Tuesday 5/24/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (23-20) at White Sox (27-19)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: May 24, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

It's a matchup of two unbeaten pitchers, but the comparisons don't go much further.

Chris Sale is off to a historic start for the Chicago White Sox, who host Josh Tomlin and the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Dating to his last outing of 2015, Sale (9-0, 1.58 ERA) has won 10 straight starts with a 1.55 ERA while never giving up more than three runs.

He continued the run with little support in Thursday's 2-1 home win over Houston, surrendering a run and four hits while striking out nine in a second straight complete game.

"He's pretty darn good,' teammate Jimmy Rollins told MLB's official website. "Obviously what he's doing hasn't been done in an awful long time. It's special. He has a mission. He takes it on himself every time he takes the ball to go nine, and he's done a damn good job.'

The left-hander is now in position to be the first big leaguer to win 11 straight starts since Justin Verlander went 12 straight from July 21-Sept. 18, 2011. The last White Sox pitcher to do it was LaMarr Hoyt with 11 in a row in 1983-84.

The last pitcher to begin a season with wins in 10 straight starts was San Diego's Andy Hawkins in 1985, and Eddie Cicotte was the last to do it for the franchise with 12 straight for the infamous 1919 Black Sox before receiving a lifetime ban following 1920 for his part in allegedly throwing the World Series.

And Sale, who went eight straight starts with at least 10 strikeouts last season, is winning this year without once reaching that mark. His 8.17 strikeouts per nine innings is easily the lowest mark of his career after posting an 11.82 mark last season.

"It's not that I'm not trying to throw hard; I'm trying to throw smarter,' Sale said. "I'm not coming out of my shoes. I'm still giving everything I've got, but it's under control. It's max effort, under control. Instead of 115 percent, it's 100 percent.'

The Indians gave him some comparative trouble on April 9 with Sale giving up three runs and six hits with two home runs in a 7-3 home win. That's held true throughout his career with a 5-6 record and 3.98 ERA in 15 starts against Cleveland.

Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are both 5 for 13 against Sale, but Lonnie Chisenhall (1 for 9) and Mike Napoli (2 for 16) have struggled.

Tomlin (6-0, 3.56) gave up two runs and five hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 7-2 win in Cincinnati on Thursday for his longest outing of the year. The right-hander was impressive through his first two starts with two runs allowed in 11 2/3 innings, but he's since been the beneficiary of an 8.33 run-support average. He's 4-0 with a 4.31 ERA in those five starts, so the latest effort was a return to a deserved win and set up him to be the first Indians pitcher to win his first seven decisions since Dennis Martinez won his first nine in 1995. Cliff Lee also started 6-0 in 2008.

Tomlin is 2-2 with a 3.44 ERA in six starts and a relief appearance against the White Sox. Jose Abreu (3 for 5 with a home run and a double) and Austin Jackson (7 for 16 with a home run, triple and three doubles) have hit him well, but Melky Cabrera (1 for 14) and Adam Eaton (1 for 9) have not.

Chicago (27-19) opened the series with a 7-6 win in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader before Cleveland (23-20) won 5-1 in Game 2 to end a three-game losing streak.

"We needed the win," manager Terry Francona said.

Chicago's Todd Frazier is 6 for 10 with two home runs and a double in his last three games.

The Indians have averaged 6.8 runs per game over a 6-3 span. Getting anywhere near that against Sale would be a success.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (26-16) at Astros (17-28)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: May 24, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

With their offense in a major cold spell, another top-notch pitcher is the last thing the Houston Astros need to see.

That's a category Chris Tillman has reascended into with his current hot stretch.

As Tillman aims to win his sixth consecutive start, the Astros attempt to avoid a season-high fifth straight loss in Tuesday night's matchup with the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles.

Though ineffective pitching may be the biggest factor in Houston's highly disappointing 17-28 record, its present skid can be attributed to a lack of production at the plate. The Astros are hitting .145 and have totaled five runs during the slide while managing six hits or less in each loss.

After being stymied by Chris Sale on Thursday to begin the streak, Houston fanned 11 times in Cole Hamels' eight innings as Texas completed a three-game sweep at Minute Maid Park with Sunday's 9-2 win.

"We've got to toughen up a little bit about those circumstances, whether it's a tough call or a line-drive out," manager A.J. Hinch told MLB's official website. "They give us 27 outs, we have to maximize them and overcome some of the negative vibe that can be created with being held scoreless or not getting enough hits."

