Thursday 8/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Delaware Park - Race #3 - Post: 2:15pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $13,000 Class Rating: 66

Rating:

#1 STERLINGS DOLLY (ML=8/1)
#9 ALLIED KID (ML=9/2)
#5 BRINGHOMETHECROWN (ML=8/1)


STERLINGS DOLLY - Faced tougher last race out at Delaware Park. Based on Equibase class ratings, this is a weaker field, so I will put this one on my list of contenders. I really like that most recent race on Jul 30th at Delaware Park where she finished third. That 64 fig this filly earned in her last race tells me she's a chief player today. ALLIED KID - Entered a $15,000 Claiming race at Delaware Park last time out and raced on a track listed as good finishing fourth. Should do much better in this race. Trainer Wyner moves this thoroughbred down the ladder based on class rating points to face a weaker level today. Look for a strong effort racing against these lower level horses. Horse has improved at least 2 Equibase speed figure points in last 2 races. I look for that to continue its positive trend in this field. BRINGHOMETHECROWN - Stauffer brings her back again. I advocate you stay with this live mare.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 DRAGON QUEEN (ML=5/2), #3 GIANT FU PEG (ML=7/2), #10 BEST FRIENDS (ML=6/1),

DRAGON QUEEN - Showed very little in the last affair. Really can't expect a reversal of fortune today. GIANT FU PEG - The speed fig last race out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class rating of today's race. Mark this racer as a likely underlay. BEST FRIENDS - The victory on July 28th probably isn't good enough to beat these today. Will not be easy for this horse to beat this group off of that last speed fig. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close to today's class rating, so put her on the likely underpriced contenders list.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ALLIED KID - I start with the top class horse in the bunch then work my way down. This one's got the top earnings per start. No need to look further.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Putting our cash on #1 STERLINGS DOLLY to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:

1 with [5,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [1,5,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST

The Union Avenue Stakes

6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#6 DR. FAGER'S GAL
#7 HOT CITY GIRL
#3 QUEZON
#4 COURT DANCER

To get to Saratoga from New York City, "you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years," wrote the famed sportswriter Red Smith. Along with the racetrack, a number of stately Victorian homes built in the second half of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are located along Union Avenue, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This stakes race, a six-furlong event for New York-bred fillies are mares, was first run in 2004. Here in the 13th running of this event, #6 DR. FAGER'S GAL has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in a pair including a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in her 2nd race back which was decided by a photograph at the wire. #7 HOT CITY GIRL, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in four of her respective last five outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her 4th and 5th races back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DDLohaus’ Saratoga analysis

Thursday’s picks

A third and a fourth are not going to get us even or even close.

We need to get the party started…

Race #9
$10WPS Hot House Rose

Race #10
$10WP* Peculiar Sensation

Total Bets:$50.00
Meet Total: – $300.00

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 8/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 4,9/1,2/1,3,7,8/1,4,6,8/3 = $12.80

EARLY PICK 4: 1,4,6,8/3/1,7,8/1,2,5,6 = $48

LATE PICK 4: 1,2,5,6/2,7,8/2/4,7,8 = $48

MEET STATS: 284 - 822 / $1499.70 BEST BETS: 48-76 / $155.80

SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 76 / $86.60

Best Bet: CAPRICE HILL (5th)

Spot Play: LITTLE QUICK (3rd)


Race 1

(4) SIGNAL HILL - a $250K Lexington sale buy - looks like he has his act together after a slow start and he meets a group he can beat here. (9) FRENCH MONI is the first foal to race in North America by a sire that earned more than $1.3 million and he is also a granddaughter of the great champion Moni Maker. He seems ready for his debut and looks like the main threat to the choice. (5) NASHVILLE BLUECHIP improved quite a bit last time and should be heard from again here. (3) TYMAL DIAMOND can close for a share just like she did in her last start.

Race 2

(2) SEVEN AND SEVEN was passively driven most of the way last week, which likely cost him a win. Assuming his driver learned something there, he should be prominent throughout in this short field. (1) JAKE rode a perfect trip and drive to victory last week and he is the main danger to the choice again. (4) AWOL HANOVER and (3) CANT U SPELL don't match up with the top two at this point and will likely fight it out for third.

Race 3

(8) LITTLE QUICK adds Lasix for a barn that has done well of late and he should offer some value from the outer post as a good closer in a race full of faltering speed types; top call. (7) STIMULUS SPENDING is another that can fly home on occasion and should be passing many of these late in the mile. (1) HIGHLAND BOGART should get a better pace setup here and he may be the one to catch turning for home. (3) P L INFERNO should be closer to the front early here which gives him a chance to hit the ticket.

Race 4

(1) JET AIRLINER was sharp in taking a new life's mark last week and should get a good trip here; call to repeat. (6) SCOTTY MACH N has gone two big trips in a row in defeat. He will get there soon; using. (4) GIVE EM HECK was reclaimed by the barn that sent him out to win two straight prior to last week's start. He is a must-use. (8) YOUR MY HERO drops in class and is another to consider for multi-race bets.

Race 5

(3) CAPRICE HILL lays over this group of Ontario-breeds and she should take care of business here barring anything strange happening. (4) EMOTICON HANOVER looks next best and can complete a chalky exacta. (10) ROYAL CHARM is one to consider for the exotics at a price as her potent late kick can get her into the picture late. (6) JANGONE is another that can close up late for a share.

Race 6

(1) P L JILL trotted powerfully to a new life's mark last week. Except for a miscue on the slop, she has been solid for weeks and she gets top call here. (8) MIGHTY RICKY has been flashing good late speed and he has some upside; using. (7) PROFOUND PATIENCE comes off a solid win but will need to shave off more time to take this. (6) VERY CLASSY can close for a piece of this if she is kept within range.

Race 7

(5) DOCS SAUSILITO got hung the mile last week and understandably backed up late. She should get good position early here which can make all the difference. (2) DIXIE LULLABY gamely dug in late last week but was nailed in the last stride by the rival that she gave cover to. She fits well here. (1) BRITTLE is worth a long look switching to Moreau's barn. (6) ACTIVE LADY could last longer here if provided with a slightly easier trip.

Race 8

(2) FLOWERS N SONGS can be inconsistent, but she looks much the best here if she brings her A game. (7) DEWDLE ALL DAY took a shuffle then re-emerged late in a good effort last time; respect. (8) SELFIE HANOVER can threaten if she can stay flat all the way, but that looks like a 50/50 shot at best. (3) COULD IT BE MAGIC faces much better here and is likely for a smaller share.

Race 9

(2) OBVIOUS BLUE CHIP scored impressively on his debut and this field isn't much tougher; call to repeat. (7) THIS DAY FORWARD always looks good on paper, but he brings a 0-20 futility record into this race. I wouldn't take a short price on him. (6) GRANNY PANTS wasn't that far behind the choice last time. He can make the ticket here. (3) COLUMNIST produces a good late rush on occasion. Use him in tri bets.

Race 10

(8) ANNELI HANOVER has won four straight, all quite easily. She looks best here. (7) I WANT KANDY squandered a sure win last time by breaking in the lane. She can make amends here if she behaves. (4) HAILEYSGONEDANCING should get a good trip near the front here. She has upset possibilities. (3) SILKY FLASHY NFAST is likely to take a smaller share as she usually does. (2) SMASH HIT is another that will be closing late for a smaller award.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 8/18 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 264 - 785 / $1431.70

BEST BETS: 36 - 65 / $123.40

Best Bet: UNION MAN HANOVER (9th)

Spot Play: GOTTA BE ME (1st)


Race 1

(3) GOTTA BE ME raced very well in her first start for new connections and she can build off that effort. (1) NORTHERN DALI exploded home once clear to upset last week; mare draws best again. (5) NIPPY W HANOVER looks for five straight at this level.

