Dave Price
May 09 '17, 7:40 PM
MLB | Red Sox vs Brewers
Play on: Red Sox -132 at betonline
Dave's Tuesday Bonus Play:
1* on Boston Red Sox -132
The Key: The Boston Red Sox should jump on the Milwaukee Brewers early and often Tuesday. Wily Peralta and his 4.88 ERA on the season gets the ball for the Brewers. Peralta sports a 6.43 ERA in 3 road starts this season, and a 7.54 ERA in his last 3 starts overall. Drew Pomeranz has been solid for the Red Sox, going 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 5 starts, including 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA in his last 3 outings. The Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Boston is 6-1 in Pomeranz's last 7 starts. The Red Sox are 156-76 in their last 232 interleague games. The Brewers are 1-6 in Peralta's last 7 starts during game 1 of a series. Take Boston.
May 09 '17, 7:40 PM
MLB | Red Sox vs Brewers
Play on: Red Sox -132 at betonline
Dave's Tuesday Bonus Play:
1* on Boston Red Sox -132
The Key: The Boston Red Sox should jump on the Milwaukee Brewers early and often Tuesday. Wily Peralta and his 4.88 ERA on the season gets the ball for the Brewers. Peralta sports a 6.43 ERA in 3 road starts this season, and a 7.54 ERA in his last 3 starts overall. Drew Pomeranz has been solid for the Red Sox, going 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 5 starts, including 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA in his last 3 outings. The Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Boston is 6-1 in Pomeranz's last 7 starts. The Red Sox are 156-76 in their last 232 interleague games. The Brewers are 1-6 in Peralta's last 7 starts during game 1 of a series. Take Boston.
Teddy Davis
May 09 '17, 3:40 PM
MLB | Rangers vs Padres
Play on: Rangers -135 at betonline
rangers are definitely worth a ion here facing the padres as they dropped yesterday's game. They have a huge advantage on the mound today.
griffin posts a 3.54 ERA on the season but his best work has been done on the road with a 2.14 ERA
Weaver has been terrible all season as he hasn't won a game yet and has a home ERA of 6.30
May 09 '17, 3:40 PM
MLB | Rangers vs Padres
Play on: Rangers -135 at betonline
rangers are definitely worth a ion here facing the padres as they dropped yesterday's game. They have a huge advantage on the mound today.
griffin posts a 3.54 ERA on the season but his best work has been done on the road with a 2.14 ERA
Weaver has been terrible all season as he hasn't won a game yet and has a home ERA of 6.30
Dennis Macklin
May 09 '17, 7:30 PM
NHL | Senators vs Rangers
Play on: Rangers -165 at 5Dimes
DMack's Bonus Play for Tuesday, May 9, 2017 is on the NY Rangers
The home team has won seven straight in this series with the Broadway Blues dominating in B2B 4-1 home ice wins in Games Three and Four of the series. The Rangers have dominated the series trailing just 13 minutes of 320 minutes played yet are down 3-2. Expect the Rangers to come out flying and get a couple of early scores and going on to force a Game Seven.
May 09 '17, 7:30 PM
NHL | Senators vs Rangers
Play on: Rangers -165 at 5Dimes
DMack's Bonus Play for Tuesday, May 9, 2017 is on the NY Rangers
The home team has won seven straight in this series with the Broadway Blues dominating in B2B 4-1 home ice wins in Games Three and Four of the series. The Rangers have dominated the series trailing just 13 minutes of 320 minutes played yet are down 3-2. Expect the Rangers to come out flying and get a couple of early scores and going on to force a Game Seven.
Preview: Cubs at Rockies
GAME: Chicago Cubs (16-15) at Colorado Rockies (20-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
The Chicago Cubs received an unexpected – but much-needed – day off, but now they’ll play at least 18 innings for the second time in three days. After the series opener was rained out, the visiting Cubs begin a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with a split doubleheader.
The Cubs needed the extra day after losing an 18-inning marathon to the New York Yankees on Sunday night that completed a three-game sweep. The Rockies (20-12) are off to the second-best start in franchise history through 32 games, one game behind the mark set in 1997. Colorado began its 10-game homestand by winning two of three against Arizona for its third consecutive series win. The Rockies captured four of six meetings with the Cubs last season, and slugger Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .333 with 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 career games against Chicago.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (4-1, 4.63 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-1, 2.84)
Arrieta allowed three runs over six innings to beat Philadelphia on Wednesday, snapping a streak of three outings without a quality start. The 31-year-old has given up five runs in each of his last two road starts but owns a 3-1 record away from home this season. Arrieta is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three career turns against the Rockies, who roughed him up for nine runs and 13 hits over five frames in his only previous outing at Coors Field.
Senzatela won National League Rookie of the Month honors in April and picked up where he left off in his first start this month. The 22-year-old Venezuelan limited San Diego to three runs - two earned - over six innings to record the win Wednesday after suffering his first career loss in his previous start. Senzatela, who pounds the strike zone but doesn’t allow a lot of solid contact, is 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in three home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago traded OF Matt Szczur to San Diego on Monday for RHP Justin Hancock, who went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 10 relief appearances at Double-A San Antonio this season.
2. Colorado is the only team in the major leagues yet to lose a one-run game, going 9-0 in such contests.
3. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (finger) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cubs 4
GAME: Chicago Cubs (16-15) at Colorado Rockies (20-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
The Chicago Cubs received an unexpected – but much-needed – day off, but now they’ll play at least 18 innings for the second time in three days. After the series opener was rained out, the visiting Cubs begin a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with a split doubleheader.
The Cubs needed the extra day after losing an 18-inning marathon to the New York Yankees on Sunday night that completed a three-game sweep. The Rockies (20-12) are off to the second-best start in franchise history through 32 games, one game behind the mark set in 1997. Colorado began its 10-game homestand by winning two of three against Arizona for its third consecutive series win. The Rockies captured four of six meetings with the Cubs last season, and slugger Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .333 with 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 career games against Chicago.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (4-1, 4.63 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-1, 2.84)
Arrieta allowed three runs over six innings to beat Philadelphia on Wednesday, snapping a streak of three outings without a quality start. The 31-year-old has given up five runs in each of his last two road starts but owns a 3-1 record away from home this season. Arrieta is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three career turns against the Rockies, who roughed him up for nine runs and 13 hits over five frames in his only previous outing at Coors Field.
Senzatela won National League Rookie of the Month honors in April and picked up where he left off in his first start this month. The 22-year-old Venezuelan limited San Diego to three runs - two earned - over six innings to record the win Wednesday after suffering his first career loss in his previous start. Senzatela, who pounds the strike zone but doesn’t allow a lot of solid contact, is 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in three home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago traded OF Matt Szczur to San Diego on Monday for RHP Justin Hancock, who went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 10 relief appearances at Double-A San Antonio this season.
2. Colorado is the only team in the major leagues yet to lose a one-run game, going 9-0 in such contests.
3. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (finger) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cubs 4
Preview: Rangers at Padres
GAME: Texas Rangers (13-20) at San Diego Padres (13-20)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
Jered Weaver is winless this season and looks to rebound from perhaps the worst start of his career when the San Diego Padres conclude the first half of their home-and-home interleague series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday afternoon. Weaver was pounded for a career-worst 10 runs - five earned - and 10 hits over four innings during an 11-3 loss to Colorado on Saturday.
