Sunday 7/12/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rays' Cabrera leaves game because of injury
The Sports Xchange

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera of the Tampa Bay Rays left Saturday's game against the Houston Astros because of what appeared to be a right hamstring injury.

Cabrera pulled up as he scored a run in the second inning. He went to the ground in front of the Rays dugout and was immediately helped by trainers.

OF Jake Elmore moved to shortstop to replace Cabrera in the field and Kevin Kiermeier came off the bench to play center field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nationals' Span gets good news on his back
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

BALTIMORE -- The Washington Nationals, riddled with injuries for much of this season, finally got some good news in that area on Friday.

Center fielder Denard Span (back tightness) has been battling back spasms recently. He went to a specialist and had an MRI, and the team got positive results from everything. Manager Matt Williams said the team is putting him on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 7, but there are no structural issues.

"It's good news," Williams said. "(They) found nothing wrong. They don't find anything as to why. All the news is great, and that will give him a sense of relief. It's certainly a relief for us."

Span had a pair of abdominal surgeries before the season began and did not get much spring training work, something the team thinks could have been a factor in all of this.

For now, Span has a different set of exercises to help his strength, something he's going to start working on immediately.

"Hopefully, in 15 days, he'll be back," Williams said.

The Nationals need Span on offense as he is their lead-off batter and really gives the offense a lift. He's batting .304 in 59 games with five homers and 22 RBIs and a team-high 11 steals.

The team also made several other moves before Friday's series opener with the Orioles. Infielder Wilmer Difo was recalled from Double-A Harrisburg while pitcher Aaron Barrett came back from rehab and was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list.

In addition, right-hander Jordan Zimmermann was put on to the paternity list as his wife gave birth to a girl earlier in the day on Friday. Williams said that Zimmermann will re-join the team and start the middle game of this series Saturday night.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Reds RHP Iglesias comes off DL
The Sports Xchange

The Cincinnati Reds reinstated right-hander Raisel Iglesias from the 15-day disabled list Saturday.

Iglesias has been on the disabled list since June 5 with a strained left oblique. He is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in six games, including four starts.

Iglesias was expected to make a spot start Saturday against the Miami Marlins in place of right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, who is bothered by lingering tightness in his gluteus. DeSclafani is expected to miss only one turn and rejoin the rotation right after the All-Star break.

The Reds also optioned center fielder Yorman Rodriguez to Triple-A Louisville.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Sox put Buchholz (forearm) on DL
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz of the Boston Red Sox was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday because of a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm.

Rookie left-hander Brian Johnson was promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Buchholz's place on the roster.

Buchholz said imaging exams taken Friday night showed no damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, which when torn can requires Tommy John surgery.

"It's probably more frustrating than a relief," said Buchholz, who has a 7-7 record with a 3.26 earned-run average this season. "At least it's not going to be a long stay as far as the DL goes."

Manager John Farrell was a little more cautious

"That remains to be seen," Johnson said when asked how long Buchholz might be out. "It depends upon the extent of the initial injury and how long the shutdown period might take.

"(The shutdown time) will mirror the length of time needed to build him back up."

Johnson, who was scheduled to start for Pawtucket on Saturday night, will be available out of the bullpen in the last two games of a weekend series against the New York Yankees, Farrell said,

The 24-year-old Johnson, No. 1 draft choice of the Red Sox in 2012, is 8-6 with a 2.73 ERA in 16 starts for Pawtucket.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Twins' Dozier named to AL All-Star team
The Sports Xchange

Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier landed a spot on the American League All-Star roster, replacing injured Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista.

Major League Baseball announced the roster adjustment on Saturday. Bautista opted to sit out the game for treatment on a sore right shoulder that has bothered him for several weeks.

Dozier received news of his selection during the fourth inning of Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The Target Field public address announcer informed the crowd while Dozier was in the field and he tipped his hat to the cheering fans.

Dozier is batting .259 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs with nine stolen bases this season. He was the runner-up to Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas in the Final Vote announced Friday for the last spot on the AL roster.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pirates' Hurdle, Cervelli ejected
The Sports Xchange

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle and catcher Francisco Cervelli were ejected during the second inning of Saturday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cervelli got the thumb from home plate umpire Vic Carapazza immediately after Cardinals first baseman Mark Reynolds hit a long solo home run into the left field bleachers with two outs to open the scoring.

