DAVE COKIN
TIGERS +102
Detroit was an easy winner on Monday, blowing out to a big early lead and coasting to the finish line. I see the Motowners with a shot to capture another victory tonight.
This is mostly a play against the Royals. KC got very hot in pushing its way back into the AL Central race and the wild card conversation. But the Royals got cooled off against the Dodgers heading into the break. A very rough start out of the All-Star hiatus has propelled the Royals into what is now a full blown slump.
Barring a sudden resurgence, it now looks as though Kansas City might have to switch gears from what was go for it mode to seller status with the trade deadline approaching. The problem is the offense, which has gone back into hibernation.
Neither of tonight’s starting pitchers inspires any confidence, so this has a good chance to be decided by the bats, in which case a stronger case must be made for Detroit. That’s especially the case with lefties throwing as the splits clearly favor the visitors. At roughly even money or better, the Tigers are the choice.
TIGERS +102
Detroit was an easy winner on Monday, blowing out to a big early lead and coasting to the finish line. I see the Motowners with a shot to capture another victory tonight.
This is mostly a play against the Royals. KC got very hot in pushing its way back into the AL Central race and the wild card conversation. But the Royals got cooled off against the Dodgers heading into the break. A very rough start out of the All-Star hiatus has propelled the Royals into what is now a full blown slump.
Barring a sudden resurgence, it now looks as though Kansas City might have to switch gears from what was go for it mode to seller status with the trade deadline approaching. The problem is the offense, which has gone back into hibernation.
Neither of tonight’s starting pitchers inspires any confidence, so this has a good chance to be decided by the bats, in which case a stronger case must be made for Detroit. That’s especially the case with lefties throwing as the splits clearly favor the visitors. At roughly even money or better, the Tigers are the choice.
Jim Feist
Play: Tampa Bay
Tampa is within striking distance of Boston in the AL East, just three games back as of Monday. However, they need to beat teams like Oakland if they hope to contend at the end of the season for a playoff spot. The Rays took game one on Tuesday against the A's and now turn to Blake Snell to keep the momentum going. Snell is still looking for his first win this season, against five losses and a 4.85 ERA. Snell pitched well enough to win last time out, allowing no runs over five innings against the Cubs, but took a no decision. Snell has a high WHIP (1.63) due to his high walk count, 34 on the season against just 45 KO's. The last place Oakland A's will turn to 36-year-old Christ Smith. Smith makes just his second start of the season tonight after a six inning outing last time at Seattle. Neither of these pitchers are very good, but Tampa has the better team and the motivation to win.
Play: Tampa Bay
Tampa is within striking distance of Boston in the AL East, just three games back as of Monday. However, they need to beat teams like Oakland if they hope to contend at the end of the season for a playoff spot. The Rays took game one on Tuesday against the A's and now turn to Blake Snell to keep the momentum going. Snell is still looking for his first win this season, against five losses and a 4.85 ERA. Snell pitched well enough to win last time out, allowing no runs over five innings against the Cubs, but took a no decision. Snell has a high WHIP (1.63) due to his high walk count, 34 on the season against just 45 KO's. The last place Oakland A's will turn to 36-year-old Christ Smith. Smith makes just his second start of the season tonight after a six inning outing last time at Seattle. Neither of these pitchers are very good, but Tampa has the better team and the motivation to win.
Larry Ness
YANKEES -119
The Minnesota Twins finished last season with the worst record in the major leagues at 59-103, the lone team with triple-digit losses. However, the Twins have been in the thick of things all season in the AL Central and Monday's 4-2 win over the Yankes ekept them just 1 1/2 games behind Cleveland for first place in the division plus drew them within a half-game of New York for the AL's second wild card spot. The Yankees fell to 2-3 on their 11-game road trip but in more troubling news for Yankee fans, to just 9-21 over their last 30. Rookie phenom Aaron Judge has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 1-for-21 (zero HRs & RBI).
Luis Cessa (0-3, 4.18 ERA) will get the start for New York in this one and Bartolo Colon (2-8, 8.14 ERA) will get the start for the Twins (more in a bit). Cessa remains in search of his first victory of the season as he makes his fourth overall start and first since June 29. Cessa came out of the bullpen to face Minnesota once last year, yielding a solo HR and a walk in 1 2/3 innings. Colon is getting another chance to prove he still can pitch in the major leagues after a horrendous 13-start tenure with Atlanta that resulted in his release on July 4. He won 15 games with the New York Mets last season but was awful with Atlanta. Colon signed a minor-league deal with the Twins three days after his release by the Braves and even though he allowed four runs over 3 2/3 innings in a start for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, will get a major-league start in this one. Colon owns a 7-8 record and 5.28 ERA in 21 career starts against the Yankees (teams are 11-10).
Sure, the Yankees are in a funk but Colon is no longer a major-league pitcher, something he likely knows already and the Twins will be reminded of that fact, tonight.
YANKEES -119
The Minnesota Twins finished last season with the worst record in the major leagues at 59-103, the lone team with triple-digit losses. However, the Twins have been in the thick of things all season in the AL Central and Monday's 4-2 win over the Yankes ekept them just 1 1/2 games behind Cleveland for first place in the division plus drew them within a half-game of New York for the AL's second wild card spot. The Yankees fell to 2-3 on their 11-game road trip but in more troubling news for Yankee fans, to just 9-21 over their last 30. Rookie phenom Aaron Judge has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 1-for-21 (zero HRs & RBI).
Luis Cessa (0-3, 4.18 ERA) will get the start for New York in this one and Bartolo Colon (2-8, 8.14 ERA) will get the start for the Twins (more in a bit). Cessa remains in search of his first victory of the season as he makes his fourth overall start and first since June 29. Cessa came out of the bullpen to face Minnesota once last year, yielding a solo HR and a walk in 1 2/3 innings. Colon is getting another chance to prove he still can pitch in the major leagues after a horrendous 13-start tenure with Atlanta that resulted in his release on July 4. He won 15 games with the New York Mets last season but was awful with Atlanta. Colon signed a minor-league deal with the Twins three days after his release by the Braves and even though he allowed four runs over 3 2/3 innings in a start for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, will get a major-league start in this one. Colon owns a 7-8 record and 5.28 ERA in 21 career starts against the Yankees (teams are 11-10).
Sure, the Yankees are in a funk but Colon is no longer a major-league pitcher, something he likely knows already and the Twins will be reminded of that fact, tonight.
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (52-43) at Pittsburgh Pirates (45-48)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Starling Marte makes his long-awaited return to the lineup Tuesday night for the Pittsburgh Pirates after serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Nandrolone. Marte, suspended on April 18, will be in left field when the Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers in the second of their four-game series.
"Tomorrow when I put on that uniform, I want to represent this team," Marte told reporters Monday. "I don't want to be a distraction anymore. I want to honor and respect this organization the way it deserves." Fellow Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco seized the limelight in the series opener by going 4-for-4 and throwing a runner out at the plate as Pittsburgh won for the eighth time in 10 games to pull within six of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Brewers, who have dropped back-to-back games for the first time since June 27-28, are atop the division despite a minimal contribution from Junior Guerra, who stumbled through an injury-plagued first half of the season. Guerra goes for his second victory of the season - and first since May 31 - when he opposes Pirates nine-game winner Ivan Nova.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Júnior Guerra (1-3, 4.78 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.21)
Guerra had a third straight abbreviated start last time out when he took a comebacker off the shin and was knocked out of the game after 3 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees. The Venezuela native pitched four innings in each of his previous two turns, allowing a combined 12 runs and 16 hits in a pair of losses. Guerra faced the Pirates on June 21, giving up three runs and seven hits along with a season-high five walks.
Nova improved to 4-2 over his last six starts after limiting the Chicago Cubs to two runs on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on July 8, although he gave up a pair of homers and has surrendered 10 in his last seven outings. The 30-year-old was touched for four runs and a season-worst 11 hits over seven innings in a loss at Milwaukee on June 22. Travis Shaw has tormented Nova, going 7-for-10 with two homers and five RBIs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers C Stephen Vogt will have an MRI exam on his left knee after exiting Monday's game following a collision at home plate.
2. Marte batted .390 against Milwaukee during his All-Star season in 2016.
3. Brewers 1B Eric Thames has multiple hits in three of his last five games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Starling Marte makes his long-awaited return to the lineup Tuesday night for the Pittsburgh Pirates after serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Nandrolone. Marte, suspended on April 18, will be in left field when the Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers in the second of their four-game series.