Weaver is struggling to regain the prowess he displayed earlier in his career for the Los Angeles Angels and has served up a National League-high 12 homers in just 32 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old will be trying to help the Padres finish off the two-game home sweep after Ryan Schimpf, Austin Hedges and Cory Spangenberg all hit solo homers in Monday's 5-1 victory to snap a four-game skid, while the defeat dropped Texas to 2-6 on its nine-game road trip. Rangers starter A.J. Griffin grew up in the San Diego area and was a standout at the University of San Diego - the same school that produced reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant -- and is pitching at Petco Park for the first time in his career. "I don't think I've played a baseball game in San Diego since 2010 with USD," Griffin told reporters. "It's just good to be in San Diego. It'll be a nice little midday game, and I'll try to get us going."
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (3-0, 3.54 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jered Weaver (0-3, 5.51)
Griffin has won three consecutive starts, allowing just four earned runs over 17 innings during the stretch. The 29-year-old missed more than two weeks with an ankle injury before returning to defeat Houston on Thursday. Griffin is just 7-8 with a 4.29 ERA in 29 career day starts compared to a 24-7 mark and 3.84 ERA in 45 evening outings.
Weaver typically fared well against the Rangers during his 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels as he went 18-8 with a 3.44 ERA in 40 career starts. His issue of keeping the ball in the park date back to last season as he has served up 49 homers over his last 37 starts. Weaver has been hit hard by Shin-Soo Choo (17-for-42, one homer) but has shut down Carlos Gomez (3-for-21) and Rougned Odor (3-for-18).
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers RHP Matt Bush was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2004 draft by the Padres, over Weaver among others, and was inside Petco Park for the first time as a player on Monday. He spent 51 months in prison after running over a motorcyclist while drunk before Texas signed him after his release in the fall of 2015.
2. San Diego acquired OF Matt Szczur from the Chicago Cubs for RHP Justin Hancock.
3. Odor is just 5-for-33 with two homers in eight games this month.
PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Padres 5
GAME: Texas Rangers (13-20) at San Diego Padres (13-20)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
Jered Weaver is winless this season and looks to rebound from perhaps the worst start of his career when the San Diego Padres conclude the first half of their home-and-home interleague series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday afternoon. Weaver was pounded for a career-worst 10 runs - five earned - and 10 hits over four innings during an 11-3 loss to Colorado on Saturday.
Weaver is struggling to regain the prowess he displayed earlier in his career for the Los Angeles Angels and has served up a National League-high 12 homers in just 32 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old will be trying to help the Padres finish off the two-game home sweep after Ryan Schimpf, Austin Hedges and Cory Spangenberg all hit solo homers in Monday's 5-1 victory to snap a four-game skid, while the defeat dropped Texas to 2-6 on its nine-game road trip. Rangers starter A.J. Griffin grew up in the San Diego area and was a standout at the University of San Diego - the same school that produced reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant -- and is pitching at Petco Park for the first time in his career. "I don't think I've played a baseball game in San Diego since 2010 with USD," Griffin told reporters. "It's just good to be in San Diego. It'll be a nice little midday game, and I'll try to get us going."
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (3-0, 3.54 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jered Weaver (0-3, 5.51)
Griffin has won three consecutive starts, allowing just four earned runs over 17 innings during the stretch. The 29-year-old missed more than two weeks with an ankle injury before returning to defeat Houston on Thursday. Griffin is just 7-8 with a 4.29 ERA in 29 career day starts compared to a 24-7 mark and 3.84 ERA in 45 evening outings.
Weaver typically fared well against the Rangers during his 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels as he went 18-8 with a 3.44 ERA in 40 career starts. His issue of keeping the ball in the park date back to last season as he has served up 49 homers over his last 37 starts. Weaver has been hit hard by Shin-Soo Choo (17-for-42, one homer) but has shut down Carlos Gomez (3-for-21) and Rougned Odor (3-for-18).
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers RHP Matt Bush was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2004 draft by the Padres, over Weaver among others, and was inside Petco Park for the first time as a player on Monday. He spent 51 months in prison after running over a motorcyclist while drunk before Texas signed him after his release in the fall of 2015.
2. San Diego acquired OF Matt Szczur from the Chicago Cubs for RHP Justin Hancock.
3. Odor is just 5-for-33 with two homers in eight games this month.
PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Padres 5
Preview: Nationals at Orioles
GAME: Washington Nationals (21-11) at Baltimore Orioles (21-10)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
The surging Baltimore Orioles are riding a five-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in the second contest of the four-game, home-and-home series. Baltimore improved to 26-14 at home against the Nationals with Monday's 6-4 victory and has not lost the Beltway Series since 2007.
Ace Max Scherzer will look to cool off the Orioles when he goes for his fifth win and looks to halt Washington's two-game skid, which followed a four-game winning streak. Bryce Harper returned to the Nationals' lineup on Monday after missing the previous three games with a groin injury and went 2-for-3 with a home run, boosting his season batting average to .385. Rookie Trey Mancini extended his torrid stretch in the series opener, clubbing one of Baltimore's three first-inning homers, and is 10-for-16 with two homers and eight RBIs during a five-game hitting streak. Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph tied a career high with four hits, matching his total during his previous seven games (4-for-24).
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-2, 2.66 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Ubaldo Jiménez (1-1, 6.58)
Scherzer is coming off an overpowering effort, allowing a solo homer among two hits while striking out 11 in seven innings against Arizona. It was the third win in his last four starts for Scherzer, who has yielded five homers over his last three turns. Scherzer dominated the Orioles with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball in August, but Adam Jones is 12-for-25 with three homers against him.
Jimenez skipped his last scheduled start after the Orioles were forced to use him out of the bullpen the previous day. The 33-year-old Dominican turned in two straight dismal starts, lasting 3 1/3 innings in each and giving up a combined 10 runs, but he tossed three scoreless innings in the relief stint. Jimenez owns a 6-2 record and 2.24 ERA in nine career starts against the Nationals.
WALK-OFFS
1. A second MRI exam on Orioles closer LHP Zach Britton (left forearm strain) did not reveal anything new.
2. Nationals OF Jayson Werth is 10-for-18 during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop has reached base in a career-long 23 straight games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Orioles 3
GAME: Washington Nationals (21-11) at Baltimore Orioles (21-10)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
The surging Baltimore Orioles are riding a five-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in the second contest of the four-game, home-and-home series. Baltimore improved to 26-14 at home against the Nationals with Monday's 6-4 victory and has not lost the Beltway Series since 2007.
Ace Max Scherzer will look to cool off the Orioles when he goes for his fifth win and looks to halt Washington's two-game skid, which followed a four-game winning streak. Bryce Harper returned to the Nationals' lineup on Monday after missing the previous three games with a groin injury and went 2-for-3 with a home run, boosting his season batting average to .385. Rookie Trey Mancini extended his torrid stretch in the series opener, clubbing one of Baltimore's three first-inning homers, and is 10-for-16 with two homers and eight RBIs during a five-game hitting streak. Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph tied a career high with four hits, matching his total during his previous seven games (4-for-24).
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-2, 2.66 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Ubaldo Jiménez (1-1, 6.58)
Scherzer is coming off an overpowering effort, allowing a solo homer among two hits while striking out 11 in seven innings against Arizona. It was the third win in his last four starts for Scherzer, who has yielded five homers over his last three turns. Scherzer dominated the Orioles with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball in August, but Adam Jones is 12-for-25 with three homers against him.
