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

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Cubs

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (52-64) at Chicago Cubs (73-43)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 1:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs own the best record in baseball, but still have issues to rectify as they kick off a four-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers with a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. Despite the acquisition of closer Aroldis Chapman, Cubs manager Joe Maddon has concerns over the back end of his bullpen.

The Cubs were riding an 11-game winning streak until a pair of late collapses by the bullpen over the weekend against St. Louis, which piled up 11 eighth-inning runs to send Chicago to consecutive losses for the first time since July 25-26. "We just have to figure this out," Maddon told reporters following Sunday's 6-4 setback. "We just have to restructure this somehow." The starting rotation is holding up its end with an 8-0 record this month for Chicago, which sends Trevor Cahill and red-hot Jason Hammel to the mound in Tuesday's twin bill. The Brewers averted a sweep with a 7-5 victory over Cincinnati to improve to 5-8 in August despite a soft schedule featuring four straight series against NL also-rans.

TV: 1:20 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Matt Garza (4-4, 4.83 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Trevor Cahill (1-3, 3.07)

Garza, who pitched for the Cubs for parts of three seasons (2011-13), appears to be finding his form following a rocky four-start losing streak in which he was tagged for 23 runs. He has allowed five earned runs and 14 hits during a three-start winning streak after limiting Atlanta to two runs over six innings last time out. Miguel Montero is 8-for 21 with a home run against Garza, who is 1-3 with a 4.14 ERA versus Chicago.

Cahill will return from a rehab stint at Triple-A Iowa and make his first start since September 2014 while with Arizona. The 28-year-old Cahill made 33 appearances out of the bullpen this season for the Cubs before landing on the 15-day disabled list due to patellar tendinitis in his knee. Cahill likely will be on a pitch count after not pitching beyond four innings in six appearances at Iowa, where he was 0-3 with a 4.58 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago's starting rotation owns a 2.87 ERA - the lowest for the franchise since 1933 (2.81).

2. Former NL MVP Braun is on a tear with eight homers and 19 RBIs in 11 games in August.

3. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 16-for-45 this month.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Brewers 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Phillies

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (65-52) at Philadelphia Phillies (56-63)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Chase Utley makes his return to Citizens Bank Park for the first time in an opposing uniform as the Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. Utley, a six-star All-Star, spent his first 13 seasons with the Phillies until he was shipped to the Dodgers at last year's trade deadline.

“Obviously, I have so many great memories from playing in the stadium and in front of those great fans," Utley told reporters during Philadelphia's visit to Los Angeles last week. "It’s going to be exciting. I’m looking forward to it.” Utley and the Dodgers have more pressing matters than his homecoming -- Sunday's 11-3 drubbing by Pittsburgh was the third loss in four days and cost Los Angeles a chance to pull into a tie with San Francisco atop the National League West. Philadelphia has won four in a row starting with the series finale against the Dodgers and has amassed 29 runs during the winning streak. The resurgent Phillies put a dent in another NL West opponent's postseason hopes with a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies over the weekend.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (11-7, 3.31 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (8-4, 3.94)

Maeda looks to run his unbeaten streak to five starts and beat the Phillies for the second time in a span of eight days after allowing three runs over five innings on Aug. 9. Los Angeles hopes the rookie can pitch deep into Tuesday's contest after its last two starters failed to get through the second inning, taxing the bullpen for 15 1/3 innings Saturday and Sunday. Maeda is 7-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 11 road starts.

Velasquez is winless in five starts since the All-Star break and is coming off a shellacking in Los Angeles, when he was pelted for nine runs and 11 hits - both season worsts - over 4 2/3 innings. Velasquez also served up three homers, matching his total from his previous previous eight starts combined. The 24-year-old has been outstanding at Citizens Bank Park, sporting a 4-1 mark and 1.72 ERA in nine home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Corey Seager is 12-for-26 during a six-game hitting streak, including three straight two-hit games against Philadelphia.

2. 2. Phillies 3B Cesar Hernandez is riding an on-base streak of 21 straight games.

3. Dodgers CF Joc Pederson is 6-for-12 with a pair of homers, three doubles and four runs scored in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Orioles

GAME: Boston Red Sox (65-52) at Baltimore Orioles (66-51)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Boston Red Sox will play their third game in three different cities in as many days when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the opener of a key two-game series on Tuesday. The Red Sox finished up a home sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon and began an 11-game road trip with their fourth consecutive win in a makeup game at Cleveland on Monday.

Boston will hit Detroit on Thursday, making it four cities in five days, as it clings to the second American League wild card and tries to keep pace with the Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. The Red Sox have been tinkering with the lineup of late to try to jumpstart David Ortiz and moved red-hot Mookie Betts into the cleanup spot between the veteran slugger and Jackie Bradley Jr. on Monday, leading to key home runs from both Ortiz and Bradley in the 3-2 win over the Indians. Baltimore is happy to be home following a 5-5 road trip that finished on the west coast and sits one game ahead of Boston in the AL East standings. The Orioles ended the trip on a high note, battling back from a six-run deficit in the final three innings to earn an 8-7 win at San Francisco behind a 5-for-5 effort from Matt Wieters.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.43 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (4-4, 5.17)

Rodriguez is winless in his last five starts despite allowing three earned runs or fewer in each of those turns. The Venezuela native is coming off the best start in that bunch after allowing one run and three hits in seven innings without factoring in the decision against the New York Yankees on Thursday. Rodriguez was knocked around for five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of a loss to Baltimore on June 16 and is 1-3 with a 4.97 ERA in five starts against the Orioles in his young career.

