Tuesday 6/14/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #9 - Post: 9:56pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,200 Class Rating: 58

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#10 HAREM HONEY (ML=3/1)


HAREM HONEY - Popular handicapping angle - 3rd or 4th start after a layoff generally leads to a big effort. This one is live today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SPECIAL SHAMROCK (ML=7/2), #2 HAPPYTOWN (ML=5/1), #8 LITTLE BRITCHES (ML=6/1),

SPECIAL SHAMROCK - A pattern of lessening speed figs 55/47/42 for this mount. Where is the speed? None to be found in here to set things up for this horse. HAPPYTOWN - Pace makes the race and the paucity of early speed means this come from behinder will have to rally without any help. Finished second in her most recent race with a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch. LITTLE BRITCHES - This mount likes to hit the board, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #10 HAREM HONEY to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Tuesday 6/14 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 2,7,10/3/2,3,4,10/3,5,7/1,3,8 = $21.60

EARLY PICK 4: 3,5,7/1,3,8/2,3/7,8,9 = $54

LATE PICK 4: 7,8,9/3,8,9/8/1,4,10 = $27

Best Bet: HAILEYSGONEDANCING (9th)

Spot Play: COULD IT BE MAGIC (7th)


Race 1

(7) CADILLAC SALLY has faced much better in her two starts this year and wasn't embarrassed. She should be a major player in Grassroots company here. (2) MAGICAL VALENTINE comes off a sharp maiden win and this homebred Kadabra filly looks like the main threat to the choice. (10) DEWDLE ALL DAY closed a big gap in her season opener and was stakes-placed several times last year. She fits this class well and could win this if she can work out a decent enough trip. (9) JAGERSRO can't seem to notch that elusive maiden win but is a good bet to hit the ticket every week.

Race 2

(3) MAGICAL STEPH was a four-time winner in the Grassroots last season and should be competitive with this group if she is ready to produce an effort that is close to her best. (5) MOONLIGHT COCKTAIL faced open stakes company in her last two and should enjoy this drop into Grassroots company. (9) MYRETIREMENTTICKET won three Grassroots legs last year and was a close third in the final at the end of the season. She gets Henry back here and could deliver sharp improvement here. (4) ITS ALL ABOUT SAM is another filly that won three Grassroots legs last season that could be put into action much earlier here. Let price be your guide here in a race with several contenders that might not be so obvious based on this year's performances to date.

Race 3

(10) MY REVENUER faces by far his easiest competition in several weeks and yet may still offer a decent price due to post position. He is worth a stab in a wide-open field that demands deep Pick 5 coverage. (4) BLUSH AND CRUSH raced well for the first time in months two back then may not have liked the wet track last week; another chance here? (3) PRESQUILLE showed enough on June 3rd to make him a contender in this suspect field. (2) SHOOT THE THRILL has missed more than a month now but does fit this class and should be able to take a smaller share despite the time missed.

Race 4

(7) POWERFUL GLARE gets to face Grassroots competition for the first time this year, a class she fits well, and she re-qualified okay for this; slight nod. (5) DAYLINER is obviously one of the best fillies in here and should be placed closer to the front early from this improved post; using. (3) SILKY FLASHY N FAST has yet to break her maiden but is a good bet to hit the board here. (9) SHES ALL MUSCLE was an easy winner of the City of London Final and should get put into the race early here by McNair which gives her a good chance to take home a share.

Race 5

(1) ETRUSCAN HANOVER looks ready for a competitive try off the shelf based on his June 3rd qualifier. Last time he came off a break he was 6 lengths in front at the stretch call and coasted home an easy winner. (8) INTIMIDATE won for the first time since November 2014 last week and the good current form of this classy veteran should be respected here. (3) OLYMPIC SON has made the exacta in both tries at this level and is dangerous with the rapid improvement he has shown this spring. (6) WHISKEY TAX is fit enough now to win one of these weeks. He will trip out and beat these sometime soon; maybe tonight?

Race 6

(3) BUDDY HALLY was working his way past many in the field in the stretch last time but was simply too far back to reach the leaders. An improved post gives him every chance at a better start here and a shot at the win. (2) BAGS FOR ALL was nailed very late in the mile by a logical class-dropper last week and should be a big threat again from close range here. (6) DUH BUBBEES made a break while on the move last time then recovered and came on again for a share. He races better near the front and will likely be sent here. (8) MICHAELS TURN adds Lasix after his best finish this year and should be good to hit the ticket again here.

Race 7

(7) COULD IT BE MAGIC won three OSS Golds, The Champlain and an elimination of The Peaceful Way last year. If she is anything close to her best she should smoke this field and she might offer a great price based on the chart lines showing in the program; surprise package. (9) KINDLY REMINDER had some trot late last week but was free too late to chase down the winner. She is a logical contender but she'll have her hands full with the choice if she shows up ready to produce close to her best. (8) THE POWER OF MANY ships in after finishing on the edges twice vs. non-winners of three company. She should be in the mix with this group. (1) I WANT KANDY had a good tightener for this last Thursday and should be good for a share.

Race 8

(9) LITTLE TURK has raced well the past two weeks and should be able to latch onto cover here and pounce late; top call. (3) TEA WITH MS MCGILL goes first time for Weller who is deadly with new acquisitions; using. (8) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT broke while on the move last week when claimed. He fits here and is another to consider of late Pick 4 tickets. (6) PANEDICTINE will be closing from far back and the faster they go early, the better it is for him.

Race 9

(8) HAILEYSGONEDANCING has been compromised by trip in her past two. Facing easier foes here, look for a mile similar to her season debut on May 5th. (3) DEVILS ADVOCATE has the class and speed to be a major contender here if she behaves, which is always the big question with her (6) SHESTHEREALTHING is a full-sister to 5-time winner Muscle Girl, who won three Grassroots races in a row to start her career; using. (7) SMASH HIT will likely revert to a closing style here and come on late for a share.

Race 10

(10) WINDSONG MAGIC faces easier here and should be put into play earlier. She could offer a good price from this post; slight nod. (4) WORK THAT MAGIC appeared to not like the wet track last week and should revert to her better form from two back here - if the track is dry. (1) TREASURE GIFTS K is capable of popping up with a winning mile out of nowhere - see her April 21st chart line. (2) P L JILL should be able to take a share off a following trip similar to her most recent start. (5) MAJESTIC MISTRESS is another that is a good one to use on the bottom of vertical wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 6/14 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 135 - 583 / $877.90 BEST BETS: 14 - 59 / $63.20

Best Bet: THE BIG RULER (10th)

Spot Play: POSITIVELY SHARP (3rd)


Race 1

(2) KINDOFABIGDEAL is 0 for 10 this year however in his last start he seemed to be coming around; gets the call. (3) BIG N BAD moves back inside and that might be what he needs to take this; threat. (7) UNION MAN HANOVER has some early zip and could have a say in the outcome.

Race 2

(4) MEADOWVIEW ARNY put in a mild rally for third money last out. Trotter fits with these and could be ready to put his best foot forward. (1) GWALLY was sent down the road in his last one for all the glory. (5) SIM BROWN led most of the way but was caught in deep stretch to hold on for the place spot recently.

Race 3

(5) JUSTA REBEL 10-year-old trotter was very sharp last out losing the victory by 1/2 length and has every right to make his return to the winner's circle. (3) BRICKYARD TOOTS She did close strongly for the place spot two trips ago; main danger against these. (4) POSITIVELY SHARP Mare was late on the scene last time around at Tioga to grab the placing.

