Thursday 7/23/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians July 23, 7:10 EST

When the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox square off in a four-game set at Progressive Field the clubs will look to continue a solid trend for 'Under' gamblers. The divisional rivals have played 'Under' in 14 consecutive meetings. In the past seventeen encounters the 'Under' has been the right choice 16 times with 1 'Over' which includes 7-0 'Under' at Progressive Field. This being GM-1 of the a series is yet another nod towards 'Under'. Indians are on a 10-4 'Under' stretch opening a series, Pale Hose 4-1 'Under' its last five in game-one.

Oddsmakers expecting a low-scoring affair have opened the total at 7.5 runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Thursday, July 23, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

The L.A. Dodgers were going to trade for a starting pitcher by the July 31 deadline regardless, but that may have taken on even more importance -- maybe two pitchers now -- after injury-prone lefty Brett Anderson had to leave Wednesday's game in the third inning against Atlanta with discomfort in his left Achilles' tendon. Knowing Anderson's luck, it's likely serious. But Anderson said a doctor examined him after the game and found the tendon to be "intact" with no tear. So maybe he just misses a start or two, but he will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. Anderson is having a nice bounce-back season, but it was unrealistic to expect him not to spend some time on the DL this season.


Mariners at Tigers (-148, 8)

The Dodgers certainly would have interest in Tigers ace lefty David Price, and this could be his final start in a Tigers uniform. It's probably his last at Comerica Park in that uni. As ESPN's Buster Olney writes, if Price goes on the market, as has been rumored, that trumps every other pitcher. The Tigers had won four straight starts by Price (9-3, 2.32) but were beaten last time out by Baltimore despite Price allowing just one run and striking out 12 in seven innings. He hasn't faced the Mariners this season. Nelson Cruz is a .368 hitter with two homers and four RBIs off him in 19 at-bats. Former Tiger Austin Jackson is just 4-for-21 with 11 strikeouts against him. It's Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1, 4.89) for Seattle. He faced the Tigers on July 6 and wasn't very good in a no-decision but has allowed only two runs over 13.2 innings in his past two starts. Yoenis Cespedes is 11-for-27 with five doubles and four homers off him.

Key trends: The Mariners are 1-8 in their past nine on Thursday. They are 7-2 in Iwakuma's past nine vs. teams with a losing record. The Tigers are 9-2 in Price's past 11 vs. teams with a losing record. The "over/under" has gone over in 10 of Iwakuma's past 14 overall.

Early lean: Tigers and under.


Twins at Angels (-164, 7.5)

Monitor the status of AL MVP favorite Mike Trout over the next couple of days after he sat out Tuesday against the Twins with minor swelling in his left heel. This is getaway day game after a night game, so you might see the team play it safe and hold him out here. Ervin Santana (1-0, 3.66) gets the call for the Twins. He had his best outing of the season -- he has made only three -- last time out, shutting out Oakland on five hits over 7.2 innings. Santana was an Angel from 2005-12. Matt Joyce is 6-for-18 with two homers off him. Trout is 2-for-4 with a solo dinger. L.A.'s Garrett Richards (10-6, 3.24) had his best outing of the year last time out, throwing a complete-game two-hitter vs. the Red Sox. Minnesota's Joe Mauer is 2-for-3 off him.

Key trends: The Angels are 5-1 in Richards' past six vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 4-0 in his past four on Thursday.

Early lean: Angels and under.


Dodgers at Mets (+208, 6.5)

I think it's safe to say that Clayton Kershaw (7-6, 2.68) is back to a Cy Young level now, although he's surely not going to win the award this season again. Kershaw hasn't allowed a run in 20 consecutive innings dating back to the fourth inning of his July 3 start against the Mets. He has a 0.58 ERA over his last four starts. Over his past two, he has struck out 27. If the Dodgers get a Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto to go with Kershaw and Zack Greinke, I don't know how you beat them in a playoff series. It's 42-year-old Bartolo Colon (9-8, 4.86) for the Mets, and he's starting to show his age. The team has lost his past five outings, and his ERA over that span is 6.18. He hasn't faced the Dodgers in 2014. Adrian Gonzalez is 9-for-21 with two homers off him.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 7-3 in Kershaw's past 10 road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Mets are 2-6 in Colon's past eight at home vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 5-0 in Kershaw's past five. The Dodgers are 7-1 in Kershaw's past eight vs. the Mets.

Early lean: Dodgers on runline at -130 and under.