Gallardo suffered a similar fate to Rodriguez in his last outing, absorbing a loss at Oakland on Wednesday despite surrendering one run in six innings. The Mexico native allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. Gallardo started at Boston on April 11 and was knocked around for five runs in as many innings to fall to 2-2 with a 5.26 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles RF Mark Trumbo homered in three of the last four games to boost his league-leading total to 34.

2. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia is 15-for-31 during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Betts has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games to push his batting average to .313.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Orioles 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (67-52) at New York Yankees (61-57)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Although the New York Yankees were definitive sellers at the trade deadline, they are not playing like a team ready to throw in the white flag. The Yankees will try to keep the heat on one of the American League East front-runners when they continue a three-game series with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Despite stranding 14 runners and going 2-for-18 with runners in scoring position, New York survived for a 1-0 win in the series opener to improve to 9-5 since shipping away several key players at the deadline. Rookie Aaron Judge, one of the youngsters the organization has turned to as part of its reset, drove in the only run and is 5-for-10 with two homers and three RBIs since being called up. The Yankees are within 4 1/2 games of the second wild card and 5 1/2 of the first-place Blue Jays, with nine meetings between the teams still to come. Toronto, which saw slugger Edwin Encarnacion ground into a double play with runners on the corners to end Monday's game, has lost three in a row on the road and is now in a virtual tie with Baltimore atop the division.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-5, 2.95 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Michael Pineda (6-10, 5.07)

Estrada was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) in five innings against Tampa Bay last Tuesday. He walked four to tie a season high and gave up his first home run in a span of four starts. The 33-year-old defeated the Yankees in back-to-back starts at the end of May and is 3-2 with a 3.47 ERA in his career versus New York.

Pineda has lasted exactly six innings in seven of his last nine starts, including three straight. He limited Boston to two runs in a no-decision his last time out while throwing 89 pitches, the lowest total for the Dominican Republic native since May 28. Encarnacion is 8-for-25 with a home run against Pineda while third baseman Josh Donaldson is hitless in 13 at-bats.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York is 20-9 in one-run games.

2. Blue Jays RF Michael Saunders is 7-for-46 with 20 strikeouts in August.

3. Yankees RHP Adam Warren has thrown 11 scoreless innings in nine relief appearances since being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs last month.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Yankees 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Rays

GAME: San Diego Padres (50-68) at Tampa Bay Rays (48-69)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays look to stay hot with the bats when they host the San Diego Padres in the middle contest of their three-game interleague set on Tuesday. The Rays, mired in last place in the American League East, recorded a total of 20 runs while winning their last two games, including Monday’s 8-2 triumph in the series opener.

Kevin Kiermaier, who owns a six-game hitting streak, and Logan Forsythe each homered and knocked in three runs Monday as Tampa Bay improved to 8-10 in interleague play. Rays rookie left-hander Blake Snell takes the mound to oppose San Diego journeyman Edwin Jackson, who faces a team with which he spent three seasons and recorded a career-high 14 wins in 2008. The Padres managed just three hits on Monday and lost for the sixth time in eight games overall while dropping to 23-38 on the road. Yangervis Solarte has homered in two of his last three games and notched an RBI in three straight for San Diego.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Edwin Jackson (3-2, 4.19 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (3-5, 3.18)

Jackson has gone 3-1 in five outings since joining the Padres, recording four quality starts and posting a 1.24 ERA in the process. The 32-year-old gave up two hits over seven scoreless innings against Pittsburgh last time out and has completed at least six frames in four of his last five turns. Brad Miller is 3-for-4 with two doubles against Jackson, who is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in six career games (five starts) versus the Rays.

Snell suffered through his worst start in the majors last time out against Toronto, allowing five runs - two earned - on five hits and four walks over 1 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old had gone five straight starts without permitting more than two runs while going 2-1 before last Wednesday’s struggle. Snell has faced one other National League squad in his rookie campaign, limiting Colorado to one hit over six scoreless innings on July 19.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B-RF Wil Myers, who spent his first two major-league seasons with the Rays, went 1-for-4 on Monday in his first game against his former team.

2. Tampa Bay 1B Logan Morrison (forearm) returned from the disabled list to knock in a pair of runs in the series opener.

3. San Diego SS Alexei Ramirez homered for the Padres’ only run Monday and has hit two of his five blasts this season in the last eight games.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Padres 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Indians

GAME: Chicago White Sox (56-61) at Cleveland Indians (67-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Cleveland Indians will welcome the third of four opponents on their season-high 11-game homestand when they host the Chicago White Sox in the first of three games beginning Tuesday night. After sweeping four straight from the Los Angeles Angels to begin the homestand, the Indians were stymied in a 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox in a make-up game Monday.

The setback snapped a five-game home winning streak and kept first-place Cleveland five games ahead of Detroit in the American League Central. Mike Napoli had a double to extend his hitting streak to 15 games and he will be looking to do more damage against the White Sox, who have seen the Indians slugger rip three homers and a triple while driving in 10 runs in eight meetings this season. Chicago has split the first six games of a nine-game road trip after dropping a 5-4 decision in Miami on Sunday. The Indians have won six straight contests between the division rivals while limiting the White Sox to a total of 12 runs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (12-8, 3.21)

Quintana has won four straight decisions but still needs one more victory to reach 10 for the first time in his five-year career. He pitched well enough to win Wednesday in Kansas City - giving up a run and four hits in 7 1/3 innings - but was given a no-decision in a game the White Sox would eventually lose 3-2. The 27-year-old is 5-2 with a 2.68 ERA in 16 career games (14 starts) against the Indians and has been even better in Cleveland's Progressive Field, where he is 2-0 with a 1.17 mark.