"Tomorrow when I put on that uniform, I want to represent this team," Marte told reporters Monday. "I don't want to be a distraction anymore. I want to honor and respect this organization the way it deserves." Fellow Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco seized the limelight in the series opener by going 4-for-4 and throwing a runner out at the plate as Pittsburgh won for the eighth time in 10 games to pull within six of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Brewers, who have dropped back-to-back games for the first time since June 27-28, are atop the division despite a minimal contribution from Junior Guerra, who stumbled through an injury-plagued first half of the season. Guerra goes for his second victory of the season - and first since May 31 - when he opposes Pirates nine-game winner Ivan Nova.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Júnior Guerra (1-3, 4.78 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.21)
Guerra had a third straight abbreviated start last time out when he took a comebacker off the shin and was knocked out of the game after 3 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees. The Venezuela native pitched four innings in each of his previous two turns, allowing a combined 12 runs and 16 hits in a pair of losses. Guerra faced the Pirates on June 21, giving up three runs and seven hits along with a season-high five walks.
Nova improved to 4-2 over his last six starts after limiting the Chicago Cubs to two runs on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on July 8, although he gave up a pair of homers and has surrendered 10 in his last seven outings. The 30-year-old was touched for four runs and a season-worst 11 hits over seven innings in a loss at Milwaukee on June 22. Travis Shaw has tormented Nova, going 7-for-10 with two homers and five RBIs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers C Stephen Vogt will have an MRI exam on his left knee after exiting Monday's game following a collision at home plate.
2. Marte batted .390 against Milwaukee during his All-Star season in 2016.
3. Brewers 1B Eric Thames has multiple hits in three of his last five games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 3
GAME: Texas Rangers (45-47) at Baltimore Orioles (43-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles needed to play 34 innings before taking their first lead following the All-Star break and the result was the first victory on their current 10-game homestand. Baltimore has a chance to put together consecutive quality starts by its beleaguered rotation when it continues a four-game set Tuesday against the visiting Texas Rangers.
The Orioles entered the series against Texas with their starters posting a American League-worst 6.02 ERA, but Chris Tillman delivered six sparkling innings Monday with eight-game winner Dylan Bundy on deck. Right fielder Seth Smith hit a tiebreaking homer in the opener and is 7-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak. The Rangers have collected only 22 hits in splitting the first four games of their 10-game road trip to open the second half. Third baseman Adrian Beltre went 2-for-4 in the series opener to move within 18 hits of reaching the 3,000 mark.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Tyson Ross (2-1, 5.33 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (8-8, 4.33)
Ross, who did not make his season debut until June 16 following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, has made it through six innings in only one of his first five starts. The 30-year-old was solid last time out against the Los Angeles Angels, earning the victory by permitting one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings. Ross must be wary of Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who is 4-for-6 against him.
Bundy opened the season by winning five of his first six decisions, but he has allowed at least three runs in six consecutive starts and his ERA has climbed nearly 1 1/2 runs in that span. He was tagged for six runs in five innings in a loss at Minnesota last time out, although he halted a 11-start streak of giving up a homer. Bundy has not allowed a run in three appearances (one start) versus Texas.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 3B Manny Machado has multiple hits in five of his last seven games, going 14-for-28 in that span.
2. Texas 2B Rougned Odor is mired in an 0-for-19 swoon over the past five games.
3. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 1-for-16 in the last five games.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rangers 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles needed to play 34 innings before taking their first lead following the All-Star break and the result was the first victory on their current 10-game homestand. Baltimore has a chance to put together consecutive quality starts by its beleaguered rotation when it continues a four-game set Tuesday against the visiting Texas Rangers.
The Orioles entered the series against Texas with their starters posting a American League-worst 6.02 ERA, but Chris Tillman delivered six sparkling innings Monday with eight-game winner Dylan Bundy on deck. Right fielder Seth Smith hit a tiebreaking homer in the opener and is 7-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak. The Rangers have collected only 22 hits in splitting the first four games of their 10-game road trip to open the second half. Third baseman Adrian Beltre went 2-for-4 in the series opener to move within 18 hits of reaching the 3,000 mark.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Tyson Ross (2-1, 5.33 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (8-8, 4.33)
Ross, who did not make his season debut until June 16 following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, has made it through six innings in only one of his first five starts. The 30-year-old was solid last time out against the Los Angeles Angels, earning the victory by permitting one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings. Ross must be wary of Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who is 4-for-6 against him.
Bundy opened the season by winning five of his first six decisions, but he has allowed at least three runs in six consecutive starts and his ERA has climbed nearly 1 1/2 runs in that span. He was tagged for six runs in five innings in a loss at Minnesota last time out, although he halted a 11-start streak of giving up a homer. Bundy has not allowed a run in three appearances (one start) versus Texas.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 3B Manny Machado has multiple hits in five of his last seven games, going 14-for-28 in that span.
2. Texas 2B Rougned Odor is mired in an 0-for-19 swoon over the past five games.
3. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 1-for-16 in the last five games.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rangers 3
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (43-49) at Boston Red Sox (52-42)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The All-Star break did little to jump-start the offense of the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox, who have dropped seven of 10 games and failed to score more than three runs in any of the losses. Boston has scored in only four of its last 42 innings as it continues a four-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
The inability to get a clutch hit has plagued the Red Sox, although Mookie Betts and Dustin Pedroia delivered back-to-back hits with runners in scoring position Monday after Boston was 5-for-68 in such situations. "We'll look to do some things to shake it up a little bit," Red Sox manager told reporters of his lineup following Monday's 4-3 defeat. The Blue Jays are tied with Baltimore for last place in the AL East but are just 4 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees for the second wild card. First baseman Steve Pearce has hit safely in seven of eight games for Toronto after belting a homer and delivering the game-winning RBI single in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (3-6, 3.54 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (2-0, 4.29)
Happ went into the All-Star break off a clunker, getting tagged for six runs (two earned) and surrendering three homers over four innings in a 19-1 shellacking by Houston. The 34-year-old had turned in five straight quality starts prior to that ugly outing, going 3-1 and allowing a combined seven runs in that span. Happ has held Boston's Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. to a combined 5-for-43.
Johnson pitched a gem in a spot start versus Seattle on May 27, throwing a five-hit shutout to earn the win. He faced the Blue Jays in his season debut at Toronto on April 18 and earned the victory despite a shaky performance in which he gave up a pair of homers and four runs in five innings. He had a pair of no-decisions five days apart in June, giving up six runs and 12 hits over only seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista is 2-for-23 in his last seven games and SS Troy Tulowitzki 2-for-20 in his last five.
2. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi is 8-for-24 against Toronto this season.
3. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is 5-for-10 during a three-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Red Sox 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The All-Star break did little to jump-start the offense of the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox, who have dropped seven of 10 games and failed to score more than three runs in any of the losses. Boston has scored in only four of its last 42 innings as it continues a four-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
The inability to get a clutch hit has plagued the Red Sox, although Mookie Betts and Dustin Pedroia delivered back-to-back hits with runners in scoring position Monday after Boston was 5-for-68 in such situations. "We'll look to do some things to shake it up a little bit," Red Sox manager told reporters of his lineup following Monday's 4-3 defeat. The Blue Jays are tied with Baltimore for last place in the AL East but are just 4 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees for the second wild card. First baseman Steve Pearce has hit safely in seven of eight games for Toronto after belting a homer and delivering the game-winning RBI single in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (3-6, 3.54 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (2-0, 4.29)
Happ went into the All-Star break off a clunker, getting tagged for six runs (two earned) and surrendering three homers over four innings in a 19-1 shellacking by Houston. The 34-year-old had turned in five straight quality starts prior to that ugly outing, going 3-1 and allowing a combined seven runs in that span. Happ has held Boston's Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. to a combined 5-for-43.
Johnson pitched a gem in a spot start versus Seattle on May 27, throwing a five-hit shutout to earn the win. He faced the Blue Jays in his season debut at Toronto on April 18 and earned the victory despite a shaky performance in which he gave up a pair of homers and four runs in five innings. He had a pair of no-decisions five days apart in June, giving up six runs and 12 hits over only seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista is 2-for-23 in his last seven games and SS Troy Tulowitzki 2-for-20 in his last five.
2. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi is 8-for-24 against Toronto this season.
3. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is 5-for-10 during a three-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Red Sox 3
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (45-47) at New York Mets (41-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are attempting to climb back into the National League Central race at the expense of the New York Mets. Winners of four of their last six contests, the visiting Cardinals vie for their fourth straight victory over the Mets on Tuesday when they play the second outing of a four-game series at Citi Field.
Tommy Pham belted a three-run homer to highlight a six-run sixth inning in Monday's 6-3 series-opening win to improve to 11-for-21 with two homers, six RBIs and six runs scored in his last six games. The 29-year-old is 6-for-10 with two homers and five RBIs and four runs scored versus the Mets this season. New York's Lucas Duda pushed his hitting streak to four games with his second homer in as many days, providing a spark after a disastrous 0-for-9 effort in the teams' previous series at Busch Stadium. Jose Reyes has recorded three multi-hit performances versus St. Louis this season and six in his last nine games overall.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (6-3, 4.10 ERA) vs. Mets RH Rafael Montero (1-5, 5.77)
Wacha won his third straight start on July 6 after allowing two runs on six hits while striking out a season high-tying nine in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-3 victory over Miami. The 26-year-old has permitted three runs on 15 hits with 23 strikeouts during his winning streak (3-0, 1.53 ERA), and has kept the ball in the park in four straight starts. Jay Bruce carries an eight-game hitting streak into a tilt with Wacha, against whom he is 1-for-24 with 11 strikeouts.