The Pirates thought Reynolds struck out swinging on the previous pitch on a 1-2 count, but Carapazza ruled a foul tip. Video replays were clear that Reynolds swung through the pitch, but the play cannot be reviewed under Major League Baseball rules.

Cervelli vehemently argued the foul tip call. Moments after Cervelli was tossed, Hurdle was also ejected for excessive arguing.

Catcher Chris Stewart took over behind the plate for Cervelli.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the diamond'

The closing matchup of a four game series is today’s baseball betting focus as the Seattle Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon at Safeco Field. According to betting odds the Mariners are -$1.15 to -$1.25 home favorites depending on locale. Taijuan Walker will toe the rubber for Lloyd McClendon's crew carrying a 7-6 record, 4.53 ERA to the hill. The right-hander allowed five runs in six innings and earned a no-decision in the Mariners' 7-6 win Tuesday night which snapped his five game win streak. However, Walker remains a sharp 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA in eight starts since May 29 with Mariners 7-1 over the span including a win vs. Halos. Walker will match pitches with Halos' lefty Andrew Heaney, who is off 7 1/3 innings of 2 run-ball in a win giving the hurler a 2-0 record, 1.77 ERA this season in three starts. Two very telling baseball betting stats leap out in favor of Mariners. The Halos do not responded well after being blanked the previous effort (0-4) and have been poor bets in day road games (1-5).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

San Diego Padres at Texas Rangers July 12, 3:05 EST

'Under' gamblers have thrived in Gallardo games recently cashing five straight 'Under'. In Gallardo's eight starts in Arlington the 'Under' is a solid 6-1-1. To add to those numbers, Gallardo is 9-1 'Under' following a team loss the previous effort which is the case today.

Oddsmakers have the total at 8.5 runs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

What college football expert Phil Steele thinks about the Pac-12 North Division

6) Oregon State-- New coach, three freshman QBs; that spells rebuilding.

5) Washington State-- Outgained Pac-12 foes by 46 ypg; turnovers killed them.

4) Washington-- Only nine starters back; opener in Boise could be dicey.

3) California-- Golden Bears are 3rd-most experienced team in the country.

2) Oregon-- Vernon Adams transfers from I-AA Eastern Washington to play QB; his first game is against..........Eastern Washington.

1) Stanford-- Experienced offense; only four starters back on defense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

ANGELS (Heaney) @ MARINERS (Walker) 4:10 PM

Take: MARINERS -114

No cinch here as Andrew Heaney has established that he’s sticking around this time and the Mariners have hardly been a trustworthy entry. But I’m going to look at the Seattle side to grab the finale and wrap up a series win over the Angels in the process.

I’m going to give Taijuan Walker a mulligan of sorts for his most recent start. Walker had been very effective for several successive starts, and then he tossed in a clunker last time out against the Tigers. Simple enough to see what happened there. Walker didn’t have good command and making mistakes in the middle of the plate against that Detroit offense is a very bad idea. But there sure hadn’t been anything wrong with Walker for the last handful of weeks heading into that game, and I think he has a good chance to get right back on track today.

Heaney is a nice prospect who appears to have successfully graduated his apprenticeship and is ready to assume a regular spot in the Angels rotation. The southpaw has good stuff. Perhaps not top of the rotation good, but there’s nothing wrong with becoming a solid #2 starter.

Here’s the strictly opinion part of this entire assessment. I really feel as though the Iwakuma effort last night was big for this Seattle team. I’m hoping that’s a momentum boost that carries over to today’s game. Also, whole he’s clearly capable of getting red hot again right away, Albert Pujols is in a bit of a slump right now and the Angels offense gets much more beatable if he’s not hitting. I would hope the Mariners are smart enough to not let Mike Trout beat them up today, and if they can pitch around him successfully, there’s a decent shot that Walker can have himself a good outing.

I believe this will be one of those games where the ticket count will favor the underdog. That’s not an automatic by any means in terms of a square fade, but I’ll freely admit I’m comfortable when I have a chance to take the house’s side when backing a favorite, and I think that’s going to be the case today with the Mariners.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play SUN Astro's w/ McCullers-120

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s

Sunday MLB Scouting Edge

10:10 am Arizona D-backs vs New York Mets

Are the Mets Heating Up?