Kluber is 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA in his last six starts and the Indians have been victorious in his last five outings at home. He posted a quality start in a win over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday but also served up two home runs for the first time since May 31. Jose Abreu (12-for-31 with three home runs) and Melky Cabrera (9-for-22) have enjoyed their encounters with the former Cy Young Award winner, who is 5-4 with a 3.47 ERA against the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland is 31-16 against the Central while Chicago is 19-27.

2. White Sox CF Adam Eaton went 7-for-12 with a home run and three walks during the three-game series in Miami.

3. Indians LHP Andrew Miller has 10 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings since joining the club at the trade deadline.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, White Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Tigers

GAME: Kansas City Royals (58-60) at Detroit Tigers (63-55)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Detroit Tigers are trying to stay in two races in the American League and are not doing themselves any favors by losing to teams that are not involved in the battle. The Tigers will try to bounce back and even the series when they host the Kansas City Royals in the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

The Tigers missed out on a chance to gain a game on the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central and lost a game to the Boston Red Sox in the race for the second AL wild card when they failed to get the bats going in a 3-1 loss in Monday’s series opener. Detroit has dropped six of its last eight games while averaging 2.8 runs to fall five games behind the Indians and 2 1/2 behind the Red Sox. The Royals are trying to get back to .500 and have won seven of their last nine games while relying on dominating pitching. Kansas City’s staff allowed an average of two runs in those seven wins and four pitchers combined to hold the Tigers to six hits in Monday’s opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (9-1, 2.82 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.42)

Duffy has not lost since June 6 and has been outstanding in his last three starts with three runs allowed and 28 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old recorded his first career complete game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, scattering one run and seven hits across the nine frames. The only time in the last 14 appearances that Duffy allowed more than three earned runs came at Detroit on July 16, when he was reached for four runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings of a victory.

Verlander has been just as sharp as Duffy of late, allowing two or fewer earned runs in each of his last eight starts. The former MVP had a string of three straight wins come to an end in a no decision at Seattle on Wednesday despite yielding one run and seven hits in seven innings. Verlander struck out 10 in seven innings against Kansas City on July 15 and was charged with one earned run and four hits in the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera left Monday’s game with a strained biceps and is day-to-day.

2. Kansas City CF Lorenzo Cain is 6-for-7 with four RBIs in the last two games.

3. Detroit OF prospect Derek Hill will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

PREDICTION: Tigers 2, Royals 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Braves

GAME: Minnesota Twins (47-71) at Atlanta Braves (44-74)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


There are no playoff aspirations for the Minnesota Twins or Atlanta Braves this season, but two of baseball’s worst teams open a two-game series Tuesday looking to continue their improved play the past six weeks. Visiting Minnesota is 22-17 since July 2 despite losing five of its past six, while the Braves are 16-17 in their past 33 contests dating back to July 7 after wrapping up a 5-5 road trip.

Twins second baseman Brian Dozier leads the majors in homers since June 26, blasting 17 of his 26 homers in that span and connecting in three consecutive games entering the series opener. Minnesota's Joe Mauer collected two hits Sunday and is batting .412 in August with nine extra-base hits, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs. Atlanta’s hottest hitter is first baseman Freddie Freeman, who batted .406 with five homers on the road trip. Center fielder Ender Inciarte recorded two hits Sunday for the Braves and has at least one hit in 30 of his past 32 contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minneapolis), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62 ERA) vs. Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-5, 4.09)

Santana continues working to turn around his season after a 1-7 start, posting a 2.05 ERA with 44 strikeouts against just 10 walks in going 4-2 in his past nine outings. One of those losses came against the Braves in Minneapolis on July 26, despite allowing only two runs on seven hits in a complete game, and he has surrendered only three earned runs in beating the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay in his past two outings. Santana enjoyed a strong season with the Braves in 2014, going 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA before signing a four-year deal with the Twins.

De La Cruz avoided serious injury in his last start Wednesday at Milwaukee, taking a line drive off his right knee that limited him to only four innings (four runs, seven hits). The rookie has struggled with control issues since rejoining Atlanta’s rotation three starts ago, walking nine while striking out four over 13 2/3 innings. De La Cruz is holding opponents to a .235 batting average in his past three appearances, and only gave up one run in 9 2/3 innings in the two starts before losing to Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota has allowed 53 runs in its past six games, including 10 or more runs three times.

2. The Braves are hitting .269 since the All-Star break, after batting .237 before the break.

3. Mauer is two RBIs away from reaching 800 for his career.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Reds

GAME: Miami Marlins (62-56) at Cincinnati Reds (48-69)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Life after Giancarlo Stanton has been good to the Miami Marlins so far, with back-to-back wins moving them back into a tie for the second National League wild card. The Marlins will try to make it three in a row without their star slugger when they visit the Cincinnati Reds in the second of a four-game series on Tuesday.

Stanton was likely lost for the season when he suffered a Grade 3 groin strain on the final play of a loss on Saturday, but Miami moved on quickly with Ichiro Suzuki taking over in right field and Marcell Ozuna dropping into the No. 4 spot in the batting order. Ozuna bashed his 20th home run in Monday’s 6-3 victory after Suzuki drove in a run and scored another when the Marlins finished their homestand with a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The Reds are dealing with their own injury to a key outfielder as center fielder Billy Hamilton had to be removed from Monday’s loss with a bruised knee. The major’s stolen base leader could not quite track down Martin Prado’s fly ball in the third inning and ran into the wall as Cincinnati suffered its second straight loss.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-3, 6.69 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-1, 3.11)

Urena is getting another shot in the rotation due to an injury to Adam Conley (finger) after mixed success in his last stint in the majors. The Dominican Republic native was shipped back to Triple-A New Orleans after getting knocked around for eight runs on as many hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings against St. Louis on July 29. Urena tossed five scoreless innings in each of his last two minor-league starts and was sharp in two outings in the majors before being slammed by the Cardinals.

