The power rating system is based on recent game results. The section should be used to compare the relative strength of the two teams involved. A power line is calculated using both teams ratings and home field advantage. Where the power line differs significantly from the current line, the team with the edge is indicated.
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2"> </td><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2">Power Line</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">Team</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">NY METS</td><td class="matchupCells Text">PELFREY</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +159</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">FLORIDA</td><td class="matchupCells Text">JOHNSON</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-159</td><td class="matchupCells"> </td></tr></tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">
</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">CINCINNATI</td><td class="matchupCells Text">WELLS</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +154</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">MILWAUKEE</td><td class="matchupCells Text">LOOPER</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-154</td><td class="matchupCells"> </td></tr></tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">TEXAS</td><td class="matchupCells Text">HOLLAND</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +115</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">NY YANKEES</td><td class="matchupCells Text">PETTITTE</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-115</td><td class="matchupCells"> </td></tr></tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">
</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">OAKLAND</td><td class="matchupCells Text">GONZALEZ</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +176</td><td class="matchupCells"> </td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">SEATTLE</td><td class="matchupCells Text">FRENCH</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-176</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2"> </td><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2">Power Line</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">Team</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">NY METS</td><td class="matchupCells Text">PELFREY</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +159</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">
</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">CINCINNATI</td><td class="matchupCells Text">WELLS</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +154</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">TEXAS</td><td class="matchupCells Text">HOLLAND</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +115</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">
</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">OAKLAND</td><td class="matchupCells Text">GONZALEZ</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +176</td><td class="matchupCells"> </td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">SEATTLE</td><td class="matchupCells Text">FRENCH</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-176</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
Cincinnati called up Kip Wells from Triple-A Louisville.
The Reds signed Wells to a Minor League deal in early July after the Nationals released him. That Wells was unable to carve out a role in the Nats' pen is an indication of just how badly he struggled in Washington; his 6.49 ERA and 1.56 WHIP also tell the tale. The 32-year-old fared much better in Triple-A, though, striking out 16 in 14 2/3 innings with a 1.16 WHIP. The Reds will likely use him as a long man out of the bullpen.
Looper back in win column vs. Nats: Brewers SP Braden Looper, who allowed nine earned runs in 11 innings in his previous two starts, got back on track Friday at Washington. He picked up the victory, allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in six innings.
Looper is now 11-6 on the season, which is reason enough for him to deserve a roster spot in all NL-only leagues. He isn't really an impact pitcher, though, and has just as many bad starts as good. Think of him as just a last resort in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds
The Reds signed Wells to a Minor League deal in early July after the Nationals released him. That Wells was unable to carve out a role in the Nats' pen is an indication of just how badly he struggled in Washington; his 6.49 ERA and 1.56 WHIP also tell the tale. The 32-year-old fared much better in Triple-A, though, striking out 16 in 14 2/3 innings with a 1.16 WHIP. The Reds will likely use him as a long man out of the bullpen.
Looper back in win column vs. Nats: Brewers SP Braden Looper, who allowed nine earned runs in 11 innings in his previous two starts, got back on track Friday at Washington. He picked up the victory, allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in six innings.
Looper is now 11-6 on the season, which is reason enough for him to deserve a roster spot in all NL-only leagues. He isn't really an impact pitcher, though, and has just as many bad starts as good. Think of him as just a last resort in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds
Oswalt goes seven scoreless for win: Astros SP Roy Oswalt improved his record to 7-4 on the season Friday with a 1-0 win over Arizona. He allowed only three hits over the seven innings, striking out two and walking none. His ERA dropped to 3.83 on the season with the performance.
Oswalt had been roughed up badly in his previous two outings, allowing 11 runs in 11 innings. He seemed to get things back on track Friday, turning in a gem of a start. He may not be having his best season, but Oswalt is still worth using
Joel Pineiro fanned seven batters and improved to 12-9 Thursday after scattering four hits and two walks over 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Padres.
