Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Sunday, July 24, 2016
Your Bonus Play for Saturday, July 23, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the NY Mets and the Marlins in Miami. A pair of weak offenses clash in Oakland, a big park, great for pitchers. Tampa Bay has had a bad weak trying to score runs, on a 7-2-1 run under the total. 23-year old starter Blake Snell (3.11 ERA) has 36 Ks in 37 innings. Snell (2-4) allowed just one hit and three walks over six shutout innings and struck out nine in a win Tuesday over the Rockies. The Under is 7-3-2 in the Rays last 12 vs. a team with a losing record. Oakland starter Jesse Hahn throws well at home with a 3.60 ERA. The Under is 13-5 in the Athletics last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Play the Tampa Bay/Oakland Under the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Sunday, July 24, 2016
Your Bonus Play for Saturday, July 23, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the NY Mets and the Marlins in Miami. A pair of weak offenses clash in Oakland, a big park, great for pitchers. Tampa Bay has had a bad weak trying to score runs, on a 7-2-1 run under the total. 23-year old starter Blake Snell (3.11 ERA) has 36 Ks in 37 innings. Snell (2-4) allowed just one hit and three walks over six shutout innings and struck out nine in a win Tuesday over the Rockies. The Under is 7-3-2 in the Rays last 12 vs. a team with a losing record. Oakland starter Jesse Hahn throws well at home with a 3.60 ERA. The Under is 13-5 in the Athletics last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Play the Tampa Bay/Oakland Under the total.
Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Sunday
RANGERS (Griffin) @ ROYALS (Volquez) 2:15 PM
Take: ROYALS -115
The Rangers won against the Royals on Saturday. But with Cole Hamels going that was the game they figured to get in this series. I like KC to rebound here.
Edison Volquez is in far superior form to AJ Griffin. The Texas righty is strictly a finesse guy, heat range 85-90, and of late his command has been pretty shaky. These guys cannot survive at the big league level if they aren’t locating.
Volquez has some skewed numbers due to that one inning disaster against the Astros, but he’s been pretty good for the most part, and he’s definitely better at home than on the road. I have no problem trying to beat the Rangers right now and feel as though I’m getting a good enough price to warrant a play today on the Royals.
Bonus Play Sunday
RANGERS (Griffin) @ ROYALS (Volquez) 2:15 PM
Take: ROYALS -115
The Rangers won against the Royals on Saturday. But with Cole Hamels going that was the game they figured to get in this series. I like KC to rebound here.
Edison Volquez is in far superior form to AJ Griffin. The Texas righty is strictly a finesse guy, heat range 85-90, and of late his command has been pretty shaky. These guys cannot survive at the big league level if they aren’t locating.
Volquez has some skewed numbers due to that one inning disaster against the Astros, but he’s been pretty good for the most part, and he’s definitely better at home than on the road. I have no problem trying to beat the Rangers right now and feel as though I’m getting a good enough price to warrant a play today on the Royals.
Stephen Nover
ARI vs CIN
Bonus Play OVER 9.5
On a hot, muggy, humid day at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park, I see double-digit runs being scored in this matchup.
These are the two worst bullpens in the National League right now and the starting pitching matchup isn't strong either with Zack Godley facing Brandon Finnegan.
Godley is getting the call because Shelby Miller imploded this season. Godley is 4-6 with a 3.62 ERA - at the minor league level this season. The Reds are swinging hot bats scoring 30 runs in their last five games
Finnegan has a 4.18 home ERA in nine starts at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks have scored only three runs during the first two games of this series. They have way too many good hitters to stay in a scoring slump especially at such a favorable hitting site.
It's a plus for the over that Chris Owings is back from the DL while good-field, no-hit Nick Ahmed goes on the DL.
ARI vs CIN
Bonus Play OVER 9.5
On a hot, muggy, humid day at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park, I see double-digit runs being scored in this matchup.
