Tuesday 7/28/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (52-45) at Marlins (41-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jordan Zimmermann's ERA is more than two runs higher on the road, and even if he's able to correct that it might not be enough against Jose Fernandez at Marlins Park.

The Miami ace has a chance to be the first pitcher in 33 years to win his first 15 home decisions Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals, and Zimmermann could have the added chore of facing Dee Gordon.

Fernandez (3-0, 2.77 ERA) earned the decision in Wednesday's 5-3 win in Arizona, surrendering three runs and five hits with a season-high 11 strikeouts in seven innings of his fourth start back from Tommy John surgery.

"I feel pretty healthy. I feel real normal," Fernandez told MLB's official website. "I feel, I don't want to say like I was before, but I feel like I have grown as a pitcher."

His last two starts have come on the road after winning his first two at home to get to 14-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 22 career starts in Miami. LaMarr Hoyt was the last to have this sort of career-opening run with 16 wins in 10 starts and 30 relief appearances from 1979-82, though it came with a 3.04 ERA.

Among starting pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched in their home ballpark since the start of 2013, Jacob deGrom's 1.59 mark is closest to that of Fernandez. Aroldis Chapman (1.06) is the only reliever with 100 innings pitched and a lower home ERA.

The electric right-hander has made all three of his career starts against Washington in Miami, going 1-0 with a 0.45 ERA. Ian Desmond (0 for 9 with seven strikeouts) and Bryce Harper (0 for 4 with two strikeouts) have been the main victims on the current roster.

That figures to load the pressure on Zimmermann (8-5, 3.30 ERA), who hasn't lost in his last six starts but is 1-0 with a 5.06 in his past three. The win came over Baltimore on July 11 in his last road start, but he gave up four runs and nine hits in five innings of the 7-4 victory. He's 4-2 with a 4.67 ERA in eight away starts while posting a 2.53 mark in 12 at home.

The right-hander has gone 7-0 with a 2.58 ERA in his last 13 starts against the Marlins, and he's 4-1 with a 2.49 mark in 10 career starts in Miami. Catchers J.T. Realmuto and Jeff Mathis are both 0 for 8 against Zimmermann, but Martin Prado is 9 for 23.

Zimmermann could be catching the Marlins (41-58) at the right time after they concluded a 3-7 road trip with three straight losses to San Diego in which they scored four runs. Miami, though, has won six of seven at home.

The recent struggles came without Gordon, who has been out since July 11 with a dislocated left thumb but could be activated for the series opener. The second baseman's .338 average ranks second in the NL, but he's 3 for 15 against Zimmermann.

The Nationals (52-45) began their own 10-game trip by dropping three of four to Pittsburgh. Michael A. Taylor homered for a second straight game in Sunday's 3-1 loss, and he's 5 for 9 after batting .154 in his previous 13 contests.

"It's nice to hit," Taylor said. "I kind of went through a tough streak. Hopefully, I can build off the last couple and have a couple of more good days."

The lineup could be getting an additional boost with Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman potentially joining Washington on the trip.

The Marlins have won four of six in the season series, including a three-game sweep in Miami from April 24-26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (60-38) at Indians (45-53)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals are looking for Johnny Cueto to make an impact in the postseason but his presence will first be felt in the starting rotation.

Chris Young makes his case to remain among the starters Tuesday night when the Royals attempt to send the Cleveland Indians to their longest home losing streak in 40 years.

Kansas City (60-38) has matched the best start in franchise history through 98 games, set in 1976 and equaled four years later. The Royals won their only World Series in 1985 and acquiring Cueto from Cincinnati for a trio of left-handers Sunday makes them a favorite for the championship.

Cueto is scheduled to make his debut Friday at Toronto but his arrival will first alter the rotation with Young (8-6, 3.32 ERA) and Jeremy Guthrie - Wednesday's scheduled starter for the finale of this three-game set - the candidates to move to the bullpen.

"We don't have to make (that decision) now," manager Ned Yost told MLB's official website. "And we haven't made it."

Six of Young's seven career relief appearances have come this year, allowing two runs in 12 innings. Guthrie's most recent call from the bullpen came with Colorado in 2012.

"Chris has shown he can do it," Yost said. "Guthrie has never really been put in that position. It all factors in."

Young's latest performance could sway the decision. The right-hander gave up a pair of two-run homers in three innings of a 4-3 loss at St. Louis for his shortest start of the season.

Young has started one of three meetings with Cleveland (45-53) this year, giving up six runs in five innings of a 6-2 loss June 4.

Eric Hosmer has pounded the Indians in 10 games this season, hitting .390 with four homers and 17 RBIs. He matched his season high with four RBIs Monday, connecting for a three-run homer among his three hits in a 9-4 win as Kansas City won for the 15th time in 20 games.

Hosmer is batting .450 in the past 16 games, increasing his season average 28 points to a personal-best .308.

Kendrys Morales doubled on one of his three hits and drove in three runs Monday, giving him seven hits in three games. He's 8 for 19 with eight RBIs in four games at Cleveland this year.

The Indians are facing the possibility of an eight-game home losing streak for the first time since June 1975. They've been outscored 35-9 while losing the first five of this seven-game homestand.

Jason Kipnis expressed his frustration Sunday saying the team's problems stemmed from a lack of accountability.

"That comment had nothing with (manager Terry Francona)," Kipnis said Monday. "Tito is our manager - he's not a baby sitter."

Trevor Bauer gets the ball and he's 3-5 with a 6.40 ERA over his last eight starts after going 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA in his previous five.

The right-hander is 1-3 with a 9.15 ERA in his last four outings at home.

Bauer (8-7, 4.29) was hammered for six runs and three homers in six-plus innings of Thursday's 8-1 loss to the visiting Chicago White Sox.

