Tuesday 8/16/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (65-52) at Orioles (66-51)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 16, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles are finally returning home Tuesday, but they'll have to face the Boston Red Sox in the first game of an important two-game American League East series at Camden Yards.

Baltimore returns to town after going 5-5 on a long, three-city, 10-game trip that took the team to series against the White Sox, A's and Giants.

The Orioles (66-51) ended the trip with a stunning 8-7 victory over San Francisco on Sunday, rallying from an early six-run deficit to win in the ninth on Jonathan Schoop's two-out, three-run homer.

The Orioles have an American League-best 39-17 home record, and 11 of their final 16 games this month are in Baltimore, something they'll likely look forward to.

Baltimore had an off-day Monday after the long trip, and manager Buck Showalter said the team could need a few days to become re-settled to life back at home.

"It'll take two or three days for guys to get back acclimated to the time zone, but Boston's not going to feel sorry for us," Showalter said in the Baltimore Sun. "They're trying to accomplish the same thing we are. But we knew it was going to be a challenging road trip, and guys competed all the way through it, and we're still engaged in a competition. We haven't heard friendly voices in quite a while."

The Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are tied for first in the American League East, with Boston one game back in third.

Boston (65-52) is coming off of a 3-2 victory in a make-up game at Cleveland Monday.

Yovani Gallardo (4-4, 5.17 ERA) will start for the Orioles versus Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.43) in Tuesday's 7:05 p.m. game. Gallardo has found more success recently and suffered a hard-luck loss in Oakland in his last start, throwing well but losing 1-0 last Wednesday.

Rodriguez, a former Oriole prospect, has pitched much better lately but still is winless in his last five starts. The left-hander gave up one run on just three hits in seven innings last Thursday against the Yankees but came away with a no-decision.

The Red Sox are going to the second city of an 11-game road trip. They'll head to Detroit and Tampa Bay after Baltimore and are aware of what these games mean.

"It's definitely really important," Boston outfielder Mookie Betts said. "We're playing against some division guys and somebody we're in a race with, so it's going to be tough. They're really good teams, but we're a good team, too."

The Red Sox, like the Orioles and Blue Jays, have gone on a number of good runs this season. Boston appears to be on one again, having won four straight games to stay in the three-team battle for the American League East lead.

In Monday's win over Cleveland, retiring slugger David Ortiz crushed a long home run that helped the Red Sox to another crucial victory.

"Every win matters," Ortiz said on MLB.com. "We are in August right now, and we have to go for it. Any game you win, that's what matters to us."

On Monday, the Red Sox called up infielders Marco Hernandez and Deven Marrero along with pitcher Heath Hembree. They also had put right-hander Steven Wright on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 8, due to a shoulder strain. First baseman Hanley Ramirez got placed on the bereavement list on Monday.

The day before, Boston sent pitcher Roenis Elias back to Triple-A Pawtucket.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (62-56) at Reds (48-69)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 16, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- Don Mattingly doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for the Miami Marlins. Yes, the Marlins are likely to be without Home Run Derby champion Giancarlos Stanton for the rest of the season after the slugger suffered a Grade 3 groin strain this past weekend, but that doesn't mean hopes for the franchise's first postseason berth since the World Series championship season of 2003 are kaput.

The Marlins are 2-0 without Stanton and will be seeking to make it three in a row (and four games straight overall) when they face former teammate Anthony DeSclafani Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Reds acquired DeSclafani in a December 2014 trade that sent pitcher Mat Latos to the Marlins.

DeSclafani won his first six decisions after starting the season on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. He suffered his first loss of the season in his last outing when he gave up three runs on six hits in five innings in a 3-2 loss at St. Louis. He's walked five batters in his last 11 innings after walking just seven in his previous 52 2/3 innings.

"I'm in the midst of trying to get a better feel and get back on a better roll," said DeSclafani. "I've been walking some guys and I'm trying to get back to filling up the strike zone and throwing better quality pitches. I feel as if I haven't done that as of late."

DeSclafani has faced the Marlins once since the trade, taking the loss in a 5-0 defeat at GABP last season. He allowed three runs on four hits in five innings in that game.

Mattingly announced late Monday night that right-hander Jose Urena will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to start Tuesday against the Reds. Urena is 1-3 in 19 appearances (three starts) for the Marlins this season. The loss of Adam Conley to the disabled list has left a spot open in the Marlins' rotation.

Mattingly said he has faith in the team as it is made up now even without Stanton, who has 25 home runs and 70 RBIs. The Marlins are tied with St. Louis for the second National League wild-card spot.

"You just want to move forward with your club because you don't have time to look back and go 'Ohhhh, we're not going to be as good,' " said Mattingly. "I don't say this in a negative way about Giancarlo because in the past I think when you'd read about the Marlins it was Giancarlo and all of these little guys with him. Now, we've got a lot of good players here. It's really an insult to the rest of them to think we can't do anything without Giancarlo."

Left fielder Christian Yelich and third baseman Martin Prado each have 40 multi-hit games to lead the team. Prado has driven in 20 runs since July 27. Center fielder Marcell Ozuna has been struggling over his last 15 games (9-for-55) but he has doubled and homered in the last two games after going 11 straight games without an extra-base hit.

"It's not too much pressure because we know we have the ability to play this game," said Ozuna. "We have a lot of young guys here, a lot of guys with talent and we have fun out there. That's the most important part to winning more games."

The Reds sat shortstop Zack Cozart and second baseman Brandon Phillips in Monday's (6-3) loss to the Marlins. For Cozart, who did pinch hit in the ninth inning and drew a walk, it was a scheduled day off but Phillips was dealing with a knee contusion suffered on a recent road trip.

Center fielder Billy Hamilton was banged up against the Marlins Monday night. He twice ran into the wall in the outfield; he took extra bases away from Ozuna in the first inning but couldn't come down with a ball off of Prado's bat in the third, a hit that went for a triple. Hamilton left the game with a knee contusion.

Phillips and Hamilton will be re-evaluated Tuesday.

"Billy has a contusion. He ran into the wall twice," said Reds manager Bryan Price. "Basically, the entire side of his body from his shoulder to his knee is a contusion. The knee was more prominent."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (58-60) at Tigers (63-55)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 16, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- Justin Verlander habitually gives the Kansas City Royals fits. Danny Duffy has done that to everyone over the past three months.

Their matchup at Comerica Park on Tuesday, when the Detroit Tigers play host to the Royals, has all the makings of a stellar pitching duel.