Race 2

(4) SUGAR QUEEN GABBY has ability and a big closing kick when she minds her manners; maybe an unknown set of hands will work in this spot...maybe not. (1) PC'S WILDCARD draws best with an already accomplished amateur at the controls. (2) HOME TURF draws well with some class relief.

Race 3

(1) RIVIERA gets needed class and post relief; Buter trainee knows how to win. (4) BODACIOUS BECKY held ok after a long trip upon arrival. (2) OK GEMMA debuts for the Andrew Harris barn via private purchase and she lures Bartlett.

Race 4

(1) THRDTHRSDAYNSPTMBR drops out of NYSS competition into this Excelsior series, draws best and gets leading driver Bartlett; enough for me. (3) CONSPIRACY THEORY has raced well for board spots in his last two for Bongiorno. (6) HEAVENS STORM looks to have ability but needs to overcome the outermost post.

Race 5

(1) OUTRAJUS BLUE CHIP didn't fire on the rim last week but went wire-to-wire the start prior; post relief will help immensely. (6) JOEY GOODFELLOW gets Brennan in the bike and has been racing well; he'll be on the move early. (2) PERCY'S Z TAM should be saving ground close up and can rally late.

Race 6

(4) CHIP WALTHER loomed boldly in the Sheppard before breaking and he's gone just evenly since but he could offer a touch of value from this spot. (2) SERIOUS MAJOR is perfect in his young career and he steps up to face seemingly tougher competition. (1) WILLIE JOE HILL has hit the ticket in all four lifetime starts for Lachance.

Race 7

(3) MISO FAST is undefeated and looks like a good one from Burke. (2) POINTOMYGRANSON kept up well with the top choice last out and he draws well again. (5) VERY SPECIAL AGENT gave way after an uncovered trip last week; prior starts were good.

Race 8

(3) INTREPID HALL was done in by post eight last week but was really good in his two prior starts; I'm searching for some value here. (1) GALLANT SEELSTER has tailed off in recent efforts and he takes a needed drop in class. (4) SIX GUN bounced right back in that qualifier after looking crippled in his last race.

Race 9

(2) UNION MAN HANOVER gets much-needed post relief and promises to be more involved. (1) ROCK OUT is up in class off the claim; proceed with caution. (4) TENDTOWIN has been razor-sharp in recent; include.

Race 10

(1) BABY REMIND ME draws best and seems to be a good fit at this level. (2) SWEETNSINFUL draws better and is down in class for Milici; obvious one to beat. (6) VILLAGE JESSICA has raced well in all recent without a victory to show for it and has good early speed; consider at a big price.

Race 11

(2) ZOOMING closed nicely to get close to a horse who came back and won again; Team Buter's trotter has a ton of back class. (3) HASTY PROFITT should be more involved with the post relief. (1) ZORGWIJK NOVA is better than her last effort and the Banca barn is hinting at life again.

Race 12

(3) NARCIAN JEWEL was much better last week and MacDonald has tactical options from this spot; worth a play if the price is right. (1) EDEN PAIGE N picked these off last week and looms a big player. (6) HAZMATT returns locally and is proven here. (5) PRAIRIE SWEETHEART is an undefeated filly who gets a real test for class tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington (2nd) Frisky Whiskey, 7-2
(8th) Texas Special, 4-1


Belterra Park (1st) Fujita Five, 7-2
(5th) Pure Noble, 10-1


Canterbury (2nd) Jebias, 6-1
(8th) Nasty Lucy, 9-2


Charles Town (3rd) Prim N Classy, 7-2
(7th) Heart Over Mind, 4-1


Del Mar (4th) Zealous Tale, 3-1
(7th) Pretentious, 7-2


Delaware Park (3rd) Dumpster Diva. 10-1
(4th) Toastmaster, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Quick Draw Ronnie, 8-1
(3rd) Collin's Express, 9-2


Finger Lakes (4th) Promise Me Forever, 5-1
(6th) Watergate, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) Prime Time Tommy, 7-2
(10th) Street Brilliant, 6-1


Indiana Grand (1st) My Crafty Friend, 7-2
(6th) Kitten Dance, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Big Kingpin, 6-1
(3rd) Trukarma, 3-1


Penn National (1st) Foxy Gator, 3-1
(8th) Dirty Dozen, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Muggles, 9-2
(4th) Kellster, 5-1


Remington Park (5th) Shore to Shore, 8-1
(6th) Bartiromo, 3-1


Saratoga (2nd) Chubby Master, 5-1
(9th) Court Dancer, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Happ becomes 17-game winner
By The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- J.A. Happ pitched 7 1/3 innings and became the first 17-game winner in the major leagues Wednesday afternoon as the Toronto Blue Jays held on for a 7-4 victory over the New York Yankees.
Melvin Upton Jr. hit a three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who have scored 19 runs since Tuesday's 42-minute rain delay. Ezequiel Carrera had an RBI double, Darwin Barney had a two-run double and Russell Martin added an RBI single as Toronto became the sixth team to win five straight series against the Yankees in New York.
Happ (17-3) allowed three home runs for the second time this season and sixth time in his career. He won his 11th straight decision despite allowing four runs and seven hits.
The Blue Jays won a game started by Happ for the 12th straight time and he became the third Toronto left-hander to reach 17 wins, joining David Wells and Jimmy Key.

Rays 2, Padres 0
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chris Archer pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings and Brad Miller went 3-for-3 with his third home run in the past two games to lead Tampa Bay to a win over San Diego.
Archer struck out nine and held the Padres to four hits while improving his mark to 7-16. Alex Colome recorded four outs to notch his 28th save of the season.
Archer threw 69 of his 106 pitches for strikes for Tampa Bay, which won its fourth game in a row. San Diego has lost five straight and eight of its last 10.

Pirates 6, Giants 5
SAN FRANCISCO -- Andrew McCutchen capped a six-run fifth inning with a two-run home run as Pittsburgh overcame a 4-0 deficit to complete a sweep of the three-game series.
San Francisco starter Matt Cain had allowed only one baserunner -- a single by opposing pitcher Ivan Nova -- through four innings before imploding in the fifth.
The Pirates tied the game on Josh Harrison's sacrifice fly, the inning's first out. Pinch hitter Matt Joyce provided a two-run single, and McCutchen later crushed his 17th homer of the season, a two-run shot, putting the Pirates ahead for good at 6-4.

Rockies 12, Nationals 10
DENVER -- Colorado pounced on Washington starter Stephen Strasburg for seven runs in the first inning, an uprising that included six hits, four of them doubles.
Strasburg (15-4) allowed nine hits and nine runs, both season-high totals, in 1 2/3 innings. In his past three starts, Strasburg has a 14.66 ERA, with 24 hits allowed in that span.
Tony Wolters went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and finished a triple shy of the cycle, and Gerardo Parra drove in four runs, three with a first-inning double, for Colorado.

