Preview: Red Sox at Yankees
GAME: Boston Red Sox (31-25) at New York Yankees (32-22)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox have put themselves in position to overtake first place in the American League East with a successful week, but the rival New York Yankees are standing in their way. The Yankees will try to extend their advantage over the rest of the AL East when they host the Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Boston enters the three-game set in second place in the East, two games behind New York, after jumping past the Baltimore Orioles with wins on Saturday and Sunday that improved the team to 4-3 on its 10-game road trip. The Red Sox are winners of 10 of their last 14 and head into the series against the Yankees looking for some revenge after dropping both games of a rain-shortened set at home against New York on April 26 and 27 while totaling one run. The Yankees are coming off a split of a four-game set at Toronto over the weekend and are riding the big bat of rookie Aaron Judge along with a pitching staff that allowed three or fewer runs in five of the last seven contests. The one question mark in the New York rotation of late is Masahiro Tanaka, who will get a chance to turn things around when he opposes Boston lefty Drew Pomeranz on Tuesday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (5-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-5, 6.34)
Pomeranz worked a season-high seven innings at the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday and struck out eight without issuing a walk while yielding one run on seven hits in the win. The 28-year-old struck out a season-high 11 while walking one in his previous start. Pomeranz faced New York three times last season and yielded a total of two runs in 12 1/3 innings the first two times before getting knocked around for four runs in 3 2/3 innings on Sept. 18.
Tanaka suffered the loss in each of his last four starts and allowed at least six earned runs in three of those turns. The Japan native struck out 13 and allowed one run over 7 1/3 innings in a win over Oakland on May 26 but was rocked for seven runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 frames at Baltimore on Wednesday. Tanaka's best start of the season was undoubtedly at Boston on April 27, when he scattered three hits and did not walk a batter while cruising to a shutout.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees DH Matt Holliday is enjoying a six-game hitting streak with three home runs and seven RBIs in that span.
2. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs on Sunday after going 2-for-27 in his previous eight contests.
3. New York CF Jacoby Ellsbury (concussion) stopped all activities over the weekend after a recurrence of headaches.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Yankees 5
GAME: Boston Red Sox (31-25) at New York Yankees (32-22)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox have put themselves in position to overtake first place in the American League East with a successful week, but the rival New York Yankees are standing in their way. The Yankees will try to extend their advantage over the rest of the AL East when they host the Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Boston enters the three-game set in second place in the East, two games behind New York, after jumping past the Baltimore Orioles with wins on Saturday and Sunday that improved the team to 4-3 on its 10-game road trip. The Red Sox are winners of 10 of their last 14 and head into the series against the Yankees looking for some revenge after dropping both games of a rain-shortened set at home against New York on April 26 and 27 while totaling one run. The Yankees are coming off a split of a four-game set at Toronto over the weekend and are riding the big bat of rookie Aaron Judge along with a pitching staff that allowed three or fewer runs in five of the last seven contests. The one question mark in the New York rotation of late is Masahiro Tanaka, who will get a chance to turn things around when he opposes Boston lefty Drew Pomeranz on Tuesday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (5-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-5, 6.34)
Pomeranz worked a season-high seven innings at the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday and struck out eight without issuing a walk while yielding one run on seven hits in the win. The 28-year-old struck out a season-high 11 while walking one in his previous start. Pomeranz faced New York three times last season and yielded a total of two runs in 12 1/3 innings the first two times before getting knocked around for four runs in 3 2/3 innings on Sept. 18.
Tanaka suffered the loss in each of his last four starts and allowed at least six earned runs in three of those turns. The Japan native struck out 13 and allowed one run over 7 1/3 innings in a win over Oakland on May 26 but was rocked for seven runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 frames at Baltimore on Wednesday. Tanaka's best start of the season was undoubtedly at Boston on April 27, when he scattered three hits and did not walk a batter while cruising to a shutout.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees DH Matt Holliday is enjoying a six-game hitting streak with three home runs and seven RBIs in that span.
2. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs on Sunday after going 2-for-27 in his previous eight contests.
3. New York CF Jacoby Ellsbury (concussion) stopped all activities over the weekend after a recurrence of headaches.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Yankees 5
Preview: Pirates at Orioles
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (26-31) at Baltimore Orioles (29-26)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles surrendered their hold on second place in the American League East with back-to-back losses over the weekend but remain in the thick of the race in division. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who visit the Orioles in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday, are nearly as close to first place in their own division after beginning the trip with a series win at the New York Mets.
The AL East starts the week with all five teams at least within one game of .500 while the Pirates are in a virtual tie for last place in the National League Central, but just four games behind first-place Milwaukee. The Orioles split a four-game home set with the Boston Red Sox over the weekend and began to see signs of a breakout from star third baseman Manny Machado, who went 6-for-15 with two home runs and five runs scored in the series. The Pirates enjoyed a similar breakout over the weekend from Andrew McCutchen, who homered among three hits in an 11-1 win over the Mets on Sunday and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games to pull his batting average from .200 to .232. McCutchen will try to stay hot on Tuesday against Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman, while Pirates righty Ivan Nova faces Machado and company.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Pittsburgh), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (5-4, 2.92 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-4, 5.92)
Nova is coming off a loss after allowing the Arizona Diamondbacks three runs and six hits over seven innings last Tuesday. The Dominican Republic native is sporting a 1.08 WHIP and limits the damage by issuing just six walks in 77 total innings. Nova spent the first 6 1/2 seasons of his career in the AL East with the New York Yankees and is 8-4 with a 5.01 ERA in 17 career games against Baltimore.
Gausman is settling into a groove with two earned runs allowed in each of his last three starts but struggled with his control last time out. The LSU product yielded eight hits in 5 1/3 innings while issuing a season-high five walks but still managed to earn the win over the Yankees. Gausman is seeing the Pirates for the first time and is 3-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 12 career interleague games.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles CF Adam Jones is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts in his last three games.
2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison (right calf) left Sunday's game and is day-to-day.
3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell struck out 14 times in his last nine games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Orioles 2
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (26-31) at Baltimore Orioles (29-26)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles surrendered their hold on second place in the American League East with back-to-back losses over the weekend but remain in the thick of the race in division. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who visit the Orioles in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday, are nearly as close to first place in their own division after beginning the trip with a series win at the New York Mets.
The AL East starts the week with all five teams at least within one game of .500 while the Pirates are in a virtual tie for last place in the National League Central, but just four games behind first-place Milwaukee. The Orioles split a four-game home set with the Boston Red Sox over the weekend and began to see signs of a breakout from star third baseman Manny Machado, who went 6-for-15 with two home runs and five runs scored in the series. The Pirates enjoyed a similar breakout over the weekend from Andrew McCutchen, who homered among three hits in an 11-1 win over the Mets on Sunday and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games to pull his batting average from .200 to .232. McCutchen will try to stay hot on Tuesday against Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman, while Pirates righty Ivan Nova faces Machado and company.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Pittsburgh), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (5-4, 2.92 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-4, 5.92)
Nova is coming off a loss after allowing the Arizona Diamondbacks three runs and six hits over seven innings last Tuesday. The Dominican Republic native is sporting a 1.08 WHIP and limits the damage by issuing just six walks in 77 total innings. Nova spent the first 6 1/2 seasons of his career in the AL East with the New York Yankees and is 8-4 with a 5.01 ERA in 17 career games against Baltimore.
Gausman is settling into a groove with two earned runs allowed in each of his last three starts but struggled with his control last time out. The LSU product yielded eight hits in 5 1/3 innings while issuing a season-high five walks but still managed to earn the win over the Yankees. Gausman is seeing the Pirates for the first time and is 3-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 12 career interleague games.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles CF Adam Jones is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts in his last three games.
