contests. John Jaso has provided the Rays an offensive spark since returning from a wrist injury, going 8-for-15 in his last five games. Jake Odorizzi returns from the disabled list to face an Astros team which has scored just four runs during its four-game losing streak. Houston All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-3, 2.14 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 2.47)
Keuchel has been outstanding in winning his last three starts, allowing a total of three runs over 23 innings while striking out 27 and walking only two in that span. The 27-year-old Oklahoma native has yielded two or fewer runs in 12 of his 18 starts and completed seven frames 11 times. Evan Longoria is 3-for-6 versus Keuchel, who is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Odorizzi, who has not pitched in the majors since June 5 due to an oblique injury, limited opponents to one run and four hits in 9 2/3 innings during his rehab assignment. The Illinois native permitted two runs or fewer in eight of his 12 starts before the injury. Odorizzi surrendered just one hit and struck out 10 over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in his only career start versus Houston.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros need one victory to reach 50 before the All-Star break for the ninth time in franchise history and first since 2003.
2. Tampa Bay C Rene Rivera is 6-for-16 with a homer and five RBIs in his last five games, raising his batting average to .178.
3. Houston RHP Chad Qualls (neck) was activated from the disabled list Friday and threw one pitch to induce a double play in the eighth inning.
PREDICTION: Rays 3, Astros 2
GAME: Houston Astros (49-40) at Tampa Bay Rays (44-45)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: -116, 107 TOTAL: 7
The Tampa Bay Rays look to extend their winning streak against left-handed starting pitchers to a club-record 11 games when they host All-Star Dallas Keuchel and the Houston Astros on Saturday. The Rays have an American League-best 15-8 record versus southpaws, but Keuchel has been one of best pitchers in baseball this season with a 0.99 WHIP and 11 victories – one shy of his career high.
Brandon Guyer homered as Tampa Bay snapped its four-game slide with a 3-1 victory in the opener of the three-game set with Houston, winning for only the fourth time in its last 19 contests. John Jaso has provided the Rays an offensive spark since returning from a wrist injury, going 8-for-15 in his last five games. Jake Odorizzi returns from the disabled list to face an Astros team which has scored just four runs during its four-game losing streak. Houston All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-3, 2.14 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 2.47)
Keuchel has been outstanding in winning his last three starts, allowing a total of three runs over 23 innings while striking out 27 and walking only two in that span. The 27-year-old Oklahoma native has yielded two or fewer runs in 12 of his 18 starts and completed seven frames 11 times. Evan Longoria is 3-for-6 versus Keuchel, who is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Odorizzi, who has not pitched in the majors since June 5 due to an oblique injury, limited opponents to one run and four hits in 9 2/3 innings during his rehab assignment. The Illinois native permitted two runs or fewer in eight of his 12 starts before the injury. Odorizzi surrendered just one hit and struck out 10 over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in his only career start versus Houston.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros need one victory to reach 50 before the All-Star break for the ninth time in franchise history and first since 2003.
2. Tampa Bay C Rene Rivera is 6-for-16 with a homer and five RBIs in his last five games, raising his batting average to .178.
3. Houston RHP Chad Qualls (neck) was activated from the disabled list Friday and threw one pitch to induce a double play in the eighth inning.
PREDICTION: Rays 3, Astros 2
Preview: Braves at Rockies
GAME: Atlanta Braves (42-45) at Colorado Rockies (37-49)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 10
There may not be a bullpen in baseball looking forward to the All-Star break more than the Colorado Rockies, who have deployed 12 relievers in winning the opening two games of the final series of the first half. The Rockies aim for their third consecutive victory when they host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, after posting back-to-back 5-3 triumphs.
One night after seven Colorado relievers covered eight innings in Thursday’s rain-delayed win, five Rockies' relievers gave up three runs on seven hits in six frames. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu went 2-for-3 and is hitting .500 during his current six-game hitting streak. The Braves are 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position through the first two games of the series, leaving 12 runners on base. Kelly Johnson surpassed the 500 career RBI plateau Friday with a three-run homer as Atlanta lost its third in a row, dropping to 13-28 when scoring less than four runs.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), ROOT Sports (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Matt Wisler (3-1, 3.13 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (6-3, 4.46)
Wisler earned the first road victory of his career in his fourth big-league start Monday at Milwaukee, giving up three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old, acquired from San Diego in the Craig Kimbrel trade just before the season started, has surrendered eight hits in his first two starts in July. Wisler gave up one run in eight innings in his debut against the Mets, and after losing at Washington rebounded to beat the Nationals on July 1, allowing one hit in 5 1/3 scoreless frames.
De La Rosa started the season with two losses and a 9.56 ERA through four starts, but the 34-year-old is 6-1 with a 2.96 ERA in his past nine appearances. He recorded his second consecutive victory Sunday at Arizona, giving up two runs on five hits in six innings after throwing seven shutout frames June 30 at Oakland. De La Rosa has struggled at home, giving up 29 earned runs and six homers in 38 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki did not play Friday; Tulowitzki currently has a 21-game hitting streak and a 36-game on-base streak (both career bests).