The Astros won't get a reprieve in the opener of this three-game set, as Tillman (6-1, 2.61 ERA) has yielded six runs over his longest winning streak since a six-start run in June 2013, the year he registered a career-high 16 victories and made the AL All-Star team.

Tillman was sharp again in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Seattle, allowing two runs and four hits and striking out six over 6 1/3 innings.

The right-hander also owns excellent numbers at Minute Maid Park, where he's permitted two runs over 13 2/3 innings in winning both career starts.

Tillman faces a Houston lineup that slumped at the top in the Texas series, with Jose Altuve, George Springer and Carlos Correa finishing a combined 4 for 35.

Altuve is just 2 for 11 against Tillman and Springer 1 for 9 with three strikeouts.

The Astros can counter Tillman with a surging pitcher of their own in Doug Fister (4-3, 4.22), who's bounced back from a rough opening month to go 3-0 with a 3.08 ERA over his past four starts - all Houston wins. The offseason addition extended his unbeaten stretch by holding the White Sox to three runs over 6 1/3 innings in Wednesday's 5-3 victory.

When it comes to his time in the rotation, you feel like you're going to get five, six, seven innings of good, healthy hard work that give you a chance to win," Hinch said.

Preventing home runs has keyed Fister's success, as he's allowed one in his last four starts after permitting five in posting a 5.56 ERA through his first four.

Maintaining that form could be challenging, as Baltimore (26-16) ranks among the MLB leaders with 63 home runs and hit six in winning two of three from the Angels to begin a nine-game trip. The Orioles were held in check in Sunday's finale, though, with Jered Weaver tossing seven effective innings in Los Angeles' 10-2 win.

'He mixed his pitches pretty good,' second baseman Jonathan Schoop said. "He got us off balance a little bit.'

Schoop went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and is hitting .370 with 10 RBIs over his last eight games.

Baltimore made a trade Monday, sending left-handed reliever Brian Matusz and the 76th pick in the draft to Atlanta for a pair of minor league pitchers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (23-21) at Twins (11-33)

Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: May 24, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

With three players riding impressive hitting streaks, the Kansas City Royals should feel confident about extending a lengthy series run without All-Star Alex Gordon.

Lorenzo Cain, Salvador Perez and Paulo Orlando hope to continue their offensive tear Tuesday night when the visiting Royals chase their seventh win in nine games as well as a franchise-record eighth straight victory over the MLB-worst Minnesota Twins.

Cain is hitting .403 with four homers and 11 RBIs over a 15-game road hitting streak after going 2 for 5 in Monday's series-opening 10-4 victory. The center fielder is batting .375 in his past 11 versus Minnesota and .406 in his last eight at Target Field.

Perez contributed a career-high five hits as Kansas City matched its longest winning streak against the Twins (11-33) since 1981-82. The All-Star catcher is batting .405 over a nine-game hit streak and is 11 for 19 in his last five games versus Minnesota.

"I think everyone is trying to do the best they can do. It's a long season," Perez said. "Sometimes it will be tough and sometimes it's a night like (Monday)."

Orlando also has been hot, going 15 for 26 with a home run, a triple and three doubles over a six-game hitting streak. The right fielder had three hits and two RBIs on Monday.

That certainly made things easier without Gordon, who will miss at least three weeks after suffering a broken wrist in a collision with third baseman Mike Moustakas on Sunday. Moustakas is day to day after sitting out Monday with a bruised knee.

Kansas City (23-21) will give the ball to Edinson Volquez (4-4, 3.79 ERA) as it also goes after a club-record eighth straight win at Minnesota. The right-hander hasn't been consistently sharp of late, going 1-4 with a 6.00 mark in his last five.

Volquez, however, is 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA in six games against the Twins. He limited them to two runs while striking out 10 over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-3 home win April 10.

Joe Mauer and Eduardo Nunez each went 3 for 3 off him in that contest. Mauer is 8 for 19 in the matchup, but Brian Dozier and Kurt Suzuki are a combined 2 for 25.

Mauer is hitting .459 in his last 11 versus Kansas City after going 3 for 5 with a homer Monday. Trevor Plouffe added three hits after going 0 for 16 in his previous four.

Minnesota, however, has averaged 2.8 runs over the last 10 of a 1-10 home stretch.

Ervin Santana, who pitched for the Royals in 2013, seeks his third straight strong performance. He allowed one run over six innings in a 6-3 win at Cleveland on May 14 before giving up two runs over eight in Thursday's 3-2, 11-inning loss to Toronto.