Race 4

(4) SURFACE TENSION Three fine efforts for this 8-year-old trotter make him quite tough. With a favorable trip the rest might be running for second money. (1) SCOTTISH CROSS moves up in class off her last two victories but is still dangerous. (5) LILYS SWAN POND was second best in her last start at this level; factor.

Race 5

(4) GLENEAGLES Sophomore is knocking at the door based on his last two starts in Pennsylvania. Has tactical speed and could greet the cameraman for pictures. (2) FOREVER JUST has put in two sharp efforts at Saratoga and must be considered in here. (5) GRAND MASTER went down the road last out at Pocono for all the glory; can't be counted out.

Race 6

(6) LUV AT FIRST SITE Trotting gelding was a sharp third in his first attempt here on May 31st. Sophomore seems to be heading in the right direction and has every right to boss these at his best. (5) CUPID could make some noise in this event and good to see Brennan with the call. (7) EXPLOSIVE BROTHER has two seconds in a row at Plainridge and he clearly is not out of this.

Race 7

Will take a shot with (6) MUSCLESANDMARTINIS to put it all together against this group of trotters and a favorable trip could put this guy in the winner's circle. (2) UNCLE DAN needs a relaxing trip for this trotter to contend with these; maybe. (3) MARTINI LINDY was second best three starts back at Pocono so she needs to revert to that effort; we shall see.

Race 8

(3) DELCO ROCKNROLL Gelding seems to be coming around based on his last two tries and Brennan takes another shot with this 7-year-old; threat at his best. (5) V I P BAYAMA has hit the board in his last five trips to the post; main danger. (2) THATLL BE THE REI got the job done wire to wire in his Pocono finale; watch out.

Race 9

(4) MOVEMENT 7-year-old mare fits with these and leaves the 8-hole for a cozy post; ready for action. (8) HIDDEN IDENTITY was on his way to victory but broke on the final turn last out; post hurts today but his is very capable. (3) WILD SMILE raced evenly and held on for the fourth spot last time around; don't overlook.

Race 10

(2) THE BIG RULER Gelding makes his first start at Yonkers and was a sharp winner at Harrington two trips ago; major player. (1) SHES UNCORKED Trotting mare retains the rail and was a fast closing second at Philly recently; threat. (4) UNCLE HANOVER is clearly better than in his last flop; not out of this.

Race 11

(2) CRESCENT FASHION Very game second in the Graduate at Mohawk last time out. Trotter now moves back to Yonkers where he was an easy winner three starts back at this level. (1) CAPT SERIOUS finally receives a better post to work with; contender. (4) GET TO DOIN IT is knocking at the door and is quite sharp; beware.

Race 12

(3) ONE AND ONLY was sitting in the pocket most of the way and only lost the victory by 3/4 length. Pacer is fit and ready to make today a winning one. (2) LIFE UP FRONT needs to return to his May 31st start to make an impact against these. (1) JUSTICE MY WAY should do much better from the fence so don't count him out of this.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Fort Erie (2nd) Just Blake, 6-1
(3rd) Protest Song, 7-2


Indiana Grand (4th) Flashin Theflowers, 10-1
(7th) Ivy's College Fund, 7-2


Mountaineer (5th) Proust, 7-2
(9th) Special Shamrock, 7-2


Parx Racing (1st) Gloves Off, 3-1
(9th) Rally Gal, 6-1


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Make My Day, 5-1
(6th) Candy War, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

June Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

You know the saying, “May flowers bring June showers.”

For Major League Baseball pitchers hurling during the month of June, showers are hopefully not in their immediate plans. Instead, it’s the hope of all MLB starting pitchers to stay around long enough in their starts to avoid having to clean up and go home early.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of June. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in June, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

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

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


GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 8-4 (6-2 A)

Only Clayton Kershaw has been in Arrieta's stratosphere since 2015. The right-hander is in the right organization which has allowed his abundant talents to flourish and this season opposing batters are hitting a mere .168 against him. His effortless delivery and mid-90's fastball causes a lot of swings and misses as does his breaking pitches.

Cole, Gerrit - 10-2 (6-0 A)

Cole is now the ace of the Pittsburgh staff and expertly commands a two and four-seam fastball in the mid to upper 90's which he can sink or have riding action. After a sluggish start to season, his ERA is down to close to 2.50 and expect him to have another fine month. Note: Cole’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

*Colon, Bartolo - 10-5 (7-0 H)

The 43-year old right-hander just keeps churning along on staff that is very talented and youthful. Colon knows how and where to spot his fastball, which he tosses 70 or more percent of the time and blends in a quick slider that has excellent depth. The fact is Colon understands his craft and wins.

Lackey, John - 11-5 (6-1 H)

Remember for years no pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch at Wrigley Field, now they line up for the chance. Being a talented young team helps and Lackey is the right fit, with fastball he keeps low in the zone and sinker opposing hitters cannot elevate. Through two months, the batter's Lackey has faced are at a lowly .209 batting average and his WHIP is sick 0.97.

Sanchez, Anibal - 9-4 (8-3 H)

The Detroit hurler has gotten off to a rugged start with ERA over 6 as June began. Sanchez's problems revolve around lack of pitch placement, not even having 2-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and giving up more than a hit an inning. Of the 58 hits allowed, 11 have left the yard and if the Tigers are going to be contenders in the AL Central, Sanchez will have to throw like previous June's.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If you research Mad Max's numbers, many are at or below career norm, yet he begins this month with an ERA over 4. The problem is too many pitches right down the middle, which is why he on pace to give up 45 home runs (15 thru May). If Scherzer solves this, he will have a great rest of the year.

Tillman, Chris - 11-3 (4-1 A)

After an off year in 2015, the Orioles righty has come back in a big way. When he's at his best like he has been this year, Tillman works his low 90's heater at the knees on both sides of the dish and his curve and changeup have sharp downward motion. He starts this month with hitters at .203 batting average versus his tosses.

Volquez, Edinson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The Royals right-hander is doing what he does best, as in nine of his 11 starts for Kansas City he has induced double digit groundball outs. Volquez is still thought to be a power pitcher and gets numerous weak swings with tilted curve and deluxe changeup he will throw on any count.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-5 (8-3 H)

After an unbelievable start, Zimmermann has drifted back to the previous career numbers. He pulled a groin late last month, but is expected to make start on June 3rd and continue from that point. His strengths include four pitches he trusts to throw for strikes and he has shown greater durability thus far in the AL.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Miller, Shelby - 6-12 (2-6 A)

After disastrous start with Arizona, having ERA over 7, maybe a trip to the DL with bad finger on throwing hand will settle Miller down, who looks like he is trying to throw a no-hitter on every pitch and is getting hammered. The talent has always been in place, just not the execution as this record shows. Note: Miller’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

Verlander, Justin - 4-10 (2-5 H)

No longer equipped with high 90's fastball, Verlander tends to give up runs in bunches these days. He can be sailing along for three to five innings and then give up three or four runs in single inning. Without the necessary secondary pitches, he's become easier to hit a third time through the lineup.