2. Atlanta CF Cameron Maybin extended his hitting streak to a career high-tying 10 games Friday, going 1-for-4.
3. The Rockies have averaged 11.8 hits in their past six games, recording 12 hits Friday after pounding out 16 in the series opener.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 4
GAME: Atlanta Braves (42-45) at Colorado Rockies (37-49)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 10
There may not be a bullpen in baseball looking forward to the All-Star break more than the Colorado Rockies, who have deployed 12 relievers in winning the opening two games of the final series of the first half. The Rockies aim for their third consecutive victory when they host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, after posting back-to-back 5-3 triumphs.
One night after seven Colorado relievers covered eight innings in Thursday’s rain-delayed win, five Rockies' relievers gave up three runs on seven hits in six frames. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu went 2-for-3 and is hitting .500 during his current six-game hitting streak. The Braves are 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position through the first two games of the series, leaving 12 runners on base. Kelly Johnson surpassed the 500 career RBI plateau Friday with a three-run homer as Atlanta lost its third in a row, dropping to 13-28 when scoring less than four runs.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), ROOT Sports (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Matt Wisler (3-1, 3.13 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (6-3, 4.46)
Wisler earned the first road victory of his career in his fourth big-league start Monday at Milwaukee, giving up three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old, acquired from San Diego in the Craig Kimbrel trade just before the season started, has surrendered eight hits in his first two starts in July. Wisler gave up one run in eight innings in his debut against the Mets, and after losing at Washington rebounded to beat the Nationals on July 1, allowing one hit in 5 1/3 scoreless frames.
De La Rosa started the season with two losses and a 9.56 ERA through four starts, but the 34-year-old is 6-1 with a 2.96 ERA in his past nine appearances. He recorded his second consecutive victory Sunday at Arizona, giving up two runs on five hits in six innings after throwing seven shutout frames June 30 at Oakland. De La Rosa has struggled at home, giving up 29 earned runs and six homers in 38 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki did not play Friday; Tulowitzki currently has a 21-game hitting streak and a 36-game on-base streak (both career bests).
2. Atlanta CF Cameron Maybin extended his hitting streak to a career high-tying 10 games Friday, going 1-for-4.
3. The Rockies have averaged 11.8 hits in their past six games, recording 12 hits Friday after pounding out 16 in the series opener.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 4
Preview: Reds at Marlins
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (39-45) at Miami Marlins (36-51)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: 110, -119 N/A TOTAL: N/A
Sitting 11 games out in the National League East and sporting one of the lowest scoring offenses in the majors, the Miami Marlins would like nothing more than to see a familiar bat pick up its sagging fortunes. Casey McGehee, who had a pinch-hit double in his only at-bat on Friday, is expected to make his first start for the Marlins since the end of last season on Saturday when Miami hosts the third of four games against the Cincinnati Reds.
McGehee tallied a team-high 177 hits and batted .287 with 76 RBIs while protecting Giancarlo Stanton in the middle of Miami’s order last season. The 32-year-old journeyman third baseman was traded to the San Francisco Giants in December for two minor-leaguers, but released on Wednesday by the defending World Series champions after hitting .213 over 49 games. McGehee accounted for only one of the Marlins’ four hits in Friday’s 1-0 loss to the Reds, sending Miami and its 26th-ranked run-scoring offense to its fifth defeat in six games. Cincinnati guaranteed its first non-losing road trip since going 5-5 on a 10-game trek from April 30-May 10 with its third win in four tries on Friday as Mike Leake answered Jose Fernandez’s seven-inning gem in the Marlins’ 2-0 series-opening victory with an eight-inning masterpiece.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (1-1, 5.11 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (0-0, 0.00)
After the team decided to scratch Anthony DeSclafani (glute strain) from his scheduled start against his former team, Cincinnati is planning on turning to Iglesias (oblique) to come off the disabled list. The Cuban rookie’s last big-league appearance came on May 30, when he surrendered five runs on nine hits but fanned eight in 5 2/3 frames during a no-decision versus Washington. Iglesias took a loss in his last rehab start for Triple-A Louisville, giving up two runs over 4 2/3 innings on Sunday.
With scheduled starter Mat Latos (foot) scratched from Saturday’s start against the team that traded him away for DeSclafani and Chad Wallach in December, Conley will draw his first big-league start. The Washington State product, who was the team’s second-round draft choice in 2011, made his major-league debut by throwing a perfect relief inning at Toronto on June 10. Conley was sensational for Triple-A New Orleans this season before his promotion, going 8-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 16 games (15 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Reds have yet to make a move to clear room for Iglesias, but the Marlins designated 2B/OF Jordany Valdespin for assignment to pave the way for Conley’s arrival.