Jimenez skipped his last scheduled start after the Orioles were forced to use him out of the bullpen the previous day. The 33-year-old Dominican turned in two straight dismal starts, lasting 3 1/3 innings in each and giving up a combined 10 runs, but he tossed three scoreless innings in the relief stint. Jimenez owns a 6-2 record and 2.24 ERA in nine career starts against the Nationals.
WALK-OFFS
1. A second MRI exam on Orioles closer LHP Zach Britton (left forearm strain) did not reveal anything new.
2. Nationals OF Jayson Werth is 10-for-18 during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop has reached base in a career-long 23 straight games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Orioles 3
Preview: Mariners at Phillies
GAME: Seattle Mariners (15-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (13-17)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Catcher Carlos Ruiz will be sporting an unfamiliar uniform on Tuesday in his return to Citizens Bank Park as the Seattle Mariners play the opener of a two-game interleague series against the Philadelphia Phillies. A member of the Phillies' 2008 World Series team, Ruiz spent parts of 11 seasons in the City of Brotherly Love before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in August and ultimately finding a home in the Pacific Northwest.
The 38-year-old Ruiz is just 3-for-26 in sporadic duty but is likely to see more time behind the plate after Seattle sent former starter Mike Zunino to Triple-A Tacoma over the weekend. The Mariners won four of their last five games against American League West rivals Los Angeles and Texas, with Kyle Seager capping his third multi-hit performance in four outings on Sunday with a solo homer in the eighth inning of a 4-3 victory over the Rangers. Seattle takes a less-than-desirable 5-12 road mark into Philadelphia, which snapped a five-game skid by rallying from three runs down on Sunday to upend Washington 6-5 in 10 innings. Cesar Hernandez is 9-for-24 during his five-game hitting streak while Odubel Herrera has collected four doubles during that stretch.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOTNW (Seattle), TCN (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Ariel Miranda (3-2, 3.55 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (0-3, 4.00)
Miranda recorded his second straight victory on Thursday despite taking a shot off the calf from Yunel Escobar in the second inning. The 28-year-old Cuban overcame a two-run second inning and kept the Angels under wraps the rest of the way during his seven-frame stint in an 11-3 triumph. Miranda kept the ball in the park after being taken deep three times in his previous two games and six on the season.
Eickhoff has answered four straight strong starts with back-to-back setbacks, combining to allow nine runs on 14 hits in 11 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old was faring well versus the Chicago Cubs before aggressive baserunning and timely hitting highlighted a four-run sixth inning in a 5-4 loss on Wednesday. Jean Segura recorded his 11th multi-hit performance of the season on Sunday and is 4-for-5 versus Eickhoff.
WALK-OFFS
1. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano has hit safely in 16 of his last 20 games, batting .300 with five homers, 14 runs scored and 15 RBIs in that stretch.
2. Philadelphia, which is beginning interleague play on Tuesday, posted a respectable 11-9 mark against American League representatives last season.
3. Seager has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games, batting .318 with two homers, six RBIs and as many runs scored in that stretch.
PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Phillies 3
GAME: Seattle Mariners (15-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (13-17)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Catcher Carlos Ruiz will be sporting an unfamiliar uniform on Tuesday in his return to Citizens Bank Park as the Seattle Mariners play the opener of a two-game interleague series against the Philadelphia Phillies. A member of the Phillies' 2008 World Series team, Ruiz spent parts of 11 seasons in the City of Brotherly Love before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in August and ultimately finding a home in the Pacific Northwest.
The 38-year-old Ruiz is just 3-for-26 in sporadic duty but is likely to see more time behind the plate after Seattle sent former starter Mike Zunino to Triple-A Tacoma over the weekend. The Mariners won four of their last five games against American League West rivals Los Angeles and Texas, with Kyle Seager capping his third multi-hit performance in four outings on Sunday with a solo homer in the eighth inning of a 4-3 victory over the Rangers. Seattle takes a less-than-desirable 5-12 road mark into Philadelphia, which snapped a five-game skid by rallying from three runs down on Sunday to upend Washington 6-5 in 10 innings. Cesar Hernandez is 9-for-24 during his five-game hitting streak while Odubel Herrera has collected four doubles during that stretch.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOTNW (Seattle), TCN (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Ariel Miranda (3-2, 3.55 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (0-3, 4.00)
Miranda recorded his second straight victory on Thursday despite taking a shot off the calf from Yunel Escobar in the second inning. The 28-year-old Cuban overcame a two-run second inning and kept the Angels under wraps the rest of the way during his seven-frame stint in an 11-3 triumph. Miranda kept the ball in the park after being taken deep three times in his previous two games and six on the season.
Eickhoff has answered four straight strong starts with back-to-back setbacks, combining to allow nine runs on 14 hits in 11 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old was faring well versus the Chicago Cubs before aggressive baserunning and timely hitting highlighted a four-run sixth inning in a 5-4 loss on Wednesday. Jean Segura recorded his 11th multi-hit performance of the season on Sunday and is 4-for-5 versus Eickhoff.
WALK-OFFS
1. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano has hit safely in 16 of his last 20 games, batting .300 with five homers, 14 runs scored and 15 RBIs in that stretch.
2. Philadelphia, which is beginning interleague play on Tuesday, posted a respectable 11-9 mark against American League representatives last season.
3. Seager has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games, batting .318 with two homers, six RBIs and as many runs scored in that stretch.
PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Phillies 3
Preview: Indians at Blue Jays
GAME: Cleveland Indians (17-14) at Toronto Blue Jays (12-20)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Edwin Encarnacion was welcomed back to his old stomping grounds, but the desired result wasn't part of the occasion. Encarnacion and the Indians attempt to even the series with host Toronto on Tuesday after the Blue Jays recorded a 4-2 victory in the opener of the three-game set.
Encarnacion topped 30 homers in each of the last five seasons for the Blue Jays before becoming a free agent and signing with the Indians. The 34-year-old was given repeated thunderous ovations by the Toronto faithful while going 2-for-3 with a walk in his first game against the club since his departure. Ryan Goins hit a two-run homer and Justin Smoak delivered a two-run single as the Blue Jays fired the opening salvo against the team that defeated them in last season's American League Championship Series. Toronto has the second-worst record in the AL but are looking forward to the returns of Troy Tulowitzki (hamstring) and Josh Donaldson (calf) later this month.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Sportsnet One (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (3-2, 2.18 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Mike Bolsinger (2016: 1-4, 6.83)
Carrasco defeated Detroit in his last turn as he gave up two runs and five hits over six innings. The 30-year-old is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA in three road starts this season, registering 20 strikeouts while issuing just three walks. Carrasco is 2-1 with a 6.26 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) versus the Blue Jays and has enjoyed success against Kendrys Morales (3-for-16, one homer, six strikeouts).
Bolsinger is being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to make a spot start as the club's rotation remains without Aaron Sanchez (fingernail) and J.A. Happ (elbow). The 29-year-old was 1-1 with a 1.46 ERA in four appearances (two starts) for Buffalo and owns an 8-16 record and 4.61 ERA in 37 career major-league appearances (36 starts). Bolsinger, who will be the ninth starter used by Toronto this season, first reached the majors with Arizona in 2014 and spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers each of the last two seasons.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians LF Michael Brantley (ankle) sat out the series opener after being injured on Sunday.
2. Toronto placed Russell Martin (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled fellow C Mike Ohlman from Buffalo and designated RHP Casey Lawrence for assignment.