Weaver, Jered - 5-10 (1-6 A)

It is sometimes tough to watch former aces who were among the best in the game, as their stuff is in decline and they are not close to what they used to be. This is the case of Weaver, whose fastball barely reaches 85 MPH, which makes his breaking ball and assortment of change-ups less effective. It is no accident at this juncture hitters are clocking him for .311 BA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Greinke beats Dodgers
By The Sports Xchange

PHOENIX -- Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb homered, and Zack Greinke won his sixth consecutive start in the Diamondbacks' 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on Monday.
Greinke (9-3) gave up two runs and seven hits in seven innings in his first appearance against the Dodgers since leaving them for a $206.5 million free agent contract with the Diamondbacks last winter.
Greinke also sparked the Diamondbacks' go-ahead rally with a one-out single in the sixth inning. He was forced out at second base on Nick Ahmed's grounder to second base, but Ahmed stole second and scored on Jean Segura's single to make it 3-2.
Arizona right-hander Brad Ziegler recorded a five-out save after entering with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning. Ziegler has 13 saves this season and has converted his last 41 chances, tied for the seventh-longest streak in major league history.

Nationals 4, Cubs 1
WASHINGTON -- Max Scherzer took a perfect game into the top of the sixth inning, and Wilson Ramos hit a tiebreaking homer in the last of the sixth as Washington beat Chicago.
Scherzer (8-4) gave up one run on two hits in seven innings with 11 strikeouts and no walks. Oliver Perez retired the only batter he faced in the eighth, then Shawn Kelley came on to get the last five outs -- four via strikeout -- for his first save.
Ramos hit a solo homer to lead off the sixth -- just out of reach from right fielder Jason Heyward -- to give the Nationals a 2-1 lead off Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks (4-6). Anthony Rendon followed with a double and scored on a single to left by hot-hitting Danny Espinosa, which gave him nine hits in his last 18 at-bats. Ben Revere's single scored Espinosa to build the margin to 4-1.

Reds 9, Braves 8
ATLANTA -- Cincinnati continued its rebound from an 11-game losing streak by adding to Atlanta's miseries.
Tyler Holt drew a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the ninth inning to force in the decisive run as the Reds improved to 10-6 since the losing skid with a victory over the Braves.
Joey Votto opened the winning rally with a bloop double off Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino (1-2) and three walks, one intentional followed.
The loss dropped the Braves to 7-26 at home, including 1-8 in one-run decisions.

Phillies 7, Blue Jays 0
TORONTO -- Odubel Herrera hit a home run and had three RBIs, Ryan Howard homered, Jerad Eickhoff pitched six scoreless innings and Philadelphia defeated Toronto.
The Phillies ended a four-game skid with the win while stopping a three-game winning streak by the Blue Jays.
Eickhoff (4-8) allowed three hits and four walks to win his second straight start. The right-hander struck out five before David Hernandez took over in the seventh.

Royals 2, Indians 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Edinson Volquez allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings, while rookie Whit Merrifield homered, tripled and scored both runs as Kansas City defeated division-leading Cleveland.
The Royals had lost six of seven to the Indians, all in Cleveland, before opening this seven-game homestand with a victory. The victory moved the Royals within two games of the Indians. The Royals and Detroit Tigers are tied for second in the American League Central. The Indians lost for only the fourth time in 13 June games and had their seven-game winning streak against division opponents snapped.
While Volquez permitted just two hits, he walked four, including three in the first inning, and hit a batter. He threw 59 strikes in 95 pitches. Volquez (6-6) had allowed nine runs on 11 hits and six walks over 11 innings in losing his previous two starts.

White Sox 10, Tigers 9 (12 innings)
CHICAGO -- Adam Eaton looped a base hit to center to drive in J.B. Shuck with the winning run as Chicago beat Detroit.
Shuck led off the 12th with a double down the first base line and advanced to third on Tim Anderson's groundout. The RBI single -- Eaton's third career game-ending hit -- came with one out off Tigers reliever Anibal Sanchez in a game that lasted 4 hours, 34 minutes.
The White Sox battled back from an early 7-0 deficit and trailed by two runs in the ninth before forcing a 9-9 tie to send the game into extra innings.

Twins 9, Angels 4
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Minnesota got home runs from Trevor Plouffe, Byron Buxton and Robbie Grossman and a serviceable performance from starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco to beat Los Angeles.
Nolasco (3-4) was far from dominant, but he kept the Angels hitters at bay, giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk in six innings.
Grossman, Joe Mauer and Kurt Suzuki each had two hits for the Twins. Mauer has reached base safely by hit or walk in a major-league-leading 25 consecutive games.

A's 14, Rangers 5
OAKLAND -- Khris Davis and Josh Phegley hit three-run homers, powering Oakland past Texas.
A's rookie left-hander Sean Manaea gave up only two runs on four hits but left the game after 4 1/3 innings with a strain of his left pronator muscle in his forearm. Manaea was rubbing his left forearm as he talked to an A's trainer and manager Bob Melvin on the mound before exiting after giving up a home run to Shin-Soo Choo.
Davis hit his 15th home run of the season in the third inning, and Phegley had his first blast of the year in the fourth. Davis went 2-for-4, drove in five runs and scored three times. Marcus Semien and Jake Smolinski each had three hits, and every A's starter except Yonder Alonso had at least one hit.

Marlins 13, Padres 4
SAN DIEGO -- Adeiny Hechavarria drove in four runs with a bases-loaded triple and a double, and Martin Prado had three RBIs off a homer and two singles as Miami defeated San Diego.
Wei-Yin Chen (4-2) got the win despite yielding four solo homers in six innings. He gave up six hits and one walk while striking out seven.
The Marlins had 19 hits, including three by Ichiro Suzuki, who is one hit shy of tying Pete Rose's all-time professional record of 4,256 hits. Suzuki -- who was 3-for-4 with two walks, three runs and a RBI in the game -- also drew to with 23 hits of 3,000 for his major league career.

Giants 11, Brewers 5
SAN FRANCISCO -- Denard Span homered and finished 3-for-5 with three runs as San Francisco blasted Milwaukee.
Matt Duffy added three hits for the Giants, and Brandon Crawford knocked in three runs. Joe Panik, Brandon Belt and Buster Posey contributed two hits apiece.
Giants starter Matt Cain allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Albert Suarez (2-1) got the win in relief, pitching 3 2/3 innings and yielding two runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

AL Value Starters
By Joe Nelson

Most of the elite starting pitchers reside in the National League as only three of MLB’s top 17 leaders in FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) are AL starters at this point in the 2016 season. Even so, it still costs a premium to back well established AL starters such as Corey Kluber, Chris Sale, Justin Verlander, among others.

Here are some names that won’t offer the same chance of a dominant outing but can often be found with much more reasonable pricing and could be worth a look in many future matchups.

Matt Shoemaker (Los Angeles Angels): Pitching for the struggling Angels will keep Matt Shoemaker in the underdog role in many matchups but the 29-year old right-hander has pitched much better than his 3-7 record indicates. Shoemaker has been on a particularly strong run since mid-May, actually posting some of the best numbers in the AL in the past month. Shoemaker has pitched at least seven innings in five consecutive starts while posting 48 strikeouts in that span and delivering four quality starts. He owns a 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio on the season and his FIP is more than a run lower than his ERA. Opportunities in late June against Oakland and Houston could be favorable for Shoemaker even with an erratic offense providing support behind him.