These are the two worst bullpens in the National League right now and the starting pitching matchup isn't strong either with Zack Godley facing Brandon Finnegan.
Godley is getting the call because Shelby Miller imploded this season. Godley is 4-6 with a 3.62 ERA - at the minor league level this season. The Reds are swinging hot bats scoring 30 runs in their last five games
Finnegan has a 4.18 home ERA in nine starts at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks have scored only three runs during the first two games of this series. They have way too many good hitters to stay in a scoring slump especially at such a favorable hitting site.
It's a plus for the over that Chris Owings is back from the DL while good-field, no-hit Nick Ahmed goes on the DL.
Mike Lundin
Angels vs Astros
5* MLB Free Pick LA Angels +1.5
The Los Angeles Angels had opened the second half of the schedule with six consecutive wins before running into the Houston Astros. I like them to keep this a close game and possibly pull an upset following a pair of setbacks at Minute Maid Park.
Mike Fiers (6-4, 4.75 ERA) takes the ball for Houston. He surrendered seven runs on eight hits and two walks over 3 2/3 innings in a 7-2 loss to the Halos on May 27. He's 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three career starts against the Angels and 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA in his last four starts overall.
The Angels turn to Tim Lincecum (2-3, 6.59 ERA) who allowed five runs in 4 1/3 frames in a defeat to Houston on June 28, but he's still 5-1 with a 1.60 ERA in 10 career starts against the club. Luis Valbuena and Colby Rasmus are a combined 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts in previous meetings with Lincecum.
The Astros are 17-32 against the run-line home at Minute Maid Park this season, the Halos 28-21 against the run-line on the road.
Angels vs Astros
5* MLB Free Pick LA Angels +1.5
The Los Angeles Angels had opened the second half of the schedule with six consecutive wins before running into the Houston Astros. I like them to keep this a close game and possibly pull an upset following a pair of setbacks at Minute Maid Park.
Mike Fiers (6-4, 4.75 ERA) takes the ball for Houston. He surrendered seven runs on eight hits and two walks over 3 2/3 innings in a 7-2 loss to the Halos on May 27. He's 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three career starts against the Angels and 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA in his last four starts overall.
The Angels turn to Tim Lincecum (2-3, 6.59 ERA) who allowed five runs in 4 1/3 frames in a defeat to Houston on June 28, but he's still 5-1 with a 1.60 ERA in 10 career starts against the club. Luis Valbuena and Colby Rasmus are a combined 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts in previous meetings with Lincecum.
The Astros are 17-32 against the run-line home at Minute Maid Park this season, the Halos 28-21 against the run-line on the road.
Marc Lawrence
Cubs vs Brewers
Play - Milwaukee Brewers w/Guerra
Edges - Brewers: Junior Guerra 3-0 team starts versus left handers, and 5-2 as a dog this season. Cubs: Jon Lester 1-2 with 10.50 ERA last three team starts. With Guerra 10-4 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in his overall tam starts this season, we recommend a 1* play on Milwaukee. Thank you and good luck as always.
Cubs vs Brewers
Play - Milwaukee Brewers w/Guerra
Edges - Brewers: Junior Guerra 3-0 team starts versus left handers, and 5-2 as a dog this season. Cubs: Jon Lester 1-2 with 10.50 ERA last three team starts. With Guerra 10-4 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in his overall tam starts this season, we recommend a 1* play on Milwaukee. Thank you and good luck as always.
Preview: Giants at Yankees
GAME: San Francisco Giants (58-39) at New York Yankees (49-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
San Francisco finally snapped its six-game skid but it certainly didn't come easy. A 12-inning victory on Saturday marked the first victory since the All-Star break for the Giants, who will conclude an eight-game road trip Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series versus the New York Yankees.
