Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Tuesday
MARLINS (Fernandez) at CUBS (Hammel) 8:05 PM
Take: MARLINS -115
A briefer than usual analysis here, as I’m basically simply willing to wager on a starting pitcher I expect to throw well this evening at Wrigley Field.
Jose Fernandez off a bad start has been pretty amazing, and that’s the basis of this play. Granted, the Marlins ace is not quite as dominant on the road as he is at home. But when Fernandez has the rare outing where he gets battered, I want to be backing him next time out if the price isn’t prohibitive.
Jason Hammel is going pretty well for the Cubs, and needless to say, trying to beat this team is never going to be a no brainer call. But with Kershaw on the sidelines, I think an argument can be made that Fernandez is the best pitcher in the game for the time being and with his history of strong rebounds off a bad game, I’m betting the Marlins to get this one in the win column.
Bonus Play Tuesday
MARLINS (Fernandez) at CUBS (Hammel) 8:05 PM
Take: MARLINS -115
A briefer than usual analysis here, as I’m basically simply willing to wager on a starting pitcher I expect to throw well this evening at Wrigley Field.
Jose Fernandez off a bad start has been pretty amazing, and that’s the basis of this play. Granted, the Marlins ace is not quite as dominant on the road as he is at home. But when Fernandez has the rare outing where he gets battered, I want to be backing him next time out if the price isn’t prohibitive.
Jason Hammel is going pretty well for the Cubs, and needless to say, trying to beat this team is never going to be a no brainer call. But with Kershaw on the sidelines, I think an argument can be made that Fernandez is the best pitcher in the game for the time being and with his history of strong rebounds off a bad game, I’m betting the Marlins to get this one in the win column.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:10 PM
(963) MILWAUKEE BREWERS VS (964) SAN DIEGO PADRES
Take: UNDER
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, August 2, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Padres in San Diego. Milwaukee's offense hits at home but they are a terrible road team and head to Petco Park, a huge stadium that is great for pitchers. Milwaukee is 10-4-1 under the total on the road and 15-4-3 under against a right-handed starter. Milwaukee starter Zach Davies (3.59 ERA) has had a fine season and pitched 6.1 quality innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits and one walk while striking out five in Thursday's win over the Diamondbacks. He faces a weak San Diego offense that is #19 in baseball in runs, second to last in on base percentage. The Under is 6-1 in the Padres last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Luis Perdomo is throwing better, with the team 4-1 his last five starts. And the Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings. Play the Brewers/Padres Under the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:10 PM
(963) MILWAUKEE BREWERS VS (964) SAN DIEGO PADRES
Take: UNDER
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, August 2, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Padres in San Diego. Milwaukee's offense hits at home but they are a terrible road team and head to Petco Park, a huge stadium that is great for pitchers. Milwaukee is 10-4-1 under the total on the road and 15-4-3 under against a right-handed starter. Milwaukee starter Zach Davies (3.59 ERA) has had a fine season and pitched 6.1 quality innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits and one walk while striking out five in Thursday's win over the Diamondbacks. He faces a weak San Diego offense that is #19 in baseball in runs, second to last in on base percentage. The Under is 6-1 in the Padres last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Luis Perdomo is throwing better, with the team 4-1 his last five starts. And the Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings. Play the Brewers/Padres Under the total.
Mike Lundin
Nationals vs Diamondbacks
5* MLB Free Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals annihilated the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 14-1 rout on Monday. I like the Nats to record another victory in Tuesday's contest with Tanner Roark on the mound.
Roark (10-6, 2.96 ERA) hasn't allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 career innings against Arizona in five appearances (two starts), and he held the Giants to one run and four hits over seven innings his last time out.
The D'Backs turn to Robbie Ray (5-10, 4.70) who is 3-4 behind a 5.17 ERA in 10 outings home at Chase Field this season. He's allowed a total of 11 runs (eight earned) in his last two starts combined.
Diamondbacks are 0-7 in Ray's last seven starts when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game and the Nationals are 13-6 in their last 19 after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.
Nationals vs Diamondbacks
5* MLB Free Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals annihilated the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 14-1 rout on Monday. I like the Nats to record another victory in Tuesday's contest with Tanner Roark on the mound.
Roark (10-6, 2.96 ERA) hasn't allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 career innings against Arizona in five appearances (two starts), and he held the Giants to one run and four hits over seven innings his last time out.
The D'Backs turn to Robbie Ray (5-10, 4.70) who is 3-4 behind a 5.17 ERA in 10 outings home at Chase Field this season. He's allowed a total of 11 runs (eight earned) in his last two starts combined.
Diamondbacks are 0-7 in Ray's last seven starts when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game and the Nationals are 13-6 in their last 19 after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.
Marc Lawrence
Yankees vs Mets
Play - NY Yankees w/Tanaka (Game 979)
Edges - Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka 19.4 ERA away as opposed to 4.30 ERA home this season; and 6-1 with 3.70 ERA last 7 overall team starts. Mets: Jacob DeGrom 0-2 with 5.25 ERA career team starts in this series. With Tanaka sporting a 1.20 career ERA in this series, look for the Pinstripes to improve to 8-2 the last 10 games in this series here tonight. We recommend a 1* play on the NY Yankees. Thank you and good luck as always.
Yankees vs Mets
Play - NY Yankees w/Tanaka (Game 979)
Edges - Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka 19.4 ERA away as opposed to 4.30 ERA home this season; and 6-1 with 3.70 ERA last 7 overall team starts. Mets: Jacob DeGrom 0-2 with 5.25 ERA career team starts in this series. With Tanaka sporting a 1.20 career ERA in this series, look for the Pinstripes to improve to 8-2 the last 10 games in this series here tonight. We recommend a 1* play on the NY Yankees. Thank you and good luck as always.
Preview: Rangers at Orioles
GAME: Texas Rangers (62-44) at Baltimore Orioles (59-45)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers were both in the buyer’s market at the trade deadline on Monday, but only one of them managed to pull off the big moves. The Rangers and their upgraded offense will try to ride the momentum of the deadline when they visit the Orioles in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Texas was the big winner of the deadline, grabbing All-Star right fielder Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees and All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Milwaukee Brewers along with reliever Jeremy Jeffress. The Rangers were in the market for starting pitching but switched plans based on availability and instead paid a high price in prospects to build one of the best lineups in the American League, giving them a better shot at holding off the Houston Astros in the AL West. The Orioles were in the market for starting pitching as well but could not pull off the deal for the top-of-the-rotation starter they were seeking and instead grabbed lefty Wade Miley for the back of the rotation. Baltimore is locked in a three-way battle for AL East supremacy with the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox and snapped a five-game slide with a 12-inning win over the Blue Jays on Sunday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Texas RH Yu Darvish (2-2, 3.09 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (3-3, 3.46)
Darvish is struggling to find the win column but has been impressive since returning from the disabled list on July 16. The Japan native allowed two earned runs in each of his last three outings and notched 26 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings during that span. Darvish owns 45 strikeouts in 32 total innings this season with 11 walks but suffered the loss in each of his two road starts despite 20 k’s is 10 1/3 frames.