3. Cleveland recalled 3B Yandy Diaz from Triple-A Columbus and optioned RHP Shawn Armstrong to the same club.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Blue Jays 3
GAME: Cleveland Indians (17-14) at Toronto Blue Jays (12-20)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Edwin Encarnacion was welcomed back to his old stomping grounds, but the desired result wasn't part of the occasion. Encarnacion and the Indians attempt to even the series with host Toronto on Tuesday after the Blue Jays recorded a 4-2 victory in the opener of the three-game set.
Encarnacion topped 30 homers in each of the last five seasons for the Blue Jays before becoming a free agent and signing with the Indians. The 34-year-old was given repeated thunderous ovations by the Toronto faithful while going 2-for-3 with a walk in his first game against the club since his departure. Ryan Goins hit a two-run homer and Justin Smoak delivered a two-run single as the Blue Jays fired the opening salvo against the team that defeated them in last season's American League Championship Series. Toronto has the second-worst record in the AL but are looking forward to the returns of Troy Tulowitzki (hamstring) and Josh Donaldson (calf) later this month.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Sportsnet One (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (3-2, 2.18 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Mike Bolsinger (2016: 1-4, 6.83)
Carrasco defeated Detroit in his last turn as he gave up two runs and five hits over six innings. The 30-year-old is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA in three road starts this season, registering 20 strikeouts while issuing just three walks. Carrasco is 2-1 with a 6.26 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) versus the Blue Jays and has enjoyed success against Kendrys Morales (3-for-16, one homer, six strikeouts).
Bolsinger is being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to make a spot start as the club's rotation remains without Aaron Sanchez (fingernail) and J.A. Happ (elbow). The 29-year-old was 1-1 with a 1.46 ERA in four appearances (two starts) for Buffalo and owns an 8-16 record and 4.61 ERA in 37 career major-league appearances (36 starts). Bolsinger, who will be the ninth starter used by Toronto this season, first reached the majors with Arizona in 2014 and spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers each of the last two seasons.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians LF Michael Brantley (ankle) sat out the series opener after being injured on Sunday.
2. Toronto placed Russell Martin (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled fellow C Mike Ohlman from Buffalo and designated RHP Casey Lawrence for assignment.
3. Cleveland recalled 3B Yandy Diaz from Triple-A Columbus and optioned RHP Shawn Armstrong to the same club.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Blue Jays 3
Preview: Royals at Rays
GAME: Kansas City Royals (11-20) at Tampa Bay Rays (16-18)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Kansas City Royals have struggled offensively all season but displayed signs of at least tentatively ending the issues in the series opener against the host Tampa Bay Rays. The team averaging just 2.7 runs per game entering the series broke out for a season-best 13 hits, stole four bases and matched a season high for runs in a 7-3 victory and looks to carry the momentum into the middle contest of the three-game set on Tuesday.
Six Royals recorded two or more hits in Monday's game - Eric Hosmer notched three - as manager Ned Yost's lineup-tinkering paid immediate dividends. Yost moved Alcides Escobar to the leadoff spot for the first time this season - he was the leadoff hitter of the franchise's 2015 World Series championship squad - and he helped ignite the slump-breaking effort with his fifth multi-hit performance of the season. Tampa Bay was sloppy in the field in the opener, committing four errors, as it lost for the fourth time in six games. Corey Dickerson continues to be a bright spot for the Rays as he went 3-for-4 on Monday and is batting .319 with six homers.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Chris Young (0-0, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (2-1, 3.09)
Young will be starting in place of the injured Ian Kennedy (hamstring) after making seven relief appearances this season. The 37-year-old lost his rotation spot last year during a campaign in which he went 3-9 with a 6.19 ERA in 34 appearances (13 starts). Young is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against the Rays and has struggled to retire Colby Rasmus (3-for-7, one homer).
Andriese is coming off his best effort of the season as he struck out a season-high eight and scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings while defeating Miami. The 27-year-old, who has given up one run in six frames twice this season, attempts to build on his 8-8 record of last year. Andriese has posted a 1.45 ERA without recording a decision in four career appearances (three starts) against the Royals and has shut down Escobar (0-for-8), Lorenzo Cain (1-for-6) and Salvador Perez (1-for-6).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Royals have won only four of their last 17 overall games, but Monday's victory was their 26th in its last 34 meetings with the Rays.
2. Kansas City RF Jorge Soler is hitless in 11 at-bats since returning from an oblique injury.
3. Tampa Bay SS Matt Duffy (heel) is slated to begin a rehab stint at Single-A Charlotte on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Royals 2
GAME: Kansas City Royals (11-20) at Tampa Bay Rays (16-18)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Kansas City Royals have struggled offensively all season but displayed signs of at least tentatively ending the issues in the series opener against the host Tampa Bay Rays. The team averaging just 2.7 runs per game entering the series broke out for a season-best 13 hits, stole four bases and matched a season high for runs in a 7-3 victory and looks to carry the momentum into the middle contest of the three-game set on Tuesday.
Six Royals recorded two or more hits in Monday's game - Eric Hosmer notched three - as manager Ned Yost's lineup-tinkering paid immediate dividends. Yost moved Alcides Escobar to the leadoff spot for the first time this season - he was the leadoff hitter of the franchise's 2015 World Series championship squad - and he helped ignite the slump-breaking effort with his fifth multi-hit performance of the season. Tampa Bay was sloppy in the field in the opener, committing four errors, as it lost for the fourth time in six games. Corey Dickerson continues to be a bright spot for the Rays as he went 3-for-4 on Monday and is batting .319 with six homers.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Chris Young (0-0, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (2-1, 3.09)
Young will be starting in place of the injured Ian Kennedy (hamstring) after making seven relief appearances this season. The 37-year-old lost his rotation spot last year during a campaign in which he went 3-9 with a 6.19 ERA in 34 appearances (13 starts). Young is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against the Rays and has struggled to retire Colby Rasmus (3-for-7, one homer).
Andriese is coming off his best effort of the season as he struck out a season-high eight and scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings while defeating Miami. The 27-year-old, who has given up one run in six frames twice this season, attempts to build on his 8-8 record of last year. Andriese has posted a 1.45 ERA without recording a decision in four career appearances (three starts) against the Royals and has shut down Escobar (0-for-8), Lorenzo Cain (1-for-6) and Salvador Perez (1-for-6).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Royals have won only four of their last 17 overall games, but Monday's victory was their 26th in its last 34 meetings with the Rays.
2. Kansas City RF Jorge Soler is hitless in 11 at-bats since returning from an oblique injury.
3. Tampa Bay SS Matt Duffy (heel) is slated to begin a rehab stint at Single-A Charlotte on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Royals 2
Preview: Yankees at Reds
GAME: New York Yankees (21-9) at Cincinnati Reds (17-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
A high-octane offense has fueled the New York Yankees on the fast track to their best 30-game record since 2010. Winners of six in a row and 10 of their last 12 contests, the visiting Yankees look to complete a sweep of their abbreviated two-game interleague series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.
Brett Gardner belted his sixth homer in nine outings with a two-run shot in Monday's 10-4 triumph, extending his hitting streak to 11 games in the process. The 33-year-old is 17-for-49 during that run for New York, which has erupted for 48 of its American League-best 177 runs during its last six contests while also adding to its AL-leading total in home runs (50). Cincinnati's Joey Votto hasn't been shy at the plate either, belting a two-run homer in the series opener to increase his totals in hits (19), RBIs (20) and runs scored (16) in his last 15 games. Billy Hamilton (10-for-27, seven RBIs, 10 runs) and Zack Cozart (9-for-22, nine runs) are riding six-game hitting streaks for the Reds, who fell out of first place in the National League Central after dropping just their second contest in nine outings.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2-1, 5.45 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (1-1, 4.22)
Sabathia has answered three strong starts to open the season with three that have many in New York wondering just how much more the 36-year-old has left in the tank. Sabathia yielded five homers and 17 runs en route to posting a 10.43 ERA over his last three outings, including six runs and four walks in four innings of a no-decision versus Toronto on Wednesday. The California native has been bailed out by his own offense, which erupted for 22 runs in his last two trips to the mound.