The New York Mets are winners of 6 of their last 8 games. They’ve taken the first 2 games of their 3 game set with the D-Backs and appear to be in a good spot to sweep Arizona. Just how have the Mets done it? Pitching, pitching and more pitching. They have a composite era of 3.23 which is necessary because of their weak offensive efforts. As a matter of fact, the Mets have the league’s lowest batting average at a meek .232. Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard have combined for 1.17 era over the last 3 games. Steven Martz has looked great winning his first two starts but is going to be out for about a month. That brings us to tomorrow’s starter Jon Niese. He’s fit in well with the crew sporting a 1.29 era over his last 3 games. His name has come up in trade talks for some time so expect a good start from him tomorrow. But keep in mind that Niese’s era against the D-backs is 6.29 – the highest he has against any NL team.

10:10 am Houston Astros versus the Tampa Bay Rays

Moore Needs to Show Something Today Against Slumping Astros

Matt Moore returned recently from Tommy John surgery and the results have not been good. As a matter of fact, they have been atrocious. Moore never made it out of the 5th in either of his comeback starts. He’s allowed 8 runs and 15 hits while walking 4 in just 9 innings. Career wise Moore has been much better. His overall stat line reads 29 wins against 17 losses with a 3.64 era in 356 innings. Moore has not won a game since Sept. 29, 2013 and will be in tough tomorrow against Lance McCulers. In 10 career starts, McCullers has allowed 1 earned run or fewer in 7 of those 10. Moore has started against the Astros only once. He shut them out for 7 innings in July of 2013 allowing only 2 hits and fanning 9.

10:35 am Washington at Baltimore

Scherzer Chooses Sunday Start Over All Star Appearance

Maybe he wants to get a bad taste out of his mouth after a sub-par July. Or maybe he wants to solidify Washington’s tenuous hold on first place. At any rate, Max Scherzer decided to forgo the All-Star game and instead start against the Orioles tomorrow. Scherzer is coming off his worst start of the season where he gave up 5 runs in only 4 2/3 innings against the Reds and Johnny Cueto. Scherzer who is 9-7 with a 2.12 era in the first half is 0-2 in July with a 4.85 era. In June, Max went 3-2 with a 2.33 era. Washington has split their last 12 games but find themselves in a battle for the division lead with the suddenly potent Mets.

12:05 pm San Diego Padres at Texas Rangers

Gallardo Will Try to Carry Ice Cold Rangers In to the Break

The Rangers are playing bad baseball and definitely need a boost to get back in the pennant race. And maybe Yovani Gallardo gives them the best chance. Gallardo is 7-7 this year with a 2.67 era which indicates the lack of run support he has had this season. Texas has lost 6 of their last 7 and 8 of their last 12. They’ve scored 27 runs in their last 9 games. Gallardo has been good at home where he has an era of only 2.52. He’s been even tougher in his last 3 starts giving up only 1.35 runs per game. He only won 1 of those games, an 8 1/3 inning shut out of Toronto. In his last 9 starts Gallardo is 4-1 with a 1.26 era. In 2014, Gallardo made 2 starts against the Padres allowing only 1 run in 13 innings to go along with 8 hits.

1:10 pm Milwaukee Brewers versus Los Angeles Dodgers

Can Lohse Wrap Up the Dodgers ?

The Brewers Kyle Lohse has been one of the league’s worst pitchers for most of the season. But something has happened – Lohse has won 2 of his last 3 starts! Lohse, 5-10 with a 6.29 era takes on the Dodgers. Lohse has actually been a far better pitcher on the road so he might welcome the visit to Chavez Ravine. At home Lohse is 3-6 with a monster 8.06 era, but on the road he’s 2-4 with a 4.53 era. Lohse has allowed at least 4 runs in 7 of his last 9 starts. Kyle has only 4 quality starts in 18 starts. He did face the Dodgers once this season going 5 innings and allowing 3 runs in a no decision for him that was won by the Brew Crew 4-3.