Cardinals 8, Astros 2
HOUSTON -- St. Louis won its fourth straight and swept the two-game road series by scoring six runs or more for a fourth game in a row.
Jeremy Hazelbaker had a solo home run and Brandon Moss added a three-run shot for the Cardinals. Carlos Martinez (11-7) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Teoscar Hernandez doubled to shallow left.
Astros starter Doug Fister (11-8) allowed seven hits and four runs in four innings, his shortest outing of the season, as Houston lost its fourth consecutive game.

Royals 4, Tigers 1
DETROIT -- Eric Hosmer broke up Anibal Sanchez's no-hit bid in the seventh, then hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the ninth to give streaking Kansas City a 4-1 win over Detroit.
Hosmer blasted reliever Shane Greene's 0-1 pitch into the right field stands following Lorenzo Cain's one-out single. The first baseman's 17th home run of the season lifted the Royals to their ninth win in 11 games, getting the defending champions back to .500.
Alex Gordon extended his hitting streak to eight games with a tying home run in the eighth inning off Justin Wilson. Drew Butera added an RBI single after Hosmer's homer.

Reds 3, Marlins 2
CINCINNATI -- Brandon Phillips returned to the starting lineup in a big way with two doubles, one of which drove in the go-ahead runs in the seventh inning, lifting Cincinnati to a win over Miami.
Marlins starter Andrew Cashner allowed one earned run in five innings and left with a 2-1 lead. In the seventh, Billy Hamilton, who had been out of the lineup since crashing into the outfield wall twice on Monday, reached on a pinch infield single. The Reds chose to bunt Hamilton into scoring position. Joey Votto was then intentionally walked.
Phillips, who had been out of the lineup after suffering a bruised left during Sunday's game, delivered a two-run double off Nick Wittgren to put Cincinnati ahead 3-2.

Dodgers 7, Phillies 2
PHILADELPHIA -- Adrian Gonzalez homered twice and drove in five runs as Los Angeles clubbed Philadelphia.
Gonzalez hit a three-run homer off Phillies starter Jake Thompson in the fourth inning and a two-run shot off reliever Edubray Ramos in the seventh. It was the 20th career multi-homer game for the Los Angeles first baseman, who has 12 home runs this season, and his first since July 17, 2015, at Washington.
Justin Turner added a two-run homer for the Dodgers, who pounded Philadelphia for the second straight day.

Twins 10, Braves 3
ATLANTA -- Kyle Gibson ended his August woes with his first career nine-inning complete game, lifting Minnesota to a win over Atlanta.
Gibson (5-7) allowed three runs on eight hits -- two in the ninth inning when game was essentially decided. He walked three and struck out six. The right-hander, who entered the game with a 7.98 ERA in three August starts, benefited from two double plays.
Trevor Plouffe and Jorge Polanco had three hits apiece for Minnesota, and Plouffe knocked in three runs. Brian Dozier, Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario each added two hits.

Red Sox 8, Orioles 1 (six innings)
BALTIMORE -- Jackie Bradley Jr. and Sandy Leon both hit two-run homers, and David Price threw six strong innings as Boston scored its sixth consecutive win with a rain-shortened decision over Baltimore.
The game was stopped after six innings due to rain. Following a delay of 1 hour, 17 minutes, it was called final.
Bradley finished with four RBIs, as he homered in the third and added a two-run double in the sixth. Leon went deep in the fifth. Mookie Betts finished 2-for-3 with three runs.

White Sox 10, Indians 7
CLEVELAND -- Adam Eaton's grand slam with one out in the ninth inning capped a five-run rally that gave Chicago a victory over Cleveland.
Cleveland went into the ninth inning with a 7-5 lead. Cody Allen (2-5) struck out the first batter of the ninth, but Todd Frazier reached on an infield single and went to second on a throwing error by shortstop Francisco Lindor. J.B. Shuck reached on an infield single to second. Tim Anderson walked, loading the bases.
Dioner Navarro hit a popup behind third base that fell in safely for a single, scoring Frazier to cut the lead to 7-6 and left the bases loaded. Eaton then belted an 0-2 pitch from Allen into the seats in right field for his first career grand slam.

Cubs 6, Brewers 1
CHICAGO -- Given an early five-run cushion, Jon Lester allowed just one run in Chicago's victory over Milwaukee.
Lester (13-4) threw a season-high 118 pitches while limiting the Brewers to three hits. He struck out seven and walked a pair in 6 2/3 innings as the Cubs improved to 6-0 in his past six starts.
Jorge Soler's three-run homer capped the Cubs' five-run first, an inning that included RBI singles from Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell.

Rangers 6, A's 2
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ian Desmond and Jonathan Lucroy each had three RBIs in Texas' victory over Oakland.
Desmond was 2-for-4 with a two-run single in the fifth and an RBI base hit in the Rangers' three-run seventh. Lucroy had a solo homer in the fourth and added a two-run double in the seventh that gave Yu Darvish breathing room in the finale of a three-game sweep of Oakland.
Darvish (4-3) allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out nine over seven innings. Between the Texas right-hander and relievers Jake Diekman and Matt Bush, Rangers pitchers struck out 13 Oakland hitters. Bush struck out the side in the ninth in a non-save appearance.

Diamondbacks 13, Mets 5
PHOENIX -- Rickie Weeks Jr. and Yasmany Tomas each homered twice and drove in 11 runs combined as Arizona routed New York. Tomas also tripled and finished with six RBIs while Weeks drove in five.
Zach Godley threw a career-high 7 1/3 innings for the Diamondbacks, who won two of three from the Mets to win consecutive home series for the first time since May.
Curtis Granderson and Rene Rivera hit ninth-inning homers for the Mets.

Mariners 4, Angels 3
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Leonys Martin drove in one run with a sacrifice fly and scored a second on Shawn O'Malley's bunt single to lead Seattle to a win over Los Angeles.
Robinson Cano got three hits and made a pivotal defensive play for the Mariners, who recorded their 12th win in 15 games.
The Angels' Yunel Escobar went 5-for-5, tying a career best in hits, and Albert Pujols drove in his 93rd run of the season. However, Los Angeles absorbed its 12th loss in 13 games after scoring one run in the ninth but leaving the bases loaded.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (67-52) at Tigers (63-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 18, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- Erick Aybar heated up with the bat in recent weeks. The Detroit Tigers hope their newest acquisition can keep that going throughout their playoff push.

The veteran infielder was acquired from the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday and inserted into the lineup on Wednesday. He went 0-for-3 but reached base on a walk and an error as the Tigers lost 4-1 to the Kansas City Royals.

Aybar batted second and played shortstop, and he could play there regularly until Jose Iglesias recovers from an hamstring injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list last week. Aybar also could get starts at third base with Nick Castellanos on the DL due to a broken hand.

He was hitting .242 with the Braves but posted a .313 average since the All-Star break before joining Detroit.

"The main reason for this move is to upgrade our utility position," Tigers general manager Al Avila said when the deal was made. "We feel Aybar could give us a little more offense."

There is a good chance Aybar will be in the lineup once again when the Tigers open a pivotal four-game series with the red-hot Boston Red Sox on Thursday. The longtime Los Angeles Angels shortstop is glad to be back in a pennant race.

"Atlanta was a different mindset because of the (rebuilding) phase up there," he said through an interpreter. "Coming here, it's a totally different mindset. You're trying to win."

Detroit is desperate for a victory after getting swept by the Royals in a three-game series. Meanwhile, Boston extended its winning streak to six games with an 8-1, rain-shortened win at Baltimore on Wednesday.