Verlander (12-6, 3.42 ERA) has re-established himself as the Tigers' ace, and he enters his 25th start of the season in top form. He has recorded six consecutive quality outings, including a seven-inning performance at Seattle on Wednesday when he held the Mariners to one run.

Matched against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez that night, Verlander wound up with a no-decision. Verlander, who hasn't lost since June 26 against the Cleveland Indians, could face a similar situation on Tuesday.

"Most pitchers, when their counterpart is well-known or one of the better pitchers in the league, it gives you a little more adrenaline," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said. "I think that probably happened when Verlander and Felix pitched against each other."

Verlander ranks second in the America League in strikeouts with 170 and fourth in opponents' batting average at .216.

The Royals know all too well how effective Verlander can be. He has 22 career wins against them, the most by an active pitcher. He also won both of his starts against Kansas City this season while notching 17 strikeouts.

Duffy isn't focused on the pitching matchup.

"It's fun competing against those guys in general," Duffy said. "I don't look at who I'm going up against because I don't have to get him out."

Duffy (9-1, 2.82 ERA) was moved into the rotation on May 15 and has emerged as the Royals' most reliable arm. He is 9-1 with a 2.79 ERA as a starter, including his current eight-game winning streak. He recorded his first career complete game in his last start against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

"I've been really simplified with everything. It sounds super boring, but that's just kind of where I'm at," he said. "Trust is crucial. Trusting your stuff and trusting who's behind you. I have all of that. I trust my stuff, and I trust my boys."

Duffy is 4-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 16 career outings against Detroit, including four appearances this season.

"He's always had great stuff, and he seems to have pitched well against us for the most part," Ausmus said. "The big thing is he's really throwing strikes now. He's always had a real good fastball, but he's throwing strikes and he's become what a lot of people thought he would be, a dominant left-handed starter."

Ausmus' club has been hit hard by injuries recently, and another one cropped up to a premier player on Monday. First baseman Miguel Cabrera left the Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Royals prior to the fifth inning with a left biceps strain. He was injured reaching for an errant throw by starting pitcher Daniel Norris in the first inning.

Ausmus considers the injury minor and said Cabrera might even return to the lineup for Tuesday night's game. Detroit already has three starting position players on the disabled list -- center fielder Cameron Maybin, third baseman Nick Castellanos and shortstop Jose Iglesias.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (56-61) at Indians (67-49)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 16, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- Each team will run out their ace Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox visit Progressive Field for the first game of a three-game series with the American League Central Division-leading Cleveland Indians.

Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21) will start for the Indians while Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85) will start for the White Sox.

Kluber hasn't lost a game since July 3. In six starts since then, he is 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA, while holding opposing hitters to a .200 batting average. In 13 career starts vs. the White Sox, Kluber is 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA. His last start against Chicago was on May 25 of this year when he gave up one earned run on seven hits with nine strikeouts and one walk in a 4-3 Indians victory.

Quintana is 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his last seven starts. In 16 career appearances vs. Cleveland, 14 of them starts, he is 5-2 with a 2.68 ERA. In six career starts at Progressive Field he is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA.

The White Sox are in fourth place in the AL Central, 11 1/2 games behind the division-leading Indians. So the Sox, to a certain degree, are already looking ahead to next year. Whether manager Robin Ventura is part of that future remains to be seen.

Ventura is in the final year of his contract. In his five years as manager, the White Sox are 353-412. The Sox were 85-77 in 2012, Ventura's first year on the job, and the only year he's had a winning record.

Ventura is not spending a lot of time worrying about his future with the team.

"The focus is on these guys and winning games," Ventura told MLB.com. "There's plenty of time to look at it in the offseason. I've never felt like there is a reason for either side to have to do something just because I don't have a contract next year. It doesn't mean I won't have one and it doesn't mean I will have one. You just go through it and do what you're supposed to do, and this is what I'm supposed to do right now."

Indians manager Terry Francona has no worries regarding his job security. The Indians are in first place in their division and seemingly headed for the postseason for the second time in Francona's four years as manager. He is signed through the 2018 season, with club options for the 2019 and 2020 season.

Of more immediate concern for Francona is keeping the Indians rolling toward a division title. On Monday, All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Brantley only appeared in 11 games this year due to a series of setbacks in his rehab from surgery on the shoulder last November.

The Indians had been hoping that Brantley would eventually return to the lineup this season. That's not going to happen now, but Francona is not pushing the panic button.

"We've basically played the whole year without him, so we just need to keep playing like always," Francona said.

The Indians have lost some star power without Brantley, but the offense has been remarkably productive, despite the loss of its best all-around hitter. The Indians are second in the league in runs scored.

That should be enough to support one of the top starting rotations in the majors. As for Brantley, there's always next year.

"He'll come back and find a way to be as good as ever," Francona said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (47-71) at Braves (44-74)

Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 16, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Minnesota Twins right-hander Ervin Santana threw a complete game in the first interleague start against his former team. The veteran pitcher and the Twins are hoping for better fortune against the Atlanta Braves this time, though.

Santana, who lost a 2-0 decision to Atlanta in Minnesota on July 26, will take the mound again Tuesday night in the opener of a two-game set at Turner Field.

The Braves won both games at Target Field, following the victory over Santana by winning 9-7 the next night.

Santana was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA for Atlanta in 2014 before signing with the Twins as a free agent. The 33-year-old is 5-9 this year, but has a 3.62 ERA and hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his past nine starts.

Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia homered in the second inning against Santana in Minnesota and that run was enough to beat him as the Twins managed just five hits off five Atlanta pitchers.

Despite the two victories in Minnesota, the Braves still trail the Twins in the race to escape the worst record in the majors. Atlanta is 44-74 at the bottom of the National League, while Minnesota is an American League-worst 47-71.

Both teams have played better the last few weeks, although each is coming off a lopsided loss. The Twins fell 11-4 to Kansas City on Sunday to complete a 2-5 homestand, while the Braves lost 9-1 at Washington to finish a 5-5 road trip that started 4-1.

"One of the more difficult games to watch us play on the defensive side," said Twins manager Paul Molitor, whose team committed four errors. "Aesthetically, not very pretty at all. We had a chance to make a lot of plays and we didn't make very many of them."

Braves rookie Tyrell Jenkins continued to struggle with his control against the Nationals, walking three while allowing seven runs in 4 2/3 innings.

"You can't put extra guys on base or it'll bite you, and it did," Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. "It would have been nice to win this, take the series and have a winning road trip."