"It was a big game for me," the right-hander told the league's official website Thursday. "Especially when I was working down in the zone. It was good."

Santana (1-2, 3.13) has a 2.57 ERA over his last three starts versus Kansas City. He surrendered two runs and fanned seven over six innings in a 4-3 road loss April 8.

Moustakas went 2 for 3 with a double off him in that one, but Cain struck out in each of his three at-bats and he's 0 for 8 with six Ks lifetime in the matchup.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (15-30) at Dodgers (23-23)

Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: May 24, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers taxed their bullpen during the end of their weekend series, causing a shakeup in the pitching staff before Clayton Kershaw alleviated some of the pressure in the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

Mike Bolsinger was traveling with the club's Triple-A team when he learned he'd have to head to Los Angeles to make a spot start Tuesday night against the Reds, who send Daniel Wright to the hill for his major league debut.

The Dodgers (23-23) used six pitchers in an 11-inning loss to San Diego on Saturday before nine took the mound Sunday to help snap a four-game losing streak with a 9-5, 17-inning victory. The win came at a cost, though, as manager Dave Roberts was forced to use Ross Stripling, the scheduled starter for this contest.

There was some uncertainty over who would get the nod Monday before Bolsinger was recalled earlier in the day. The right-hander was scheduled to start Monday for Oklahoma City before getting the call that he might be needed against the Reds (15-30).

Bolsinger was sent back to Triple-A a day after giving up three runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of an 8-1 loss to the Angels in his season debut Wednesday. Normally a player would have to wait 10 days before being recalled again, but there's an exception if he's replacing an injured player.

The Dodgers placed Chin-Hui Tsao on the disabled list with a strained right triceps in a corresponding move. Roberts said Bolsinger could stick with the Dodgers for another start.

"It's a day-to-day thing, depending on where we're at," Roberts told MLB's official website.

The Dodgers also recalled reliever Luis Avilan, but the bullpen got a much-needed break as Kershaw tossed a two-hitter to beat Cincinnati 1-0. Adrian Gonzalez's check-swing RBI single in the sixth was all Kershaw needed against the light-hitting Reds.

They've been outscored 61-23 while dropping eight in a row and have been shut out in two of their last three. Their two hits were their fewest since the Chicago Cubs' Jake Arrieta pitched a no-hitter against them April 21.

Joey Votto went 0 for 2 and is hitting .108 with 14 strikeouts over his last 11. He was the last Reds player to reach base with only his fifth walk of the season leading off the fourth as Kershaw proceeded to retire the last 17 he faced.

Wright hopes to provide a boost for a Cincinnati pitching staff that has by far the worst ERA in the majors at 5.48. He gets the nod in place of Tim Adleman, who suffered a strained left oblique while pitching against Cleveland on Thursday.

And it's no wonder why manager Bryan Price chose him. The right-hander has a 0.79 ERA in 34 innings, including a 0.72 ERA in four starts, split between Double-A and Triple-A and pitched a shutout without walking a batter in his last outing for Louisville.

Wright will be Cincinnati's 10th different starter this year.

"I was kind of getting settled in Louisville, found a place to live and everything and I was expecting to be there a while," Wright said. "Then this opportunity opened up. Luckily, I'm getting a chance."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (20-26) at Mariners (26-18)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: May 24, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

No matter how either team has fared heading into the series, there's something about playing at Safeco Field that has brought out the best in the Oakland Athletics.

After snapping a four-game losing streak, the A's could have a tough time continuing the outstanding pitching that has keyed a 4-0 road record against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night when Kendall Graveman looks to avoid his sixth straight defeat.

The A's were outscored 22-9 while getting swept four straight by the visiting New York Yankees before making themselves comfortable again in the Pacific Northwest.

Stephen Vogt homered and Jake Smolinski and Coco Crisp each had two hits in Monday's 5-0 series-opening victory at Safeco. Oakland (20-26) had dropped 11 of its previous 14 road games, but has won all four at Seattle (26-18) by a combined 16-4.

The A's have an 0.73 ERA in those contests after Rich Hill's eight-inning gem Monday. Graveman (1-6, 5.48 ERA), however, is trying to avoid becoming the first Oakland pitcher to lose six consecutive outings, all starts, since Vin Mazzaro in 2009.

