Sunday 8/23/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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CFL Betting Notes - Week 9
By David Schwab

Week 8 Betting Recap

Week 8 of the 2015 CFL regular season wrapped things up this past Saturday and in a reversal from the previous betting trends, the favorites came out on top with a 3-1 record both straight-up and against the spread. The lone exception was Edmonton’s 15-12 victory against Montreal as a two-point road underdog last Thursday.

Toronto got things started as a 5 ½-point road favorite over Winnipeg with a 27-20 victory last Friday. Hamilton pummeled British Columbia 52-22 as an 8 ½-point favorite at home and Calgary made short work of Ottawa in a 48-3 romp as 10-point home favorites.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Ottawa RedBlacks (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -9
Total: 50 ½

Game Overview

Ottawa will look to get back on track after last week’s pasting at the hands of Calgary. It has been one of the biggest surprises in the CFL this season with four victories it its first six games both SU and ATS. The RedBlacks are going to have to find a way to pick-up the pace on offense with a league-low 19.1 PPG. Last week Quarterback Henry Burris was replaced by Thomas DeMarco, but turnovers plagued this team all night long no matter who was under center.

The Argonauts have feasted on the bottom feeders in the CFL this season, but they are 1-2 SU (2-1 ATS) against teams with a SU winning record. Trevor Harris only threw for 168 yards in last Friday’s win over Winnipeg, but he tossed two touchdowns while completing 18 of his 24 total attempts. He is now ranked second in the CFL in total passing yards with 1,987 and his 16 touchdown throws are the most in the league.

Betting Trends

This will be the first meeting this season after these two East Division foes split last season’s series 1-1 both SU and ATS with the home team winning each time. The total stayed UNDER in both contests.

 

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Game of the day: Redblacks at Argonauts

Ottawa Redblacks at Toronto Argonauts (-9, 50.5)

The Toronto Argonauts won back-to-back games to pull into a tie with Hamilton for first place in the East Division heading into Week 9. The Ottawa Redblacks, who visit the Argonauts on Sunday, sit a game back in third place and will be looking to shake off a terrible performance after getting crushed at Calgary last week.

The Redblacks edged Calgary 29-26 at home on July 24 to kick off a modest two-game winning streak but failed to get anything done on offence last Saturday as the Stampeders rolled to a 48-3 victory. Ottawa will need to fix some holes on defence as well as it gets set for Toronto, which is second in the CFL in points scored despite handing the reins over to Trevor Harris at quarterback with veteran Ricky Ray injured all season. The Argonauts are coming off a 27-20 road victory over Winnipeg in which Harris threw a pair of touchdown passes to bring his season total to 16. The Redblacks shuffled through three quarterbacks at Calgary last week, and Danny O’Brien showed some promise with a 9-of-10 passing effort after the game was already out of hand.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Argos opened as 8.5-point favorites before shifting to -9. The opening total of 50.5 has not moved from that point.

INJURY REPORT: Redblacks - WR Chris Williams (Ques-Undisclosed) Argonauts - LB Cory Green wood (Ques-Concussion)

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS, 4-3 O/U): Henry Burris does not appear to be in danger of losing his starting job to O’Brien or anyone else, but the veteran quarterback could use a quick bounce-back after going 7-of-17 for 114 yards before being pulled in Calgary. Burris is fourth in the CFL with 1,809 passing yards heading into Week 9 and totaled 712 yards and five TDs in the Redblacks previous two games. The loss last week began a stretch of four of five on the road for Ottawa, which is 1-2 in front of opposing fans.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS, 3-4 O/U): Ray underwent offseason shoulder surgery that necessitated he begin the season on the six-game injured list, and the veteran has been returned to the list. “He still needs a few more weeks, minimum," coach Scott Milanovich told reporters. "I know he had a good throw the other day and felt good about that but he's not there yet." Ray is a free agent at the end of the season and Harris looks poised to step up into Toronto’s No. 1 spot for the long term while leading the CFL in TD passes and sitting second in yards (1,987).

TRENDS:

*RedBlacks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games.
*Argonauts are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
*Under is 9-4 in RedBlacks last 13 games following a S.U. loss.
*Under is 5-0 in Argonauts last 5 vs. East.