2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison (right calf) left Sunday's game and is day-to-day.
3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell struck out 14 times in his last nine games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Orioles 2
Preview: White Sox at Rays
GAME: Chicago White Sox (24-31) at Tampa Bay Rays (29-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two teams looking to turn their fortunes around after rough weekends meet Tuesday night when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series. The Rays were outscored 28-7 in a three-game sweep at Seattle to end their road trip 4-5 and the White Sox have surrendered 49 runs while losing five in a row, including 32 in the last three at Detroit.
Tampa Bay had started their road trip with four wins in six contests before falling apart in the Emerald City, giving up 38 hits combined to drop below .500 (29-30) after winning 10 of the previous 15. “It’s unfortunate, we didn’t really give ourselves a chance in this series,” Rays third baseman Evan Longoria told the Tampa Bay Times after Sunday's 7-1 loss. “. … We potentially ran out of gas after some good wins.” Chicago welcomed the rest Monday after giving up three in the ninth inning of a 7-4 loss at Detroit on Sunday which dropped them to a season-low seven games under .500 at 24-31. “When you’re playing baseball you get into a flow, and the only way to get out of a little rut is to keep playing,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria told the Chicago Tribune. “. … But in terms of freeing our mind a little, maybe (this day off) will help us.”
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-7, 5.60 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (4-3, 3.74)
Quintana registered three quality starts in his first four outings of May before being pounded for 15 runs and 18 hits over seven total innings to lose his last two games of the month. The 28-year-old Colombia native, who made the All-Star game last season, gave up three homers against Boston last time out after surrendering three long balls in his previous eight starts. Kevin Kiermaier is 5-for-11 versus Quintana, who is 1-3 with a 3.27 ERA in six career starts against the Rays.
Archer broke David Price’s franchise record for strikeouts in a month when he fanned 58 in May and has totaled 95 in 79 1/3 innings overall this season. The 28-year-old North Carolina native has recorded seven quality starts in 12 outings in 2017, but gave up four runs in seven innings of a no-decision at Texas last time out. Jose Abreu is 5-for-15 with a homer against Archer, who is 3-0 with a 4.11 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) versus the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago SS Tim Anderson is 7-for-21 with five RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay OF-DH Corey Dickerson saw his nine-game hitting streak end Sunday, but is batting .336 overall with a .979 OPS.
3. White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon (left biceps bursitis) is scheduled to make his first rehab start Tuesday at Class-A Winston-Salem.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, White Sox 2
GAME: Chicago White Sox (24-31) at Tampa Bay Rays (29-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two teams looking to turn their fortunes around after rough weekends meet Tuesday night when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series. The Rays were outscored 28-7 in a three-game sweep at Seattle to end their road trip 4-5 and the White Sox have surrendered 49 runs while losing five in a row, including 32 in the last three at Detroit.
Tampa Bay had started their road trip with four wins in six contests before falling apart in the Emerald City, giving up 38 hits combined to drop below .500 (29-30) after winning 10 of the previous 15. “It’s unfortunate, we didn’t really give ourselves a chance in this series,” Rays third baseman Evan Longoria told the Tampa Bay Times after Sunday's 7-1 loss. “. … We potentially ran out of gas after some good wins.” Chicago welcomed the rest Monday after giving up three in the ninth inning of a 7-4 loss at Detroit on Sunday which dropped them to a season-low seven games under .500 at 24-31. “When you’re playing baseball you get into a flow, and the only way to get out of a little rut is to keep playing,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria told the Chicago Tribune. “. … But in terms of freeing our mind a little, maybe (this day off) will help us.”
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-7, 5.60 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (4-3, 3.74)
Quintana registered three quality starts in his first four outings of May before being pounded for 15 runs and 18 hits over seven total innings to lose his last two games of the month. The 28-year-old Colombia native, who made the All-Star game last season, gave up three homers against Boston last time out after surrendering three long balls in his previous eight starts. Kevin Kiermaier is 5-for-11 versus Quintana, who is 1-3 with a 3.27 ERA in six career starts against the Rays.
Archer broke David Price’s franchise record for strikeouts in a month when he fanned 58 in May and has totaled 95 in 79 1/3 innings overall this season. The 28-year-old North Carolina native has recorded seven quality starts in 12 outings in 2017, but gave up four runs in seven innings of a no-decision at Texas last time out. Jose Abreu is 5-for-15 with a homer against Archer, who is 3-0 with a 4.11 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) versus the White Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago SS Tim Anderson is 7-for-21 with five RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay OF-DH Corey Dickerson saw his nine-game hitting streak end Sunday, but is batting .336 overall with a .979 OPS.
3. White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon (left biceps bursitis) is scheduled to make his first rehab start Tuesday at Class-A Winston-Salem.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, White Sox 2
Preview: Angels at Tigers
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (29-31) at Detroit Tigers (28-28)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Coming off their first series sweep of the season, the Detroit Tigers can move over .500 for the first time since May 20 when they open a three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Detroit extended its winning streak to four games after outscoring the Chicago White Sox 32-10 in a three-game set.
The Tigers received great production from both the bottom of the batting order and their bullpen during their hot streak. The Nos. 7-9 hitters combined to go 15-for-34 with 11 RBIs and 15 runs scored in the sweep of Chicago while the bullpen has allowed three runs over 17 1/3 innings in the past four games. Detroit will not have contend with two-time American League MVP Mike Trout, sidelined for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. The Angels dropped three of four at home to Minnesota, the lone win highlighted by Albert Pujols becoming the ninth player in history to reach 600 home runs.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jesse Chávez (4-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-3, 4.47)
Chavez followed up one of his worst outings of the season with perhaps his best, although he had to settle for a no-decision after tossing seven innings of one-run ball against Atlanta on Wednesday. He has surrendered 14 homers over 65 1/3 innings, including at least one in nine straight starts. Chavez is 0-4 with a 6.25 ERA in 13 appearances (three starts) against the Tigers.
Norris' winless streak reached five starts last time out when he worked five innings and gave up three runs on six hits at Kansas City. It was the fourth no-decision during the drought for Norris, who has made it through six innings just one time in that span. The 24-year-old continues to struggle at Comerica Park, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.32 ERA and .315 batting average against this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers OF J.D. Martinez has three homers and eight RBIs over the last six games.
2. Angels RF Kole Calhoun has three homers and five RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.
3. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list and return to the lineup Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Angels 4
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (29-31) at Detroit Tigers (28-28)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Coming off their first series sweep of the season, the Detroit Tigers can move over .500 for the first time since May 20 when they open a three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Detroit extended its winning streak to four games after outscoring the Chicago White Sox 32-10 in a three-game set.
The Tigers received great production from both the bottom of the batting order and their bullpen during their hot streak. The Nos. 7-9 hitters combined to go 15-for-34 with 11 RBIs and 15 runs scored in the sweep of Chicago while the bullpen has allowed three runs over 17 1/3 innings in the past four games. Detroit will not have contend with two-time American League MVP Mike Trout, sidelined for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. The Angels dropped three of four at home to Minnesota, the lone win highlighted by Albert Pujols becoming the ninth player in history to reach 600 home runs.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jesse Chávez (4-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-3, 4.47)
Chavez followed up one of his worst outings of the season with perhaps his best, although he had to settle for a no-decision after tossing seven innings of one-run ball against Atlanta on Wednesday. He has surrendered 14 homers over 65 1/3 innings, including at least one in nine straight starts. Chavez is 0-4 with a 6.25 ERA in 13 appearances (three starts) against the Tigers.
Norris' winless streak reached five starts last time out when he worked five innings and gave up three runs on six hits at Kansas City. It was the fourth no-decision during the drought for Norris, who has made it through six innings just one time in that span. The 24-year-old continues to struggle at Comerica Park, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.32 ERA and .315 batting average against this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers OF J.D. Martinez has three homers and eight RBIs over the last six games.