"We continue to fight," Hill told the league's official website. "I think that's really the theme of this ballclub. We'll continue to go as hard as we can for as long as we can."

The right-hander has allowed a total of 22 runs and 39 hits - including eight homers - over 25 innings during his five-start losing streak. He had a somewhat promising effort Thursday when he gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Yankees.

The Mariners contributed to Graveman's slide on May 2, tagging him with four runs and 10 hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 4-3 win at Oakland. In his only other start versus Seattle, the 25-year-old worked seven innings in a 2-0 win July 4, 2015.

Nelson Cruz had three hits off him, while Norichika Aoki and Robinson Cano had two apiece in the first meeting. Leonys Martin, though, is 0 for 8 lifetime in the matchup.

Martin has gone 12 for 20 with three home runs in his last six games after totaling six hits in the past two while filling in atop the lineup for injured Ketel Marte.

"Try to get on base and create situations to score runs," Martin said. "The small game. I'm trying to do everything I can."

The first-place Mariners hope to get on track after their four-game winning streak ended. They're also trying to avoid their first five-game home skid since April 8-12.

Nathan Karns (4-1, 3.33) hasn't lost since allowing four runs over five innings in a 6-1 home loss to Oakland on April 9. The Mariners have since won six of his last seven starts.

The right-hander has gone 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA over his past five outings. He got back at the A's on May 2 when he gave up three runs over six innings in a 4-3 road win.

Vogt is 4 for 5 with a double off Karns this season and Khris Davis is 3 for 5 with two home runs.

The A's, who have already lost Mark Canha and Sam Fuld for the season and are currently missing Josh Reddick, have totaled just 14 runs while batting .185 with two homers over their last five games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (19-27) at Giants (28-19)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: May 24, 2016 10:15 PM EDT

There was a time Jeff Samardzija and Andrew Cashner sat in the Wrigley Field bullpen together putting in their time as relievers while being considered the potential future front end of what's presently the best team in baseball's rotation.

They've since moved west and face off as starters for the second time in a month Tuesday night in San Francisco as the streaking Giants try to make it eight wins in eight games this season against the San Diego Padres.

Teammates in 2010-11 before Cashner was traded to San Diego, neither ended up seeing it through to the end of the Chicago Cubs' lengthy rebuilding phase. Rather than being a part of the 29-14 Cubs, Samardzija (6-2, 2.66 ERA) finds himself atop the NL West and pitching accordingly, while Cashner (2-3, 4.93) is in the division cellar with similarly appropriate numbers.

Samardzija is eating innings for the Giants like few pitchers in baseball, completing at least 7 2/3 in each of his last four starts. The latest might have been his best, surrendering a run and three hits with eight strikeouts in eight innings of Thursday's 3-1 win in San Diego.

"I feel like it took me just a little bit to get going," Samardzija told MLB's official website. "I was leaving the ball in the middle of the plate. I made a minor adjustment and got a little more extension."

It was the second time in as many tries he's beaten the Padres this season after defeating Cashner on April 27 in San Francisco, improving Samardzija to 5-1 with a 3.14 ERA in six starts and two relief appearances against them.

Melvin Upton Jr. (1 for 9), Alexi Amarista (2 for 12), former Chicago White Sox teammate Alexei Ramirez (4 for 20) and Matt Kemp (2 for 10) have struggled against him, while Jon Jay is 10 for 24.

"He did a good job," Padres manager Andy Green said. "I'm honestly to the point where I'm pretty much done tipping my cap to other pitchers though. We've got to have better at-bats."

Cashner is making his first start since straining his hamstring on May 8. That was two starts after the Giants roughed him up for six runs â?? three earned â?? and four hits with four walks in 2 2/3 innings of the 13-9 loss last month.

His two starts since have been a little better, but he's failed to go beyond six innings in any of his seven starts and has given up at least three runs in five of them.

The right-hander is still seeking his first win in San Francisco, going 0-5 with a 7.18 ERA in six starts and four relief appearances there. Buster Posey (11 for 25 with two home runs), Brandon Crawford (6 for 15 with a home run) and Brandon Belt (6 for 16 with a home run and two doubles) have all hit him well, but Hunter Pence is 3 for 20 with seven strikeouts.

The Giants (28-19) opened the series with Monday's 1-0 win as Pence's pinch-hit bloop double in the bottom of the ninth drove in Belt. They've won three straight and 11 of 12. They've also won all seven meetings with San Diego this season and nine straight at home in the series.