CONSENSUS: 52 percent are backing the Argos with 54 percent on the under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 9 CFL

Ottawa (4-3) @ Toronto (5-2)-- Argonauts won three of last four games; they're 2-0 at home, beating Edmonton 26-18, Saskatchewan 30-26- they're 1-1 as favorites, 0-1 at home. Ottawa lost last two road games, 46-17 at Edmonton, 48-3 in Calgary, afte they won season opener in Montreal, 20-16. RedBlacks have led at halftime in only one game; they were outscored 43-10 in first half of last two games. Home side won both series games LY, with both games staying under total; Ottawa (+6.5) lost 23-5 in its visit here

Ottawa RedBlacks
Toronto Argonauts 8.5, 50.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Post: 7:06 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$13000 - 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS FILLIES & MARES NW 2 EXT. PM RACES LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: TOM JACKSON #8 OVER #6 & #9


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 SCIROCCO JULES 4/1


# 4 SQUEALS OF DELIGHT 9/2


# 6 OLD MONEY 8/1


Hey, listen up! SCIROCCO JULES is the educated bet if you like to win. The wagering panel has Napolitano on its list of drivers who are winning a lot recently. Last 30 days win stat is terrific. SQUEALS OF DELIGHT - Drawing the 4 position at this track has lead to a well above average win rate. Worth careful consideration here based on the ratings in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. OLD MONEY - Good for a win bet just off the stellar prior class figures. Have to like this fine animal.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Tioga Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 8 - Post: 3:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$34244 - REYNOLDS STAKE 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 SOUTHWIND FRANK 1/1


# 6 JACK VERNON 7/2


# 2 BROOKLYN HILL 3/1

All signs point to SOUTHWIND FRANK for the pick. Gingras fits this solid standardbred's style perfectly. They've enjoyed some tremendous results when working with each other. With a nice 83 TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out, will very likely be a factor in this race. Talk about a dynamic duo, Gingras and Burke have some of the best driver/handler stats at the track. JACK VERNON - Performing very well, recorded a huge TrackMaster Speed Rating in his last outing (85). BROOKLYN HILL - Some trainers just fit better with certain interesting entrants. That seems to be the case today with Czernyson. A very nice wager. The 72 average class ranking may give this colt a distinct edge in the bunch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Columbus

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $4800 Class Rating: 59

FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES.THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS., OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 SHOWING OUT 8/1


# 2 YAMAKENMECRAZY 10/1


# 6 LIVE AND LEARN 7/2


I think SHOWING OUT is a very good selection especially at a such a nice price. Is worth looking at and may be a wager - strong Equibase Speed Figures (51 average) at today's distance and surface lately. YAMAKENMECRAZY - Overall, has one of the top earnings per start in dirt sprint events in this lot. Has very strong Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet here. LIVE AND LEARN - Luark is very serious with this one, wheeling her back quickly. Should expect a strong effort with the class drop.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ferndale

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 81

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2015. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 TUDOR BLUE 7/2


# 4 BRUTALLY HANDSOME 5/1


# 6 PARTY AT MY PLACE 3/1


TUDOR BLUE looks to be a very strong contender. He has been racing admirably recently while recording sharp Equibase Speed Figures. Ought to go to the front end and might never look back. Ran a strong last race. BRUTALLY HANDSOME - Has very strong front-end speed and will most likely fare solidly versus this field. The speed rating of 68 from his latest contest looks solid in here. PARTY AT MY PLACE - With a reliable 76 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's competition. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #7 - Post: 4:21pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,550 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 AUTUMN DREAMS (ML=9/2)


AUTUMN DREAMS - This filly is tops in earnings per start. Check out this animal in the saddling enclosure.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 W W STAR (ML=8/5), #5 WHISPERWILLOW (ML=9/5),

W W STAR - This filly finished out of the money on Jun 23rd and wasn't near the winner last race out either. No favorable outcomes for this questionable contender in a short distance race over the last two months tells me that this filly is in a difficult spot WHISPERWILLOW - No wager value on this participant at the likely odds of 9/5.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #2 AUTUMN DREAMS on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth - Race #12 - Post: 6:12pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 65

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 IGNATIUS (ML=5/1)
#6 STEVARINO (ML=7/2)
#12 CAYDEN CAN (ML=6/1)


IGNATIUS - This jockey and handler's horses have been producing a favorable return on investment. Rounding his way back into form. Each of his finish positions is getting better in his recent starts. Trainer Broome moves this horse down in class ranks to face a lower level today. Look for a good race with this class drop. Last race at Monmouth, he broke from the far outside. I don't need an advanced degree like The Brain to tell me his inside post position today should help. Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a solid effort in the last race within the last 30 days. STEVARINO - Breen drops him down to this class. You don't need too much more handicapping info to figure that this one has a good chance at this level. Trying to be a winner for the first-time moving from a turf race to the dirt. I think Breen will have him fit and ready for today's affair. Breen gets a break on this racer carrying 6 lbs less than last out. Could be helpful in this race. CAYDEN CAN - Just look at his recent speed rating, 71. That one looks good in this field. Looking at today's class rating, this thoroughbred is encountering an easier field than in the last race at Monmouth. Trying to break maiden status moving from a race on the grass to the dirt. I think Ryan will have him fit and ready for today's affair.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 WAY OF THE WARRIOR (ML=4/1), #2 FULL PADS (ML=6/1),