2. Miami has totaled 12 runs over its last seven contests.
3. Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman needs only five strikeouts over his next 15 innings to break Craig Kimbrel’s major-league record (305 innings pitched) as the fastest player to reach 500 career strikeouts.
PREDICTION: Reds 3, Marlins 2
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (39-45) at Miami Marlins (36-51)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: 110, -119 N/A TOTAL: N/A
Sitting 11 games out in the National League East and sporting one of the lowest scoring offenses in the majors, the Miami Marlins would like nothing more than to see a familiar bat pick up its sagging fortunes. Casey McGehee, who had a pinch-hit double in his only at-bat on Friday, is expected to make his first start for the Marlins since the end of last season on Saturday when Miami hosts the third of four games against the Cincinnati Reds.
McGehee tallied a team-high 177 hits and batted .287 with 76 RBIs while protecting Giancarlo Stanton in the middle of Miami’s order last season. The 32-year-old journeyman third baseman was traded to the San Francisco Giants in December for two minor-leaguers, but released on Wednesday by the defending World Series champions after hitting .213 over 49 games. McGehee accounted for only one of the Marlins’ four hits in Friday’s 1-0 loss to the Reds, sending Miami and its 26th-ranked run-scoring offense to its fifth defeat in six games. Cincinnati guaranteed its first non-losing road trip since going 5-5 on a 10-game trek from April 30-May 10 with its third win in four tries on Friday as Mike Leake answered Jose Fernandez’s seven-inning gem in the Marlins’ 2-0 series-opening victory with an eight-inning masterpiece.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (1-1, 5.11 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (0-0, 0.00)
After the team decided to scratch Anthony DeSclafani (glute strain) from his scheduled start against his former team, Cincinnati is planning on turning to Iglesias (oblique) to come off the disabled list. The Cuban rookie’s last big-league appearance came on May 30, when he surrendered five runs on nine hits but fanned eight in 5 2/3 frames during a no-decision versus Washington. Iglesias took a loss in his last rehab start for Triple-A Louisville, giving up two runs over 4 2/3 innings on Sunday.
With scheduled starter Mat Latos (foot) scratched from Saturday’s start against the team that traded him away for DeSclafani and Chad Wallach in December, Conley will draw his first big-league start. The Washington State product, who was the team’s second-round draft choice in 2011, made his major-league debut by throwing a perfect relief inning at Toronto on June 10. Conley was sensational for Triple-A New Orleans this season before his promotion, going 8-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 16 games (15 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Reds have yet to make a move to clear room for Iglesias, but the Marlins designated 2B/OF Jordany Valdespin for assignment to pave the way for Conley’s arrival.
2. Miami has totaled 12 runs over its last seven contests.
3. Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman needs only five strikeouts over his next 15 innings to break Craig Kimbrel’s major-league record (305 innings pitched) as the fastest player to reach 500 career strikeouts.
PREDICTION: Reds 3, Marlins 2
Preview: Athletics at Indians
GAME: Oakland Athletics (39-50) at Cleveland Indians (42-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 6:35 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 150, -163 TOTAL: 7.5
Sterling pitching has paved the way for the surging Cleveland Indians, who have allowed four runs and 21 hits during their four-game winning streak while limiting foes to two runs or fewer on nine occasions in their last 12 contests. The Indians look for more of the same when they continue their three-game series versus the visiting Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
Cleveland's hitting hasn't been too shabby either, as Michael Brantley slapped a two-run single in the 5-1 victory on Friday and improved to 7-for-16 with five runs scored in the last four contests. Carlos Santana has also been heating up after a rough stretch, going 7-for-16 in his last five games following a brutal 3-for-28 slump. Speaking of slumps, Oakland mustered only five hits on Friday en route to dropping its third in a row and has scored just 42 runs over its last 14 outings (5-9). Josh Reddick went 0-for-4 in the series opener and is 3-for-18 in his last six games, but he's 3-for-3 with a homer in his career versus Saturday starter Carlos Carrasco.
TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (0-2, 2.95 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 4.17)
With Jesse Hahn sidelined by an ailing right elbow, Bassitt is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Nashville in time for Saturday's start. The 26-year-old has pitched well in a pair of spot starts for Sonny Gray, but he was saddled with the loss in a pair of 2-1 setbacks. After allowing one run on five hits in five innings against Colorado on June 30, Bassitt yielded two runs in 5 2/3 frames in the hard-luck loss to Seattle five days later.
After coming within one strike of a no-hitter in his previous outing, Carrasco was ripped for five runs on 10 hits in four innings in a 9-4 setback to Houston on Monday. The disappointing result notwithstanding, the 28-year-old Venezuelan is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Carrasco has sputtered at home, posting a 4-5 mark with a 5.11 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .303 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor is 5-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs in his last three games.