Left-hander Matt Boyd, who has been on an impressive run since the All-Star break, will start Thursday's matinee. Boyd (4-2) is 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA in his past six starts.

He had an outing he would like to forget in his only previous start against the Red Sox. While still a member of the Toronto Blue Jays last year, Boyd didn't record an out while allowing seven runs on six hits and a walk.

Boyd will be opposed by right-hander Clay Buchholz, who is temporarily back in the Boston rotation with All-Star Steven Wright on the DL due to a shoulder injury. Buchholz, who had been banished to a long relief role, started against Arizona on Saturday and lasted 4 1/3 innings while giving three runs.

Buchholz (4-9) made some mechanical adjustments that have improved his outlook. He is 2-1 with a 3.54 ERA in 10 career outings against Detroit, including eight starts.

"I think I've found some stuff that I needed to work out," Buchholz told the Boston Herald. "Release point and just arm strength overall. I think it's gotten a little better as the weeks have gone on as I was moved out there (to the bullpen)."

Right fielder Mookie Betts kept his hot streak going Wednesday with three runs and two hits from the cleanup spot. Betts has at least one hit in all but one start since July 30, and he has hit five home runs over the past four games.

"He doesn't take on any added significance to the role or the spot in the lineup," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He's in some kind of spot right now the way he's seeing the baseball, the way he's making such hard contact."

Boston will be seeking some revenge after getting swept by the Tigers in a three-game series at Fenway Park in late July.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (52-67) at Cubs (76-43)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 18, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs go for a four-game sweep of Milwaukee on Thursday as they send their ace right-hander against a rising Brewers star.

A revived Jake Arrieta (14-5, 2.55 ERA) seeks his third consecutive win since shaking out of a three-loss slump. He will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Zach Davies (9-5, 3.80 ERA).

Arrieta's focus remains on the big picture as the Cubs set their sights on the National League Central title and a lengthy postseason run.

"We know what we're capable of," Arrieta said following his last victory, a 13-2 decision over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. "Regardless of how many games you win the division by ... once you get to October, the slate's clean. That's the focus."

The Cubs (76-43) enter Thursday with a 12 1/2-game lead over second-place St. Louis, the defending division champ, and 13 1/2 games over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Arrieta faced the Brewers once this season, throwing five innings of one-run ball in a 7-2 victory at Wrigley Field on April 28. For his career against Milwaukee, he is 5-3 with a 2.31 ERA in 10 starts.

Arrieta's rebound comes at a time when the whole starting staff is performing well.

Cubs starters have allowed two or fewer runs in 12 consecutive games, the longest single-season streak in team history. The rotation owns a 1.11 ERA in that stretch, and it is 11-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 15 games this month.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, hopes to break out of a three-game losing streak in the series finale behind Davies.

Davies, in his second big league season, has been the bright spot in the Brewers' rotation. He is the lone current starter with a winning record as he makes his 22nd start of the season and second against Chicago. The 23-year-old beat the Cubs on July 23 at Miller Park, allowing one run on three hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Since going 0-3 in his first three starts, Davies is 9-2 over his past 19 appearances, and he has 11 quality starts for the year. He is 2-0 all-time against the Cubs.

"When he gets into a groove, he runs through the lineup pretty good," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said recently.

Davies is coming off a loss to Cincinnati on Saturday, when he allowed five runs on eight hits in five-plus innings during the Brewers' 11-5 defeat.

The Chicago club Davies opposes will have some different faces from the one he saw last month, as the Cubs made a series of roster moves Wednesday.

They placed outfielder Chris Coghlan (right rib contusion) and right-handed pitcher Joe Smith (left hamstring strain) on the 15-day disabled list. The Cubs also called up right-hander Spencer Patton from Triple-A Iowa. Patton was 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in nine relief appearances for Chicago earlier this season. He shined with Iowa, recording 11 saves and a 1-0 record with a 0.77 ERA in 34 relief outings.

Trevor Cahill, activated from the disabled list to serve as the Cubs' 26th man for the Tuesday doubleheader, remained on the roster in one of the vacancies created Wednesday. He worked five scoreless innings during a 4-0 victory over the Brewers (52-67) in Game 1 of the doubleheader.

Chicago won the nightcap 4-1, then cruised to a 6-1 victory Wednesday.

The Cubs also likely will be without right-hander John Lackey for their weekend series at Colorado. Lackey experienced shoulder tightness in his last start against the Cardinals, so left-hander Mike Montgomery is scheduled to pitch on Saturday in Lackey's place.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (67-52) at Phillies (56-65)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA - With the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff in tatters, there is an opportunity for Dodgers rookie right-hander Ross Stripling to establish himself.

His next chance comes Thursday, when Stripling (3-4, 4.07) starts against the Philadelphia Phillies' Jerad Eickhoff (8-12, 3.82) in the finale of a three-game series in Citizens Bank Park.

The Dodgers, who have outscored the Phillies 22-7 while winning the first two games of the series, have had 26 players on the disabled list this season, the most ever by a National League team and the second-most by any team in the last 30 years. Only the 2012 Boston Red Sox (27) have had more.

Eleven of the disabled Dodgers are pitchers, and six of those are starters. The most notable is three-time Cy Young Award-winner Clayton Kershaw, who has been out since June 27 with a herniated disk in his back. The earliest he can be activated is Aug. 27.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has nonetheless been able to cobble together an effective rotation -- so effective, in fact, that the Dodgers lead the NL West over the fading Giants.

Stripling opened the season in the rotation. In his major league debut, in fact, he pitched 7 1/3 no-hit innings in a no-decision against the Giants. He was nonetheless banished to the minor leagues on May 23. All the injuries hastened his return to Chavez Ravine, and in time he made his way back into the rotation as well. In all he has made 10 starts among his 14 appearances, the last of those on Aug. 12 against Pittsburgh.

In that one he lasted seven innings, his longest outing since his debut, but allowed five runs, matching his season high. He surrendered six hits, including solo home runs by Andrew McCutchen and Jordy Mercer, while striking out four. He did not walk a batter.

"You never know how the season is going to play out, but Ross has had a great opportunity and really seized the moment," Roberts said, according to Major League Baseball's official web site. "Now and going forward, it's been a great learning process for Ross and I think his growth has been exponential."

Rich Hill (blisters) and Bud Norris (mild mid-back strain) are reportedly close to returning from the disabled list, and Brett Anderson (back surgery) made his first start of the season Sunday against Pittsburgh. He has also pronounced himself fit after injuring his left wrist in that game, which he departed after an inning.

Stripling has never faced the Phillies. Nor has Eickhoff ever faced the Dodgers.

Eickhoff did win his second straight start his last time out, allowing three runs on 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-3 victory over Colorado. Eickhoff, who beat San Diego in his previous outing, was winless over his five previous starts.

His sixth-inning woes continued against the Rockies, however. He carried a 4-0 lead into that inning but surrendered a two-run homer to Daniel Descalso and a solo shot to Tony Wolters. Eickhoff's ERA is 12.71 in the sixth this season.

"It just comes down to getting that curveball over," he said. "If I'm not throwing that with consistency, (hitters) can just put that in the back of their mind, or eliminate, really."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (61-59) at Orioles (66-53)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE-- The Baltimore Orioles are hoping to fare a little better than the last time when they take on Houston Thursday in the start of a four-game series.

The Astros swept the Orioles in a three-game series in Houston back in May, holding the potent Baltimore lineup to just seven runs and scoring two one-run victories and a two-run decision.