"The definition of insanity is you try the same thing over and over and expect different result," Bauer said. "I'm not insane, so clearly there's some adjustments to be made."

He's 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in two starts against Kansas City this year, yielding two runs in 6 2-3 innings to win opposite Young on June 4.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (48-51) at Rays (50-51)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

David Price is in a familiar place, just wearing a different uniform, in the days before the trade deadline.

The Detroit Tigers' 29-year-old left-hander is perhaps the biggest name on lists of players most likely to be traded before Friday's deadline. It's not his first time on the rumor mill.

'I've been through it once before,' Price said Monday, 'and once you go though something you're able to learn more about it. It just makes you more comfortable.'

Price (9-3, 2.31 ERA) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday night on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays, the team that traded him to the Tigers hours before the July 31 deadline last year.

'I kind of had an inkling that I was going to be traded but I had no idea who it was going to be to,' he recalled. 'I thought of a couple teams that it could have been to, and the Tigers weren't one of them. So you've got to be ready for anything; there's no telling where you could go, no telling where you could end up.'

That is a common feeling for a lot of players at this time of year.

'For guys that have been in the big leagues for a few years, they understand there's a little different atmosphere before the trade deadline,' Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said.

Price could be a trade candidate because he is eligible to become a free agent for the first time at the end of the season. In the prime of his career, he could be in line for the kind of contracts signed by current teammate Justin Verlander (seven years, $180 million) and former teammate Max Scherzer (seven years, $210 million).

Price said he would prefer to stay and help Detroit (48-51) get back to the World Series. And he is not convinced the Tigers are ready to trade him.

'The Tigers are never sellers. They're always trying to add pieces and looking to the postseason and beyond,' he said. 'We have a very talented group in this clubhouse and we all know that. If we can play the way we're capable of playing, we'll be playing baseball in October.'

Price pitched a one-hitter in his first start as a visitor to Tropicana Field, a 1-0 loss Aug. 21. He's 6-1 with an AL-best 1.65 ERA in 10 road outings.

He'll be opposed by Jake Odorizzi (5-6, 2.85), who is limiting batters to a .175 average in six home starts in going 2-2 with a 1.40 ERA. He yielded two runs in five innings in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning loss at Philadelphia.

The right-hander allowed three runs in 6 2-3 innings in his lone start against Detroit, a 6-0 loss Aug. 20. Yoenis Cespedes has the most experience among the Tigers against him, going 1 for 6.

Tampa Bay (50-51) opened this three-game series with Monday's 5-2 victory behind Curt Casali, who recorded the first multihomer effort of his career and drove in three runs.

The Rays had gone 13 straight games without scoring more than four runs, tied for the longest streak in the majors this season.

'We do need offense right now. That's no secret,' manager Kevin Cash said. 'What (Casali) provided today was a huge lift."

Asdrubal Cabrera will likely be back in the lineup for Tampa Bay. The shortstop was activated following Monday's game after being out with a strained right hamstring.

Cespedes and Victor Martinez combined for four of the five hits for Detroit, which has lost 10 of 14.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (47-50) at Red Sox (44-56)

Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The acquisition of Jeff Samardzija was one of the many moves the Chicago White Sox made in the offseason that had them believing they could make a run at the playoffs.

That hasn't been the case for the majority of the season and with Samardzija set to become a free agent this fall, he's the most likely candidate to be traded before Friday's deadline.

Samardzija takes the mound for what could be his last start with the White Sox on Tuesday night against the last-place Boston Red Sox, but Chicago's recent surge could make the decision on whether to deal him a little tougher.

The White Sox have been at or near the bottom of the AL Central all year behind the fewest runs in the majors, which could lead to them being sellers at the deadline.

Chicago, however, won 10-8 in the opener of this four-game series Monday after scoring 26 times while sweeping a four-game set in Cleveland. The White Sox (47-50), who have won nine of 10 on the road, are within 4 1/2 games of Minnesota for the second wild card.

"It's just the parity of the game right now. Within each front office of every team, they have an idea of how they feel it's going," Samardzija told MLB's official website. "Sometimes the record doesn't totally show the situation of the team, so I'm sure they assess that amongst themselves and go from there."

Contending teams would certainly be interested in Samardzija, who has turned things around after having a 4.93 ERA in early June. The right-hander has since gone 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in eight starts, allowing one run and four hits in eight innings of an 8-1 win over Cleveland on Thursday.

Samardzija (7-5, 3.91 ERA) hasn't pitched against the Red Sox since 2012, though their top two offseason signings - Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval - faced him when he was with the Cubs and they were in the NL.

Ramirez is 8 for 19 with two doubles and Sandoval has gone 3 for 7 with a homer in the matchup.

The Red Sox added Ramirez and Sandoval after they finished last in the AL East in 2014, but it hasn't helped as that's again their place in the standings.

Boston (44-56) began to sell off parts Monday, sending outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Josh Rutledge. Rusney Castillo was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and went 1 for 2 with two runs while starting in right field.

"We'd like to see him get a good chunk of playing time at the major league level and get comfortable with being here every day," general manager Ben Cherington said.

The Red Sox also brought in Wade Miley (8-8, 4.33) during the offseason, and like Samardzija he's been much better of late. The left-hander had a 5.07 ERA in his first 12 starts before recording a 3.33 mark in his last eight.

Miley gave up one run over six innings but continued to struggle with his command as he walked five in a 5-4 walk-off loss to Houston on Thursday. He's among the major league leaders with 44 bases on balls.

Miley didn't walk a batter and allowed two runs over seven innings to beat the White Sox 4-3 in his only matchup May 10, 2014, while with Arizona.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (42-55) at Cubs (52-46)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs rebounded from a disappointing weekend with a thrilling victory over the Colorado Rockies in their series opener.