1:10 pm Atlanta Braves at Colorado Rockies

Bonus Play – Atlanta Braves +108

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, July 12

Trend Report
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1:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games
Oakland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Houston

1:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Miami is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Cincinnati

1:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Mets's last 10 games when playing Arizona
NY Mets are 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Arizona

1:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

1:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Baltimore
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

2:10 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Detroit's last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 21 of Detroit's last 22 games
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing at home against Detroit

2:10 PM
TORONTO vs. KANSAS CITY
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

2:20 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CHI CUBS
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 14 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

3:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Texas
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas's last 11 games when playing at home against San Diego

4:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Francisco's last 15 games

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. LA DODGERS
Milwaukee is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

4:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. COLORADO
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games at home
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of LA Angels's last 23 games
Seattle is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Seattle is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games at home

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, July 12

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NEW YORK (7 - 4) at ATLANTA (5 - 7) - 7/12/2015, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent since 1997.
ATLANTA is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
ATLANTA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 7-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (7 - 3) at CHICAGO (7 - 5) - 7/12/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
CONNECTICUT is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 112-75 ATS (+29.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (3 - 11) at PHOENIX (7 - 5) - 7/12/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 67-94 ATS (-36.4 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 76-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-4 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-4 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (3 - 9) at MINNESOTA (8 - 3) - 7/12/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Sunday, July 12


Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 8 games on the road
New York is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games

6:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Connecticut's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Connecticut
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Connecticut

6:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
Seattle is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 9 games
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MINNESOTA
San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing San Antonio

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, July 12 is:

Minnesota (Gibson) and Detroit (Greene) 'under' 8.5 runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (40-50) at Indians (42-45)
Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 12, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Oakland's Sonny Gray won't be eligible to pitch in next week's All-Star Game but he can extend his undefeated stretch into the break.

Though reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber won't represent the Cleveland Indians at the Midsummer Classic, he has a chance to win consecutive starts for only the second time this season.

The two square off for the first time Sunday as the Athletics try to salvage a split of their six-game trip.

The AL's ERA leader, Gray (9-3, 2.20 ERA) can only watch Tuesday's All-Star festivities from the dugout or bullpen as a result of starting this contest. However, the main concern for Oakland manager Bob Melvin is the health of his right-hander, who endured a bout with salmonella that forced him to skip a start.

When Gray returned from an 11-day layoff Tuesday, he allowed three runs, six hits and walked three while throwing 110 pitches in seven innings of a 4-3, 10-inning victory at Yankee Stadium.

"Taking a big break can kind of make it all feel foreign when you get back out there," he told MLB's official website. "I just felt like as the game went on I was getting better and better, which was good for me to feel."

Despite a 5.21 ERA in his last three starts, Gray has gone 2-0 while receiving an average 8.10 runs of support in the last four.

He gave up a solo homer and six other hits while striking out 16 and walking six in 12 innings to go 1-0 against the Indians (42-45) last season.

Kluber (4-9, 3.45) already matched his loss total from a stellar 2014 when he went 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA. However, he ranks among baseball's leaders with 148 strikeouts and won for the first time since posting back-to-back winning starts May 23 and 28 after allowing five hits in 6 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Houston.

"Anytime you win it beats the alternative," said the right-hander, who was 0-4 with a 3.86 ERA in his previous six starts.

Kluber, whose 2.44 run-support average is the second lowest in baseball, has received two runs while on the mound in going 0-3 with a 5.02 ERA as a starter against the A's.

He'll try to help Cleveland bounce back after its four-game winning streak ended with Saturday's 5-4 defeat.

Billy Butler delivered a tiebreaking two-run double in the eighth to help Oakland (40-50) snap a three-game skid and score more than four runs for the first time in seven contests.

'Sometimes you need a big hit to help you break out,' said Butler, who is 4 for 28 over an eight-game stretch but has four RBIs in the last three. 'We've been having trouble with that. It hasn't been happening for us lately.'

All-Star Stephen Vogt had two hits after going 2 for 17 in his previous four contests. While Vogt has never faced Kluber, Butler is 4 for 24 with eight strikeouts against him.

Cleveland's Michael Brantley is 8 for 19 (.421) with four RBIs in his last five games. He's 3 for 6 with two doubles off Gray.

Brantley's teammate Mike Aviles was placed on the family medical emergency list for the second time this season to be with his 4-year-old daughter as she undergoes treatment for leukemia.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Indians
Fri, Jul 10 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Indians
Sat, Jul 11 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Indians
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (39-46) at Marlins (37-51)
Game: 4
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 12, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Even following an impressive victory, the Miami Marlins continue to stumble through a difficult campaign

Now with another All-Star injured, the Marlins go up against the Cincinnati Reds' red-hot Johnny Cueto on Sunday as they wrap up the first half of the season.