2. Angels RF Kole Calhoun has three homers and five RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.
3. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list and return to the lineup Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Angels 4
Preview: Cardinals at Reds
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (26-29) at Cincinnati Reds (26-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Adam Wainwright has allowed just one run while winning four consecutive starts and aims to keep his hot streak going when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Cincinnati Reds for the second contest of their four-game series on Tuesday. Wainwright has given up just 16 hits in 26 1/3 innings during the stretch after posting a 6.37 ERA through his first seven starts.
Wainwright has lowered his ERA to 3.79 during the streak and also is 6-0 over his last eight starts. He will be trying to halt St. Louis' skid, which reached four games - all on the road - with Monday's 4-2 loss to the Reds. The victory was only the second in seven games for Cincinnati, which received back-to-back two-run doubles from Eugenio Suarez and Scooter Gennett in the seventh inning of Monday's triumph. The Reds are 4-2 against the Cardinals this season and have won eight of their last 13 meetings.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (6-3, 3.79 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (3-2, 4.89)
Wainwright blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers on four hits over six innings in his last turn and also belted a two-run homer for the game's only runs. Counting the final 3 1/3 frames of his win over San Francisco on May 21, the 35-year-old has tossed 16 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Wainwright is 9-10 with a 4.55 ERA in 27 career appearances (22 starts) against Cincinnati and has struck out speedster Billy Hamilton eight times in nine at-bats.
Adleman did not figure in the decision in his last outing after he gave up three runs and six hits in six innings against Toronto. The 29-year-old was superb in his previous turn as he allowed one hit over eight scoreless frames in defeating Philadelphia. Adleman lost to the Cardinals on April 28, when he surrendered six runs - five earned - and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, to fall to 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three career starts against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds SS Zack Cozart has gone 5-for-8 with two homers over his last two games to raise his average to .348, second-best in the majors.
2. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Peoria on Tuesday and could return over the weekend.
3. Hamilton (shoulder) returned from a one-game absence and went 1-for-3 with a walk on Monday.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Reds 1
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (26-29) at Cincinnati Reds (26-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Adam Wainwright has allowed just one run while winning four consecutive starts and aims to keep his hot streak going when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Cincinnati Reds for the second contest of their four-game series on Tuesday. Wainwright has given up just 16 hits in 26 1/3 innings during the stretch after posting a 6.37 ERA through his first seven starts.
Wainwright has lowered his ERA to 3.79 during the streak and also is 6-0 over his last eight starts. He will be trying to halt St. Louis' skid, which reached four games - all on the road - with Monday's 4-2 loss to the Reds. The victory was only the second in seven games for Cincinnati, which received back-to-back two-run doubles from Eugenio Suarez and Scooter Gennett in the seventh inning of Monday's triumph. The Reds are 4-2 against the Cardinals this season and have won eight of their last 13 meetings.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (6-3, 3.79 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tim Adleman (3-2, 4.89)
Wainwright blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers on four hits over six innings in his last turn and also belted a two-run homer for the game's only runs. Counting the final 3 1/3 frames of his win over San Francisco on May 21, the 35-year-old has tossed 16 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Wainwright is 9-10 with a 4.55 ERA in 27 career appearances (22 starts) against Cincinnati and has struck out speedster Billy Hamilton eight times in nine at-bats.
Adleman did not figure in the decision in his last outing after he gave up three runs and six hits in six innings against Toronto. The 29-year-old was superb in his previous turn as he allowed one hit over eight scoreless frames in defeating Philadelphia. Adleman lost to the Cardinals on April 28, when he surrendered six runs - five earned - and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, to fall to 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three career starts against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds SS Zack Cozart has gone 5-for-8 with two homers over his last two games to raise his average to .348, second-best in the majors.
2. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Peoria on Tuesday and could return over the weekend.
3. Hamilton (shoulder) returned from a one-game absence and went 1-for-3 with a walk on Monday.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Reds 1
Preview: Phillies at Braves
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (20-35) at Atlanta Braves (24-31)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Odubel Herrera has taken hitting doubles to a level never experienced before by the Philadelphia Phillies, who play the second of a four-game set Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies center fielder, who struggled mightily for most of the first two months of 2017, became the first Philadelphia player ever to record multiple doubles in three consecutive games with a pair in Monday’s 11-4 victory, giving him six doubles, two homers and eight RBIs in the past three games.
Herrera hit .291 over his first two seasons but his average dropped to a season-low .217 as the Phillies endured an awful start to the season, losing 26 of 32 before winning their past four in a row. Atlanta opened a stretch of 18 games in 21 at home with another dismal performance by a starting pitcher, Bartolo Colon getting hammered for eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Braves’ starters are averaging just 5 2/3 innings per start and the rotation’s ERA is 5.04 – among the worst in baseball. Center fielder Ender Inciarte’s streak of reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances ended in the ninth inning Monday.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06 ERA) vs. Braves LH Jaime Garcia (2-3, 3.18)
Nola makes his fourth start since a lower back strain sent him to the disabled list for a month. The 24-year-old lasted only three innings in his last start at Miami on May 31, giving up four runs on five hits, and has surrendered 10 runs in 16 innings since rejoining the rotation. Nola went 1-1 in two starts against Atlanta last season, and is 3-1 in five career starts with a 2.32 ERA.
Of the veteran starting pitchers Atlanta brought in this offseason, Garcia is the only one to pitch effectively through the first two months. He has allowed just one unearned run in 21 2/3 innings across his past three starts, and has surrendered three earned runs or less six times in 10 starts. Garcia, who got a no-decision Wednesday despite not allowing an earned run in seven innings against the Angels, gave up two runs in six innings in a no-decision April 22 at Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia relievers surrendered one run in four innings Monday, after allowing 17 earned runs in their past 26 2/3 innings.
2. Monday’s victory is just the third for Philadelphia in its past 19 road games, and dating back to last September the Phillies are 9-30 in games away from home.
3. Atlanta rookie INF Johan Camargo made his third major-league start (and second in a row) Monday, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (20-35) at Atlanta Braves (24-31)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Odubel Herrera has taken hitting doubles to a level never experienced before by the Philadelphia Phillies, who play the second of a four-game set Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies center fielder, who struggled mightily for most of the first two months of 2017, became the first Philadelphia player ever to record multiple doubles in three consecutive games with a pair in Monday’s 11-4 victory, giving him six doubles, two homers and eight RBIs in the past three games.
Herrera hit .291 over his first two seasons but his average dropped to a season-low .217 as the Phillies endured an awful start to the season, losing 26 of 32 before winning their past four in a row. Atlanta opened a stretch of 18 games in 21 at home with another dismal performance by a starting pitcher, Bartolo Colon getting hammered for eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Braves’ starters are averaging just 5 2/3 innings per start and the rotation’s ERA is 5.04 – among the worst in baseball. Center fielder Ender Inciarte’s streak of reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances ended in the ninth inning Monday.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06 ERA) vs. Braves LH Jaime Garcia (2-3, 3.18)
Nola makes his fourth start since a lower back strain sent him to the disabled list for a month. The 24-year-old lasted only three innings in his last start at Miami on May 31, giving up four runs on five hits, and has surrendered 10 runs in 16 innings since rejoining the rotation. Nola went 1-1 in two starts against Atlanta last season, and is 3-1 in five career starts with a 2.32 ERA.
Of the veteran starting pitchers Atlanta brought in this offseason, Garcia is the only one to pitch effectively through the first two months. He has allowed just one unearned run in 21 2/3 innings across his past three starts, and has surrendered three earned runs or less six times in 10 starts. Garcia, who got a no-decision Wednesday despite not allowing an earned run in seven innings against the Angels, gave up two runs in six innings in a no-decision April 22 at Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia relievers surrendered one run in four innings Monday, after allowing 17 earned runs in their past 26 2/3 innings.