Montero is slated to make his fifth start of the season on Tuesday after surrendering one run in two-thirds of an inning of relief against St. Louis in his last outing. The 26-year-old Dominican has struggled mightily with his control, issuing 5 1/2 walks per nine innings. Montero has limited experience versus the Cardinals, although Dexter Fowler is 2-for-4 while Paul DeJong had an RBI double in his lone encounter.
WALK-OFFS
1. DeJong has launched four homers in as many games this season versus New York.
2. Mets LF Yoenis Cespedes is 1-for-17 in four games versus the Cardinals in 2017.
3. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter is 10-for-26 during his seven-game hitting streak and has reached base in 20 consecutive contests.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Mets 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are attempting to climb back into the National League Central race at the expense of the New York Mets. Winners of four of their last six contests, the visiting Cardinals vie for their fourth straight victory over the Mets on Tuesday when they play the second outing of a four-game series at Citi Field.
Tommy Pham belted a three-run homer to highlight a six-run sixth inning in Monday's 6-3 series-opening win to improve to 11-for-21 with two homers, six RBIs and six runs scored in his last six games. The 29-year-old is 6-for-10 with two homers and five RBIs and four runs scored versus the Mets this season. New York's Lucas Duda pushed his hitting streak to four games with his second homer in as many days, providing a spark after a disastrous 0-for-9 effort in the teams' previous series at Busch Stadium. Jose Reyes has recorded three multi-hit performances versus St. Louis this season and six in his last nine games overall.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (6-3, 4.10 ERA) vs. Mets RH Rafael Montero (1-5, 5.77)
Wacha won his third straight start on July 6 after allowing two runs on six hits while striking out a season high-tying nine in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-3 victory over Miami. The 26-year-old has permitted three runs on 15 hits with 23 strikeouts during his winning streak (3-0, 1.53 ERA), and has kept the ball in the park in four straight starts. Jay Bruce carries an eight-game hitting streak into a tilt with Wacha, against whom he is 1-for-24 with 11 strikeouts.
Montero is slated to make his fifth start of the season on Tuesday after surrendering one run in two-thirds of an inning of relief against St. Louis in his last outing. The 26-year-old Dominican has struggled mightily with his control, issuing 5 1/2 walks per nine innings. Montero has limited experience versus the Cardinals, although Dexter Fowler is 2-for-4 while Paul DeJong had an RBI double in his lone encounter.
WALK-OFFS
1. DeJong has launched four homers in as many games this season versus New York.
2. Mets LF Yoenis Cespedes is 1-for-17 in four games versus the Cardinals in 2017.
3. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter is 10-for-26 during his seven-game hitting streak and has reached base in 20 consecutive contests.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Mets 3
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (30-61) at Miami Marlins (42-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton didn't successfully defend his Home Run Derby title last week, but the slugger is no stranger to testing the limits of the ball park. After recording his third multi-homer game in his last nine outings and 24th career, Stanton aims to continue flexing his muscles on Tuesday as the host Miami Marlins vie for a series victory against the major league-worst Philadelphia Phillies.
Dee Gordon, who has been linked to the Phillies in potential trade talks, had a walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning of a 6-5 victory in the opener to push his hit total to 10 in six games versus Philadelphia. The Marlins have feasted on the Phillies in South Florida, erupting for 27 runs in four home games this season. Philadelphia's Nick Williams recorded his third multi-hit performance in five games on Monday, improving to 7-for-20 with two homers and eight RBIs in that stretch. Maikel Franco has enjoyed facing Miami, going 8-for-18 with one homer and five RBIs in five encounters this season and is 3-for-9 in his career versus Tuesday starter Adam Conley.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-5, 5.58 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-3, 7.53)
Velasquez is expected to return from the disabled list to make his first start since May 30. The 25-year-old, who has been sidelined with an ailing elbow, hopes a return to health can alter his fortunes as he has surrendered 11 homers, 52 hits and 33 runs in 50 innings. Velasquez has split a pair of decisions versus Miami this season, tossing 6 1/3 strong innings in a 7-4 win on April 26 before being taken deep as part of two runs on as many hits in 1 1/3 frames of a 7-2 setback on May 30.
Conley returns from a stint with Triple-A New Orleans to make his first start since May 8. The 27-year-old, who posted a 3-3 mark with a 5.49 ERA in 12 games with the Baby Cakes, owns a 2-1 mark with a 1.47 ERA in five career starts against Philadelphia. Odubel Herrera has enjoyed success versus Conley by going 4-for-9, however the left-hander has flustered Freddy Galvis (2-for-12).
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami LF Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in six straight games and 13 of his last 14 overall.
2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez is just 3-for-18 with seven strikeouts against the Marlins this season.
3. Miami 1B Justin Bour is 7-for-22 with three homers and five RBIs versus Philadelphia in 2017.
PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Marlins 2
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton didn't successfully defend his Home Run Derby title last week, but the slugger is no stranger to testing the limits of the ball park. After recording his third multi-homer game in his last nine outings and 24th career, Stanton aims to continue flexing his muscles on Tuesday as the host Miami Marlins vie for a series victory against the major league-worst Philadelphia Phillies.
Dee Gordon, who has been linked to the Phillies in potential trade talks, had a walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning of a 6-5 victory in the opener to push his hit total to 10 in six games versus Philadelphia. The Marlins have feasted on the Phillies in South Florida, erupting for 27 runs in four home games this season. Philadelphia's Nick Williams recorded his third multi-hit performance in five games on Monday, improving to 7-for-20 with two homers and eight RBIs in that stretch. Maikel Franco has enjoyed facing Miami, going 8-for-18 with one homer and five RBIs in five encounters this season and is 3-for-9 in his career versus Tuesday starter Adam Conley.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-5, 5.58 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-3, 7.53)
Velasquez is expected to return from the disabled list to make his first start since May 30. The 25-year-old, who has been sidelined with an ailing elbow, hopes a return to health can alter his fortunes as he has surrendered 11 homers, 52 hits and 33 runs in 50 innings. Velasquez has split a pair of decisions versus Miami this season, tossing 6 1/3 strong innings in a 7-4 win on April 26 before being taken deep as part of two runs on as many hits in 1 1/3 frames of a 7-2 setback on May 30.
Conley returns from a stint with Triple-A New Orleans to make his first start since May 8. The 27-year-old, who posted a 3-3 mark with a 5.49 ERA in 12 games with the Baby Cakes, owns a 2-1 mark with a 1.47 ERA in five career starts against Philadelphia. Odubel Herrera has enjoyed success versus Conley by going 4-for-9, however the left-hander has flustered Freddy Galvis (2-for-12).
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami LF Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in six straight games and 13 of his last 14 overall.
2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez is just 3-for-18 with seven strikeouts against the Marlins this season.
3. Miami 1B Justin Bour is 7-for-22 with three homers and five RBIs versus Philadelphia in 2017.
PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Marlins 2
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (53-39) at Cincinnati Reds (39-53)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing their first serious adversity of the season as they continue their road trip with a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds beginning Tuesday. Arizona (53-39) has lost five straight -- getting outscored 28-10 -- and dropped 11 of its last 14 games after getting swept in Atlanta over the weekend but still owns a sizable advantage for one of the two wild card spots in the National League.
"This is a very resilient group," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters after Sunday's 7-1 loss. "They have been all year. They should be proud of where they're at. We know we've hit a little stumbling block, and that's part of the season. That happens in every baseball season, so we'll enjoy the day off (Monday) and see what we can do on Day 1 in Cincinnati." The Reds (39-53) were outscored 35-12 in a four-game sweep by the Washington Nationals, culminating with Monday's 6-1 loss. Cincinnati took two of three from Arizona at Chase Field from July 7-9 with Joey Votto (26 home runs, 68 RBIs, .308 batting average) recording two homers and six RBIs among his three hits in the series. The Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray continues his breakout season while making his first start since July 6 and opposes rookie Sal Romano, who is coming off his first major league victory and will be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to make his third career start.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (8-4, 2.97 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (1-1, 4.50)
Ray received a no-decision after matching a career high with 13 strikeouts and allowing one run, five hits and four walks in six innings of Arizona's 5-4 loss at Dodger Stadium on July 6. The 25-year-old Tennessee native was tied for fifth in baseball entering Monday with 141 strikeouts and his ERA ranked eighth. Ray is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts versus Cincinnati, allowing six runs (three earned) and striking out 10 in a 6-1 setback last July.