Baltimore (66-53) is in the midst of a three-team battle in the American League East and needs to find some success against Houston. The Orioles are just 3-7 versus the Astros over the past two years.

In addition, the Orioles are trying to bounce back after being swept at home by a hot Boston team. The Red Sox scored 13 runs in two nights and moved into second place in the American League East, one game behind Toronto and one game ahead of the Orioles, with the rain-shortened 8-1 victory over Baltimore on Wednesday.

"They've got a lot of good hitters, and it's tough to hold them down," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

The Orioles have experienced more troubles with their pitching in the last two weeks. During that time, the starters and bullpen can't seem to pitch well at the same time, and the mistakes have come more often.

"When guys are hot, mistakes are something they live on, so being able to execute quality pitches is (important)," catcher Matt Wieters said. "Good pitching is going to beat good hitting most times if you're able to make quality pitching."

Right-hander Kevin Gausman (3-10, 4.04 ERA) is trying to do what Wieters talked about. He's been inconsistent throughout the season. His last start is an example of the up-and-down performances he's turned in.

Gausman gave up two runs on two hits in San Francisco Saturday and struck out nine -- but walked six and lasted just four innings, taking the loss in a 6-2 defeat.

Right now, the Orioles are trying to bounce back after losing both games to Boston at home.

"Thankfully it was only a two-games series," said Chris Davis. "We still have a lot of time left, so we'll regroup and get after it tomorrow."

The Astros (61-59) have stumbled a bit recently, losing their fourth straight Wednesday, 8-2 to St. Louis, but remain in the fight for the Wild Card. They'll have a bunch of road games in a tough schedule but manager A.J. Hinch said his team will keep fighting.

"With the way the American League is shaping up, the next six weeks are going to be incredible," Hinch said to MLB.com. "It makes for a jumbled mess to where you realize all you need to focus on is winning your next game and win as many games as you can. It's probably going to take in the upper 80s (in wins) to get into the playoffs, so until you get close to that number, it's pretty much a moot point."

Houston right-hander Joe Musgrove will be making his fourth major league appearance and third start. Musgrove (1-0, 1.47) earned his first win in last Friday's 5-3 victory over Toronto.

The rookie, who made his major league debut on Aug. 2 versus the Jays, gave up two runs on six hits in seven innings last Friday in the win.

He also struck out seven with just one walk. So far, Musgrove's struck out 21 with just two walks in his first 18 1/3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (62-58) at Reds (50-69)

Game: 4
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 18, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- After skipping his previous turn in the rotation, Miami Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez continues his pursuit of the National League strikeout crown Thursday night when he faces the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Fernandez (12-6, 2.81 ERA) has 198 K's in 137 1/3 innings, second in the league behind Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer, who has 211 strikeouts.

However, Miami manager Don Mattingly wants his hard-throwing 24-year old to learn how to put batters away earlier in the count, thus limiting his pitches and extending outings.

"We don't talk a lot about his strikeouts," Mattingly said. "We talk about him learning to pitch more. Keep himself in games. Keep his pitch count down. Pitch to contact. Part of that is to get early outs."

Mattingly referenced Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, whom he managed in Los Angeles. While Kershaw's strikeout totals were high, so were his innings totals.

"There's a way to do it," Mattingly said. "It can't be 3-2 strikeouts. You can't be missing 1-2, missing 3-2, then you get a strikeout. That's putting an extra one to two pitches on every batter."

Fernandez will be facing Cincinnati for the fifth time in his career. He is 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 25 innings vs. the Reds.

The Marlins skipped his last start in an effort to limit his innings. Ideally, Fernandez will be kept around the 180-inning mark.

Fernandez's fastball is common knowledge. However, his breaking ball is something hitters still are adjusting to, according to Mattingly.

"Jose's got a knack for knowing how to use his breaking ball," the manager said. "He's got a great breaking ball. He throws in the upper 90s, so you have to get going. That puts you in danger against anything that breaks late and breaks big. He's added the (changeup), which works well with his fastball."

Cincinnati is batting .269 since the All-Star break, led by first baseman Joey Votto's torrid .451 clip.

The Reds will send one of their more dependable starters to the mound on Thursday, right-hander Dan Straily (8-6, 3.75 ERA).

Straily will be making his 26th appearance of the season and 23rd start. Opponents are hitting just .215 against him, the ninth-best mark in the NL. He hasn't walked a batter in his last 16 2/3 innings and hasn't issued a free pass to a right-hander hitter since July 22.

Straily has produced quality starts in seven of his past eight starts.

Cincinnati (50-69) hopes to have all hands on deck against Fernandez on Thursday after a series of minor injuries caused regulars to miss games during the four-game series against Miami.

Center fielder Billy Hamilton missed two starts since leaving Monday's game after a pair of collisions with the outfield wall.

Left fielder Adam Duvall fouled a pitch off his left foot on Monday and was in a boot on Wednesday. It is doubtful Duvall will be back in time for the Thursday game.

"There is no fracture," manager Bryan Price said of Duvall. "He was hit on one of those spots that you don't want to be hit. We decided immobilizing it was the way to go. We think he'll be out a couple days."

Second baseman Brandon Phillips had a knee contusion but returned to the Reds' lineup on Wednesday in a big way with a pair of doubles, one of which drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, and two sensational defensive plays in a 6-3 Cincinnati win.

Miami (62-58) is looking to keep pace in the NL wild-card race. After dropping two of the first three against the Reds, the Marlins are two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals and one game back of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the chase for the second wild card.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (70-49) at Braves (44-76)

Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 18, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Prized prospect Dansby Swanson, who made his major league debut for the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, will get his first taste of a division rivalry when he faces the Washington Nationals in a four-game series that begins Thursday at Turner Field.

The National League East-leading Nationals (70-49) will open a four-game series against the last-place Braves (44-76). Washington will send rookie right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1-1, 5.74) against Atlanta rookie right-hander Rob Whalen (1-1, 7.31) in a rematch of the Sunday game that Washington won 8-7.

"I'm excited about watching him play," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "Better to get him out there than have him sitting around. We want him to play. We made the trade, we got him up and we want to see him play."

Swanson was recalled after the Braves traded veteran Erick Aybar to Detroit for utilityman Mike Aviles and a minor league catcher on Tuesday. The spot on the 40-man roster opened up after the club designated Aviles for assignment. Swanson was in the lineup Wednesday night.

"This is what I've been working for since I was a little kid," Swanson said. "I think I'm ready for it and time will tell."

Swanson went 2-for-4 in his major league debut on Wednesday while hitting eighth. He did not have a chance in the field.

Swanson, 22, was the No. 1 player chosen in the 2015 draft but was traded less than a year later by Arizona in a trade that sent right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller to the Diamondbacks. Swanson, who grew up in the Atlanta suburbs, was an All-America at Vanderbilt.

Swanson split the 2016 season between High-A Carolina and Double-A Mississippi, hitting a combined .275 with nine homers in 105 games. He becomes the first No. 1 pick to debut in the season following his selection since Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who was drafted in 2009 and debuted in 2010.

The Nationals are eager to get another look at Lopez, who will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and make his third major league start. Lopez last pitched on Saturday, which allows him to start on full rest.

Lopez struggled in his first two starts. He allowed six runs on 10 hits, but struck out nine, in 4 2/3 innings against the Dodgers, and gave up three runs, but with five walks, in four innings against the Giants. But he bounced back to limit the Braves to one run in seven innings of work on Aug. 13.