The Padres (19-27) have scored 20 runs and batted .154 while dropping six of eight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, May 24, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Here's something I'm guessing you didn't know. For the first time in the live-ball era, two players at least age 40 went 4-for-4 on back-to-back days over the weekend. In this case, it was future Hall of Famers Ichiro Suzuki and David Ortiz. The only other time two guys at least age 40 even went 4-for-4 in a the same month was July 1993 when current Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and George Brett did so. Both Ichiro and Big Papi are having great seasons. The former hasn't said he plans to retire, but the latter is. Ichiro is hitting .382 on the season, albeit as a part-time player. He is 44 hits shy of 3,000 in his MLB career. Next up on the career hits list is Sam Crawford in 31st place with 2,961, and Suzuki is 32 hits away from passing Sam Rice and breaking into the all-time Top 30. At 42 years and 212 days, Ichiro on Saturday became only the seventh player his age or older to register four or more hits in a game. The others: Pete Rose, Sam Rice, Carl Yastrzemski, Rickey Henderson, Honus Wagner and Carlton Fisk.


Cubs at Cardinals (+101, 7.5)

ESPN game and will have live betting at sportsbooks. The Cubs have looked very mortal of late, especially offensively, in losing six of 10, but they still have the largest division lead in baseball. Chicago will remain without outfielder Jason Heyward for another couple of games most likely. He was hurt making a spectacular diving catch on Saturday. It looked potentially serious, but he just has a contusion near his right rib and hip. The Cubs start Jason Hammel (5-1, 2.31) here. He allowed four runs over six innings in a loss at Milwaukee on Thursday; Hammel had allowed one homer all season entering the game but was tagged for two by the Brew Crew. He won in St. Louis on April 19, allowing one run over six innings. Yadier Molina is 7-for-15 with three doubles off him. It's Michael Wacha (2-4, 4.03) for the Cardinals. He has allowed six runs in each of his past two starts, lasting only four innings in each. He didn't face the Cubs in that April series. Anthony Rizzo is 10-for-22 off him with two homers.

Key trends: The Cubs are 7-1 in Hammel's past eight vs. the NL Central. The Cardinals are 2-9 in Wacha's past 11 vs. teams with a winning record. The "over/under" is 6-0 in his past six vs. the Cubs. The over is 5-2 in Hammel's past seven vs. the Cards.

Early lean: Cubs and over.

Mets at Nationals (-168, 7)

The Mets pondered skipping the start of Matt Harvey (3-6, 5.77) here because he has been struggling so much, but then decided against. it. It sure appears that Harvey is in his own head. Manager Terry Collins believes that Harvey is fighting a crisis of confidence. He lasted only 2.2 innings on Thursday against these Nationals, getting booed off the field at home after allowing nine runs and eight hits. Did all those innings post-Tommy John surgery last season set Harvey back? Harvey's fastball velocity has been down this year at 94 mph compared to 96 mph in 2015. His slider, against which opponents hit .151 last season, has yielded a .385 opponents' batting average in 2016. The Mets will make a decision on the health of first baseman Lucas Duda on Monday as well. He looks ticketed for the disabled list with a back injury. Washington goes with Stephen Strasburg (7-0, 2.80). He was opposite Harvey on Thursday and allowed a run and six hits over six innings, striking out 10. The Nationals have won Strasburg's last 13 starts overall, a franchise record.

Key trends: The Mets are 2-5 in Harvey's past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The Nationals are 11-1 in Strasburg's past 12 at home. The over is 4-0 in his past four against the Mets.

Early lean: Nationals and under.

Diamondbacks at Pirates (-178, 7.5)

The Pirates expect third baseman Jung Ho Kang back for this game. He injured his left hand on Saturday while sliding. Kang will face struggling Arizona starter Shelby Miller (1-5, 6.64). He allowed three runs and 10 hits in 5.2 innings in losing to the Yankees in his last start. That actually was one of his better outings of the season, which should tell you all you need to know. Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen is 7-for-22 off him with a double. Starling Marte is 5-for-15 with two triples. The Pirates go with lefty Francisco Liriano (3-3, 4.63). He lost to the Braves in his last start, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings. Liriano took a no-decision on April 24 at Arizona, allowing four runs and five hits over six innings. Welington Castillo is 6-for-17 off him with two homers, five RBIs and six walks. Paul Goldschmidt is 2-for-6 with a homer.