Joel De La Cruz, who is 0-5 with a 4.09 ERA, will try to make the Twins earn their way on as he makes his sixth start for the Braves in the opener against the Twins. He was hit on the right knee by a line drive in his most recent start, but hasn't had further issues.

The right-hander will have to be careful with Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, who hit three homers against the Royals over the weekend and has 17 since June 26 to lead the majors.

Twins third baseman Miguel Sano, limited to designated hitter last week because of a sore right elbow, had an MRI exam on Monday. He underwent Tommy John surgery on the elbow in 2014.

The Twins have gone 22-17 since July 2, leading the majors in runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, batting average and on-base percentage during the stretch.

Minnesota hit a speed bump, though, against Houston and Kansas City.

"Not a good game, not a good homestand," Molitor said. "We come home 5-2 and things kind of turned in the middle of the week. ... We have a lot of people that have a lot to play for here. There's a lot of things up in the air. I hope they understand that."

The Braves are 26-28 since June 15 and 11-8 since July 26 as first baseman Freddie Freeman and center fielder Ender Inciarte have gone on hot streaks at the plate.

Freeman is 13-for-28 with five home runs in the past nine games, while Inciarte has hit .354 and reached base safely in 25 consecutive games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (50-68) at Rays (48-69)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 16, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- One day after Wil Myers returned to face the Rays, another former Tampa Bay player will oppose his former team Tuesday.

San Diego Padres right-hander Edwin Jackson, who made headlines for and against the Rays, will oppose Tampa Bay left-hander Blake Snell in the middle game of a three-game series at Tropicana Field.

Jackson pitched for Tampa Bay from 2006-08, then threw an unusual no-hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Rays on June 25, 2010. He somehow walked eight batters in a 149-pitch gem.

The 32-year-old veteran opened this season as a reliever with the Marlins (0-1, 5.91 ERA in eight outings), but he has fared well since joining the Padres (3-1, 3.62 ERA in five starts). His last outing saw him scatter two hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out seven in a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

For his career, Jackson is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in his career against the Tampa Bay.

While Jackson has appeared with 11 major league teams, Snell has made just 11 major league starts. The rookie is 3-5 with a 3.18 ERA and coming off his worst outing of the season, when he lasted only 1 2/3 innings and gave up five runs (two earned) in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Snell has 58 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings, for the best rate in the American League among rookie pitchers with 50 or more innings. His only previous interleague outing was a strong one, when he struck out nine and held the Rockies to one hit in six scoreless innings at Colorado on July 19.

"There's been a lot of impressive things about Blake Snell," Rays manager Kevin Cash told MLB.com. "His confidence, not to be confused with cockiness -- the confidence and the way he feels he can go out there and compete has been so impressive. The way he acted right after that game is pretty impressive. ... I know he's itching to get back out there."

The Rays have had improved starting pitching since the All-Star break, with Monday's starter, Drew Smyly, improving to 3-0 in his past five starts with a 2.25 ERA. He has more wins in those five starts than in his first 18 this season. On Monday, he used a deceptive mix of pitches to leave the Padres' hitters guessing.

The Rays are 14-15 since the All-Star break, recovering from a terrible month entering the break, and improved starting pitching has been a big part of the turnaround.

Snell is just coming into his rhythm as a young starting pitcher, but Smyly said the staff as a whole has built a positive momentum in the past month, one it hopes to continue through the final six weeks of the season.

"You have to go out there and believe, to execute pitches and expect good results to come," Smyly said. "I don't know if it's luck, but everything evens out over the course of the season."

After giving up three runs in the first two innings Monday, the Padres are looking for a quicker start Tuesday.

"We just didn't play that well, didn't come out with the intensity we should have early in the game," said Myers, who went 1-for-4. "I think we need to do a little better job, me especially -- the whole team needs to do a better job early in the games, because we've been fighting late. But those first few at-bats early in the game are just as important. That's one thing we need to do going forward, making sure we have more intensity early in the games."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (52-67) at Rangers (70-50)

Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 16, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers could use a Ryan Dull-like impact from newly acquired Lucas Harrell Tuesday when the Rangers face Oakland.

Dull is the Oakland right-hander who has come out of nowhere to become one of the best relievers in the American League this year.

Harrell isn't in the bullpen, but Texas needs Harrell (1-0) to pitch like the guy who came out of nowhere after playing in Korea last year to become a commodity Atlanta was able to deal to Texas last month.

So far, the results haven't been good as Harrell has a 5.74 ERA in his three starts with Texas and is coming off a start in which he allowed six runs in six innings of work. Harrell has pitched just 15 2/3 innings in his three starts and knows he's got to get things going Tuesday against Oakland.

Texas has two starters on the mend in Colby Lewis and Derek Holland so it's imperative the turnaround for Harrell starts soon.

"There's no pressure on me," Harrell said. "When you've got a team this good, you just go out there and keep the game close. I've never really felt like I've put pressure on myself or anything. I know what I can do and if I go out there and execute everything will take care of itself."

Harrell spent part of his time in his Sunday bullpen session working on his mechanics with pitching coach Doug Brocail. The focus was staying back with his hips through his delivery. Harrell said when he doesn't do that, the ball comes out of his hand flat. That could one of the reasons he's allowed 18 hits in his time with Texas.

Dull hasn't had any issues with his mechanics or anything else this season with the Athletics. After posting a 4.24 ERA in his 17 innings of work last year with Oakland, he's exceeded all expectations in his rookie year.

In 54 appearances, Dull has a 2.15 ERA in 58 2/3 innings of work and 58 strikeouts. He's been even better as the season has gone on, as he's allowed just five earned runs in his last 35 1/3 innings of work and opponents are hitting just .138 against in his last 35 games.

Dull may be a victim of his own success though. He pitched just 78 innings last year, which was a career high. As he gets close to that number this year, the A's may opt to dial his innings back to keep the 26-year-old healthy.

With the A's 1 1/2 games behind the Rangers after Monday's 5-2 loss, that's certainly a consideration.

"It's tough not to use him in certain situations, but I'm probably going to stay away from him, not to tip my hand here, but games that we're behind in," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's gotten a little bit of a break here recently with a couple of days off, but I know at one point I think he was second in the league in appearances, but maybe down to fifth or sixth right now (sixth). I think there has been a significant workload."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (62-56) at Astros (61-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: August 16, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- While two games won't be enough for either the St. Louis Cardinals or Houston Astros to establish the momentum that has eluded both over the past month, their brief interleague series at Minute Maid Park could at least serve as a potential ignition.