Bundy is racking up some solid strikeout numbers as well and owns 13 k’s in 10 2/3 innings over his last two starts. The former first-round pick took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a pair of home runs to the Colorado Rockies and absorbing the loss last Wednesday. Bundy worked three perfect innings of relief at Texas on June 20, striking out three.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland is 8-for-13 with four home runs in the last four games.
2. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 4-for-43 with 20 strikeouts over his last 12 games.
3. Baltimore also acquired 1B/OF Steve Pearce from the Tampa Bay Rays.
PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Rangers 2
GAME: Texas Rangers (62-44) at Baltimore Orioles (59-45)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers were both in the buyer’s market at the trade deadline on Monday, but only one of them managed to pull off the big moves. The Rangers and their upgraded offense will try to ride the momentum of the deadline when they visit the Orioles in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Texas was the big winner of the deadline, grabbing All-Star right fielder Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees and All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Milwaukee Brewers along with reliever Jeremy Jeffress. The Rangers were in the market for starting pitching but switched plans based on availability and instead paid a high price in prospects to build one of the best lineups in the American League, giving them a better shot at holding off the Houston Astros in the AL West. The Orioles were in the market for starting pitching as well but could not pull off the deal for the top-of-the-rotation starter they were seeking and instead grabbed lefty Wade Miley for the back of the rotation. Baltimore is locked in a three-way battle for AL East supremacy with the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox and snapped a five-game slide with a 12-inning win over the Blue Jays on Sunday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Texas RH Yu Darvish (2-2, 3.09 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (3-3, 3.46)
Darvish is struggling to find the win column but has been impressive since returning from the disabled list on July 16. The Japan native allowed two earned runs in each of his last three outings and notched 26 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings during that span. Darvish owns 45 strikeouts in 32 total innings this season with 11 walks but suffered the loss in each of his two road starts despite 20 k’s is 10 1/3 frames.
Bundy is racking up some solid strikeout numbers as well and owns 13 k’s in 10 2/3 innings over his last two starts. The former first-round pick took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a pair of home runs to the Colorado Rockies and absorbing the loss last Wednesday. Bundy worked three perfect innings of relief at Texas on June 20, striking out three.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland is 8-for-13 with four home runs in the last four games.
2. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 4-for-43 with 20 strikeouts over his last 12 games.
3. Baltimore also acquired 1B/OF Steve Pearce from the Tampa Bay Rays.
PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Rangers 2
Preview: Giants at Phillies
GAME: San Francisco Giants (61-44) at Philadelphia Phillies (48-59)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants stumbled out of the All-Star break by going 1-7 on an eight-game road trip. With a nine-game trek set to begin Tuesday at the Philadelphia Phillies, the National League West-leading Giants fortified their pitching staff at Monday's trade deadline by acquiring left-handed starter Matt Moore from Tampa Bay and lefty reliever Will Smith from Milwaukee.
Moore will join a starting rotation headed by All-Star Madison Bumgarner, who had a pinch-hit double to set up the winning run in a 3-1 victory over Washington on Sunday and will pitch the series opener versus the Phillies. The deals came at a steep price for San Francisco, which sent right-hander Phil Bickford -- a 2015 first-round draft pick -- and catcher Andrew Susac to the Brewers, while shipping third baseman Matt Duffy and a pair of minor-leaguers to the Rays. Giants general manager Bobby Evans said the decision to trade Duffy was "incredibly difficult. ... Our focus had been on a prospect-driven deal. it was apparent there was no way." Philadelphia third baseman Maikel Franco is hitless in his last 17 at-bats, but had four hits in a three-game set at AT&T Park in June to improve to 11-for-35 with two homers in nine career encounters with San Francisco.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (10-6, 2.09 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.23)
A lack of run support has plagued Bumgarner of late, as the 27-year-old walked away with a loss and a no-decision despite allowing three earned runs in his last two starts (15 innings). Bumgarner suffered the hard-luck setback on Wednesday despite yielding just one earned run on five hits in eight innings of a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati. Bumgarner also pitched well in his last meeting with Philadelphia on June 25, but absorbed the loss despite striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings of a 3-2 defeat.
Eflin's run of good fortune came to an end on Thursday, as the 22-year-old followed a 3-2 mark and 2.08 ERA in his previous seven starts by yielding seven runs in five-plus innings in an 11-1 setback to Miami. Eflin's control eluded him as well as he issued four walks versus the Marlins after permitting a total of four free passes in his previous six games. Eflin pitched significantly better in his previous meeting with San Francisco on June 24, allowing an unearned run on five hits in six innings of a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco OF Hunter Pence has collected a hit in each of his first two games since returning from the disabled list and is batting .318 in his career against his former team.
2. Phillies rookie 1B Tommy Joseph went 4-for-10 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored versus the Giants in June.
3. San Francisco has labored mightily with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-15 on Sunday to fall to 19-for-137 (.139) since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Giants 2, Phillies 0
GAME: San Francisco Giants (61-44) at Philadelphia Phillies (48-59)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants stumbled out of the All-Star break by going 1-7 on an eight-game road trip. With a nine-game trek set to begin Tuesday at the Philadelphia Phillies, the National League West-leading Giants fortified their pitching staff at Monday's trade deadline by acquiring left-handed starter Matt Moore from Tampa Bay and lefty reliever Will Smith from Milwaukee.
Moore will join a starting rotation headed by All-Star Madison Bumgarner, who had a pinch-hit double to set up the winning run in a 3-1 victory over Washington on Sunday and will pitch the series opener versus the Phillies. The deals came at a steep price for San Francisco, which sent right-hander Phil Bickford -- a 2015 first-round draft pick -- and catcher Andrew Susac to the Brewers, while shipping third baseman Matt Duffy and a pair of minor-leaguers to the Rays. Giants general manager Bobby Evans said the decision to trade Duffy was "incredibly difficult. ... Our focus had been on a prospect-driven deal. it was apparent there was no way." Philadelphia third baseman Maikel Franco is hitless in his last 17 at-bats, but had four hits in a three-game set at AT&T Park in June to improve to 11-for-35 with two homers in nine career encounters with San Francisco.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (10-6, 2.09 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.23)
A lack of run support has plagued Bumgarner of late, as the 27-year-old walked away with a loss and a no-decision despite allowing three earned runs in his last two starts (15 innings). Bumgarner suffered the hard-luck setback on Wednesday despite yielding just one earned run on five hits in eight innings of a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati. Bumgarner also pitched well in his last meeting with Philadelphia on June 25, but absorbed the loss despite striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings of a 3-2 defeat.
Eflin's run of good fortune came to an end on Thursday, as the 22-year-old followed a 3-2 mark and 2.08 ERA in his previous seven starts by yielding seven runs in five-plus innings in an 11-1 setback to Miami. Eflin's control eluded him as well as he issued four walks versus the Marlins after permitting a total of four free passes in his previous six games. Eflin pitched significantly better in his previous meeting with San Francisco on June 24, allowing an unearned run on five hits in six innings of a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco OF Hunter Pence has collected a hit in each of his first two games since returning from the disabled list and is batting .318 in his career against his former team.