Rookie Mac Williamson has been one of the few bright spots in the second half for San Francisco, hitting three homers in his last six games and delivering the game-winning RBI single in Saturday's 2-1 victory. The Giants, who have committed six errors in the series, received six scoreless innings from their bullpen after surprise starter Johnny Cueto provided six strong frames. New York suffered a rare loss when its vaunted bullpen trio of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman appear in the same game, falling to 19-2 in such situations. The Yankees, who dropped to 5-4 on their nine-game homestand, will send Nathan Eovaldi to the mound against Jeff Samardzija.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, TBS, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-5, 4.05 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (8-6, 4.93)
Although he allowed at least four earned runs for the fourth time in five starts last time out, Samardzija escaped with a no-decision at the San Diego Padres last weekend. The former Notre Dame product continues to be victimized by the long ball, allowing 17 homers on the season and 12 in his last eight turns. He is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA versus New York and has labored in interleague play with a 3-9 record and 5.28 ERA.
Moved to the bullpen following a four-start losing streak, Eovaldi made three relief appearances before returning to the rotation and limiting Baltimore to one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday. It was the first victory as a starter since May 29 for Eovaldi, who has ugly numbers against the Giants -- 1-4 with a 13.30 ERA in five career starts. Denard Span is 8-for-23 against the Eovaldi.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants C Trevor Brown is 5-for-9 with four runs scored in the last three games.
2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner has hit safely in eight straight games.
3. Giants SS Brandon Crawford is 4-for-26 with 11 strikeouts in the past six games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Giants 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (58-39) at New York Yankees (49-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
San Francisco finally snapped its six-game skid but it certainly didn't come easy. A 12-inning victory on Saturday marked the first victory since the All-Star break for the Giants, who will conclude an eight-game road trip Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series versus the New York Yankees.
Rookie Mac Williamson has been one of the few bright spots in the second half for San Francisco, hitting three homers in his last six games and delivering the game-winning RBI single in Saturday's 2-1 victory. The Giants, who have committed six errors in the series, received six scoreless innings from their bullpen after surprise starter Johnny Cueto provided six strong frames. New York suffered a rare loss when its vaunted bullpen trio of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman appear in the same game, falling to 19-2 in such situations. The Yankees, who dropped to 5-4 on their nine-game homestand, will send Nathan Eovaldi to the mound against Jeff Samardzija.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, TBS, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-5, 4.05 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (8-6, 4.93)
Although he allowed at least four earned runs for the fourth time in five starts last time out, Samardzija escaped with a no-decision at the San Diego Padres last weekend. The former Notre Dame product continues to be victimized by the long ball, allowing 17 homers on the season and 12 in his last eight turns. He is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA versus New York and has labored in interleague play with a 3-9 record and 5.28 ERA.
Moved to the bullpen following a four-start losing streak, Eovaldi made three relief appearances before returning to the rotation and limiting Baltimore to one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday. It was the first victory as a starter since May 29 for Eovaldi, who has ugly numbers against the Giants -- 1-4 with a 13.30 ERA in five career starts. Denard Span is 8-for-23 against the Eovaldi.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants C Trevor Brown is 5-for-9 with four runs scored in the last three games.
2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner has hit safely in eight straight games.
3. Giants SS Brandon Crawford is 4-for-26 with 11 strikeouts in the past six games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Giants 3
Preview: Mariners at Blue Jays
GAME: Seattle Mariners (50-47) at Toronto Blue Jays (54-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
As Seattle continues pursuing Texas and Houston in the American League West, it appears the offense is ready to do its part as the Mariners try for a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays in Toronto on Sunday. Seattle, which scored 18 times while going 4-3 in the first seven games out of the All-Star break, extended its winning streak to three when it exploded for 14 runs and a season-high 19 hits Saturday as red-hot Nelson Cruz belted two home runs and drove in seven.