Key trends: The Pirates are 8-1in Liriano's past nine at home vs. teams with a losing record. The over is 10-3 in his past 13 on Tuesday.

Early lean: Pirates and over.

Rockies at Red Sox (-212, 8.5)

One of the big stories in baseball right now is that of Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. as he has a 27-game hitting streak going. That's the longest in the majors this year and is tied for the sixth longest in team history. The Red Sox also have homered in 12 consecutive contests at home and in 22 in a row overall, a franchise record. Bradley and Co. will face Rockies left-hander Jorge De La Rosa (1-3, 10.18) in this interleague matchup, meaning Colorado will add the designated hitter. De La Rosa has been on the disabled list with a left groin injury. He last pitched on April 26. Bradley has never faced him. Hanley Ramirez is 11-for-28 with five doubles and two homers off De La Rosa. The Sox go with fellow lefty David Price (6-1, 5.53). He seems to be rounding into form finally, allowing three earned runs combined in his past two starts. The Rockies' Mark Reynolds is 8-for-34 off him with three homers and 11 strikeouts. Carlos Gonzalez is 2-for-3 with a homer.

Key trends: The Rockies are 2-6 in De La Rosa's past eight series openers. The Red Sox are 4-0 in their past four vs. a lefty. The over is 4-1 in De La Rosa's past five starts.

Early lean: Red Sox and over.

Padres at Giants (-200, 7)

ESPN nightcap and also will feature live betting. San Diego will bring right-hander and potential trade candidate Andrew Cashner (2-3, 4.93) off the 15-day disabled list for this start. He was dealing with a hamstring strain. He last pitched on May 8 and allowed three runs and eight hits over five innings vs. the Mets. Cashner lost in San Francisco on April 27, giving up six runs and walking four in 2.2 innings. He has a 5.26 career ERA in 15 outings vs. San Francisco. Buster Posey is a .440 hitter off him in 25 at-bats with two homers. Brandon Crawford is 6-for-15 with a homer and five RBIs. The Giants go with Jeff Samardzija (6-2, 2.66). He has gone eight innings and allowed one earned run in each of his past two outings. Samardzija is 2-0 with a 3.95 ERA in two starts this year against the Padres. Jon Jay is 10-for-24 off him. Matt Kemp is 2-for-10 with a homer.

Key trends: The Padres are 2-6 in Cashner's past eight vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 4-0 in Samardzija's past four overall. The Padres are 0-6 in Cashner's past six at San Francisco.

Early lean: Giants and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Nationals look to even things up'

New York Mets at Washington Nationals May 24, 7:05 EST

The Washington Nationals and New York Mets get ready to duel again after the Mets cruised to a 7-1 victory Monday in the first of a three game set. Washington still leads the National League East with a 27-18 record, providing a slim ½-game cushion over New York.

Mets' send Matt Harvey to the bump trying to halt a two game skid including a 2 2/3 inning home loss to Washington last outing in which he was tagged for 9 runs (6 earned) bringing his record to 3-6 on the year with a 5.77 ERA.

Stephen Strasburg will start for Washington. Strasburg improved to 7-0 after allowing one run on six hits, one walk while striking out 10 over six innings in defeating Mets with Harvey last effort.

Having Stephen Strasburg do their bidding bodes well for Washington. Nationals have won Strasburg's last 13 starts overall, a franchise record and have won twenty of his last twenty-two trips to the mound. Additionally, Washington is 11-1 last twelve when Strasburg has pitched at home, 13-3 with Strasburg vs a division opponent. Finally, Nationals are 7-3 vs Mets handing the ball to their righthander.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes

Arizona at Pittsburgh May 23, 7:05 EST

Things havent started well for Shelby Miller with his new club. The right-hander is 1-5 with a 6.64 ERA in nine trips to the mound for Diamondbacks. Looking back to his days with Atlanta, the hurler has managed just two wins in 34 starts for Arizona/Atlanta with the teams 7-27 over the span. Tonight, Miller tries to best Pirates who have won three straight in the series with lefty Francisco Liriano.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday's games

National League games

Mets @ Nationals
Harvey is 1-3, 8.85 in his last four starts (under 4-1 in last five). .

Strasburg is 4-0, 3.38 in his last five starts (over 7-0-1 in last eight).

Mets won their last four games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Washington won four of its last six games; under is 3-2-1 in its last six home games.

Diamondbacks @ Pirates
Miller is 1-4, 5.54 in his last five starts, last four of which stayed under.