2. Monday’s victory is just the third for Philadelphia in its past 19 road games, and dating back to last September the Phillies are 9-30 in games away from home.
3. Atlanta rookie INF Johan Camargo made his third major-league start (and second in a row) Monday, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3
Preview: Giants at Brewers
GAME: San Francisco Giants (24-35) at Milwaukee Brewers (30-28)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:40 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants have been highly successful against the Milwaukee Brewers of late and look to post their 15th win in their last 17 meetings when they visit Miller Park on Tuesday for the second contest of the four-game series. San Francisco may sit 11 games below .500, but it posted a 7-2 triumph on Monday in its initial contest against Milwaukee this season.
Buster Posey went 2-for-5 for the Giants in the series opener and has gone 11-for-27 over his last seven games to raise his batting average to .345 - third-best in the majors. Right fielder Hunter Pence, who recently was activated from the disabled list after a hamstring injury, started Monday for the first time since May 11 and went 1-for-5 with one RBI. The Brewers have dropped 10 of their last 15 contests and are 1-3 on their seven-game homestand. Eric Sogard continues to be a bright spot for Milwaukee as he registered his fifth multi-hit performance since joining the club and is batting .388.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (3-4, 4.53 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (4-1, 3.30)
Cain has lost three consecutive starts, posting a 5.71 ERA during the slide. The 32-year-old has won just one of his last seven outings and lost to Washington in his last turn, when he gave up three runs and nine hits over five innings. Cain is just 3-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 13 career starts against Milwaukee - including a 2-4 mark with a 6.30 ERA in six outings at Miller Park.
Anderson put together back-to-back seven-inning scoreless performances in defeating Arizona and New York Mets. The 29-year-old gave up just four hits - one against the Diamondbacks - and struck out 18 in the stellar outings. Anderson is 1-2 with an 8.15 ERA in four career starts against the Giants and has struggled with Posey (4-for-9, four RBIs).
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers 1B Eric Thames struck out three times while going 0-for-4 in the opener and is just 5-for-40 over his last 12 games.
2. San Francisco INF Eduardo Nunez homered for the second straight day on Monday and is 11-for-31 during his seven-game hitting streak.
3. Milwaukee placed 3B Travis Shaw on the paternity list and recalled OF Brett Phillips from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Giants 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (24-35) at Milwaukee Brewers (30-28)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 7:40 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants have been highly successful against the Milwaukee Brewers of late and look to post their 15th win in their last 17 meetings when they visit Miller Park on Tuesday for the second contest of the four-game series. San Francisco may sit 11 games below .500, but it posted a 7-2 triumph on Monday in its initial contest against Milwaukee this season.
Buster Posey went 2-for-5 for the Giants in the series opener and has gone 11-for-27 over his last seven games to raise his batting average to .345 - third-best in the majors. Right fielder Hunter Pence, who recently was activated from the disabled list after a hamstring injury, started Monday for the first time since May 11 and went 1-for-5 with one RBI. The Brewers have dropped 10 of their last 15 contests and are 1-3 on their seven-game homestand. Eric Sogard continues to be a bright spot for Milwaukee as he registered his fifth multi-hit performance since joining the club and is batting .388.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (3-4, 4.53 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (4-1, 3.30)
Cain has lost three consecutive starts, posting a 5.71 ERA during the slide. The 32-year-old has won just one of his last seven outings and lost to Washington in his last turn, when he gave up three runs and nine hits over five innings. Cain is just 3-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 13 career starts against Milwaukee - including a 2-4 mark with a 6.30 ERA in six outings at Miller Park.
Anderson put together back-to-back seven-inning scoreless performances in defeating Arizona and New York Mets. The 29-year-old gave up just four hits - one against the Diamondbacks - and struck out 18 in the stellar outings. Anderson is 1-2 with an 8.15 ERA in four career starts against the Giants and has struggled with Posey (4-for-9, four RBIs).
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers 1B Eric Thames struck out three times while going 0-for-4 in the opener and is just 5-for-40 over his last 12 games.
2. San Francisco INF Eduardo Nunez homered for the second straight day on Monday and is 11-for-31 during his seven-game hitting streak.
3. Milwaukee placed 3B Travis Shaw on the paternity list and recalled OF Brett Phillips from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Giants 3
Preview: Marlins at Cubs
GAME: Miami Marlins (24-32) at Chicago Cubs (29-27)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
For all the concerns about their early-season performance, the Chicago Cubs find themselves back in a tie atop the National League Central. The Cubs aim for their fifth straight overall win and seventh in a row at home when they face the Miami Marlins in the middle contest of their three-game series on Tuesday.
The home team has been victorious in Chicago’s last 13 games, as the Cubs have won the first four of their 10-game homestand following an 0-6 West Coast trip. The Marlins had captured seven of eight entering the series but continue to struggle on the road, where they have dropped 10 of their last 14 and are 10-16 on the season. The Cubs have taken advantage of the friendly confines of Wrigley Field lately, blasting 27 home runs in their last 13 contests. Kris Bryant and Albert Almora Jr. homered in support of Eddie Butler during the series-opening 3-1 win on Monday.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Jeff Locke (0-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (5-4, 4.60)
Locke gave the Marlins a solid outing in his season debut Thursday against Arizona, striking out seven while allowing one run and three hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old still is building up his strength after beginning the year on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis, and he lasted only 80 pitches last time out. Locke is 1-4 with a 6.00 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Cubs.
Arrieta has been disappointing during the final year of his contract, but he showed glimpses of returning to form Wednesday at San Diego. The 31-year-old struck out seven and limited the Padres to one run and five hits over six innings in a no-decision for just his third quality start in his last nine outings. Arrieta is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against the Marlins - both in 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 10-for-26 with three doubles and four home runs versus Locke.
2. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton is 11-for-27 with three homers during his eight-game hitting streak.
3. After Chicago placed RHP Wade Davis on the paternity list, LHP Mike Montgomery worked 3 1/3 innings on Monday to earn the save.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Marlins 3
GAME: Miami Marlins (24-32) at Chicago Cubs (29-27)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
For all the concerns about their early-season performance, the Chicago Cubs find themselves back in a tie atop the National League Central. The Cubs aim for their fifth straight overall win and seventh in a row at home when they face the Miami Marlins in the middle contest of their three-game series on Tuesday.
The home team has been victorious in Chicago’s last 13 games, as the Cubs have won the first four of their 10-game homestand following an 0-6 West Coast trip. The Marlins had captured seven of eight entering the series but continue to struggle on the road, where they have dropped 10 of their last 14 and are 10-16 on the season. The Cubs have taken advantage of the friendly confines of Wrigley Field lately, blasting 27 home runs in their last 13 contests. Kris Bryant and Albert Almora Jr. homered in support of Eddie Butler during the series-opening 3-1 win on Monday.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Jeff Locke (0-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (5-4, 4.60)
Locke gave the Marlins a solid outing in his season debut Thursday against Arizona, striking out seven while allowing one run and three hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old still is building up his strength after beginning the year on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis, and he lasted only 80 pitches last time out. Locke is 1-4 with a 6.00 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Cubs.
Arrieta has been disappointing during the final year of his contract, but he showed glimpses of returning to form Wednesday at San Diego. The 31-year-old struck out seven and limited the Padres to one run and five hits over six innings in a no-decision for just his third quality start in his last nine outings. Arrieta is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against the Marlins - both in 2014.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 10-for-26 with three doubles and four home runs versus Locke.
2. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton is 11-for-27 with three homers during his eight-game hitting streak.