As dramatic as the finish was, that wasn't the only stunner of the evening as shortly after the game ended the Rockies traded five-time All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

Colorado has a big hole to fill after dealing one of its top players but may have an advantage Tuesday night at Wrigley Field with the red-hot Carlos Gonzalez having another favorable matchup.

It was reported late Monday the Rockies (42-55) traded Tulowitzki to Toronto in a deal for Jose Reyes and minor leaguers. Tulowitzki - in the midst of a six-year, $118 million contract that runs through 2020 - has been a mainstay in Colorado for 10 years and is the midst of another solid season, batting .300 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs.

Reyes, a four-time All-Star shortstop, is hitting .285 with 17 doubles, 16 stolen bases and 36 runs.

'I've talked to these guys as a group about all the distractions that come with the trade deadline,' manager Walt Weiss said before Monday's 9-8 loss.

Chicago (52-46) appeared to be heading to a sure win, entering the ninth inning up 7-4, but the Rockies scored four times to take a one-run lead. Kris Bryant rescued the Cubs from a discouraging defeat by hitting a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to send the crowd into a frenzy.

"I think it wakes us up a little bit," said Bryant, who went 2 for 5 with three RBIs after going 6 for 50 with one homer and 23 strikeouts in his previous 13 games. "I think we were nonchalant the last couple of games, myself included, but the energy of a walkoff win, a walkoff home run, I think it'll pay off for us moving forward and spark that energy that we had earlier in the year."

Although the Cubs managed to keep pace with San Francisco in the wild-card race and dissolved some of the dejection from being swept by last-place Philadelphia over the weekend, the team still has some issues to resolve.

Rafael Soriano served up the go-ahead homer to Gonzalez - his second homer of the game - in his first appearance since surrendering Jeff Francoeur's 10th-inning homer in Friday's loss. Soriano came in for Jason Motte, who gave up three runs in the ninth.

"We have to sort it out, we have to keep trying to put the right guys on the right people in the latter part of the game," manager Joe Maddon said.

They don't have an ideal matchup from the start with right-hander Dallas Beeler (0-0, 6.43 ERA) going up against Gonzalez.

Beeler, who is making his fifth career start and seeking his first win, has done a solid job against right-handed hitters, limiting them to three hits in 17 at-bats, but lefties are 7 for 14 against him.

The left-handed hitting Gonzalez is batting .312 and has hit all 20 of his homers against righties. He is hitting .162 versus lefties.

Gonzalez has been on a tear lately with three two-homer games in his last four contests. He has 15 RBIs in his last five games and is batting .459 with 10 home runs in 15 contests since July 5.

'I feel thankful that I'm healthy and I'm able to put runs on the board,' Gonzalez said.

Beeler gave up two runs in five innings in his season debut against St. Louis on July 7 before lasting two innings in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader in Cincinnati. He permitted five runs - three earned - in the second inning but the Cubs managed to rally for a 6-5 win.

The Rockies turn to Yohan Flande (0-1, 4.24), who is set to make his first start of the season after seven relief appearances. The left-hander's longest appearance of 2015 came against the Los Angeles Angels on July 7, when he gave up two hits over 5 2-3 scoreless innings.

Two of Flande's 10 starts last season came against the Cubs, and he had a 4.26 ERA in losing both. Flande is without a win in 23 career appearances.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (56-42) at Rangers (47-51)

Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: July 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The New York Yankees have won five straight against left-handed starters and face another one Tuesday night in Martin Perez.

That should ensure that Alex Rodriguez will remain in the lineup based on the way he has been taking southpaws deep.

The 40-year-old Rodriguez has homered four times in his last two games as he faces Perez for the first time when the Yankees and Rangers continue a four-game series in Arlington.

New York (56-42) improved to 17-11 versus left-handed starters by defeating Matt Harrison in Monday's 6-2 victory. Didi Gregorius was 3 for 4 with a homer and a career-high four RBIs.

Gregorius is 11 for 31 with four homers and 11 RBIs against Texas.

"A guy that we've scuffled with getting out and we've got to find a way to pitch him differently," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said.

Rodriguez also took Harrison deep as he returned to the lineup on his 40th birthday after sitting out Sunday's 7-2 win at Minnesota. He's the fourth player in major league history to homer both as a teenager and in his 40s.

'It's amazing, hitting one as a teenager and hitting one here today,' Rodriguez said. 'A lot has happened, and I'm just happy to be here.'

Rodriguez homered three times in his previous game - all off left-handers.

Now he'll face Perez (0-1, 4.91 ERA), who makes his first home start and third since returning from Tommy John surgery as he searches for his first win since April 23, 2014. Perez was encouraged after surrendering four runs in six innings of Wednesday's 10-8 victory at Colorado.

"I made good pitches," Perez said. "They didn't hit the ball hard, just ground balls and pop-ups. That's part of the game."

Though Perez has never faced the Yankees, Chris Young is 3 for 6 against him. Young will likely start again thanks to a .362 average against lefties.

New York will decide whether Jacoby Ellsbury and Stephen Drew will return to the starting lineup after both began Monday on the bench. Ellsbury, who is 1 for 17 off lefties since the All-Star break, was out with a sore shoulder though he entered as a defensive replacement.

Since the Yankees do not have an off day on this 10-game trip and wanted to give extra rest to starters Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, they needed a starter for this contest. Manager Joe Girardi will give journeyman Chris Capuano (0-4, 5.64) his first start since May 29.

Capuano went 0-3 with a 6.39 ERA in three May starts before moving to the bullpen, where he has a 5.09 ERA in 12 appearances. Prince Fielder is 4 for 11 with two homers off the left-hander while Adrian Beltre is 2 for 10.

Texas (47-51) has dropped consecutive games after a four-game win streak, falling for the 11th time in 12 home games. The Rangers have baseball's worst home mark at 16-27.