2. Phillies rookie 1B Tommy Joseph went 4-for-10 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored versus the Giants in June.
3. San Francisco has labored mightily with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-15 on Sunday to fall to 19-for-137 (.139) since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Giants 2, Phillies 0
Preview: Pirates at Braves
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (52-51) at Atlanta Braves (37-68)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Coming off a disheartening three-game sweep in Milwaukee, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued to shuffle their pitching staff prior to kicking off a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Pirates traded left-handers Francisco Liriano and Jon Niese in separate deals while acquiring Ivan Nova from the New York Yankees on Monday.
Pittsburgh beat the trade deadline with a minute to spare in sending Liriano and minor-league prospects Harold Ramirez and Reese McGuire to Toronto in exchange for right-hander Drew Hutchison. Niese, acquired from the Mets in the offseason, was sent back to New York in return for ex-Pirates reliever Antonio Bastardo, while Nova was brought in for a pair of players to be named later. While the Pirates are treading water with respect to the wild-card standings, the National League East cellar-dwelling Braves have showed some gumption of late with wins in four of their last six. Veteran outfielder Matt Kemp is expected to make his debut with Atlanta after being acquired from San Diego for outfielder Hector Olivera and $10.5 million on Saturday night.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSSE (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (6-6, 2.78 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 4.30)
Cole recorded his first career complete game in masterful fashion on Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits while tossing 70 of his 94 pitches for strikes in a 10-1 rout versus Seattle. The 25-year-old ace won't have a hard time convincing Atlanta of his talent, as Cole improved to 2-0 and lowered his ERA to 1.71 after a dominating performance last season. Cole scattered six hits and struck out seven over as many scoreless innings in a 3-0 win versus the Braves on June 7, 2015.
Foltynewicz picked up the win on Wednesday despite yielding season highs in runs (seven) and hits (12) in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-7 triumph over Minnesota. The 24-year-old didn't have much fun in his previous encounter with Pittsburgh, against which he permitted five runs on seven hits to earn an early exit after three innings. Foltynewicz will look to settle down at Turner Field, where he owns a 1-0 mark with a 2.83 ERA as opposed to a 3-4 record and 5.40 ERA on the road.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta OF Jeff Francoeur belted a two-run homer in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia, marking the veteran's second blast in three games.
2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco went 9-for-19 in a four-game set versus Atlanta in May, including a a two-run homer off Foltynewicz.
3. Pirates RHP Ryan Vogelsong (facial fractures) is expected to return from a two-plus-month absence and start Thursday's game versus the Braves.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Braves 1
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (52-51) at Atlanta Braves (37-68)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Coming off a disheartening three-game sweep in Milwaukee, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued to shuffle their pitching staff prior to kicking off a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Pirates traded left-handers Francisco Liriano and Jon Niese in separate deals while acquiring Ivan Nova from the New York Yankees on Monday.
Pittsburgh beat the trade deadline with a minute to spare in sending Liriano and minor-league prospects Harold Ramirez and Reese McGuire to Toronto in exchange for right-hander Drew Hutchison. Niese, acquired from the Mets in the offseason, was sent back to New York in return for ex-Pirates reliever Antonio Bastardo, while Nova was brought in for a pair of players to be named later. While the Pirates are treading water with respect to the wild-card standings, the National League East cellar-dwelling Braves have showed some gumption of late with wins in four of their last six. Veteran outfielder Matt Kemp is expected to make his debut with Atlanta after being acquired from San Diego for outfielder Hector Olivera and $10.5 million on Saturday night.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSSE (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (6-6, 2.78 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 4.30)
Cole recorded his first career complete game in masterful fashion on Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits while tossing 70 of his 94 pitches for strikes in a 10-1 rout versus Seattle. The 25-year-old ace won't have a hard time convincing Atlanta of his talent, as Cole improved to 2-0 and lowered his ERA to 1.71 after a dominating performance last season. Cole scattered six hits and struck out seven over as many scoreless innings in a 3-0 win versus the Braves on June 7, 2015.
Foltynewicz picked up the win on Wednesday despite yielding season highs in runs (seven) and hits (12) in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-7 triumph over Minnesota. The 24-year-old didn't have much fun in his previous encounter with Pittsburgh, against which he permitted five runs on seven hits to earn an early exit after three innings. Foltynewicz will look to settle down at Turner Field, where he owns a 1-0 mark with a 2.83 ERA as opposed to a 3-4 record and 5.40 ERA on the road.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta OF Jeff Francoeur belted a two-run homer in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia, marking the veteran's second blast in three games.
2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco went 9-for-19 in a four-game set versus Atlanta in May, including a a two-run homer off Foltynewicz.
3. Pirates RHP Ryan Vogelsong (facial fractures) is expected to return from a two-plus-month absence and start Thursday's game versus the Braves.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Braves 1
Preview: Cardinals at Reds
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (56-49) at Cincinnati Reds (42-62)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Cooled off by back-to-back defeats, the St. Louis Cardinals will look to rebuild momentum as they open a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. Cincinnati made big news off the field Monday by trading outfielder Jay Bruce, the National League leader with 80 RBIs coming out of the weekend.
The Reds shipped Bruce to the New York Mets in exchange for a pair of minor-leaguers in second baseman Dilson Herrera and left-hander Max Wotell. Despite their last-place standing in the NL Central, the Reds have won all five series since the All-Star break. It's the final leg of a 10-game road trip for St. Louis, which dropped behind Miami for the second wild card in the NL following Sunday's loss to the Marlins. Catcher Yadier Molina is riding a career-high 15-game hitting streak and has doubled in his past seven contests for the Cardinals.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.16 ERA) vs. Reds RH Dan Straily (6-6, 3.84)
Wainwright was fortunate to extend his unbeaten string to five starts after he was roughed up for four runs and a season high-tying 11 hits in a no-decision against the New York Mets last time out. He was battered for seven runs by the Reds on April 16 but pitched six innings of two-run ball at Cincinnati on June 9. Wainwright is 4-3 with a 6.14 ERA in 10 starts away from home in 2016.
Straily turned in his fifth consecutive quality start by limiting San Francisco to one run and three hits over a season-high 7 2/3 innings in his last outing. The 27-year-old has been outstanding in his last three turns, allowing a combined three runs and 11 hits over 20 2/3 innings. Straily's lone appearance against St. Louis came in relief in April, when he gave up a solo homer to Matt Holliday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cardinals SS Aledmys Diaz (thumb) was placed on the disabled list Monday after getting hit by a pitch in Sunday's game at Miami.
2. Herrera has appeared in seven games versus the Reds, going 9-for-24 with two homers and four RBIs.
3. St. Louis bolsted its bullpen Sunday by acquiring LHP Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Reds 2
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (56-49) at Cincinnati Reds (42-62)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Cooled off by back-to-back defeats, the St. Louis Cardinals will look to rebuild momentum as they open a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. Cincinnati made big news off the field Monday by trading outfielder Jay Bruce, the National League leader with 80 RBIs coming out of the weekend.