Pineiro has pitched well all year, but earlier in the season he didn't get any help from his offense. The addition of Matt Holliday to what was a scuffling Cardinals attack has no doubt played a huge part in getting the righty hurler the kind of support he's deserved. Pineiro has now won three consecutive starts -- all quality outings -- and has fashioned a fantastic 6.0 K/BB ratio in August. Throw him out there with confidence when he next toes the rubber on Aug. 26 in a home clash with the Astros.
Oswalt had been roughed up badly in his previous two outings, allowing 11 runs in 11 innings. He seemed to get things back on track Friday, turning in a gem of a start. He may not be having his best season, but Oswalt is still worth using
Joel Pineiro fanned seven batters and improved to 12-9 Thursday after scattering four hits and two walks over 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Padres.
Pineiro has pitched well all year, but earlier in the season he didn't get any help from his offense. The addition of Matt Holliday to what was a scuffling Cardinals attack has no doubt played a huge part in getting the righty hurler the kind of support he's deserved. Pineiro has now won three consecutive starts -- all quality outings -- and has fashioned a fantastic 6.0 K/BB ratio in August. Throw him out there with confidence when he next toes the rubber on Aug. 26 in a home clash with the Astros.
Davis allows five earned in loss: Arizona SP Doug Davis tossed five innings and took the loss on Thursday in a 12-3 loss to the Phillies. He allowed five earned runs in the game with six strikeouts and four walks. His ERA increased to 3.77 on the season with the performance.
Davis had won each of his past three decisions over his last five starts before running into the buzzsaw that is the Phillies on Thursday. He had put together six straight quality starts during that span as well
Sanchez goes five good innings for win: Jonathan O Sanchez tossed five solid innings, Aaron Rowand hit a three-run homer and the Giants beat the Rockies 6-3 on Friday night in the opener of an important four-game series. Sanchez (6-10) allowed an unearned run and two hits to win for just the third time since his no-hitter against San Diego on July 10. The left-hander's strong outing couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the Giants, who pulled within a game of the Rockies in the NL wild-card chase.
Sanchez was by no means outstanding on Friday but did enough to get the win against a hard-hitting Rockies team. He has been decent since getting slotted back into the rotation but can't be thought of as anything more than a low-end option for mixed leagues
Davis had won each of his past three decisions over his last five starts before running into the buzzsaw that is the Phillies on Thursday. He had put together six straight quality starts during that span as well
Sanchez goes five good innings for win: Jonathan O Sanchez tossed five solid innings, Aaron Rowand hit a three-run homer and the Giants beat the Rockies 6-3 on Friday night in the opener of an important four-game series. Sanchez (6-10) allowed an unearned run and two hits to win for just the third time since his no-hitter against San Diego on July 10. The left-hander's strong outing couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the Giants, who pulled within a game of the Rockies in the NL wild-card chase.
Sanchez was by no means outstanding on Friday but did enough to get the win against a hard-hitting Rockies team. He has been decent since getting slotted back into the rotation but can't be thought of as anything more than a low-end option for mixed leagues
Wolf allows one hit to win again: Dodgers SP Randy Wolf, who has struggled for wins this season despite pitching well, suddenly has three in a row. He beat the visiting Cubs on Friday, allowing one run on just one hit with two walks and five strikeouts in seven innings. He has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last three starts, posting a 1.99 ERA.
As long as Wolf continued to pitch well, his luck had to turn eventually, especially pitching for a contending team like the Dodgers. The 32-year-old lefty appears to have conquered his injury problems once and for all and is back to being a reliable
Fogg to get start on Wednesday: Rockies manager Jim Tracy said right-hander Josh Fogg will take Cook's spot in the rotation Wednesday night against the Dodgers.
Fogg is no longer a relevant Fantasy option as his career has really taken a turn for the worse. Don't expect him to get too many starts the rest of the season as he should only be used in NL-only formats
As long as Wolf continued to pitch well, his luck had to turn eventually, especially pitching for a contending team like the Dodgers. The 32-year-old lefty appears to have conquered his injury problems once and for all and is back to being a reliable
Fogg to get start on Wednesday: Rockies manager Jim Tracy said right-hander Josh Fogg will take Cook's spot in the rotation Wednesday night against the Dodgers.
