Preview: Diamondbacks at Mets
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (47-66) at New York Mets (57-56)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets turned their offense and their season around at this time last season, but that doesn’t appear to be happening in 2016. The Mets will try to avoid a three-game sweep against a last-place club when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series on Thursday.
New York fell to 10-15 since the All-Star break with Wednesday’s 3-2 setback in 12 innings and dropped 2 1/2 games behind the division-rival Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second National League wild card. The Mets are last in the majors in team batting average and 29th in runs, and Jay Bruce is just 6-for-32 with four RBIs since joining the team in a deal designed to boost the offense at the trade deadline. The Diamondbacks are trying to play spoiler over the last two months and brought New York’s hopes up only to dash them on Wednesday. Jake Barrett squandered a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning but Oscar Hernandez came up for Arizona in the 12th and smashed his first career home run.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Braden Shipley (1-1, 4.15 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-6, 2.64)
Shipley is making his fourth career major-league start and looking for his third consecutive quality start. The 24-year-old was ripped for six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Milwaukee in his debut on July 25 but surrendered a total of two runs and nine hits in 12 innings over the last two. Shipley struggled a bit with his control on Friday, issuing six walks in as many innings.
Syndergaard has not gotten enough run support to earn a win in any of his last five outings and is 0-3 over that span despite a 3.49 ERA. The Texan’s worst start in that span came at Detroit on Friday, when he was reached for four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in six innings. Syndergaard has faced Arizona once in his young career and struck out a career-high 13 while allowing one run and four hits across eight innings on July 10, 2015.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets INF Jose Reyes (oblique) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday.
2. Diamondbacks 2B Jean Segura is 8-for-20 with a home run, three doubles and four stolen bases in the last four games.
3. Arizona OF Yasmany Tomas (stiff neck) missed the last two games and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Diamondbacks 0
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (47-66) at New York Mets (57-56)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets turned their offense and their season around at this time last season, but that doesn’t appear to be happening in 2016. The Mets will try to avoid a three-game sweep against a last-place club when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series on Thursday.
New York fell to 10-15 since the All-Star break with Wednesday’s 3-2 setback in 12 innings and dropped 2 1/2 games behind the division-rival Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second National League wild card. The Mets are last in the majors in team batting average and 29th in runs, and Jay Bruce is just 6-for-32 with four RBIs since joining the team in a deal designed to boost the offense at the trade deadline. The Diamondbacks are trying to play spoiler over the last two months and brought New York’s hopes up only to dash them on Wednesday. Jake Barrett squandered a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning but Oscar Hernandez came up for Arizona in the 12th and smashed his first career home run.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Braden Shipley (1-1, 4.15 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-6, 2.64)
Shipley is making his fourth career major-league start and looking for his third consecutive quality start. The 24-year-old was ripped for six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Milwaukee in his debut on July 25 but surrendered a total of two runs and nine hits in 12 innings over the last two. Shipley struggled a bit with his control on Friday, issuing six walks in as many innings.
Syndergaard has not gotten enough run support to earn a win in any of his last five outings and is 0-3 over that span despite a 3.49 ERA. The Texan’s worst start in that span came at Detroit on Friday, when he was reached for four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in six innings. Syndergaard has faced Arizona once in his young career and struck out a career-high 13 while allowing one run and four hits across eight innings on July 10, 2015.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets INF Jose Reyes (oblique) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday.
2. Diamondbacks 2B Jean Segura is 8-for-20 with a home run, three doubles and four stolen bases in the last four games.
3. Arizona OF Yasmany Tomas (stiff neck) missed the last two games and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Diamondbacks 0
Preview: Padres at Pirates
GAME: San Diego Padres (49-64) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-55)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 12:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Before their schedule becomes significantly more difficult, the Pittsburgh Pirates have one more game against a National League also-ran when they take on the visiting San Diego Padres in the rubber game of a three-game set Thursday afternoon. The Pirates are a disappointing 9-10 during a stretch that saw them play 18 of 20 games against losing NL teams after dropping a 4-0 decision Wednesday.
They managed two singles against Edwin Jackson and two Padres relievers to dip 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. Following the series finale, Pittsburgh has 15 of its next 19 games against teams currently holding winning records, including road series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants and the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. Pirates rookie Jameson Taillon will be making his 10th start and is in search of his first home win as he opposes southpaw Christian Friedrich in the finale. Andrew McCutchen, who had one of Pittsburgh's two hits Thursday but is still hitting just .242, is 2-for-3 with a home run against Friedrich.
TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Christian Friedrich (4-7, 4.76 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.29)
Friedrich matched his longest start of the season with seven innings against Philadelphia on Friday, but he was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs. The Eastern Kentucky product is 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA in his last five road appearances. Friedrich has allowed five runs in 6 2/3 innings across four career games (one start) versus Pittsburgh.
Taillon has lasted exactly six innings in each of his last five starts, allowing a total of eight earned runs in that span. He let up one run and six hits in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Friday, giving the 24-year-old four consecutive quality starts without a victory. Taillon, who has not faced the Padres, has an impressive 28 strikeouts and one walk in his five-game hot streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Padres are aiming to win their 15th series in 16 tries at PNC Park since it opened in 2001.
2. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli exited Wednesday's contest with left wrist pain.
3. San Diego CF Travis Jankowski has eight stolen bases in his last nine games, including a theft of home to cap the scoring Wednesday night.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Padres 3
GAME: San Diego Padres (49-64) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-55)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 12:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Before their schedule becomes significantly more difficult, the Pittsburgh Pirates have one more game against a National League also-ran when they take on the visiting San Diego Padres in the rubber game of a three-game set Thursday afternoon. The Pirates are a disappointing 9-10 during a stretch that saw them play 18 of 20 games against losing NL teams after dropping a 4-0 decision Wednesday.
They managed two singles against Edwin Jackson and two Padres relievers to dip 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. Following the series finale, Pittsburgh has 15 of its next 19 games against teams currently holding winning records, including road series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants and the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. Pirates rookie Jameson Taillon will be making his 10th start and is in search of his first home win as he opposes southpaw Christian Friedrich in the finale. Andrew McCutchen, who had one of Pittsburgh's two hits Thursday but is still hitting just .242, is 2-for-3 with a home run against Friedrich.
TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Christian Friedrich (4-7, 4.76 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.29)
Friedrich matched his longest start of the season with seven innings against Philadelphia on Friday, but he was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs. The Eastern Kentucky product is 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA in his last five road appearances. Friedrich has allowed five runs in 6 2/3 innings across four career games (one start) versus Pittsburgh.
Taillon has lasted exactly six innings in each of his last five starts, allowing a total of eight earned runs in that span. He let up one run and six hits in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Friday, giving the 24-year-old four consecutive quality starts without a victory. Taillon, who has not faced the Padres, has an impressive 28 strikeouts and one walk in his five-game hot streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Padres are aiming to win their 15th series in 16 tries at PNC Park since it opened in 2001.
2. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli exited Wednesday's contest with left wrist pain.
3. San Diego CF Travis Jankowski has eight stolen bases in his last nine games, including a theft of home to cap the scoring Wednesday night.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Padres 3
Preview: Astros at Twins
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros made a bold personnel decision by designating Carlos Gomez for assignment and hope the transaction can be looked back on as a courageous factor in their wild-card push. The Astros have the opportunity to record two wins on Thursday, when they visit the Minnesota Twins for a split doubleheader after Wednesday's game was postponed by rain.