DeSclafani is coming off his first loss of the season after surrendering three runs on six hits – two homers – at St. Louis on Wednesday. The 26-year-old allowed three or fewer earned runs in 11 of his 12 starts but has not gone beyond the sixth inning in any of his last four outings. DeSclafani is seeing Miami -- his former team -- for the second time in his career and is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA in four starts at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto is batting .455 in 28 games since the All-Star break.

2. Marlins 2B Dee Gordon recorded multiple hits in four of his last seven games.

3. Miami RHP A.J. Ramos (fractured finger) could throw a bullpen session on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Marlins 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Cubs

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (52-64) at Chicago Cubs (73-43)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs own the best record in baseball, but still have issues to rectify as they kick off a four-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers with a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. Despite the acquisition of closer Aroldis Chapman, Cubs manager Joe Maddon has concerns over the back end of his bullpen.

The Cubs were riding an 11-game winning streak until a pair of late collapses by the bullpen over the weekend against St. Louis, which piled up 11 eighth-inning runs to send Chicago to consecutive losses for the first time since July 25-26. "We just have to figure this out," Maddon told reporters following Sunday's 6-4 setback. "We just have to restructure this somehow." The starting rotation is holding up its end with an 8-0 record this month for Chicago, which sends Trevor Cahill and red-hot Jason Hammel to the mound in Tuesday's twin bill. The Brewers averted a sweep with a 7-5 victory over Cincinnati to improve to 5-8 in August despite a soft schedule featuring four straight series against NL also-rans.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WPWR (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (7-10, 4.93 ERA vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (12-5, 2.90)

Anderson has made it through six innings in only one in his last 10 starts, but is in the midst of a five-start unbeaten streak after holding Atlanta to two runs in 5 1/3 innings on Sunday. Anderson has permitted a combined nine earned runs while going 3-0 during his recent hot spell, which came on the heels of a six-start winless drought. He beat the Cubs in mid-May, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning of a 4-2 victory.

Hammel entered the All-Star break winless in six starts and came out of it looking like a front-running for the NL Cy Young Award. Hammel won for the fifth time in as many starts and stretch his scoreless innings streak to 15 by blanking the Los Angeles Angels on four hits over seven frames last time out. He won at Milwaukee with five innings of two-run ball on July 22 to improve to 9-1 with a 2.72 ERA against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago's starting rotation owns a 2.87 ERA - the lowest for the franchise since 1933.

2. Former NL MVP Braun is on a tear with eight homers and 19 RBIs in 11 games in August.

3. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 16-for-45 this month.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rangers

GAME: Oakland Athletics (52-67) at Texas Rangers (70-50)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Texas Rangers became the first American League team to reach 70 victories, but the latest win came with a discouraging development. Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo might be finished for the season after fracturing his left forearm, and Texas will try to regroup when it hosts the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

Choo is headed to the disabled list for the fourth time this season after former Texas pitcher Ross Detwiler plunked him with a pitch on Monday. Adrian Beltre smashed his 10th career grand slam in the 5-2 victory to give him 432 career homers - snapping a tie with Cal Ripken Jr. for sole possession of 47th place on the all-time list. The AL West-leading Rangers, who own the third-best record in the majors, have won seven of their last 10 games while Oakland has dropped three straight and four of its last five. The Athletics are struggling to score runs, having recorded three or fewer in eight of their last 11 contests.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Andrew Triggs (0-1, 5.50 ERA) vs. Rangers RHP Lucas Harrell (3-2, 4.20)

Triggs struggled in a loss to Baltimore on Thursday in his second major-league start. He gave up three runs and five hits in four innings against the Orioles after lasting only three-plus frames in his first turn against the Los Angeles Angels on June 18. Triggs has posted a 7.11 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 19 road innings this season.

Harrell is 1-0 with a 5.74 ERA in three starts since being acquired from Atlanta. He struck out eight in six innings against Colorado in his last outing but was touched for six runs and nine hits in six innings of a no-decision. Harrell is 2-3 with a 9.55 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas C Jonathan Lucroy is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts over his last three games after slugging six homers in his previous eight contests.

2. Oakland rookie 3B Ryon Healy homered Monday for third time in five games and has gone deep six times in 99 at-bats.

3. Choo, who is batting .247 in 45 games, previously had DL stints for calf, hamstring and back injuries.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Athletics 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Astros

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (62-56) at Houston Astros (61-57)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The St. Louis Cardinals regained some of their mojo by salvaging a series split against baseball's best team and look to carry the momentum into a two-game interleague series at the Houston Astros beginning Tuesday night. St. Louis is coming off a pair of dramatic wins at the Chicago Cubs, rallying for six runs in the eighth inning Saturday and five runs in the eighth the following day.

"We kind of know what our role is going forward," Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty told reporters after his three-run homer put his team ahead to stay Sunday. "We're fighting for that wild-card spot. Hopefully, this gives us some momentum." St. Louis trails wild card leader Los Angeles by 3 1/2 games as it jockeys back-and-forth on a daily basis with Miami for the National League's final playoff slot. The series versus the Cardinals marks the only two home games in a stretch of 16 contests for Houston, which is 4 1/2 games behind Boston for the second wild card in the American League. Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel gets the nod in the series opener for the Astros against fellow left-hander Jaime Garcia.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime García (9-8, 3.93 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56)

Garcia has bounced back in strong fashion since the ill-fated decision to start him on three days' rest at Miami on July 30, when he was blasted for six runs in 3 1/3 innings. He tossed eight scoreless frames of three-hit ball against Atlanta on Aug. 5 and also went eight innings against Cincinnati last time out, permitting two runs on six hits. The Astros have been a nemesis for Garcia, who is 2-6 with a 6.15 ERA against them.