WAY OF THE WARRIOR - Common speed figure in the last race at Monmouth at 6 furlongs. Don't feel this runner will improve too much in today's race. FULL PADS - If you keep betting these sort of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be frustrated regularly. This gelding earned a speed fig in his last event which likely isn't good enough in today's race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 IGNATIUS to win if you can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with [6,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,12] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #10 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:48 PM EASTERN POST


The Tale of the Cat Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 A. P. INDIAN
#2 CATRON
#7 STALLWALKIN' DUDE
#1 FAST ANNA

Here in just the 2nd running of this stakes race named in honor of Tale of the Cat, who won the 1997 King's Bishop Stakes here at "The Spa," #3 A. P. INDIAN is a perfect 4-for-4 into "The Circle" in dirt sprints, is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this field and has excellent early speed abilities to compliment. He's hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, winning three times in this recent streak of racing consistency. #2 CATRON, a 5-1 shot, has won 2 of his last 3 outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Sunday 8/23 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (37 - 56 / $136.20): LK’S NANCY LEE (5th)

Spot Play: BIG EXPENSE (6th)


Race 1

(3) DIVENELY FLOOZY trotted a nice mile last week and has shown recent improvement. (10) JD CHEESE freshman trotter has some breaking issues but has also flashed some ability. (5) SHEZ A DEVIL WOMAN filly needed her last start and should be ready for a better effort.

Race 2

(2) ASHLEE'S FINE LADY two-year-old raced gamely last week to a nice opponent. (7) FOX VALLEY BAILEY scored an impressive win at Springfield and has some upside. (3) SASSY ELLIE gets sent out for capable connections and should offer value in a field with few contenders.

Race 3

(3) MR STRATA gelding will look to break his maiden in a very weak field. (8) EXPLOSIVE POWER well bred trotter could be sitting on an improved effort at a price. (7) HUSTLIN COUGAR just missed last out racing gamely but needs more late.

Race 4

(1) HALLELUJAH FLIGHT has just been racing been racing evenly but will offer a huge price in a field full of question marks. (7) POKER JOE really showed a big burst of speed last start racing gamely for the first three quarters of the mile; threat. (9) THE DALI'S LLAMA owns the only pari-mutual victory on the year of the entire field.

Race 5

(7) LK'S NANCY LEE filly has a lot of ability and just needs to stay pacing to handle this bunch. (2) SWEETSHADYSHARK was the top driver's choice and takes a big drop in competition. The freshman filly pacer looks primed for an improved effort. (1) FAT AND POE gets the best post in a weak field; threat.

Race 6

(10) BIG EXPENSE will offer much better value this start looking to make it four straight wins to kick off his career; fires early. (1) CHINES FOR ALL trotted a big mile against much tougher last week. The 3-year-old gets sent out for proven connections and gets a big post edge on his main rivals. (8) ABC BIG SHOT has been very competitive against similar and will also offer a much better price.

Race 7

(5) KRUSTY THE CLOWN has been much better for a new barn. The 5-year-old just missed last week pacing a big last quarter. (9) REX PASSUS has had trouble going by late hanging a bit and always offers low value; command a price. (6) KOSTAS WIE set a lifetime mark last start racing tenaciously. If the pacer races like that again he makes it two straight.

Race 8

(10) PERSUASIVE LOOK faces older more accomplished horses however the filly looks to be in the best form of the field. (6) SHOW STOPIN MONKEY stallion trotter looks to be in career form and could surprise this field with an easy early lead. (9) MY MINI SNICKERS holds a big win over the top choice but gets sent out for a low percentage provisional driver; threat.

Race 9

(2) SVAYA KNOWS will offer the better value, gets sent out for proven connections, and is capable of pacing a big mile any week. (1) CAMWISER was the driver's choice of four and gets the best post. (9) ONE LAST CHANCE has an outside shot to upset with some racing luck but will need a good setup.

Race 10

In an excellent betting race (5) ALWAYS TALKING gets a big morning line and was sneaky sharp last week making up a ton of ground late. (8) ROCKNROLL CRYSTAL if the filly pacer is lagging the gate keep her off your top few spots. However if the 3-year-old is driven aggressively she's one of the horses to beat. (2) DUNESIDE PERTTIE has been facing much tougher all season long and just needs a smooth trip for a big chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (3rd) Greengrassofyoming, 4-1
(5th) Mongol Voice, 3-1

Belterra Park (2nd) Image of Grace, 7-2
(3rd) Ches' Stein, 4-1

Canterbury Park (2nd) Precious Passion, 9-2
(5th) My Blue Sky, 7-2


Del Mar (5th) Ms. K J, 7-2
(7th) Finest City, 3-1


Ellis Park (2nd) Lola Getz, 4-1
(8th) Angels and Arches, 5-1


Emerald Downs (5th) Wicked Laugh, 3-1
(8th) In Private, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Dually Affirmed, 7-2
(8th) Estellara, 5-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Burning Time, 5-1
(11th) Starship Trouble, 7-2