"Hopefully, that was the wake-up call we need," said Cruz, who is 10-for-22 in his last six games and has 25 home runs this season. Toronto is also part of a three-team race as it looks up to Baltimore and Boston in the AL East, but has stumbled out of the gate following the break by winning three out of seven. The Blue Jays' Michael Saunders hit three home runs in the last two games - giving him 19 on the season to match a career high - after belting two Saturday. Seattle's Wade Miley lost his last five starts and opposes J.A. Happ, who was struck by two line drives in his last outing and pitches on two days extra rest.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade Miley (6-7, 5.36 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (12-3, 3.43)
Miley recorded his second quality start in his last three outings when he allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings of a 6-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Louisiana native, who last won June 7, could be on the verge of being removed from the rotation. Troy Tulowitzki is 6-for-16 with a home run and four walks against Miley, who is 1-2 with a 6.98 ERA in four starts versus Toronto - 1-1, 5.09 in three turns while pitching for Boston last season.
Happ won six straight starts before receiving a no-decision after yielding three runs on five hits and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings while being hit on the left forearm and right hamstring in the Blue Jays' 5-3 victory over Oakland on July 17. The 33-year-old Illinois native, who sets a career high for victories in a season with a win Sunday, is 7-1 at home. Happ struggles with Cruz (8-for-15) and Kyle Seager (4-for-9, two home runs), but not against Robinson Cano (5-for-22).
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto C Russell Martin (knee) missed the first two games of the series and is questionable to play Sunday.
2. Seattle is 15-6 versus the AL East this season and has won six straight such contests.
3. Tulowitzki is 11-for-34 during an eight-game hitting streak, raising his average 10 points to .246.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 3, Mariners 2
GAME: Seattle Mariners (50-47) at Toronto Blue Jays (54-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
As Seattle continues pursuing Texas and Houston in the American League West, it appears the offense is ready to do its part as the Mariners try for a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays in Toronto on Sunday. Seattle, which scored 18 times while going 4-3 in the first seven games out of the All-Star break, extended its winning streak to three when it exploded for 14 runs and a season-high 19 hits Saturday as red-hot Nelson Cruz belted two home runs and drove in seven.
"Hopefully, that was the wake-up call we need," said Cruz, who is 10-for-22 in his last six games and has 25 home runs this season. Toronto is also part of a three-team race as it looks up to Baltimore and Boston in the AL East, but has stumbled out of the gate following the break by winning three out of seven. The Blue Jays' Michael Saunders hit three home runs in the last two games - giving him 19 on the season to match a career high - after belting two Saturday. Seattle's Wade Miley lost his last five starts and opposes J.A. Happ, who was struck by two line drives in his last outing and pitches on two days extra rest.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade Miley (6-7, 5.36 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (12-3, 3.43)
Miley recorded his second quality start in his last three outings when he allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings of a 6-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Louisiana native, who last won June 7, could be on the verge of being removed from the rotation. Troy Tulowitzki is 6-for-16 with a home run and four walks against Miley, who is 1-2 with a 6.98 ERA in four starts versus Toronto - 1-1, 5.09 in three turns while pitching for Boston last season.
Happ won six straight starts before receiving a no-decision after yielding three runs on five hits and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings while being hit on the left forearm and right hamstring in the Blue Jays' 5-3 victory over Oakland on July 17. The 33-year-old Illinois native, who sets a career high for victories in a season with a win Sunday, is 7-1 at home. Happ struggles with Cruz (8-for-15) and Kyle Seager (4-for-9, two home runs), but not against Robinson Cano (5-for-22).
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto C Russell Martin (knee) missed the first two games of the series and is questionable to play Sunday.
2. Seattle is 15-6 versus the AL East this season and has won six straight such contests.
3. Tulowitzki is 11-for-34 during an eight-game hitting streak, raising his average 10 points to .246.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 3, Mariners 2
Preview: Diamondbacks at Reds
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (40-57) at Cincinnati Reds (38-59)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks are steadily falling in the standings as the trade deadline approaches while the fellow basement-dwelling Cincinnati Reds are starting to show some signs of life. The Reds will try to wrap up a sweep of the three-game series when they host the Diamondbacks in the finale on Sunday.