The Astros, who trail Boston, Detroit and Seattle in the battle for the American League's second wild card, decided they no longer could live with the sub-par performances of Gomez. The two-time All-Star center fielder made two key defensive miscues on Monday in his final start for Houston and batted a disappointing .210 with five homers and 100 strikeouts this season. "It's not a secret that I wasn't doing my job," Gomez told reporters. "I'm really disappointed in myself. The organization traded for me because they needed a center fielder, and they gave me all the opportunity and I didn't do my job. I feel bad about this." Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games and Brian Dozier is on a tear with six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Doug Fister (10-7, 3.47 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (2-2, 8.31)
Fister, who is winless in his last three starts, settled for a no-decision in his last turn after allowing one run and nine hits in six innings against Texas. He has yielded seven runs over his last four starts, with six of them coming in a loss to the New York Yankees. Fister is 5-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 12 career starts against the Twins and has struggled with Dozier (6-for-11, one homer).
Berrios is making the seventh start of his rookie campaign and third during his second stint in the majors. He lost to Tampa Bay on Saturday, when he gave up four runs and six hits in five innings. Berrios recorded his first major-league victory on May 2 as he limited Houston to two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings, with the Astros' runs coming on solo homers by George Springer and Preston Tucker.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve, who was 4-for-4 on Tuesday, is batting .424 in August to raise his major league-leading average to .361.
2. The Twins placed RHP Trevor May (back) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP J.T. Chargois from Triple-A Rochester.
3. Houston will recall LHP Kevin Chapman from Triple-A Fresno as the 26th player for the second game, while Minnesota will summon LHP Andrew Albers from Rochester.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Twins 3
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros made a bold personnel decision by designating Carlos Gomez for assignment and hope the transaction can be looked back on as a courageous factor in their wild-card push. The Astros have the opportunity to record two wins on Thursday, when they visit the Minnesota Twins for a split doubleheader after Wednesday's game was postponed by rain.
The Astros, who trail Boston, Detroit and Seattle in the battle for the American League's second wild card, decided they no longer could live with the sub-par performances of Gomez. The two-time All-Star center fielder made two key defensive miscues on Monday in his final start for Houston and batted a disappointing .210 with five homers and 100 strikeouts this season. "It's not a secret that I wasn't doing my job," Gomez told reporters. "I'm really disappointed in myself. The organization traded for me because they needed a center fielder, and they gave me all the opportunity and I didn't do my job. I feel bad about this." Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games and Brian Dozier is on a tear with six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Doug Fister (10-7, 3.47 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (2-2, 8.31)
Fister, who is winless in his last three starts, settled for a no-decision in his last turn after allowing one run and nine hits in six innings against Texas. He has yielded seven runs over his last four starts, with six of them coming in a loss to the New York Yankees. Fister is 5-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 12 career starts against the Twins and has struggled with Dozier (6-for-11, one homer).
Berrios is making the seventh start of his rookie campaign and third during his second stint in the majors. He lost to Tampa Bay on Saturday, when he gave up four runs and six hits in five innings. Berrios recorded his first major-league victory on May 2 as he limited Houston to two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings, with the Astros' runs coming on solo homers by George Springer and Preston Tucker.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve, who was 4-for-4 on Tuesday, is batting .424 in August to raise his major league-leading average to .361.
2. The Twins placed RHP Trevor May (back) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP J.T. Chargois from Triple-A Rochester.
3. Houston will recall LHP Kevin Chapman from Triple-A Fresno as the 26th player for the second game, while Minnesota will summon LHP Andrew Albers from Rochester.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Twins 3
Preview: Rockies at Rangers
GAME: Colorado Rockies (55-59) at Texas Rangers (68-47)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 2:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers look to record their sixth consecutive victory and complete a sweep when they host the Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon for the finale of their four-game, home-and-home interleague set. After winning both contests in Colorado to complete a 5-3 road trip, the American League West-leading Rangers eked out a 5-4 triumph at home on Wednesday thanks to Adrian Beltre's two-run single in the eighth inning.
Ian Desmond also notched two RBIs while Jonathan Lucroy continued his power surge, belting his fourth home run in eight games since being acquired from Milwaukee to pull within one of his career high of 18 set in 2013. Colorado's postseason hopes took another hit as the club suffered its fourth straight loss to fall five games back in the race for the second wild-card spot in the National League. David Dahl inched closer to a major-league record Wednesday, ripping a two-run triple to extend his career-opening hitting streak to 16 games - one shy of the all-time mark set in 1941 by Cincinnati's Chuck Aleno. The 22-year-old Dahl, who has tripled in three of his last five contests, also will eclipse the franchise record set in 2000 by Juan Pierre with a hit in a 17th straight game.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (10-6, 5.13 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Lucas Harrell (3-2, 3.46)
Bettis extended his unbeaten streak to six starts Saturday, notching his fourth victory in that span after allowing three runs in six innings against Miami. The 27-year-old native of Lubbock, Texas, who has recorded five quality starts in as many turns since the All-Star break, has yielded three runs or fewer in each outing during his unbeaten stretch. Bettis, who never has faced the Rangers, is 5-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 13 road starts this season.
Harrell lasted only 3 2/3 innings at Houston on Saturday in his second start for Texas after being acquired from Atlanta and did not factor in the decision after giving up only one run despite yielding five hits and five walks. The 31-year-old from Missouri won his debut with the Rangers on July 31, an outing in which he allowed three runs and four hits - two homers - over six frames against Kansas City. Harrell fell to 2-3 in five career starts against Colorado on July 15, when he was tagged for seven runs - five earned - on seven hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings while with the Braves.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rangers are tops in the majors with 36 comeback victories.
2. Colorado's bullpen has blown leads after the seventh inning in four of the club's last six games.
3. Texas leads the AL with 19 home runs from the catching position.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Rangers 3
GAME: Colorado Rockies (55-59) at Texas Rangers (68-47)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 2:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers look to record their sixth consecutive victory and complete a sweep when they host the Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon for the finale of their four-game, home-and-home interleague set. After winning both contests in Colorado to complete a 5-3 road trip, the American League West-leading Rangers eked out a 5-4 triumph at home on Wednesday thanks to Adrian Beltre's two-run single in the eighth inning.
Ian Desmond also notched two RBIs while Jonathan Lucroy continued his power surge, belting his fourth home run in eight games since being acquired from Milwaukee to pull within one of his career high of 18 set in 2013. Colorado's postseason hopes took another hit as the club suffered its fourth straight loss to fall five games back in the race for the second wild-card spot in the National League. David Dahl inched closer to a major-league record Wednesday, ripping a two-run triple to extend his career-opening hitting streak to 16 games - one shy of the all-time mark set in 1941 by Cincinnati's Chuck Aleno. The 22-year-old Dahl, who has tripled in three of his last five contests, also will eclipse the franchise record set in 2000 by Juan Pierre with a hit in a 17th straight game.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (10-6, 5.13 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Lucas Harrell (3-2, 3.46)
Bettis extended his unbeaten streak to six starts Saturday, notching his fourth victory in that span after allowing three runs in six innings against Miami. The 27-year-old native of Lubbock, Texas, who has recorded five quality starts in as many turns since the All-Star break, has yielded three runs or fewer in each outing during his unbeaten stretch. Bettis, who never has faced the Rangers, is 5-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 13 road starts this season.
Harrell lasted only 3 2/3 innings at Houston on Saturday in his second start for Texas after being acquired from Atlanta and did not factor in the decision after giving up only one run despite yielding five hits and five walks. The 31-year-old from Missouri won his debut with the Rangers on July 31, an outing in which he allowed three runs and four hits - two homers - over six frames against Kansas City. Harrell fell to 2-3 in five career starts against Colorado on July 15, when he was tagged for seven runs - five earned - on seven hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings while with the Braves.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rangers are tops in the majors with 36 comeback victories.
2. Colorado's bullpen has blown leads after the seventh inning in four of the club's last six games.
3. Texas leads the AL with 19 home runs from the catching position.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Rangers 3
Preview: Braves at Brewers
GAME: Atlanta Braves (43-71) at Milwaukee Brewers (50-62)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Milwaukee Brewers attempt to earn a split of their four-game set against Atlanta when they host the Braves in the series finale on Thursday afternoon. After a 2-4 road trip to begin the month, Milwaukee opened the series with a pair of one-run losses before turning the tables and recording a 4-3 triumph on Wednesday.