3. After Chicago placed RHP Wade Davis on the paternity list, LHP Mike Montgomery worked 3 1/3 innings on Monday to earn the save.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Marlins 3
Preview: Mets at Rangers
GAME: New York Mets (24-31) at Texas Rangers (26-31)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers spent their weekend getting smoked by the major league-best Houston Astros and are losers of four straight and 10 of their last 12. The New York Mets, who visit the Rangers for the start of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday, are not so hot as well and enter the brief set with losses in four of their last five contests.
Texas finished with the best record in the American League at 95-67 last season but can't seem to find a groove in 2017 and has seen its pitching staff allow at least five runs in each of the last six games. The Rangers dropped to 15 games behind the Astros in the AL West with Sunday's 7-2 setback, during which Tuesday's scheduled starter, right-hander Nick Martinez, was forced to come out of the bullpen and work 3 1/3 innings to save a battered relief corps. The Mets know all about battered pitching staffs and watched theirs surrender a total of 25 runs in the three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend - capped by an 11-1 loss. Staff ace Jacob deGrom will try to stop the bleeding for New York on Tuesday while Texas counters with former Met Dillon Gee.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (4-2, 3.97 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Dillon Gee (0-0, 0.00)
DeGrom was fantastic in back-to-back starts while limiting Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Angels to one run on 10 hits in 15 1/3 total innings and striking out 19. The Stetson product was not nearly as sharp last time out, when he was lit up for seven runs on eight hits and five walks in four innings by Milwaukee. DeGrom is making his first career start against the Rangers and is 5-3 with a 1.95 ERA in 11 interleague starts.
Gee came up as a long reliever at the end of last month and made two appearances out of the bullpen, totaling 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old, who spent his first six seasons with New York, allowed four unearned runs and two hits - one homer - in four innings against Houston on Friday in his last outing. Gee made 124 of his 149 career appearances as a starter.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 1B Mike Napoli (back spasms) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.
2. New York SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 0-for-12 in his last three games.
3. Texas LHP Cole Hamels (oblique) threw off a mound on Sunday for the first time since going on the 10-day disabled list May 30.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Rangers 3
GAME: New York Mets (24-31) at Texas Rangers (26-31)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers spent their weekend getting smoked by the major league-best Houston Astros and are losers of four straight and 10 of their last 12. The New York Mets, who visit the Rangers for the start of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday, are not so hot as well and enter the brief set with losses in four of their last five contests.
Texas finished with the best record in the American League at 95-67 last season but can't seem to find a groove in 2017 and has seen its pitching staff allow at least five runs in each of the last six games. The Rangers dropped to 15 games behind the Astros in the AL West with Sunday's 7-2 setback, during which Tuesday's scheduled starter, right-hander Nick Martinez, was forced to come out of the bullpen and work 3 1/3 innings to save a battered relief corps. The Mets know all about battered pitching staffs and watched theirs surrender a total of 25 runs in the three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend - capped by an 11-1 loss. Staff ace Jacob deGrom will try to stop the bleeding for New York on Tuesday while Texas counters with former Met Dillon Gee.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (4-2, 3.97 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Dillon Gee (0-0, 0.00)
DeGrom was fantastic in back-to-back starts while limiting Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Angels to one run on 10 hits in 15 1/3 total innings and striking out 19. The Stetson product was not nearly as sharp last time out, when he was lit up for seven runs on eight hits and five walks in four innings by Milwaukee. DeGrom is making his first career start against the Rangers and is 5-3 with a 1.95 ERA in 11 interleague starts.
Gee came up as a long reliever at the end of last month and made two appearances out of the bullpen, totaling 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old, who spent his first six seasons with New York, allowed four unearned runs and two hits - one homer - in four innings against Houston on Friday in his last outing. Gee made 124 of his 149 career appearances as a starter.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 1B Mike Napoli (back spasms) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.
2. New York SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 0-for-12 in his last three games.
3. Texas LHP Cole Hamels (oblique) threw off a mound on Sunday for the first time since going on the 10-day disabled list May 30.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Rangers 3
Preview: Astros at Royals
GAME: Houston Astros (42-16) at Kansas City Royals (24-32)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros will be attempting to match the franchise record for consecutive victories when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. Houston posted a 7-3 victory in the opener for its 11th straight overall win - and team-record 11th straight on the road - to move within one of the mark shared by the 1999 and 2004 clubs.
The red-hot Astros have scored 75 runs in their last eight games, and one of the many productive standouts is Yuli Gurriel. The Cuban, who turns 33 on Friday, hit a three-run blast in Monday's victory and is 8-for-23 with two homers, three doubles and 10 RBIs over his last six games. Royals manager Ned Yost attempted to shake up his lineup by moving Whit Merrifield into the leadoff spot, but the second baseman went 0-for-5 to end his 19-game hitting streak. Eric Hosmer went 2-for-4 in the opener and is 12-for-33 with a homer and four doubles during his eight-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH David Paulino (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jake Junis (1-0, 2.70)
Paulino made his first start of the season Wednesday against Minnesota and didn't figure in the decision. The 23-year-old opened eyes with eight strikeouts in four innings while allowing two runs and five hits. The 6-7 Paulino only struck out two over seven frames in three appearances last year.
Junis is making his fourth major-league appearance and second start of the season. The 24-year-old went 4 2/3 innings against the Twins on May 21 and allowed two runs and five hits. Junis has been superb at Triple-A Omaha this year, going 2-2 with a 2.34 ERA, 57 strikeouts and only eight walks in 42 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros RF George Springer was named American League Player of the Week after batting .500 with five homers and nine RBIs last week.
2. Slumping Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is 5-for-32 over his last 10 games.
3. Houston is a major league-best 22-6 on the road.
PREDICTION: Astros 9, Royals 3
GAME: Houston Astros (42-16) at Kansas City Royals (24-32)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros will be attempting to match the franchise record for consecutive victories when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. Houston posted a 7-3 victory in the opener for its 11th straight overall win - and team-record 11th straight on the road - to move within one of the mark shared by the 1999 and 2004 clubs.
The red-hot Astros have scored 75 runs in their last eight games, and one of the many productive standouts is Yuli Gurriel. The Cuban, who turns 33 on Friday, hit a three-run blast in Monday's victory and is 8-for-23 with two homers, three doubles and 10 RBIs over his last six games. Royals manager Ned Yost attempted to shake up his lineup by moving Whit Merrifield into the leadoff spot, but the second baseman went 0-for-5 to end his 19-game hitting streak. Eric Hosmer went 2-for-4 in the opener and is 12-for-33 with a homer and four doubles during his eight-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH David Paulino (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jake Junis (1-0, 2.70)
Paulino made his first start of the season Wednesday against Minnesota and didn't figure in the decision. The 23-year-old opened eyes with eight strikeouts in four innings while allowing two runs and five hits. The 6-7 Paulino only struck out two over seven frames in three appearances last year.
Junis is making his fourth major-league appearance and second start of the season. The 24-year-old went 4 2/3 innings against the Twins on May 21 and allowed two runs and five hits. Junis has been superb at Triple-A Omaha this year, going 2-2 with a 2.34 ERA, 57 strikeouts and only eight walks in 42 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros RF George Springer was named American League Player of the Week after batting .500 with five homers and nine RBIs last week.
2. Slumping Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is 5-for-32 over his last 10 games.
3. Houston is a major league-best 22-6 on the road.
PREDICTION: Astros 9, Royals 3
Preview: Indians at Rockies
GAME: Cleveland Indians (29-26) at Colorado Rockies (36-23)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela looks to enhance a solid record at home when his Colorado Rockies host the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday to open a two-game interleague set. Senzatela is 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA in the first six career starts at Coors Field and is making a strong case for a spot on the National League All-Star team next month, but is coming off his second loss of the campaign.