The Nationals hope Lopez can hang onto that spot in the rotation until Joe Ross is able to return from his bout with right shoulder inflammation.

"I'd rather settle on one guy, but that depends on the person," Washington manager Dusty Baker said. "If one guys steps up, that would make our decision a lot easier."

Atlanta is giving Whalen another shot. The rookie, acquired last year from the Mets along with right-hander John Gant, was tagged for six runs in five innings of his most recent start against Washington.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (57-62) at Indians (68-50)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 18, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- Now that the Chicago White Sox have gotten the monkey off their back, they can go about trying to win a series from the Cleveland Indians. The two teams will meet Thursday night at Progressive Field in the final game of a three-game series.

The White Sox lost the first game 3-1 but won the second game in rousing fashion. Trailing 7-5 in the ninth inning, the White Sox scored five runs, four coming on a grand slam by Adam Eaton, giving Chicago a 10-7 victory.

That win halted the White Sox's seven-game losing streak to Cleveland.

"Nobody gave up. Guys just kept grinding, all the way through," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

"In the ninth, it would have been easy to go one, two, three, and just lay down. But we didn't give up. It was a total team effort," Eaton said.

The White Sox will try to carry that momentum into the series finale on Thursday. The White Sox will send lefty Carlos Rodon (3-8, 4.32 ERA) to the mound against Cleveland's Danny Salazar (11-4, 3.38).

Rodon has never lost to Cleveland. In six career appearances, five of them starts, against the Indians, Rodon is 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA.

Salazar will be making his first start since Aug. 1, when he pitched just two innings in a 12-5 loss to Minnesota. He went on the disabled the next day with right elbow inflammation.

Salazar was selected to the American League All-Star team but did not pitch in the game at the Indians' request because of concerns about the elbow. In five starts in June, Salazar was 5-0 with a 1.91 ERA. However, in his last five starts, he is 1-1 with a 7.88 ERA, capped by the trip onto the disabled list.

Thursday will be Salazar's ninth career start against the White Sox. His career record vs. Chicago is 5-2 with a 3.19 ERA. In two starts against the Sox this year, he is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

When Salazar is activated, he will take pitcher Josh Tomlin's spot on the roster. Tomlin was placed on the family emergency list on Wednesday and returned to his home in Tyler, Texas. The family emergency list is a 3-5 day list.

The Indians are 5-2 on the first seven games of their 11-game homestand, their longest homestand of the season.

One player who will be seeing less time in the lineup going forward is outfielder Abraham Almonte, who has done some good things offensively and defensively in the 29 games he has played.

In 81 at-bats Almonte is hitting .284 with a home run, nine RBIs and three stolen bases. However, he is ineligible for the postseason because of his being suspended for the first 80 games of this season for testing positive for steroids during spring training.

"There are going to be times in the next six weeks when Abe isn't an obvious choice (to be in the lineup) that we'll play some other guys," manager Terry Francona said. "Because if we're fortunate enough to move on (into the postseason), we're going to have to do it without him anyway."

That figures to mean more playing time for outfielder Brandon Guyer, who has given a boost to the lineup since being acquired on Aug. 1 in a trade with Tampa Bay.

In 11 games with the Indians, Guyer is hitting .654 (17-for-26) with a home run and eight RBIs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (49-71) at Royals (60-60)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 18, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It might be too late, but the Kansas City Royals are making a push to get back into postseason play.

After a disastrous 7-19 July, the Royals were seven games below .500, at 51-58, after an Aug. 5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

But after winning 4-1 Wednesday night at Detroit to sweep the Tigers they evened their record at 60-60. The Royals have won four straight, seven of eight and nine of 11. They have won their past four series.

"We're playing like champions," said Royals rookie second baseman Raul Mondesi, who hit his first career home run on Tuesday.

The defending World Series champion Royals return home Thursday to open a four-game series against the last-place Minnesota Twins. If the Royals are to keep their playoffs hopes alive, they may need to sweep the Twins. Anything less than winning three of the four could prove fatal to their postseason aspirations.

"The offense looks to me like it's definitely coming back around," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "That's what we were waiting on. We felt good all the way around with our starting pitching for the most part and the bullpen guys have done a phenomenal job without (Luke) Hoch(evar) and Wade (Davis). They've really picked up the slack down there. We feel good where we're at right now."

The offense did nothing in the first seven innings Wednesday. Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez did not allow a hit until Eric Hosmer's two-out double in the seventh. Sanchez did not come out for the eighth and the Royals promptly went to work on the Detroit bullpen. Alex Gordon homered on the first pitch of the eighth, extending his hitting streak to a season-high eight games, while Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer in a three-run ninth. That allowed the Royals to sweep a three-game series in Detroit for the first time since September 2008.

While the Twins possess the worst record in the majors, the pitching matchup for the first game favors Minnesota, which will start Tyler Duffey. He beat the Royals 5-3 on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Duffey also beat the Royals on May 25 at Target Field.

Duffey is 8-8 with a 5.71 ERA with 25 walks and 90 strikes in 108 2/3 innings.

"I know Kansas City has been hard on us and they have a real good home record," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Hopefully we can turn it around, starting with Duff on the mound (Thursday)."

Right-hander Dillon Gee, who was the losing pitcher Saturday at Minnesota, will be making his 10th start and 25th appearance. After holding the Twins to two runs in the first five innings, he gave up a single and back-to-back home runs in the sixth, pulled with the Royals trailing by four runs.

Gee is 2-6 with a 6.35 ERA in nine starts. He has not won as a starter since May 31.

The Twins swept a two-game series at Atlanta and improved to 9-7 in August. Brian Dozier went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, hiking his RBI total to 72, while Trevor Plouffe went 3-for-5 with three RBIs in the Twins' 10-3 victory Wednesday over the Braves. Kyle Gibson pitched a complete game to pick up the victory.

The Twins played without first baseman Joe Mauer and third baseman Miguel Sano in routing the Braves.

Mauer sat out with sore quads, while Sano has a sore elbow.

"We want to give him a chance to rest and be ready for the Royals," Twins manager Paul Molitor said of Mauer. "He doesn't want to sit, but sometimes that extra day helps him."

Mauer is hitting .435 with a .516 on-base percentage and a .709 slugging percentage in August with two home runs, seven doubles and 11 RBIs in 14 games.

Sano made some throws from third base during infield practice and could be close to returning. The Twins could use Sano as the designated hitter in Kansas City, which was not an option at Atlanta under National League rules.

"He is doing better, but I don't get the feeling he is feeling 100 percent yet," Molitor said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (64-55) at Angels (50-70)

Game: 4
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 18, 2016 10:05 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A pitcher enjoying one of his best seasons will face another experiencing perhaps his most frustrating one when the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels conclude their four-game series Thursday night at Angel Stadium.

Seattle right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (14-7, 3.84 ERA) needs one more victory to tie his career high, which he established in 2014. Los Angeles right-hander Matt Shoemaker (6-13, 4.22 ERA) already has a career-high loss total despite dramatic, sustained improvement since the season's first five weeks.

The Mariners will be looking to win a series that has begun with three consecutive one-game games. Seattle posted a 3-2 win Monday, fell 7-6 Tuesday, then held on for a 4-3 victory Wednesday.

Iwakuma, a veteran of 11 seasons in Japan, leads the Mariners in wins as well as with 150 innings pitched and 113 strikeouts.