Miami (37-51) plated its most runs of the season in Saturday's 14-3 win over Cincinnati (39-46), but lost Dee Gordon to a dislocated thumb in the process. Gordon, who was slated to be the NL's starting second baseman at the All-Star Game, is likely to miss a week or two.

He leads the Marlins with a .338 average, and ranks second in baseball with 33 stolen bases, trailing only Cincinnati's Billy Hamilton (44).

'There is definitely some relief it's not as bad as it could have been,' Gordon said. 'It's just sore. I actually was moving it around afterward ... It is what it is. You can't sit there and cry about it.'

Miami's .420 winning percentage ranks as the fifth-lowest pre-All-Star break record in franchise history, and with Giancarlo Stanton (left wrist fracture) also on the shelf, Miami will not have an active representative at Tuesday's Midsummer Classic.

"When it rains it pours, apparently," Stanton told MLB's official website. "Never good to see. I just feel bad that he won't be able to go and make his first start in the All-Star Game. ... He's trying to make plays. He's trying to make stuff happen. It's unfortunate, obviously."

Dan Haren (6-5, 3.34 ERA) can add one more victory to that record Sunday when he looks for his first win since June 3. The right-hander's ERA and WHIP (1.06) are his best since 2011, but he has received only nine total runs of support in his last six outings, wasting four quality starts.

Haren allowed only one run in six innings of a 4-3 loss to Boston on Tuesday, and took the loss against Cincinnati on June 19, surrendering two runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 5-0 defeat.

Miami could struggle to support their starter again Sunday against Cueto (6-5, 2.61), who tossed a two-hitter in a 5-0 win at Washington on Tuesday. The right-hander has a 1.17 ERA in his last three outings, but just a 3.36 ERA on the road this season, compared with a 1.64 at home.

Cueto owned a 7.08 ERA in four starts at Miami from 2008-2012 before rebounding with seven solid innings in a 3-1 win at Marlins Park on July 31.

The Reds can wrap up their first half with a 4-2 road trip, but have averaged only 2.4 runs through the first five games. Todd Frazier's production has slowed, as the All-Star third baseman has not scored a run in 11 games, and Joey Votto is 2 for 9 in his last three.

More concerning, however, is the play of Cincinnati's bullpen, which allowed nine runs and 13 hits - the most given up by their relievers since 2009 - in 3 2-3 innings Saturday after working 6 1-3 scoreless innings over their previous three games.

"We just made a lot of mistakes," manager Bryan Price said. "There's a lot of elevation mistakes. If you go back and look, see how many base hits were on good, quality, well-located pitches. There weren't many."

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Marlins
Thu, Jul 9 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME2
Reds at Marlins
Fri, Jul 10 Final 1 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Marlins
Sat, Jul 11 Final 3 to 14
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Reds at Marlins
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (42-44) at Mets (46-42)
Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: July 12, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The New York Mets were hoping to enter the All-Star break on the heels of another dazzling performance by rookie sensation Steven Matz but an injury altered those plans.

Jonathon Niese will instead get the nod as the Mets go for a four-game winning streak Sunday against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.

New York (46-42) has one of the best pitching staffs in baseball with a 3.23 ERA that's picked up the slack for an offense batting a major league-low .232.

All-Star Jacob deGrom and fellow starters Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey have combined for a 1.17 ERA over the last three games.

Matz, who yielded two runs and struck out 14 over 13 2-3 innings to win his first two starts, was supposed to get the call Sunday, but a partial tear of his left lat muscle has him out at least four weeks.

While the injury has New York pondering a return to a five-man rotation from six, Niese (4-8, 3.58 ERA) will try to lead it to a sixth win in seven tries.

The left-hander allowed three hits in eight innings of Monday's 3-0 win at San Francisco after going 0-6 with a 5.26 ERA over his nine prior outings.

"It's been a while. That felt good," said Niese, whose losing streak included giving up three runs in six innings of a 7-2 defeat at Arizona on June 5.

In six career starts versus the Diamondbacks (42-44), Niese is 2-3 with a 6.29 ERA - his highest against any NL team.

The Mets, though, have won three straight meetings by scoring 14 runs and hitting nine homers. Harvey's two-run blast was one of their three homers Saturday while he also allowed two runs with nine strikeouts in seven innings of a 4-2 win.