The Rockies, who led the NL West by one-half game after the weekend, won three of their last four games and Nolan Arenado has hit safely in all four while going 7-for-16 with a pair of homers and five RBIs. Mike Clevinger, who has supplanted Danny Salazar in the rotation for now, takes the mound Tuesday for the Indians in the series opener as they try to improve on a 1-5 interleague record. Edwin Encarnacion has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games to raise his average from .199 to .231 for Cleveland while Jose Ramirez went 4-for-8 in the last two games, including the 8-0 victory at Kansas City on Sunday. Colorado, which has lost four straight in the all-time series, is only 15-13 at home while the Indians have prospered on the road (17-12), despite losing two of three at Kansas City.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (2-2, 3.10 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (7-2, 3.49)
Clevinger suffered his second loss of the season last time out when he allowed three runs over 6 2/3 innings against Oakland and yielded two homers for the second straight game. The 26-year-old Jacksonville native is averaging seven strikeouts over the last three contests and has given up only 19 hits in 29 innings overall while fanning 32. Clevinger, who has not pitched in an interleague game since his major-league debut last year, is 2-0 with 12 2/3 scoreless innings on the road in 2017.
Senzatela has permitted four runs in three of his last four starts, but won twice in that span - including eight scoreless innings against St. Louis. The 22-year-old Venezuelan, who shares the NL lead in victories, has six quality starts in his last 10 outings but posted a 4.11 ERA in May after recording a 2.81 mark in April. Senzatela gave up four runs and five hits over five innings with seven strikeouts and two walks versus Seattle last time out in his first career interleague start.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall is expected to be activated for Tuesday’s game after sitting out since March 22 while on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
2. Rockies 2B DJ LeMahieu and OF Charlie Blackmon each went 6-for-13 in the series as the Rockies took two of three over the weekend at San Diego.
3. The Indians’ bullpen leads the majors with a 2.19 ERA, while Colorado RHP Greg Holland leads everyone with 21 saves.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Indians 3
GAME: Cleveland Indians (29-26) at Colorado Rockies (36-23)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela looks to enhance a solid record at home when his Colorado Rockies host the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday to open a two-game interleague set. Senzatela is 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA in the first six career starts at Coors Field and is making a strong case for a spot on the National League All-Star team next month, but is coming off his second loss of the campaign.
The Rockies, who led the NL West by one-half game after the weekend, won three of their last four games and Nolan Arenado has hit safely in all four while going 7-for-16 with a pair of homers and five RBIs. Mike Clevinger, who has supplanted Danny Salazar in the rotation for now, takes the mound Tuesday for the Indians in the series opener as they try to improve on a 1-5 interleague record. Edwin Encarnacion has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games to raise his average from .199 to .231 for Cleveland while Jose Ramirez went 4-for-8 in the last two games, including the 8-0 victory at Kansas City on Sunday. Colorado, which has lost four straight in the all-time series, is only 15-13 at home while the Indians have prospered on the road (17-12), despite losing two of three at Kansas City.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (2-2, 3.10 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (7-2, 3.49)
Clevinger suffered his second loss of the season last time out when he allowed three runs over 6 2/3 innings against Oakland and yielded two homers for the second straight game. The 26-year-old Jacksonville native is averaging seven strikeouts over the last three contests and has given up only 19 hits in 29 innings overall while fanning 32. Clevinger, who has not pitched in an interleague game since his major-league debut last year, is 2-0 with 12 2/3 scoreless innings on the road in 2017.
Senzatela has permitted four runs in three of his last four starts, but won twice in that span - including eight scoreless innings against St. Louis. The 22-year-old Venezuelan, who shares the NL lead in victories, has six quality starts in his last 10 outings but posted a 4.11 ERA in May after recording a 2.81 mark in April. Senzatela gave up four runs and five hits over five innings with seven strikeouts and two walks versus Seattle last time out in his first career interleague start.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall is expected to be activated for Tuesday’s game after sitting out since March 22 while on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
2. Rockies 2B DJ LeMahieu and OF Charlie Blackmon each went 6-for-13 in the series as the Rockies took two of three over the weekend at San Diego.
3. The Indians’ bullpen leads the majors with a 2.19 ERA, while Colorado RHP Greg Holland leads everyone with 21 saves.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Indians 3
Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks
GAME: San Diego Padres (23-35) at Arizona Diamondbacks (34-25)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks own one of the best home records in the majors, but that doesn't necessarily mean left-hander Robbie Ray will be thrilled to take the mound at Chase Field on Tuesday night. Ray looks to win his fourth consecutive start when the Diamondbacks open a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres.
In winning three straight starts for the first time in his career, Ray has been absolutely dominant, not permitting a run in 23 2/3 innings during that span. All three wins have come on the road, where Ray has posted a superb 4-1 record and 0.64 ERA as compared to a 1-2 mark and unsightly 6.75 ERA at home. While Arizona is looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, the Padres have dropped two in a row after ripping off a five-game winning streak. San Diego is 4-6 against the Diamondbacks this season and dropped three of four in Arizona in April.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Dinelson Lamet (2-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-3, 3.00)
Lamet has won both of his first two major league starts, going five innings in each and allowing a combined three runs on eight hits to beat the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. He has fanned eight in each outing and can join Stephen Strasburg and Masahiro Tanaka as the only pitchers to strike out eight in each of their first three starts. He has held right-handed batters to 2-for-12.
Ray is coming off his first career shutout, and first complete game, blanking Pittsburgh on four hits while reaching 10 strikeouts for the third time this season. The 25-year-old Tennessee native has allowed eight hits during his scoreless inning streak, which started with 7 2/3 innings of two-hit ball at San Diego on May 20. Padres first baseman Wil Myers is 1-for-9 with five strikeouts versus Ray.
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is 12-for-30 with one homer and eight RBIs versus the Padres this season.
2. San Diego's Nos. 1-4 hitters were 0-for-15 Sunday, marking the first time this season that one of them failed to reach base.
3. Arizona INF-OF Chris Owings is hitless in 13 at-bats but is 12-for-36 with three homers and 10 RBIs against the Padres in 2017.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 2
GAME: San Diego Padres (23-35) at Arizona Diamondbacks (34-25)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks own one of the best home records in the majors, but that doesn't necessarily mean left-hander Robbie Ray will be thrilled to take the mound at Chase Field on Tuesday night. Ray looks to win his fourth consecutive start when the Diamondbacks open a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres.
In winning three straight starts for the first time in his career, Ray has been absolutely dominant, not permitting a run in 23 2/3 innings during that span. All three wins have come on the road, where Ray has posted a superb 4-1 record and 0.64 ERA as compared to a 1-2 mark and unsightly 6.75 ERA at home. While Arizona is looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, the Padres have dropped two in a row after ripping off a five-game winning streak. San Diego is 4-6 against the Diamondbacks this season and dropped three of four in Arizona in April.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Dinelson Lamet (2-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-3, 3.00)
Lamet has won both of his first two major league starts, going five innings in each and allowing a combined three runs on eight hits to beat the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. He has fanned eight in each outing and can join Stephen Strasburg and Masahiro Tanaka as the only pitchers to strike out eight in each of their first three starts. He has held right-handed batters to 2-for-12.
Ray is coming off his first career shutout, and first complete game, blanking Pittsburgh on four hits while reaching 10 strikeouts for the third time this season. The 25-year-old Tennessee native has allowed eight hits during his scoreless inning streak, which started with 7 2/3 innings of two-hit ball at San Diego on May 20. Padres first baseman Wil Myers is 1-for-9 with five strikeouts versus Ray.
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is 12-for-30 with one homer and eight RBIs versus the Padres this season.