White Sox at Indians (-133, 7.5)

Here's another pitcher that will be heavily monitored by scouts Thursday for a potential trade: the White Sox's Jeff Samardzija (6-5, 4.08). He has gone at least seven innings in eight straight outings to raise his value a bit. Samardzija faced the Tribe on April 22 and shut them out over six innings. Michael Bourn is 6-for-13 with two doubles off him. Cleveland's Trevor Bauer (8-6, 4.03) was roughed up in his first post-break start against the Reds, allowing five runs and seven hits in four innings. He is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in three starts against the White Sox this season. Jose Abreu is 6-for-13 with a double off him. Melky Cabrera is 0-for-10.

Key trends: The Sox are 2-6 in Samardzija's past eight series-opening starts. The Indians have won seven straight on Thursday. They are 2-6 in Bauer's past eight Game 1 starts. The under has hit in eight of Bauer's past 11 home starts vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: White Sox and under.


Royals at Cardinals (-142, 7)

It's a one-game series in St. Louis and a potential World Series preview between Central Division leaders. This is a make-up game of one rained out on June 14 in Busch Stadium as the Cardinals were trying for the three-game sweep. The Royals swept three against the Redbirds in K.C. earlier in the year. John Lackey (8-5, 2.90) starts for the Cardinals. He hasn't allowed more than two runs in any of his past seven outings. Lackey pitched in Kansas City on May 23 and allowed three runs over five innings in a loss. Eric Hosmer is 2-for-9 with a homer and three RBIs off him. Mike Moustakas is 3-for-7 with two doubles. It's the tallest pitcher in baseball, Chris Young, for the Royals. The 6-foot-10 Young (8-5, 3.03) beat the Cardinals on May 22, shutting them out over six innings. In six career starts against the Cardinals, he is 1-3 with a 2.93 ERA.

Key trends: The Royals are 9-1 in their past 10 interleague games vs. right-handed starters. They are 4-0 in Young's past four on the road. The Cards are 8-0 in Lackey's past eight at home vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 5-1 in Young's past six road starts. The under is 8-2 in Lackey's past 10 vs. teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Cardinals and, yes, under. Lot of good pitchers going Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's six-pack

Odds to win the Canadian Open golf tournament this weekend.......

8-1-- Jason Day-- Have to be concerned if his vertigo flares up.

15-1-- Bubba Watson-Jim Furyk-Matt Kuchar

20-1-- Brooks Koepka-- Short week after Monday round in Scotland.

25-1-- Luke Donald-Graham DeLaet-- DeLaet is the home country hero.

30-1-- Ryan Palmer-JB Holmes

35-1-- Hunter Mahan

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Thursday

ORIOLES (Jimenez) @ YANKEES (Tanaka) 1:05 PM

Take: ORIOLES +140

There’s no question the Yankees rate the chalk role in this series finale. But beating baseball is an exercise in garnering value, which often means being willing to take an underdog even when you don’t think they’re even 50/50 to win the game. This clash is a good example of what I mean.

I make the Yankees roughly -130 to win today’s game. They’re clearly in better form and while it’s close, I would have to give Tanaka and edge over Jimenez on the starting pitcher front. But the line is considerably higher than that, which immediately had me considering the underdog Orioles today.

Aside from what I believe to be an inflated number, there are a couple other aspects here that I’ll add to the mix. The Yankees could be a bit short in the bullpen today. With Andrew Miller recently off the DL and having pitched both Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s doubtful Joe Girardi will use him today. Delia Betances is also off back to back appearances, although his pitch count on Wednesday was very minimal, so he’s probably available. Nevertheless, the fact the O’Day/Britton combo is fresh as a daisy, so if this is close late I see an advantage for Baltimore.

The Orioles should also be treating this as their biggest game of the season to date. They’re on the verge of getting blown out of the AL East race and a wring way sweep here would be devastating to their hopes of a second straight divisional crown. It’s hard to call a game in late July a must win, but this one is pretty to close to being exactly that for the Birds.

One other variable is that Ubaldo Jimenez will be my highest rated underdog pitcher on Thursday. That’s really a simple angle, but it’s also not the worst blind follow in the world. I have a rating for each starting pitcher and among all the underdogs on the slate today, Jimenez wins the award as the top dog.