Chris Carter highlighted a four-run third inning with a three-run homer and Ryan Braun drove in a run while recording a pair of hits to improve to 5-for-11 with a blast and two RBIs over the first three games of the set. Atlanta had won four in a row before Wednesday's setback, which dropped it to 4-2 on its 10-game road trip. Freddie Freeman had a superb night at the plate in the defeat, going 3-for-3 with a walk and a pair of solo shots to push him over the 20-homer plateau for the fourth time in his career and first since he belted a career high-tying 23 in 2013. It was the eighth career two-homer performance and second of the season for Freeman, who also went deep twice on May 20 at Philadelphia.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (3-4, 5.03)
Hernandez was victorious in his season - and Braves' - debut on Saturday after allowing three runs and six hits in five innings at St. Louis. The 35-year-old Dominican had not appeared in the majors since last year, when he went 3-5 with a 4.36 ERA in 20 games (11 starts) with Houston. Hernandez has pitched well against Milwaukee in his career, going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in four games (three starts).
Garza looks to win his third consecutive start after giving up five runs - three earned - and seven hits over 11 1/3 innings in victories over Pittsburgh and Arizona. Prior to a no-decision and the back-to-back wins, the 32-year-old Californian had surrendered four or more runs in five straight outings. Garza has yet to defeat Atlanta in his career, going 0-4 with a 4.93 ERA in six starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers OF Domingo Santana (elbow) could return from his rehab assignment next week.
2. Atlanta RHP Joel De La Cruz suffered a right knee contusion on Wednesday and is day-to-day after X-rays were negative.
3. Braun has collected 12 RBIs in eight games this month.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Braves 2
GAME: Atlanta Braves (43-71) at Milwaukee Brewers (50-62)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Milwaukee Brewers attempt to earn a split of their four-game set against Atlanta when they host the Braves in the series finale on Thursday afternoon. After a 2-4 road trip to begin the month, Milwaukee opened the series with a pair of one-run losses before turning the tables and recording a 4-3 triumph on Wednesday.
Chris Carter highlighted a four-run third inning with a three-run homer and Ryan Braun drove in a run while recording a pair of hits to improve to 5-for-11 with a blast and two RBIs over the first three games of the set. Atlanta had won four in a row before Wednesday's setback, which dropped it to 4-2 on its 10-game road trip. Freddie Freeman had a superb night at the plate in the defeat, going 3-for-3 with a walk and a pair of solo shots to push him over the 20-homer plateau for the fourth time in his career and first since he belted a career high-tying 23 in 2013. It was the eighth career two-homer performance and second of the season for Freeman, who also went deep twice on May 20 at Philadelphia.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (3-4, 5.03)
Hernandez was victorious in his season - and Braves' - debut on Saturday after allowing three runs and six hits in five innings at St. Louis. The 35-year-old Dominican had not appeared in the majors since last year, when he went 3-5 with a 4.36 ERA in 20 games (11 starts) with Houston. Hernandez has pitched well against Milwaukee in his career, going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in four games (three starts).
Garza looks to win his third consecutive start after giving up five runs - three earned - and seven hits over 11 1/3 innings in victories over Pittsburgh and Arizona. Prior to a no-decision and the back-to-back wins, the 32-year-old Californian had surrendered four or more runs in five straight outings. Garza has yet to defeat Atlanta in his career, going 0-4 with a 4.93 ERA in six starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers OF Domingo Santana (elbow) could return from his rehab assignment next week.
2. Atlanta RHP Joel De La Cruz suffered a right knee contusion on Wednesday and is day-to-day after X-rays were negative.
3. Braun has collected 12 RBIs in eight games this month.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Braves 2
Preview: Orioles at Athletics
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-50) at Oakland Athletics (51-63)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletics have scored just six runs against Baltimore over the past three nights but are in position to record a four-game sweep when they host the Orioles in Thursday's series finale. Oakland has posted three straight one-run victories and has limited Baltimore to three runs and 17 hits.
The Orioles have dropped 10 of their last 15 games and the offensive issues have led to the club falling one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East. Center fielder Adam Jones is 6-for-12 in the series but All-Star right fielder Mark Trumbo is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts and catcher Matt Wieters is 1-for-10. The Athletics have scored just nine runs over the first six contests of a 10-game homestand and Wednesday's lone run came courtesy of first baseman Yonder Alonso's third-inning double. Oakland cleanup hitter Khris Davis is just 1-for-10 in the series and has gone eight games without a homer.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (14-4, 3.50 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Andrew Triggs (0-0, 5.35)
Tillman lost just twice over his first 21 outings before going 0-2 with a 5.94 ERA over his plast three turns. He lost to the Chicago White Sox in his last start when he gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings. Tillman is 3-0 with a 2.58 ERA in six career starts against Oakland, including a victory May 8 when he allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Triggs is being called on to make his second start of the season as the shorthanded rotation is without injured starters Sonny Gray and Jesse Hahn. He started against the Los Angeles Angels on June 18 and gave up one run and three hits in three-plus innings before departing. Opponents are batting .297 against Triggs but he has struck out 34 in 33 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore LHP T.J. McFarland (knee) pitched three scoreless innings for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Orioles and will make another rehab appearance for Single-A Frederick on Monday.
2. Oakland LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder) could begin a rehab stint next week.
3. Trumbo is just 7-for-61 with one homer over his past 16 contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Athletics 2
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-50) at Oakland Athletics (51-63)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletics have scored just six runs against Baltimore over the past three nights but are in position to record a four-game sweep when they host the Orioles in Thursday's series finale. Oakland has posted three straight one-run victories and has limited Baltimore to three runs and 17 hits.
The Orioles have dropped 10 of their last 15 games and the offensive issues have led to the club falling one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East. Center fielder Adam Jones is 6-for-12 in the series but All-Star right fielder Mark Trumbo is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts and catcher Matt Wieters is 1-for-10. The Athletics have scored just nine runs over the first six contests of a 10-game homestand and Wednesday's lone run came courtesy of first baseman Yonder Alonso's third-inning double. Oakland cleanup hitter Khris Davis is just 1-for-10 in the series and has gone eight games without a homer.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (14-4, 3.50 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Andrew Triggs (0-0, 5.35)
Tillman lost just twice over his first 21 outings before going 0-2 with a 5.94 ERA over his plast three turns. He lost to the Chicago White Sox in his last start when he gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings. Tillman is 3-0 with a 2.58 ERA in six career starts against Oakland, including a victory May 8 when he allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Triggs is being called on to make his second start of the season as the shorthanded rotation is without injured starters Sonny Gray and Jesse Hahn. He started against the Los Angeles Angels on June 18 and gave up one run and three hits in three-plus innings before departing. Opponents are batting .297 against Triggs but he has struck out 34 in 33 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore LHP T.J. McFarland (knee) pitched three scoreless innings for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Orioles and will make another rehab appearance for Single-A Frederick on Monday.
2. Oakland LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder) could begin a rehab stint next week.
3. Trumbo is just 7-for-61 with one homer over his past 16 contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Athletics 2
Preview: Yankees at Red Sox
GAME: New York Yankees (57-56) at Boston Red Sox (61-51)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Alex Rodriguez will make his final appearance at Fenway Park and has a chance to lead the New York Yankees to a series win when they visit the Boston Red Sox in the finale of a three-game set on Thursday. Rodriguez, who is set to play his final game for the Yankees at home on Friday before being released, got into Wednesday’s win as a pinch hitter and is expected to play a bigger role in the finale.