Laurel Park (5th) Pagan Power, 6-1
(7th) Bret's at Caddies, 5-1


Monmouth Park (5th) Stately Defence, 5-1
(10th) Candy Portena, 6-1


Mountaineer (1st) Alcolite, 5-1
(5th) Mr. Ethan, 5-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Stinkster, 7-2
(4th) Dream Commander, 5-1


Saratoga (1st) Familyofroses, 8-1
(2nd) Rebelle, 3-1


Woodbine (6th) Billy's Star, 3-1
(10th) Dixie's Bride, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (63-59) at Tigers (59-63)

Game: 4
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 23, 2015 1:08 PM EDT

As the Texas Rangers make their push toward the postseason, Cole Hamels knows he must be better than he's looked for his new team.

The left-hander tries a fourth time to earn his first victory with the Rangers on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Texas (63-59) is 15-7 since news broke that Hamels (0-1, 5.23 ERA) was acquired from Philadelphia, but the three-time All-Star hasn't looked nearly as dominant as the pitcher who tossed a no-hitter at Wrigley Field in his final start for the Phillies on July 25. Though Hamels has lasted at least six innings in each outing for the Rangers, he's recorded one quality start and allowed five homers.

'Being able to go out there and make quality pitches is something that I haven't been able to do here for the past couple of weeks,' he said. 'That's something I definitely have to work on.'

His sense of urgency might be greater after the Rangers moved into the AL's second wild-card spot with Saturday's 5-3 win over Detroit and a loss by the Los Angeles Angels to Toronto.

After his turn in the rotation was skipped due to a sore groin, Hamels gave up three runs, seven hits, walked four and struck out eight in seven innings of Monday's 4-3 victory over Seattle. Though the veteran expected more of himself, manager Jeff Banister liked Hamels' grit.

"That's the mark of a veteran pitcher ... a true mark of a guy who knows how to pitch," Banister told MLB's official website. "After coming back from his groin issue, to do what he did to limit the damage, he kept the game in a spot where we could do what we did. That was really a solid job."

Hamels, whose only other start against Detroit (59-63) came in 2013, tries to help Texas take this four-game set with a third consecutive victory. Yovani Gallardo threw six scoreless innings and Adrian Beltre had three hits Saturday.

'This is when baseball gets fun,' Gallardo said. 'It's fun to go out there and compete and know the fact that it's a must-win every time. It's a must-win every day.'

Beltre was 1 for 16 in the previous four games before breaking out.

With a homer for one of his two hits, teammate Rougned Odor is batting .381 in the last six contests.

Odor, Mitch Moreland and Robinson Chirinos each hit solo homers off Matt Boyd (1-3, 7.66) on June 27 when the left-hander gave up four runs and nine hits over 6 2-3 innings during a 4-0 loss in his major league debut while pitching for Toronto. Part of the July 30 deal that sent David Price to the Blue Jays, Boyd pitched 2-3 innings of relief in Wednesday's 15-8 rout of the Chicago Cubs, but is ready to make his sixth career start.

He has yielded eight runs and 15 hits over 10 1-3 innings to go 0-1 in his last two starts - both on the road - after he allowed a run in seven innings of a 2-1 home victory over Kansas City on Aug. 5 in his Detroit debut.

Since going 0 for 3 in his return Aug. 14 from missing more than a month with a calf strain, Detroit star Miguel Cabrera is batting .556 with a homer and seven doubles in the seven games that have followed. He's 6 for 8 with a home run and two doubles against Hamels but hasn't faced him since 2007.

Teammate Ian Kinsler is hitting .478 with two homers and six RBIs in the last five games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (57-65) at Yankees (68-54)

Game: 4
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 23, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

CC Sabathia has never endured a winless stretch of more than six starts during any of his 15 major league seasons.

The team with which he recorded half of his 212 victories can change that.

Only two active pitchers have more career wins, but only two have a worse ERA than Sabathia this season going into the New York Yankees' matchup Sunday with the Cleveland Indians - one of the few teams which hasn't battered him in recent years.

Starting the pitcher with the worst ERA on its active roster wouldn't seem to boost New York's chances of forging a four-game split with the Indians in the Bronx.

Sabathia (4-9, 5.24 ERA), though, is 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA over his last four starts against Cleveland, where he won 106 games from 2001-08. In the lone matchup this season, the left-hander yielded two runs despite allowing nine hits in six innings of a 2-1 defeat Aug. 12. That's one of only nine quality starts in Sabathia's 23 games this year, and he failed to get another one Tuesday when he gave up four runs in 6 2-3 innings of an 8-4 win over Minnesota.