C.C. Sabathia (New York Yankees): Many felt C.C. Sabathia’s career might be over when he stepped away from the team late last season but after a mediocre April in 2016 Sabathia has been on a roll in recent weeks and starting to look like the All Star starter of past seasons. His 2.28 ERA is a bit lower than will be sustainable but Sabathia has not allowed more than three runs in any of his 10 starts this season. His strikeout rate isn’t close to his best seasons and he is allowing frequent walks but he has allowed just two home runs in nearly 60 innings, no small feat for a Yankees pitcher. Sabathia has delivered great recent outings against formidable offensive teams including the Blue Jays, Orioles, and Tigers and he has a strong bullpen to help him pull out wins even with a limited offense for New York.

Collin McHugh (Houston Astros): With a 5-5 record and a 5.22 ERA McHugh is among the many Astros that has disappointed this season but his strikeout rate continues to climb back up in recent starts and strong outings may be ahead for the curveball artist that has been a bit streaky the past two seasons. McHugh has posted 37 strikeouts over his last five starts and while he has had few dominant outings he has gone nine straight starts without allowing more than four runs. His numbers have been hurt by pitching in some tough venues with recent road starts at Boston, Arizona, and Texas and his control has been excellent with one or zero walks allowed in nine of his 13 starts this season. The Astros may be on the verge of making a run to climb back into the postseason race and McHugh could offer some value in the coming weeks with his marginal conventional numbers.

Sean Manaea (Oakland Athletics): Young starters with potential are frequently overvalued when they get off to hot starts and AL starters like Michael Fulmer, Matt Andriese, and Danny Duffy are starting to get a bit overvalued. From a value perspective the rocky first three starts Sean Manaea are a great benefit as his conventional numbers still look pretty rough despite clearly turning a corner on the mound. The 24-year old rookie allowed 16 runs in his first 13 innings of work but in five starts since his numbers have improved dramatically. His strikeout numbers are climbing and he has allowed just 30 hits in his last five starts spanning nearly 33 innings. Take away one brutal start at Fenway Park vs. the league’s best offense and his numbers look much more reasonable and while Oakland doesn’t look like a playoff contender, they have a similar record to division foes Houston and Los Angeles despite being valued like one of the worst teams in the AL. Pitching at the Coliseum should also allow for some favorable situations for the young left-hander.

Colby Lewis (Texas Rangers): The Rangers have the best record in the American League and supporting Colby Lewis won’t cost the premium that backing Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, or even Martin Perez will. Lewis owns a FIP that is more than a run higher than his ERA but his numbers have been improving since the first month of the season and the bottom line is that he is now 21-7 in his last 28 decisions since May of last season. His 3.45 FIP is the 12th best in the AL over the last month and given how well the Rangers are playing Lewis will be worth a look in future matchups as the 36-year old continues to provide solid starts behind a team that has been dominant at home and shown improvement in the bullpen. Texas has had a knack for winning close games this season and Lewis could continue a charmed late career run.

Trevor Bauer (Cleveland Indians): The rotation for the Indians features high end talent but backing Corey Kluber or Danny Salazar will be expensive even with some erratic results for those strikeout artists. Bauer isn’t as dazzling but he has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts since moving into the rotation in late April. Bauer is still producing a decent strikeout rate and he has for the most part kept the ball in the ballpark with only six home runs allowed in over 68 innings of work. Bauer is getting a much greater rate of ground balls than he did the past two seasons and while his strikeout numbers are a bit less impressive than were projected early in his career, he has also lowered his walk rate and he has become a more reliable and consistent starter on a first place team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (30-34) at Blue Jays (35-31)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 14, 2016 12:37 PM EDT

TORONTO -- Zach Eflin will make his major league debut Tuesday as the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays continue their four-game interleague series.

The Blue Jays will be looking to rebound from the 7-0 loss to the Phillies in Monday's opener. The Blue Jays might have been a little flat after winning three of four draining games -- three decided by one run -- against the Baltimore Orioles, an American League East rival.

"Today was kind of a letdown," said Toronto right-hander R.A. Dickey, who took the loss. "I don't think we played with a lot of energy today. We had a lot of games where lately we've been very invested against division opponents. It's plausible that that would be the case.

"You play the Phillies, and they don't have a winning record. It was just a low-energy day for us all around it felt like. Thank goodness it only counts for one loss, you know? It feels like a lot worse."

Eflin could be meeting a team that has retained its focus or one that is still drained.

He was given the chance to find out what kind of Blue Jays team will show up Tuesday after Vince Velasquez was put on the disabled list Friday with a strained right biceps.

The right-hander was taken in the first round (the 33rd player taken overall) in the 2012 draft by the San Diego Padres. The Phillies acquired him in the trade that sent Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Dec. 19, 2014. The Dodgers had acquired Eflin the day before as part of a trade with the Padres.

Eflin was 5-2 with a 2.90 earned-run average in 11 starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley when the call from Philadelphia came.

"I know he's got a good arm and I know he's got good stuff," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "He's got your four basic pitches and he's got good movement on his fastball.

"I was in here talking to him today and I told him, 'Up here if you make your pitches you're going to be successful, if you make mistakes you're going to get hit. It's as simple as that. Pitch the way you normally pitch and if you make quality pitches you're going to be okay.' He's got the stuff to be successful. It boils down to command and control."

Eflin will be facing a struggling opponent in Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman (5-2, 4.94 ERA). He has a 7.58 ERA over his past five starts. He did not factor in the decision in a 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday when he allowed eight hits, one walk and four runs with two strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. This will be his first career start against the Phillies. In two relief appearances covering 2 2/3 innings, he is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

"I know people are worried that I'm struggling," he said. "I'm an extremely confident guy. I'm good where I'm at. I understand that I'm struggling, but I understand that I work harder than anybody else in this game."

Stroman is working on mechanical things, primarily getting over the top on his sinker. It has been flat during his struggles, although he had it for one quick inning against the Orioles before it deserted him again.

In seven interleague games, including three starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (43-19) at Nationals (40-24)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: June 14, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon wouldn't bite in a pregame media conference. He was asked about the importance of the three-game series that began in Washington on Monday against the Nationals.

"Every game is important," Maddon said.

But the Cubs skipper did admit to looking ahead somewhat.

"I did look at lineups for tomorrow, us versus Gonzalez," Maddon said of facing Washington lefty Gio Gonzalez on Tuesday.

But it is hard to predict which Gonzalez the Cubs will face in the second game of the series. The veteran lefty from Miami won 21 games in 2012 in his first season in Washington but has been very erratic over the past two seasons.

Gonzalez has lost his last four decisions after starting the year in a positive note under new manager Dusty Baker and first-year pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Gonzalez (3-5, 3.93 ERA) will face Chicago right-hander John Lackey (7-2, 2.63 ERA) after Washington's Max Scherzer started against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks on Monday in a 4-1 victory. Scherzer took a perfect game into the sixth, and the rest of the series could see more solid pitching.

Gonzalez has the highest ERA of any of the six probable starters in the series. The lowest belongs to the Cubs' Jason Hammel (2.36), slated to start Wednesday.

Lackey made his pro debut in 1999 with Boise -- now a farm team of the Cubs -- and made his major league debut in 2002 with the Los Angeles Angels.

He won 10 games for the first time in 2003 and reached double digits every season through 2011, then did not pitch in 2012 due to injury.