Romano yielded two runs, six hits and one walk while striking out six in five innings of a 6-3 victory in Colorado on July 6. "You dream to get here, to get the first win is pretty special,'' the 23-year-old New Yorker and 23rd round draft pick in 2011 told reporters. "Not just for me but my family, too. This one was fun." Romano permitted three runs (two earned), three hits and four walks in three innings of a 4-2 loss to Milwaukee on April 16 in his major league debut.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock is hitting .391 with 11 stolen bases in 69 at-bats over 17 games and is 13-for-23 at Great American Ballpark.
2. Reds All-Star SS Zack Cozart (.306 batting average) went 0-for-8 with three walks while playing three of the four games versus Washington.
3. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt extended his career-long road hitting streak to 15 games after going 2-for-3 on Sunday. He is batting .415 with five home runs and 17 RBIs during the run.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Reds 2
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing their first serious adversity of the season as they continue their road trip with a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds beginning Tuesday. Arizona (53-39) has lost five straight -- getting outscored 28-10 -- and dropped 11 of its last 14 games after getting swept in Atlanta over the weekend but still owns a sizable advantage for one of the two wild card spots in the National League.
"This is a very resilient group," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters after Sunday's 7-1 loss. "They have been all year. They should be proud of where they're at. We know we've hit a little stumbling block, and that's part of the season. That happens in every baseball season, so we'll enjoy the day off (Monday) and see what we can do on Day 1 in Cincinnati." The Reds (39-53) were outscored 35-12 in a four-game sweep by the Washington Nationals, culminating with Monday's 6-1 loss. Cincinnati took two of three from Arizona at Chase Field from July 7-9 with Joey Votto (26 home runs, 68 RBIs, .308 batting average) recording two homers and six RBIs among his three hits in the series. The Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray continues his breakout season while making his first start since July 6 and opposes rookie Sal Romano, who is coming off his first major league victory and will be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to make his third career start.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (8-4, 2.97 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (1-1, 4.50)
Ray received a no-decision after matching a career high with 13 strikeouts and allowing one run, five hits and four walks in six innings of Arizona's 5-4 loss at Dodger Stadium on July 6. The 25-year-old Tennessee native was tied for fifth in baseball entering Monday with 141 strikeouts and his ERA ranked eighth. Ray is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts versus Cincinnati, allowing six runs (three earned) and striking out 10 in a 6-1 setback last July.
Romano yielded two runs, six hits and one walk while striking out six in five innings of a 6-3 victory in Colorado on July 6. "You dream to get here, to get the first win is pretty special,'' the 23-year-old New Yorker and 23rd round draft pick in 2011 told reporters. "Not just for me but my family, too. This one was fun." Romano permitted three runs (two earned), three hits and four walks in three innings of a 4-2 loss to Milwaukee on April 16 in his major league debut.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock is hitting .391 with 11 stolen bases in 69 at-bats over 17 games and is 13-for-23 at Great American Ballpark.
2. Reds All-Star SS Zack Cozart (.306 batting average) went 0-for-8 with three walks while playing three of the four games versus Washington.
3. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt extended his career-long road hitting streak to 15 games after going 2-for-3 on Sunday. He is batting .415 with five home runs and 17 RBIs during the run.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Reds 2
GAME: Chicago Cubs (47-45) at Atlanta Braves (45-46)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Anthony Rizzo is stringing together home runs and the Chicago Cubs are stringing together victories, entering the middle contest of a three-game series Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves. Rizzo blasted a homer for the third consecutive game in Monday’s 4-3 victory in Atlanta, the fourth consecutive win for the defending World Series champions to move them 1 ½ games ahead of the Braves as both teams chase a National League wild-card berth.
Chicago, which scored 27 runs during a three-game weekend sweep of Baltimore, is 4-0 since the All-Star break for the first time since 2009 and has won its last five road games. The Braves saw their three-game winning streak snapped as they were held to just six hits in the opener, after pounding out 31 n a three-game weekend sweep of Arizona. Atlanta's Brandon Phillips finished 2-for-4 Monday and is 9-for-16 with five RBIs since the All-Star break. One Braves hitter struggling at the moment is Freddie Freeman, who is 1-for-12 in the past three games, but Atlanta scored twice in the ninth and loaded the bases before Wade Davis escaped with the save.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (5-9, 5.20 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (1-4, 4.26)
Lackey is expected to be activated from the disabled list for Tuesday’s start after being sidelined with right foot plantar fasciitis, but due to the All-Star break did not miss a turn in the rotation. The 38-year-old went 11-8 with a 3.35 ERA last season but struggled through the first half, allowing four earned runs or more eight times in 17 starts. Lackey, who gave up three runs on six hits in six innings July 5 against Tampa Bay, is 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA in four career starts against the Braves.
Newcomb impressed in his first four major-league starts, but is 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA and 11 runs allowed in 7 1/3 innings in two July starts. The 24-year-old gave up four runs on four hits in four innings July 9 at Washington, five days after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings of a loss to Houston. Newcomb, who struggled with his control at times in the minors, has walked six batters in July after issuing just eight walks in 24 1/3 innings in his first four outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta INF/OF Sean Rodriguez, sidelined all season after sustaining injuries in an offseason automobile accident, went 0-for-3 with a walk in his season debut Monday.
2. Chicago CF Ian Happ collected two hits for the second consecutive game and is batting .298 in July.
3. Braves RF Nick Markakis is 15 hits shy of 2,000 for his career.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Cubs 4
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Anthony Rizzo is stringing together home runs and the Chicago Cubs are stringing together victories, entering the middle contest of a three-game series Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves. Rizzo blasted a homer for the third consecutive game in Monday’s 4-3 victory in Atlanta, the fourth consecutive win for the defending World Series champions to move them 1 ½ games ahead of the Braves as both teams chase a National League wild-card berth.
Chicago, which scored 27 runs during a three-game weekend sweep of Baltimore, is 4-0 since the All-Star break for the first time since 2009 and has won its last five road games. The Braves saw their three-game winning streak snapped as they were held to just six hits in the opener, after pounding out 31 n a three-game weekend sweep of Arizona. Atlanta's Brandon Phillips finished 2-for-4 Monday and is 9-for-16 with five RBIs since the All-Star break. One Braves hitter struggling at the moment is Freddie Freeman, who is 1-for-12 in the past three games, but Atlanta scored twice in the ninth and loaded the bases before Wade Davis escaped with the save.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (5-9, 5.20 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (1-4, 4.26)
Lackey is expected to be activated from the disabled list for Tuesday’s start after being sidelined with right foot plantar fasciitis, but due to the All-Star break did not miss a turn in the rotation. The 38-year-old went 11-8 with a 3.35 ERA last season but struggled through the first half, allowing four earned runs or more eight times in 17 starts. Lackey, who gave up three runs on six hits in six innings July 5 against Tampa Bay, is 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA in four career starts against the Braves.
Newcomb impressed in his first four major-league starts, but is 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA and 11 runs allowed in 7 1/3 innings in two July starts. The 24-year-old gave up four runs on four hits in four innings July 9 at Washington, five days after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings of a loss to Houston. Newcomb, who struggled with his control at times in the minors, has walked six batters in July after issuing just eight walks in 24 1/3 innings in his first four outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta INF/OF Sean Rodriguez, sidelined all season after sustaining injuries in an offseason automobile accident, went 0-for-3 with a walk in his season debut Monday.
2. Chicago CF Ian Happ collected two hits for the second consecutive game and is batting .298 in July.
3. Braves RF Nick Markakis is 15 hits shy of 2,000 for his career.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Cubs 4
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (64-29) at Chicago White Sox (38-52)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great chance at matching their season-high 10-game winning streak when they go with ace Clayton Kershaw in the opener of a two-game series at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The Dodgers' nine-game run includes five one-run wins, the latest a 3-2 triumph to cap a sweep in Miami on Sunday.
"It has been fun," left-hander Rich Hill, who struck out nine in five solid innings Sunday, told reporters."We know our end goal, and what we want to do, and where we want to go, and how we see the season finishing. But we can't get there without focusing on tomorrow." Los Angeles has won 29 of its last 33 overall and Kershaw is riding through another dominant stretch that has seen him go 10-0 with a 1.98 ERA over his last 13 starts. The Dodgers are 36-9 when Justin Turner (.374 average in 68 games) and Cody Bellinger (26 homers in 73 games) are in the starting lineup and will be taking aim at White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who gave up 18 runs (15 earned) in 15 2/3 innings in June before going on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Chicago has lost four straight and seven of its last eight to sink a season-high 14 games under .500.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (14-2, 2.18 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (4-8, 5.15)
After a stretch in which he was having some issues keeping the ball in the park, Kershaw has allowed one home run in 29 innings over his last four starts while posting a 0.62 ERA. He recorded his 25th career complete game - first in 2017 - and struck out 13 in a win over Kansas City prior to the All-Star break. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in three career starts versus Chicago, and served up homers to Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera.