The Reds shipped Bruce to the New York Mets in exchange for a pair of minor-leaguers in second baseman Dilson Herrera and left-hander Max Wotell. Despite their last-place standing in the NL Central, the Reds have won all five series since the All-Star break. It's the final leg of a 10-game road trip for St. Louis, which dropped behind Miami for the second wild card in the NL following Sunday's loss to the Marlins. Catcher Yadier Molina is riding a career-high 15-game hitting streak and has doubled in his past seven contests for the Cardinals.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.16 ERA) vs. Reds RH Dan Straily (6-6, 3.84)
Wainwright was fortunate to extend his unbeaten string to five starts after he was roughed up for four runs and a season high-tying 11 hits in a no-decision against the New York Mets last time out. He was battered for seven runs by the Reds on April 16 but pitched six innings of two-run ball at Cincinnati on June 9. Wainwright is 4-3 with a 6.14 ERA in 10 starts away from home in 2016.
Straily turned in his fifth consecutive quality start by limiting San Francisco to one run and three hits over a season-high 7 2/3 innings in his last outing. The 27-year-old has been outstanding in his last three turns, allowing a combined three runs and 11 hits over 20 2/3 innings. Straily's lone appearance against St. Louis came in relief in April, when he gave up a solo homer to Matt Holliday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cardinals SS Aledmys Diaz (thumb) was placed on the disabled list Monday after getting hit by a pitch in Sunday's game at Miami.
2. Herrera has appeared in seven games versus the Reds, going 9-for-24 with two homers and four RBIs.
3. St. Louis bolsted its bullpen Sunday by acquiring LHP Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Reds 2
Preview: White Sox at Tigers
GAME: Chicago White Sox (51-54) at Detroit Tigers (57-48)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago White Sox continue to slide out of the playoff chase, but they remain in the headlines due to trade rumors swirling around ace left-hander Chris Sale. The White Sox opted to stand pat at the trade deadline as they prepare to wrap up an eight-game road trip with a visit to the red-hot Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night for the first of three contests.
Despite pitching problems of their own, with a pair of starters on the disabled list, the Tigers have ripped off six consecutive victories to move to the front of a pack of pursuers for the No. 2 wild card currently held down by Boston. Miguel Cabrera has four homers and nine RBIs over the past five games for Detroit, which has amassed 45 runs during the winning streak. Melky Cabrera is 10-for-18 during a streak of four straight multiple hits for the White Sox, who have dropped four of five on the road trip. A pair of pitchers who have combined for 23 losses this season -- Chicago's James Shields and Detroit's Anibal Sanchez -- will square off in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (5-12, 4.68 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sánchez (5-11, 6.56)
Shields has pitched well since he was shelled in the first three starts after his acquisition from the San Diego Padres. He halted a three-start losing streak by blanking the Chicago Cubs on four hits over 7 2/3 innings and has permitted eight runs over his last six turns. Miguel Cabrera is 22-for-60 against Shields, who owns a 7-7 record and 4.30 ERA in 21 starts versus Detroit.
The pitching-strapped Tigers have been forced to keep sending out Sanchez, who is 0-3 over his last four starts and has surrendered a combined 19 runs over 20 1/3 innings in that span. He came away with a no-decision versus the White Sox in his last appearance despite giving up four runs on 10 hits over six innings. Melky Cabrera (15-for-34) and Jose Abreu (8-for-14) have tormented Sanchez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit is 6-4 this season against Chicago, including a three-game sweep at home in early June.
2. White Sox SS Tim Anderson is 5-for-10 in his last two games after going 6-for-34 in his previous eight contests.
3. Tigers DH Victor Martinez, a .332 lifetime hitter versus Chicago, is 8-for-15 in his last four games overall.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Tigers 4
GAME: Chicago White Sox (51-54) at Detroit Tigers (57-48)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago White Sox continue to slide out of the playoff chase, but they remain in the headlines due to trade rumors swirling around ace left-hander Chris Sale. The White Sox opted to stand pat at the trade deadline as they prepare to wrap up an eight-game road trip with a visit to the red-hot Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night for the first of three contests.
Despite pitching problems of their own, with a pair of starters on the disabled list, the Tigers have ripped off six consecutive victories to move to the front of a pack of pursuers for the No. 2 wild card currently held down by Boston. Miguel Cabrera has four homers and nine RBIs over the past five games for Detroit, which has amassed 45 runs during the winning streak. Melky Cabrera is 10-for-18 during a streak of four straight multiple hits for the White Sox, who have dropped four of five on the road trip. A pair of pitchers who have combined for 23 losses this season -- Chicago's James Shields and Detroit's Anibal Sanchez -- will square off in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (5-12, 4.68 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sánchez (5-11, 6.56)
Shields has pitched well since he was shelled in the first three starts after his acquisition from the San Diego Padres. He halted a three-start losing streak by blanking the Chicago Cubs on four hits over 7 2/3 innings and has permitted eight runs over his last six turns. Miguel Cabrera is 22-for-60 against Shields, who owns a 7-7 record and 4.30 ERA in 21 starts versus Detroit.
The pitching-strapped Tigers have been forced to keep sending out Sanchez, who is 0-3 over his last four starts and has surrendered a combined 19 runs over 20 1/3 innings in that span. He came away with a no-decision versus the White Sox in his last appearance despite giving up four runs on 10 hits over six innings. Melky Cabrera (15-for-34) and Jose Abreu (8-for-14) have tormented Sanchez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit is 6-4 this season against Chicago, including a three-game sweep at home in early June.
2. White Sox SS Tim Anderson is 5-for-10 in his last two games after going 6-for-34 in his previous eight contests.
3. Tigers DH Victor Martinez, a .332 lifetime hitter versus Chicago, is 8-for-15 in his last four games overall.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Tigers 4
Preview: Twins at Indians
GAME: Minnesota Twins (41-64) at Cleveland Indians (60-43)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians came out of the trade deadline on Monday afternoon as the presumptive favorite to win their division and possibly the American League pennant, but the Minnesota Twins aren’t rolling over for them. The Twins will try to clinch at least a split of the four-game series when they visit the Indians on Tuesday.
Last-place Minnesota sold off as many pieces as it could prior to the deadline in an effort to build for the future while AL Central-leading Cleveland added stud left-hander Andrew Miller to the bullpen among other moves, but it was the Twins picking up a 12-5 win in the series opener on Monday. The Indians missed out on one of the bigger bats available when All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy vetoed a trade to Cleveland on Sunday and could have used the extra thump while managing six hits in the loss. Minnesota is focusing on its slew of young players and got an encouraging sign from outfielder Max Kepler, who bashed three home runs among four hits and drove in six runs on Monday. The Germany native’s power display helped fellow rookie Jose Berrios to the win in his return to the majors.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (3-6, 4.54 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (7-4, 2.45)
Gibson is coming off two straight strong outings and issued a total of two walks in 20 innings over his last three turns. The Missouri product allowed two hits over eight innings in a win at Boston on July 22 and followed it up by scattering two runs and nine hits across six frames against Baltimore on Thursday. Gibson’s last loss came against Cleveland on July 17, when he was reached for four runs and 10 hits in six innings.