However, it did mark his third straight start without allowing a run through the first four innings.

"It seemed like the sixth and seventh, the innings started to get a little harder for him as his pitch count started to mount but I thought he pitched a really good game," manager Joe Girardi said.

The loss to Cleveland (57-65) is his only one in six starts since the All-Star break - he's received one run of support in five of them - but he hasn't won any of the others to equal his longest winless streak in any single season. Sabathia entered the year second among active players in wins but has been passed by Bartolo Colon (214) and tied by Mark Buehrle (212). Tim Hudson is first with 220.

Counterpart Trevor Bauer (9-10, 4.62) has been significantly worse since the break, going 1-5 with a 7.05 ERA in seven games, and the last two were particularly awful. He was tagged for six runs and seven hits in 3 1-3 innings against the Yankees on Aug. 13, then was charged with five runs in 1 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 9-1 loss to Boston.

"He's fighting it right now. I think we all know that," manager Terry Francona said. "... I think right now he's probably second-guessing himself a little bit."

The right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.85 ERA in four starts versus the Yankees (68-54). Brian McCann is 4 for 8 against Bauer and homered off him last week.

McCann snapped an 0-for-11 slump with a first-inning homer Saturday, and Brett Gardner added a two-run shot as New York won 6-2 after being held to five runs through the first two games of this series.

Saturday's performance came after the Yankees retired Jorge Posada's No. 20 and unveiled his plaque in Monument Park. There will be another such ceremony Sunday for Andy Pettitte's No. 46.

Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira is likely to miss a sixth consecutive game after fouling a ball off his right leg Monday.

Michael Brantley, batting .424 in his last 14 games despite going hitless Saturday, is 1 for 11 with six strikeouts against Sabathia.

Rookie Francisco Lindor was a triple shy of the cycle following a 4-for-23 slump for the last-place Indians, who have a 4-2 lead in this season series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (61-61) at Reds (51-70)

Game: 4
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 23, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Chase Anderson's about-face from being one of the Arizona Diamondbacks' most consistent starters to their most unreliable resulted in an unforeseen demotion to the minors to work out his issues.

That was the plan, anyway.

An injury within the rotation has given Anderson a second chance, and he'll try to make the most of it as the visiting Diamondbacks seek a four-game sweep of the slumping Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Anderson (5-5, 4.51 ERA) posted a 2.84 ERA through his first 13 starts, but he's gone 2-4 with a 7.65 mark while allowing at least five runs in four of his last eight. He's given up 12 runs - 10 earned - in 9 2-3 innings over his previous two.

The Diamondbacks sent Anderson to Triple-A Reno after he was roughed up by Pittsburgh on Tuesday, but they were allowed to recall him before the minimum 10 days after placing Jeremy Hellickson on the disabled list Thursday.

"(Anderson) was our best pitcher early on, and we know he has the ability to locate better," manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website. "We know he has the ability to pitch down in the zone like we've asked, so he's just going to have to do it here. Obviously, we wanted to try to give him a start or two (in the minors), but that's the way it goes."

The right-hander's best start since the All-Star break came against the Reds (51-70) on Aug. 7, when he allowed four hits and struck out seven in seven innings of a 2-0 victory. Anderson also was sharp in his only other start against Cincinnati, giving up one run and three hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings of a 2-1 road win July 28, 2014.

Todd Frazier (0 for 6) and Jay Bruce (0 for 5) have struck out four times apiece when facing Anderson, who opposed Raisel Iglesias (3-4, 4.21) earlier this month. The Reds rookie gave up one run and three hits in six innings in that outing, part of a four-start stretch during which he's gone 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA.

The right-hander had one of the best starts of his short career Tuesday, allowing three hits in seven scoreless innings of Cincinnati's 3-1, 13-inning loss to Kansas City.

Iglesias has pitched at least into the sixth in eight of his 11 starts after defecting from Cuba, where he pitched mostly in relief.

"I've changed the way I work out," Iglesias said after not allowing any Royals baserunners past second. "I have watched how other (starting) pitchers attack teams and I do the same thing."

Iglesias is running into a Diamondbacks offense that has scored 22 runs with 42 hits through the first three of this series. Paul Goldschmidt broke a 2-for-25 slump by hitting a pair of two-run homers and finishing with four hits in Saturday's 11-7 victory.

"That's just kind of how the game goes," Goldschmidt said. "Stuff comes in spurts. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I was just trying to get to feeling good and get in a good position to swing."

Ender Inciarte led off the game with a homer, while A.J. Pollock - batting .481 over his last 11 - went 3 for 5 for Arizona (61-61), which again tries to move over .500 for the first time since being 8-7 on April 23.