2. Oakland 2B Ben Zobrist ripped a double in the ninth inning in the series opener to snap an 0-for-15 stretch.
3. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis is just 3-for-27 during his last eight contests.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Athletics 1
GAME: Oakland Athletics (39-50) at Cleveland Indians (42-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 6:35 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 150, -163 TOTAL: 7.5
Sterling pitching has paved the way for the surging Cleveland Indians, who have allowed four runs and 21 hits during their four-game winning streak while limiting foes to two runs or fewer on nine occasions in their last 12 contests. The Indians look for more of the same when they continue their three-game series versus the visiting Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
Cleveland's hitting hasn't been too shabby either, as Michael Brantley slapped a two-run single in the 5-1 victory on Friday and improved to 7-for-16 with five runs scored in the last four contests. Carlos Santana has also been heating up after a rough stretch, going 7-for-16 in his last five games following a brutal 3-for-28 slump. Speaking of slumps, Oakland mustered only five hits on Friday en route to dropping its third in a row and has scored just 42 runs over its last 14 outings (5-9). Josh Reddick went 0-for-4 in the series opener and is 3-for-18 in his last six games, but he's 3-for-3 with a homer in his career versus Saturday starter Carlos Carrasco.
TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (0-2, 2.95 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 4.17)
With Jesse Hahn sidelined by an ailing right elbow, Bassitt is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Nashville in time for Saturday's start. The 26-year-old has pitched well in a pair of spot starts for Sonny Gray, but he was saddled with the loss in a pair of 2-1 setbacks. After allowing one run on five hits in five innings against Colorado on June 30, Bassitt yielded two runs in 5 2/3 frames in the hard-luck loss to Seattle five days later.
After coming within one strike of a no-hitter in his previous outing, Carrasco was ripped for five runs on 10 hits in four innings in a 9-4 setback to Houston on Monday. The disappointing result notwithstanding, the 28-year-old Venezuelan is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Carrasco has sputtered at home, posting a 4-5 mark with a 5.11 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .303 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor is 5-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs in his last three games.
2. Oakland 2B Ben Zobrist ripped a double in the ninth inning in the series opener to snap an 0-for-15 stretch.
3. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis is just 3-for-27 during his last eight contests.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Athletics 1
Preview: Nationals at Orioles
GAME: Washington Nationals (46-39) at Baltimore Orioles (44-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jonathan Schoop has made an immediate impact since returning from the 60-day disabled list, highlighted by his solo blast with two outs in the ninth inning Friday for his first career walk-off homer. Schoop looks to continue his power surge when the host Orioles vie for their seventh win in eight meetings with the Washington Nationals as the Beltway Series continues Saturday.
Schoop's homer in the 3-2 victory was his second in five games and Adam Jones also went deep for the second time in four outings, but he's just 3-for-15 in his career versus Saturday starter Jordan Zimmermann. Washington manager Matt Williams confirmed that Zimmermann would get the start despite the pitcher welcoming the birth of daughter Ava on Friday, and he wouldn't mind seeing some offense to boot. The injury-riddled Nationals have scored three or fewer runs on seven occasions during a 3-5 stretch. Washington has dropped three in a row to see its lead in the National League East trimmed to two games, while Baltimore posted its third win in 11 outings to remain three games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-5, 3.04 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (7-5, 3.87)
Zimmermann turned in his third consecutive brilliant start on Sunday, allowing one run on three hits and striking out eight in seven innings en route to a 3-1 victory over San Francisco. The 29-year-old has permitted one run on 15 hits and fanned 17 during that stretch (22 2/3 innings). Zimmermann has struggled mightily in his career versus Baltimore, falling to 1-3 after yielding seven runs on 10 hits in his last meeting.
After splitting a pair of decisions despite lackluster performances, Gonzalez picked up the win on Saturday following a one-run, four-hit effort over six innings versus the Chicago White Sox. The 29-year-old has pitched well at home, posting a 3-1 mark with a 1.06 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .215 batting average. Gonzalez is making his first career start versus Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore C Matt Wieters collected three hits in the series opener and is 6-for-12 with two doubles in his last four games.
2. Washington SS Ian Desmond has hit safely in three straight contests after going 0-for-18 in his previous five.
3. Orioles 3B Manny Machado is 5-for-14 with two homers and three runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Nationals 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (46-39) at Baltimore Orioles (44-42)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jonathan Schoop has made an immediate impact since returning from the 60-day disabled list, highlighted by his solo blast with two outs in the ninth inning Friday for his first career walk-off homer. Schoop looks to continue his power surge when the host Orioles vie for their seventh win in eight meetings with the Washington Nationals as the Beltway Series continues Saturday.