Fogg is no longer a relevant Fantasy option as his career has really taken a turn for the worse. Don't expect him to get too many starts the rest of the season as he should only be used in NL-only formats
Gio Gonzalez fanned nine batters in 5 2/3 innings against the Tigers on Friday, allowing three earned runs on four hits and four walks in the process during his fourth loss in eight decisions.
Gonzalez turned in his finest strikeout performance of the season. The Tigers lay in the middle of the pack in team total strikeouts, which makes the effort even more impressive since Gonzalez didn't face a heavily strikeout-prone lineup. Mixed-leaguers searching for a late-season spot starter could do worse than to give Gonzalez a turn Aug. 26 vs. the Mariners at spacious Safeco Field.
French picks up win over Indians: Mariners SP Luke French tossed six solid innings in Friday’s 9-4 win over the Indians. He allowed three earned runs on eight hits. French struck out six and walked three, throwing a total of 100 pitches.
French allowed four unearned runs in his previous start and ended up taking the loss to the Yankees, his first since moving over from Detroit. French has been a decent Fantasy option since moving over to Seattle and should be considered an AL-only Fantasy
Gonzalez turned in his finest strikeout performance of the season. The Tigers lay in the middle of the pack in team total strikeouts, which makes the effort even more impressive since Gonzalez didn't face a heavily strikeout-prone lineup. Mixed-leaguers searching for a late-season spot starter could do worse than to give Gonzalez a turn Aug. 26 vs. the Mariners at spacious Safeco Field.
French picks up win over Indians: Mariners SP Luke French tossed six solid innings in Friday’s 9-4 win over the Indians. He allowed three earned runs on eight hits. French struck out six and walked three, throwing a total of 100 pitches.
French allowed four unearned runs in his previous start and ended up taking the loss to the Yankees, his first since moving over from Detroit. French has been a decent Fantasy option since moving over to Seattle and should be considered an AL-only Fantasy
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">
</td> <td align="right">
Miller Park | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kip Wells, RHP (0-3, 5.91)
Reds (53-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Braden Looper, RHP (11-6, 4.95)
Brewers (61-64) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Reds: Wells is filling in for Aaron Harang, who is out for the season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy over the weekend. Wells will be making his first start in the Majors since July 21, 2008. As a member of the Rockies in that game, Wells lasted only one-third of an inning against the Dodgers and allowed eight runs on seven hits while facing 10 batters. Wells started two games last season. He last pitched for the Reds in relief on Friday, against the Pirates, and tossed two perfect innings while striking out three.Brewers: Looper has already faced the Reds four times this season and is 3-1 in those games despite a 5.40 ERA. The ERA was skewed by a bad outing on May 7 at Great American Ball Park in which Looper surrendered five runs in 3 1/3 innings.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right">
Wrigley Field | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Livan Hernandez, RHP (7-8, 5.47)
Nationals (45-81) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (8-7, 4.04)
Cubs (62-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Nationals: The Nationals signed Hernandez to a Major League contract on Tuesday night, six days after the Mets gave the veteran his unconditional release. Hernandez will be in the rotation and serve as a mentor for Washington's young starting pitchers. In fact, he will start against the Cubs on Wednesday night, while right-hander J.D. Martin and left-hander John Lannan will be pushed back a day and pitch on Thursday and Friday respectively. Cubs: Harden was stellar in his last start. The right-hander held the Padres to one hit over seven innings, striking out eight. He has fanned 55 in 44 innings since the All-Star break and held teams to eight runs in that stretch. Although he doesn't like to acknowledge the numbers, Harden is better at night and on the road. He is 3-5 with a 6.31 ERA at Wrigley Field. He beat Washington in D.C. on July 16.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right">
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 8:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Guthrie, RHP (8-12, 5.45)