He enters Thursday night's game having won his past three starts and eight of his past nine. During that stretch, which covers 55 innings, Iwaukuma has compiled a 2.78 ERA while collecting 41 strikeouts and issuing only 10 walks.

However, one day before his last start, Saturday against the Oakland Athletics, Iwakuma awoke with neck spasms that forced him to get immediate treatment, which cost him his preparation routine.

"Until noon," Seattle manager Scott Servais told the Seattle Times on Saturday, "we didn't even know if he'd make the start."

Iwakuma allowed three runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings, yet the Mariners earned a 4-3 victory.

"This morning I spoke with the skipper to tell him I was OK to go today, but as the game progressed, I started to feel stiffness," Iwakuma said. "My body was starting to fly open. I wasn't as high as I wanted it to be. I kind of felt that throughout the third, fourth, fifth inning, but I was able to get out of jams."

Iwakuma's neck improved Sunday to the point where he resumed his post-start throwing routine.

Shoemaker, the runner-up to the Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu for American League Rookie of the Year in 2014, began the season 1-5 with a 9.12 ERA. Since May 16, though, Shoemaker has amassed 109 strikeouts in 114 innings while conceding just 16 walks and compiling a 3.16 ERA.

In the process, Shoemaker also became the second American League pitcher in the past century to collect at least 30 strikeouts without issuing a walk in a three-game span, after the Tampa Bay Rays' Chris Archer first accomplished the feat last year. Shoemaker, 29, accumulated 49 strikeouts without issuing a walk to tie Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez for the third-longest such stretch in major league history.

Yet Shoemaker has lost four of his past five starts. Against the Indians on Saturday night, Shoemaker gave up five runs on 12 hits in six innings as the Angels took their ninth successive defeat. Three of Cleveland's runs came in the opening inning.

"Except for the first inning, he did a good job," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He had good fastball command and he finished strong."

Nevertheless, Shoemaker is confronting an opponent not found in any batting order: frustration.

"You could argue it's very high," he told the Los Angeles Times. "But I'm going out every game fighting for this team. As I've said a lot, I'm trying to go out and put up zeros. If we put up a lot of zeros, we are going to win games."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (50-70) at Padres (50-70)

Game: 1
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 18, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

SAN DIEGO -- The battle for last place -- or next to last, if you are a glass-half-full type -- in the National League West starts in earnest Thursday night at Petco Park.

Until Wednesday night, the San Diego Padres had resided in fourth in the division since July 7.

However, hours after San Diego completed a 2-7 road trip with a 2-0 loss to the Rays at Tampa Bay, Arizona routed the New York Mets 13-5 behind the bats of Yasmany Tomas and Rickie Weeks Jr. to leave both the Padres and Diamondbacks with identical 50-70 records.

The opener of a four-game series Thursday night will be the first of 10 meetings between the Padres and Diamondbacks over the season's final 42 games. The next seven of those 10 games will be at Petco Park, while the teams' final three games will be played at Chase Field in Arizona.

Of course, there is no reward for finishing fourth in a five-team race.

It has been a particularly disappointing season for the Diamondbacks, while the Padres have already shifted into full rebuild mode.

Since the Padres and Diamondbacks last met on July 6 -- the day before San Diego moved past Arizona into fourth -- the Padres traded away starting pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Andrew Cashner and corner outfielders Melvin Upton Jr. and Matt Kemp.

Several times in the past two weeks, the Padres had six rookies in the starting lineup. Most games feature four rookies in the San Diego starting nine.

"We're going to be looking at a lot of young players between now and the end of the season," said Padres manager Andy Green, who assisted the Diamondbacks in 2015 as the third base coach. "These are opportunities for players."

The Diamondbacks have a 5-4 edge in the season series, including a 2-1 mark at Petco Park.

When the rivalry resumes Thursday night, right-hander Archie Bradley will start for Arizona with right-hander Paul Clemens making his fifth start for the Padres.

Bradley has a 4-8 record and a 4.91 ERA in 17 starts for Arizona this season. In two starts against the Padres this year, he is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA over 13 1/3 innings.

This will be Bradley's first start at Petco Park in 2016. The 6-foot-4, 24-year-old has pitched much better on the road this season (3-4 with a 3.73 ERA in nine starts) than he has at home (1-4 with a 6.25 ERA in eight starts). He has also struggled since the All-Star break (1-3, 5.46 ERA in six starts).

"My last couple outings have been disappointing," said Bradley, who has given up nine runs (seven earned) on 10 hits, including three homers, over his past 10 innings.

Left-handed hitters have batted .322 against Bradley this season. That could be a problem Thursday night, as the Padres could be starting four left-handed hitters plus switch-hitting third baseman Yangervis Solarte.

Clemens is 1-2 with a 4.03 ERA in eight game (four starts) since San Diego claimed him off waivers from Miami in late June. Counting his two starts for the Marlins this year, he is 2-2 with a 4.73 ERA.

He made his Padres debut on July 4 against the Diamondbacks, allowing an unearned run on one hit in a one-inning relief appearance. His lone win as a Padre came against the Mets in his most recent start, when he yielded three runs in five innings during an 8-6 victory at New York on Aug. 12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (60-60) at Giants (66-54)

Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 18, 2016 10:15 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO -- Two teams tail-spinning into dangerous territory in the National League playoff picture look to turn things around while adding to the other's misery when the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants open a four-game series Thursday night.

The pitching matchup in the opener has an October feel to it: Jacob deGrom vs. Madison Bumgarner. But truth be told, neither New York nor San Francisco figures to be playing much fall baseball the way their summers have been going.

The Mets (60-60) arrive in San Francisco having lost two of three at Arizona to open a 10-game trip.

And now comes the tough part: four at San Francisco (66-54) and three at St. Louis (64-56), two of the four teams the Mets are chasing in the wild-card race.

The race has gone more backward than forward for both the Mets and the Giants in recent weeks.

Having lost seven of 10 against the Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres -- the bottom two teams in the NL West -- the Mets are just 13-18 since the All-Star break, the fourth-worst record in the NL.

They are hoping deGrom (7-5, 2.30 ERA) can help get things headed back in the right direction.

The right-hander has been terrific in his past nine starts. If you throw out his only loss in that stretch -- when he was roughed up for five runs in 3 2/3 innings at Miami on July 23 -- he has allowed just five runs in 56 2/3 innings, an 0.79 ERA.

However, he has only four wins to show for those games, an indication of just how bad the Mets have been of late.

They are planning to have shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (Thursday) and Yoenis Cespedes (Friday) back for the San Francisco series, which might help. Cabrera has been sidelined since Aug. 1 with a strained left patellar tendon, while Cespedes has placed out since Aug. 4 due to a strained right quadriceps.

San Francisco, meanwhile, fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5 on Wednesday, capping a three-game series sweep. The Giants have lost five of six on their current 10-game homestand.

They have been even worse than the Mets since the All-Star break, going 9-21, the worst record in baseball.

Along the way, the Giants have dropped out of first place in the NL West after holding the top spot for 93 consecutive days. They will begin play Thursday trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 1 1/2 games in the division.

"We're taking some blows right now," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said after the Wednesday loss. "But it's a tough club. It's a resilient club. They came out and did some good things (Wednesday). We're creating some good chances and opportunities."

The Giants will begin the series with their ace on the mound. Bumgarner (11-7, 2.11 ERA) has never lost to the Mets in his career, having gone 4-0 with a 1.03 ERA in five starts.