The Cardinals (62-56) claimed the final two games of their four-game set with the Cubs in Chicago over the weekend, closing that series where they began it relative to their position in the National League Central -- 12 games back of the Cubs. St. Louis last won three consecutive games July 27-29 (the finale against the New York Mets and the first two games of its series in Miami) and is 16-14 since the All-Star Game break.

Left-hander Jaime Garcia (9-8, 3.93 ERA) will get the start for St. Louis on Tuesday night. He lost to the Astros on June 14 at Busch Stadium, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings in a 5-2 setback. The Cardinals lost 4-1 the following day as Houston completed the sweep.

Garcia is 2-6 with a 6.15 ERA in his career against the Astros. His 10 starts against Houston are his most against an opponent outside the NL Central.

St. Louis will be without left-handed reliever Kevin Siegrist, who departed in the eighth inning on Sunday with arm soreness. Siegrist has been plagued with a dead arm since returning from the disabled list last month and was removed after shaking his arm while on the mound Sunday in Chicago.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny is hopeful that Siegrist can rebound over the next week, with St. Louis facing three scheduled off-days during that stretch.

Siegrist led the majors with 81 appearances last season, finishing 7-1 with a 2.17 ERA. He is 5-2 with a 2.92 ERA in 50 appearances this season.

"It wasn't worth (continuing) at that point," Siegrist said to MLB.com. "I was shaking my arm out a little bit, really trying to get it going. It's been hard coming back from being on the DL and trying to get my arm back in shape. I kind of went through a little dead arm-type feeling, and it's been hit or miss."

The Astros (61-57) are dealing with bullpen issues as well. Closer Ken Giles spent the weekend on the paternity list while right-hander Luke Gregerson returned from the 15-day disabled list (left oblique) and allowed a solo home run in the seventh inning of a 9-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Houston also relied on rookie right-handers James Hoyt and Jandel Gustave in the setback.

"We'll continue to grind through it," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com. "We'll have our full bullpen back by Tuesday. That'll be a nice return."

Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56 ERA) will make his second career start against the Cardinals. He is 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA in two prior appearances (one start).

The Astros are 13-16 since the All-Star break with three three-game losing skids during that stretch. They dropped the final two games of their series in Toronto and are in the midst of 14 road games during a 16-game stretch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (70-47) at Rockies (56-63)

Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: August 16, 2016 8:40 PM EDT

DENVER -- Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu gets little national recognition, despite having won a Gold Glove in 2014 and starting for the National League All-Star team the following year.

LeMahieu had his third four-hit game of the season and the fourth of his career Monday night in a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. He's hitting .337 with a .410 on-base percentage and moved into second place in the race for the NL batting title.

When the series continues Tuesday, LeMahieu will try to make up ground on Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy, who went 1-for-4 on Monday and leads the league with a .347 average. He lost one point on his average Monday, while LeMahieu added six points to his.

"He's a really good player," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He gets on base. He has one of the highest averages in the league. He's had a great year, and he's worked real hard to turn himself into this kind of player."

LeMahieu has a career-high eight homers among his career-high 38 extra-base hits and has scored 76 runs and driven in 43. He has nearly as many walks (52) as strikeouts (62) and is hitting .288 (62-for-215) on the road and .390 (78-for-200) at Coors Field.

"He uses the whole field," Weiss said. "Those are the guys that typically you think of as a guy who can win a batting title."

The Rockies have lost four straight games and 10 of their past 12 and at 56-63 have slipped seven games below .500 for the first time since July 21. Chad Bettis will start Tuesday for the Colorado Rockies, which might be a good omen. The Rockies have lost just one of the past six games he has started and are 15-9 when he takes the mound. The Rockies are 10-2 in his past 12 starts with Bettis going 6-1 with a 4.96 ERA in those games.

This will be Bettis' first start and second career appearance against Washington.

Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who will oppose Bettis, is 8-9 with a 4.24 ERA. In his last start Wednesday against Cleveland, Gonzalez allowed four runs in five innings but earned the victory in Washington's 7-4 win. Gonzalez is 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA in his past seven starts, limiting opposing hitters to a .221 batting average and a .684 OPS in that span.

Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the Rockies and 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in one career start at Coors Field.

Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth, who had a day off Sunday, went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a walk in Monday's win. He has reached base in 43 consecutive games, tying Ryan Zimmerman for the Nationals' longest on-base streak. Zimmerman reached base safely in 43 straight games from April 8-May 25, 2009.

During his current streak, Werth is batting .263 (40-for-152) with 31 walks and a .384 on-base percentage.

"It's a product of my approach," Werth said of his on-base streak. "And my approach has been pretty solid now since the early part of June or late May, somewhere in there. I got away from it at the beginning of the season. My focus has always been to get on base. If you get on base, good things can happen to you."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (59-59) at Diamondbacks (49-69)

Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 16, 2016 9:40 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks will attempt to continue their domination of the New York Mets when the teams meet against Tuesday at Chase Field.

Arizona has won the first four games of the season series after posting a 10-6 victory Monday, the first game of a three-game set at home.

The Diamondbacks swept the Mets in Citi Field last Tuesday-Thursday, outscoring them 17-5. The D-backs have trailed in only one of the 36 innings played, that when the Mets scored in the first inning of the first game last Tuesday.

The D-backs opened the game with the highest ERA (5.09) in the majors, but you cannot tell it by the way they have pitched against the Mets.

"They have a good offensive team, and you have to pitch against them," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Some of the ERAs, people have hit them. We haven't been hitting. We've had a tough time scoring.

"With our pitching, when you score six runs you should win the game. We let them get ahead, and we couldn't stop them."

Arizona rookie right-hander Braden Shipley (2-1) finished off the sweep in New York last week with seven scoreless innings in a 9-0 victory in his fourth major league start. He will make his fifth Tuesday.

Shipley has given up two runs in 19 innings in his last three starts, all quality starts, and against the Mets became the second pitcher in franchise history with an RBI and a stolen base in the same game.

Right-hander Noah Syndergard (9-7) will oppose Shipley, the same matchup as last Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks scored three runs and had four stolen bases in five innings off Syndergaard in the last meeting. They had 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts in the three-game series, and they had two more stolen bases Monday. Syndergaard has given up a major league-high 36 stolen bases. Opponents have been thrown out four times.