Rodriguez flied out in his lone plate appearance on Wednesday but New York managed to even the series at one win apiece by picking on the Red Sox bullpen for five runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth en route to a 9-4 triumph. “My job description does not entail a farewell tour,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters when asked why Rodriguez wasn’t playing a bigger role in the first two games of the series. “My job description is to try and win every game and put everyone in the best possible position, and that’s what I’m trying to do.” The Red Sox need to win every game at this point to keep pace in the American League East and AL wild card races and may be without All-Star slugger David Ortiz. The veteran designated hitter had to be helped off the field after fouling a ball off his right leg in the ninth inning on Wednesday and was sent for x-rays.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (6-10, 5.17 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.93)
Pineda allowed four or more earned runs in four of his last six starts but managed a win against Cleveland on Friday while surrendering four in six frames. The Dominican Republic native owns 149 strikeouts in 125 1/3 innings this season but had two of his lowest strikeout performances (three in five innings and four in six) against the Red Sox earlier in the season. Pineda picked up the pace against Boston on July 15 with six k’s in five frames but was knocked around for five runs on five hits – three homers – in a loss.
Rodriguez is moving up a day in the rotation after knuckleballer Steven Wright suffered a shoulder injury diving into a base while pinch running for David Ortiz during interleague play at the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. The 23-year-old is 0-2 in his last four starts and was knocked out of Saturday’s game against the Dodgers in the fifth inning while being charged with three runs on eight hits and a walk. Rodriguez scattered one run and four hits over seven innings to beat New York on July 16 and is 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA in five career starts against the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts left Wednesday’s game with calf tightness and is day-to-day.
2. Yankees RHP Nathan Eovaldi left his start on Wednesday with elbow discomfort and will be sent back to New York for further testing.
3. Boston 1B Hanley Ramirez is 0-for-15 since suffering a wrist injury in Seattle last week.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Yankees 4
GAME: New York Yankees (57-56) at Boston Red Sox (61-51)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Alex Rodriguez will make his final appearance at Fenway Park and has a chance to lead the New York Yankees to a series win when they visit the Boston Red Sox in the finale of a three-game set on Thursday. Rodriguez, who is set to play his final game for the Yankees at home on Friday before being released, got into Wednesday’s win as a pinch hitter and is expected to play a bigger role in the finale.
Rodriguez flied out in his lone plate appearance on Wednesday but New York managed to even the series at one win apiece by picking on the Red Sox bullpen for five runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth en route to a 9-4 triumph. “My job description does not entail a farewell tour,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters when asked why Rodriguez wasn’t playing a bigger role in the first two games of the series. “My job description is to try and win every game and put everyone in the best possible position, and that’s what I’m trying to do.” The Red Sox need to win every game at this point to keep pace in the American League East and AL wild card races and may be without All-Star slugger David Ortiz. The veteran designated hitter had to be helped off the field after fouling a ball off his right leg in the ninth inning on Wednesday and was sent for x-rays.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (6-10, 5.17 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.93)
Pineda allowed four or more earned runs in four of his last six starts but managed a win against Cleveland on Friday while surrendering four in six frames. The Dominican Republic native owns 149 strikeouts in 125 1/3 innings this season but had two of his lowest strikeout performances (three in five innings and four in six) against the Red Sox earlier in the season. Pineda picked up the pace against Boston on July 15 with six k’s in five frames but was knocked around for five runs on five hits – three homers – in a loss.
Rodriguez is moving up a day in the rotation after knuckleballer Steven Wright suffered a shoulder injury diving into a base while pinch running for David Ortiz during interleague play at the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. The 23-year-old is 0-2 in his last four starts and was knocked out of Saturday’s game against the Dodgers in the fifth inning while being charged with three runs on eight hits and a walk. Rodriguez scattered one run and four hits over seven innings to beat New York on July 16 and is 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA in five career starts against the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts left Wednesday’s game with calf tightness and is day-to-day.
2. Yankees RHP Nathan Eovaldi left his start on Wednesday with elbow discomfort and will be sent back to New York for further testing.
3. Boston 1B Hanley Ramirez is 0-for-15 since suffering a wrist injury in Seattle last week.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Yankees 4
Preview: Angels at Indians
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-64) at Cleveland Indians (63-48)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After alternating wins and losses over their six-game road trip, the Cleveland Indians will look for more sustained success on Thursday as they begin an 11-game homestand with the opener of a four-game series versus the Los Angeles Angels. Although it limped to a 5-4 record in its latest stretch at Progressive Field, Cleveland can point to its 31-20 home record as a significant reason for its spot atop the American League Central.
Jose Ramirez extended his hitting streak to 14 games in impressive fashion, collecting two singles and a double for his third straight multi-hit performance in Wednesday's 7-4 setback at Washington. The 23-year-old Dominican is batting .391 with runners in scoring position but is hitting just .188 (6-for-32) in 10 career encounters with the Angels. Los Angeles saw its offense limited to just one run for a third consecutive contest and sustained its season high-tying sixth straight loss with Wednesday's 3-1 setback against the red-hot Chicago Cubs. Mike Trout is 1-for-12 with eight strikeouts in his last three games, and his 1-for-11 performance versus Thursday starter Corey Kluber doesn't inspire much confidence, either.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jhoulys Chacin (3-7, 5.27) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (11-8, 3.22)
With the end of the Tim Lincecum experiment a likely reality, Chacin will return to the rotation after posting a 2.55 ERA while holding the opposition to a .175 batting average in his last eight relief appearances. The 28-year-old Venezuelan has yet to record a decision in two career starts versus Cleveland, although his last encounter left plenty to be desired. Chacin allowed four runs and walked five in as many innings before escaping with a no-decision.
Kluber improved to 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA over his last five starts after allowing two runs and five hits in eight innings of a 5-2 road victory over the New York Yankees. The 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner struck out eight in that contest and the same number in a complete-game gem versus Los Angeles on June 10. Kluber permitted two runs on three hits and a walk in a resounding 6-2 triumph over the Angels.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles RF Kole Calhoun is 7-for-16 with one homer and three runs scored in his last four games.
2. Indians SS Francisco Lindor is 10-for-30 with five extra-base hits in nine career contests versus the Angels.
3. AL West cellar-dwelling Los Angeles owns a 15-10 mark versus Central representatives.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Angels 2
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-64) at Cleveland Indians (63-48)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After alternating wins and losses over their six-game road trip, the Cleveland Indians will look for more sustained success on Thursday as they begin an 11-game homestand with the opener of a four-game series versus the Los Angeles Angels. Although it limped to a 5-4 record in its latest stretch at Progressive Field, Cleveland can point to its 31-20 home record as a significant reason for its spot atop the American League Central.
Jose Ramirez extended his hitting streak to 14 games in impressive fashion, collecting two singles and a double for his third straight multi-hit performance in Wednesday's 7-4 setback at Washington. The 23-year-old Dominican is batting .391 with runners in scoring position but is hitting just .188 (6-for-32) in 10 career encounters with the Angels. Los Angeles saw its offense limited to just one run for a third consecutive contest and sustained its season high-tying sixth straight loss with Wednesday's 3-1 setback against the red-hot Chicago Cubs. Mike Trout is 1-for-12 with eight strikeouts in his last three games, and his 1-for-11 performance versus Thursday starter Corey Kluber doesn't inspire much confidence, either.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jhoulys Chacin (3-7, 5.27) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (11-8, 3.22)
With the end of the Tim Lincecum experiment a likely reality, Chacin will return to the rotation after posting a 2.55 ERA while holding the opposition to a .175 batting average in his last eight relief appearances. The 28-year-old Venezuelan has yet to record a decision in two career starts versus Cleveland, although his last encounter left plenty to be desired. Chacin allowed four runs and walked five in as many innings before escaping with a no-decision.
Kluber improved to 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA over his last five starts after allowing two runs and five hits in eight innings of a 5-2 road victory over the New York Yankees. The 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner struck out eight in that contest and the same number in a complete-game gem versus Los Angeles on June 10. Kluber permitted two runs on three hits and a walk in a resounding 6-2 triumph over the Angels.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles RF Kole Calhoun is 7-for-16 with one homer and three runs scored in his last four games.