"I don't believe it's a mental thing, these guys are all professional players, they're going to show up in their own ballpark, in their own lockers, in their own uniforms, their home uniforms in front of their fans and come out and play," Banister said. "It's not anything other than that."

Fielder is batting .412 with five homers and 18 RBIs in a 12-game hitting streak against New York.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (57-41) at Twins (52-46)

Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 28, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

No strangers to the wild-card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates might find themselves in another win-or-go-home scenario come October.

So could the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins may already be home by that point if their lineup struggles as much as it has to begin the second half, but Minnesota has a good chance to break out Tuesday night as it faces Charlie Morton to open this two-game series with the visiting Pirates.

Pittsburgh (57-41) was four games under .500 after dropping both contests to Minnesota (52-46) at PNC Park two months ago, but it's since gone a major league-best 39-19.

Amazingly, that's only been good enough to make up a few games on St. Louis. Clint Hurdle's club has baseball's third-best record, but with the Cardinals comfortably ahead in the Central, Pittsburgh may find itself in the wild-card game for a third consecutive season.

That's a destination the Twins would welcome after four straight seasons with 70 or fewer wins. Only one of what was a four-game lead for the AL's second wild-card spot has been shaved off despite Minnesota's 3-6 record since the All-Star break.

The Twins were held to two or fewer runs for the fifth time in eight games in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees, dropping the series after winning 10-1 on Friday and leading 5-0 on Saturday.

'You get the first game and you get a little greedy," manager Paul Molitor said. "We let one slip away (Saturday), and sometimes those things carry over somewhat. So you take your medicine, you lose the series and you move on.'

Minnesota's .283 average with runners in scoring position in the first half was sixth best in baseball, but Molitor's club is coming through at a .200 clip in the second half. Rookie Miguel Sano, who went 14 for 37 with a 1.138 OPS in his first 11 major league games, is 3 for 23 since the break.

Sano is hitting .350 with 11 walks against right-handers, though, and he'll see a vulnerable one Tuesday. Morton (6-4, 4.59 ERA) won his first five starts with a 1.62 ERA, but he's posted a 7.76 ERA in his last six.

Four of the five runs he was charged with over 6 2-3 innings in Wednesday's 5-1 loss at Kansas City came in the seventh, including Mike Moustakas' three-run shot that ended Morton's evening.

"I probably had the best stuff I've had all year," Morton, who has never faced Minnesota, told MLB's official website. "That last inning ruined an otherwise good outing. That seems to have happened a lot this year."

The Pirates took three of four from Washington after starting the second half 1-5, but aside from Jung Ho Kang (.400 since the break) and Starling Marte (.385) they're having some trouble at the plate. Pittsburgh is among baseball's leaders in strikeouts with 102 since the All-Star Game and has the second-fewest walks with 17.

The good news for the Pirates is they'll be facing a pitcher who's allowed the highest opponents' on-base percentage (.360) of any qualified starter. Mike Pelfrey (5-7, 3.94) surrendered 11 more baserunners and four runs - two earned - over six innings Wednesday in a 5-2 loss in Anaheim.

In more bad news, the right-hander has been much better at Target Field, where he's posted a 2.22 ERA in eight starts, and in one of his rare successful road outings he held the Pirates to a run over six innings May 20.

Aramis Ramirez, 0 for 7 so far in his second stint with Pittsburgh, is a career .186 (13 for 70) hitter at Target Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (43-54) at Cardinals (64-35)

Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 28, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

The St. Louis Cardinals bolstered their bullpen via a recent trade, but they don't have to make any deals to improve the majors' best rotation.

Jaime Garcia returns from the disabled list for his first start in a month, looking to continue his home dominance of the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night.

St. Louis (64-35) acquired former closer Steve Cishek in a trade with Miami last week. Now, the rotation - which boasts a major league-best 2.79 ERA - is getting Garcia (3-3, 1.69 ERA) back for the first time since he allowed one run in seven innings of a 6-1 win over the Marlins on June 24.

The left-hander was 2-0 with a 0.43 ERA over his last three starts before suffering a left groin strain.

The Cardinals are confident the injury is history after he tossed five hitless innings with six strikeouts with Class-A Peoria on Thursday.

"(We) have been very clear that when he's right and he's healthy, we want him on the mound," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "He's got the capability of doing some pretty impressive things every time he's on the mound.

"We're going to keep pushing it as much as he can, and most of it came back to the fact that he felt very good after his start, and the results were there, the velocity was there. Let's go."

Garcia's return is timely since he's 7-0 with a 2.21 ERA in eight home starts against the Reds (43-54). He's 10-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 14 starts overall.

The Cardinals are on the cusp of winning seven straight meetings with Cincinnati for the first time since 1980-81 after Kolton Wong's grand slam secured Monday's 4-1 victory.

Wong is 7 for 20 with six RBIs this season against the Reds and he's 6 for 18 with a homer off scheduled starter Mike Leake.

Yadier Molina's status is unclear after he left in the fifth inning Monday because he felt ill after being hit in the facemask with a foul ball off the bat of Todd Frazier.

"After the foul ball my stomach started feeling bad," Molina said. "It was nothing in my head, just the stomach."

The Reds traded ace Johnny Cueto to Kansas City on Sunday and Leake (8-5, 3.78) could be next out of Cincinnati before Friday's trade deadline.

The right-hander is making himself an attractive option for a playoff contender, winning three straight starts with a 0.82 ERA.

He allowed one run in eight innings of a 9-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in what might have been his final home game.

"Each one from here on could be (the last start)," Leake said. "It is what it is. It's not in my control, obviously. If I'm traded, I'm traded. If I'm not, I'm not."

Leake is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in his last three starts at St. Louis. He tossed a four-hitter in a 2-1 loss there April 19.