Arizona had nine extra-base hits -- seven doubles, a triple and a home run -- in their outburst against Bartolo Colon on Monday, turning things around after being outscored 31-9 while losing a three-game series at Boston over the weekend.

"Offense was outstanding," Arizona manager Chip Hale said. "They kept coming. It's something we talked about in spring training and it was great to see."

Welington Castillo provided some needed pop in his return, tying a career high with four hits and getting two doubles after missing six games last week when his wife delivered their second child. Because of some since-resolved complications, Castillo stayed with his family instead of going to Boston last weekend.

"My mind felt free," Castillo said. "I have the baby at home, my wife too. They're both healthy so I'm just here to do what I love to do. You worry about your wife, is anything bad going to happen? The baby was too big. Now I'm (good) and I'm going to do everything I can do to help my team win."

Arizona manager Chip Hale called Castillo's performance "pretty impressive.

"It's tough to miss a whole road trip and have all the stress you have with the wife and the baby and to come back and get those hits was great," he added.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (63-54) at Angels (49-69)

Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 16, 2016 10:05 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Left-hander Ariel Miranda will make an emergency start for the Seattle Mariners when they face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.

Miranda replaces fellow left-hander James Paxton, the originally scheduled starter. Paxton continues to feel pain after being hit on the left elbow Aug. 7.

Once a line drive from the bat of the Angels' Andrelton Simmons hit him, Paxton fell to the ground while grabbing his elbow in pain and immediately left the game. X-rays revealed no broken bones and Paxton was diagnosed with a contusion.

After being examined Aug. 8, the left-hander threw a bullpen session before Saturday night's game in Oakland and played catch before Sunday's series finale. But Paxton felt discomfort in his left arm Monday, so manager Scott Servais decided to replace Paxton with Miranda after talking with trainer Rick Griffin and his staff.

"We're going to do the right thing and give him a little more time," Servais told MLB.com. "He wants to go. He wants to take the ball. But we've got to do the right thing here. He threw his bullpen the other day at about 75 percent, but just listening to him and talking to Rick, we think it's the right thing to give him a few more days and see where he's at."

Paxton will not pitch in Anaheim and might be placed on the disabled list.

"He had swelling in the elbow and it's moved into his forearm, which is very natural," Servais told MLB.com. "That's where the blood usually goes. We want to make sure he has no reservations about taking the ball and going out there and being able to compete at close to 100 percent."

Miranda made one start for the Mariners since being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Wade Miley on July 31. The Cuban left-hander allowed two runs, one walk and eight hits in six innings while collecting five strikeouts Aug. 4 against the Boston Red Sox. Five days later, Miranda earned his first major league victory when he pitched one inning of relief in a 6-5 win in 15 innings over the Detroit Tigers.

The Angels will counter with right-hander Jhoulys Chacin, who has lost his past four decisions, including his last one Thursday night. Chacin gave up seven runs, six hits and three walks in just 1 1/3 innings as the Cleveland Indians bombed the Angels, 14-4.

"I wasn't throwing strikes," Chacin told the Orange County Register afterward. "I wasn't getting ahead of the count. When I was coming to the plate, they were ready. I couldn't make good pitches to get out of the innings. It's really disappointing I couldn't at least go farther in the game."

That game was Chacin's first start since July 1. The right-hander went 2-5 with a 6.11 earned-run average in 10 starts after being acquired from the Atlanta Braves on May 11. But in eight relief appearances covering 17 2/3 innings, Chacin permitted just five runs, 11 hits and five walks while amassing 20 strikeouts.

As a starter, however, opposing hitters are batting .304 against Chacin.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (60-56) at Giants (66-52)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 16, 2016 10:15 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO -- Jeff Samardzija hopes to relive his glory days against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he faces his old National League Central rival for the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night.

The former Chicago Cubs ace was once known as a "Pirate killer," having won his first four career decisions against them in dominating fashion.

Samardzija allowed only five runs in his first 41 1/3 innings (1.09 ERA) against the Pirates.

But the right-hander's most recent 45 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh have been a different story, one he'd like to rewrite. The Pirates have scorched him for 22 runs over that stretch (4.34 ERA), evening their career record against Samardzija at 4-4.

These days, the 31-year-old is seen as a guy who hasn't beaten the Pirates since 2013.

That's the same year Tuesday's starter for the Pirates, right-hander Jameson Taillon, was pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic at age 21 with no major league experience.

Now two years removed from Tommy John surgery, the rookie has been unleashed by the Pirates, and the results have been impressive.

After two months in which he was allowed to pitch into the seventh inning just once, Taillon has gone over 100 pitches for the first two times in his career in 3-2 and 4-0 wins over the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres in his last two starts.

The former No. 2 overall pick of the 2010 draft has limited the Reds and Padres to a total of one run and nine hits over 14 innings.

"Incrementally, he's just working to get a little bit better," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle assessed after the San Diego game last week. "He's a good student of the game."

Taillon has never faced the Giants.

The club he'll see Tuesday has been hitting well the last two days, but with no win to show for it.

After the Giants blew a 7-1 lead in an 8-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, they pounded out 12 hits on Monday night, only to lose 8-5 to old pal Ryan Vogelsong and the Pirates.

The Giants have had backup Trevor Brown behind the plate in both those games, with Buster Posey nursing a sore lower back.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy hopes to have his All-Star back for Tuesday's contest.

"It's better," Bochy reported of Posey's back before Monday's game. "But we think we're better off giving him another day and getting this cleared up so it doesn't linger."

Left fielder Angel Pagan has been the Giants' offensive leader of late. He extended his hitting streak to 13 games in Monday's loss, using a double to keep the streak alive for the third consecutive day.

He went 2-for-5 in the game, raising his average at home this season to .327 (52-for-159).

The Pirates got left fielder Starling Marte back from a back ailment similar to Posey's on Monday night and he contributed both offensively and defensively to the win.

Marte had a single and an RBI double in Pittsburgh's 12-hit attack, and denied the Giants a second-inning run with a strike to home plate that nailed a sliding Brown by an eyelash.