Arizona has dropped four in a row and 17 of its last 21 to fall into last place in the National League West and change the focus from buying to selling at the upcoming deadline. The Diamondbacks, who have been outscored 27-8 during the four-game slide, are rumored to be considering a change in the dugout with manager Chip Hale on the hot seat. Cincinnati is considering some big changes as well but are looking strong with three straight series wins against the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Arizona. The Reds figured to be active on the market while shopping veteran outfielder Jay Bruce, who belted a three-run homer in Saturday’s 6-1 win.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (2-1, 5.31 ERA) vs. Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (5-7, 4.66)
Godley was recalled from Triple-A Reno to take over Shelby Miller’s place in the rotation on Tuesday and struck out seven over five innings but was reached for four runs – three earned – in five innings to suffer a loss against Toronto. The 26-year-old has made three starts among his seven appearances in the majors this season and earned wins over Miami and San Diego. Godley posted a 4-6 record with a 3.62 ERA across two minor-league levels in 2016.
Finnegan is coming off a win over Atlanta on Monday in which he allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings. The Texas native is struggling to keep the ball in the yard with seven home runs surrendered in 12 1/3 innings over his last three outings. Finnegan is making his first career appearance against Arizona and is 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA in nine starts at home this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Diamondbacks placed SS Nick Ahmed (hip) on the 15-day disabled list and activated INF/OF Chris Owings.
2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto recorded three home runs, eight RBIs and eight runs scored in the last five games.
3. Arizona OF David Peralta (lower back) could rejoin the team next week.
PREDICTION: Reds 8, Diamondbacks 5
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (40-57) at Cincinnati Reds (38-59)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks are steadily falling in the standings as the trade deadline approaches while the fellow basement-dwelling Cincinnati Reds are starting to show some signs of life. The Reds will try to wrap up a sweep of the three-game series when they host the Diamondbacks in the finale on Sunday.
Arizona has dropped four in a row and 17 of its last 21 to fall into last place in the National League West and change the focus from buying to selling at the upcoming deadline. The Diamondbacks, who have been outscored 27-8 during the four-game slide, are rumored to be considering a change in the dugout with manager Chip Hale on the hot seat. Cincinnati is considering some big changes as well but are looking strong with three straight series wins against the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Arizona. The Reds figured to be active on the market while shopping veteran outfielder Jay Bruce, who belted a three-run homer in Saturday’s 6-1 win.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (2-1, 5.31 ERA) vs. Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (5-7, 4.66)
Godley was recalled from Triple-A Reno to take over Shelby Miller’s place in the rotation on Tuesday and struck out seven over five innings but was reached for four runs – three earned – in five innings to suffer a loss against Toronto. The 26-year-old has made three starts among his seven appearances in the majors this season and earned wins over Miami and San Diego. Godley posted a 4-6 record with a 3.62 ERA across two minor-league levels in 2016.
Finnegan is coming off a win over Atlanta on Monday in which he allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings. The Texas native is struggling to keep the ball in the yard with seven home runs surrendered in 12 1/3 innings over his last three outings. Finnegan is making his first career appearance against Arizona and is 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA in nine starts at home this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Diamondbacks placed SS Nick Ahmed (hip) on the 15-day disabled list and activated INF/OF Chris Owings.
2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto recorded three home runs, eight RBIs and eight runs scored in the last five games.
3. Arizona OF David Peralta (lower back) could rejoin the team next week.
PREDICTION: Reds 8, Diamondbacks 5
Preview: Mets at Marlins
GAME: New York Mets (51-45) at Miami Marlins (53-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Although Giancarlo Stanton won the Home Run Derby nearly two weeks ago, the New York Mets might be wondering if he knows the competition is over yet. One night after posting his first four-hit performance since 2012, the three-time All-Star looks to help the Miami Marlins put more distance between themselves and the visiting Mets in the National League wild-card race in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday.