Carrasco allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last nine starts but suffered a loss against Washington on Wednesday, surrendering three runs on as many hits and walks in six innings. The Venezuela native was brilliant in his previous turn, holding Kansas City scoreless on one hit in six frames. Carrasco earned a win over Minnesota on July 15 by scattering two runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miller made his Indians debut on Monday and served up a solo home run to 1B Joe Mauer while recording one out.
2. Cleveland 1B Mike Napoli has homered in three straight games, bringing his season total to 25.
3. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton is day-to-day after an MRI revealed a bone bruise in his right knee.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 3
GAME: Minnesota Twins (41-64) at Cleveland Indians (60-43)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians came out of the trade deadline on Monday afternoon as the presumptive favorite to win their division and possibly the American League pennant, but the Minnesota Twins aren’t rolling over for them. The Twins will try to clinch at least a split of the four-game series when they visit the Indians on Tuesday.
Last-place Minnesota sold off as many pieces as it could prior to the deadline in an effort to build for the future while AL Central-leading Cleveland added stud left-hander Andrew Miller to the bullpen among other moves, but it was the Twins picking up a 12-5 win in the series opener on Monday. The Indians missed out on one of the bigger bats available when All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy vetoed a trade to Cleveland on Sunday and could have used the extra thump while managing six hits in the loss. Minnesota is focusing on its slew of young players and got an encouraging sign from outfielder Max Kepler, who bashed three home runs among four hits and drove in six runs on Monday. The Germany native’s power display helped fellow rookie Jose Berrios to the win in his return to the majors.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (3-6, 4.54 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (7-4, 2.45)
Gibson is coming off two straight strong outings and issued a total of two walks in 20 innings over his last three turns. The Missouri product allowed two hits over eight innings in a win at Boston on July 22 and followed it up by scattering two runs and nine hits across six frames against Baltimore on Thursday. Gibson’s last loss came against Cleveland on July 17, when he was reached for four runs and 10 hits in six innings.
Carrasco allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last nine starts but suffered a loss against Washington on Wednesday, surrendering three runs on as many hits and walks in six innings. The Venezuela native was brilliant in his previous turn, holding Kansas City scoreless on one hit in six frames. Carrasco earned a win over Minnesota on July 15 by scattering two runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miller made his Indians debut on Monday and served up a solo home run to 1B Joe Mauer while recording one out.
2. Cleveland 1B Mike Napoli has homered in three straight games, bringing his season total to 25.
3. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton is day-to-day after an MRI revealed a bone bruise in his right knee.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 3
Preview: Royals at Rays
GAME: Kansas City Royals (50-55) at Tampa Bay Rays (42-62)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals attempt to string together a pair of dazzling pitching performances when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. The Royals snapped a four-game slide as Danny Duffy recorded a team-record 16 strikeouts in Monday’s 3-0 victory over the Rays, who were short-handed after making three trades earlier in the day.
Kansas City, which was quiet at the trade deadline after a 1-8 stretch severely damaged its chances of defending its World Series title, sends the hard-throwing Yordano Ventura to the mound Tuesday. Tampa Bay dealt the versatile Steve Pearce to Baltimore and outfielder Brandon Guyer to Cleveland for prospects while shipping Tuesday’s originally scheduled starting pitcher Matt Moore to San Francisco. The Rays received two minor-leaguers for Moore in addition to 25-year-old infielder Matt Duffy, who currently is on the disabled list with a strained Achilles tendon and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Outfielder Desmond Jennings (hamstring), who was activated from the DL on Monday, notched Tampa Bay’s only hit in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (6-9, 4.88 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (6-2, 2.75)
Ventura has allowed three or fewer runs in four straight starts but is 0-3 in that span and has dropped five consecutive decisions overall. The Dominican has not won a game since June 17, when he pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings against Detroit. Kevin Kiermaier is 2-for-3 with a homer versus Ventura, who is 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Andriese takes Moore’s spot in the rotation, making his first start since allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings in a 5-0 loss to Baltimore on June 25. The 26-year-old is 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA in eight starts and 1-1 with a 2.38 mark over 10 relief appearances this season. Andriese permitted two runs - one earned - in seven innings on May 30 in Kansas City but did not factor in the decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Royals have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Rays, including all four this season by a combined score of 25-10.
2. Tampa Bay will recall UTL Taylor Motter and RHP Ryan Garton from Triple-A Durham for Tuesday’s contest.
3. Kansas City 1B-DH Kendrys Morales homered Monday and is 7-for-15 with a pair of blasts and five RBIs in four games versus the Rays this season.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Royals 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (50-55) at Tampa Bay Rays (42-62)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals attempt to string together a pair of dazzling pitching performances when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. The Royals snapped a four-game slide as Danny Duffy recorded a team-record 16 strikeouts in Monday’s 3-0 victory over the Rays, who were short-handed after making three trades earlier in the day.
Kansas City, which was quiet at the trade deadline after a 1-8 stretch severely damaged its chances of defending its World Series title, sends the hard-throwing Yordano Ventura to the mound Tuesday. Tampa Bay dealt the versatile Steve Pearce to Baltimore and outfielder Brandon Guyer to Cleveland for prospects while shipping Tuesday’s originally scheduled starting pitcher Matt Moore to San Francisco. The Rays received two minor-leaguers for Moore in addition to 25-year-old infielder Matt Duffy, who currently is on the disabled list with a strained Achilles tendon and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Outfielder Desmond Jennings (hamstring), who was activated from the DL on Monday, notched Tampa Bay’s only hit in the series opener.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (6-9, 4.88 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (6-2, 2.75)
Ventura has allowed three or fewer runs in four straight starts but is 0-3 in that span and has dropped five consecutive decisions overall. The Dominican has not won a game since June 17, when he pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings against Detroit. Kevin Kiermaier is 2-for-3 with a homer versus Ventura, who is 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Andriese takes Moore’s spot in the rotation, making his first start since allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings in a 5-0 loss to Baltimore on June 25. The 26-year-old is 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA in eight starts and 1-1 with a 2.38 mark over 10 relief appearances this season. Andriese permitted two runs - one earned - in seven innings on May 30 in Kansas City but did not factor in the decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Royals have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Rays, including all four this season by a combined score of 25-10.
2. Tampa Bay will recall UTL Taylor Motter and RHP Ryan Garton from Triple-A Durham for Tuesday’s contest.
3. Kansas City 1B-DH Kendrys Morales homered Monday and is 7-for-15 with a pair of blasts and five RBIs in four games versus the Rays this season.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Royals 3
Preview: Yankees at Mets
GAME: New York Yankees (53-52) at New York Mets (54-51)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees spent the weekend and Monday selling off some of the biggest pieces on their roster in a signal they were waving the white flag on the season and planning for the future, though a few veterans did make their way back to the team. The Yankees will try to ride the remaining players to a sweep of the Flushing portion of the home-and-home Subway Series when they visit the New York Mets on Tuesday.