The Diamondbacks are seeking their first sweep of the Reds since June 20-23, 2003, while Cincinnati looks to avoid a season high-tying ninth consecutive defeat.

Frazier had two doubles and an RBI single Saturday, giving him six hits in the series to match the amount he had over his previous seven games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (53-71) at Nationals (61-61)

Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 23, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Although a lack of offense has played a key role in their slide, the Washington Nationals hope they've put an end to those struggles behind an unlikely source.

Michael A. Taylor can do something no rookie has done in club history as the Nationals try to win consecutive series for the first time in two months Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Washington batted .175 while totaling 74 strikeouts and 17 runs in its losses during a 2-8 stretch that dropped it five games back in the NL East before Saturday's 6-1 home victory.

Taylor, who is filling in for injured outfielder Denard Span, is doing his best to provide a spark for the team's slumping attack. He hit an estimated 490-foot home run Thursday at Colorado and homered for a third consecutive game as the Nationals evened this series Saturday.

Now he has a chance to become the first National to go deep in four straight games since Adam LaRoche in 2012. The franchise has never had a rookie do it, including its time as the Montreal Expos.

'Mentally, I'm just trying to tone things down a little bit at the plate,' Taylor said. 'Just trying to be more consistent making contact instead of trying to crush baseballs.'

Washington, the preseason division favorite, hasn't won consecutive series since late June and last won two straight at home during a nine-game run from June 19-July 5.

Another strong offensive performance seems likely with Matt Garza starting the finale Sunday for Milwaukee. Garza is 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA in seven career meetings against the Nationals.

The right-hander has allowed 12 runs and 13 hits over 2 1-3 innings in a pair of outings at Nationals Park. He recorded one out while giving up five runs in his most recent start there in July 2014.

Garza (6-13, 4.98 ERA) didn't get much help from his defense (four errors) June 11 when he yielded five runs - one earned - over six innings and did not factor in a 6-5 win over Washington.

He had gone 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA over his previous five starts overall before regressing to his early-season form by giving up five runs over five innings in Monday's 6-2 loss to Miami.

"I haven't been getting away with anything this year," he told MLB's official website.

Jayson Werth is 6 for 14 with a home run when facing Garza. Yunel Escobar has gone 1 for 10 in the matchup, and he's day-to-day due to a hyper-extended neck.

After allowing one run while working into the seventh inning in each of his previous two starts, Jordan Zimmermann gave up six runs - four earned - over six in Tuesday's 15-6 win at Colorado. He could bounce back at Nationals Park, where he has a 2.44 ERA in 13 starts.

Zimmermann (9-8, 3.44) had been 4-0 with a 2.35 ERA in five career starts versus Milwaukee (53-71) before surrendering six runs and nine hits over 3 1-3 innings in an 8-4 road loss June 12.

Scooter Gennett went 2 for 2 with a double off the right-hander, while Jean Segura is 5 for 13 with a triple and a double lifetime in the matchup. Segura had two hits and Khris Davis hit his 15th home run Saturday but the Brewers lost for the 10th time in 13 road games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (74-48) at Red Sox (56-67)

Game: 4
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 23, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Despite owning the AL's best record over the past two seasons, the Kansas City Royals have had trouble against the team with the worst.

The Royals are looking to salvage a split of this four-game series with the last-place Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

Kansas City (74-68), which won the AL pennant last season, has gone 163-121 since the start of 2014. However, the Royals have posted a 3-10 mark against a Boston club which has a 127-157 record in the same span.

The Royals ended a five-game slide at Fenway Park on Saturday with a 6-3 win, doubling their scoring output and getting two more hits (12) than in the first two games combined.

With a commanding 12 1/2-game lead on Minnesota in the AL Central, the Royals are contemplating benching Alex Rios and Omar Infante. The duo is desperately in need of improvement offensively with Alex Gordon (groin) nearing a return from the disabled list.

Rios is hitting .242 but had a season high-tying three hits Saturday, giving him a .381 average in six season meetings against the Red Sox. Infante, meanwhile, is trying to build on his single Saturday that snapped an 0-for-31 slump.

"We need some (production from them)," manager Ned Yost told MLB's official website. "We need to get (Infante) and Rios going a little bit. Both are having years that they are not accustomed to."

That's not the case for Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.20 ERA), who leads the Royals in wins. However, he's won only one of three decisions with a 3.12 ERA over his last four starts. The right-hander didn't get any help nor a decision Tuesday despite allowing one run with seven strikeouts in six innings of a 3-1 win at Cincinnati.

Volquez is 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA in three career starts against the Red Sox after yielding four runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-4 win June 20.

The Red Sox (56-67), occupying the AL East basement, had a four-game winning streak snapped by Kansas City.