2. San Diego's Nos. 1-4 hitters were 0-for-15 Sunday, marking the first time this season that one of them failed to reach base.
3. Arizona INF-OF Chris Owings is hitless in 13 at-bats but is 12-for-36 with three homers and 10 RBIs against the Padres in 2017.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 2
Preview: Blue Jays at Athletics
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (28-30) at Oakland Athletics (25-32)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletics hope Ryon Healy continues his hot hitting when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Healy provided all the offense in Oakland's 5-3 triumph on Monday, belting a three run homer in the second inning and a two-run shot just two frames later.
It was the second two-homer performance in three contests for Healy, who has gone 8-for-15 with four blasts and nine RBIs during his four-game hitting streak. Oakland improved to 2-2 on its six-game homestand while Toronto kicked off its six-game road trip by having its three-game winning streak away from home come to an end. Justin Smoak continued his power surge for the Blue Jays, launching a solo shot for his third homer in four contests. The 30-year-old Smoak, who has driven in six runs in that span and recorded two-hit performances in three of his last five games, leads Toronto in both homers (15) and RBIs (50).
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (1-4, 3.81)
Estrada had his four-start unbeaten streak halted Thursday as he was tagged for seven runs and nine hits over 3 2/3 innings by the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old Mexican went 3-0 in his previous four turns, allowing fewer than three runs in each of the victories. Estrada made his only career start against Oakland while with Milwaukee on Jun 3, 2013, when he surrendered five runs and nine hits in four innings of a loss.
Hahn is expected to return from a stint on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain and make his ninth start of the season. The 27-year-old native of Connecticut has not pitched since May 23, when he yielded five runs and seven hits over only two innings in a loss that extended his winless streak to six outings. Hahn, who never has faced Toronto, is 1-1 in three home starts this year despite giving up 10 runs over 11 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics have scored a total of 25 runs over their last three games after recording only seven over their previous three contests.
2. Toronto placed J.P. Howell (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow LHP Jeff Beliveau, who worked a scoreless frame on Monday in his first major-league appearance since 2015 with Tampa Bay.
3. Oakland LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder) made his second rehab appearance for Single-A Stockton on Monday and struck out the side in a 14-pitch inning.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Athletics 2
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (28-30) at Oakland Athletics (25-32)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletics hope Ryon Healy continues his hot hitting when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Healy provided all the offense in Oakland's 5-3 triumph on Monday, belting a three run homer in the second inning and a two-run shot just two frames later.
It was the second two-homer performance in three contests for Healy, who has gone 8-for-15 with four blasts and nine RBIs during his four-game hitting streak. Oakland improved to 2-2 on its six-game homestand while Toronto kicked off its six-game road trip by having its three-game winning streak away from home come to an end. Justin Smoak continued his power surge for the Blue Jays, launching a solo shot for his third homer in four contests. The 30-year-old Smoak, who has driven in six runs in that span and recorded two-hit performances in three of his last five games, leads Toronto in both homers (15) and RBIs (50).
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (1-4, 3.81)
Estrada had his four-start unbeaten streak halted Thursday as he was tagged for seven runs and nine hits over 3 2/3 innings by the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old Mexican went 3-0 in his previous four turns, allowing fewer than three runs in each of the victories. Estrada made his only career start against Oakland while with Milwaukee on Jun 3, 2013, when he surrendered five runs and nine hits in four innings of a loss.
Hahn is expected to return from a stint on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain and make his ninth start of the season. The 27-year-old native of Connecticut has not pitched since May 23, when he yielded five runs and seven hits over only two innings in a loss that extended his winless streak to six outings. Hahn, who never has faced Toronto, is 1-1 in three home starts this year despite giving up 10 runs over 11 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics have scored a total of 25 runs over their last three games after recording only seven over their previous three contests.
2. Toronto placed J.P. Howell (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow LHP Jeff Beliveau, who worked a scoreless frame on Monday in his first major-league appearance since 2015 with Tampa Bay.
3. Oakland LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder) made his second rehab appearance for Single-A Stockton on Monday and struck out the side in a 14-pitch inning.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Athletics 2
Preview: Nationals at Dodgers
GAME: Washington Nationals (36-20) at Los Angeles Dodgers (35-24)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jayson Werth will miss the next week or so with a left foot contusion, but don’t expect the minor injury to slow down the streaking Washington Nationals. Werth’s squad is 6-1 on its nine-game road trip and owns the best record in the National League at 36-20 heading into Tuesday’s game against the host Los Angeles Dodgers, who have lost four of their last six.
Anthony Rendon went 2-for-3 with a solo homer in Monday’s series-opening 4-2 victory as Washington won for the 11th time in 14 games. Rendon is batting .383 with six homers and 13 RBIs in his last 12 contests for the Nationals, whose offense leads the majors in nearly every category and is well-equipped to overcome Werth’s stay on the disabled list. The Dodgers have scored a total of two runs in back-to-back losses and saw Corey Seager collect three of his team’s five hits on Monday. Los Angeles should receive a boost later this week from Justin Turner (hamstring), who began his rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday and could return as soon as Friday.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (6-3, 2.56 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (5-2, 3.38)
Scherzer recorded his first complete game of the season on Wednesday in San Francisco, allowing one run and striking out 11 without issuing a walk. In addition to his stellar control, the two-time Cy Young Award winner has registered double-digit strikeout totals in four of his last six starts. Adrian Gonzalez is 5-for-26 against Scherzer, who is 2-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Los Angeles - including a 1-2 mark with a 3.98 in five outings at Dodger Stadium.
McCarthy allowed two runs in four innings Thursday against St. Louis before leaving with a blister, but the 33-year-old said he felt fine during his bullpen session on Sunday. The Colorado native has gone 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA in five starts covering 28 innings at Dodger Stadium this season. McCarthy last faced the Nationals on May 14, 2014 as a member of the Diamondbacks and settled for a no-decision despite allowing one run in eight frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington recalled OF Ryan Raburn from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Werth on the roster.
2. Dodgers LHP Alex Wood (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the rotation this weekend.
3. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 15-for-36 with three homers and nine RBIs over his last nine games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Dodgers 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (36-20) at Los Angeles Dodgers (35-24)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jayson Werth will miss the next week or so with a left foot contusion, but don’t expect the minor injury to slow down the streaking Washington Nationals. Werth’s squad is 6-1 on its nine-game road trip and owns the best record in the National League at 36-20 heading into Tuesday’s game against the host Los Angeles Dodgers, who have lost four of their last six.
Anthony Rendon went 2-for-3 with a solo homer in Monday’s series-opening 4-2 victory as Washington won for the 11th time in 14 games. Rendon is batting .383 with six homers and 13 RBIs in his last 12 contests for the Nationals, whose offense leads the majors in nearly every category and is well-equipped to overcome Werth’s stay on the disabled list. The Dodgers have scored a total of two runs in back-to-back losses and saw Corey Seager collect three of his team’s five hits on Monday. Los Angeles should receive a boost later this week from Justin Turner (hamstring), who began his rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday and could return as soon as Friday.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (6-3, 2.56 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (5-2, 3.38)
Scherzer recorded his first complete game of the season on Wednesday in San Francisco, allowing one run and striking out 11 without issuing a walk. In addition to his stellar control, the two-time Cy Young Award winner has registered double-digit strikeout totals in four of his last six starts. Adrian Gonzalez is 5-for-26 against Scherzer, who is 2-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Los Angeles - including a 1-2 mark with a 3.98 in five outings at Dodger Stadium.
McCarthy allowed two runs in four innings Thursday against St. Louis before leaving with a blister, but the 33-year-old said he felt fine during his bullpen session on Sunday. The Colorado native has gone 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA in five starts covering 28 innings at Dodger Stadium this season. McCarthy last faced the Nationals on May 14, 2014 as a member of the Diamondbacks and settled for a no-decision despite allowing one run in eight frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington recalled OF Ryan Raburn from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Werth on the roster.