The veteran right-hander was 10-13 with Boston in 2013 and then 11-7 with the Red Sox in 2014 and also 3-3 with the St. Louis Cardinals that year.

Lackey was 13-10 last season with the Cardinals before he signed a two-year contact with the Cubs on Dec. 8, 2015. Hammel notes the Cubs were familiar with Lackey since they faced him when he played for St. Louis.

Baker also tried to downplay the importance of the series with the Cubs, who took four straight in Chicago last month against the Nationals.

"They are the best right now in our league," Baker said. "You can't bring it back (after losing those four in the Windy City)."

How does Baker approach the series? "With a positive attitude, wins and no negatives," he said.

A former Cubs manager, Baker was asked if he measures his team against the Cubs.

"I believe in measuring against yourselves. How can we get better? You can give them the pennant right now if you want to," he said to media members.

Baker, however, won't do that.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (32-31) at Mets (34-28)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: June 14, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

NEW YORK - Battered playoff contenders trying to regain their 2015 form will meet Tuesday night, when the New York Mets host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series at Citi Field.

The reigning National League champion Mets enter Tuesday having lost the final two games of a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

New York scored only nine runs against the Brewers and didn't score until falling behind 5-0 in a 5-3 defeat on Sunday in which the lineup featured just two Opening Day starters -- right fielder Curtis Granderson and center fielder Yoenis Cespedes.

First baseman Lucas Duda (back), third baseman David Wright (neck) and catcher Travis d'Arnaud (shoulder) are on the disabled list, while second baseman Neil Walker (back) and left fielder Michael Conforto (wrist) were scheduled to visit with team doctors Monday to follow up on injuries sustained during the Brewers series.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera received a routine day off Sunday.

The Mets also played Sunday without manager Terry Collins in the dugout.

Collins, who is the oldest manager in the league at 67 years old, felt ill before the game and was taken to a Milwaukee hospital, where he was kept overnight for testing and observation.

The Mets announced on Monday afternoon that Collins was given a clean bill of health and was en route to New York, where he will return to the dugout on Tuesday.

"We've got some guys that are playing everyday that are banged up," said Mets bench coach Dick Scott, who filled in for Collins. "We get to go home now. Guys have a day off. I think it's coming at a right time."

The Pirates, meanwhile, have been outscored 37-17 during a five-game losing streak that began with a 6-5 loss to the Mets in Pittsburgh last Wednesday.

The skid has knocked the Pirates, who have participated in the last three National League wild card games, out of playoff positioning. They are 2 1/2 games behind the Mets in the race for the second wild card.

The Pirates also lost two of their best players during the losing streak.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli (broken left hand) and ace right-hander Gerrit Cole (triceps) were each hurt during Friday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cervelli is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, but the Pirates hope Cole will miss only one turn in the rotation.

"We'll just find ways to continue to work, roll up our sleeves and get a little bit better," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday. "That's what we've got to do individually and across the board."

The welcome day off Monday was the first for the Pirates since May 12.

"I think it would be against the law to play any more in a row," manager Hurdle said. "So yeah, good timing."

The Mets will send right-hander Jacob deGrom to the mound in Tuesday's opener. The Pirates' starter had not been announced as of Monday afternoon.

Right-hander Juan Nicasio, who was in line for the start, was pushed back after giving up six runs in an inning of relief and taking the defeat in Friday's 9-3, 11-inning loss to the Cardinals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (25-39) at Braves (18-45)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: June 14, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Julio Teheran's 1.78 ERA in four career starts for the Atlanta Braves against the Cincinnati Reds is his lowest against any National League team.

Teheran, though, will be challenged to do a better job of not giving up home runs than he has done lately as he tries to win consecutive games for the first time this season Tuesday night against the Reds at Turner Field.

Teheran (2-6) allowed just eight hits over two starts on a California road trip by the Braves, but five were home runs.

The 12 homers tie him for sixth-worst in the National League and puts him on pace to surpass the career-worst 27 he allowed in 2015.

That's bad news against the Reds, who lead the NL with 19 homers in June.

The good news, though, is that the three homers Teheran gave up in a loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles and the two he surrendered in a victory at San Diego all came with the bases empty.

"It doesn't bother me. Solo homers are just one run," interim manager Brian Snitker said. "It's nothing we've talked about. No red flags have gone off."

Opponents are batting just .203 -- tied for sixth-best in the NL -- and Teheran's ERA is 2.85 despite the recent homer binge.

"He's our ace. We lean on him a lot," Snitker said.

The Braves certainly need a strong outing from Teheran after giving up 30 runs while losing their last three games, falling to 18-45 overall and 7-26 at home.

The victim of poor run support, Teheran is winless at home this season and Reds starter Brandon Finnegan won't be easy for the Braves to capitalize against offensively.

Finnegan has gone at least 6 1/3 innings in his past four outings, including a complete game against the Dodgers, and leads the Reds with seven quality starts in 13 games despite a 2-4 record.

Finnegan, acquired by the Reds as part of the Johnny Cueto deal with Kansas City last season, got a no-decision in his most recent start, giving up five hits and two runs over seven innings against the Cardinals while lowering his ERA to 3.77.

"He's a competitor, and he wears the competitiveness on his sleeve, but he doesn't let it affect his ability to make good pitches," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's built a lot of confidence in me and the coaching staff, and I think in his teammates as well. He gets after it. He competes."

More used to being playoff contenders, the Braves and Reds have the worst records in the National League as they rebuild for the future.

The Reds (25-39) have at least shown improvement lately, going 10-6 after an 11-game losing streak. They have won eight of their past 12.

Finnegan, 22, made his major league debut just months after being the 17th overall pick in the 2014 draft and got his first professional victory for the Royals in the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees.

Teheran is still just 25 despite 42 career wins for the Braves, who have refused at least so far to make him one of their trade chips.

The Braves need a hitter, but Teheran and his team-friendly long-term contract are hard to trade unless the offer is overwhelming.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (36-26) at Red Sox (36-26)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 14, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

Given a chance to gain ground on the other in the American League East standings, neither the Baltimore Orioles or Boston Red Sox capitalized on Sunday.

Instead, the Orioles and Red Sox own identical 36-26 records and are tied atop the division entering the opener of their three-game series Tuesday night in Boston.

Baltimore's spirited comeback came up short in Sunday's 10-9 loss at Toronto. The O's trailed by six runs, but trimmed the deficit to one on Pedro Alvarez's bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the ninth inning before falling.

"It's a tough hole to dig out of on the road," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Our guys were engaged and put a good scare into them."

Meanwhile, Boston lost at Minnesota 7-4 on Max Kepler's walk-off home run in the 10th, which was preceded by Red Sox first baseman Travis Shaw bunting into a double play an inning earlier.

"That's something we don't typically call for him, but the way he's been swinging the bat of late, looking to move a runner," Boston manager John Farrell said (via MLB.com) of Shaw, who is batting .132 (5-for-38) in June.

Baltimore has dropped three straight games while Boston has won three of five.

Both sides figure to be in capable hands Tuesday as Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman (8-1, 3.01 ERA) faces Red Sox left-hander David Price (7-3, 4.63 ERA).

Tillman has fared well against Boston in the past, going 9-3 with a 2.84 ERA with Red Sox batters hitting .249 against him in 18 career starts. He boasts a 4-1 record with a 2.56 ERA over eight career starts at Fenway Park.