All that said, it’s still a tough play as again, the Yankees definitely merit being favored here. But taking +140 is garnering me roughly 20 cents value based on the number I came up with, so I’ll tab the Orioles for today’s Bonus Play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play THURS Cards w/ Lackey -140

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Kansas City Royals vs St. Louis Cardinals

Bonus Play St. Louis Cardinals

I'm recommending a play on the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. Chris Young will give it a go tonight after pitching just five innings last time out due to tightness in his back. Young looked headed for the bullpen as a long reliever just a few days ago, but with the Jason Vargas injury, the tall veteran hurler may be called upon to remain in the rotation for a while. I don't like his chances in this one after allowing six walks and three home runs in his last 11 innings of work. I do like John Lackey's chances. The Cardinal righty has been superb in 10 home starts this season, posting a 1.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and allowing just three home runs in 70 2/3 IP. Despite their strong season, Kansas City has lost five straight road games against teams playing better than .600 baseball at home. Meanwhile, the Cards are on a 48-15 run at home and they're on a 14-2 run when Lackey toes the Busch Stadium rubber. I'm recommending a play on the Cardinals on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Thursday, July 23 is:

Pittsburgh Pirates (Liriano) over Washington Nationals (Fister).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Thursday, July 23

Trend Report

1:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NY YANKEES
Baltimore is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

1:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing at home against Seattle

3:35 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

3:35 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. NY METS
LA Dodgers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of LA Dodgers's last 20 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Mets's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games

7:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

8:10 PM
BOSTON vs. HOUSTON
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

9:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Arizona is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games

10:10 PM
MIAMI vs. SAN DIEGO
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 15 of San Diego's last 22 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s Thursday Bonus Play

Thursday, July 23

Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels

The Pick Los Angeles Angels -165



Richards Aims to Put 2 Good Starts Together

Garrett Richards was well into a very promising season last year when he injured his knee last August at Fenway Park. The return to his previous form has been a tedious one, but it appears that Richards might be right back where he was before August 20, 2014.

Richards Gets the Edge Over Former Angel Santana

Santana recently came back after serving a 50 game suspension for violation of the league’s drug policies. The results have been mixed, and like Richards did, he may need more time to recover.

Richards, Angels Santana, Twins

· Richards – 10-6, 3.24 era ; Santana – 1-0, 3.66 era

· Richards – 6-1, 1.89 era at home ; Santana – 1-0, 1.15 era (I start)

· Richards – 2-1, 2.05 era last 3 ; Santana – 1-0, 3.66 era last 3

· Richards – 1-0, 2.46 era vs Twins ; Santana – 0-1, 5.87 era vs Angels (2013)

· Richards – 9 innings, 2 hits, no runs last start

· Santana – 7 2/3 innings, 5 hits, no runs last start

Santana has only had 3 starts since he returned from suspension. His last start against Oakland was stellar and perhaps he has even improved with the rest. But Richards has made 17 starts since his returns and appears to be back in top form. The Angels have won 11 of those 17 starts. The Twins have won 2 of Santana’s 3 starts. The Angel bullpen has an era almost 1 full run lower at home than the Twins have on the road.

Angels Get the Offensive Nod Here in a Close One

The Angels have been playing great baseball. They had won 7 of their last 9 before last night’s game and have come from several games back to take the lead in the AL West. Strong performances by Albert Pujols and Mike Trout have paced the Angel run.

Angels Twins

· Angels - 4.3 runs per game ; Twins - 4.2 runs per game

· Angels – 4.2 runs per game, .252 average vs RHP ; Twins – 3.7 runs per game, .245 vs RHP

· Angels – 5.6 runs per game, .256 avg last 7 ; Twins – 4.6 runs per game, .251 avg last 7

· Angels – 3.6, .226 avg in day ; Twins – 4.2 runs per game, .256 avg in day

· Angels – 6th in MLB HR per game ; Twins – 20th in MLB HR per game

· Angels – 16th in MLB total bases per game ; Twins – 20th in MLB total bases per game

· Angels – 11th in MLB slugging % ; Minnesota – 19th in MLB slugging %

· Angels – 18th in MLB on base % ; Twins – 24th in MLB on base %

· Angels – 13th in MLB on base + slugging % ; Twins - 20th in MLB on base + slugging %

This is not an overwhelming edge to the Angels. It is lukewarm at best. But the Angels have 2 things the Twins don’t have – guys named Pujols and Trout. Tori Hunter and Joe Mauer just don’t ring the same bell.