The Yankees traded away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran but brought back Adam Warren and Tyler Clippard in their dealings and got a combined three scoreless innings of relief from the veterans in Monday’s 6-5, 10-inning win over the Mets. The Yankees own one of the top farm systems in baseball after all of the trades and those prospects will eventually join young players like Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius, who recorded the go-ahead and tying RBIs, respectively, in Monday’s triumph. The Mets made one of the bigger deals of the deadline by bringing in Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds and hope to have him available on Tuesday. "I think it will be a big impact," Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters of Bruce. "He's a tremendous run-producing guy. He's a huge bat in the middle of our lineup."
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (Yankees), WPIX (Mets)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (7-3, 3.16 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (6-5, 2.56)
Tanaka came out of the All-Star break strong with one run allowed in 12 innings over his first two starts but ran into some trouble at Houston on Wednesday. The Japan native was reached for four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in five innings to absorb his first loss since June 11. Tanaka is making his third Subway Series start and held the Mets to a total of two runs and nine hits in 15 innings in the first two while going 1-1.
DeGrom is looking for some consistency after sandwiching a pair of dominant efforts around one terrible start in three outings since the All-Star break. The Stetson product was ripped for five runs and 10 hits at Miami on July 23 but held the Colorado Rockies scoreless over seven frames on Thursday without factoring in the decision. DeGrom is still looking for his first win over the Yankees and served up a total of seven runs and 12 hits over 12 innings in his first two chances.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera (strained patella tendon) is likely to be placed on the disabled list on Tuesday.
2. Yankees RHP Dellin Betances, who inherited the closer role with Chapman and Miller gone, earned his first save of the season on Monday.
3. Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes (quad) sat out on Monday while OF Justin Ruggiano (hamstring) left Monday’s game, and both are day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Yankees 3
GAME: New York Yankees (53-52) at New York Mets (54-51)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees spent the weekend and Monday selling off some of the biggest pieces on their roster in a signal they were waving the white flag on the season and planning for the future, though a few veterans did make their way back to the team. The Yankees will try to ride the remaining players to a sweep of the Flushing portion of the home-and-home Subway Series when they visit the New York Mets on Tuesday.
The Yankees traded away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran but brought back Adam Warren and Tyler Clippard in their dealings and got a combined three scoreless innings of relief from the veterans in Monday’s 6-5, 10-inning win over the Mets. The Yankees own one of the top farm systems in baseball after all of the trades and those prospects will eventually join young players like Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius, who recorded the go-ahead and tying RBIs, respectively, in Monday’s triumph. The Mets made one of the bigger deals of the deadline by bringing in Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds and hope to have him available on Tuesday. "I think it will be a big impact," Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters of Bruce. "He's a tremendous run-producing guy. He's a huge bat in the middle of our lineup."
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (Yankees), WPIX (Mets)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (7-3, 3.16 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (6-5, 2.56)
Tanaka came out of the All-Star break strong with one run allowed in 12 innings over his first two starts but ran into some trouble at Houston on Wednesday. The Japan native was reached for four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in five innings to absorb his first loss since June 11. Tanaka is making his third Subway Series start and held the Mets to a total of two runs and nine hits in 15 innings in the first two while going 1-1.
DeGrom is looking for some consistency after sandwiching a pair of dominant efforts around one terrible start in three outings since the All-Star break. The Stetson product was ripped for five runs and 10 hits at Miami on July 23 but held the Colorado Rockies scoreless over seven frames on Thursday without factoring in the decision. DeGrom is still looking for his first win over the Yankees and served up a total of seven runs and 12 hits over 12 innings in his first two chances.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera (strained patella tendon) is likely to be placed on the disabled list on Tuesday.
2. Yankees RHP Dellin Betances, who inherited the closer role with Chapman and Miller gone, earned his first save of the season on Monday.
3. Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes (quad) sat out on Monday while OF Justin Ruggiano (hamstring) left Monday’s game, and both are day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Yankees 3
Preview: Marlins at Cubs
GAME: Miami Marlins (57-49) at Chicago Cubs (64-41)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs haven’t lost a series since the All-Star break, and they can clinch another victory with a second straight win over the visiting Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The Cubs aim to add to their major league-best overall mark and their National League-leading home record in the middle contest of the three-game set.
Chicago pitchers have racked up 18 straight scoreless innings – nine by the bullpen in Sunday’s 12-frame, 7-6 comeback win over Seattle followed by a shutout from starter Kyle Hendricks in Monday’s series opener. The Cubs improved to 11-6 since the break and have restored their NL Central lead to eight games over rival St. Louis. Miami remains a central figure in the playoff picture, trailing Washington by 4 1/2 games in the NL East while holding the second wild-card spot. Ace Jose Fernandez takes the mound for the Marlins two days after his 24th birthday, opposing fellow right-hander Jason Hammel.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Chicago Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (12-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (10-5, 3.23)
Fernandez is coming off a rare rough outing at home, as he allowed five runs and six hits over five frames in a loss to St. Louis on Thursday. He did fan nine batters, however, for his ninth straight start with at least seven strikeouts. That stretch includes a dominant effort in his first career start against the visiting Cubs on June 26, when he struck out 13 and allowed one run and four hits over seven innings.
Hammel matched his career high for victories when he beat the cross-town White Sox on Wednesday for his third straight win. The 33-year-old surrendered just one run and five hits over seven strong innings to lower his home ERA to 2.50. Hammel fell to 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) against the Marlins on June 26, when he took a loss at Miami despite registering a quality start.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins OF Ichiro Suzuki hit into a double play as a pinch-hitter Monday to remain two hits shy of 3,000 in his major-league career.
2. The Cubs further bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Joe Smith from the Los Angeles Angels ahead of Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline for fellow RHP Jesus Castillo.
3. Chicago OF Jason Heyward went 2-for-4 Monday to extend his hitting streak to seven games - two shy of his season high.
PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Cubs 2
GAME: Miami Marlins (57-49) at Chicago Cubs (64-41)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs haven’t lost a series since the All-Star break, and they can clinch another victory with a second straight win over the visiting Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The Cubs aim to add to their major league-best overall mark and their National League-leading home record in the middle contest of the three-game set.
Chicago pitchers have racked up 18 straight scoreless innings – nine by the bullpen in Sunday’s 12-frame, 7-6 comeback win over Seattle followed by a shutout from starter Kyle Hendricks in Monday’s series opener. The Cubs improved to 11-6 since the break and have restored their NL Central lead to eight games over rival St. Louis. Miami remains a central figure in the playoff picture, trailing Washington by 4 1/2 games in the NL East while holding the second wild-card spot. Ace Jose Fernandez takes the mound for the Marlins two days after his 24th birthday, opposing fellow right-hander Jason Hammel.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Chicago Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (12-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (10-5, 3.23)
Fernandez is coming off a rare rough outing at home, as he allowed five runs and six hits over five frames in a loss to St. Louis on Thursday. He did fan nine batters, however, for his ninth straight start with at least seven strikeouts. That stretch includes a dominant effort in his first career start against the visiting Cubs on June 26, when he struck out 13 and allowed one run and four hits over seven innings.