Tillman hasn't lost since April 14, posting a 7-0 record and a 2.62 ERA in 10 starts over that stretch. His last start was arguably his best, tossing 7 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing eight hits and zero walks and striking out a season-high-tying nine Wednesday against Kansas City.

Dustin Pedroia has hit .268 (11-for-41) with five RBIs against Tillman. David Ortiz (.182, 6-for-33) and Xander Bogaerts (2-for-17) are the only Boston batters to take Tillman deep.

Price is 8-4 with a 2.90 ERA over 20 lifetime starts against Baltimore. Price has faced the Orioles once already this year, giving up five runs on as many hits with two walks and eight strikeouts in his second start as a member of the Red Sox on April 11.

The former Cy Young Award recipient is 4-1 with a 5.61 ERA at home this season.

Price is winless in his last three starts, including a pitchers' duel at San Francisco, in which he surrendered just two runs on three hits while striking out seven in eight innings on Wednesday.

Mark Trumbo has proven a good foil to Price, hitting .364 (8-for-22) with two homers and seven RBIs against him. Matt Wieters (.319, 15-for-47, four RBIs), Manny Machado (.273, 6-for-22) and Nolan Reimold (.133, 4-for-30, four RBIs) have also hit homers off Price.

Wieters has six doubles and Adam Jones (.265, 13-for-49) has four against Price.

Collectively, the nine active Orioles who have faced Price are hitting .272 (56-for-206) against him. However, they've also struck out 83 times.

Baltimore has outscored Boston 51-38 in winning four of the seven meetings this year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (34-29) at Rays (29-32)

Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 14, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have won three series in a row for the first time this season, and if they are to make it four when the Seattle Mariners come to town, they will have to build off a solid 5-0 win against the Houston Astros on Sunday.

"It's a great pattern," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "It's really good it's coming here at home, because we're not winning enough series at home. We talked about it before this series started, before this home stand started, we need to start winning ballgames at our park."

The first obstacle is right-hander Tijuan Walker, just 23 years old, who brings a 3-6 record but a 3.48 ERA. Seattle (34-29) has been on a slide, losing three of their last four and seven of their last 10, including a series at the Rangers.

"A disappointing series," manager Scott Servais said. "We had some chances throughout the series to try to get us over the hump, and it just didn't happen. That's going to happen at times. I thought we were right there."

For the series as a whole, the Rays will have two lefties in the three games, with Drew Smyly pitching Wednesday and prospect Blake Snell, who will be called up for just his second career MLB start and first at Tropicana Field. Snell was USA Today's Minor League Player of the Year last season.

Snell's call-up puts him up against a Seattle lineup that hasn't fared well against lefties -- the Mariners are hitting .246 as a team against lefties, as compared to .267 against right-handed pitchers.

Both sides will see familiar faces in the series, thanks to an offseason trade -- Wednesday's starter for Seattle is Nathan Karns (5-2), who pitched for the Rays last year. He will likely face shortstop Brad Miller, who is batting .242 with six home runs and 20 RBIs, tying for the team lead with four stolen bases as well.

Seattle's bullpen has another former Rays pitcher in Mike Montgomery -- with an effective 2.27 ERA in 23 appearances, as he was in Kansas City, where the Rays had traded him in a deal for Wil Myers, also since departed from Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay is starting to get key bats back from injury -- second baseman Logan Forsythe returned last week and is back atop the Rays' batting order, though they continue to play without two of their speediest outfielders in Kevin Kiermaier and Brandon Guyer.

One of the replacements in the outfield, rookie Mikie Mahtook, stepped up in Sunday's win, getting a two-run single to triple his RBI total for the season as part of a key victory to wrap up the Astros series.

"It's huge, any time you can win a series, it's big," Mahtook said. "We are playing really good baseball right now. The guys in this clubhouse have never doubted each other and we believe in each other. We feel like we are a really good team. I think we are showing that right now by finding different ways to win, day in and day out."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (32-31) at White Sox (32-32)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: June 14, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Ace hurlers will miss each other by a day in this week's series between the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers send right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (8-3, 3.30 ERA) to counter White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (1-1, 3.57 ERA) in Tuesday's middle game at U.S. Cellular Field as they seek to build on a recent surge that included three straight series wins.

Left-hander Chris Sale (10-2), a bright spot for the otherwise skidding White Sox, is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.

The Tigers are 8-4 this month and Zimmermann, the American League pitcher of the month in April, is 1-1 in that span.

"He's got a track record of being pretty good," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said prior to Monday's series opener. "Throws strikes, he's got a very good slide, he's got a fastball that sneaks up on hitters, pitches up in the zone very well and very experienced. He doesn't get rattled."

Zimmermann, who joined the Tigers this year as a free agent after a six-season run with the Washington Nationals, is coming off last Wednesday's loss to Toronto where he allowed seven runs on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.

He's 2-0 in three career starts vs. Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field.

Not even Sale could stop a losing run the last time out against the Tigers, giving up four runs on nine hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 7-4 White Sox loss in the middle of a recent five-game losing streak for Chicago.

Chicago is trying to reverse a skid that has included 14 losses in its last 19 games and 10 of its last 13 series as it has dropped from first to fourth place.

To that end, the White Sox have dropped two players last week and are mixing up starting lineups this week in a bid to generate some spark for a team collectively batting 11th in the American League with a .241 average.

Last week, Chicago designated right-hander Mat Latos and shortstop Jimmy Rollins for assignment.

On Monday, White Sox manager Robin Ventura tinkered with his lineup in a effort to find a spark.

He moved recent rookie call up and shortstop Tim Anderson from ninth to lead off Monday's lineup, with center fielder Adam Eaton batting second. The pairing paid off as Anderson had a critical sacrifice bunt in the 12th inning and Eaton singled home a game-winning run.

"(Anderson) is used to hitting at the top of the lineup (in Triple A) and put(s) a little energy in there," Ventura said. "I knew I wanted Adam somewhere near the top, so it was either Adam second or third knowing how he takes his at-bats and what he can do, it's a nice spot for him."

Ventura didn't speculate whether more tweaks are in the offing for a team that is now 11-14 against AL Central opponents after starting 9-3.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (35-28) at Royals (33-30)

Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: June 14, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals have the Cleveland Indians right where they want them -- in Kansas City.

The Indians had bested the Royals six times in seven games this season, but all in Cleveland. The Royals are an abysmal 13-23 on the road, but at Kauffman Stadium they are 20-7.

The Royals opened a seven-game homestand with a 2-1 triumph Monday night over the Indians to close within two games of the American League Central Division leaders. They play the middle game of this three-game series Tuesday night with Indians right-hander Josh Tomlin facing Chris Young, who was skipped a start by the Royals.

Winning the series opener was crucial for the Royals.

"These are two-game swings here," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "We lose tonight, we're down four. We were pulling out all the stops tonight."

Why are the Royals so much better at home than on the road?

"It's hard to pinpoint exactly what the difference is," Yost said. "We just have to start playing better on the road. It's always nice to be back at home. We're comfortable playing here. We enjoy playing in front of our fans. We like our stadium, so it's always nice to be back home. We play in a bigger park at home."

The Indians played without third baseman Juan Uribe, who suffered a bruised testicle after being struck by a Mike Trout smash ground ball in the fourth inning Sunday. After a hospital visit in Anaheim, Uribe flew with the club to Kansas City, but was unable to play Monday. He is still a question for Tuesday.