Keuchel is coming off his best performance of the season, going the distance and blanking the AL West-leading Texas Rangers on three hits. Although he was rocked for seven runs at Detroit on July 31, Keuchel had received a total of six runs of offensive support during a four-start winless drought prior to his last outing. Keuchel has made two appearances against St. Louis (none since 2013) and allowed eight runs in 6 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals LF Matt Holliday was scheduled to see a specialist Monday to evaluate his fractured right thumb.

2. Astros 2B Jose Altuve, who leads the majors with a .362 batting average, is hitting .364 in 26 games versus the Cardinals.

3. St. Louis leads the NL with 162 homers and has at least two in six straight games.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Cardinals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Rockies

GAME: Washington Nationals (70-47) at Colorado Rockies (56-63)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The National League East-leading Washington Nationals seek their fourth consecutive victory as they continue their nine-game road trip Tuesday with the second of three contests against the Colorado Rockies. Washington kicked off its trek with a 5-4 triumph in the series opener as Bryce Harper completed the team's comeback from a 4-2 deficit with an RBI double in the seventh inning.

Jayson Werth finished 2-for-4 with a two-run homer on Monday but tied the Nationals record of reaching base in 43 straight games set by Ryan Zimmerman in 2009 by drawing a walk in the first inning. Washington owns an 8 1/2-game division lead over Miami while Colorado is 6 1/2 games back in the race for the second NL wild-card spot. While suffering their fourth consecutive loss on Monday, the Rockies watched Charlie Blackmon continue his power surge with a solo homer in the fourth inning. Blackmon, who is the reigning NL Player of the Week, has belted nine homers and driven in 15 runs over his last 10 contests.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (8-9, 4.24 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (10-6, 5.27)

Gonzalez escaped with his second straight victory Wednesday after yielding four runs and seven hits in five innings against Cleveland. The 30-year-old Floridian had allowed fewer than three earned runs in each of his previous five outings, going 3-1 in that span. Gonzalez won both of his previous career starts versus Colorado, giving up six runs - five earned - and 11 hits over 12 total frames.

Bettis extended his unbeaten streak to seven starts Thursday despite surrendering five runs on nine hits and three walks over five innings of a no-decision at Texas. The 27-year-old Texan was much better in his previous six outings, giving up three runs or fewer while working at least six frames in each. Bettis will be making his first career start against Washington after yielding two runs and seven hits over 2 2/3 innings in two relief appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Werth is three games away from matching the franchise record held by Rusty Staub, who bridged the 1969 and 1970 seasons by reaching base safely in 46 consecutive games for the Montreal Expos.

2. Colorado 1B Mark Reynolds underwent surgery Monday to remove a fractured hook of the hamate bone in his left hand and is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks.

3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (wrist) and C Jose Lobaton (elbow) both went 2-for-4 while beginning rehab assignments with Triple-A Syracuse.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Nationals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Diamondbacks

GAME: New York Mets (59-59) at Arizona Diamondbacks (49-69)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Mets keep trying to make up ground in the National League wild-card race and the Arizona Diamondbacks keep handing them defeats. Arizona has knocked off New York four times in the last seven days and looks for another victory on Tuesday, when it hosts the Mets in the second contest of their three-game series.

The Diamondbacks racked up 16 hits - including nine for extra bases - while notching a 10-6 victory on Monday and becoming the next-to-last team in the majors to reach 20 home wins. Arizona outscored the Mets 17-5 while sweeping three games in New York last week and then lost three to Boston by a combined 31-9 score before again knocking off the Mets. New York has lost five of its last seven and sits three games behind Miami and St. Louis for the NL's second wild-card spot. Jay Bruce is just 8-for-50 for the Mets since being acquired from Cincinnati and has gone eight games without a homer.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 2.75 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Braden Shipley (2-1, 2.96)

Syndergaard is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two career starts against Arizona, including a loss on Thursday in which he gave up three runs and eight hits over five innings. He is 0-4 during a six-start winless stretch despite allowing more than three runs on just one occasion. The 23-year-old Syndergaard has served up only eight homers in 134 1/3 innings this season after giving up 19 in 150 frames as a rookie.

Shipley will look to duplicate the success he had against Syndergaard and the Mets on Thursday, when he scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in a 9-0 victory. The 24-year-old struck out seven during a solid 78-pitch effort en route to his second scoreless stint in four major-league starts. Shipley issued just one walk against the Mets, but control has been an issue as he has handed out 12 free passes over 24 1/3 innings in the majors.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets LF Yoenis Cespedes (quadriceps) went 0-for-3 with an RBI in his first rehab game for Single-A St. Lucie on Monday and is expected to rejoin New York later this week.

2. Arizona C Welington Castillo matched his career best with four hits on Monday in his first contest since Aug. 6 after being away from the team due to complications in the birth of his son.

3. New York C Travis d'Arnaud recorded three hits in the opener and is 7-for-10 in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Diamondbacks 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Angels

GAME: Seattle Mariners (63-54) at Los Angeles Angels (49-69)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Seattle Mariners haven't been part of the postseason since 2001 and look to continue their playoff push when they visit the struggling Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game set. Seattle has won 11 of its past 13 games to move within two games of the Boston Red Sox for the American League's second wild-card spot.