Odds and Ends Edge Goes to Halos

· Angels 53-40 ; Twins – 50-43

· Angels – 30-18 home ; Twins – 19-27 road

· Angels – PLUS 0.7 run differential ; PLUS 0.1 run differential

· Angels – 12-3 in July ; Twins – 9-7 in July

· Angels – 37-32 vs RHP ; Twins – 31-30 vs RHP

· Angels – 10-14 in day ; Twins – 24-21 in day

· Angels – 16-12 vs team with winning rec ; Twins – 19-21 vs teams with winning rec

· Angels – 6-1 last 7 ; Twins 4-3 last 7

· Angels – 9-5 vs Twins last 3 years

· Angels – 1-0 vs Twins this season

· Angels – 5-2 vs Twins in Angel Stadium last 3 years

· Angels – 1-0 vs Twins in Angel Stadium this year

The Angels seem to have a decent edge in the odds and ends department. They are playing as well as anyone in MLB right now and have a nice home/road advantage here.

Coach’s Conclusion:

Unless Santana progresses and Richards regresses, the Halos should be able to win this game. Pujols and Trout are playing fantastic baseball and it seems like one other guy (Calhoun, Ianetta, etc) will step up every game. Richards should be able to keep the Twins in check enough to win this for the streaking Halos.

The Pick Los Angeles Angels -165

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Yankees

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (46-47) at New York Yankees (52-41)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: 138, -150 TOTAL: 8

Mark Teixeira has recorded a season-high four consecutive multi-hit performances to help the New York Yankees extend their cushion atop the American League East. Teixeira looks to continue his torrid pace on Thursday afternoon as New York vies for a sweep of the three-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

After ripping a pair of doubles in the opener, Teixeira belted his team-leading 24th homer to help manager Joe Girardi claim his 700th win with the Yankees in the team's 4-3 triumph on Wednesday. The Maryland native improved to 9-for-16 in last four games and 15-for-43 in season series, but is just 4-for-24 with nine strikeouts in his career versus Thursday starter Ubaldo Jimenez. A winner of 11 of 15 contests overall and 20 of its last 27 home outings, New York extended its lead to six games ahead of Baltimore in the division. Orioles slugger Chris Davis launched his 20th homer to match Manny Machado for the team lead, but is just 1-for-6 with three strikeouts versus Thursday starter Masahiro Tanaka.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (7-5, 3.29 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (6-3, 3.65)

Jimenez was blitzed for seven runs on as many hits - including three homers - in 4 2/3 innings of a 7-3 setback to Detroit on Friday. The 31-year-old Dominican fell to 0-2 in his last three outings following a four-start winning streak, which began on June 12 after he allowed three runs in five innings of an 11-3 triumph over New York. That victory improved Jimenez to 3-4 in his career versus the Yankees, although his 5.48 ERA and 1.73 WHIP versus the club leaves a bit to be desired.

Tanaka posted his second straight victory on Friday after yielding three runs on five hits in seven innings of a 4-3 win over Seattle. The 26-year-old Japan native routinely struggles with the home-run ball, having been taken deep twice against the Mariners and 10 times over his last seven starts. Tanaka lost his lone career decision in his last meeting with the Orioles despite permitting just three runs on six hits in seven frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore has dropped 11 of its last 15 since residing six games over .500 and in first place just three weeks ago.

2. New York 3B Alex Rodriguez belted his 20th homer on Wednesday, reaching the plateau for the 16th time in his career. The stretch ties him for fifth-most in league history behind Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Frank Robinson and Willie Mays.

3. Orioles SS J.J. Hardy is 5-for-17 with four runs scored and three RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Yankees 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Tigers

GAME: Seattle Mariners (43-52) at Detroit Tigers (47-47)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 1:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 134, -145 TOTAL: 8

With the trade deadline looming, David Price could be making his final start for the Detroit Tigers when they host the Seattle Mariners on Thursday afternoon. The Tigers are rumored to be shopping the standout left-hander due to a sputtering season in which they stand 10 1/2 games behind first-place Kansas City in the American League Central.

Detroit is 47-47 after defeating Seattle for the second time in three days but rumors are flying that team management is considering going into selling mode despite the Tigers being part of a bunched-up race for the wild card. Detroit is without slugger Miguel Cabrera (calf) and former ace Justin Verlander is a shell of the pitcher who won AL MVP honors in 2011. Third baseman Nick Castellanos hit his first career grand slam in Wednesday's 9-4 victory and all four of his July homers have come against the Mariners. Seattle right fielder Nelson Cruz has three homers in the series after belting two on Wednesday and is batting .368 with two homers in 19 career at-bats against Price.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1, 4.89 ERA) vs. Tigers LH David Price (9-3, 2.32)

Iwakuma has won back-to-back outings following a July 6 start in which he was hammered by the Tigers. He gave up five runs and eight hits in five-plus innings and wasn't involved in the decision despite allowing four homers. Iwakuma is 1-1 with a 3.54 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against Detroit.