Uribe said the pain level was a 10 on a scale of 1-to-10 Sunday, but had subsided to a four Monday. He did some light throwing, but did not swing a bat.

"I feel a lot better today," Uribe said. "But, I don't think I'll have any more babies."

He is listed as day-to-day. Jose Ramirez replaced him at third base against the Royals.

"He's doing a lot better," manager Terry Francona said. "Shoot, man, they had to cart him off the field. He went and got an ultrasound. I think we were kind of braced for maybe the worst, because it smoked him. But, he's doing better. He's going to move around a little bit more as the day goes."

Tomlin is 8-4 with a 4.92 ERA in his first 18 appearances, including 14 starts, against the Indians. He is 2-1 with a 5.65 ERA in nine appearances, five of them starts, at Kauffman Stadium. He is 2-0 against the Royals in May 8 and June 4 starts this season.

After missing four months last year after shoulder surgery and going 7-2 in 10 starts, Tomlin is 8-1 this season.

Tomlin hates to face Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who is 13-for-20, .650, with a home run and six RBIs. First baseman Eric Hosmer is only 5-for-25 off Tomlin, but two of the hits are home runs.

Young gave up four solo home runs to the Indians on June 5 at Progressive Field in his previous start. The Tribe hit three solo home runs in the fifth inning, which Young failed to finish.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (30-35) at Cardinals (35-28)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 14, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- Through most of the season's first two months, the St. Louis Cardinals have spoken confidently about the run they believed was about to occur, choosing not to dwell on inconsistent starting pitching and defense that left it double digits behind the streaking Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.

If last week was any indication, St. Louis might be ready to pose a challenge to its rivals from the north.

A season-high five-game winning streak, capped by a sweep of Pittsburgh at PNC Park over the weekend, has the Cardinals a season-high seven games over .500 at 35-28 as they welcome the Houston Astros to town Tuesday night for a two-game interleague series.

St. Louis outscored Pittsburgh 22-7 in its just-completed series, teaming its powerful offense with better pitching and defense.

Starters Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez and Mike Leake each completed seven innings, with Martinez coming within two outs of his first complete game in the majors.

And the defense, a nagging weakness in April and May, has given opponents fewer four-out innings in a stretch which has seen the Cardinals capture 11 wins in 15 games.

"Early in the season, we didn't figure it out, but right now, we are rolling," catcher Yadier Molina said after Sunday's 8-3 decision over the Pirates. "We're playing good baseball. We're doing the little things -- and we are pitching better. That's the key."

While St. Louis appears to have righted its ship, Houston (30-35) is still searching to replicate the formula that enabled it to reach the American League playoffs last year.

After winning six of seven, including a sweep of AL West rival Oakland, the Astros have dropped five of seven. The most recent loss was a 5-0 decision Sunday at Tampa Bay as 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel fell to 3-9 with a 5.54 earned run average.

The good news for Houston is that it might regain the services of shortstop Carlos Correa Tuesday night. Correa missed the series in Tampa Bay with a sprained left ankle suffered Thursday at Texas.

"He's feeling a lot better," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said to mlb.com. "I wanted to keep him off his feet one more day ... but we're certainly shooting for Tuesday."

Righthander Doug Fister (6-3, 3.34) starts for Houston Tuesday night opposite lefthander Jaime Garcia (4-5, 3.89). Fister has won five straight decisions, allowing only one run in 12 innings during two starts this month.

Meanwhile, Garcia struggled in a no-decision at Cincinnati Wednesday night, getting pounded for 13 hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings. But the Cardinals' offense bailed him out, outslugging the Reds 12-7.

Wednesday night's series finale matches the Astros' Collin McHugh (5-5, 5.22) and the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright (5-4, 5.21).

This is the first regular season meeting between the former NL Central rivals and first since St. Louis admitted to hacking into Houston's scouting and personnel computer base last June. The revelation led to the dismissal of Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (31-32) at Rockies (30-33)

Game: 1
Venue: Coors Field
Date: June 14, 2016 8:40 PM EDT

DENVER -- Left-hander Jorge De La Rosa returns to the Colorado Rockies' rotation Tuesday when they begin a two-game series with the New York Yankees at Coors Field.

He was the Rockies' Opening Day starter but went 1-3 with a 10.18 ERA in five starts and on April 27 went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. De La Rosa was reinstated May 24 for a start at Boston where he allowed nine hits and seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. With a 1-4 record and 11.41 ERA at that point, he was demoted to the bullpen.

De La Rosa made two successful two-inning appearances and then threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts Thursday to earn the win against Pittsburgh, a 47-pitch outing that included 31 strikes. That was the longest relief appearance of his career and put him on regular rest to face the Yankees. Overall, De La Rosa is 2-4 with a 8.81 ERA.

"All the things we've asked him to do, we've seen those things," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said, explaining the decision to again have De La Rosa start. "We've seen the tempo pick up. We've seen the (better) use of the fastball, the (better) use of the curveball. More efficient. All the things that we felt he needed to work on, that's what he's done."

De La Rosa is the Rockies' career leader in wins (80) and strikeouts (916) and the all-time leader in victories at Coors Field where he is 50-18 with a 4.26 ERA.

The Yankees and Rockies last played in 2013 when the Yankees took two of three games at Coors Field. The Rockies are 5-4 at Coors Field against the Yankees, but the Yankees lead the all-time series 9-6.

Both the Rockies and Yankees had a much-needed day off Monday.

On Sunday, the Rockies finished a stretch of 27 straight days with a game, counting the game that was started but ultimately canceled after a long rain delay at Pittsburgh on May 22. The Rockies went 11-15 during that stretch and have won four of their past five games and six of their past eight. On Tuesday, they will be trying to win three straight games for the first time since their season-high five-game winning streak May 11-17.

The Yankees on Sunday ended a stretch of 40 games in 41 days, during which they went 23-17. After five straight wins -- a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angles and a win Friday in the series opener against Detroit -- the Yankees dropped the final two games against the Tigers to slip under .500 at 31-32. But their 23-17 run came after the Yankees fell to 8-15 to start the season.

"I think we're playing much better, and I think our starting pitching has been much better," manager Joe Girardi told the New York Times. "And, really, that's a big part of it. When your starting pitchers are doing their job, you're going to win a lot more games."

In dire need of a first baseman, the Yankees are expected to add Ike Davis to their roster Tuesday. The Texas Rangers released Davis, 29, from his minor league contract Sunday. He was hitting .268 with four homers and 25 RBI in 39 games and a .786 OPS for Triple-A Round Rock. Reliever Chad Green, who worked one perfect inning Sunday, was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, which opened a roster spot for Davis.

Nathan Eovaldi, who is 6-2 with a 4.42 ERA, will start Tuesday at Coors Field. He is 6-0 with a 3.86 ERA in his past nine starts and last lost April 20. Eovaldi has allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings in each of his past two outings, both no-decisions.