Schoop's homer in the 3-2 victory was his second in five games and Adam Jones also went deep for the second time in four outings, but he's just 3-for-15 in his career versus Saturday starter Jordan Zimmermann. Washington manager Matt Williams confirmed that Zimmermann would get the start despite the pitcher welcoming the birth of daughter Ava on Friday, and he wouldn't mind seeing some offense to boot. The injury-riddled Nationals have scored three or fewer runs on seven occasions during a 3-5 stretch. Washington has dropped three in a row to see its lead in the National League East trimmed to two games, while Baltimore posted its third win in 11 outings to remain three games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-5, 3.04 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (7-5, 3.87)
Zimmermann turned in his third consecutive brilliant start on Sunday, allowing one run on three hits and striking out eight in seven innings en route to a 3-1 victory over San Francisco. The 29-year-old has permitted one run on 15 hits and fanned 17 during that stretch (22 2/3 innings). Zimmermann has struggled mightily in his career versus Baltimore, falling to 1-3 after yielding seven runs on 10 hits in his last meeting.
After splitting a pair of decisions despite lackluster performances, Gonzalez picked up the win on Saturday following a one-run, four-hit effort over six innings versus the Chicago White Sox. The 29-year-old has pitched well at home, posting a 3-1 mark with a 1.06 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .215 batting average. Gonzalez is making his first career start versus Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore C Matt Wieters collected three hits in the series opener and is 6-for-12 with two doubles in his last four games.
2. Washington SS Ian Desmond has hit safely in three straight contests after going 0-for-18 in his previous five.
3. Orioles 3B Manny Machado is 5-for-14 with two homers and three runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Nationals 2
Preview: Yankees at Red Sox
GAME: New York Yankees (47-39) at Boston Red Sox (41-46)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 9
Alex Rodriguez isn't heading to the All-Star Game but he aims to continue his fine season when the New York Yankees visit Boston in Saturday's second contest of a three-game series. Rodriguez homered among two hits in the series opener as New York posted a 5-1 victory to maintain its three-game lead in the American League East.
Rodriguez's homer was his 17th of the season and his 55th career smash against Boston. He also drew a bases-loaded walk to raise his RBI count to 49 as he continues a strong comeback season after missing all of 2014. The Red Sox had a four-game winning streak halted in the opener and lost for only the third time in 11 games. Boston left fielder Hanley Ramirez is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts over the past three games after hitting three homers in a four-game stretch.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (1-2, 2.65 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2, 3.69)
Nova has lost back-to-back starts since tossing 6 2/3 shutout innings in his season debut. He lost to Tampa Bay in his last turn on Sunday when he gave up four runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings. Nova is 3-3 with a 5.00 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Boston and has struggled with outfielder Alejandro De Aza (5-for-7).
Rodriguez has allowed one run or less in six of his eight starts and rocked for a total of 15 in the other two. He struck out a season-best eight in his last outing on Sunday when he gave up one run and six hits in five innings in a no-decision against Houston. Rodriguez is 1-2 with a 7.52 ERA in four home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury is 3-for-13 with three RBIs in three games since returning from a knee injury.
2. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) wasn't activated from the disabled list on Friday and likely will not return until after the All-Star break.
3. New York 3B Chase Headley (groin) has missed three straight games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 5
GAME: New York Yankees (47-39) at Boston Red Sox (41-46)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 9
Alex Rodriguez isn't heading to the All-Star Game but he aims to continue his fine season when the New York Yankees visit Boston in Saturday's second contest of a three-game series. Rodriguez homered among two hits in the series opener as New York posted a 5-1 victory to maintain its three-game lead in the American League East.
Rodriguez's homer was his 17th of the season and his 55th career smash against Boston. He also drew a bases-loaded walk to raise his RBI count to 49 as he continues a strong comeback season after missing all of 2014. The Red Sox had a four-game winning streak halted in the opener and lost for only the third time in 11 games. Boston left fielder Hanley Ramirez is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts over the past three games after hitting three homers in a four-game stretch.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (1-2, 2.65 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2, 3.69)
Nova has lost back-to-back starts since tossing 6 2/3 shutout innings in his season debut. He lost to Tampa Bay in his last turn on Sunday when he gave up four runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings. Nova is 3-3 with a 5.00 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Boston and has struggled with outfielder Alejandro De Aza (5-for-7).
Rodriguez has allowed one run or less in six of his eight starts and rocked for a total of 15 in the other two. He struck out a season-best eight in his last outing on Sunday when he gave up one run and six hits in five innings in a no-decision against Houston. Rodriguez is 1-2 with a 7.52 ERA in four home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury is 3-for-13 with three RBIs in three games since returning from a knee injury.
2. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) wasn't activated from the disabled list on Friday and likely will not return until after the All-Star break.
3. New York 3B Chase Headley (groin) has missed three straight games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 5
Preview: Cardinals at Pirates
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (56-31) at Pittsburgh Pirates (51-35)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 108, -117 TOTAL: 6.5
The Pittsburgh Pirates look to gain the upper hand against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals as the National League Central rivals' four-game series continues at PNC Park on Saturday. St. Louis drew first blood by capturing the opener on Thursday, but Pittsburgh bounced back the following night to post a 5-2 triumph.