Gonzalez's final start before landing on the disabled list saw him allow nine runs (eight earned) in five frames of a loss to Baltimore. He surrendered 25 hits - five home runs - during a three-game losing streak before the injury. The 33-year-old, who has never faced the Dodgers, is 3-5 with a 4.18 ERA in 12 interleague starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Turner has three home runs, five RBIs and four runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia homered twice in Sunday's 7-6 loss to Seattle and is 5-for-13 over his last three games.
3. Los Angeles is 19-11 in the first game of a series; Chicago is 10-19.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, White Sox 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great chance at matching their season-high 10-game winning streak when they go with ace Clayton Kershaw in the opener of a two-game series at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The Dodgers' nine-game run includes five one-run wins, the latest a 3-2 triumph to cap a sweep in Miami on Sunday.
"It has been fun," left-hander Rich Hill, who struck out nine in five solid innings Sunday, told reporters."We know our end goal, and what we want to do, and where we want to go, and how we see the season finishing. But we can't get there without focusing on tomorrow." Los Angeles has won 29 of its last 33 overall and Kershaw is riding through another dominant stretch that has seen him go 10-0 with a 1.98 ERA over his last 13 starts. The Dodgers are 36-9 when Justin Turner (.374 average in 68 games) and Cody Bellinger (26 homers in 73 games) are in the starting lineup and will be taking aim at White Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who gave up 18 runs (15 earned) in 15 2/3 innings in June before going on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Chicago has lost four straight and seven of its last eight to sink a season-high 14 games under .500.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (14-2, 2.18 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (4-8, 5.15)
After a stretch in which he was having some issues keeping the ball in the park, Kershaw has allowed one home run in 29 innings over his last four starts while posting a 0.62 ERA. He recorded his 25th career complete game - first in 2017 - and struck out 13 in a win over Kansas City prior to the All-Star break. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in three career starts versus Chicago, and served up homers to Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera.
Gonzalez's final start before landing on the disabled list saw him allow nine runs (eight earned) in five frames of a loss to Baltimore. He surrendered 25 hits - five home runs - during a three-game losing streak before the injury. The 33-year-old, who has never faced the Dodgers, is 3-5 with a 4.18 ERA in 12 interleague starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Turner has three home runs, five RBIs and four runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia homered twice in Sunday's 7-6 loss to Seattle and is 5-for-13 over his last three games.
3. Los Angeles is 19-11 in the first game of a series; Chicago is 10-19.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, White Sox 3
GAME: Seattle Mariners (47-47) at Houston Astros (62-31)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros lead the major leagues in home runs, but it was the Seattle Mariners who used the long ball most effectively during the opener of their three-game set. Seattle matched its season best of four blasts - including back-to-back, 10th-inning shots by Kyle Seager and Danny Valencia - in a 9-7 victory and looks to slay the Astros again Tuesday in the middle contest of the series.
Nelson Cruz and Mike Zunino also went deep for the Mariners, who have won five straight to move within 1 1/2 games of the New York Yankees for the American League's second wild-card spot. Cruz's blast was his 20th of the season, making it the ninth consecutive campaign he has reached that mark. Houston raised its season total to 153 as Carlos Beltran and Jake Marisnick both homered on Monday. All-Star Carlos Correa departed in the fourth inning after jamming his left thumb on a swing and told reporters afterward that he felt a high dose of pain and will be re-examined on Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T Sportsnet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Sam Gaviglio (3-4, 4.31 ERA) vs. Astros RH Brad Peacock (7-1, 2.63)
Gaviglio will be recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to make his 11th major-league start and 12th overall appearance. The 27-year-old has lost his last three outings and is winless in his past four turns. Gaviglio lost to the Astros on June 24, when he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings.
Peacock has won his last four outings, posting a 1.99 ERA during that stretch. He scattered five hits over six scoreless innings against Toronto in his last turn and has given up fewer than three runs in five of his last seven starts. The 29-year-old Peacock has recorded two relief victories against Seattle this season to improve his career ledger to 4-4 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 career appearances (eight starts) and has struggled with Seager (7-for-20, one homer).
WALK-OFFS
1. Seager has homered in three straight games and is 7-for-18 in four contests since play resumed after the All-Star break.
2. Seattle RF Mitch Haniger (finger) is expected to play Tuesday after a two-game absence.
3. Houston RHP Collin McHugh (elbow) will pitch a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to make his season debut during a weekend series against Baltimore.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Mariners 4
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros lead the major leagues in home runs, but it was the Seattle Mariners who used the long ball most effectively during the opener of their three-game set. Seattle matched its season best of four blasts - including back-to-back, 10th-inning shots by Kyle Seager and Danny Valencia - in a 9-7 victory and looks to slay the Astros again Tuesday in the middle contest of the series.
Nelson Cruz and Mike Zunino also went deep for the Mariners, who have won five straight to move within 1 1/2 games of the New York Yankees for the American League's second wild-card spot. Cruz's blast was his 20th of the season, making it the ninth consecutive campaign he has reached that mark. Houston raised its season total to 153 as Carlos Beltran and Jake Marisnick both homered on Monday. All-Star Carlos Correa departed in the fourth inning after jamming his left thumb on a swing and told reporters afterward that he felt a high dose of pain and will be re-examined on Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T Sportsnet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Sam Gaviglio (3-4, 4.31 ERA) vs. Astros RH Brad Peacock (7-1, 2.63)
Gaviglio will be recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to make his 11th major-league start and 12th overall appearance. The 27-year-old has lost his last three outings and is winless in his past four turns. Gaviglio lost to the Astros on June 24, when he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings.
Peacock has won his last four outings, posting a 1.99 ERA during that stretch. He scattered five hits over six scoreless innings against Toronto in his last turn and has given up fewer than three runs in five of his last seven starts. The 29-year-old Peacock has recorded two relief victories against Seattle this season to improve his career ledger to 4-4 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 career appearances (eight starts) and has struggled with Seager (7-for-20, one homer).
WALK-OFFS
1. Seager has homered in three straight games and is 7-for-18 in four contests since play resumed after the All-Star break.
2. Seattle RF Mitch Haniger (finger) is expected to play Tuesday after a two-game absence.
3. Houston RHP Collin McHugh (elbow) will pitch a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to make his season debut during a weekend series against Baltimore.
PREDICTION: Astros 6, Mariners 4
GAME: New York Yankees (47-44) at Minnesota Twins (47-45)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After finishing last season with the worst record in the major leagues, the Minnesota Twins are attempting to turn things around in a huge way. Minnesota looks to grab hold of the second wild card in the American League when it hosts the New York Yankees on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.
The Twins, who were the only team to reach triple digits in losses (103) last year, posted a 4-2 triumph in Monday's opener to climb within one-half game of New York for the playoff spot. Eduardo Escobar snapped an eighth-inning tie with a pinch-hit RBI single as Minnesota remained 1 1/2 games behind Cleveland for first place in the AL Central. The Yankees fell to 2-3 on their 11-game road trip but remained 3 1/2 in back of Boston for the top spot in the AL East. Rookie phenom Aaron Judge has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 1-for-21 without registering an RBI, while Garrett Cooper collected three hits - two doubles - on Monday and Clint Frazier recorded his second two-hit performance in as many days.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, WPIX (New York), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Cessa (0-3, 4.18 ERA) vs. Twins RH Bartolo Colon (2-8, 8.14)
Cessa remains in search of his first victory of the season as he makes his fourth overall start and first since June 29. The 25-year-old Mexican allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings in that outing - a road loss against the Chicago White Sox - but has worked 6 2/3 scoreless frames in a pair of relief appearances since. Cessa came out of the bullpen to face Minnesota once last year, yielding a solo homer and a walk in 1 2/3 innings.
Colon is receiving another chance to prove he still can pitch in the major leagues after a horrendous 13-start tenure with Atlanta that resulted in his release on July 4. The 44-year-old Dominican, who won 15 games with the New York Mets last season, signed a minor-league deal with the Twins three days later but was tagged for four runs over 3 2/3 innings in a start for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. Colon owns a 6-7 record and 5.69 ERA in 19 career games (18 starts) against the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins SS Jorge Polanco has been kept out of the starting lineup for two straight games after hitting just .103 in 11 contests this month.
2. Yankees RHP Michael Pineda will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday while 1B Greg Bird will have a procedure done on his ankle and also could miss the rest of the season.
3. Six of New York's eight hits on Monday were doubles.
PREDICTION: Yankees 14, Twins 5
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
After finishing last season with the worst record in the major leagues, the Minnesota Twins are attempting to turn things around in a huge way. Minnesota looks to grab hold of the second wild card in the American League when it hosts the New York Yankees on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.