Joey Votto is 19 for 34 (.559) with 10 runs in 10 his last 10 games. He's 8 for 22 with three homers this season against the Cardinals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (44-56) at Dodgers (56-44)

Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 28, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

There was a fear that Brett Anderson's last start could have ended his season. Instead, he'll be back on the mound six days later to take on his former team.

After trading their closer, the slumping Oakland Athletics begin a two-game series in Los Angeles on Tuesday night as the Dodgers open a five-game home stretch against the AL West.

Anderson (5-5, 3.33 ERA) departed last Tuesday's 4-3 loss in Atlanta with what was thought to be a potentially serious Achilles injury after allowing three runs in 2 2-3 innings. After his ERA dipped to a season-best 3.00 on July 1, it's been on the rise in three starts with the left-hander going 0-1 with a 5.52 mark.

He threw a bullpen session Friday and simulated some defensive plays, and things went smoothly enough to avoid the disabled list and get back on the mound after Monday's off day.

"I got through it and it feels good," Anderson told MLB's official website. "My throws were crisper, stronger than the two-plus innings in Atlanta. I simulated coming off the mound for bunts, pushing off the mound, which is always a concern for me."

The focus now shifts to facing the club with which he spent his first five - albeit injury-shortened - seasons from 2009-13, and the A's are countering with their top arm.

Sonny Gray, however, hasn't been quite as sharp in his last two starts after throwing a shutout in his final game before the All-Star break. Gray (10-4, 2.30) gave up two runs and nine hits in seven innings of Wednesday's 4-3 home win over Toronto. He didn't earn the decision and is 0-1 with seven runs allowed in 13 innings since the break, including three home runs after giving up five in his first 18 starts.

Gray has been most effective on the road with a 7-1 record and 1.84 ERA in 11 starts, though run support could be an issue.

After falling 4-3 in San Francisco on Sunday, Oakland (44-56) has lost four straight with nine runs scored and a .214 average, cementing its status as a seller as the trade deadline approaches.

Stephen Vogt is turning in a terrible month at the plate with a .178 average dating to June 30, though Ben Zobrist is hitting .349 in 12 games. His .268 average is higher than it's been since reaching .286 on April 14, he'll be a free agent, and his position versatility is another selling point.

"I understand it's a tough decision for GMs, going, 'What can I get in return for some of these guys?'" Zobrist said. "They're trying to give the organization the best chance to win going forward. But from a player's standpoint, you never want to feel like anyone's giving up."

Zobrist's fate might have come into clearer focus after Oakland sent Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets for minor league pitcher Casey Meisner on Monday. The 30-year-old Clippard, who is eligible for free agency after the season, is 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances.

The Dodgers (56-44) haven't been a whole lot better offensively with a .223 average over a 3-3 span. They lost 3-2 to the New York Mets on Sunday, settling for a road split after winning the first two.

Howie Kendrick is 1 for 17 in his last four games, and the former Los Angeles Angels second baseman went 3 for 17 in his last five against Oakland. Fellow infielder Adrian Gonzalez has batted .167 in his last 20 home games and .160 in his past 12 interleague contests.

Oakland has won 14 of the last 18 meetings, with the clubs' last meeting coming in 2012. The A's 41-27 record in interleague play dating to the start of 2012 trails only Pittsburgh for the best in the majors.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (47-51) at Mariners (46-54)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 28, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Arizona Diamondbacks got some key at-bats from players with Seattle ties in capturing the opener of a three-game road series with the Mariners.

Now they are ready to show off a youngster they are counting on for a bright future.

Zack Godley makes his first road start after an impressive debut for the Diamondbacks, who seek a fourth straight win Tuesday night.

There's not much on the line in this series of clubs looking to the future, though Jake Lamb and Welington Castillo both had their own incentive in returns to Seattle in Monday's 4-3, 10-inning victory.

Lamb, a Seattle native who attended the University of Washington, delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 10th in his first game against the team he grew up rooting for.

'I was pretty nervous that first inning, but after that first (at-bat) I took some good pitches, got the walk and that kind of locked me in,' Lamb said. 'It slowed down and I was able to really enjoy the moment and that was awesome.'

Earlier in the contest, Castillo homered against the club that acquired him from the Chicago Cubs on May 19 before trading him to Arizona (47-51) on June 3 for Mark Trumbo. Trumbo went 3 for 4 against the club he spent all of last season with before being dealt.

Godley became the first pitcher since 1900 to throw at least six scoreless innings with no walks and strike out seven or more in his major league debut Thursday in an 8-3 win over Milwaukee. His seven strikeouts over six innings were the most in a big league debut for the Diamondbacks since Max Scherzer struck out that many in relief April 29, 2008.

"I love the intensity," manager Chip Hale said. "That's one of the things we liked about him. He fit right in and didn't seem to be bothered by anything."

The 25-year-old right-hander was previously at Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile, going 9-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 17 starts - 15 games.

Robinson Cano continued his surge for Seattle (46-54) as he went 2 for 3 with his 11th home run. The second baseman is batting .406 with three homers and eight RBIs in an eight-game hitting streak.

The Mariners trailed 3-0 after two innings before Mike Zunino's tying, two-out RBI single in the ninth. Zunino entered the contest with baseball's worst average among qualifying players at .179.

"We just couldn't get that one hit to put us over the hump but our guys battled back," manager Lloyd McClendon said.

Zunino will likely be the batterymate for starter Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1, 4.50), who allowed two runs with a season-high seven strikeouts in seven innings in Thursday's 3-2, 12-inning victory at Detroit. Iwakuma is 2-0 with a 3.16 ERA in four starts since being activated off the disabled list July 6.

The right-hander has made two relief appearances against the Diamondbacks. He is 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA in seven interleague starts, posting a 5.66 ERA at home compared to 1.33 on the road.