Orioles (51-75) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Nick Blackburn, RHP (8-8, 4.27)
Twins (63-63) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Guthrie pitched seven strong innings in his most recent outing and allowed just one run, which came on a homer. The right-hander has given up more home runs (29) than any other American League starter this season. Guthrie allowed two earned runs or fewer 17 times last season but has done it just five times this year. Guthrie, Baltimore's Opening Day starter, will try to throw through September for the first time in his career.Twins: Overcoming a rocky beginning, Blackburn posted one of his best starts of August against the Royals in his last outing. After allowing three runs and two homers in the first three innings, Blackburn threw four straight shutout innings and left after seven. Blackburn's outing against the Royals was his longest since July 10 against the White Sox. In the start before his outing against the Royals, Blackburn allowed six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Indians. He has made 26 starts this season but hasn't seen Baltimore yet.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right">
Busch Stadium | 8:15 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Roy Oswalt, RHP (7-4, 3.83)
Astros (61-64) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (12-9, 3.15)
Cardinals (73-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Astros: In his most recent start, Oswalt tossed seven innings of shutout ball against the Diamondbacks to earn the victory after going four starts without a decision. He threw 100 pitches and allowed just three hits but was taken out in the bottom of the seventh with the Astros clinging to a one-run lead. The right-hander is 0-1 in two starts against the Cardinals this season and has allowed nine earned runs against them, the most he has allowed against any team he has faced more than once this season. In his career, Oswalt is 9-7 with a 3.14 ERA in 27 appearances, including 26 starts, against St. Louis.Cardinals: As long as the defense makes the plays, Pineiro is tough to beat. He's been rolling lately, and even racking up more strikeouts than he did early in the year. Pineiro's been especially tough at home, and he's also thrived when slick-fielding Brendan Ryan plays shortstop behind him. The Cardinals have won Pineiro's past nine starts.
</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td> <td align="right">
Miller Park | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kip Wells, RHP (0-3, 5.91) Reds (53-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Braden Looper, RHP (11-6, 4.95) Brewers (61-64) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Reds: Wells is filling in for Aaron Harang, who is out for the season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy over the weekend. Wells will be making his first start in the Majors since July 21, 2008. As a member of the Rockies in that game, Wells lasted only one-third of an inning against the Dodgers and allowed eight runs on seven hits while facing 10 batters. Wells started two games last season. He last pitched for the Reds in relief on Friday, against the Pirates, and tossed two perfect innings while striking out three.Brewers: Looper has already faced the Reds four times this season and is 3-1 in those games despite a 5.40 ERA. The ERA was skewed by a bad outing on May 7 at Great American Ball Park in which Looper surrendered five runs in 3 1/3 innings.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
Wrigley Field | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Livan Hernandez, RHP (7-8, 5.47) Nationals (45-81) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (8-7, 4.04) Cubs (62-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Nationals: The Nationals signed Hernandez to a Major League contract on Tuesday night, six days after the Mets gave the veteran his unconditional release. Hernandez will be in the rotation and serve as a mentor for Washington's young starting pitchers. In fact, he will start against the Cubs on Wednesday night, while right-hander J.D. Martin and left-hander John Lannan will be pushed back a day and pitch on Thursday and Friday respectively. Cubs: Harden was stellar in his last start. The right-hander held the Padres to one hit over seven innings, striking out eight. He has fanned 55 in 44 innings since the All-Star break and held teams to eight runs in that stretch. Although he doesn't like to acknowledge the numbers, Harden is better at night and on the road. He is 3-5 with a 6.31 ERA at Wrigley Field. He beat Washington in D.C. on July 16.