Adleman has also been victimized by home runs this season with five balls leaving the yard in his first three outings, including two in a disastrous start versus St. Louis on April 28. The 29-year-old New York native rebounded after setting career highs with five earned runs and eight hits allowed against the Cardinals with an impressive effort on Thursday. Adleman kept the ball in the park and permitted just two runs in six innings of a 4-2 triumph over Pittsburgh.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York has scored at least eight runs in a majors-best 11 games this season.
2. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 8-for-23 with two homers, nine RBIs and four runs scored in his last six contests.
3. Yankees RF Aaron Hicks is 12-for-28 with two homers, seven RBIs and nine runs scored in his last six games.
PREDICTION: Reds 4, Yankees 3
GAME: New York Yankees (21-9) at Cincinnati Reds (17-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
A high-octane offense has fueled the New York Yankees on the fast track to their best 30-game record since 2010. Winners of six in a row and 10 of their last 12 contests, the visiting Yankees look to complete a sweep of their abbreviated two-game interleague series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.
Brett Gardner belted his sixth homer in nine outings with a two-run shot in Monday's 10-4 triumph, extending his hitting streak to 11 games in the process. The 33-year-old is 17-for-49 during that run for New York, which has erupted for 48 of its American League-best 177 runs during its last six contests while also adding to its AL-leading total in home runs (50). Cincinnati's Joey Votto hasn't been shy at the plate either, belting a two-run homer in the series opener to increase his totals in hits (19), RBIs (20) and runs scored (16) in his last 15 games. Billy Hamilton (10-for-27, seven RBIs, 10 runs) and Zack Cozart (9-for-22, nine runs) are riding six-game hitting streaks for the Reds, who fell out of first place in the National League Central after dropping just their second contest in nine outings.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2-1, 5.45 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (1-1, 4.22)
Sabathia has answered three strong starts to open the season with three that have many in New York wondering just how much more the 36-year-old has left in the tank. Sabathia yielded five homers and 17 runs en route to posting a 10.43 ERA over his last three outings, including six runs and four walks in four innings of a no-decision versus Toronto on Wednesday. The California native has been bailed out by his own offense, which erupted for 22 runs in his last two trips to the mound.
Adleman has also been victimized by home runs this season with five balls leaving the yard in his first three outings, including two in a disastrous start versus St. Louis on April 28. The 29-year-old New York native rebounded after setting career highs with five earned runs and eight hits allowed against the Cardinals with an impressive effort on Thursday. Adleman kept the ball in the park and permitted just two runs in six innings of a 4-2 triumph over Pittsburgh.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York has scored at least eight runs in a majors-best 11 games this season.
2. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 8-for-23 with two homers, nine RBIs and four runs scored in his last six contests.
3. Yankees RF Aaron Hicks is 12-for-28 with two homers, seven RBIs and nine runs scored in his last six games.
PREDICTION: Reds 4, Yankees 3
Preview: Giants at Mets
GAME: San Francisco Giants (11-22) at New York Mets (15-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
Jeff Samardzija is still in search of his first victory of the season as he prepares to make his seventh start when the San Francisco Giants continue their three-game series at the New York Mets on Tuesday night. San Francisco owns the worst record in the majors at 11-22 and has dropped four in a row after New York's walk-off victory Monday night.
Samardzija enters this start against New York after a dominant performance at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, registering a season-high 11 strikeouts. The Giants have been outscored 35-8 during their four-game skid and were unable to protect a pair of leads in the series opener, courtesy of home runs by Hunter Pence and Buster Posey. The Mets improved to 7-3 in their last 10 games after Neil Walker delivered their first walk-off win of the season with a two-out single in the ninth. Right-hander Zack Wheeler, who is 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in three starts at Citi Field this season, will oppose Samardzija.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports California (San Francisco), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (0-4, 5.03 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (1-2, 4.78)
Samardzija stumbled out of the gate 0-4, but he is coming off a pair of strong outings that each resulted in no-decisions. The 32-year-old limited the Dodgers to one unearned run and three hits over eight innings and gave up two earned runs over seven innings in his previous turn. Samardzija will benefit by missing the injured Yoenis Cespedes, who is 5-for-16 with three homers against him.
Wheeler, whose last start in Atlanta was curtailed due to rain in the fourth inning, is still trying to find his form after missing the past two years due to Tommy John surgery. He gave up four runs in a season-high seven innings versus Washington on April 23 and lasted 4 2/3 innings in a rematch with the Nationals six days later. Pence and Posey are a combined 0-for-11 versus Wheeler.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Matt Harvey, suspended three days for a violation of team rules, likely will start Friday.
2. San Francisco has collected 21 hits during the current losing streak.
3. New York LHP Tommy Milone, claimed off waivers from Milwaukee on Sunday, will start the series finale on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Giants 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (11-22) at New York Mets (15-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
Jeff Samardzija is still in search of his first victory of the season as he prepares to make his seventh start when the San Francisco Giants continue their three-game series at the New York Mets on Tuesday night. San Francisco owns the worst record in the majors at 11-22 and has dropped four in a row after New York's walk-off victory Monday night.
Samardzija enters this start against New York after a dominant performance at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, registering a season-high 11 strikeouts. The Giants have been outscored 35-8 during their four-game skid and were unable to protect a pair of leads in the series opener, courtesy of home runs by Hunter Pence and Buster Posey. The Mets improved to 7-3 in their last 10 games after Neil Walker delivered their first walk-off win of the season with a two-out single in the ninth. Right-hander Zack Wheeler, who is 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in three starts at Citi Field this season, will oppose Samardzija.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports California (San Francisco), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (0-4, 5.03 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (1-2, 4.78)
Samardzija stumbled out of the gate 0-4, but he is coming off a pair of strong outings that each resulted in no-decisions. The 32-year-old limited the Dodgers to one unearned run and three hits over eight innings and gave up two earned runs over seven innings in his previous turn. Samardzija will benefit by missing the injured Yoenis Cespedes, who is 5-for-16 with three homers against him.
Wheeler, whose last start in Atlanta was curtailed due to rain in the fourth inning, is still trying to find his form after missing the past two years due to Tommy John surgery. He gave up four runs in a season-high seven innings versus Washington on April 23 and lasted 4 2/3 innings in a rematch with the Nationals six days later. Pence and Posey are a combined 0-for-11 versus Wheeler.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Matt Harvey, suspended three days for a violation of team rules, likely will start Friday.
2. San Francisco has collected 21 hits during the current losing streak.
3. New York LHP Tommy Milone, claimed off waivers from Milwaukee on Sunday, will start the series finale on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Giants 3
Preview: Cardinals at Marlins
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (17-14) at Miami Marlins (13-18)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Adam Wainwright had a rocky start to the season in 2016 before turning things around and the St. Louis Cardinals are hoping to see a similar trend as they continue their three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. St. Louis is 4-0 on its six-game road trip and sits atop the National League Central following Monday's 9-4 win.