The Twins, who were the only team to reach triple digits in losses (103) last year, posted a 4-2 triumph in Monday's opener to climb within one-half game of New York for the playoff spot. Eduardo Escobar snapped an eighth-inning tie with a pinch-hit RBI single as Minnesota remained 1 1/2 games behind Cleveland for first place in the AL Central. The Yankees fell to 2-3 on their 11-game road trip but remained 3 1/2 in back of Boston for the top spot in the AL East. Rookie phenom Aaron Judge has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 1-for-21 without registering an RBI, while Garrett Cooper collected three hits - two doubles - on Monday and Clint Frazier recorded his second two-hit performance in as many days.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, WPIX (New York), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Cessa (0-3, 4.18 ERA) vs. Twins RH Bartolo Colon (2-8, 8.14)
Cessa remains in search of his first victory of the season as he makes his fourth overall start and first since June 29. The 25-year-old Mexican allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings in that outing - a road loss against the Chicago White Sox - but has worked 6 2/3 scoreless frames in a pair of relief appearances since. Cessa came out of the bullpen to face Minnesota once last year, yielding a solo homer and a walk in 1 2/3 innings.
Colon is receiving another chance to prove he still can pitch in the major leagues after a horrendous 13-start tenure with Atlanta that resulted in his release on July 4. The 44-year-old Dominican, who won 15 games with the New York Mets last season, signed a minor-league deal with the Twins three days later but was tagged for four runs over 3 2/3 innings in a start for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. Colon owns a 6-7 record and 5.69 ERA in 19 career games (18 starts) against the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins SS Jorge Polanco has been kept out of the starting lineup for two straight games after hitting just .103 in 11 contests this month.
2. Yankees RHP Michael Pineda will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday while 1B Greg Bird will have a procedure done on his ankle and also could miss the rest of the season.
3. Six of New York's eight hits on Monday were doubles.
PREDICTION: Yankees 14, Twins 5
GAME: Detroit Tigers (42-49) at Kansas City Royals (45-46)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Detroit Tigers have been atrocious away from the Motor City, but they certainly have made themselves at home this season when opposing the Kansas City Royals. Winners of three in a row overall, the Tigers vie for their sixth triumph in eight encounters with the reeling Royals on Tuesday as the American League Central rivals continue their three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.
Victor Martinez collected three hits in Monday's 10-2 rout to improve to 9-for-24 with one homer, six RBIs and five runs scored versus Kansas City this season. Nicholas Castellanos hasn't been as fortunate against the Royals (6-for-27), but he homered for the second time in three games with a two-run shot on Monday. While the Tigers are hanging around due to a strong 21-16 performance versus division rivals, the Royals have dropped six of seven overall and have failed to ascend due in large part to their 13-22 mark against AL Central foes. Whit Merrifield is 6-for-17 with four doubles during his four-game hitting streak and 3-for-5 with four RBIs versus Tuesday starter Matthew Boyd.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-5, 5.69 ERA) vs. Royals LH Travis Wood (1-2, 6.06)
Boyd will receive the spot start in place of Daniel Norris, who is slated for a rehab assignment as he works his way back from a groin strain. The 26-year-old Boyd allowed four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings against Kansas City on May 31, with a detour to Triple-A Toledo following the outing. "Just executing my game, executing pitches. That's just my thing," Boyd told reporters when asked if he's entertaining any thoughts of revenge with Tuesday's contest.
Wood fared well in his first start in nearly two years on July 2, yielding two runs and six hits in four-plus innings of a no-decision versus Minnesota on July 2. The 30-year-old tossed 81 pitches, a significant upgrade from his previous season-high total of 49 and the most he had thrown in a game since May 14, 2015. Wood will be well-rested as he was skipped in the rotation with the team's day off last Thursday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kansas City RF Jorge Bonifacio is riding a nine-game hitting streak.
2. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler is 6-for-17 with one homer, three RBIs and four runs scored versus the Royals.
3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas is 1-for-11 in his last three games.
PREDICTION: Royals 4, Tigers 2
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Detroit Tigers have been atrocious away from the Motor City, but they certainly have made themselves at home this season when opposing the Kansas City Royals. Winners of three in a row overall, the Tigers vie for their sixth triumph in eight encounters with the reeling Royals on Tuesday as the American League Central rivals continue their three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.
Victor Martinez collected three hits in Monday's 10-2 rout to improve to 9-for-24 with one homer, six RBIs and five runs scored versus Kansas City this season. Nicholas Castellanos hasn't been as fortunate against the Royals (6-for-27), but he homered for the second time in three games with a two-run shot on Monday. While the Tigers are hanging around due to a strong 21-16 performance versus division rivals, the Royals have dropped six of seven overall and have failed to ascend due in large part to their 13-22 mark against AL Central foes. Whit Merrifield is 6-for-17 with four doubles during his four-game hitting streak and 3-for-5 with four RBIs versus Tuesday starter Matthew Boyd.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-5, 5.69 ERA) vs. Royals LH Travis Wood (1-2, 6.06)
Boyd will receive the spot start in place of Daniel Norris, who is slated for a rehab assignment as he works his way back from a groin strain. The 26-year-old Boyd allowed four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings against Kansas City on May 31, with a detour to Triple-A Toledo following the outing. "Just executing my game, executing pitches. That's just my thing," Boyd told reporters when asked if he's entertaining any thoughts of revenge with Tuesday's contest.
Wood fared well in his first start in nearly two years on July 2, yielding two runs and six hits in four-plus innings of a no-decision versus Minnesota on July 2. The 30-year-old tossed 81 pitches, a significant upgrade from his previous season-high total of 49 and the most he had thrown in a game since May 14, 2015. Wood will be well-rested as he was skipped in the rotation with the team's day off last Thursday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kansas City RF Jorge Bonifacio is riding a nine-game hitting streak.
2. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler is 6-for-17 with one homer, three RBIs and four runs scored versus the Royals.
3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas is 1-for-11 in his last three games.
PREDICTION: Royals 4, Tigers 2
GAME: San Diego Padres (40-52) at Colorado Rockies (54-41)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Colorado Rockies have recorded consecutive wins for the first time in four-plus weeks and attempt to continue to dig out of a deep decline when they host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Colorado lost 15 of 20 games as it fell out of contention in the National League West but has scored 22 runs in the back-to-back victories, including a 9-6 triumph Monday in the opener of a three-game set.
All-Star Charlie Blackmon went 3-for-4 with a homer for the Rockies on Monday for his seventh multi-hit performance of the month. Blackmon, who is riding a 12-game hitting streak, is batting .382 with five blasts in 55 at-bats in July. San Diego has won seven of its last 11 contests despite falling in the opener of a seven-game road trip. Hector Sanchez homered for the third straight game, and six of his 10 hits for the Padres this season have been long balls. Wil Myers went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in the opener, and his deep slump this month includes a .190 average with no homers or RBIs.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountains (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Dinelson Lamet (3-3, 5.93 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (9-3, 4.63)
Lamet has struck out 55 in just 41 innings but also has been touched for 10 homers over his first eight major-league starts. He has dominated right-handed batters (.135 average against) but has struggled to retire lefties (.306). Lamet, who turns 25 years old on Tuesday, lost to Cleveland in his last turn as he gave up six runs - five earned - and six hits in four innings.
Senzatela is being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and will make his first big-league start since June 22. The 22-year-old was 7-1 with a 3.19 ERA through 10 starts before he began struggling as he posted an 8.54 ERA during a five-start stretch. Senzatela defeated the Padres twice this season, recording a 2.77 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 13 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez was benched for the opener as he is 4-for-27 since returning from a shoulder injury.
2. San Diego C Austin Hedges (concussion) could return Tuesday after a three-game absence.
3. Colorado optioned LHP Zac Rosscup to Albuquerque and recalled RHP Jairo Diaz.
PREDICTION: Padres 7, Rockies 6
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Colorado Rockies have recorded consecutive wins for the first time in four-plus weeks and attempt to continue to dig out of a deep decline when they host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Colorado lost 15 of 20 games as it fell out of contention in the National League West but has scored 22 runs in the back-to-back victories, including a 9-6 triumph Monday in the opener of a three-game set.
All-Star Charlie Blackmon went 3-for-4 with a homer for the Rockies on Monday for his seventh multi-hit performance of the month. Blackmon, who is riding a 12-game hitting streak, is batting .382 with five blasts in 55 at-bats in July. San Diego has won seven of its last 11 contests despite falling in the opener of a seven-game road trip. Hector Sanchez homered for the third straight game, and six of his 10 hits for the Padres this season have been long balls. Wil Myers went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in the opener, and his deep slump this month includes a .190 average with no homers or RBIs.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountains (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Dinelson Lamet (3-3, 5.93 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (9-3, 4.63)
Lamet has struck out 55 in just 41 innings but also has been touched for 10 homers over his first eight major-league starts. He has dominated right-handed batters (.135 average against) but has struggled to retire lefties (.306). Lamet, who turns 25 years old on Tuesday, lost to Cleveland in his last turn as he gave up six runs - five earned - and six hits in four innings.