Price matched a season best of 12 strikeouts in his last outing against Baltimore but suffered the loss despite allowing one run and six hits in seven innings. That snapped a streak in which Price won five consecutive decisions and eight of nine. Price is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler had four hits on Wednesday is 8-for-14 with six runs scored and two homers in the series.

2. Seattle CF Austin Jackson is 6-for-14 in the series against his former team.

3. Detroit RHP Joakim Soria recorded his 22nd save on Wednesday to raise his career total to 200.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Mariners 0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Angels

GAME: Minnesota Twins (50-44) at Los Angeles Angels (54-40)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 153, -166 TOTAL: 7

The Los Angeles Angels look to remain perfect since the All-Star break as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon. The surging Angels extended their winning streak to seven games Wednesday as they welcomed back superstar Mike Trout in a 5-2 triumph.

The All-Star went 0-for-4 as Los Angeles' designated hitter after missing the series opener with a sore left heel. Kole Calhoun went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Chris Iannetta belted a solo homer as the Angels improved to 6-0 on their post-break 10-game homestand. All-Star Brian Dozier delivered a two-run single for the Twins, who have lost four in a row. Minnesota has scored only five runs during its slide while surrendering a total of 29.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (1-0, 3.66 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (10-6, 3.24)

Santana has been superb in two of his three starts this season, including a victory at Oakland on Friday in which he scattered five hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings. The 32-year-old Dominican recorded only one strikeout against the Athletics after notching 13 in 12 frames over his first two outings. Santana was tagged for five runs and eight hits — four homers — on May 23, 2013 in his lone career start versus the Angels, for whom he pitched from 2005-12.

Richards bounced back from a rough start at Seattle by tossing a two-hit shutout — the second of his career — against Boston on Saturday. The 27-year-old has yielded two earned runs or fewer in five of his last seven outings, going 5-2 in that span. Richards is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in two career games (one start) versus Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels, who are two games ahead of second-place Houston in the American League West, have won 17 of their last 20 contests.

2. Minnesota rookie DH Miguel Sano went 0-for-3 with two walks in his return from a mildly sprained right ankle.

3. Los Angeles 3B David Freese suffered a broken right index finger when he was hit by a pitch from Mike Pelfrey and is expected to be placed on the disabled list Thursday.

PREDICTION: Angels 3, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Athletics

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (48-48) at Oakland Athletics (44-52)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: -101, -107 TOTAL: 7.5

The Oakland Athletics attempt to clinch a winning homestand when they take on the Toronto Blue Jays in the rubber match of their three-game series Thursday afternoon. Oakland posted a 4-3 victory in 10 innings Wednesday to even the set and improve to 3-2 on its string of six straight at home.

Pinch-hitter Ike Davis delivered a walk-off infield single with two outs after the Athletics squandered a two-run lead. Toronto rallied to force extra innings as Danny Valencia belted a solo homer in the seventh before Jose Bautista drew a bases-loaded walk from Tyler Clippard with one out in the ninth. The Blue Jays fell to 3-2 since the All-Star break and have lost six of their last 10 overall. They have especially struggled on the road, where they are 4-8 this month.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (3-10, 4.70 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Scott Kazmir (5-5, 2.38)

The knuckleballer's start was pushed up a day when scheduled starter Drew Hutchison was scratched due to flu-like symptoms. Dickey has lost his past four decisions, although he only has given up a total of three earned runs in his past two turns. Dickey is 2-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 16 appearances (12 starts) against Oakland.

Kazmir has allowed one earned run over his last three starts but is just 1-0 in that span. The 31-year-old, who exited his previous outing with a triceps issue, left Saturday's turn against Minnesota with a 2-0 lead after giving up one run and five hits in 8 1/3 innings but was denied the win thanks to an ineffective bullpen. Kazmir has made 17 career starts versus Toronto, going 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays C Russell Martin collected three hits Wednesday to improve to 5-for-8 in the series.

2. Oakland manager Bob Melvin was ejected in the fifth inning Wednesday for arguing balls and strikes, marking the second time this season he has been tossed.