Lucas Duda has four RBIs while homering on both of his hits through the first two games of this series after batting .160 with two homers and 11 RBIs over his previous 36 contests.

The Diamondbacks have 11 hits and four runs in two games after batting .310 while averaging 5.7 runs during a 6-3 stretch.

All-Star Paul Goldschmidt is 0 for 7 in this series, giving him a .163 average in 49 at-bats in 12 games at Citi Field.

Arizona is turning to Rubby De La Rosa (6-4, 4.89), who is looking to bounce back from his latest performance after going 2-0 with a 1.30 ERA over his previous four starts.

The right-hander was roughed up for four runs in the opening inning before giving up two more and getting pulled with no outs in the sixth of a 6-4 loss to Colorado on Sunday.

"He settled down and had four beautiful innings, as good as you can pitch," manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website. "Rubby had a tough go, that's definitely not a step forward."

De La Rosa yielded one run in 15 innings while winning his only decision in his last two road starts. He's facing the Mets for the second time, losing at home with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 4, 2011.

New York closer Jeurys Familia has converted saves in five straight appearances - including both games of this series - and his 26 are a franchise record before the break.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Mets
Fri, Jul 10 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Mets
Sat, Jul 11 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Mets
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (49-41) at Rays (45-45)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: July 12, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Lance McCullers had a couple extra days to ponder his first major league start in his home town as the Houston Astros try to limit his innings for a late-season push.

They won't need the right-hander beyond the first week of October unless they snap out of their current funk.

Houston sends McCullers to the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at Tropicana Field looking to avoid a sixth straight defeat.

McCullers (4-2, 2.16 ERA) grew up in Tampa and was a standout a Jesuit High School, attending Rays' games any time he got the chance. He originally was scheduled to start Friday's series opener, but manager A.J. Hinch has been trying to keep the rookie fresh for a late-season push.

The 21-year-old has allowed one run in three straight starts and will be pitching on six days' rest after throwing 101 pitches in just five innings of Houston's 5-4 loss to Boston last Sunday.

McCullers has made 10 starts since his major league debut May 18, holding opponents to a .203 average while striking out 61 in 58 1-3 innings.

"I think we're going to have a little bit of an interesting time trying to manipulate the schedule a little bit to stretch me out a little bit further as the year goes on," McCullers told MLB's official website. "I'll just have to get used to it."

Houston fans had become accustomed to losing in recent years until a hot start to 2015. The Astros (49-41), however, have dropped seven of eight while struggling offensively and another defeat coupled with a Los Angeles Angels win would drop them into second place in the AL West for the first time since April 18.

They've scored four runs during a five-game skid and finished with three hits in Saturday's 3-0 loss. Carlos Correa hit .315 in his first 25 games after making his major league debut June 8, but he's gone 2 for 23 in the last six.

'One of the more unexplainable things is when a team gets into a team-wide rut like this,' Hinch said. 'Right now it feels like we need to be perfect to scratch across some runs."

The Rays (45-45) haven't been lighting up the scoreboard lately either, but they've won back-to-back games for the first time since a four-game run from June 17-20. They were a season-best 10 games over .500 following that winning streak, then dropped 15 of 18.

Tampa got to All-Star Dallas Keuchel early Saturday, scoring each of its runs in the second on a two-run single from Rene Rivera and RBI hit by Brandon Guyer.

Matt Moore looks to help the Rays complete the sweep as he makes his third start in his return from Tommy John surgery.

Moore (0-0, 8.00) allowed four runs in 4 2-3 innings of a 5-4, 10-inning loss to Cleveland in his season debut July 2 before giving up four runs in 4 1-3 innings of Tuesday's 9-5 loss to Kansas City.

The left-hander was sharp in his only start against the Astros in 2013, allowing two hits and striking out nine in seven innings of a 12-0 victory. Colby Rasmus is the only Astro with more than five at-bats against Moore, going 1 for 12 with five strikeouts.

Asdrubal Cabrera left Saturday after scoring on Rivera's hit because of a strained right hamstring, leaving his status for this contest unclear.

"The doctor told me he doesn't think it was that bad," Cabrera said. "That's why we will wait until tomorrow."


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Rays
Fri, Jul 10 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Rays
Sat, Jul 11 Final 0 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Astros at Rays
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:10PM EDT