Wainwright had an exorbitant 6.80 ERA through his first eight starts last year but rebounded to finish with a 13-9 despite a career-worst 4.62 ERA. He has enjoyed considerable success against the Marlins, owning a 5-2 record and 2.00 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts). While the Cardinals have won 14 of 19 following a 3-9 start to the season, Miami is careening in the opposite direction - dropping 10 of its last 13 games. Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna is riding a 10-game hitting streak and has multiple hits in four straight games after belting a pair of homers in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (2-3, 6.30 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (1-3, 4.65)
Wainwright labored through five innings in a no-decision versus Milwaukee last time out, permitting four runs while allowing at least 10 hits for the third time in his last five starts. The 35-year-old won his previous two decisions, although he was touched for four runs and nine hits versus Toronto on April 27. Giancarlo Stanton is hitless in eight at-bats versus Wainwright.
Straily has lost back-to-back starts, failing to pitch beyond 5 1/3 innings in each and giving up a combined seven runs on seven hits and eight walks. He had to settle for a no-decision despite a superb performance at San Diego on April 22, when he racked up 14 strikeouts and yielded two runs over seven innings. Jedd Gyorko has two hits in eight at-bats versus Straily, both for home runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Ozuna has five homers and eight RBIs over his past eight games.
2. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong has hit safely in 13 consecutive games.
3. Marlins 3B Martin Prado (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Marlins 4
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (17-14) at Miami Marlins (13-18)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Adam Wainwright had a rocky start to the season in 2016 before turning things around and the St. Louis Cardinals are hoping to see a similar trend as they continue their three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. St. Louis is 4-0 on its six-game road trip and sits atop the National League Central following Monday's 9-4 win.
Wainwright had an exorbitant 6.80 ERA through his first eight starts last year but rebounded to finish with a 13-9 despite a career-worst 4.62 ERA. He has enjoyed considerable success against the Marlins, owning a 5-2 record and 2.00 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts). While the Cardinals have won 14 of 19 following a 3-9 start to the season, Miami is careening in the opposite direction - dropping 10 of its last 13 games. Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna is riding a 10-game hitting streak and has multiple hits in four straight games after belting a pair of homers in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (2-3, 6.30 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (1-3, 4.65)
Wainwright labored through five innings in a no-decision versus Milwaukee last time out, permitting four runs while allowing at least 10 hits for the third time in his last five starts. The 35-year-old won his previous two decisions, although he was touched for four runs and nine hits versus Toronto on April 27. Giancarlo Stanton is hitless in eight at-bats versus Wainwright.
Straily has lost back-to-back starts, failing to pitch beyond 5 1/3 innings in each and giving up a combined seven runs on seven hits and eight walks. He had to settle for a no-decision despite a superb performance at San Diego on April 22, when he racked up 14 strikeouts and yielded two runs over seven innings. Jedd Gyorko has two hits in eight at-bats versus Straily, both for home runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Ozuna has five homers and eight RBIs over his past eight games.
2. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong has hit safely in 13 consecutive games.
3. Marlins 3B Martin Prado (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Marlins 4
Preview: Red Sox at Brewers
GAME: Boston Red Sox (17-14) at Milwaukee Brewers (16-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:40 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Boston Red Sox spent the first month of the season waiting for the offense that ranked as the best in the majors in 2016 to re-emerge, and the wait appears to be over. The Red Sox will try to post double-digit runs for the third straight contest when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the start of a three-game interleague series on Tuesday.
Boston manager John Farrell fiddled with the lineup throughout the first month in an effort to coax a better response from an offense that averaged 3.9 runs and failed to reach double figures in the first 29 games, and he finally found the right mix while watching his team put up 28 runs in back-to-back wins at Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday. "It was just good to see the offense up and down the lineup," Farrell told reporters. "The weather's warming up. Guys are a little bit more comfortable at the plate." Trying to slow that attack for the Brewers on Tuesday will be right-hander Wily Peralta, who is struggling to work deep into games, while Boston counters with lefty Drew Pomeranz. Milwaukee's offense picked up on Sunday as well with a 6-2 win at Pittsburgh after managing a total of one run while dropping the first two games of the series.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (3-1, 4.00 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (4-2, 4.88)
Pomeranz is enjoying a string of three straight starts allowing two earned runs but has yet to go more than six innings this season. The Tennessee native struck out seven and scattered five hits in 5 1/3 innings to earn a win over Baltimore on Wednesday but needed 100 pitches to get that far into the contest. Pomeranz lasted five innings in his lone previous start against Milwaukee and surrendered two runs without factoring in the decision.
Peralta is having similar issues working deep into games and has yet to record an out in the seventh inning this season. The Dominican allowed two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings at St. Louis last Tuesday while striking out seven but absorbed the loss in a 2-1 final. Peralta's lone previous start against Boston came in 2014 and he did not factor in the decision while allowing five runs - two earned - in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers 1B Eric Thames snapped a nine-game homerless drought with his 12th blast on Sunday.
2. Red Sox rookie OF Andrew Benintendi went 7-for-15 with two home runs, two doubles and five RBIs in the first three games of the road trip.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is riding an 11-game hitting streak that lifted his batting average to .340.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Brewers 6
GAME: Boston Red Sox (17-14) at Milwaukee Brewers (16-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 7:40 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Boston Red Sox spent the first month of the season waiting for the offense that ranked as the best in the majors in 2016 to re-emerge, and the wait appears to be over. The Red Sox will try to post double-digit runs for the third straight contest when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the start of a three-game interleague series on Tuesday.
Boston manager John Farrell fiddled with the lineup throughout the first month in an effort to coax a better response from an offense that averaged 3.9 runs and failed to reach double figures in the first 29 games, and he finally found the right mix while watching his team put up 28 runs in back-to-back wins at Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday. "It was just good to see the offense up and down the lineup," Farrell told reporters. "The weather's warming up. Guys are a little bit more comfortable at the plate." Trying to slow that attack for the Brewers on Tuesday will be right-hander Wily Peralta, who is struggling to work deep into games, while Boston counters with lefty Drew Pomeranz. Milwaukee's offense picked up on Sunday as well with a 6-2 win at Pittsburgh after managing a total of one run while dropping the first two games of the series.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (3-1, 4.00 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (4-2, 4.88)
Pomeranz is enjoying a string of three straight starts allowing two earned runs but has yet to go more than six innings this season. The Tennessee native struck out seven and scattered five hits in 5 1/3 innings to earn a win over Baltimore on Wednesday but needed 100 pitches to get that far into the contest. Pomeranz lasted five innings in his lone previous start against Milwaukee and surrendered two runs without factoring in the decision.
Peralta is having similar issues working deep into games and has yet to record an out in the seventh inning this season. The Dominican allowed two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings at St. Louis last Tuesday while striking out seven but absorbed the loss in a 2-1 final. Peralta's lone previous start against Boston came in 2014 and he did not factor in the decision while allowing five runs - two earned - in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers 1B Eric Thames snapped a nine-game homerless drought with his 12th blast on Sunday.
2. Red Sox rookie OF Andrew Benintendi went 7-for-15 with two home runs, two doubles and five RBIs in the first three games of the road trip.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is riding an 11-game hitting streak that lifted his batting average to .340.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Brewers 6
Preview: Twins at White Sox
GAME: Minnesota Twins (15-14) at Chicago White Sox (15-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
The Minnesota Twins won seven of nine games before watching the pitching staff implode in back-to-back losses over the weekend. The Twins will try to get the staff back on track when they open a six-game road trip by visiting the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.