Liriano is 2-3, 5.45 in his last six starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Arizona won seven of its last nine road games; over is 4-1-1 in last six. Pirates won five of their last seven games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Brewers @ Braves
Nelson is 1-1, 6.61 in three road starts (under 5-4).

Teheran is 1-2, 1.34 in his last five starts (under 4-1).

Milwaukee lost five of last six road games; under is 9-3-1 in last 13 games. Atlanta won three of last five games but they're 2-17 at home. Under is 9-5-1 in their last 15 games.

Cubs @ Cardinals
Hammel is 1-1, 4.58 in his last three starts (over 3-0-1 in his last four). .

Wacha is 0-4, 6.21 in his last five starts, last three of which went over.

Cubs are 4-8 in their last 12 games; over is 9-4-2 in their last 15 road games. St Louis is 4-2 in its last six games; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

Reds @ Dodgers
Wright is making MLB debut; he was 3-0, 0.79 in 10 minor league games (four starts) this season.

Bolsinger allowed three runs in 4.1 IP (69 PT) in his first '16 start; He's made 31 major league starts in his career.

Cincinnati lost its last eight games; they're 3-15 on road. Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Dodgers lost four of their last six games; over is 7-4 in their last 11.

Padres @ Giants
Cashner was 1-2, 7.90 in his last three starts before going on DL (over 3-3-1). He hurt a hamstring running the bases, which is why he was on DL.

Samardzija is 5-1, 2.20 in his last six starts, last four of which stayed under. .

Giants won 11 of their last 12 games; under is 13-3 in their last 16. San Diego lost six of its last eight games; under is 9-3 in ther last 12 games.


American League games

Blue Jays @ Bronx
Dickey is 1-3, 4.32 in his last five starts (under 3-1 in his road starts).

Eovaldi is 4-0, 3.48 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Toronto is 7-4 in its last 11 road games; three of their last four games stayed under the total. Bronx won its last five games; six of its last seven home games went over.

Angels @ Rangers
Chacin is 0-0, 4.77 in two starts for the Angels (over 2-0).. .

Perez is 0-2, 3.72 in his last three starts; four of his last six starts stayed under. .

Angels won eight of their last 11 games; over is 8-4 in their last 12. Texas is 11-5 in its last 16 games; six of its last eight home games went over. .

Indians @ White Sox
Tomlin is 6-0, 3.80 in seven starts; Indians scored 41 runs for him (over 6-1).

Sale is 9-0, 1.71 so far this season; four of his last five starts went over. .

Indians won six of last nine games; over is 12-6-1 in their last 19 games. White Sox lost nine of last 13 games; six of their last seven games stayed under.

Orioles @ Astros
Tillman is 5-0, 1.60 in his last five starts; five of his last six starts stayed under.

Fister is 3-0, 3.04 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six starts.

Baltimore won 10 of its last 14 games; three of its last four road games went over the total. Houston lost its last four games; under is 5-1-2 in its last eight home games.

Royals @ Twins
Volquez is 1-4, 6.00 in his last five starts (under 6-2-1).

Santana is 1-0, 1.93 in his last two starts (over 3-1 in last four starts).

Royals won six of their last eight games- under is 7-2-1 in their last ten. Twins are 1-10 in their last 11 home games; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games overall. .

A's @ Mariners
Graveman is 0-5, 6.39 in his last five starts (under 3-1 in last four).

Karns is 4-0, 3.07 in his last seven starts (under 4-3-1).

Oakland is 7-14 in its last 21 games; ten of their last 15 games went over. Seattle won five of last seven games; over is 6-4-2 in their last dozen games.


Interleague

Phillies @ Tigers
Hellickson is 2-0, 2.77 in his last two starts; four of his last five starts stayed under.

Verlander is 1-1, 1.61 in his last three starts; four of his last five starts went over.

Phillies are 9-6 in their last 15 games; four of their last six games stayed under total. Detroit won seven of its last eight games; over is 13-3 in its last 16 home games.

Rays @ Marlins
Odorizzi is 2-1, 3.67 in his last five starts; six of his nine starts stayed under. .

Koehler is 0-2, 5.32 in his last four starts (under 2-0-1 last three).

Tampa Bay is 8-6 in its last 14 road games, last eight of which went over the total. Miami lost four of its last six games; under is 7-4-1 in its last 12 games.

Rockies @ Red Sox
De la Rosa is making first start since April 26; he is 1-3, 10.62 in five starts, wih four of the five games going over the total.