Stanton clubbed his team-best 21st homer in Saturday's 7-2 win, allowing Miami to regain sole possession of the second wild-card spot and put a 1 1/2-game cushion between itself and New York in the same race. The 26-year-old has haunted the Mets all season with six home runs and 12 RBIs, with much of that damage (five homers, 10 RBIs) coming in their last four meetings. Steven Matz will be responsible for keeping him in check in the finale, although he has surrendered two home runs to Stanton in only five at-bats. Despite Saturday's loss, the Mets still can post a winning record on their nine-game road trip with a victory on Sunday and halt a stretch during which they have dropped 11 of their last 17 away from home.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (7-6, 3.56 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-1, 6.23)
Matz's winless streak reached nine starts after he took the loss Monday in Chicago against the Cubs, allowing at least one homer for the sixth straight game while giving up four runs and eight hits in five innings. The 25-year-old, who is battling through a bone spur in his elbow, is 0-5 with a 4.73 ERA since going 7-0 with a 1.13 ERA from April 17-May 25. Matz dropped both of his starts against the Marlins this season, although he did hold them to two runs in seven frames at home on July 5.
Urena held up well over 5 2/3 innings on Tuesday in his first big-league start since August but did not factor in the decision despite yielding one run and striking out five. The outing was the 24-year-old Dominican's first exposure to the majors since making 16 appearances out of the bullpen for Miami from April 22-May 30. Urena faced the Mets twice in relief in 2015, surrendering three runs over two innings in April before striking out the side in his only frame of work in early September.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Jeurys Familia can tie Jose Valverde (51; 2010-11) for the third-longest consecutive saves streak in major-league history with a successful conversion in the finale.
2. The Marlins are 24-13 at home since dropping seven of their first eight games in Miami this season.
3. New York is tied with San Diego for the most home runs this month (31), while Miami is tied with Milwaukee for the second-fewest (15).
PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Mets 3
GAME: New York Mets (51-45) at Miami Marlins (53-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Although Giancarlo Stanton won the Home Run Derby nearly two weeks ago, the New York Mets might be wondering if he knows the competition is over yet. One night after posting his first four-hit performance since 2012, the three-time All-Star looks to help the Miami Marlins put more distance between themselves and the visiting Mets in the National League wild-card race in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday.
Stanton clubbed his team-best 21st homer in Saturday's 7-2 win, allowing Miami to regain sole possession of the second wild-card spot and put a 1 1/2-game cushion between itself and New York in the same race. The 26-year-old has haunted the Mets all season with six home runs and 12 RBIs, with much of that damage (five homers, 10 RBIs) coming in their last four meetings. Steven Matz will be responsible for keeping him in check in the finale, although he has surrendered two home runs to Stanton in only five at-bats. Despite Saturday's loss, the Mets still can post a winning record on their nine-game road trip with a victory on Sunday and halt a stretch during which they have dropped 11 of their last 17 away from home.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (7-6, 3.56 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-1, 6.23)
Matz's winless streak reached nine starts after he took the loss Monday in Chicago against the Cubs, allowing at least one homer for the sixth straight game while giving up four runs and eight hits in five innings. The 25-year-old, who is battling through a bone spur in his elbow, is 0-5 with a 4.73 ERA since going 7-0 with a 1.13 ERA from April 17-May 25. Matz dropped both of his starts against the Marlins this season, although he did hold them to two runs in seven frames at home on July 5.
Urena held up well over 5 2/3 innings on Tuesday in his first big-league start since August but did not factor in the decision despite yielding one run and striking out five. The outing was the 24-year-old Dominican's first exposure to the majors since making 16 appearances out of the bullpen for Miami from April 22-May 30. Urena faced the Mets twice in relief in 2015, surrendering three runs over two innings in April before striking out the side in his only frame of work in early September.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Jeurys Familia can tie Jose Valverde (51; 2010-11) for the third-longest consecutive saves streak in major-league history with a successful conversion in the finale.