Minnesota was outscored 28-7 by the Boston Red Sox in the two losses and needed three different relievers to get through the ninth inning on Sunday as a close game turned into a blowout with a 10-run final frame. The Twins had little trouble holding down the White Sox offense in six games last month, allowing an average of 2.2 runs in the two series but going just 3-3 while the offense sputtered. Chicago is coming home looking for a win after getting swept in a three-game series at Baltimore over the weekend to finish off a 4-6 trip. The White Sox will try to put some runs together on Tuesday in support of starter Mike Pelfrey, who is going up against one of his former teams while opposing Minnesota's Hector Santiago.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Hector Santiago (3-1, 2.78 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Mike Pelfrey (0-2, 5.02)
Santiago has yet to allow more than three earned runs in a start and earned a win at Oakland on Wednesday while yielding three runs and four hits in six frames. The 29-year-old struggled a bit with his control in the last two turns and issued a total of seven walks in 11 frames. Santiago, who began his career with Chicago, is 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA in six starts against his original franchise.
Pelfrey is still looking for his first win and has yet to complete six innings in three turns since joining the rotation. The veteran worked a season-high 5 1/3 innings at Kansas City on Wednesday but was hit with the loss while allowing three runs and five hits. Pelfrey spent 2013-2015 with Minnesota and went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three starts against the Twins as a member of the Detroit Tigers last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH Cody Asche has six hits and 20 strikeouts on the season.
2. Twins RHP Matt Belisle had a string of four straight scoreless appearances come to an end when he allowed six runs while recording one out on Sunday.
3. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier (ankle) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Twins 9, White Sox 7
GAME: Minnesota Twins (15-14) at Chicago White Sox (15-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
The Minnesota Twins won seven of nine games before watching the pitching staff implode in back-to-back losses over the weekend. The Twins will try to get the staff back on track when they open a six-game road trip by visiting the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.
Minnesota was outscored 28-7 by the Boston Red Sox in the two losses and needed three different relievers to get through the ninth inning on Sunday as a close game turned into a blowout with a 10-run final frame. The Twins had little trouble holding down the White Sox offense in six games last month, allowing an average of 2.2 runs in the two series but going just 3-3 while the offense sputtered. Chicago is coming home looking for a win after getting swept in a three-game series at Baltimore over the weekend to finish off a 4-6 trip. The White Sox will try to put some runs together on Tuesday in support of starter Mike Pelfrey, who is going up against one of his former teams while opposing Minnesota's Hector Santiago.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Hector Santiago (3-1, 2.78 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Mike Pelfrey (0-2, 5.02)
Santiago has yet to allow more than three earned runs in a start and earned a win at Oakland on Wednesday while yielding three runs and four hits in six frames. The 29-year-old struggled a bit with his control in the last two turns and issued a total of seven walks in 11 frames. Santiago, who began his career with Chicago, is 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA in six starts against his original franchise.
Pelfrey is still looking for his first win and has yet to complete six innings in three turns since joining the rotation. The veteran worked a season-high 5 1/3 innings at Kansas City on Wednesday but was hit with the loss while allowing three runs and five hits. Pelfrey spent 2013-2015 with Minnesota and went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three starts against the Twins as a member of the Detroit Tigers last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH Cody Asche has six hits and 20 strikeouts on the season.
2. Twins RHP Matt Belisle had a string of four straight scoreless appearances come to an end when he allowed six runs while recording one out on Sunday.
3. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier (ankle) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Twins 9, White Sox 7
Preview: Braves at Astros
GAME: Atlanta Braves (11-18) at Houston Astros (21-11)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
The Houston Astros own the most wins in the American League and will host the team tied for the fewest in the National League when they open a two-game interleague set against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Astros are winners of six of their last eight while the Braves are losers of four straight and six of seven.
Houston (21-11) tied the best 32-game start in franchise history with a 5-3 win in the rubber match at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, and manager A.J. Hinch believes his team's temperament is helping it win close games. "When you win a series, there's no complaints," Hinch told reporters. "All three games (against the Angels) were really good games. Our guys keep competing. We keep a pretty even keel. We have a fun group that knows how to win some close games." The Astros are where the rebuilding Braves (11-18) plan to be in a year or two when the talented young roster matures, but for now they are going through some growing pains. The pitching staff is one spot where Atlanta has some veteran support, and ageless wonder Bartolo Colon will take the mound on Tuesday opposite Houston righty Charlie Morton.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), ROOT Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Bartolo Colon (1-3, 6.27 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (3-2, 3.97)
Colon was knocked around in his last two starts, allowing a total of 11 runs and 17 hits in nine innings against Milwaukee and the New York Mets. The hefty 43-year-old is looking for consistency after yielding four or more runs in four of his six starts and one run in each of the other two turns. Current members of Houston are batting a collective .308 against Colon, led by Jose Altuve's 7-for-17 and Carlos Beltran's 13-for-43 with four homers.
Morton is looking for his third straight win after posting a total of 20 strikeouts in 13 innings against Oakland and Texas. The 33-year-old scattered one run and five hits across six frames against the Rangers on Wednesday and owns 39 strikeouts in 34 total innings. Morton spent the first nine years of his career in the NL - beginning with Atlanta as a rookie in 2008 before moving on - and is 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA in five career starts against the Braves.
WALK-OFFS
1. Braves SS Dansby Swanson went 1-for-10 with five strikeouts in two games over the weekend and is batting .151.
2. Houston RHP Will Harris has issued one walk in 14 1/3 innings covering 13 appearances.
3. Atlanta RF Matt Kemp is riding a nine-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Astros 7, Braves 4
GAME: Atlanta Braves (11-18) at Houston Astros (21-11)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
The Houston Astros own the most wins in the American League and will host the team tied for the fewest in the National League when they open a two-game interleague set against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Astros are winners of six of their last eight while the Braves are losers of four straight and six of seven.
Houston (21-11) tied the best 32-game start in franchise history with a 5-3 win in the rubber match at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, and manager A.J. Hinch believes his team's temperament is helping it win close games. "When you win a series, there's no complaints," Hinch told reporters. "All three games (against the Angels) were really good games. Our guys keep competing. We keep a pretty even keel. We have a fun group that knows how to win some close games." The Astros are where the rebuilding Braves (11-18) plan to be in a year or two when the talented young roster matures, but for now they are going through some growing pains. The pitching staff is one spot where Atlanta has some veteran support, and ageless wonder Bartolo Colon will take the mound on Tuesday opposite Houston righty Charlie Morton.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), ROOT Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Bartolo Colon (1-3, 6.27 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (3-2, 3.97)
Colon was knocked around in his last two starts, allowing a total of 11 runs and 17 hits in nine innings against Milwaukee and the New York Mets. The hefty 43-year-old is looking for consistency after yielding four or more runs in four of his six starts and one run in each of the other two turns. Current members of Houston are batting a collective .308 against Colon, led by Jose Altuve's 7-for-17 and Carlos Beltran's 13-for-43 with four homers.
Morton is looking for his third straight win after posting a total of 20 strikeouts in 13 innings against Oakland and Texas. The 33-year-old scattered one run and five hits across six frames against the Rangers on Wednesday and owns 39 strikeouts in 34 total innings. Morton spent the first nine years of his career in the NL - beginning with Atlanta as a rookie in 2008 before moving on - and is 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA in five career starts against the Braves.