2. Indians SS Francisco Lindor is 10-for-30 with five extra-base hits in nine career contests versus the Angels.
3. AL West cellar-dwelling Los Angeles owns a 15-10 mark versus Central representatives.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Angels 2
Preview: Astros at Twins
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros made a bold personnel decision by designating Carlos Gomez for assignment and hope the transaction can be looked back on as a courageous factor in their wild-card push. The Astros have the opportunity to record two wins on Thursday, when they visit the Minnesota Twins for a split doubleheader after Wednesday's game was postponed by rain.
The Astros, who trail Boston, Detroit and Seattle in the battle for the American League's second wild card, decided they no longer could live with the sub-par performances of Gomez. The two-time All-Star center fielder made two key defensive miscues on Monday in his final start for Houston and batted a disappointing .210 with five homers and 100 strikeouts this season. "It's not a secret that I wasn't doing my job," Gomez told reporters. "I'm really disappointed in myself. The organization traded for me because they needed a center fielder, and they gave me all the opportunity and I didn't do my job. I feel bad about this." Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games and Brian Dozier is on a tear with six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Chris Devenski (0-4, 2.51 ERA) vs. Twins LH Tommy Milone (3-3, 5.23)
Devenski will make his fifth start of the season and first since May 15, when he was roughed up by Boston for six runs in two innings. He has suffered the loss in each of his two relief appearances after a dazzling performance against Toronto on Aug. 1 in which he struck out seven in 4 1/3 hitless frames. Devenski has issued just one walk in 14 innings over his last six appearances.
Milone will get another opportunity to start after recently being demoted to the bullpen. He won his first three starts of July but gave up 12 runs - eight earned - and 19 hits over 10 innings in his final two outings of the month to lose his rotation spot. Milone is 1-1 with a 4.79 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against Houston and has shut down Jason Castro (1-for-10).
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve, who was 4-for-4 on Tuesday, is batting .424 in August to raise his major league-leading average to .361.
2. The Twins placed RHP Trevor May (back) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP J.T. Chargois from Triple-A Rochester.
3. Houston will recall LHP Kevin Chapman from Triple-A Fresno as the 26th player for the second game, while Minnesota will summon LHP Andrew Albers from Rochester.
PREDICTION: Twins 10, Astros 4
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros made a bold personnel decision by designating Carlos Gomez for assignment and hope the transaction can be looked back on as a courageous factor in their wild-card push. The Astros have the opportunity to record two wins on Thursday, when they visit the Minnesota Twins for a split doubleheader after Wednesday's game was postponed by rain.
The Astros, who trail Boston, Detroit and Seattle in the battle for the American League's second wild card, decided they no longer could live with the sub-par performances of Gomez. The two-time All-Star center fielder made two key defensive miscues on Monday in his final start for Houston and batted a disappointing .210 with five homers and 100 strikeouts this season. "It's not a secret that I wasn't doing my job," Gomez told reporters. "I'm really disappointed in myself. The organization traded for me because they needed a center fielder, and they gave me all the opportunity and I didn't do my job. I feel bad about this." Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games and Brian Dozier is on a tear with six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Chris Devenski (0-4, 2.51 ERA) vs. Twins LH Tommy Milone (3-3, 5.23)
Devenski will make his fifth start of the season and first since May 15, when he was roughed up by Boston for six runs in two innings. He has suffered the loss in each of his two relief appearances after a dazzling performance against Toronto on Aug. 1 in which he struck out seven in 4 1/3 hitless frames. Devenski has issued just one walk in 14 innings over his last six appearances.
Milone will get another opportunity to start after recently being demoted to the bullpen. He won his first three starts of July but gave up 12 runs - eight earned - and 19 hits over 10 innings in his final two outings of the month to lose his rotation spot. Milone is 1-1 with a 4.79 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against Houston and has shut down Jason Castro (1-for-10).
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve, who was 4-for-4 on Tuesday, is batting .424 in August to raise his major league-leading average to .361.
2. The Twins placed RHP Trevor May (back) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP J.T. Chargois from Triple-A Rochester.
3. Houston will recall LHP Kevin Chapman from Triple-A Fresno as the 26th player for the second game, while Minnesota will summon LHP Andrew Albers from Rochester.
PREDICTION: Twins 10, Astros 4
Preview: Cardinals at Cubs
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (60-54) at Chicago Cubs (71-41)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
If the St. Louis Cardinals are going to climb back in the National League Central race, they probably need to start Thursday. The Cardinals’ hopes of catching the red-hot Chicago Cubs likely will be in serious jeopardy if they can’t gain some ground when the rivals square off for a four-game series at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs have won a season-high nine straight contests to pull out to a 12-game lead over the Cardinals, who have dropped seven of their last 11. Chicago’s pitching staff has been dominant of late, allowing two or fewer runs in 10 of the last 13 games as the Cubs have gone 12-1 over that stretch. Left-hander Jon Lester looks to continue that trend as he takes on hard-throwing right-hander Carlos Martinez. Lester is 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA in 10 home starts, while Martinez has excelled on the road, going 6-1 with a 2.28 ERA in nine outings.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (10-7, 3.29 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (12-4, 2.93)
After a string of 10 straight starts of allowing three or fewer runs, Martinez has given up at least four in consecutive outings. The 24-year-old surrendered a season-high seven runs - six earned - over five innings in a loss to Atlanta on Saturday. Martinez is 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA in 16 games (six starts) against the Cubs, who managed only one run and three hits in seven frames against him on April 20 but tagged him for six runs over five innings on May 25.
The Cubs have won Lester’s last four starts, with the 32-year-old notching the victory in three of them. He has posted a 2.55 ERA since the All-Star break and limited Oakland to two runs and six hits over seven innings in a victory on Friday, striking out eight along the way. Lester is 1-3 with a 2.56 ERA in six career starts against the Cardinals but has not faced them this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis INF Jhonny Peralta, who hit his 200th career home run Wednesday, is 9-for-22 during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 7-for-23 during his six-game hitting streak but just 4-for-17 versus Martinez.
3. Cardinals C Yadier Molina has reached base in 23 consecutive games, three shy of SS Aledmys Diaz for the team’s longest streak this season.
PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Cardinals 2
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (60-54) at Chicago Cubs (71-41)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
If the St. Louis Cardinals are going to climb back in the National League Central race, they probably need to start Thursday. The Cardinals’ hopes of catching the red-hot Chicago Cubs likely will be in serious jeopardy if they can’t gain some ground when the rivals square off for a four-game series at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs have won a season-high nine straight contests to pull out to a 12-game lead over the Cardinals, who have dropped seven of their last 11. Chicago’s pitching staff has been dominant of late, allowing two or fewer runs in 10 of the last 13 games as the Cubs have gone 12-1 over that stretch. Left-hander Jon Lester looks to continue that trend as he takes on hard-throwing right-hander Carlos Martinez. Lester is 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA in 10 home starts, while Martinez has excelled on the road, going 6-1 with a 2.28 ERA in nine outings.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (10-7, 3.29 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (12-4, 2.93)
After a string of 10 straight starts of allowing three or fewer runs, Martinez has given up at least four in consecutive outings. The 24-year-old surrendered a season-high seven runs - six earned - over five innings in a loss to Atlanta on Saturday. Martinez is 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA in 16 games (six starts) against the Cubs, who managed only one run and three hits in seven frames against him on April 20 but tagged him for six runs over five innings on May 25.
The Cubs have won Lester’s last four starts, with the 32-year-old notching the victory in three of them. He has posted a 2.55 ERA since the All-Star break and limited Oakland to two runs and six hits over seven innings in a victory on Friday, striking out eight along the way. Lester is 1-3 with a 2.56 ERA in six career starts against the Cardinals but has not faced them this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis INF Jhonny Peralta, who hit his 200th career home run Wednesday, is 9-for-22 during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 7-for-23 during his six-game hitting streak but just 4-for-17 versus Martinez.