Price is 2-0, 1.93 in his last two starts; over is 5-0-1 in his last six outings.

Colorado lost four of its last five games; six of its last eight road games stayed under. Boston is 11-2 in its last 13 home games (over 9-2 in last 11).


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

NY-Wsh-- Harvey 3-6; Strasburg 9-0
Az-Pitt-- Miller 3-6; Liriano 5-3
Mil-Atl-- Nelson 5-4; Teheran 2-7
Chi-StL-- Hammel 6-2; Wacha 4-5
Cin-LA-- Wright 0-0; Bolsinger 0-1
SD-SF-- Cashner 4-3; Samardzija 6-3

Tor-NY-- Dickey 2-7; Eovaldi 5-3
LA-Tex-- Chacin 2-0/2-3; Perez 2-7
Clev-Chi-- Tomlin 7-0; Sale 9-0
Balt-Hst-- Tillman 8-1; Fister 5-3
KC-Minn-- Volquez 5-4; Santana 1-6
A's-Sea-- Graveman 1-7; Karns 6-2

Phil-Det-- Hellickson 6-3; Verlander 4-5
TB-Mia-- Odorizzi 5-4; Koehler 2-6
Colo-Bos-- De la Rosa 2-3; Price 6-3


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

NY-Wsh-- Harvey 3-9; Strasburg 2-9
Az-Pitt-- Miller 2-9; Liriano 2-8
Mil-Atl-- Nelson 3-9; Teheran 2-9
Chi-StL-- Hammel 1-8; Wacha 2-9
Cin-LA-- Wright 0-0; Bolsinger 1-1
SD-SF-- Cashner 3-7; Samardzija 2-9

Tor-NY-- Dickey 2-9; Eovaldi 2-8
LA-Tex-- Chacin 3-7; Perez 3-9
Clev-Chi-- Tomlin 3-7; Sale 1-9
Balt-Hst-- Tillman 3-9; Fister 2-6
KC-Minn-- Volquez 2-9; Santana 2-7
A's-Sea-- Graveman 2-8; Karns 2-8

Phil-Det-- Hellickson 3-9; Verlander 4-9
TB-Mia-- Odorizzi 2-9; Koehler 4-8
Colo-Bos-- De la Rosa 1-4; Price 3-9


Umpires

NY-Wsh-- Four of last five Carapazza games stayed under.
Chi-StL-- Visiting team won last six Reynolds games.
Cin-LA-- Five of last seven Miller games went over.
SD-SF-- Under is 9-5 in last fourteen Muchlinski games.

LAA-Tex-- Last three TBarrett games went over the total.
Cle-Chi-- Five of six Danley games went over the total.
KC-Minn-- Six of eight Carlson games stayed under total.
A's-Sea-- Underdogs won four of last six Iassogna games.

Phil-Det-- Favorites won seven of last nine Wolf games.
TB-Mia-- Underdogs won four of five Lentz games.

 

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Tuesday's six-pack

-- Giants win 1-0 for second consecutive day, first time they've won consecutive games 1-0 since August, 1980.
-- Padres lost in 17 innings Sunday, then on a messed-up pop-up Monday, wasting lot of good pitching by starters Rea, Pomeranz.

-- Sharks 6, Blues 3-- San Jose is one game away from Stanley Cup finals.

-- Royals lost Alex Gordon for 4-6 weeks with a broken hand.

-- Draymond Green will play tonight; he got fined but the league backed off on his suspension- the league prefers good TV ratings to actual justice.

-- Atlanta Braves have five of the first 80 picks in the June 9 amateur draft.

 

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#1 Sports

Tuesday's Free Selection: Washington Nationals - 160

 

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Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: MLB Pittsburgh w/Liriano -175 Over Arizona

 

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Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY:Take NY METS/WASHINGTON UNDER the total of 7 runs

 

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Totals4U

Tuesday's Free Selection: Cleveland Indians/Chicago White Sox under 7

 

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Platinum Plays

Free Pick: the Toronto Blue Jays w/Dickey +125 over NY Yankees

 

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Hawkeye Sports

Tuesday's Free Selection: Detroit Tigers - 170

 

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Tuesday: Take ARIZONA/PITTSBURGH UNDER the total of 7½

 

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High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Tuesday: Toronto Blue Jays + 125

 

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John Anthony Sports

Tuesday's Free Selection: Pittsburgh Penguins - 135