Hammel matched his career high for victories when he beat the cross-town White Sox on Wednesday for his third straight win. The 33-year-old surrendered just one run and five hits over seven strong innings to lower his home ERA to 2.50. Hammel fell to 2-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) against the Marlins on June 26, when he took a loss at Miami despite registering a quality start.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins OF Ichiro Suzuki hit into a double play as a pinch-hitter Monday to remain two hits shy of 3,000 in his major-league career.
2. The Cubs further bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Joe Smith from the Los Angeles Angels ahead of Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline for fellow RHP Jesus Castillo.
3. Chicago OF Jason Heyward went 2-for-4 Monday to extend his hitting streak to seven games - two shy of his season high.
PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Cubs 2
Preview: Blue Jays at Astros
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (59-47) at Houston Astros (56-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays were missing two big bats from their starting lineup in the series opener but hope to at least have third baseman Josh Donaldson back when they visit the Houston Astros on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game set. Donaldson has been bothered by a hamstring injury but did pinch-hit and remain in Monday's 2-1, 14-inning loss while shortstop Troy Tulowitzki missed the game with a chip fracture in his right thumb.
Tulowitzki figures to avoid a stint on the 15-day disabled list but isn't able to comfortably grip a bat. "He feels better, but he's not ready to play yet," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters. "It shouldn't be more than a couple of days, I hope. He feels much better. It didn't really swell up as much as we thought, so that's a good sign." Houston halted a three-game losing streak with Monday's win as Carlos Correa delivered an RBI double off the fence in right-center-field for the club's ninth walk-off victory of the season. Jose Altuve slugged his 19th homer for the Astros, who are 2 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays and Boston in the American League wild-card race.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (7-12, 4.66 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (6-4, 3.18)
Dickey has lost three consecutive starts, surrendering 17 earned runs - and six homers - in 14 2/3 innings during that stretch. The 41-year-old will tie his career high for defeats with his next setback as his once-feared knuckleball no longer is so daunting to hit. Dickey is 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 13 career appearances (11 starts) versus Houston and has struggled against Carlos Gomez (7-for-13), who missed the opener with a hamstring injury.
McCullers has struck out 10 while winning each of his last two starts. He has allowed exactly one run in five of his last six outings and has served up just two homers over his past 10 turns. McCullers is 5-2 with a 2.28 ERA in nine home starts this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Blue Jays acquired Scott Feldman from the Astros prior to Monday's non-waiver trade deadline for fellow RHP Guadalupe Chavez.
2. Toronto obtained more pitchers in two different deadline trades, receiving LHP Francisco Liriano from Pittsburgh for RHP Drew Hutchison, C Reese McGuire and OF Harold Ramirez while picking up Mike Bolsinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers for fellow RHP Jesse Chavez.
3. Houston dealt RHP Josh Fields to the Dodgers for INF/OF Yordan Alvarez and recalled RHP Joe Musgrove from Triple-A Fresno.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Blue Jays 2
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (59-47) at Houston Astros (56-49)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays were missing two big bats from their starting lineup in the series opener but hope to at least have third baseman Josh Donaldson back when they visit the Houston Astros on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game set. Donaldson has been bothered by a hamstring injury but did pinch-hit and remain in Monday's 2-1, 14-inning loss while shortstop Troy Tulowitzki missed the game with a chip fracture in his right thumb.
Tulowitzki figures to avoid a stint on the 15-day disabled list but isn't able to comfortably grip a bat. "He feels better, but he's not ready to play yet," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters. "It shouldn't be more than a couple of days, I hope. He feels much better. It didn't really swell up as much as we thought, so that's a good sign." Houston halted a three-game losing streak with Monday's win as Carlos Correa delivered an RBI double off the fence in right-center-field for the club's ninth walk-off victory of the season. Jose Altuve slugged his 19th homer for the Astros, who are 2 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays and Boston in the American League wild-card race.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (7-12, 4.66 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (6-4, 3.18)
Dickey has lost three consecutive starts, surrendering 17 earned runs - and six homers - in 14 2/3 innings during that stretch. The 41-year-old will tie his career high for defeats with his next setback as his once-feared knuckleball no longer is so daunting to hit. Dickey is 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 13 career appearances (11 starts) versus Houston and has struggled against Carlos Gomez (7-for-13), who missed the opener with a hamstring injury.
McCullers has struck out 10 while winning each of his last two starts. He has allowed exactly one run in five of his last six outings and has served up just two homers over his past 10 turns. McCullers is 5-2 with a 2.28 ERA in nine home starts this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Blue Jays acquired Scott Feldman from the Astros prior to Monday's non-waiver trade deadline for fellow RHP Guadalupe Chavez.
2. Toronto obtained more pitchers in two different deadline trades, receiving LHP Francisco Liriano from Pittsburgh for RHP Drew Hutchison, C Reese McGuire and OF Harold Ramirez while picking up Mike Bolsinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers for fellow RHP Jesse Chavez.
3. Houston dealt RHP Josh Fields to the Dodgers for INF/OF Yordan Alvarez and recalled RHP Joe Musgrove from Triple-A Fresno.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Blue Jays 2
Preview: Dodgers at Rockies
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (59-46) at Colorado Rockies (52-53)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed a pair of problem spots Monday, acquiring left-hander Rich Hill and right fielder Josh Reddick from Oakland in exchange for three pitching prospects. The Dodgers are two games out of first place in the National League West as they prepare to open a three-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Hill is currently on the 15-day disabled list because of a blister, but provides much-needed depth to the pitching staff due to the uncertain health status of three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. Reddick's acquisition could spell the end of Yasiel Puig's tenure with Los Angeles, which also picked up right-hander reliever Jesse Chavez from Toronto in exchange for right-hander Mike Bolsinger. The Rockies were denied a four-game sweep at the New York Mets on Sunday but have won nine of their last 11 games. Colorado right fielder Carlos Gonzalez has two homers and 13 RBIs during a 13-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (2-1, 2.39 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (7-4, 3.94)
McCarthy is coming off his worst outing since rejoining the rotation, lasting only four innings while giving up three runs and four hits in a 3-1 setback to Tampa Bay. He had a pair of no-decisions in his previous two turns -- both on the road - despite allowing only two runs and four hits over 12 1/3 innings. McCarthy beat the Rockies with five scoreless innings of two-hit ball on July 3.
Gray turned in his third consecutive gem and won his second straight start by holding Baltimore to one run and five hits over seven innings. The 24-year-old is undefeated over his last four starts, yielding four runs on 19 hits over 27 1/3 innings. Gray has yet to beat the Dodgers in three career starts, posting an 0-2 record and 5.74 ERA with a .317 batting average against.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers rookie SS Corey Seager was 7-for-13 over the weekend against Arizona and is batting .367 versus Colorado.
2. Rockies rookie OF David Dahl has opened his career with a seven-game hitting streak, going 10-for-27.
3. Puig went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs Sunday in his first start since July 20.
PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Dodgers 3
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (59-46) at Colorado Rockies (52-53)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed a pair of problem spots Monday, acquiring left-hander Rich Hill and right fielder Josh Reddick from Oakland in exchange for three pitching prospects. The Dodgers are two games out of first place in the National League West as they prepare to open a three-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.