3. Cardinals C Yadier Molina has reached base in 23 consecutive games, three shy of SS Aledmys Diaz for the team’s longest streak this season.
PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Cardinals 2
Preview: White Sox at Royals
GAME: Chicago White Sox (54-59) at Kansas City Royals (54-59)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Left-hander Danny Duffy routinely has brought smiles to the faces of his teammates - and for good reason, considering the Kansas City Royals have emerged victorious in each of his last eight trips to the mound. The 27-year-old looks to win his third straight start and improve to 7-0 in his last nine outings on Thursday when the Royals play the rubber match of their three-game series versus the visiting Chicago White Sox.
Rookie Cheslor Cuthbert had an RBI double in Wednesday's 3-2 win in 14 innings and is 10-for-27 during his six-game hitting streak. The 23-year-old Nicaraguan is 15-for-46 in 12 career encounters versus the White Sox and 1-for-3 against Thursday starter Miguel Gonzalez. The right-hander has had his troubles, however, with Jarrod Dyson, who tripled to lead off the 13th inning on Wednesday and is a blistering 8-for-10 in his career versus the hurler. J.B. Shuck continued his strong series by highlighting his second two-hit performance with a solo homer to improve to 19-for-52 in his career versus Kansas City.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, WPWR (Chicago), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-6, 4.09 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (8-1, 2.97)
Gonzalez fell to 0-2 in his last five starts after yielding four runs on 10 hits in a 7-5 setback to his former team (Baltimore) on Friday. The 32-year-old Mexican pitched well in two outings versus Kansas City this season, permitting two runs and striking out a season high-tying eight in a hard-luck 2-1 setback on May 21 before receiving a no-decision six nights later after tossing 6 1/3 solid frames. Kendrys Morales has recorded six hits in his last five games, but is just 1-for-13 in his career versus Gonzalez.
Duffy followed up his brilliant one-hit, 16-strikeout performance in a 3-0 victory over Tampa Bay on Aug. 1 with another strong outing five days later as he tossed 6 2/3 solid innings in a 4-2 triumph over Tampa Bay. The southpaw has faced Chicago on three occasions this season, collecting a pair of no-decisions in May before scattering three hits and striking out 10 in six innings in a 4-1 victory on June 11. Duffy owns a 4-0 mark at home, however 10 of the 14 homers he's allowed have also come at Kauffman Stadium.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is 12-for-27 with three homers, five RBIs and as many runs scored in his last six contests.
2. Kansas City RF Paulo Orlando has 10 singles and one double and scored five times during his six-game hitting streak.
3. White Sox SS Tim Anderson, who had an RBI single in the 11th inning on Wednesday, struck out five times in that contest and 10 of his last 11 games.
PREDICTION: Royals 3, White Sox 1
GAME: Chicago White Sox (54-59) at Kansas City Royals (54-59)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 11 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Left-hander Danny Duffy routinely has brought smiles to the faces of his teammates - and for good reason, considering the Kansas City Royals have emerged victorious in each of his last eight trips to the mound. The 27-year-old looks to win his third straight start and improve to 7-0 in his last nine outings on Thursday when the Royals play the rubber match of their three-game series versus the visiting Chicago White Sox.
Rookie Cheslor Cuthbert had an RBI double in Wednesday's 3-2 win in 14 innings and is 10-for-27 during his six-game hitting streak. The 23-year-old Nicaraguan is 15-for-46 in 12 career encounters versus the White Sox and 1-for-3 against Thursday starter Miguel Gonzalez. The right-hander has had his troubles, however, with Jarrod Dyson, who tripled to lead off the 13th inning on Wednesday and is a blistering 8-for-10 in his career versus the hurler. J.B. Shuck continued his strong series by highlighting his second two-hit performance with a solo homer to improve to 19-for-52 in his career versus Kansas City.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, WPWR (Chicago), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-6, 4.09 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (8-1, 2.97)
Gonzalez fell to 0-2 in his last five starts after yielding four runs on 10 hits in a 7-5 setback to his former team (Baltimore) on Friday. The 32-year-old Mexican pitched well in two outings versus Kansas City this season, permitting two runs and striking out a season high-tying eight in a hard-luck 2-1 setback on May 21 before receiving a no-decision six nights later after tossing 6 1/3 solid frames. Kendrys Morales has recorded six hits in his last five games, but is just 1-for-13 in his career versus Gonzalez.
Duffy followed up his brilliant one-hit, 16-strikeout performance in a 3-0 victory over Tampa Bay on Aug. 1 with another strong outing five days later as he tossed 6 2/3 solid innings in a 4-2 triumph over Tampa Bay. The southpaw has faced Chicago on three occasions this season, collecting a pair of no-decisions in May before scattering three hits and striking out 10 in six innings in a 4-1 victory on June 11. Duffy owns a 4-0 mark at home, however 10 of the 14 homers he's allowed have also come at Kauffman Stadium.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is 12-for-27 with three homers, five RBIs and as many runs scored in his last six contests.
2. Kansas City RF Paulo Orlando has 10 singles and one double and scored five times during his six-game hitting streak.
3. White Sox SS Tim Anderson, who had an RBI single in the 11th inning on Wednesday, struck out five times in that contest and 10 of his last 11 games.
PREDICTION: Royals 3, White Sox 1
Trends - Arizona at NY Mets
W/L Trends
Arizona
•Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
• Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Diamondbacks are 19-40 in their last 59 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Diamondbacks are 22-50 in their last 72 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Diamondbacks are 5-12 in their last 17 road games.
• Diamondbacks are 5-12 in their last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Diamondbacks are 24-61 in their last 85 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Diamondbacks are 3-8 in their last 11 games following a win.
• Diamondbacks are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. National League East.
• Diamondbacks are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Diamondbacks are 2-10 in their last 12 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Diamondbacks are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
NY Mets
•Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Mets are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 3-8 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Mets are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Mets are 3-11 in their last 14 home games.
• Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
• Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Mets are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. National League West.
• Mets are 0-8 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 7-1 in Syndergaards last 8 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Mets are 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Mets are 8-2 in Syndergaards last 10 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 6-2 in Syndergaards last 8 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Mets are 8-3 in Syndergaards last 11 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 16-7 in Syndergaards last 23 home starts.
OU Trends
Arizona
•Over is 6-0 in Diamondbacks last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 11 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. National League East.
• Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 9-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Diamondbacks last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 overall.
• Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 on grass.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 road games.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 9-4 in Diamondbacks last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
NY Mets
•Under is 5-1 in Mets last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 5-1 in Mets last 6 home games.
• Over is 4-1 in Mets last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Mets last 5 Thursday games.
• Under is 7-2 in Mets last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 16-5 in Mets last 21 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-1 in Mets last 21 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 9-3-1 in Mets last 13 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 20-7 in Mets last 27 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 36-15-1 in Mets last 52 games following a loss.
• Under is 13-6 in Mets last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Syndergaards last 8 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts vs. National League West.
• Over is 5-1 in Syndergaards last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Syndergaards last 5 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Syndergaards last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 5-2 in Syndergaards last 7 home starts.
• Over is 7-3 in Syndergaards last 10 starts with 5 days of rest.
Head to Head
•Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in New York.
• Under is 9-3-2 in the last 14 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Bill Welke
•Home team is 6-0 in Welkes last 6 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 6-0 in Welkes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Under is 4-0 in Welkes last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Home team is 7-1 in Welkes last 8 Thursday games behind home plate.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Welkes last 8 Thursday games behind home plate.
• Over is 4-1 in Welkes last 5 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 4-1 in Welkes last 5 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 37-14 in Welkes last 51 games behind home plate.
• Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games with Welke behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-2 in Welkes last 7 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 33-16-2 in Welkes last 51 games behind home plate.
W/L Trends
Arizona
•Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
• Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Diamondbacks are 19-40 in their last 59 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Diamondbacks are 22-50 in their last 72 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Diamondbacks are 5-12 in their last 17 road games.