</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 8:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Guthrie, RHP (8-12, 5.45) Orioles (51-75) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Nick Blackburn, RHP (8-8, 4.27) Twins (63-63) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Guthrie pitched seven strong innings in his most recent outing and allowed just one run, which came on a homer. The right-hander has given up more home runs (29) than any other American League starter this season. Guthrie allowed two earned runs or fewer 17 times last season but has done it just five times this year. Guthrie, Baltimore's Opening Day starter, will try to throw through September for the first time in his career.Twins: Overcoming a rocky beginning, Blackburn posted one of his best starts of August against the Royals in his last outing. After allowing three runs and two homers in the first three innings, Blackburn threw four straight shutout innings and left after seven. Blackburn's outing against the Royals was his longest since July 10 against the White Sox. In the start before his outing against the Royals, Blackburn allowed six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Indians. He has made 26 starts this season but hasn't seen Baltimore yet.
</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
Busch Stadium | 8:15 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Roy Oswalt, RHP (7-4, 3.83) Astros (61-64) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (12-9, 3.15) Cardinals (73-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Astros: In his most recent start, Oswalt tossed seven innings of shutout ball against the Diamondbacks to earn the victory after going four starts without a decision. He threw 100 pitches and allowed just three hits but was taken out in the bottom of the seventh with the Astros clinging to a one-run lead. The right-hander is 0-1 in two starts against the Cardinals this season and has allowed nine earned runs against them, the most he has allowed against any team he has faced more than once this season. In his career, Oswalt is 9-7 with a 3.14 ERA in 27 appearances, including 26 starts, against St. Louis.Cardinals: As long as the defense makes the plays, Pineiro is tough to beat. He's been rolling lately, and even racking up more strikeouts than he did early in the year. Pineiro's been especially tough at home, and he's also thrived when slick-fielding Brendan Ryan plays shortstop behind him. The Cardinals have won Pineiro's past nine starts.
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right">
Coors Field | 8:40 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wolf, LHP (8-6, 3.34)
Dodgers (74-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Josh Fogg, RHP (0-1, 2.25)
Rockies (72-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Dodgers: Against the Cubs, Wolf pretty much repeated his performance in Arizona from five days earlier. He again fired a one-hitter through seven innings and was equally effective with the bat, doubling home both runs the Dodgers scored while he was in the game. Wolf's strikeouts were down from 10 to five, but he was more efficient, posting five 1-2-3 innings. The left-hander was lifted for a pinch-hitter after 88 pitches. He's 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA in his past three starts.Rockies: With Aaron Cook on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, Josh Fogg gets his first start of the season in a critical game against the Dodgers. Fogg has been the long man out of the bullpen for the Rockies since coming up in late May, and he has allowed more than one earned run only one time in 20 appearances this season. Fogg is holding opposing hitters to a .186 average, the best mark among Rockies relievers. Nicknamed "The Dragon Slayer" for his big wins in the 2007 pennant race, Fogg was a non-roster invitee to camp this year and was 3-1 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts for the Triple-A Sky Sox before being called up in May.
</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
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Safeco Field | 10:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gio Gonzalez, LHP (4-4, 5.78)
Athletics (55-70) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Luke French, LHP (3-3, 3.83)
Mariners (65-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
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Scouting Report:
Athletics: Gonzalez continued his efforts in improving his command and pounding the strike zone in his last start but took a loss against a tough Detroit lineup. The 23-year-old lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up three runs -- two courtesy of solo home runs -- on four hits, walking four and striking out a career-high nine batters. In his first start against Seattle this season, Gonzalez walked away with a no-decision after giving up three runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out one and walked four in that outing.Mariners: In his last start -- against the Indians -- French's offense gave him a 7-1 lead in the fourth inning, which made the lefty's night a lot easier. French made sure he didn't let down, controlling the Indians through six innings in a 9-4 win. He allowed eight hits but stayed away from the big rally, as Cleveland scored one run in the second, fifth and sixth innings. French struck out six, tying a career high, and credited an improved slider with his swings and misses. French is 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in four starts since being acquired from the Tigers for left-hander Jarrod Washburn on July 31.