3. Toronto RHP Aaron Sanchez (lat) is expected to make at least one more rehab start before being activated from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Pirates

GAME: Washington Nationals (51-42) at Pittsburgh Pirates (54-40)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 154, -167 TOTAL: 7

Coming off one of their most dramatic victories of the season, the Washington Nationals could be without another starter when they open a 10-game road trip at the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night. Third baseman Yunel Escobar, Washington's second-leading hitter, exited Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the New York Mets and will undergo an MRI exam on his left hand and wrist.

The Nationals, who are already down four starters, rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to open up a three-game lead over the Mets atop the National League Central. The Pirates own a better record than Washington but trail first-place St. Louis in the NL Central by six games after losing five of their first six coming out of the All-Star break. Pittsburgh has been limited to one run four times during that stretch, including back-to-back losses at Kansas City on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Nationals won the last seven meetings between the clubs, including a three-game sweep at home last month in which they outscored the Pirates 19-3.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Doug Fister (3-5, 4.30 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (5-6, 2.98)

Fister has alternated mediocre and solid starts since spending more than a month on the disabled list with tightness in his right forearm. He lasted five innings and was reached for four runs on nine hits over five innings in a 4-2 loss to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in his last turn. The 31-year-old has struggled away from home, posting a 1-3 record with a 5.13 ERA and .330 batting average against in five road starts.

Liriano has been pitching well since a three-start losing streak in mid-May, but he was a late scratch in his last turn due to stiffness in his neck. The 31-year-old Dominican is unbeaten over his last four outings, giving up a total of six runs and 20 hits over 26 1/3 innings, but he has only one win to show for it. Liriano is 1-2 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts versus the Nationals, though he's held them to a .221 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper homered and drove in a pair of runs in each of his last two games against Pittsburgh.

2. Pirates OF Starling Marte was 8-for-13 in the three-game series versus Kansas City.

3. Nationals SS Ian Desmond reached base four times Wednesday to cap a 5-for-9 series against New York.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Nationals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Indians

GAME: Chicago White Sox (42-50) at Cleveland Indians (45-48)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 125, -135 TOTAL: 7.5

The Cleveland Indians were hoping for a fast start out of the All-Star break to convince management that the team was ready to compete for a wild-card spot in the American League. After going 3-2 on the five-game road trip out of the break, the Indians will try to take advantage of the stumbling Chicago White Sox on Thursday and continue to move forward in the opener of a four-game series.

Cleveland (45-48) is hovering around the fringes of the wild-card race and needs a strong showing on a seven-game homestand before hitting the road again around the July 31 trade deadline. The Indians’ 19-26 home record is the worst in the AL Central, and the team ranks 12th in the AL in slugging percentage (.389) and ERA (4.18) at home. The White Sox are no longer uncertain about their future and could be auditioning right-hander Jeff Samardzija for a trade when he takes the mound opposite Cleveland righty Trevor Bauer on Thursday. Chicago has dropped four straight and six of seven after squandering the lead and falling 3-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Jeff Samardzija (6-5, 4.08 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (8-6, 4.03)

Samardzija shut out the Toronto Blue Jays on four hits in his final start before the All-Star break but was not as sharp coming back, yielding four runs on seven hits – including two homers – and three walks over seven innings in a loss to Kansas City. The Notre Dame product is the most likely of Chicago’s available pieces to leave at the deadline and has gone at least seven innings in each of his last eight starts. Samardzija scattered six hits over six scoreless frames to earn a win over Cleveland on April 22.

Bauer had some trouble after a nine-day layoff and was reached for five runs on seven hits in four innings to lose at Cincinnati on Friday. The UCLA product won his two starts prior to the All-Star break while allowing a total of four runs in 14 1/3 frames. Bauer is 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA in five career starts against Chicago, with both wins coming earlier this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians OF/1B Nick Swisher (knee) is expected to play the outfield in a rehab assignment at Double-A Akron on Thursday.

2. Chicago DH Adam LaRoche is 4-for-32 since July 9.

3. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley went 4-for-5 on Wednesday and has nine RBIs in his last four games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Indians 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Mets

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (54-42) at New York Mets (49-46)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: -206, 189 TOTAL: 6.5

The New York Mets look to dust themselves off following a demoralizing defeat when they begin a 10-game homestand on Thursday with the opener of a four-game series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. New York found itself four outs shy of moving within one game of National League East-leading Washington, only to see the bottom fall out with their fourth setback in six outings in a 4-3 loss to the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon.