2. The Marlins are 24-13 at home since dropping seven of their first eight games in Miami this season.
3. New York is tied with San Diego for the most home runs this month (31), while Miami is tied with Milwaukee for the second-fewest (15).
PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Mets 3
Preview: Phillies at Pirates
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (45-54) at Pittsburgh Pirates (50-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After surviving a harrowing incident in his last start, rookie Jameson Taillon will take the mound when Pittsburgh hosts Philadelphia on Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series. Taillon was hit in the head by a line drive on Tuesday in what was only his sixth major-league start.
Pittsburgh will be looking for another solid outing from Taillon after another rookie, top prospect Tyler Glasnow, left Saturday's game due to shoulder discomfort, forcing the bullpen to provide six innings. Gregory Polanco and David Freese each had two-run singles in a game-breaking five-run fifth inning as the Pirates evened their record to 4-4 since the All-Star break. Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera, who entered the series in a 4-for-41 tailspin, has collected three hits in each of the first two games. Vince Velásquez will be seeking his ninth victory and fourth in a row when he opposes Taillon.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velásquez (8-2, 3.15 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.44)
Velasquez has been outstanding since spending nearly three weeks on the disabled list, holding Miami to one run and three hits over 7 1/3 innings Tuesday. Although he did not factor in the decision, Velasquez won his previous three turns by permitting four runs over 17 innings. He won his last two away from home to improve to 4-1 with a 4.74 ERA in eight road starts.
Taillon took a line drive off the head early in his outing against Milwaukee on Tuesday but stayed in the game and worked six innings of one-run ball in a no-decision. "To be honest, I was waiting for it to hurt when I was down," said Jameson, who was placed in the league's concussion protocol. "I really felt good the whole way through." Jameson has not walked more than one batter in his last five starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia stole five bases Saturday, the most since the club swiped five -- also against Pittsburgh - on July 11, 2009.
2. Despite his key hit Saturday, Polanco is 5-for-33 with three RBIs over the past nine games.
3. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco missed Saturday's game after getting hit in the wrist by a pitch Friday and could sit out Sunday as well.
PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Pirates 3
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (45-54) at Pittsburgh Pirates (50-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After surviving a harrowing incident in his last start, rookie Jameson Taillon will take the mound when Pittsburgh hosts Philadelphia on Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series. Taillon was hit in the head by a line drive on Tuesday in what was only his sixth major-league start.
Pittsburgh will be looking for another solid outing from Taillon after another rookie, top prospect Tyler Glasnow, left Saturday's game due to shoulder discomfort, forcing the bullpen to provide six innings. Gregory Polanco and David Freese each had two-run singles in a game-breaking five-run fifth inning as the Pirates evened their record to 4-4 since the All-Star break. Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera, who entered the series in a 4-for-41 tailspin, has collected three hits in each of the first two games. Vince Velásquez will be seeking his ninth victory and fourth in a row when he opposes Taillon.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velásquez (8-2, 3.15 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.44)
Velasquez has been outstanding since spending nearly three weeks on the disabled list, holding Miami to one run and three hits over 7 1/3 innings Tuesday. Although he did not factor in the decision, Velasquez won his previous three turns by permitting four runs over 17 innings. He won his last two away from home to improve to 4-1 with a 4.74 ERA in eight road starts.
Taillon took a line drive off the head early in his outing against Milwaukee on Tuesday but stayed in the game and worked six innings of one-run ball in a no-decision. "To be honest, I was waiting for it to hurt when I was down," said Jameson, who was placed in the league's concussion protocol. "I really felt good the whole way through." Jameson has not walked more than one batter in his last five starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia stole five bases Saturday, the most since the club swiped five -- also against Pittsburgh - on July 11, 2009.
2. Despite his key hit Saturday, Polanco is 5-for-33 with three RBIs over the past nine games.
3. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco missed Saturday's game after getting hit in the wrist by a pitch Friday and could sit out Sunday as well.
PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Pirates 3