WALK-OFFS
1. Braves SS Dansby Swanson went 1-for-10 with five strikeouts in two games over the weekend and is batting .151.
2. Houston RHP Will Harris has issued one walk in 14 1/3 innings covering 13 appearances.
3. Atlanta RF Matt Kemp is riding a nine-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Astros 7, Braves 4
Preview: Cubs at Rockies
GAME: Chicago Cubs (16-15) at Colorado Rockies (20-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
The Chicago Cubs received an unexpected – but much-needed – day off, but now they’ll play at least 18 innings for the second time in three days. After the series opener was rained out, the visiting Cubs begin a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with a split doubleheader.
The Cubs needed the extra day after losing an 18-inning marathon to the New York Yankees on Sunday night that completed a three-game sweep. The Rockies (20-12) are off to the second-best start through 32 contests in franchise history - one win behind the mark set in 1997. Colorado began its 10-game homestand by winning two of three against Arizona for its third consecutive series win. The Rockies captured four of six meetings with the Cubs last season, and slugger Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .333 with 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 career games against Chicago.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (2-3, 5.14 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (3-1, 2.65)
Lackey failed to record an out in the sixth inning last time out for his shortest outing of the season. The 38-year-old has surrendered three or more runs in five of his six starts and has given up at least one home run in his last five outings. Lackey is 2-2 with a 6.25 ERA in five starts against the Rockies.
Freeland lasted 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision Thursday at San Diego, allowing one run and three hits for his third straight quality start. The 23-year-old rookie has given up more than one run in only one of his six starts, and the Rockies are 5-1 when he is on the mound. Freeland leads the major leagues with a 65.1 percent ground ball rate.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago traded OF Matt Szczur to San Diego on Monday for RHP Justin Hancock, who went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 10 relief appearances at Double-A San Antonio this season.
2. Colorado is the only team in the major leagues yet to lose a one-run game, going 9-0 in such contests.
3. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (finger) on the 10-day disabled list Monday and recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.
PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Cubs 7
GAME: Chicago Cubs (16-15) at Colorado Rockies (20-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
The Chicago Cubs received an unexpected – but much-needed – day off, but now they’ll play at least 18 innings for the second time in three days. After the series opener was rained out, the visiting Cubs begin a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with a split doubleheader.
The Cubs needed the extra day after losing an 18-inning marathon to the New York Yankees on Sunday night that completed a three-game sweep. The Rockies (20-12) are off to the second-best start through 32 contests in franchise history - one win behind the mark set in 1997. Colorado began its 10-game homestand by winning two of three against Arizona for its third consecutive series win. The Rockies captured four of six meetings with the Cubs last season, and slugger Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .333 with 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 career games against Chicago.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (2-3, 5.14 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (3-1, 2.65)
Lackey failed to record an out in the sixth inning last time out for his shortest outing of the season. The 38-year-old has surrendered three or more runs in five of his six starts and has given up at least one home run in his last five outings. Lackey is 2-2 with a 6.25 ERA in five starts against the Rockies.
Freeland lasted 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision Thursday at San Diego, allowing one run and three hits for his third straight quality start. The 23-year-old rookie has given up more than one run in only one of his six starts, and the Rockies are 5-1 when he is on the mound. Freeland leads the major leagues with a 65.1 percent ground ball rate.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago traded OF Matt Szczur to San Diego on Monday for RHP Justin Hancock, who went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 10 relief appearances at Double-A San Antonio this season.
2. Colorado is the only team in the major leagues yet to lose a one-run game, going 9-0 in such contests.
3. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (finger) on the 10-day disabled list Monday and recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.
PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Cubs 7
Preview: Tigers at Diamondbacks
GAME: Detroit Tigers (15-15) at Arizona Diamondbacks (18-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
The Detroit Tigers may feature a different look in their bullpen on Tuesday when they begin interleague play with the opener of a two-game series against the host Arizona Diamondbacks. Veteran Francisco Rodriguez, who has recorded 437 saves during his career, squandered his second save opportunity in a row and fourth of the season in Sunday's 8-6 setback to Oakland.
"He's not closing out games, which is something he's done for a decade. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the same Frankie," manager Brad Ausmus told MLive.com of Rodriguez, who was signed to a $6 million option in the winter. Like Detroit, Arizona has lost two in a row - and four of five, for that matter, with just 12 runs scored in the process. The offensive struggles are new for the Diamondbacks, whose .256 batting average and 159 runs scored rank fourth-best in the majors entering play Monday. Paul Goldschmidt, who leads Arizona in most offensive categories, saw his six-game hitting streak come to an end on Sunday as his team mustered all of three hits in a 5-2 setback to National League West-leading Colorado.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2-2, 4.21 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-2, 3.47)
Verlander picked up the win after recording his second seven-inning start last Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits in a 5-2 victory over Cleveland. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner has struggled a bit with his control of late, issuing four walks against the Indians and 12 free passes over his last three outings. Verlander looks to continue his dominance against Arizona, against which he owns a 2-0 mark with a 1.84 ERA and 19 strikeouts in two outings.
Ray sustained his second straight loss despite allowing a total of five runs and striking out 19 in 12 2/3 innings, including permitting two runs and fanning 10 in Wednesday's 2-1 setback at Washington. The 25-year-old kept the ball in the park against the Nationals after being taken deep in each of his previous three outings. Ray will make the start against the team with which he made his major-league debut in 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera is 9-for-24 with a homer, three RBIs and three runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Arizona 2B Brandon Drury is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts in his last four contests on the heels of a seven-game hitting streak.
3. The Tigers posted a 13-7 mark against National League foes last season.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Diamondbacks 2
GAME: Detroit Tigers (15-15) at Arizona Diamondbacks (18-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 09 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
The Detroit Tigers may feature a different look in their bullpen on Tuesday when they begin interleague play with the opener of a two-game series against the host Arizona Diamondbacks. Veteran Francisco Rodriguez, who has recorded 437 saves during his career, squandered his second save opportunity in a row and fourth of the season in Sunday's 8-6 setback to Oakland.
"He's not closing out games, which is something he's done for a decade. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the same Frankie," manager Brad Ausmus told MLive.com of Rodriguez, who was signed to a $6 million option in the winter. Like Detroit, Arizona has lost two in a row - and four of five, for that matter, with just 12 runs scored in the process. The offensive struggles are new for the Diamondbacks, whose .256 batting average and 159 runs scored rank fourth-best in the majors entering play Monday. Paul Goldschmidt, who leads Arizona in most offensive categories, saw his six-game hitting streak come to an end on Sunday as his team mustered all of three hits in a 5-2 setback to National League West-leading Colorado.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2-2, 4.21 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-2, 3.47)
Verlander picked up the win after recording his second seven-inning start last Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits in a 5-2 victory over Cleveland. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner has struggled a bit with his control of late, issuing four walks against the Indians and 12 free passes over his last three outings. Verlander looks to continue his dominance against Arizona, against which he owns a 2-0 mark with a 1.84 ERA and 19 strikeouts in two outings.
Ray sustained his second straight loss despite allowing a total of five runs and striking out 19 in 12 2/3 innings, including permitting two runs and fanning 10 in Wednesday's 2-1 setback at Washington. The 25-year-old kept the ball in the park against the Nationals after being taken deep in each of his previous three outings. Ray will make the start against the team with which he made his major-league debut in 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera is 9-for-24 with a homer, three RBIs and three runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Arizona 2B Brandon Drury is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts in his last four contests on the heels of a seven-game hitting streak.
3. The Tigers posted a 13-7 mark against National League foes last season.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Diamondbacks 2