• Diamondbacks are 5-12 in their last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Diamondbacks are 24-61 in their last 85 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Diamondbacks are 3-8 in their last 11 games following a win.
• Diamondbacks are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. National League East.
• Diamondbacks are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Diamondbacks are 2-10 in their last 12 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Diamondbacks are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
NY Mets
•Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Mets are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 3-8 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Mets are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Mets are 3-11 in their last 14 home games.
• Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
• Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Mets are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. National League West.
• Mets are 0-8 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Mets are 7-1 in Syndergaards last 8 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Mets are 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Mets are 8-2 in Syndergaards last 10 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 6-2 in Syndergaards last 8 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Mets are 8-3 in Syndergaards last 11 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Mets are 16-7 in Syndergaards last 23 home starts.
OU Trends
Arizona
•Over is 6-0 in Diamondbacks last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 11 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. National League East.
• Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 9-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Diamondbacks last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 overall.
• Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 on grass.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 road games.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 9-4 in Diamondbacks last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
NY Mets
•Under is 5-1 in Mets last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 5-1 in Mets last 6 home games.
• Over is 4-1 in Mets last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Mets last 5 Thursday games.
• Under is 7-2 in Mets last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 16-5 in Mets last 21 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-1 in Mets last 21 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 9-3-1 in Mets last 13 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 20-7 in Mets last 27 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 36-15-1 in Mets last 52 games following a loss.
• Under is 13-6 in Mets last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 8-1 in Syndergaards last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Syndergaards last 8 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1 in Syndergaards last 7 starts vs. National League West.
• Over is 5-1 in Syndergaards last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Syndergaards last 5 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Syndergaards last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 5-2 in Syndergaards last 7 home starts.
• Over is 7-3 in Syndergaards last 10 starts with 5 days of rest.
Head to Head
•Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in New York.
• Under is 9-3-2 in the last 14 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Bill Welke
•Home team is 6-0 in Welkes last 6 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 6-0 in Welkes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Under is 4-0 in Welkes last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Home team is 7-1 in Welkes last 8 Thursday games behind home plate.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Welkes last 8 Thursday games behind home plate.
• Over is 4-1 in Welkes last 5 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 4-1 in Welkes last 5 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 37-14 in Welkes last 51 games behind home plate.
• Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games with Welke behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-2 in Welkes last 7 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 33-16-2 in Welkes last 51 games behind home plate.
Trends - San Diego at Pittsburgh
W/L Trends
San Diego
•Padres are 19-39 in their last 58 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Padres are 13-27 in their last 40 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 21-44 in their last 65 during game 3 of a series.
• Padres are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. National League Central.
• Padres are 10-25 in their last 35 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 8-21 in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Padres are 4-11 in their last 15 road games.
• Padres are 8-26 in their last 34 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Padres are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Padres are 0-8 in their last 8 games following a win.
• Padres are 2-5 in Friedrichs last 7 starts.
• Padres are 2-5 in Friedrichs last 7 starts on grass.
• Padres are 1-4 in Friedrichs last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Pirates are 38-14 in their last 52 vs. National League West.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 67-27 in their last 94 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 7-3 in their last 10 games following a loss.
• Pirates are 36-16 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Pirates are 1-6 in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Pirates are 4-0 in Taillons last 4 home starts.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Taillons last 6 starts.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Taillons last 6 starts on grass.
OU Trends
San Diego
•Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 overall.
• Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 on grass.
• Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 Thursday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 5-2 in Padres last 7 games following a win.
• Over is 5-1 in Friedrichs last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Over is 5-1 in Friedrichs last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Friedrichs last 5 road starts.
• Over is 11-3 in Friedrichs last 14 starts on grass.
• Over is 11-3 in Friedrichs last 14 starts overall.
• Over is 8-3 in Friedrichs last 11 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Pittsburgh
•Over is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 Thursday games.
• Over is 6-1 in Pirates last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 11-4 in Pirates last 15 vs. National League West.
• Over is 22-8 in Pirates last 30 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 32-15 in Pirates last 47 home games.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Pittsburgh.
• Padres are 35-16 in the last 51 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Umpire Trends - Phil Cuzzi
•Over is 4-0 in Cuzzis last 4 games behind home plate.
• Road team is 6-1 in Cuzzis last 7 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuzzis last 5 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Under is 8-3 in Cuzzis last 11 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Home team is 39-19 in Cuzzis last 58 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
• Padres are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
W/L Trends
San Diego
•Padres are 19-39 in their last 58 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Padres are 13-27 in their last 40 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 21-44 in their last 65 during game 3 of a series.
• Padres are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. National League Central.
• Padres are 10-25 in their last 35 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 8-21 in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Padres are 4-11 in their last 15 road games.
• Padres are 8-26 in their last 34 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Padres are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Padres are 0-8 in their last 8 games following a win.
• Padres are 2-5 in Friedrichs last 7 starts.
• Padres are 2-5 in Friedrichs last 7 starts on grass.
• Padres are 1-4 in Friedrichs last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Pirates are 38-14 in their last 52 vs. National League West.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 67-27 in their last 94 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 7-3 in their last 10 games following a loss.
• Pirates are 36-16 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Pirates are 1-6 in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Pirates are 4-0 in Taillons last 4 home starts.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Taillons last 6 starts.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Taillons last 6 starts on grass.
OU Trends
San Diego
•Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 overall.
• Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 on grass.
• Over is 5-1 in Padres last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 Thursday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 5-2 in Padres last 7 games following a win.
• Over is 5-1 in Friedrichs last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Over is 5-1 in Friedrichs last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Friedrichs last 5 road starts.
• Over is 11-3 in Friedrichs last 14 starts on grass.
• Over is 11-3 in Friedrichs last 14 starts overall.
• Over is 8-3 in Friedrichs last 11 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Pittsburgh
•Over is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 Thursday games.
• Over is 6-1 in Pirates last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 11-4 in Pirates last 15 vs. National League West.
• Over is 22-8 in Pirates last 30 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 32-15 in Pirates last 47 home games.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Pittsburgh.
• Padres are 35-16 in the last 51 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Umpire Trends - Phil Cuzzi
•Over is 4-0 in Cuzzis last 4 games behind home plate.
• Road team is 6-1 in Cuzzis last 7 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuzzis last 5 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Under is 8-3 in Cuzzis last 11 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Home team is 39-19 in Cuzzis last 58 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
• Padres are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
Trends - Houston at Minnesota
W/L Trends
Houston
•Astros are 24-9 in their last 33 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Astros are 12-5 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Astros are 21-46 in their last 67 Thursday games.
• Astros are 2-6 in their last 8 opening games of a double-header.
• Astros are 3-9 in their last 12 overall.
• Astros are 3-9 in their last 12 games on grass.
• Astros are 2-6 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Astros are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.
• Astros are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Astros are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
• Astros are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Astros are 9-1 in Fisters last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Astros are 7-1 in Fisters last 8 road starts.
• Astros are 5-1 in Fisters last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Astros are 4-1 in Fisters last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Astros are 10-3 in Fisters last 13 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Astros are 6-2 in Fisters last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Astros are 13-5 in Fisters last 18 starts.
• Astros are 13-5 in Fisters last 18 starts on grass.
Minnesota
•Twins are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. American League West.
• Twins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Twins are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Twins are 7-3 in their last 10 overall.
• Twins are 9-25 in their last 34 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Twins are 2-6 in their last 8 Thursday games.
• Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 opening games of a double-header.
OU Trends
Houston
•Under is 6-0 in Astros last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 10-3 in Astros last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Under is 22-8-2 in Astros last 32 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 8-3 in Astros last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 17-7-1 in Astros last 25 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 26-11-1 in Astros last 38 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 7-3 in Astros last 10 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 36-16-2 in Astros last 54 overall.
• Under is 11-5-1 in Astros last 17 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 33-16-2 in Astros last 51 on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Fisters last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Fisters last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 8-2 in Fisters last 10 road starts.