Mookie Betts has a .467 average with three homers, seven RBIs and 14 runs in 10 career meetings with the Royals. His solo shot Saturday also extended his overall hitting streak to eight games, a stretch in which he's batting .359 with eight RBIs.

He's 2 for 2 with a homer off Volquez, while Xander Bogaerts is seeing him for the first time.

Bogaerts is hitting .353 with six RBIs in the past seven games and has collected five hits in this series. The shortstop is a .348 hitter with 10 RBIs in 11 career games against Kansas City.

Boston turns to Eduardo Rodriguez (7-5, 4.48), who has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. However, he has a 4.22 ERA in that stretch since he was hammered for eight runs in five innings of a 14-6 loss at Miami on Aug. 12.

The 22-year-old rookie left-hander followed that up six days later by yielding one run in eight innings of a 9-1 win over Cleveland - his longest outing of the season.

Rodriguez earned a 7-3 win at Kansas City on June 19, allowing one run in 6 1-3 innings. He held Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez hitless in nine combined at-bats. Rios and Infante have a hit apiece against him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (62-61) at Orioles (62-60)

Game: 4
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 23, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins entered this series at Baltimore spiraling out of contention in the AL wild-card race. That's changed dramatically.

The Twins look to further tighten the chase as they try to sweep this four-game set and continue their recent dominance of the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

A 9-21 stretch dropped Minnesota (62-61) four games off the pace in the crowded race for the second wild-card spot. The Twins have since cut that deficit to 1 1/2 behind Texas, while the Los Angeles Angels trail by one-half game with Baltimore (62-60) and Tampa Bay in the hunt at one and two back, respectively.

Minnesota will continue having a direct impact on the race when it opens a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Before that, the Twins will try to sweep a series at Camden Yards for the first time since a four-game set from Aug. 23-26, 2007.

"We have an opportunity to do something that doesn't happen very often," manager Paul Molitor said. "Just three days ago we were a couple games below .500. You keep pushing and trying to hang around."

Minnesota won its seventh straight against the Orioles with Saturday's 3-2 victory, as rookie Byron Buxton notched his first RBI on a go-ahead single in the seventh to complete a rally for the second straight night.

"When all the hard work you put in in the cage results in a base hit to win the game, that's all you can ask for," said the 21-year-old center fielder, who has five hits in this series. "I received a lot of support to put me in such a position."

The Twins will try to win four straight for the first time since July 10-17 as they give the ball to Mike Pelfrey (6-7, 3.62 ERA). He's 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA over his last five starts, yielding two runs or fewer in four of them. The right-hander has given up two runs in 12 1-3 innings over his last two outings.

Pelfrey is 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA in three career starts against the Orioles, but this will be his first at Camden Yards since a win with the New York Mets on June 13, 2010.

The Orioles opened this 10-game homestand with four straight wins before dropping four of the last five.

"We haven't been playing baseball. They've been beating us, outhitting us in key situations," said third baseman Manny Machado, who is 2 for 12 during the three-game skid

Baltimore has lost all six meetings against Minnesota this season, scoring three runs or fewer in each while posting a 6.54 ERA.

Kevin Gausman (2-5, 4.48) has played a role in that lofty number, allowing a career-high eight runs over 3 2-3 innings in an 8-3 road loss July 7. He's 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts against the Twins.

Joe Mauer is 4 for 5 with a triple against him and is hitting .393 in his last 16 meetings with Baltimore.

Kurt Suzuki is 3 for 7 off Gausman and 8 for 16 with five RBIs in his past four against the Orioles.

Gausman is trying to avoid losing a fourth straight start for the first time. He has a 5.79 ERA in his previous three, though the last two were quality starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (53-70) at Cubs (70-51)

Game: 4
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 23, 2015 2:20 PM EDT

Affectionately referred to as The Friendly Confines, Wrigley Field has been especially welcoming to the Chicago Cubs lately.

They'll look to continue their power surge there and claim their first four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves in 47 years Sunday.

The Cubs (70-51) have won 11 of 13 at home, clubbing 19 homers and averaging 7.0 runs in the last seven. They went deep four times in Saturday's 9-7 win against the Braves, going ahead on back-to-back homers by Miguel Montero and Jorge Soler in the eighth inning. Both finished 2 for 4, with Montero recording multiple hits for the third time in four games.

Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell also hit home runs. Rizzo has three in his last six at home, matching his total from his previous 41 games there.

"I'm not going to try to qualify the homers," manager Joe Maddon said after a particularly blustery day at Wrigley. "They're homers, that's the way the ballpark plays. You've got to hit it, too."

Saturday's outburst put the Cubs in position for their first four-game sweep of Atlanta since Aug. 19-21, 1968, also in Chicago. They remain three games behind Pittsburgh for the NL's top wild-card spot.