In fact, Bumgarner hasn't even allowed a run to the Mets since Sept. 13, 2013. He is the only pitcher with at least two starts against the Mets not to have given up a run against them over the past three seasons.

Interestingly, both the Mets and Giants already are planning ahead for a big series next week, when New York visits St. Louis and San Francisco goes to Dodger Stadium.

Both managers are of the same mindset with a day off Monday. Each indicated Wednesday he is considering skipping his fifth starter (the Mets' Jonathon Niese and Giants' Matt Cain) so that deGrom and Bumgarner can begin that series as well.

"We'll have to see what happens (Thursday) night," Mets manager Terry Collins said of deGrom's pitch count.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Thursday, August 18, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Are you aware that Major League Baseball teams set their own home game times? Not in the playoffs, but in the regular season they do. I mention this because the Red Sox and Tigers could well end up competing for the same wild-card spot. So if I'm Detroit, I'm not going to help Boston in any way. I mention this because the Red Sox requested the Tigers to move Thursday's series opener between the two at Comerica Park from a 1:10 p.m. ET start to a night game because Boston is playing Wednesday night in Baltimore and then obviously would have to travel. The Tigers said nope. Now, some in Beantown think the Tigers are just sticking it to former GM Dave Dombrowski, now in charge in Boston. But Tigers GM Al Avila, who formerly was under Dombrowski, said it was a business move and indeed the Tigers have had multiple matinee home games on Thursday this season. Plus the Lions play a preseason game right next door at Ford Field on Thursday night. And, hey, if it's a competitive advantage for Detroit on Thursday against Boston because the Tigers are at home the night before, then that's an added bonus.


Red Sox at Tigers (+100, 9.5)

This game should have live betting as it's televised nationally by the MLB Network. Boston needs a starter again with Steven Wright on the disabled list, so it unfortunately has no choice but to turn to struggling Clay Buchholz (4-9, 5.66). He had been demoted to the bullpen but was put back in the rotation on Saturday vs. Arizona and allowed three runs over 4.1 innings with three walks. He came out for the fifth inning and allowed a single and a fly out before getting pulled as he crossed the 70-pitch threshold. He hadn't started since getting lit up by the Angels on July 2. Buchholz has pitched three innings of relief this year vs. Detroit and allowed a run and two hits. Ian Kinsler is 2-for-6 career off him with two solo homers. Justin Upton is 2-for-6 with two doubles and four RBIs. Detroit goes with lefty Matt Boyd. Since being called back up from the minors in early June, he has been excellent (4-2, 4.16). He pitched seven shutout innings in winning at Texas last time out, allowing two hits. He hasn't faced Boston in 2016.

Key trends: The Red Sox are 5-1 in their past six against a lefty. The Tigers are 5-0 in Boyd's past five at home vs. teams with a winning record. The "over/under" is 5-2-1 in Boyd's past eight at home.

Early lean: Tigers and under.

Brewers at Cubs (-300, TBA)

Your only other matinee with a 2:20 p.m. ET start. I'm thinking a couple of key Cubs will get the game off because the team heads out on a tough nine-game West Coast trip right after the game. Plus the Cubs had to play a doubleheader on Tuesday. The Brewers go with Zach Davies (9-5, 3.80). He lost to Cincinnati on Saturday, giving up five runs and eight hits over five innings. He might be hitting a bit of an innings wall. Davies beat the Cubs on July 23 in Beer Town, allowing a run and three hits over 6.1 innings. Dexter Fowler is 0-for-6 against him. Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-5 with a double and two strikeouts. Chicago's Jake Arrieta (14-5, 2.55) is back in the Cy Young race. He had a third straight good start Friday vs. St. Louis, allowing a run over 5.2 innings. He was at a high pitch count so came out. Arrieta beat Milwaukee on April 28 in allowing a run in five innings. Ryan Braun is 4-for-12 off him career with a homer and four RBIs, but I have a feeling that Braun will miss this game and perhaps head to the DL after suffering a left knee strain on Tuesday.

Key trends: The Brewers are 5-2 in Davies' past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The Cubs are 6-0 in Arrieta's past six on Thursday. The under is 5-2 in his past five at home vs. Milwaukee.

Early lean: Cubs.

White Sox at Indians (-178, 8.5)

This also is shown by the MLB Network. Cleveland is set to get All-Star Danny Salazar off the disabled list for this one. Salazar (11-4, 3.38) lasted just two innings on Aug. 1 vs. the Twins and allowed six runs, including three homers, and had an MRI on his elbow the next day. That found nothing serious. The right-hander has an 8.84 ERA over his past four starts, totaling only 18⅓ innings. He is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA this year in two starts vs. the Pale Hose. Jose Abreu is 6-for-16 career off him with three homers. The White Sox go with lefty Carlos Rodon (3-8, 4.32). He is working on back-to-back quality starts, both Chicago wins. He did throw a career-high 122 pitches last time out vs. the Marlins, though. Rodon took a no-decision on June 19 in Cleveland, allowing two runs over six innings with seven strikeouts. Jason Kipnis is just 3-for-17 off him. Carlos Santana is 4-for-11 with a double.

Key trends: The Sox are 1-6 in Rodon's past seven on the road. The Tribe are 11-3 in Salazar's past 14 at home. They are 4-1 in his past five vs. Chicago. The under is 5-1 in Salazar's past six on Thursday.

Early lean: Indians and under.

Marlins at Reds (+153, 7.5)

Miami skipped ace Jose Fernandez' s start on Sunday (don't even get me started about that again), but he will actually now move up a day earlier than scheduled to take the spot of Adam Conley, who landed on the DL over the weekend. Fernandez (12-6, 2.81) allowed a run and six hits over six innings with 10 strikeouts on Aug. 8 vs. the Giants, but the Marlins have dropped his past three. Fernandez beat the Reds on July 8 in allowing an unearned run with eight strikeouts over seven innings. Brandon Phillips is 3-for-10 off him with a homer. Joey Votto is 1-for-10 with four strikeouts. Cincinnati has won six starts in a row by Dan Straily (8-6, 3.75). His last loss was opposite Fernandez in Miami, giving up three runs and six hits over six innings. Christian Yelich is 2-for-2 off him with a homer.

Key trends: The Marlins are 4-1 in Fernandez's past five with nine or more days of rest. The Reds are 5-1 in Straily's past six at home. The under is 4-1 in Fernandez's past five vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: Marlins and under.

Mets at Giants (-145, 6.5)

Probably the pitching matchup of the week in this series opener. It's former NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom for the Mets. DeGrom (7-5, 2.30) is working on a string of four straight excellent outings but has just one win in that stretch to show for it thanks to a lousy Mets offense. He took a no-decision on Saturday vs. the Padres, giving up a run and three hits over seven innings. DeGrom, who beat the Giants back on April 30 (no earned runs over six innings), has a 1.56 ERA since the All-Star break. The Giants go with lefty and former World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner (11-7, 2.11). He also had been getting little offensive help of late and hadn't won since July 10 but did on Saturday vs. the Orioles, throwing seven shutout innings. He beat the Mets on May 1, shutting them out over six innings. Neil Walker is 4-for-12 career off him with two homers.

Key trends: The Mets are 8-3 in deGrom's past 11 road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Giants are 8-3 in Bumgarner's past 11 at home. The under is 6-2 in his past eight there.

Early lean: Giants and under.