Eovaldi is 2-2 with a 3.18 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies and 1-1 with a 1.47 ERA in three starts at Coors Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dodgers-Diamondbacks preview
By Jack Magruder, The Sports Xchange

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks were the best defensive team in the majors last season according to advanced metrics used by baseball-reference.com, "saving" 63 runs more than an average defense.
After starting slowly this season in large part because of new starters in the outfield, the Diamondbacks flashed that form Monday to help Zack Greinke beat his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammates, 3-2, in the first game of a three-game series at Chase Field.
When the teams meet again Tuesday in the middle game of a three-game series, the Diamondbacks will hope to get more defensive plays such as the three gems they had Monday:
--Left fielder Peter O'Brien took at least an extra-base hit and possibly a homer away from Justin Turner with a leap at the fence in the fifth inning of a 2-2 game.
-Second baseman Jean Segura made a running catch on Scott Van Slyke's looping fly ball to short center field with a runner on third base to end the sixth inning, preserving a 3-2 lead.
--Center fielder Michael Bourn got quick read and made a diving catch in short center field on Howie Kendrick's soft liner with the bases loaded and two outs to end the eighth inning.
The best of the trio, Bourn was asked?
Six-second pause.
"The bases were loaded when I did it," he said to large laughter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "A couple of plays they made, if they would have fallen, it would have been a different game."
Arizona will send right-hander Archie Bradley to the mound against Los Angeles' Kenta Maeda on Tuesday before left-handers Patrick Corbin and Clayton Kershaw square off Wednesday afternoon.
The Diamondbacks have not quite played as well defensively as they did last season, although it is not obvious by the numbers. They have "saved" 18 runs this season according to baseball-reference.com, tied for seventh in the majors with the Kansas City Royals.
The infield has been solid with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, shortstop Nick Ahmed and Segura, but a number balls that would have been caught in the outfield have dropped in for hits this season because the outfielders as a group have less experience and have been forced to play deeper this season.
"We've had some plays we haven't made in key situations, and we're starting to make them now," Arizona manager Chip Hale. "Fantastic defense."
Maeda, a free agent from Japan, pitched six scoreless innings in his previous meeting with the Diamondbacks on April 12, but he was not involved in the decision. He is 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA, and he struck out a career-high nine in his last outing June 6 against Colorado, when he went 6 2/3 innings but took a 1-0 loss.
Bradley made his major league debut against the Dodgers and perennial Cy Young Award candidate Kershaw in Chase Field last season, giving up one hit in six scoreless innings of a 6-0 victory April 11. He also singled off Kershaw.
Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb homered behind Greinke on Monday, each hitting their 12th of the season. Each hit his 11th in the second game of the Diamondbacks' nine-game homestand on June 7.
Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has 34 homers in 157 games against the D-backs, the third most vs. Arizona. Barry Bonds had 39 and Todd Helton 37.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (20-43) at Angels (27-37)

Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: June 14, 2016 10:05 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels can lay claim to having doled out one of the worst contracts in baseball history with the signing of Josh Hamilton to a five-year, $125 million contract prior to the 2013 season.

What makes it even worse is that the Angels are paying Hamilton $26.4 million this season to take up space on the disabled list with the Texas Rangers, and will pay him the same amount next season.

But at least the Angels can take some solace in knowing there are other teams that have made bad decisions, and will get the chance to face one Tuesday when the Minnesota Twins send Ervin Santana to the mound to face the Angels at Angel Stadium.

Santana has had a fairly productive career, most of it spent with the Angels, going 96-80 in eight seasons with the club. He went 9-10 with the Royals in 2013 and 14-10 with the Braves in 2014, prompting the Twins to sign the right-hander to a four-year, $54 million contract.

But before Santana delivered one pitch in a Twins uniform, suspended for using a banned substance and sidelined for the first half of the 2015 season before finishing 7-5 in 17 starts.

And the way things have gone for Santana so far this season, they might be wishing he was still on the suspended list. He goes into Tuesday's game having lost four consecutive decisions and is 1-6 with a 4.77 ERA. Overall, the Twins are 1-10 in games started by Santana this season.

The Twins were optimistic about Santana heading into the season.

"We brought him in two winters ago with the idea of him being a reliable guy who can give you innings and repeat almost every start," Twins manager Paul Molitor told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune before the start of the season. "It is good to know we have him from day one."

While Santana has yet to give the Twins what they hoped for, the Angels won't feel sorry for them. Injuries and lack of production from the pitching staff forced them to look elsewhere for pitching, and they landed Jhoulys Chacin from the Braves for a minor leaguer a month ago.

Chacin, who will start Tuesday against the Twins, hasn't been great -- he's 1-2 with a 4.42 ERA in six starts, not much different than what he did with the Braves earlier this season before the trade (1-2, 5.40). Chacin, though, has shown signs he can be an effective pitcher.

He threw the Angels' only complete game of the year on May 30 against the Tigers, giving up one run and four hits while striking out 10.

"He's an experienced guy that has I think (has) gotten his stuff back to where he can pitch well in the big leagues," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said when the club made the deal. "We'll give him his chance. Hopefully, he's going to give us what we need to fill out our rotation."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (39-25) at Athletics (27-36)

Game: 2
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: June 14, 2016 10:05 PM EDT

OAKLAND -- Martin Perez will try to extend his four-game winning streak Tuesday night when the Texas Rangers face the Oakland A's and Eric Surkamp at O.co Coliseum.

The A's opened the four-game series Monday with a 14-5 victory, pounding out 17 hits. They moved into fourth place in the American League West but still trail first-place Texas by 11 1/2 games.

Perez (5-4) went 1-4 in his first nine starts this season with a 3.48 ERA, 31 strikeouts and 28 walks. But over his past four starts he's gone 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA, 12 strikeouts and eight walks.

In his previous start, Perez gave up two runs on four hits over six innings in a 5-3 victory against Houston. It was his fourth straight quality start.

"I'm just trying to keep the game close, do my job and trust my pitches," Perez said after beating Houston. "I tried to go out there with my best stuff and compete as hard as I could."

The left-handed Perez is 3-5 with a 5.81 ERA in nine career starts against Oakland. He took the loss on May 18 at the Coliseum in his only start vs. the A's this season, giving up four runs and hits over seven innings in an 8-1 defeat. Khris Davis went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, and third baseman Danny Valencia was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Davis had a three-run homer and drove in five runs on Monday against the Rangers.

Surkamp, also a lefty, will be recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Nashville and make his seventh start of the season in his fourth stint with the A's. He's still searching for his first victory as an Athletic.

Surkamp is 0-3 with a 6.41 ERA over 26 2/3 innings. He has 14 strikeouts and 15 walks.

The A's rotation has been ravaged by injuries. Left-hander Rich Hill (strained groin) was the latest starter to land on the disabled list.

Rookie left-hander Sean Manaea left his start Monday night against Texas after 4 1/3 innings because of a strain of his left pronator muscle in his throwing forearm. He'll have an MRI on Tuesday.

Struggling right-hander Jesse Hahn was sent down to Nashville on Friday.

Surkamp has had multiple chances to secure a spot in the rotation but so far has failed.

"He has to go out and be consistent and get some outs," Melvin told MLB.com. "He hasn't gotten deep into games for us. That's what he's looking to do come Tuesday. (Surkamp is) still trying to work his way into being a consistent part of the rotation, which he hasn't been yet."

Melvin said that any starter who performs well has a chance to earn a spot in the rotation.

"We've showed here that if you perform you stay," Melvin said. "If you don't, sometimes you get sent down."

Surkamp will face Texas for the first time in his career.

The Rangers had home runs Monday from Shin-Soo Choo, who was activated from the disabled list, Ryan Rua and Mitch Moreland.