Arizona may want to start Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was activated Monday and is 4 for 5 against Iwakuma.

NL batting leader Paul Goldschmidt homered to extend his hitting streak to nine games with a .440 average and .615 on-base percentage. He drew three walks to bring his major league-high total to 82.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (43-57) at Giants (55-44)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 28, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

A favorable schedule is a big reason why the red-hot San Francisco Giants could be atop the NL West for the first time in two months.

The Giants attempt to again capitalize on the last-place Milwaukee Brewers and match their longest home winning streak of the season Tuesday night.

San Francisco (55-44) was 5 1/2 games behind division-leading Los Angeles on July 10. However, a 12-1 stretch has the deficit down to one-half game.

"We've been playing good baseball," Brandon Crawford said. "This is kind of what we were looking for."

The Giants last led the West on May 29 and the schedule is providing a chance to get back there. They're in a fifth straight series against an opponent with a losing record, and their seven consecutive victories over the Brewers (43-57) match their longest streak in the all-time series set from 2002-03.

San Francisco's 4-2 win over Milwaukee on Monday extended its home winning streak to seven games, one shy of its season high from April 21-May 5.

The Giants are averaging 6.2 runs and hitting .324 over the last 13 games with Buster Posey's .469 average leading the way.

Matt Duffy is hitting .414 in the last 13 and he doubled on of his three hits in the opener of this three-game set. He leads all rookies with a .307 average, and is 7 for 17 in six career matchups with the Brewers.

Crawford had a two-run shot Monday, and is 9 for 22 with three homers and six RBIs in the last six games.

San Francisco turns to Matt Cain (2-1, 4.09 ERA), who is starting to feel comfortable on the mound after being out a year recovering from elbow surgery and a forearm flexor strain.

The right-hander allowed one run with six strikeouts in six innings of a 7-1 win at San Diego on Wednesday. That came five days after he gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings of a 6-5 loss at Arizona.

"The biggest thing is to be getting back out there and having fun with it," Cain said. "Everything is coming back together, being able to throw with these guys after having such a long break."

He's 0-2 with a 3.15 ERA in his last three home starts against Milwaukee with the last meeting coming in 2013.

The Brewers are sending Wily Peralta (1-5, 4.00) to the mound for the first time since May 22, when a strained left oblique forced him to leave after four innings of an 11-0 win at Atlanta.

The right-hander allowed two runs with 12 strikeouts in 11 1-3 innings in three rehab starts.

"I finally feel 100 percent," Peralta told MLB's official website. "No pain, I don't feel anything. It's good to be back with the team."

Peralta gave up six runs and nine hits in three innings of a 13-2 loss at San Francisco on Aug. 29. He had won the two previous matchups by allowing one earned run in 13 innings.

He's allowed Crawford to go 3 for 9 with a homer off him.

It's unclear if Ryan Braun will be back in the lineup after he missed a game with lower back tightness. The All-Star slugger is a .346 hitter with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 19 career games in San Francisco, and he's 9 for 25 (.360) against Cain.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: AL West up for grabs
By JESSE SCHULE

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend major-league schedule:

AL West Up For Grabs

The Angels hold a slim one game lead on the Astros at the top of the AL West, and the two teams will play Game 1 of a three game series at Minutemaid Park on Tuesday.

Recent meetings between these two teams have seen a trend of low scoring games, with the total going under at a rate of 7-2-1 in the last 10.

The Astros have won nine of their last 10 in Houston, and their home record of 34-18 is tied with Kansas City for the best in the American League.

Cubs Killing Bettors In July

I've been saying it for months now, "The Cubs are the most overrated team in baseball".

Bettors learned that the hard way this weekend, as they were swept at home by the cellar dwelling Phillies. The average price to back the Cubs in those games was higher than -200. They've been listed as the favorite in 17 of their 22 games this month, winning only eight of those.

Something to think about before backing the Cubbies as a favorite.

Home Sweet Home

The Twins aren't getting a lot of love from bookmakers despite owning the fifth-best record in the American League.

Only two teams have a better home record than Minnesota, and the Twins will play their next six games at Target Field. The Colorado Rockies are the only team in the major leagues with a higher home batting average, and the Twins rank fourth in runs scored at home.

Pitching Notes

* Zack Greinke's scoreless innings streak ended at 45 2/3 innings with a loss to the Mets in a pitcher's duel at Citi Field. The right-hander still pitched a great game, allowing a pair of runs on just four hits over seven innings. He's still the only pitcher in the major leagues with an ERA below 2.00.

* Andrew Heaney is still perfect in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels. The 24-year-old southpaw moved to 5-0 with a win over Texas on Sunday. He's limited the opposition to two runs or less, going at least six innings in all six of his starts so far.

Hitting Notes

* Mike Trout went deep twice against Texas on Sunday, taking over the major league lead with 31 home runs so far this season. He's hitting an incredible .361 with a 11 home runs and 21 RBIs in the month of July. He might be set to cool off a little in Houston, where he's just 8-for-43 over the last two seasons.

* Mike Napoli has been struggling to stay above the Mendoza Line all year long, but the veteran has shown signs of life here lately. He's 10 for his last 25 with a home run and five RBIs. The Red Sox will be at home all week, and he should have a good chance to stay hot against the struggling Chicago White Sox.

Totals Streak

When you think of Safeco Field, you think of a notorious pitcher's park where runs are hard to come by. That certainly hasn't been the case lately, and on Sunday the Blue Jays and the Mariners combined to hit five home runs in a 6-5 extra-innings win for Seattle. That puts the over trend at Safeco at 12-2-2 over the last 16.

Weather Notes

* Pitchers could be aided by wind in Texas as forecasts are calling for find to blow in from right field at around 11 miles per hour when the Rangers host the Yankees Tuesday.