The outfield assist was a National League-leading 14th for Marte.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, August 16, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

When previewing Saturday's MLB games, I mentioned I hoped the Marlins would now miss the playoffs because they were skipping ace Jose Fernandez's spot in the rotation on Sunday and thus depriving us a terrific pitching matchup against the White Sox's Chris Sale (who wasn't very good on Sunday). Apparently the MLB gods were listening. Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton suffered a serious groin strain -- believe me, I wish that upon no one -- in Saturday night's game while running the bases, was placed on the disabled list Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. That obviously puts a big hurt on Miami's playoff chances; starting pitcher Adam Conley joined him on the DL on Sunday. Stanton ranks first on the Marlins in home runs (25), RBIs (70) and slugging percentage (.496). This is the third straight year Stanton's season has been cut short due to injury. In six full seasons, Stanton has played in more than 123 games only twice. Now there's talk the team might sign Alex Rodriguez (please don't!), although he obviously can't play the outfield. But first baseman Justin Bour is also injured and presumably A-Rod could play there. Ichiro Suzuki should play every day in the outfield with Stanton out.


Brewers at Cubs (-180, TBA)

Your lone matinee of the day and it's an unusually early one in Chicago with a 1:20 p.m. ET start. That's because it's the first game of a day-night doubleheader. This one is a makeup game of an April 27 rainout. Former Cub Matt Garza (4-4, 4.83) is on the mound for Milwaukee. He beat the Braves last time out, allowing two runs and seven hits over six innings; the Brewers have won his past four outings. Garza got a late start to the season due to injury and thus hasn't faced Chicago in 2016. Jason Heyward is 3-for-18 off him career but with two homers and five RBIs. Miguel Montero likely will get the start behind the plate in this game as he's 8-for-21 off Garza with a homer. The Cubbies go with Trevor Cahill (1-3, 3.07) in a spot start. He has been on the DL since July 9 with a knee injury but has made six starts in Triple-A. He had a 4.58 ERA in those. Cahill has thrown 5.1 innings of relief this year vs. Milwaukee and not allowed a run. Ryan Braun is 1-for-4 career off him with two RBIs.

Key trends: The Brewers are 1-6 in Garza's past seven on the road. The Cubs have won five straight after an off day. The "over/under" is 5-1 in Garza's past six on Tuesday. The under is 6-0 in his past six vs. Chicago.

Early lean: Brewers.

Red Sox at Orioles (-114, 10)

This will be nationally televised by the MLB Network and should have live betting at sportsbooks. This could be a wild-card game preview; it would be if the season ended today. The Orioles have won six of 10 against Boston this year. The Orioles go with Yovani Gallardo (4-4, 5.17). He comes off perhaps his best start of the year but still lost, allowing a run and four hits over six innings in Oakland. He faced Boston on April 11 at Fenway and gave up five runs and seven hits over five innings in a no-decision. David Ortiz is 5-for-10 career off him with a homer. Jackie Bradley Jr. is 2-for-5 with two doubles. The Sox go with lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. (2-5, 5.43). He comes off perhaps his best start of the year in a no-decision vs. the Yankees, allowing a run and three hits over seven innings. Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts this year vs. the Birds. Adam Jones is 4-for-11 off him with a homer and five RBIs. Manny Machado is 4-for-13 with two doubles.

Key trends: The Sox are 1-5 in Rodriguez's past six vs. teams with a winning record. The Orioles are 5-0 in Gallardo's past five at home. The under is 5-0 in those five. The over is 4-1-1 in the past six meetings in Baltimore.

Early lean: Red Sox and over.

Royals at Tigers (-135, 8)

Clearly the pitching matchup of the night. It's lefty Danny Duffy (9-1, 2.82) for the Royals. They won his ninth straight start Thursday as Duffy threw a complete game, his first career, against the White Sox, allowing one run and seven hits. He now leads the American League in ERA and has a 1.73 ERA in his past five starts. Duffy has made four appearances this season vs. Detroit, two of them starts, and is 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 13.1 innings. Victor Martinez hits him well, going 9-for-28 with two homers and five RBIs. J.D. Martinez does not, going 1-for-14 with eight strikeouts. Detroit's Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.42) took a no-decision last time out in a duel with Seattle's Felix Hernandez, allowing one run and seven hits over seven innings. It was Verlander's eighth straight start allowing two earned runs or fewer. He is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts this year vs. the Royals. Kendrys Morales is a career .325 hitter off him with two homers in 40 at-bats. Salvador Perez is even better, batting .469 off Verlander with eight doubles, two homers and 14 RBIs.

Key trends: The Royals are 5-0 in Duffy's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The Tigers are 4-0 in Verlander's past four vs. K.C. The under is 4-0 in his past four at home.

Early lean: Tigers and under.

White Sox at Indians (-171, 7.5)

Another good pitching matchup, and these two guys were All-Stars this year unlike Duffy and Verlander, but I rank this showdown below the Royals-Tigers. The Sox go with lefty Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85). He's Mr. No-Decision and took one last time out despite allowing just a run and four hits over 7.1 innings in Kansas City. He left with a 1-0 lead, but that lousy Chicago bullpen quickly blew that. Quintana is second in the AL in ERA and 0-1 with a 3.29 ERA in two starts this year vs. the Tribe. Jason Kipnis is a career .244 hitter off him in 41 at-bats. Mike Napoli is 3-for-15 with a homer. Cleveland's Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21) won a fourth straight start Thursday, allowing three runs and four hits over six innings vs. the Angels. He beat the White Sox in his lone start against them this year, allowing one earned over 7.1 innings on May 25. Jose Abreu is 12-for-31 off him with three homers. Todd Frazier is 1-for-15.

Key trends: The under is 6-0 in Kluber's past six vs. Chicago and Quintana's past six vs. Cleveland. The Tribe are 5-0 in Kluber's past five at home.

Early lean: Indians and under.

Twins at Braves (+125, 8.5)

Plenty of good seats available for this one! This is the worst series of the rest of the year, but it might mean something toward getting the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft. Atlanta swept two games in Minneapolis from July 26-27. The Twins lose the DH here. Minnesota's Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62) has won back-to-back quality starts since taking a loss against the Braves on July 27 when he threw a complete game and allowed two runs. Minnesota was shut out in that one. Santana pitched for the Braves in 2014 and had a good season. Freddie Freeman is 0-for-9 career off his former teammate. Atlanta goes with Joel De La Cruz (0-5, 4.09). He left his last start Wednesday after being struck on the knee by a comeback grounder but apparently is good to go here. He had allowed four runs and seven hits before leaving. De La Cruz has never faced the Twins.

Key trends: The Twins are 1-8 in Santana's past nine in Game 1 of a series. The Braves are 1-11 in their past 12 interleague home games. The under is 9-1-1 in Santana's past 11 in Game 1 of a series.