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AT&T Park | 10:15 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Doug Davis, LHP (7-11, 3.77)
Diamondbacks (55-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (6-10, 4.30)
Giants (68-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
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Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Davis struggled against the Phillies in his last outing, hurt by walks, poor defense behind him and a few big extra-base hits. He surrendered six runs (five earned) in five innings, and it could have been worse had he not stranded the bases loaded in the fourth. Before Thursday, though, Davis had been on a roll, allowing just eight earned runs in 32 innings (2.25 ERA) over his prior five starts, all D-backs wins. Giants: In case no one has noticed, Sanchez is on a roll. In his last start, Sanchez struck out eight in five innings and allowed just one unearned run, even though he was pitching without fastball command. Instead, the lefty relied on his slider to record his punchouts. Sanchez has won four of his past six decisions and has a 2.90 ERA since he was reinserted into the rotation. However, Sanchez owns a career 2-6 record with a 5.70 ERA against the D-backs.
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Coors Field | 8:40 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wolf, LHP (8-6, 3.34) Dodgers (74-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Josh Fogg, RHP (0-1, 2.25) Rockies (72-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Dodgers: Against the Cubs, Wolf pretty much repeated his performance in Arizona from five days earlier. He again fired a one-hitter through seven innings and was equally effective with the bat, doubling home both runs the Dodgers scored while he was in the game. Wolf's strikeouts were down from 10 to five, but he was more efficient, posting five 1-2-3 innings. The left-hander was lifted for a pinch-hitter after 88 pitches. He's 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA in his past three starts.Rockies: With Aaron Cook on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, Josh Fogg gets his first start of the season in a critical game against the Dodgers. Fogg has been the long man out of the bullpen for the Rockies since coming up in late May, and he has allowed more than one earned run only one time in 20 appearances this season. Fogg is holding opposing hitters to a .186 average, the best mark among Rockies relievers. Nicknamed "The Dragon Slayer" for his big wins in the 2007 pennant race, Fogg was a non-roster invitee to camp this year and was 3-1 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts for the Triple-A Sky Sox before being called up in May.
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Safeco Field | 10:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gio Gonzalez, LHP (4-4, 5.78) Athletics (55-70) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Luke French, LHP (3-3, 3.83) Mariners (65-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Athletics: Gonzalez continued his efforts in improving his command and pounding the strike zone in his last start but took a loss against a tough Detroit lineup. The 23-year-old lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up three runs -- two courtesy of solo home runs -- on four hits, walking four and striking out a career-high nine batters. In his first start against Seattle this season, Gonzalez walked away with a no-decision after giving up three runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out one and walked four in that outing.Mariners: In his last start -- against the Indians -- French's offense gave him a 7-1 lead in the fourth inning, which made the lefty's night a lot easier. French made sure he didn't let down, controlling the Indians through six innings in a 9-4 win. He allowed eight hits but stayed away from the big rally, as Cleveland scored one run in the second, fifth and sixth innings. French struck out six, tying a career high, and credited an improved slider with his swings and misses. French is 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in four starts since being acquired from the Tigers for left-hander Jarrod Washburn on July 31.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">
AT&T Park | 10:15 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Doug Davis, LHP (7-11, 3.77) Diamondbacks (55-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">
</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (6-10, 4.30) Giants (68-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Davis struggled against the Phillies in his last outing, hurt by walks, poor defense behind him and a few big extra-base hits. He surrendered six runs (five earned) in five innings, and it could have been worse had he not stranded the bases loaded in the fourth. Before Thursday, though, Davis had been on a roll, allowing just eight earned runs in 32 innings (2.25 ERA) over his prior five starts, all D-backs wins. Giants: In case no one has noticed, Sanchez is on a roll. In his last start, Sanchez struck out eight in five innings and allowed just one unearned run, even though he was pitching without fastball command. Instead, the lefty relied on his slider to record his punchouts. Sanchez has won four of his past six decisions and has a 2.90 ERA since he was reinserted into the rotation. However, Sanchez owns a career 2-6 record with a 5.70 ERA against the D-backs.
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