Senzatela is being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and will make his first big-league start since June 22. The 22-year-old was 7-1 with a 3.19 ERA through 10 starts before he began struggling as he posted an 8.54 ERA during a five-start stretch. Senzatela defeated the Padres twice this season, recording a 2.77 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 13 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez was benched for the opener as he is 4-for-27 since returning from a shoulder injury.
2. San Diego C Austin Hedges (concussion) could return Tuesday after a three-game absence.
3. Colorado optioned LHP Zac Rosscup to Albuquerque and recalled RHP Jairo Diaz.
PREDICTION: Padres 7, Rockies 6
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (50-44) at Oakland Athletics (42-51)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays look to inch closer to first place in the American League East when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Tampa Bay climbed within two games of Boston for the top spot in the division after edging Oakland 3-2 in the series opener.
Evan Longoria went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games while Adeiny Hechavarria also recorded a pair of hits, matching the total of the Athletics' entire lineup. Longoria has collected four multi-hit performances during his streak and is 5-for-8 over his last two contests. One of Oakland's hits came in the ninth inning, when All-Star Yonder Alonso led off with a double and scored on a wild pitch to tighten things up. Khris Davis belted his team-leading 26th home run to improve to 4-for-11 with two blasts and three RBIs over his last three contests as the Athletics fell to 3-1 on their six-game homestand.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), NBCSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (0-5, 4.85 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Smith (0-0, 4.50)
Snell scattered four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings against the Cubs in Chicago on July 5 but remained winless in 10 starts this year as the bullpen squandered a 3-0 lead. It was a solid turnaround for the 24-year-old native of Washington state, who surrendered a total of 16 runs in 15 2/3 frames over his previous three outings - all losses. Snell made his first career start against the Athletics last season, allowing two runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision in Oakland.
Smith did not factor in the decision at Seattle on July 8 after allowing three runs and six hits over six innings in his season debut - and first major-league start. The 36-year-old Californian has gone 4-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) for Triple-A Nashville this year. Smith entered 2017 with a 1-0 record, one save and a 4.58 ERA in 63 career relief appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rays C Wilson Ramos (hamstring) has been kept out of the lineup for three straight games.
2. Oakland rookie 2B Chad Pinder (hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Nashville on Tuesday.
3. Tampa Bay purchased the contract of Andrew Kittredge from Triple-A Durham and designated fellow RHP Jumbo Diaz for assignment.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Athletics 2
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays look to inch closer to first place in the American League East when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Tampa Bay climbed within two games of Boston for the top spot in the division after edging Oakland 3-2 in the series opener.
Evan Longoria went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games while Adeiny Hechavarria also recorded a pair of hits, matching the total of the Athletics' entire lineup. Longoria has collected four multi-hit performances during his streak and is 5-for-8 over his last two contests. One of Oakland's hits came in the ninth inning, when All-Star Yonder Alonso led off with a double and scored on a wild pitch to tighten things up. Khris Davis belted his team-leading 26th home run to improve to 4-for-11 with two blasts and three RBIs over his last three contests as the Athletics fell to 3-1 on their six-game homestand.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), NBCSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (0-5, 4.85 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Smith (0-0, 4.50)
Snell scattered four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings against the Cubs in Chicago on July 5 but remained winless in 10 starts this year as the bullpen squandered a 3-0 lead. It was a solid turnaround for the 24-year-old native of Washington state, who surrendered a total of 16 runs in 15 2/3 frames over his previous three outings - all losses. Snell made his first career start against the Athletics last season, allowing two runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision in Oakland.
Smith did not factor in the decision at Seattle on July 8 after allowing three runs and six hits over six innings in his season debut - and first major-league start. The 36-year-old Californian has gone 4-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) for Triple-A Nashville this year. Smith entered 2017 with a 1-0 record, one save and a 4.58 ERA in 63 career relief appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rays C Wilson Ramos (hamstring) has been kept out of the lineup for three straight games.
2. Oakland rookie 2B Chad Pinder (hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Nashville on Tuesday.
3. Tampa Bay purchased the contract of Andrew Kittredge from Triple-A Durham and designated fellow RHP Jumbo Diaz for assignment.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Athletics 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (56-36) at Los Angeles Angels (46-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The red-hot Washington Nationals continue their nine-game road trip coming out of the All-Star break with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels beginning Tuesday and a bolstered bullpen in tow. Left-hander Sean Doolittle and righty Ryan Madson, acquired in a trade with Oakland on Sunday, will join the team in Anaheim and are expected to help shore up the weakest link in first-place Washington's arsenal as its bullpen ERA of 5.31 is last in baseball.
The Nationals (56-36) are coming off a four-game sweep in Cincinnati as the National League's most potent offense outscored the Reds 35-12 and hit 13 home runs along the way, including three by Bryce Harper. The Angels (46-49), who lost two of three to Tampa Bay over the weekend, are among the top seven teams in contention for the two wild card spots in the American League. Mike Trout went 4-for-12 with a walk against the Rays after missing the previous 39 games because of a thumb injury. Washington's Edwin Jackson makes his first major league start of the season while auditioning for the No. 5 spot in the rotation with Joe Ross lost for the season because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament and opposes Jesse Chavez, who lost his last three starts before the All-Star Game break.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jesse Chavez (5-10, 4.99)
Jackson made three relief appearances with Baltimore in June before being designated for assignment and getting picked up by Washington. The 33-year-old, who went 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA with the Nationals in 2012, prepared for his promotion by going 2-0 with an 0.44 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings over five games (four starts) with Triple-A Syracuse. Jackson, who has pitched for 12 major league teams, is 3-4 with a 4.01 ERA in 11 games (eight starts) versus Los Angeles but has yet to face Trout while keeping Albert Pujols (3-for-11, three walks) in check.
Chavez allowed three runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out six in five innings of a 5-2 loss in Texas on July 8 in his last start. The 33-year-old Californian hasn't won since June 6 and is 0-4 with a 6.00 ERA in his last six turns, allowing 33 hits (five home runs) in 30 innings during that span. Chavez has a 3.52 ERA in seven relief appearances versus the Nationals and has yet to face Harper with limited experience against Ryan Zimmerman (1-for-3) and Daniel Murphy (0-for-2).
WALK-OFFS
1. Zimmerman became the franchise's all-time home run leader Monday after belting his 235th, moving him past Vladimir Guerrero (234 with the Montreal Expos from 1996-2003).
2. The Angels have not committed an error in 11 straight games. The club record is 14 set in 2005 and 2006.
3. Los Angeles and Washington meet for the first time since 2014. The Angels lead the series 10-5 and have won five of the last six meetings.
PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Angels 2
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The red-hot Washington Nationals continue their nine-game road trip coming out of the All-Star break with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels beginning Tuesday and a bolstered bullpen in tow. Left-hander Sean Doolittle and righty Ryan Madson, acquired in a trade with Oakland on Sunday, will join the team in Anaheim and are expected to help shore up the weakest link in first-place Washington's arsenal as its bullpen ERA of 5.31 is last in baseball.
The Nationals (56-36) are coming off a four-game sweep in Cincinnati as the National League's most potent offense outscored the Reds 35-12 and hit 13 home runs along the way, including three by Bryce Harper. The Angels (46-49), who lost two of three to Tampa Bay over the weekend, are among the top seven teams in contention for the two wild card spots in the American League. Mike Trout went 4-for-12 with a walk against the Rays after missing the previous 39 games because of a thumb injury. Washington's Edwin Jackson makes his first major league start of the season while auditioning for the No. 5 spot in the rotation with Joe Ross lost for the season because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament and opposes Jesse Chavez, who lost his last three starts before the All-Star Game break.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jesse Chavez (5-10, 4.99)
Jackson made three relief appearances with Baltimore in June before being designated for assignment and getting picked up by Washington. The 33-year-old, who went 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA with the Nationals in 2012, prepared for his promotion by going 2-0 with an 0.44 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings over five games (four starts) with Triple-A Syracuse. Jackson, who has pitched for 12 major league teams, is 3-4 with a 4.01 ERA in 11 games (eight starts) versus Los Angeles but has yet to face Trout while keeping Albert Pujols (3-for-11, three walks) in check.
Chavez allowed three runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out six in five innings of a 5-2 loss in Texas on July 8 in his last start. The 33-year-old Californian hasn't won since June 6 and is 0-4 with a 6.00 ERA in his last six turns, allowing 33 hits (five home runs) in 30 innings during that span. Chavez has a 3.52 ERA in seven relief appearances versus the Nationals and has yet to face Harper with limited experience against Ryan Zimmerman (1-for-3) and Daniel Murphy (0-for-2).
WALK-OFFS
1. Zimmerman became the franchise's all-time home run leader Monday after belting his 235th, moving him past Vladimir Guerrero (234 with the Montreal Expos from 1996-2003).