The Mariners posted a 3-2 victory in Monday's series opener as Nelson Cruz hit his 32nd career homer against the Angels and the blast also allowed him to reach 30 homers in a season for the third straight year and fourth time in his career. While the Mariners are soaring, Los Angeles is in a deep free fall with 11 consecutive defeats — matching the dubious franchise record — to fall a season-worst 20 games below .500. Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols is just 7-for-46 in August after experiencing a solid July with six homers and 31 RBIs. Scheduled Mariners starter James Paxton was scratched Monday because of forearm soreness and he hasn't pitched since taking a line drive off his left elbow during the ninth inning of a victory over the Angels on Aug. 7.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Ariel Miranda (1-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jhoulys Chacin (3-8, 5.84)

The Angels are certainly glad to miss Paxton, who allowed one unearned run and five hits in 8 1/3 innings of the recent 3-1 victory. The 27-year-old Miranda is making his second start since being acquired from Baltimore in the deal that sent left-hander Wade Miley to the Orioles. He received a no-decision against Boston when he gave up two runs and eight hits in six innings in his Seattle debut on Aug. 4 and picked up the win in relief versus Detroit in his latest appearance Aug. 9.

Chacin moved back into the rotation after Tim Lincecum was designated for assignment and the results weren't good as he was mashed for seven runs, six hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings in a loss to Cleveland on Thursday. He has struggled since being acquired from the Atlanta Braves and is 2-6 with a 6.00 ERA in 19 appearances (11 starts) for the Angels. Chacin has served up three homers to singles hitter Nori Aoki (4-for-14), who has 25 blasts in five major league campaigns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners SS Ketel Marte was hitless in four at-bats Monday and is 1-for-19 in five games since returning from a bout with mononucleosis.

2. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout hit his 23rd homer and stole his 20th base in the opener to mark the third 20-20 campaign in his five full seasons.

3. Seattle traded INF Luis Sardinas to the San Diego Padres on Monday for a player to be named or cash considerations.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Angels 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Giants

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (60-56) at San Francisco Giants (66-52)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 16 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Pittsburgh Pirates aim for their fifth win in six outings as they continue their six-game road trip with the middle contest of their three-game set against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. Pittsburgh posted an 8-5 victory in the series opener to remain one game behind Miami and St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the National League.

Gregory Polanco delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the fourth inning and belted a two-run homer in the sixth to complete his first multi-hit performance since going 4-for-5 against Seattle on July 26. San Francisco fell to 1-3 on its 10-game homestand and saw its lead over the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West shrink to one-half game. Denard Span has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants during their stretch of home games, going 6-for-20 with a homer and six RBIs. Following the homestand, San Francisco heads to Los Angeles for a three-game showdown for the top spot in the division.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (3-2, 2.85 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (10-8, 4.23)

Taillon was brilliant against San Diego on Thursday, scattering three hits over eight scoreless innings while walking two en route to victory. It marked the sixth straight outing in which the 24-year-old Floridian worked at least six frames and fourth time in that span the rookie allowed fewer than two runs. Taillon, who never has faced San Francisco, is 2-2 with a 2.63 ERA in four road starts.

Samardzija is coming off a rare strong performance as he scattered three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a victory at Miami. The 31-year-old native of Indiana surrendered at least four runs in seven of his previous eight outings, yielding five or more five times in that span. Samardzija was fortunate to keep his career record against the Pirates even at 4-4 as he escaped with a no-decision at Pittsburgh on June 22 after being tagged for six runs and six hits — three homers — in three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angel Pagan is riding a 13-game hitting streak — the longest run by a Giant this season.

2. Pittsburgh has won six of Taillon's last seven starts.

3. San Francisco's rotation has produced only eight quality starts in 28 games since the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Giants 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs




W/L Trends


Milwaukee
•Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Brewers are 4-9 in their last 13 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Brewers are 8-20 in their last 28 road games.
• Brewers are 18-45 in their last 63 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Brewers are 2-7 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Brewers are 1-4 in their last 5 games following an off day.
• Brewers are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Brewers are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 1 of a series.
• Brewers are 4-0 in Garzas last 4 starts.
• Brewers are 4-0 in Garzas last 4 starts on grass.
• Brewers are 2-6 in Garzas last 8 starts vs. National League Central.
• Brewers are 2-7 in Garzas last 9 Tuesday starts.
• Brewers are 2-9 in Garzas last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Brewers are 1-6 in Garzas last 7 road starts.
• Brewers are 0-6 in Garzas last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.



Chi. Cubs
•Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 games following an off day.
• Cubs are 10-2 in their last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Cubs are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a loss.
• Cubs are 50-19 in their last 69 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Cubs are 21-8 in their last 29 overall.
• Cubs are 21-8 in their last 29 games on grass.
• Cubs are 44-17 in their last 61 during game 1 of a series.
• Cubs are 41-17 in their last 58 vs. National League Central.
• Cubs are 58-24 in their last 82 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Cubs are 71-30 in their last 101 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Cubs are 23-10 in their last 33 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Cubs are 66-29 in their last 95 home games.
• Cubs are 37-18 in their last 55 Tuesday games.
• Cubs are 4-9 in their last 13 opening games of a double-header.
• Cubs are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.


OU Trends


Milwaukee
•Under is 3-0-1 in Brewers last 4 games following an off day.
• Over is 4-0 in Brewers last 4 overall.
• Over is 7-0 in Brewers last 7 opening games of a double-header.
• Over is 4-0 in Brewers last 4 on grass.
• Over is 5-0 in Brewers last 5 games following a win.
• Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 Tuesday games.
• Under is 19-7-1 in Brewers last 27 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 5-2 in Brewers last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 13-6-3 in Brewers last 22 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Garzas last 4 starts vs. National League Central.
• Under is 6-1 in Garzas last 7 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 5-1 in Garzas last 6 Tuesday starts.
• Over is 4-1-2 in Garzas last 7 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 8-2 in Garzas last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 10-3-1 in Garzas last 14 starts with 4 days of rest.