Neil Walker went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs while Gerrit Cole became the first 13-game winner in the major leagues by tossing seven strong innings as the Pirates won for the sixth time in seven contests. Matt Carpenter belted a two-run shot for the Cardinals, whose division lead over second-place Pittsburgh was reduced to 4 1/2 games. St. Louis is 3-3 on its eight-game road trip and has dropped seven of its last 12 overall. The Cardinals will have to contend with A.J. Burnett on Saturday as the first-time All-Star attempts to lower his 1.28 home ERA.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUPS: Cardinals RH John Lackey (7-5, 3.09 ERA) vs. Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (7-3, 1.99)
Lackey is coming off a stellar outing against the Cubs in Chicago on Monday, when he scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings for the victory. The 36-year-old has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts and worked at least seven frames in seven of his last eight turns. Lackey is 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career outings against Pittsburgh, including a no-decision on May 2 in which he gave up one run and six hits over six innings.
Burnett has won only one of his last six starts despite allowing two earned runs or fewer five times in that span. The 38-year-old settled for a no-decision against San Diego on Monday after yielding just one run and five hits in 7 2/3 innings. Burnett's lifetime record versus the Cardinals remained at 9-6 as he did not factor in the decision on May 1 despite giving up two hits over six scoreless frames at St. Louis.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pirates All-Star CF Andrew McCutchen is riding a 17-game hitting streak in which he has logged at least one official at-bat.
2. St. Louis All-Star OF Matt Holliday, who is on the disabled list, likely will not return from his strained right quadriceps until after the break.
3. Cole joined Dock Ellis (14 in 1971) as the only Pirate pitchers to record at least 13 wins before the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cardinals 2
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (56-31) at Pittsburgh Pirates (51-35)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 108, -117 TOTAL: 6.5
The Pittsburgh Pirates look to gain the upper hand against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals as the National League Central rivals' four-game series continues at PNC Park on Saturday. St. Louis drew first blood by capturing the opener on Thursday, but Pittsburgh bounced back the following night to post a 5-2 triumph.
Neil Walker went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs while Gerrit Cole became the first 13-game winner in the major leagues by tossing seven strong innings as the Pirates won for the sixth time in seven contests. Matt Carpenter belted a two-run shot for the Cardinals, whose division lead over second-place Pittsburgh was reduced to 4 1/2 games. St. Louis is 3-3 on its eight-game road trip and has dropped seven of its last 12 overall. The Cardinals will have to contend with A.J. Burnett on Saturday as the first-time All-Star attempts to lower his 1.28 home ERA.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUPS: Cardinals RH John Lackey (7-5, 3.09 ERA) vs. Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (7-3, 1.99)
Lackey is coming off a stellar outing against the Cubs in Chicago on Monday, when he scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings for the victory. The 36-year-old has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts and worked at least seven frames in seven of his last eight turns. Lackey is 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career outings against Pittsburgh, including a no-decision on May 2 in which he gave up one run and six hits over six innings.
Burnett has won only one of his last six starts despite allowing two earned runs or fewer five times in that span. The 38-year-old settled for a no-decision against San Diego on Monday after yielding just one run and five hits in 7 2/3 innings. Burnett's lifetime record versus the Cardinals remained at 9-6 as he did not factor in the decision on May 1 despite giving up two hits over six scoreless frames at St. Louis.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pirates All-Star CF Andrew McCutchen is riding a 17-game hitting streak in which he has logged at least one official at-bat.
2. St. Louis All-Star OF Matt Holliday, who is on the disabled list, likely will not return from his strained right quadriceps until after the break.
3. Cole joined Dock Ellis (14 in 1971) as the only Pirate pitchers to record at least 13 wins before the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cardinals 2
Preview: Padres at Rangers
GAME: San Diego Padres (39-49) at Texas Rangers (42-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 102, -110 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers attempt to post back-to-back victories for the first time this month as they host the San Diego Padres on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series. Texas took the opener of the set on Friday, withstanding a late comeback attempt to record a 4-3 victory.
Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre hit back-to-back homers in the fourth inning as the Rangers snapped their five-game losing streak. Texas, which registered only six hits, has not won consecutive games since ending June with a pair of triumphs at Baltimore. Melvin Upton Jr. went 3-for-3 with a solo shot as San Diego suffered its sixth straight defeat. James Shields looks to end both the team's skid and his personal slide but needs to contain Elvis Andrus, who is 13-for-30 lifetime versus the veteran.
TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH James Shields (7-3, 3.88 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.83)
Shields' winless streak reached six starts on Monday, when he settled for a no-decision despite allowing only an unearned run and two hits in seven innings at Pittsburgh. The 33-year-old has gone 0-3 during his drought but yielded two earned runs or fewer on three occasions. Shields made 13 starts against Texas during his days in the American League, posting a 7-3 record and 2.44 ERA.