The news doesn't get much better for the light-hitting Mets, who face three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP Clayton Kershaw in the series opener. Ruben Tejada has collected five RBIs and five runs scored during his 10-game hitting streak and is 5-for-10 in his career against Kershaw. NL West-leading Los Angeles prevented its first three-game skid in over a month with a 3-1 triumph over Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon. The Dodgers are 3-3 on their 10-game road trip heading into their set at Citi Field.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNLA (Los Angeles), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (7-6, 2.68 ERA) vs. Mets RH Bartolo Colon (9-8, 4.86)

Kershaw was simply masterful in his last outing, striking out 14 and scattering three singles over eight scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory over Washington. The 27-year-old has allowed just two earned runs and struck out 43 in his last four outings (31 innings) to move above .500 on the season. Kershaw owns a brilliant 5-0 mark with a 1.58 ERA in eight career starts versus New York, but settled for a no-decision despite yielding just one run on five hits in seven innings on July 3.

Colon suffered his fourth straight losing decision on Saturday after getting blitzed for seven runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 12-2 setback to St. Louis. The 42-year-old Dominican certainly has cooled off after a hot start to the season, permitting 21 runs on 37 hits in the four losses (20 2/3 frames). Colon allowed two runs in six innings to win his last meeting with Los Angeles, but owns just a 2-4 mark with a 6.03 ERA against the Dodgers while allowing them to bat .313 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles' Brett Anderson irritated his left Achilles tendon in Tuesday's contest, prompting manager Don Mattingly to note that he is uncertain if the right-hander will make Sunday's start versus New York.

2. Mets OF Curtis Granderson is 10-for-31 with five runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak after going 1-for-16 in his previous five.

3. Dodgers SS Jimmy Rollins had an RBI double on Wednesday, but is still 1-for-19 in his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 2, Mets 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Cardinals

GAME: Kansas City Royals (57-36) at St. Louis Cardinals (60-34)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 126, -137 TOTAL: 7

The two top teams in baseball will square off Thursday night when the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals in a make-up game from last month. St. Louis, which owns the best home and overall record in the majors, has won the past three meetings in the I-70 Series this season, outscoring the American League Central-leading Royals 13-3.

The Cardinals are 33-12 at Busch Stadium entering their 11-game homestand and have a chance to put a stranglehold on the National League Central, with their next three opponents after Thursday's matchup a combined 27 games under .500. Kansas City has won 12 of 15 to move a season-high 21 games over .500. Third baseman Mike Moustakas has three homers and eight RBIs in seven games since the All-Star break after going deep only three times in the previous 48 contests. The Royals send Chris Young to the mound to oppose Cardinals right-hander John Lackey, who lost a rain-shortened decision at Kansas City on May 23 before his scheduled start against the Royals last month was washed out.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Chris Young (8-5, 3.03 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH John Lackey (8-5, 2.90)

Young lasted only five innings but halted a three-start winless drought in his last outing, allowing two runs on three hits in a 4-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Young has been victimized by the long ball of late, surrendering at least two homers in three of his last six turns. Young, who is 1-3 with a 2.93 ERA lifetime against the Cardinals, has not pitched beyond six innings in each of his last six starts.

Lackey has been on a roll since the rainout versus the Royals last month, registering seven straight quality starts and going 4-1 while permitting a total of nine runs in that span. He gave up 10 hits in seven innings last time out versus the Mets but limited the damage to one run. Lackey has excelled at home this season with a 6-2 mark and 1.91 ERA, but he is only 3-5 with a 3.67 ERA in 11 starts against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 1B Eric Hosmer is 20-for-45 over his last 11 games.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina has hit safely in four straight games after going 6-for-9 with five RBIs in a two-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox.

3. The Royals recalled RHP Yordano Ventura from the minors Wednesday after learning that LHP Jason Vargas must undergo Tommy John elbow surgery.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Astros

GAME: Boston Red Sox (42-53) at Houston Astros (53-43)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 126, -136 TOTAL: 8

The Houston Astros are doing what they know how to do best – hitting home runs to support strong starting pitching. The Astros will try to use that formula again when they go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

Houston bashed three home runs – two by Preston Tucker – in support of Collin McHugh in Wednesday’s 4-2 triumph after Chris Carter’s blast put an exclamation point on Tuesday’s 8-3 triumph. The Red Sox are proving to be an easy mark for American League West teams looking to improve their playoff position and have been outscored 34-9 while dropping six in a row to the Los Angeles Angels and the Astros since the All-Star break. Boston has lost seven straight overall and has nothing to cheer except the play of Xander Bogaerts, who drove in a run in each of the last three contests. Wade Miley will try to keep the Houston offense in the ballpark when he goes up against Lance McCullers on Thursday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), ROOT Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (8-8, 4.49 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (4-3, 2.52)

Miley took a no-hitter into the seventh inning at Los Angeles on Friday and settled for a no-decision despite yielding one hit and striking out six in seven scoreless frames. That marked the longest stint for the Louisiana native since a 7 1/3-inning effort against Oakland on June 5. Miley is undefeated in his career against Houston, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.00 ERA in three starts.