2. The Angels have not committed an error in 11 straight games. The club record is 14 set in 2005 and 2006.
3. Los Angeles and Washington meet for the first time since 2014. The Angels lead the series 10-5 and have won five of the last six meetings.
PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Angels 2
GAME: Cleveland Indians (48-43) at San Francisco Giants (35-59)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians have halted a season-high four-game losing streak and look to protect their American League Central lead when they visit the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Cleveland ended its slide with a 5-3 victory on Monday, maintaining its 1 1/2-game division lead over Minnesota.
Francisco Lindor went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Monday's victory and is a scorching 7-for-9 over his last two games. Bradley Zimmer was hitless in five at-bats and is 0-for-11 through four contests of Cleveland's six-game road trip. San Francisco has dropped three straight games and seven of its last eight as its 35-59 record is the second-worst in the majors. The Giants have played poorly at home, going 17-25, and Monday's defeat was their 14th in the last 18 at AT&T Park.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (5-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. Giants LH Ty Blach (6-5, 4.60)
Clevinger has won three straight decisions, including a triumph over Detroit in his last turn in which he gave up three hits over six scoreless innings. The 26-year-old has been superb in his last three starts, allowing two runs and seven hits in 18 frames during the stretch. Clevinger has registered 66 strikeouts in 60 innings while holding opponents to a .184 batting average.
Blach has won back-to-back outings to recover from a rough four-start stretch. The 26-year-old went 0-3 with a 9.28 ERA during his hardships, twice allowing seven runs and giving up 10 or more hits. Blach is 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 11 home appearances (eight starts) and has served up just two homers (of eight total) at AT&T Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Indians are just 4-11 in interleague games this season after Monday's victory.
2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt (wrist) sat out the last two games but hopes to return Tuesday.
3. Cleveland recalled LHP Ryan Merritt from Columbus and optioned OF Tyler Naquin to the same Triple-A club.
PREDICTION: Giants 5, Indians 3
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 18 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians have halted a season-high four-game losing streak and look to protect their American League Central lead when they visit the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Cleveland ended its slide with a 5-3 victory on Monday, maintaining its 1 1/2-game division lead over Minnesota.
Francisco Lindor went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Monday's victory and is a scorching 7-for-9 over his last two games. Bradley Zimmer was hitless in five at-bats and is 0-for-11 through four contests of Cleveland's six-game road trip. San Francisco has dropped three straight games and seven of its last eight as its 35-59 record is the second-worst in the majors. The Giants have played poorly at home, going 17-25, and Monday's defeat was their 14th in the last 18 at AT&T Park.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (5-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. Giants LH Ty Blach (6-5, 4.60)
Clevinger has won three straight decisions, including a triumph over Detroit in his last turn in which he gave up three hits over six scoreless innings. The 26-year-old has been superb in his last three starts, allowing two runs and seven hits in 18 frames during the stretch. Clevinger has registered 66 strikeouts in 60 innings while holding opponents to a .184 batting average.
Blach has won back-to-back outings to recover from a rough four-start stretch. The 26-year-old went 0-3 with a 9.28 ERA during his hardships, twice allowing seven runs and giving up 10 or more hits. Blach is 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 11 home appearances (eight starts) and has served up just two homers (of eight total) at AT&T Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Indians are just 4-11 in interleague games this season after Monday's victory.
2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt (wrist) sat out the last two games but hopes to return Tuesday.
3. Cleveland recalled LHP Ryan Merritt from Columbus and optioned OF Tyler Naquin to the same Triple-A club.
PREDICTION: Giants 5, Indians 3
Trends - Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.
W/L Trends
Milwaukee
•Brewers are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Brewers are 11-4 in their last 15 overall.
• Brewers are 11-4 in their last 15 games on grass.
• Brewers are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 5-11 in their last 16 during game 2 of a series.
• Brewers are 32-76 in their last 108 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Brewers are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 5-1 in Guerras last 6 starts vs. National League Central.
• Brewers are 6-2 in Guerras last 8 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 11-4 in Guerras last 15 road starts.
• Brewers are 10-4 in Guerras last 14 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League Central.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
• Pirates are 7-2 in their last 9 during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Pirates are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win.
• Pirates are 4-10 in their last 14 Tuesday games.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Novas last 6 home starts.
• Pirates are 4-1 in Novas last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 4-1 in Novas last 5 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 5-2 in Novas last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Pirates are 2-5 in Novas last 8 starts vs. National League Central.
OU Trends
Milwaukee
•Under is 7-1 in Brewers last 8 games following a loss.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 overall.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 on grass.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2 in Brewers last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 7-0-1 in Guerras last 8 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 5-1 in Guerras last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Guerras last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Guerras last 5 starts overall.
• Under is 7-2 in Guerras last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 9-3 in Guerras last 12 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3 in Guerras last 11 starts vs. National League Central.
Pittsburgh
•Under is 3-0-1 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 6-0-1 in Pirates last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0 in Pirates last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 9-1-1 in Pirates last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-1-1 in Pirates last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Pirates last 7 games following a win.
• Under is 20-5-1 in Pirates last 26 overall.
• Under is 20-5-1 in Pirates last 26 on grass.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Pirates last 21 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Pirates last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Pirates last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-1 in Pirates last 21 vs. National League Central.
• Under is 18-7-2 in Pirates last 27 home games.
• Under is 6-0 in Novas last 6 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Novas last 4 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 6-0 in Novas last 6 starts overall.
• Under is 4-0 in Novas last 4 home starts.
• Under is 5-0 in Novas last 5 starts vs. National League Central.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Novas last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Novas last 5 Tuesday starts.
• Under is 5-2 in Novas last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Head to Head
•Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in Pittsburgh.
• Under is 4-0 in Guerras last 4 starts vs. Pirates.
• Under is 18-6-2 in the last 26 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Mark Wegner
•Home team is 4-0 in Wegners last 4 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Wegners last 8 Tuesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Wegners last 8 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 14-3 in their last 17 games with Wegner behind home plate.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Wegners last 6 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Home team is 8-2 in Wegners last 10 games behind home plate vs. Milwaukee.
• Road team is 5-2 in Wegners last 7 games behind home plate.
• Brewers are 2-9 in their last 11 games with Wegner behind home plate.
Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.
W/L Trends
Milwaukee
•Brewers are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Brewers are 11-4 in their last 15 overall.
• Brewers are 11-4 in their last 15 games on grass.
• Brewers are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 5-11 in their last 16 during game 2 of a series.
• Brewers are 32-76 in their last 108 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Brewers are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Brewers are 5-1 in Guerras last 6 starts vs. National League Central.
• Brewers are 6-2 in Guerras last 8 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Brewers are 11-4 in Guerras last 15 road starts.
• Brewers are 10-4 in Guerras last 14 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League Central.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Pirates are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
• Pirates are 7-2 in their last 9 during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Pirates are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win.
• Pirates are 4-10 in their last 14 Tuesday games.
• Pirates are 5-1 in Novas last 6 home starts.
• Pirates are 4-1 in Novas last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Pirates are 4-1 in Novas last 5 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 5-2 in Novas last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Pirates are 2-5 in Novas last 8 starts vs. National League Central.
OU Trends
Milwaukee
•Under is 7-1 in Brewers last 8 games following a loss.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 overall.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 on grass.
• Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2 in Brewers last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 7-0-1 in Guerras last 8 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 5-1 in Guerras last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Guerras last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Guerras last 5 starts overall.
• Under is 7-2 in Guerras last 9 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 9-3 in Guerras last 12 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3 in Guerras last 11 starts vs. National League Central.
Pittsburgh
•Under is 3-0-1 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 6-0-1 in Pirates last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0 in Pirates last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 9-1-1 in Pirates last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-1-1 in Pirates last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Pirates last 7 games following a win.
• Under is 20-5-1 in Pirates last 26 overall.
• Under is 20-5-1 in Pirates last 26 on grass.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Pirates last 21 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Pirates last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Pirates last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-1 in Pirates last 21 vs. National League Central.
• Under is 18-7-2 in Pirates last 27 home games.
• Under is 6-0 in Novas last 6 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Novas last 4 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 6-0 in Novas last 6 starts overall.
• Under is 4-0 in Novas last 4 home starts.
• Under is 5-0 in Novas last 5 starts vs. National League Central.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Novas last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Novas last 5 Tuesday starts.
• Under is 5-2 in Novas last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Head to Head
•Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in Pittsburgh.
• Under is 4-0 in Guerras last 4 starts vs. Pirates.
• Under is 18-6-2 in the last 26 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Mark Wegner
•Home team is 4-0 in Wegners last 4 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Wegners last 8 Tuesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Wegners last 8 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 14-3 in their last 17 games with Wegner behind home plate.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Wegners last 6 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Home team is 8-2 in Wegners last 10 games behind home plate vs. Milwaukee.
• Road team is 5-2 in Wegners last 7 games behind home plate.
• Brewers are 2-9 in their last 11 games with Wegner behind home plate.