• Under is 8-2-3 in Fisters last 13 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Minnesota
•Over is 4-1-1 in Twins last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Twins last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 22-8 in Twins last 30 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Twins last 28 vs. American League West.
• Over is 5-2 in Twins last 7 opening games of a double-header.
• Over is 20-8-1 in Twins last 29 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 44-18-4 in Twins last 66 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 34-14-3 in Twins last 51 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 47-20-3 in Twins last 70 overall.
• Under is 7-3-1 in Twins last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 44-20-3 in Twins last 67 on grass.
• Over is 33-16-2 in Twins last 51 home games.
• Over is 4-0-1 in Berrios' last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 5-0-1 in Berrios' last 6 starts overall.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.
W/L Trends
Houston
•Astros are 24-9 in their last 33 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Astros are 12-5 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Astros are 21-46 in their last 67 Thursday games.
• Astros are 2-6 in their last 8 opening games of a double-header.
• Astros are 3-9 in their last 12 overall.
• Astros are 3-9 in their last 12 games on grass.
• Astros are 2-6 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Astros are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.
• Astros are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Astros are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
• Astros are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Astros are 9-1 in Fisters last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Astros are 7-1 in Fisters last 8 road starts.
• Astros are 5-1 in Fisters last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Astros are 4-1 in Fisters last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Astros are 10-3 in Fisters last 13 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Astros are 6-2 in Fisters last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Astros are 13-5 in Fisters last 18 starts.
• Astros are 13-5 in Fisters last 18 starts on grass.
Minnesota
•Twins are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. American League West.
• Twins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Twins are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Twins are 7-3 in their last 10 overall.
• Twins are 9-25 in their last 34 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Twins are 2-6 in their last 8 Thursday games.
• Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 opening games of a double-header.
OU Trends
Houston
•Under is 6-0 in Astros last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 10-3 in Astros last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Under is 22-8-2 in Astros last 32 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 8-3 in Astros last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 17-7-1 in Astros last 25 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 26-11-1 in Astros last 38 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 7-3 in Astros last 10 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 36-16-2 in Astros last 54 overall.
• Under is 11-5-1 in Astros last 17 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 33-16-2 in Astros last 51 on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Fisters last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Fisters last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 8-2 in Fisters last 10 road starts.
• Under is 8-2-3 in Fisters last 13 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Minnesota
•Over is 4-1-1 in Twins last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Twins last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 22-8 in Twins last 30 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Twins last 28 vs. American League West.
• Over is 5-2 in Twins last 7 opening games of a double-header.
• Over is 20-8-1 in Twins last 29 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 44-18-4 in Twins last 66 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 34-14-3 in Twins last 51 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 47-20-3 in Twins last 70 overall.
• Under is 7-3-1 in Twins last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 44-20-3 in Twins last 67 on grass.
• Over is 33-16-2 in Twins last 51 home games.
• Over is 4-0-1 in Berrios' last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 5-0-1 in Berrios' last 6 starts overall.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.
Trends - Colorado at Texas
W/L Trends
Colorado
•Rockies are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
• Rockies are 11-5 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 17-35 in their last 52 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 25-54 in their last 79 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 32-74 in their last 106 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 18-42 in their last 60 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 29-69 in their last 98 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 18-44 in their last 62 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Rockies are 15-38 in their last 53 interleague road games.
• Rockies are 15-38 in their last 53 interleague games.
• Rockies are 14-37 in their last 51 vs. American League West.
• Rockies are 4-11 in their last 15 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 6-1 in Bettis' last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts on grass.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 Thursday starts.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 interleague starts.
Texas
•Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. National League West.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague games.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Rangers are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 interleague home games.
• Rangers are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 9-3 in their last 12 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 10-4 in their last 14 Thursday games.
• Rangers are 41-18 in their last 59 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 62-29 in their last 91 home games.
• Rangers are 37-18 in their last 55 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Rangers are 5-13 in their last 18 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Colorado
•Under is 6-0-1 in Rockies last 7 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Rockies last 6 interleague games.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rockies last 4 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rockies last 4 vs. American League West.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 interleague road games.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Rockies last 8 games following a loss.
• Under is 14-4 in Rockies last 18 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 10-3-1 in Rockies last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 9-3 in Rockies last 12 Thursday games.
• Under is 19-7 in Rockies last 26 road games.
• Under is 16-6-1 in Rockies last 23 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 23-9 in Rockies last 32 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 19-8-1 in Rockies last 28 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 16-7-2 in Rockies last 25 on grass.
• Under is 16-7-2 in Rockies last 25 overall.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Bettis' last 8 starts during game 4 of a series.
• Over is 7-3 in Bettis' last 10 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 7-3 in Bettis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Texas
•Under is 7-0 in Rangers last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Rangers last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Rangers last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 6-0-2 in Rangers last 8 games following a win.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Rangers last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 5-0-2 in Rangers last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rangers last 4 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 7-0 in Rangers last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 9-1-3 in Rangers last 13 interleague games.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 12-3-2 in Rangers last 17 on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games.
• Under is 12-3-2 in Rangers last 17 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 during game 4 of a series.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Rangers last 5 interleague home games.
• Over is 13-6-3 in Rangers last 22 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record.
Head to Head
•Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Rockies are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Carlos Torres
•Under is 4-0-1 in Torres' last 5 games behind home plate.
• Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 games with Torres behind home plate.
• Over is 5-1 in Torres' last 6 interleague games behind home plate.
W/L Trends
Colorado
•Rockies are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
• Rockies are 11-5 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 17-35 in their last 52 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 25-54 in their last 79 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 32-74 in their last 106 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 18-42 in their last 60 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rockies are 29-69 in their last 98 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 18-44 in their last 62 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Rockies are 15-38 in their last 53 interleague road games.
• Rockies are 15-38 in their last 53 interleague games.
• Rockies are 14-37 in their last 51 vs. American League West.
• Rockies are 4-11 in their last 15 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Rockies are 6-1 in Bettis' last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts on grass.
• Rockies are 5-1 in Bettis' last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 Thursday starts.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Bettis' last 5 interleague starts.
Texas
•Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. National League West.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague games.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Rangers are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 interleague home games.
• Rangers are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 9-3 in their last 12 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 10-4 in their last 14 Thursday games.
• Rangers are 41-18 in their last 59 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Rangers are 62-29 in their last 91 home games.
• Rangers are 37-18 in their last 55 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Rangers are 5-13 in their last 18 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Colorado
•Under is 6-0-1 in Rockies last 7 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Rockies last 6 interleague games.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rockies last 4 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rockies last 4 vs. American League West.
• Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 interleague road games.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Rockies last 8 games following a loss.
• Under is 14-4 in Rockies last 18 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 10-3-1 in Rockies last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 9-3 in Rockies last 12 Thursday games.
• Under is 19-7 in Rockies last 26 road games.
• Under is 16-6-1 in Rockies last 23 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 23-9 in Rockies last 32 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 19-8-1 in Rockies last 28 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 16-7-2 in Rockies last 25 on grass.
• Under is 16-7-2 in Rockies last 25 overall.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Bettis' last 8 starts during game 4 of a series.
• Over is 7-3 in Bettis' last 10 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 7-3 in Bettis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Texas
•Under is 7-0 in Rangers last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Rangers last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Rangers last 6 Thursday games.
• Under is 6-0-2 in Rangers last 8 games following a win.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Rangers last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 5-0-2 in Rangers last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Rangers last 4 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 7-0 in Rangers last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 9-1-3 in Rangers last 13 interleague games.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 12-3-2 in Rangers last 17 on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games.
• Under is 12-3-2 in Rangers last 17 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 during game 4 of a series.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Rangers last 5 interleague home games.
• Over is 13-6-3 in Rangers last 22 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record.
Head to Head
•Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Rockies are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Carlos Torres
•Under is 4-0-1 in Torres' last 5 games behind home plate.
• Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 games with Torres behind home plate.
• Over is 5-1 in Torres' last 6 interleague games behind home plate.