McCullers is making his first start since July 12, when he struck out 10 at Tampa Bay but suffered the loss while allowing four runs in six innings. The 21-year-old is struggling with his control of late and issued a total of 18 walks in his last six starts. McCullers started at Boston on July 5 and limited the damage to one run in five innings despite yielding seven hits and walking three.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz (strained flexor) received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow and will not throw for an unspecified period of time.

2. Tucker is 5-for-9 with three homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in his last two games.

3. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia doubled in a run on Wednesday to improve to 1-for-22 since the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Red Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Diamondbacks

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (42-53) at Arizona Diamondbacks (43-50)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: -121, 112 TOTAL: 8.5

Milwaukee's Adam Lind is enjoying a nice bounce-back season and looks for another solid showing when the Brewers open a four-game road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Lind recorded four hits -including a homer - and four RBIs in Wednesday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland, giving him 16 blasts and 54 RBIs this season after registering just six and 40 for Toronto last year.

The loss to the Indians snapped a four-game winning streak for the Brewers, who have performed better on the road (22-24) than at home (20-29). Milwaukee's Gerardo Parra is 11-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak, and his name is picking up steam on the trade-rumor circuit. Arizona has dropped five of its last six games after falling to Miami 5-3 on Wednesday. David Peralta exited after being beaned in the head by Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, and his status for the series opener is not yet known.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Mike Fiers (5-7, 3.79 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (NR)

Fiers is 2-0 over his last five turns, allowing two or fewer runs in four of the outings. He defeated Pittsburgh in his last start, when he gave up one run and three hits over seven innings. Fiers is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two career starts against Arizona.

Godley is being recalled from Double-A Mobile to start in place of the injured Chase Anderson (triceps). The 25-year-old was 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in three turns for Mobile after going 8-3 with a 2.27 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) at Single-A Visalia. Godley was acquired in the offseason deal that sent Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers RF Ryan Braun is 2-for-15 since the All-Star break.

2. Arizona C Welington Castillo (hamstring) could be limited to pinch-hitting duties for the second straight game.

3. Milwaukee 2B Scooter Gennett recorded three hits on Wednesday and is 11-for-21 during his six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Brewers 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Padres

GAME: Miami Marlins (40-55) at San Diego Padres (44-51)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 23 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 134, -145 TOTAL: 6.5

The San Diego Padres briefly showed signs of life upon the resumption of play after the All-Star break, but back-to-back losses have tempered the excitement. San Diego's five-game winning streak was followed by two straight poor outings against San Francisco - losses by a cumulative 16-4 score - as it enters a four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins on Thursday.

San Diego could be without All-Star Justin Upton (oblique) for the fourth straight game. Upton is a free agent at the end of the season and his name is circulating in trade rumors with the Padres suffering through a disappointing campaign. Miami enters the series with consecutive victories over Arizona after losing nine of its previous 12 contests. The Marlins have badly missed slugger Giancarlo Stanton (wrist), who is still more than two weeks away from returning to action.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (7-6, 3.38 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (6-7, 3.38)

Koehler has lost consecutive starts after winning his previous three decisions. He fell to Philadelphia in his last turn as he gave up three runs (two earned) and three hits over six innings. Koehler is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against San Diego and struggles against Upton (6-for-16, one homer).

Ross has won his last three decisions and allowed nine runs over his last six starts. He received a no-decision in his last outing against Colorado after giving up three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. Ross is 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres CF Melvin Upton Jr. is 3-for-18 with nine strikeouts over his last six contests.

2. Miami LF Christian Yelich went 0-for-3 on Wednesday to halt his seven-game hitting streak.

3. San Diego demoted struggling 3B Will Middlebrooks (.212) to Triple-A El Paso and recalled OF Abraham Almonte - who recorded two hits on Wednesday -from the same club.

PREDICTION: Padres 5, Marlins 4