Early lean: Can I pass? Twins and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

''Under' cashing in Blue Jay Games'

The Toronto Blue Jays have been an 'Under' bettor’s dream. Last night's 1-0 loss to the New York Yankees the Blue Jays are now 46-68-5 O/U on the year split between 28-32-2 O/U in front of the home audience, 18-36-3 O/U in an opposing park. Blue Jays unable to find a consistent stroke at the plate during August crossing just 3.5 runs/game in posting 11 'Under', 3 'Over' look to keep 'Under' gambler's happy when they play the second of this three game set at Yankee Stadium.

In this contest, Toronto hands hand the ball to Marco Estrada carrying a 10-5-1 'Under' record vs a division opponent and 17-7-1 'Under' record last 25 overall. His counterpart Michael Pineda brings to the table a 7-2 'Under' his last nine starts, 5-1-1 'Under' stretch in front of the home crowd.

Another positive for 'Under' gamblers. The 'Under' has been the right decision in 8 of 10 meeting this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday’s games

National League

Brewers @ Cubs
Garza is 3-0, 3.64 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over. Milwaukee is 1-6 in his road starts.

Anderson is 3-0, 2.93 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Brewers won his last three home starts.

Cahill is making his first ’16 start; he is 1-3, 3.07 in 33 relief stints this year (41 IP). He is 66-75, 4.09 in 173 big league starts- he started 3 games for Atlanta LY. Hammel is 5-0, 1.16 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under. Cubs are 9-1 in his home starts.

Milwaukee is 8-20 in its last 28 road games, 5-14 in road series openers. Last four Brewer games went over total. Cubs won 11 of last 13 games, are 18-3 in home series openers. Last three Cub games went over the total.

Marlins @ Reds
Urena is 0-2, 5.63 in three starts this year (under 2-1).

DeScalfani is 1-1, 4.50 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. He is 3-0, 1.93 in four home starts.

Marlins are 5-8 in last 13 games; five of last six Miami road games went over. Cincinnati is 15-11 in its last 26 games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Dodgers @ Phillies
Maeda is 3-0, 3.52 in his last four starts; four of his last five went over. Dodgers are 7-3 in his road outings.

Velasquez is 0-2, 5.65 in his last five starts; four of his last six stayed under. Phillies are 5-3 in his home starts.

Dodgers are 4-7 in last 11 road games, 6-12 in road series openers. Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Dodger games. Phillies won their last four games, are 6-12 in home series openers. Six of last seven Philly home games went over.

Nationals @ Rockies
Gonzalez is 3-1, 3.26 in his last five starts; Washington lost five of his last six road starts. Over is 11-6-1 in his last 18 starts.

Bettis is 4-0, 3.98 in his last seven starts; his last three went over. Colorado won his last six home starts.

Nationals are 9-3 in last 11 games; four of last five Washington games went over the total. Colorado lost 10 of last 12 games; over is 6-3-1 in last ten Colorado games.

Mets @ Diamondbacks
Syndergaard is 0-4, 4.59 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Mets are 6-3 in his road starts.

Shipley is 2-0, 0.95 in his last three starts (under 3-1).

New York lost 13 of last 19 games; under is 22-8 in their last 30 road games. Arizona lost six of last nine home games; over is 15-3-1 in their last 19 home games.

Pirates @ Giants
Taillon is 1-1, 1.35 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under. Pirates split his four road outings.

Samardzija is 1-3, 5.18 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Giants are 5-3 in his home starts.

Pirates are 5-9 in last 14 road games; under is 9-5 in their last 14 road games. Giants are 9-19 since All-Star break; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.


American League

Red Sox @ Orioles
Rodriguez is 0-2, 3.18 in his last five starts; his last six starts stayed under. Boston is 4-2 in his road starts.

Gallardo is 1-3, 4.15 in his last five starts; five of his last seven stayed under. Orioles are 5-0 in his home starts.

Red Sox won their last four games, scoring 34 runs; under is 13-3 in last 15 Boston road games. Boston is 7-2 in last nine road series openers. Baltimore won three of last four games; they’re 11-7 in home series openers. Under is 10-0-1 in their last 11 home games.

Blue Jays @ New York
Estrada is 2-1, 4.00 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over. Toronto won five of his last six road starts.

Pineda is 3-1, 3.48 in his last five starts; seven of his last nine stayed under. New York is 7-5 in his home starts.

Blue Jays are 8-5 in last 13 games; last eight Toronto road games stayed under. New York won five of last six games; four of last six New York games went over the total.

Royals @ Tigers
Duffy is 5-0, 2.32 in his last six starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Royals are 5-2 in his road starts.
Verlander is 4-0, 1.88 in his last six starts; his last eight stayed under. Detroit won seven of his last nine home starts.

Royals won seven of last nine games; under is 13-4 in their last 17. Detroit won eight of last 11 home games; six of last eight Detroit games stayed under.

White Sox @ Indians
Quintana is 4-0, 2.12 in his last seven starts; under is 18-3-1 in his last 22 starts. Chicago is 5-2 in his last seven road starts.

Kluber is 3-0, 2.14 in his last three starts; over is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Cleveland won his last five home starts.

White Sox are 6-11 in last 17 games, 3-10 in last 13 road series openers. Over is 9-5 in their last 14 games. Cleveland won five of last six home games, is 12-7 in home series openers. Indians’ last three games stayed under the total.

A’s @ Rangers
Triggs is 0-1, 5.14 in two starts this year (over 1-1).

Harrell is 1-0, 5.74 in three starts for Texas (under 2-1).

A’s lost four of last five games; seven of last nine A’s games stayed under. Texas lost three of last five games; under is 12-2-2 in their last sixteen games.

Mariners @ Angels
Miranda allowed two runs in six IP (80 PT) in his first MLB start.

Chacin is 0-4, 15.63 in his last four starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Mariners are 11-2 in last 13 games; six of last nine Seattle road games went over. Angels lost their last 11 games; six of last eight Angel games stayed under total.


Interleague

Twins @ Braves
Santiago is 0-3, 10.05 in three starts for Minnesota (over 3-0).

De la Cruz is 0-4, 5.26 in his five starts this year (under 4-1).

Twins lost five of last six games, are 7-11 in road series openers. Last nine Minnesota road games went over. Atlanta lost four of last five games; they’re 6-12 in home series openers. Last four Brave games went over the total.