2. Dodgers LHP Alex Wood (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the rotation this weekend.
3. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 15-for-36 with three homers and nine RBIs over his last nine games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Dodgers 2
Preview: Twins at Mariners
GAME: Minnesota Twins (29-24) at Seattle Mariners (28-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are the surprise leaders in the American League Central despite sporting the worst home record in baseball. That's because the Twins have the second-best road record in the majors, which they will try to build upon when they continue their 10-game trek at the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Minnesota started the road trip by taking three of four at the Los Angeles Angels to improve to 17-6 away from home, trailing only the Houston Astros for the best road mark in the majors. "This whole road thing is difficult to surmise," Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters. "It's a flip of what you usually expect, to win more at home." The resurgent Mariners have won seven of eight after a three-game sweep of Tampa Bay over the weekend, outscoring the Rays 28-7. Danny Valencia set a franchise record with nine straight hits in the series for Seattle, which has scored 57 runs during the 7-1 stretch as it continues its 11-game homestand.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Héctor Santiago (4-5, 4.76 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (4-0, 1.26)
Santiago opened the season by winning four of his first five decisions and had a string of five quality starts in six games before taking a downward turn. He was pounded by Houston for six runs over six innings and surrendered three home runs for the second time this season on May 31. The long ball has contributed to his demise as he's allowed 10 homers over his last five appearances.
Paxton looked like he didn't miss a beat after missing nearly the entire month of May with a forearm strain, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings of three-hit ball to beat Colorado on Wednesday. The 28-year-old has yet to permit a home run this season and has not allowed a run in five of his seven starts. Paxton struck out nine in seven innings of one-run ball to win at Minnesota last September.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners C Mike Zunino is 11-for-23 with a homer, four doubles and 11 RBIs in the last six games.
2. Twins OF Miguel Sano is 9-for-23 with three homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.
3. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz was 7-for-11 with two homers against Tampa Bay.
PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Twins 3
GAME: Minnesota Twins (29-24) at Seattle Mariners (28-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 06 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are the surprise leaders in the American League Central despite sporting the worst home record in baseball. That's because the Twins have the second-best road record in the majors, which they will try to build upon when they continue their 10-game trek at the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Minnesota started the road trip by taking three of four at the Los Angeles Angels to improve to 17-6 away from home, trailing only the Houston Astros for the best road mark in the majors. "This whole road thing is difficult to surmise," Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters. "It's a flip of what you usually expect, to win more at home." The resurgent Mariners have won seven of eight after a three-game sweep of Tampa Bay over the weekend, outscoring the Rays 28-7. Danny Valencia set a franchise record with nine straight hits in the series for Seattle, which has scored 57 runs during the 7-1 stretch as it continues its 11-game homestand.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Héctor Santiago (4-5, 4.76 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (4-0, 1.26)
Santiago opened the season by winning four of his first five decisions and had a string of five quality starts in six games before taking a downward turn. He was pounded by Houston for six runs over six innings and surrendered three home runs for the second time this season on May 31. The long ball has contributed to his demise as he's allowed 10 homers over his last five appearances.
Paxton looked like he didn't miss a beat after missing nearly the entire month of May with a forearm strain, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings of three-hit ball to beat Colorado on Wednesday. The 28-year-old has yet to permit a home run this season and has not allowed a run in five of his seven starts. Paxton struck out nine in seven innings of one-run ball to win at Minnesota last September.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners C Mike Zunino is 11-for-23 with a homer, four doubles and 11 RBIs in the last six games.
2. Twins OF Miguel Sano is 9-for-23 with three homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.
3. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz was 7-for-11 with two homers against Tampa Bay.
PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Twins 3
DAVE COKIN
PHILLIES AT BRAVES
PLAY: UNDER 8.5
Perhaps a rare pitching duel at this new launching pad tonight as Aaron Nola takes on Jaime Garcia. These are each extreme ground ball pitchers, so they’re far superior fits for this stadium than those who surrender lots of fly balls.
Nola has been shaky for the Phillies, but I think he should be able to do okay against this lineup. Garcia has gotten into a very nice groove recently, and he has a longterm success record when he’s healthy.
The Phillies are also absolutely terrible against lefties on the road, with a .179 BA for the season, and averaging less than three runs per nine innings. The oddsmakers have adjusted the number downward for this matchup and I think with good reason. I’ll go Under Phillies-Braves.
PHILLIES AT BRAVES
PLAY: UNDER 8.5
Perhaps a rare pitching duel at this new launching pad tonight as Aaron Nola takes on Jaime Garcia. These are each extreme ground ball pitchers, so they’re far superior fits for this stadium than those who surrender lots of fly balls.
Nola has been shaky for the Phillies, but I think he should be able to do okay against this lineup. Garcia has gotten into a very nice groove recently, and he has a longterm success record when he’s healthy.
The Phillies are also absolutely terrible against lefties on the road, with a .179 BA for the season, and averaging less than three runs per nine innings. The oddsmakers have adjusted the number downward for this matchup and I think with good reason. I’ll go Under Phillies-Braves.
Rob Vinciletti
Chicago vs. Tampa Bay
Play: Tampa Bay -157
They Rays are a solid choice and fit a small sample system that is rare and 6-0 since 2004. The Rays should get the win here as we play on home favorites off a 5+ run road dog loss that scored 2 or less runs on 4 or less hits.. Archer is on the mound and he is 3-0 vs the White Sox. Quintana for Chicago is 1-3 vs Tampa and has a 5.23 road Era. Chicago has lost 5 straight. Tampa is 4-0 off 3+ losses of late. Look for the Rays to take the opener.
Chicago vs. Tampa Bay
Play: Tampa Bay -157
They Rays are a solid choice and fit a small sample system that is rare and 6-0 since 2004. The Rays should get the win here as we play on home favorites off a 5+ run road dog loss that scored 2 or less runs on 4 or less hits.. Archer is on the mound and he is 3-0 vs the White Sox. Quintana for Chicago is 1-3 vs Tampa and has a 5.23 road Era. Chicago has lost 5 straight. Tampa is 4-0 off 3+ losses of late. Look for the Rays to take the opener.
Tony Karpinski
Jun 06 '17, 7:35 PM in 8h
MLB | Phillies vs Braves
Play on: Braves -101 at betonline
Good to see Atlanta having some spirit and it appears that Atlanta is looking like they are trying to get into a groove.
They have a team that gets on base with great eyes, with 4 guys in the .360+ number range - after around 2 months into the current season. Of course the Braves are going to keep sending them to the plate.
Atlanta just don't give up hits to poor batters. Philly has some really subpar hitting players, and should be seriously thinking to start sending numerous back to the minors. Philadelphia comes into this game hitting a miserable .240 - and what kind of a lineup has so many guys hitting around .230 or less in their steady lineups?
Philadelphia.
The Braves bounce back with a win at home here on Tuesday night.
Jun 06 '17, 7:35 PM in 8h
MLB | Phillies vs Braves
Play on: Braves -101 at betonline
Good to see Atlanta having some spirit and it appears that Atlanta is looking like they are trying to get into a groove.
They have a team that gets on base with great eyes, with 4 guys in the .360+ number range - after around 2 months into the current season. Of course the Braves are going to keep sending them to the plate.
Atlanta just don't give up hits to poor batters. Philly has some really subpar hitting players, and should be seriously thinking to start sending numerous back to the minors. Philadelphia comes into this game hitting a miserable .240 - and what kind of a lineup has so many guys hitting around .230 or less in their steady lineups?
Philadelphia.
The Braves bounce back with a win at home here on Tuesday night.