Lewis is coming off a horrid outing against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday in which he was battered for 10 runs and 12 hits over four innings. The disastrous start ended a stretch during which the 35-year-old had allowed three earned runs or fewer in six straight turns. Lewis, who never has faced San Diego, is 3-1 in eight home starts this year despite a 5.11 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Former Rangers closer Neftali Feliz became a free agent Friday after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock.
2. San Diego LF Justin Upton returned to the lineup from a strained left oblique on Friday and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
3. Texas will induct two-time American League MVP Juan Gonzalez and All-Star RHP Jeff Russell into the club's Hall of Fame prior to Saturday's game.
PREDICTION: Padres 4, Rangers 1
GAME: San Diego Padres (39-49) at Texas Rangers (42-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 102, -110 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers attempt to post back-to-back victories for the first time this month as they host the San Diego Padres on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series. Texas took the opener of the set on Friday, withstanding a late comeback attempt to record a 4-3 victory.
Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre hit back-to-back homers in the fourth inning as the Rangers snapped their five-game losing streak. Texas, which registered only six hits, has not won consecutive games since ending June with a pair of triumphs at Baltimore. Melvin Upton Jr. went 3-for-3 with a solo shot as San Diego suffered its sixth straight defeat. James Shields looks to end both the team's skid and his personal slide but needs to contain Elvis Andrus, who is 13-for-30 lifetime versus the veteran.
TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH James Shields (7-3, 3.88 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.83)
Shields' winless streak reached six starts on Monday, when he settled for a no-decision despite allowing only an unearned run and two hits in seven innings at Pittsburgh. The 33-year-old has gone 0-3 during his drought but yielded two earned runs or fewer on three occasions. Shields made 13 starts against Texas during his days in the American League, posting a 7-3 record and 2.44 ERA.
Lewis is coming off a horrid outing against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday in which he was battered for 10 runs and 12 hits over four innings. The disastrous start ended a stretch during which the 35-year-old had allowed three earned runs or fewer in six straight turns. Lewis, who never has faced San Diego, is 3-1 in eight home starts this year despite a 5.11 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Former Rangers closer Neftali Feliz became a free agent Friday after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock.
2. San Diego LF Justin Upton returned to the lineup from a strained left oblique on Friday and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
3. Texas will induct two-time American League MVP Juan Gonzalez and All-Star RHP Jeff Russell into the club's Hall of Fame prior to Saturday's game.
PREDICTION: Padres 4, Rangers 1
Preview: Phillies at Giants
5-Day Forecast GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (29-60) at San Francisco Giants (44-43)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 177, -193 TOTAL: 7
The San Francisco Giants may have found the cure-all for their ailing offense in the lowly Philadelphia Phillies, who have lost 13 of their last 16 and fallen a season-high 31 games under .500. The Giants head into Saturday’s contest at AT&T Park on a high note after recording season highs in runs and hits (22) in Friday’s 15-2 rout.
San Francisco began the series hoping for a spark after scoring a total of nine runs in their previous six games, and Hunter Pence provided the key blow with a fourth-inning grand slam off Phillies ace Cole Hamels. Pence has seven RBI in three games since returning from the disabled list and could soon be joined by left fielder Nori Aoki, who has been out since June 20 with a broken right foot. The outlook is not as optimistic for the Phillies, who have scored a total of two runs while facing Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner during a three-game losing streak. Second baseman Cesar Hernandez has followed his 12-game hitting streak by going hitless in 12 at-bats during the last three contests.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN (Philadelphia), NBC Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH David Buchanan (0-5, 8.76 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (6-6, 4.10)
Buchanan is being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start in place of the recently demoted Sean O’Sullivan. The 26-year-old struggled in five starts with the Phillies early this season and has gone 13 starts since his last victory on Aug. 6, 2014. Buchanan held the Giants to three runs (two earned) over 6 2/3 innings while throwing 105 pitches in a 5-2 loss at AT&T Park on Aug. 17, 2014.
Vogelsong was ejected for the first time in his career last Sunday, when he allowed one run in four innings against Washington. Inconsistency has been an issue for the 2011 All-Star, who opened the season with a 9.31 ERA in his first five starts before posting a 1.14 ERA in May and a 4.11 ERA in six June outings. Vogelsong fell to 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies after yielding five runs over 6 2/3 innings on June 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies are 3-54 when trailing after seven innings.
2. Pence has recorded 16 home runs and 35 RBI in 40 career games against his former team.
3. Philadelphia optioned RHP Severino Gonzalez to Triple-A to make room for Buchanan.
PREDICTION: Giants 6, Phillies 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (29-60) at San Francisco Giants (44-43)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 177, -193 TOTAL: 7
The San Francisco Giants may have found the cure-all for their ailing offense in the lowly Philadelphia Phillies, who have lost 13 of their last 16 and fallen a season-high 31 games under .500. The Giants head into Saturday’s contest at AT&T Park on a high note after recording season highs in runs and hits (22) in Friday’s 15-2 rout.