Injury Notes

* Freddie Freeman came of the DL this weekend, and he got the start on Sunday going 1-for-3 in a win over the Braves. He came of the bench on Saturday going 0-for-1.

* Jean Segura was scratched from Sunday's game with a sore throat, and he's listed as day to day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marlins' Latos 'could care less' about trade speculation
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

SAN DIEGO -- Did Mat Latos pitch his last game as a Miami Marlin on Sunday in the ballpark that was his first major league home?

Latos, who took the loss against the Padres, is the subject of considerable trade speculation given the fact that he is a free agent at the end of the season ... and that the Marlins might want to part ways with the 27-year-old right-hander.

Latos allowed three runs on six hits over six innings on Sunday. He is 4-7 on the season with a 4.48 ERA in 16 starts.

"I could care less," Latos said Sunday when asked about the trade speculation. "I don't pay attention to that stuff. I told (manager-general manager) Dan Jennings the same thing.

"I know this is all a business and they have to do what they feel they have to do to make the club better in the future. If I get traded, I get traded. But I will wait for the day that he calls me in.

"There are 24 guys in the clubhouse and I have to worry about when it is my fifth day. I owe it to them to be as focused as possible ... to go out and try to win a ballgame."

Sunday was Latos' fourth career start against the team that drafted him and brought him to the major leagues. Latos is 0-2 against the Padres despite a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hudson's days in San Francisco remain uncertain
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Hudson's days in San Francisco remain uncertain

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tim Hudson did nothing to solidify his position in the Giants' rotation, nor stop any of the trade rumors, when he scuffled through five innings in a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.

The 40-year-old did record career win No. 220, his first against the A's, but was probably one hit or walk in the fifth inning from being pulled before he would have qualified to get the memorable win, his first ever against Oakland.

For the second consecutive start since returning from the disabled list, Hudson recorded more hits allowed (seven) than innings pitched (five). He's now allowed six runs on 12 hits in nine innings in his last two starts.

The Giants wouldn't necessarily need Hudson should they make the postseason. They have four other starters -- left-hander Madison Bumgarner and righties Chris Heston, Matt Cain and Jake Peavy -- who are pitching better.

But the club's decision-makers don't appear to be convinced the Giants can get to the playoffs without five trustworthy starters. And at this point, Hudson might not fall into that category.

Hudson's next scheduled start is Saturday at Texas. That date happens to be Aug. 1 -- the day after the trade deadline.

Hudson remains in line to pitch that game. For now.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cubs release RHP Jackson
The Sports Xchange

The Chicago Cubs released right-hander Edwin Jackson on Monday, but they must still pay the approximately $15 million remaining on his four-year, $52 million contract.

Jackson was designated for assignment last week, and became a free agent when he was released. Jackson, 31, did not do much for the Cubs, but he might be able to sign with another club that needs some pitching help.

The Cubs used Jackson as a starter in 2013 and 2014, and he was just 14-33 with a 5.58 ERA in that role. He had more success as a reliever this season, going 2-1 with a 3.19 ERA in 23 appearances.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marlins backers profiting with Fernandez at home
Stephen Campbell

History shows Miami Marlins righty Jose Fernandez loves pitching in the friendly confines of Marlins Park.

The Fish are 19-3 in Fernandez's last 22 home starts. He's once again listed as the probable starter at home against Jordan Zimmermann and the Washington Nationals Tuesday.

Miami is presently in the -125 ballpark at sportsbooks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teheran, Braves cashing Overs on the road
Stephen Campbell

In Julio Teheran's last nine outings on the road, the Over is a perfect 9-0.

The Atlanta right-hander is the probable starter Tuesday when the Braves take on Ubaldo Jimenez and the Orioles in Maryland.

At the time of writing, the total for the game was off the board.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Interleague'

Toronto and Philadelphia open a mini two game interleague set at Rogers Center. Felix Doubront 1-0 with a 4.34 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance is expected to start for Toronto. The lefthander surrendering three runs on 7 hits over 4 2/3 innings last outing has been tagged for 10 runs the past two starts. Doubront will match pitches with lefty Adam Morgan carrying a 1-2 record, 4.28 ERA in five starts for Phillies. Morgan, like Doubront had a short outing last start spanked for 9 hits, 3 runs over 4 1/3 innings.

Blue Jays ridding a 5-0 streak, 8-2 stretch at home vs the Senior League along with enjoying success against Philadelphia winning all four meetings last season and defeating Phillies eight consecutive times have been pegged a whopping -$2.30 to -$2.60 favorites depending on locale.

John Gibbons' squad knows how to bounce back from a one-run exact defeat, like the one Jay's experienced in Seattle Sunday. The last 20 times the team has suffered a heartbreaker like that, they've come back to win the next game 12 times, including a sparkling 8-3 playing on home field. Blue Jays have also made a habit of opening a home series on the right foot (10-4) while a series-opener in enemy territory has not been kind for Phillies (5-11). Additionally, Blue Jays have won 8-of-12 at home vs a southpaw, Phillies are 4-9 vs a lefty on the road. Although, numbers add up well enough to conclude Blue Jays can overcome any short-fall that surround Doubront, backing Toronto at the price level is a risky proposition. A run line wager (-1.5, -$1.20) is the best option.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins July 28, 7:10 EST

History shows Jose Fernandez loves pitching in front of the friendly crowd at Marlins Park. In the righthander's 22 starts at the venue he is 14-0 with Miami 19-3 in those games. The dominance is reflected by the fact he's allowed an average 1.14 runs/game over the span with a 167-33 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He'll be on the bump Tuesday trading pitches with Nationals' Jordan Zimmermann.