Chi. Cubs
•Under is 4-0 in Cubs last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 5-0 in Cubs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 7-1 in Cubs last 8 games following an off day.
• Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 opening games of a double-header.
• Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 vs. National League Central.
• Under is 16-5-1 in Cubs last 22 Tuesday games.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Cubs last 5 games following a loss.
• Under is 29-11-1 in Cubs last 41 home games.
• Under is 18-7-1 in Cubs last 26 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 5-2 in Cubs last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Under is 18-8-2 in Cubs last 28 overall.
• Under is 18-8-2 in Cubs last 28 on grass.


Head to Head


•Under is 6-0 in Garzas last 6 starts vs. Cubs.
• Under is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings in Chicago.
• Under is 35-15-2 in the last 52 meetings.
• Brewers are 9-24 in the last 33 meetings.
• Brewers are 1-4 in Garzas last 5 starts vs. Cubs.
• Brewers are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.



Umpire Trends - Name unavailable


No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - LA Dodgers at Philadelphia




W/L Trends


LA Dodgers
•Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 12-2 in their last 14 Tuesday games.
• Dodgers are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. National League East.
• Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 games following a loss.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in their last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in Maedas last 4 starts.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in Maedas last 4 starts on grass.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Maedas last 8 road starts.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Maedas last 8 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in Maedas last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.



Philadelphia
•Phillies are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League West.
• Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
• Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Phillies are 6-1 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series.
• Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
• Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Phillies are 15-7 in their last 22 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Phillies are 11-23 in their last 34 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Phillies are 12-29 in their last 41 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 4-12 in their last 16 games following a win.
• Phillies are 0-4 in Velasquezs last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 0-5 in Velasquezs last 5 starts.
• Phillies are 0-5 in Velasquezs last 5 starts on grass.


OU Trends


LA Dodgers
•Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-0 in Dodgers last 6 vs. National League East.
• Over is 6-1 in Dodgers last 7 overall.
• Over is 6-1 in Dodgers last 7 on grass.
• Over is 6-1 in Dodgers last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 13-4 in Dodgers last 17 games following a loss.
• Under is 17-7 in Dodgers last 24 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 12-5 in Dodgers last 17 road games.
• Under is 33-16-2 in Dodgers last 51 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Maedas last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Maedas last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts vs. National League East.
• Under is 4-1 in Maedas last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-2 in Maedas last 8 road starts.



Philadelphia
•Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Over is 6-0 in Phillies last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 6-0 in Phillies last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 6-0 in Phillies last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 6-0 in Phillies last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Over is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 home games.
• Over is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 14-3 in Phillies last 17 vs. National League West.
• Over is 16-5 in Phillies last 21 overall.
• Over is 16-5 in Phillies last 21 on grass.
• Under is 10-4-1 in Phillies last 15 Tuesday games.
• Under is 7-3 in Phillies last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 36-16-5 in Phillies last 57 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Velasquezs last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Velasquezs last 5 starts vs. National League West.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Velasquezs last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
• Under is 7-1-1 in the last 9 meetings in Philadelphia.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Dodgers are 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Philadelphia.



Umpire Trends - Name unavailable


No trends available.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Boston at Baltimore




W/L Trends


Boston
•Red Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
• Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
• Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Red Sox are 16-7 in their last 23 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Red Sox are 5-11 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Red Sox are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Red Sox are 6-2 in Rodriguezs last 8 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Red Sox are 5-2 in Rodriguezs last 7 road starts.
• Red Sox are 2-5 in Rodriguezs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts vs. American League East.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts on grass.
• Red Sox are 1-5 in Rodriguezs last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Red Sox are 1-7 in Rodriguezs last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Red Sox are 0-4 in Rodriguezs last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Red Sox are 0-4 in Rodriguezs last 4 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.



Baltimore
•Orioles are 6-0 in their last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Orioles are 5-1 in their last 6 games following an off day.
• Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 7-2 in their last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Orioles are 21-8 in their last 29 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Orioles are 44-17 in their last 61 home games.
• Orioles are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Orioles are 37-16 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Orioles are 15-7 in their last 22 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. American League East.
• Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Orioles are 1-5 in their last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
• Orioles are 5-0 in Gallardos last 5 home starts.
• Orioles are 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
• Orioles are 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Orioles are 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Orioles are 1-4 in Gallardos last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Orioles are 1-4 in Gallardos last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.


OU Trends


Boston
•Under is 7-1 in Red Sox last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 7-1 in Red Sox last 8 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 7-1 in Red Sox last 8 vs. American League East.
• Under is 13-3 in Red Sox last 16 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 13-3 in Red Sox last 16 road games.
• Under is 8-2 in Red Sox last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-2 in Red Sox last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 9-3 in Red Sox last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 11-4 in Red Sox last 15 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Red Sox last 7 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 7-3 in Red Sox last 10 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 13-6 in Red Sox last 19 overall.
• Under is 13-6 in Red Sox last 19 on grass.
• Under is 4-0 in Rodriguezs last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 5-0 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-0 in Rodriguezs last 6 starts overall.
• Under is 5-0 in Rodriguezs last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 10-1 in Rodriguezs last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-1 in Rodriguezs last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 7-1 in Rodriguezs last 8 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Rodriguezs last 7 starts vs. American League East.
• Under is 13-3 in Rodriguezs last 16 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2 in Rodriguezs last 8 road starts.
• Over is 7-3 in Rodriguezs last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.