The Braves (53-70) picked a bad time for their best offensive output in 12 games after totaling nine runs in the first five games of this season high-tying six-game losing streak. Nick Swisher homered from both sides of the plate after batting .160 with 10 strikeouts in his first 10 games with his new club.

Atlanta's eight consecutive road losses are its most since an eight-game slide last July 29-Aug. 6, and the team hasn't lost nine straight away from home since a 10-game losing streak Aug. 31-Sept. 14, 1996.

"The bats kind of came alive tonight," Swisher said. "It's just a tough loss, man. Haven't been going well for us as of late."

The Braves might have another chance at a big number, however, given the way Jason Hammel (6-5, 3.38 ERA) has pitched lately for Chicago. He's 1-3 over his last 12 starts and hasn't won at Wrigley Field since April 27. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 3.88 ERA in 10 outings there since, receiving two runs of support or fewer eight times.

He's thrown four innings or fewer four times in his last seven starts, and lasted just three in Tuesday's 10-8 loss to Detroit. The Tigers pounded Hammel for five runs and season highs of nine hits and three homers.

Hammel is 1-4 in eight career matchups with Atlanta with a 6.37 ERA - his highest for a team he's started against at least that many times. He gave up five runs over three innings in his last meeting, a 7-2 road loss Aug. 15, 2014, with Oakland.

Freddie Freeman, who is 5 for 17 in four games since returning from an oblique strain, is 5 for 7 with two home runs against Hammel. Nick Markakis is 8 for 16 against his former Baltimore teammate.

The Braves counter with Matt Wisler (5-3, 4.65), who is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in four starts since his last victory, walking eight in 20 innings.

The rookie took a liner off his right arm in the fifth inning Tuesday against San Diego, and exited at the end of the inning. Wisler said it wasn't serious and only anticipated soreness.

"You want him to go deeper, obviously, but we didn't want to mess around (after) the line drive," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We checked him in here and I think he will be fine for the next start."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (68-55) at Angels (63-60)

Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 23, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

Mike Trout is the reigning AL MVP but Josh Donaldson is making a serious run at that title this year.

After being serenaded with "M-V-P!" chants in Trout's home park, Donaldson looks to put on another hitting display as the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays go for a sweep of this three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Trout's 33 homers and 72 RBIs are among baseball's leaders, but Donaldson has surpassed them with career highs of 34 homers and 100 RBIs, the first major leaguer to reach that total this season.

"The last week or so, I feel like every time I come up, I have somebody in scoring position," Donaldson said. "It means a lot, especially the last couple of years when I've been right around (100 RBIs) and haven't been able to get it."

The All-Star third baseman is hitting .369 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs during Toronto's 18-4 stretch that's put it within one-half game of the AL East-leading New York Yankees.

Donaldson has been particularly devastating in leading the Blue Jays (68-55) to wins in the first two games of this series, going 6 for 8 with four extra-base hits and nine RBIs. He went 4 for 5 and fell a triple shy of the cycle Saturday, connecting for a three-run homer and totaling a career-high six RBIs in a 15-3 victory.

Donaldson is hitting .440 with two homers and 12 RBIs in six season meetings with Los Angeles (63-60).

Trout, meanwhile, is 3 for 24 with one RBI in the last eight games after going 0 for 6 with four strikeouts in the first two of this series.

Albert Pujols is also struggling, batting .182 in his past nine contests.

'If we're just waiting for Mike and Albert (Pujols) to do this, it's not going to happen,' manager Mike Scioscia said. 'You cannot put every offensive woe that we have on Mike and Albert, because we have to be more than Mike and Albert. And we feel we are.'

Scioscia's team has lost nine of 13 to fall one-half game behind Texas for the second wild-card spot.

'Right now we have to, in house, circle our wagons and get our game in order,' Scioscia said. 'We haven't pitched well this series, and on the offensive side, we're still waiting. We have to do some things better on the mound ... (and) we need to start swinging the bats, too.'

The Angels hope Garrett Richards (12-9, 3.50 ERA) can slow down Donaldson after holding him to 1 for 6 last year.

Richards leads the team in wins and is one shy of his career high from last year, when his season ended in August after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee.

The right-hander is 8-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 12 home starts. He allowed three runs - two earned - in seven innings of a 5-3 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

Richards is 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA in four career starts against the Blue Jays, winning the only one at home by allowing two runs in seven innings of an 8-2 victory Aug. 1, 2013.

The Jays counter with R.A. Dickey (7-10, 4.14), who is trying to get back on track after giving up five runs and nine hits in four innings before leaving without a decision in an 8-5 win at Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The knuckleballer went 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA over his six previous starts, completing at least seven innings in four.

Dickey has won his last two starts against the Angels behind a 2.25 ERA. He tossed a five-hitter in an 8-4 home victory May 21.

Trout is 3 for 8 with two doubles off him.