San Francisco began the series hoping for a spark after scoring a total of nine runs in their previous six games, and Hunter Pence provided the key blow with a fourth-inning grand slam off Phillies ace Cole Hamels. Pence has seven RBI in three games since returning from the disabled list and could soon be joined by left fielder Nori Aoki, who has been out since June 20 with a broken right foot. The outlook is not as optimistic for the Phillies, who have scored a total of two runs while facing Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner during a three-game losing streak. Second baseman Cesar Hernandez has followed his 12-game hitting streak by going hitless in 12 at-bats during the last three contests.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN (Philadelphia), NBC Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH David Buchanan (0-5, 8.76 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (6-6, 4.10)
Buchanan is being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start in place of the recently demoted Sean O’Sullivan. The 26-year-old struggled in five starts with the Phillies early this season and has gone 13 starts since his last victory on Aug. 6, 2014. Buchanan held the Giants to three runs (two earned) over 6 2/3 innings while throwing 105 pitches in a 5-2 loss at AT&T Park on Aug. 17, 2014.
Vogelsong was ejected for the first time in his career last Sunday, when he allowed one run in four innings against Washington. Inconsistency has been an issue for the 2011 All-Star, who opened the season with a 9.31 ERA in his first five starts before posting a 1.14 ERA in May and a 4.11 ERA in six June outings. Vogelsong fell to 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies after yielding five runs over 6 2/3 innings on June 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies are 3-54 when trailing after seven innings.
2. Pence has recorded 16 home runs and 35 RBI in 40 career games against his former team.
3. Philadelphia optioned RHP Severino Gonzalez to Triple-A to make room for Buchanan.
PREDICTION: Giants 6, Phillies 5
Preview: Brewers at Dodgers
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (37-51) at Los Angeles Dodgers (50-38)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Brandon Beachy steps on a major-league mound for the first in more than 22 months when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers in Saturday's second contest of a three-game set. Beachy is returning from the second Tommy John elbow surgery of his career, both suffered when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves.
The 28-year-old Beachy has made 46 previous major-league starts and said he often wondered whether he would make it to No. 47. "At times, there was no light at the end of the tunnel," Beachy told reporters. "There were some dark days, but it's something I'm glad I've been through and it's something I'll always remember." Los Angeles became the third National League team to reach 50 victories by winning the series opener 3-2, rallying to forge ahead in the seventh inning on Andre Ethier's two-run single and Joc Pederson's tiebreaking double. The loss was just the third in 12 games for Milwaukee, which has the third-worst record in the National League.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (3-1, 2.43 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon Beachy (NR)
Jungmann defeated Cincinnati in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over eight innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts since being recalled and has given up five or fewer hits in each of his last three outings. Jungmann is holding opposing batters to a .230 average and has allowed just two homers.
Beachy had a 2.41 ERA in 18 2/3 innings during his minor-league rehab stint before being recalled to plug the rotation spot of injured Carlos Frias. He went 14-11 with a 3.23 ERA in part of four season with the Braves. Beachy is 1-0 with a 0.47 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers RF Ryan Braun (wrist) returned from a one-game absence and has failed to homer in each of his last 10 games.
2. Pederson had two hits in the opener after going 2-for-27 over his previous eight games.
3. Milwaukee SS Jean Segura recorded his fourth three-hit outing over his last eight games Friday and is 15-for-32 during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Dodgers 3
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (37-51) at Los Angeles Dodgers (50-38)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Brandon Beachy steps on a major-league mound for the first in more than 22 months when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers in Saturday's second contest of a three-game set. Beachy is returning from the second Tommy John elbow surgery of his career, both suffered when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves.
The 28-year-old Beachy has made 46 previous major-league starts and said he often wondered whether he would make it to No. 47. "At times, there was no light at the end of the tunnel," Beachy told reporters. "There were some dark days, but it's something I'm glad I've been through and it's something I'll always remember." Los Angeles became the third National League team to reach 50 victories by winning the series opener 3-2, rallying to forge ahead in the seventh inning on Andre Ethier's two-run single and Joc Pederson's tiebreaking double. The loss was just the third in 12 games for Milwaukee, which has the third-worst record in the National League.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (3-1, 2.43 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon Beachy (NR)
Jungmann defeated Cincinnati in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over eight innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts since being recalled and has given up five or fewer hits in each of his last three outings. Jungmann is holding opposing batters to a .230 average and has allowed just two homers.
Beachy had a 2.41 ERA in 18 2/3 innings during his minor-league rehab stint before being recalled to plug the rotation spot of injured Carlos Frias. He went 14-11 with a 3.23 ERA in part of four season with the Braves. Beachy is 1-0 with a 0.47 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers RF Ryan Braun (wrist) returned from a one-game absence and has failed to homer in each of his last 10 games.
2. Pederson had two hits in the opener after going 2-for-27 over his previous eight games.
3. Milwaukee SS Jean Segura recorded his fourth three-hit outing over his last eight games Friday and is 15-for-32 during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Dodgers 3