Baltimore
•Under is 4-0 in Orioles last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 5-0 in Orioles last 5 Tuesday games.
• Under is 6-0 in Orioles last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 15-1 in Orioles last 16 games following a win.
• Under is 6-1 in Orioles last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 15-3 in Orioles last 18 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 14-3 in Orioles last 17 home games.
• Under is 21-5 in Orioles last 26 on grass.
• Under is 8-2 in Orioles last 10 vs. American League East.
• Under is 8-2 in Orioles last 10 during game 1 of a series.
• Under is 25-7 in Orioles last 32 overall.
• Under is 10-3 in Orioles last 13 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 5-2 in Orioles last 7 games following an off day.
• Under is 10-4 in Orioles last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 9-4 in Orioles last 13 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-0 in Gallardos last 5 home starts.
• Under is 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Under is 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts on grass.
• Under is 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Gallardos last 5 starts vs. American League East.
• Under is 5-2 in Gallardos last 7 starts overall.


Head to Head


•Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Baltimore.
• Under is 4-1 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts vs. Orioles.
• Red Sox are 3-9 in the last 12 meetings in Baltimore.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.
• Red Sox are 1-4 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts vs. Orioles.



Umpire Trends - Gary Cederstrom


•Orioles are 4-0 in their last 4 Tuesday games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
• Home team is 6-0 in Cederstroms last 6 Tuesday games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
• Home team is 4-0 in Cederstroms last 4 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
• Home team is 6-0 in Cederstroms last 6 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
• Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
• Under is 7-2 in Cederstroms last 9 Tuesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 22-7 in Cederstroms last 29 games behind home plate.
• Under is 7-3 in Cederstroms last 10 games behind home plate.
• Red Sox are 0-5 in their last 5 games with Cederstrom behind home plate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Toronto at NY Yankees




W/L Trends


Toronto
•Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 Tuesday games.
• Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Blue Jays are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Blue Jays are 41-15 in their last 56 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Blue Jays are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 7-3 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Blue Jays are 17-8 in their last 25 vs. American League East.
• Blue Jays are 14-2 in Estradas last 16 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 road starts.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 starts vs. American League East.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in Estradas last 6 starts on grass.
• Blue Jays are 9-2 in Estradas last 11 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 4-1 in Estradas last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 7-2 in Estradas last 9 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 7-3 in Estradas last 10 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Blue Jays are 9-4 in Estradas last 13 starts.



NY Yankees
•Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. American League East.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
• Yankees are 13-3 in their last 16 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Yankees are 7-2 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Yankees are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 4-0 in Pinedas last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 4-0 in Pinedas last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Yankees are 4-0 in Pinedas last 4 starts on grass.
• Yankees are 4-1 in Pinedas last 5 home starts.
• Yankees are 4-1 in Pinedas last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Yankees are 4-1 in Pinedas last 5 starts.
• Yankees are 5-2 in Pinedas last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Yankees are 3-8 in Pinedas last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Yankees are 3-9 in Pinedas last 12 starts vs. American League East.
• Yankees are 3-9 in Pinedas last 12 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.


OU Trends


Toronto
•Under is 8-0 in Blue Jays last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-0 in Blue Jays last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 10-1 in Blue Jays last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 9-1-1 in Blue Jays last 11 on grass.
• Under is 7-1 in Blue Jays last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Blue Jays last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Blue Jays last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Blue Jays last 6 games following a loss.
• Under is 10-2 in Blue Jays last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 12-3 in Blue Jays last 15 overall.
• Under is 16-5 in Blue Jays last 21 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Blue Jays last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 24-8-1 in Blue Jays last 33 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 36-17-3 in Blue Jays last 56 road games.
• Under is 6-1 in Estradas last 7 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 10-2 in Estradas last 12 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 9-3 in Estradas last 12 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 20-7 in Estradas last 27 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 20-7 in Estradas last 27 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-2 in Estradas last 7 Tuesday starts.
• Under is 17-7-1 in Estradas last 25 starts overall.
• Under is 7-3-1 in Estradas last 11 starts vs. American League East.
• Under is 9-4 in Estradas last 13 starts on grass.
• Under is 9-4-1 in Estradas last 14 road starts.



NY Yankees
•Under is 10-2 in Yankees last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 9-2 in Yankees last 11 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 7-2-1 in Yankees last 10 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Yankees last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 12-4 in Yankees last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 15-5 in Yankees last 20 home games.
• Under is 18-6 in Yankees last 24 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 5-2-2 in Yankees last 9 Tuesday games.
• Under is 12-5 in Yankees last 17 games following a win.
• Under is 24-11 in Yankees last 35 vs. American League East.
• Under is 15-7-3 in Yankees last 25 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Under is 8-1-1 in Pinedas last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-1 in Pinedas last 8 starts on grass.
• Under is 5-1 in Pinedas last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Pinedas last 7 home starts.
• Under is 4-1-2 in Pinedas last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 4-1-3 in Pinedas last 8 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 7-2 in Pinedas last 9 starts overall.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Pinedas last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 3-1-3 in Pinedas last 7 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 5-2-1 in Pinedas last 8 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Over is 4-0 in Pinedas last 4 starts vs. Blue Jays.
• Blue Jays are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York.
• Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
• Blue Jays are 16-35 in the last 51 meetings in New York.



Umpire Trends - Jerry Layne


•Over is 6-0-1 in Laynes last 7 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 2-0-2 in Laynes last 4 Tuesday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 5-1 in Laynes last 6 Tuesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 10-4 in Laynes last 14 games behind home plate.
• Yankees are 5-2 in their last 7 Tuesday games with Layne behind home plate.
• Yankees are 1-5 in their last 6 games with Layne behind home plate.