Padres @ Rays
Jackson is 2-0, 1.80 in his last two starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Snell is 2-1, 3.65 in his last five starts; five of his last seven stayed under. Rays are 2-4 in his home starts.

Padres lost six of last eight games; four of last six San Diego games stayed under. Tampa Bay lost five of last eight games; nine of Rays’ last ten games went over total.

Cardinals @ Astros
Garcia is 2-0, 1.13 in his last two starts; four of his last five stayed under. Cardinal are 6-4 in his road starts.

Keuchel had rough outing (5 runs in 2 IP) rained out in Minnesota last week; he is 1-2, 3.74 in his last three starts– five of his last six stayed under. Astros won four of his last five at home.

Cardinals are 6-9 in last 15 games, 2-5 in last 7 road series openers. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Cardinal games. Houston lost five of last six home games; they’re 12-7 in home series openers. Under is 7-0-1 in last eight games at Minute Maid Park.


Teams’ record when this pitcher starts:

Mil-Chi– Garza 5-6 (4-0 last 4) Anderson 9-13; Cahill 0-0 Hammel 14-8 (5-0 last 5)
LA-Phil– Maeda 15-9 (4-0 last 4); Velasquez 10-10 (0-5 last 5)
Mia-Cin– Urena 1-2; DeSclafani 7-5 (0-3 last 3)
Wsh-Colo– Gonzalez 10-13; Bettis 15-9
NY-Az– Syndergaard 13-9; Shipley 3-1
Pitt-SF– Taillon 7-3; Samardzija 12-12

Bos-Balt– Rodriguez 4-8; Gallardo 9-6
Tor-NY– Estrada 11-9; Pineda 12-11
KC-Det– Duffy 14-3 (9-0 last 9); Verlander 14-10
Chi-Clev– Quintana 12-11; Kluber 12-11
A’s-Tex– Triggs 0-2; Harrell 2-1/3-2
Sea-LA– Miranda 0-1; Chacin 4-7/2-3 (0-4 last 4)

Min-Atl– Santana 6-15; De la Cruz 1-4
SD-TB– Jackson 3-2; Snell 3-8
StL-Hst– Garcia 12-11; Keuchel 10-13


# of time pitcher allows 1+ runs in first inning:

Mil-Chi– Garza 3-11 Anderson 7-22; Cahill 0-0 Hammel 4-22
LA-Phil– Maeda 4-24; Velasquez 4-19
Mia-Cin– Urena 0-3; DeSclafani 6-12
Wsh-Colo– Gonzalez 6-23; Bettis 10-24
NY-Az– Syndergaard 5-22; Shipley 1-4
Pitt-SF– Taillon 4-10; Samardzija 8-24

Bos-Balt– Rodriguez 3-12; Gallardo 6-15
Tor-NY– Estrada 7-20; Pineda 9-23
KC-Det– Duffy 4-17; Verlander 9-24
Chi-Clev– Quintana 5-23; Kluber 6-23
A’s-Tex– Triggs 0-2; Harrell 4-8
Sea-LA– Miranda 0-1; Chacin 7-16

Min-Atl– Santana 7-21; De la Cruz 0-5
SD-TB– Jackson 1-5; Snell 4-11
StL-Hst– Garcia 8-23; Keuchel 5-23


Umpires

Mia-Cin– Underdogs won five of last seven Reyburn games.
Wsh-Colo– Four of last five Carlson games stayed under.
NY-Az– Seven of last nine Hudson games stayed under.
Pitt-SF– Home team won last seven Foster games.

Tor-NY– Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Layne games.
KC-Det– Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Scott games.
A’s-Tex– Five of last six West games stayed under.
Sea-LA– Last three Porter games stayed under.

SD-TB– Favorites won 10 of last 13 Reynolds games.


Teams’ records in first five innings:

Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/15

Arizona 22-28-9……22-32-5……44-60
Atlanta 23-30-8……18-26-12…..41-56
Cubs 30-18-8……36-17-8…….66-35
Reds 17-37-7……24-28-4……41-65
Colo 23-27-11…..23-30-4……46-57
LA 23-23-9……36-20-7……59-43
Miami 25-23-9…..29-18-13……54-41
Milw 18-30-7……33-21-7…….51-51
Mets 23-38-7……27-24-9……50-52
Philly 20-27-15….22-25-10….42-50
Pitt 17-33-9……36-18-4……53-50
St. Louis 27-26-4……24-25-12….51-51
SD 19-38-4……26-27-4…..45-65
SF 27-28-7……30-16-10…..57-44
Wash 29-16-13……25-18-16…..54-34

Orioles 23-32-7…….30-19-8…….53-51
Boston 18-26-8…….39-17-8……57-43
White Sox 27-26-8……30-25-2……57-51
Cleveland 34-21-6……27-22-5……60-43
Detroit 25-29-8……28-22-3…….53-51
Astros 21-27-11…..29-23-6……50-50
KC 23-31-8……23-23-11……46-54
Angels 22-33-7……21-26-10……43-59
Twins 22-30-8……20-32-11…..42-62
NYY 18-32-8……26-27-9…….45-59
A’s 18-31-8……23-29-11…….41-60
Seattle 27-24-8……25-20-12……52-44
Tampa Bay 21-25-10……26-26-9……47-51
Texas 23-32-8…….27-20-9……50-52
Toronto 34-18-4……..35-24-4……69-42

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

MLB*|*PITTSBURGH*at*SAN FRANCISCO
Play On - Home teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (SAN FRANCISCO) with a team slugging percentage .390 or worse on the season (NL) against opponent with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.00 over his last 3 starts
118-75*over the last 5 seasons.**(*61.1%*|*47.1 units*)
5-3*this year.**(*62.5%*|*2.3 units*)


StatFox Situational Power Trends

MLB*|*MINNESOTA*at*ATLANTA
MINNESOTA is 28-19 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in Road games vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season*over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was: MINNESOTA (5.5) , OPPONENT (5.0)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday’s 6-pack

Updated NFL over/under win totals for this season, from Westgate:

— Arizona Cardinals 10, over -$150

— Dallas Cowboys 9, over -$125

— Denver Broncos 9.5, under -$130

— Jacksonville Jaguars 7.5, over -$120

— Philadelphia Eagles 6.5, under -$130

— Tennessee Titans 5.5, over -$160

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Tuesday's Free Selection: Chicago White Sox + 160

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Tuesday's Free Selection: Kansas City/Detroit under 7 1/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY: Take SEATTLE (Paxton) -135 over LA Angels