Marlins have been given the nod opening -$1.25 home favorite.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Love the trade over the weekend in Kansas City landing Reds ace Johnny Cueto for three prospects. You don't get many chances to win a World Series as a small-market club, and the Royals haven't since 1985. Now they have a No. 1 to open any playoff series. Cueto is a better pitcher than last year's Royals ace, James Shields, was. The Royals' starters are last in the AL in innings per start, so Cueto's average start of 6.9 innings will help get to Kansas City's stellar trio of relievers, Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland. It's all about shortening the game for the Royals. Kansas City is now a +270 favorite at 5Dimes to win the AL pennant again. That deal should really kick-start things. The Reds are going to keep selling players. Someone is probably going to get Philadelphia's Cole Hamels, who threw a no-hitter at Wrigley Field on Saturday.


White Sox at Red Sox (-115, 8.5)

Maybe the Pale Hose won't deal Jeff Samardzija after all. They entered Monday having won four straight and are just five games out of the second wild-card spot. He makes potentially his final start in a Chicago uniform on Tuesday in Boston. Samardzija (7-5, 3.91) carries a streak of nine straight starts in which he has worked at least seven innings. He held the Indians to a run on four hits over eight innings last time out. Hanley Ramirez is 8-for-19 with two doubles and two RBIs off him. Pablo Sandoval is 3-for-7 with a homer. It's lefty Wade Miley (8-8, 4.33) for Boston. He held the Astros to a run on four hits over six innings last time out, but Boston lost his third straight start. Adam LaRoche is 0-for-8 against him. Jose Abreu is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Key trends: The White Sox are 2-6 in their past eight against left-handers. They are 5-2 in Samardzija's past seven vs. teams with a losing record. Boston is 5-1 in Miley's past six at home. The "over/under" has gone over is four of in Samardzija's past five on the road. The under is 6-2 in Miley's past eight vs. teams with losing record.

Early lean: White Sox and under.


Nationals at Marlins (-125, 6.5)

Miami's Jose Fernandez (3-0, 2.77) hasn't much missed a beat since returning from Tommy John surgery. He struck out 11 Diamondbacks last time out. And if you are betting against him while pitching at home, you just aren't paying attention. He is an amazing 14-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 22 career starts at Marlins Park. Washington's Bryce Harper is 2-for-4 with two strikeouts off him. Ian Desmond is 0-for-9 with seven strikeouts. Washington's Jordan Zimmermann (8-5, 3.30) hasn't lost since June 17. He is 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts against the Marlins this season. Martin Prado, who is on the trade block, is 9-for-23 with three doubles and two RBIs off him. Dee Gordon is just 3-for-15.

Key trends: The Nats are 12-2 in Zimmermann's past 14 on Tuesday. The Marlins are 4-0 in Fernandez's past four against teams with a winning record. The over is 9-2 in Zimmermann's past 11 series openers. The over is 8-0 in Fernandez's past eight at home vs. teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Marlins and under.


Tigers at Rays (+103, 6.5)

Rather fitting that potentially the final start for David Price in a Tigers uniform could be in his return to Tampa Bay (9-3, 2.31). The left-hander has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts, including Thursday's extra-inning loss to Seattle where he allowed two runs over eight innings. David DeJesus is 4-for-10 with a double off him. Asdrubal Cabrera is 3-for-15. Evan Longoria is 0-for-3. It's Jake Odorizzi (5-6, 2.85) for Tampa. He allowed two runs over five innings last time out at Philadelphia. He has failed to last six innings in four starts since returning from injury. Victor Martinez is 1-for-2 with a double off him. Yoenis Cespedes is 1-for-6 with three strikeouts.

Key trends: The Tigers are 1-6 in Price's past seven vs. the AL East. The Rays are 11-2 in their past 13 vs. lefties. They are 0-7 in their past seven vs. the AL Central. The under is 10-2 in Odorizzi's past 12 overall.

Early lean: Tigers and under.


Reds at Cardinals (-157, 7)

Left-hander Jaime Garcia (3-3, 1.69) returns to the Cardinals rotation on Tuesday. He has been out since late June with a groin strain and had only one rehab start in the minors -- he threw five hitless innings in it. The Cardinals also made a trade over the weekend, acquiring reliever Steve Cishek from the Marlins. The Reds go with Mike Leake (8-5, 3.78), and I'm confident in staying he will be in a different uniform by Friday night. He has been very good of late, allowing two combined runs over 22 innings in his past three outings. He pitched in St. Louis on April 19 and allowed two runs over eight innings. Matt Holliday is 15-for-39 with a homer and seven RBIs off him. Jhonny Peralta is just 2-for-17 with six strikeouts.

Key trends: The Reds are 1-9 in Leake's past 10 road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Cards are 5-1 in Garcia's past six on Tuesday. The under is 8-2 in his past 10 overall.

Early lean: Cardinals and over.


A's at Dodgers (-119, 7)

Ace Sonny Gray goes here for Oakland. Gray (10-4, 2.30) is second in the AL in ERA. He allowed two runs and nine hits over seven innings last time out against Toronto. Gray got a no-decision as there was a blown save in the ninth inning. He has never faced the Dodgers. L.A. second baseman Howie Kendrick knows Gray from his Angels days and Kendrick is 5-for-14 off him. It's former Athletic lefty Brett Anderson (5-5, 3.33) for the Dodgers. He lasted only 2.2 innings last time out, leaving with an Achilles' injury vs. Atlanta. So if I'm the A's, I'm bunting all day on this guy because he's probably not going to be moving well. Only a couple of A's have faced him. Ben Zobrist, another guy who is a lock to be dealt, is 3-for-5 with two RBIs.

Key trends: The A's are 5-0 in Gray's past five road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Dodgers are 7-3 in Anderson's past 10 at home. The over is 5-1 in Anderson's past six series openers.

Early lean: A's and under.