Hill is currently on the 15-day disabled list because of a blister, but provides much-needed depth to the pitching staff due to the uncertain health status of three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. Reddick's acquisition could spell the end of Yasiel Puig's tenure with Los Angeles, which also picked up right-hander reliever Jesse Chavez from Toronto in exchange for right-hander Mike Bolsinger. The Rockies were denied a four-game sweep at the New York Mets on Sunday but have won nine of their last 11 games. Colorado right fielder Carlos Gonzalez has two homers and 13 RBIs during a 13-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (2-1, 2.39 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (7-4, 3.94)
McCarthy is coming off his worst outing since rejoining the rotation, lasting only four innings while giving up three runs and four hits in a 3-1 setback to Tampa Bay. He had a pair of no-decisions in his previous two turns -- both on the road - despite allowing only two runs and four hits over 12 1/3 innings. McCarthy beat the Rockies with five scoreless innings of two-hit ball on July 3.
Gray turned in his third consecutive gem and won his second straight start by holding Baltimore to one run and five hits over seven innings. The 24-year-old is undefeated over his last four starts, yielding four runs on 19 hits over 27 1/3 innings. Gray has yet to beat the Dodgers in three career starts, posting an 0-2 record and 5.74 ERA with a .317 batting average against.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers rookie SS Corey Seager was 7-for-13 over the weekend against Arizona and is batting .367 versus Colorado.
2. Rockies rookie OF David Dahl has opened his career with a seven-game hitting streak, going 10-for-27.
3. Puig went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs Sunday in his first start since July 20.
PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Dodgers 3
Preview: Nationals at Diamondbacks
GAME: Washington Nationals (62-44) at Arizona Diamondbacks (43-63)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
National League batting leader Daniel Murphy returned to the lineup after missing consecutive starts because of a hamstring injury and continued his season-long trend of stroking hits all over the ballpark. The Washington second baseman looks to increase his .355 average when the Nationals visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday in the second contest of a three-game set.
Murphy went 3-for-3 with one RBI and scored three times as Washington racked up a season-best 19 hits and rolled to a 14-1 victory Monday. He signed with the Nationals as a free agent during the offseason and he also leads the NL in slugging percentage (.626) despite not being a traditional power hitter — this season's 20-homer campaign is the first of his career. Washington, which leads the NL East by five games over the Miami Marlins, is 4-3 on a nine-game road trip that ends Wednesday. Arizona, which has allowed 14 runs in each of its last two games, resides in last place in the NL West and had dropped 10 of its last 13 games.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (10-6, 2.96 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-10, 4.70)
Roark defeated San Francisco in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over seven innings. He is 4-1 over his past six starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in four of the outings. Roark hasn't allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 career innings against Arizona in five appearances (two starts) but has struggled with former Milwaukee infielder Jean Segura (3-for-6).
Ray is 1-5 over his last seven starts, including back-to-back defeats. He combined for 21 strikeouts in just 10 2/3 innings in the two losses, fanning 10 against Cincinnati on July 23 and a career-high 11 versus Milwaukee on Thursday. Ray has a mediocre 5.17 ERA at home this season while going 3-4 in 10 outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals C Wilson Ramos had three hits in the opener — his third three-hit outing in 10 games — and stands second in the NL with a .330 average.
2. Arizona RHP Zack Greinke (oblique) is slated to throw 80 pitches in a rehab stint at Triple-A Reno on Friday.
3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (left wrist) missed Monday's game one day after he was hit by a pitch.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Diamondbacks 4
GAME: Washington Nationals (62-44) at Arizona Diamondbacks (43-63)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
National League batting leader Daniel Murphy returned to the lineup after missing consecutive starts because of a hamstring injury and continued his season-long trend of stroking hits all over the ballpark. The Washington second baseman looks to increase his .355 average when the Nationals visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday in the second contest of a three-game set.
Murphy went 3-for-3 with one RBI and scored three times as Washington racked up a season-best 19 hits and rolled to a 14-1 victory Monday. He signed with the Nationals as a free agent during the offseason and he also leads the NL in slugging percentage (.626) despite not being a traditional power hitter — this season's 20-homer campaign is the first of his career. Washington, which leads the NL East by five games over the Miami Marlins, is 4-3 on a nine-game road trip that ends Wednesday. Arizona, which has allowed 14 runs in each of its last two games, resides in last place in the NL West and had dropped 10 of its last 13 games.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (10-6, 2.96 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-10, 4.70)
Roark defeated San Francisco in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over seven innings. He is 4-1 over his past six starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in four of the outings. Roark hasn't allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 career innings against Arizona in five appearances (two starts) but has struggled with former Milwaukee infielder Jean Segura (3-for-6).
Ray is 1-5 over his last seven starts, including back-to-back defeats. He combined for 21 strikeouts in just 10 2/3 innings in the two losses, fanning 10 against Cincinnati on July 23 and a career-high 11 versus Milwaukee on Thursday. Ray has a mediocre 5.17 ERA at home this season while going 3-4 in 10 outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals C Wilson Ramos had three hits in the opener — his third three-hit outing in 10 games — and stands second in the NL with a .330 average.
2. Arizona RHP Zack Greinke (oblique) is slated to throw 80 pitches in a rehab stint at Triple-A Reno on Friday.
3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (left wrist) missed Monday's game one day after he was hit by a pitch.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Diamondbacks 4
Preview: Athletics at Angels
GAME: Oakland Athletics (47-58) at Los Angeles Angels (47-58)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletic and Los Angeles Angels are tied for last place in the American League West but both teams were busy at the trade deadline in advance of Tuesday's three-game series in Anaheim, Calif. Oakland and Los Angeles sport identical 47-58 marks, although the Angels have scored 57 more runs overall and are 6-4 against the A's this season.
Oakland, which was outscored 19-6 in a three-game sweep over the weekend in Cleveland, traded right fielder Josh Reddick and left-hander Rich Hill to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three minor-league pitching prospects: Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas. "Losing 'Red' and Rich is tough. They were core pieces," Athletics reliever Sean Doolittle said. The Angels were surprisingly active, sending 10-game winner Hector Santiago and right-hander Alan Busenitz to Minnesota for pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer. Los Angeles also dealt right-handed reliever Joe Smith to the Chicago Cubs for Class A right-hander Jesus Castillo.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (3-5, 4.57 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (5-11, 4.17)
Manaea has struck out 35 batters and not issued a walk in his last four games (26 2/3 innings), but has a quartet of no-decisions to show for it. The 24-year-old rookie benefited from a personal-best nine strikeouts to limit the damage despite permitting a career-high 11 hits in 6 2/3 innings at Texas on Wednesday. Manaea has struggled mightily on the road, posting an 0-3 mark with a bloated 6.99 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .328 against him this season.
Shoemaker's throwing error led to his undoing on Wednesday, as the 29-year-old's miscue opened the door for a five-run performance in six innings of a 7-5 setback to Kansas City. The 29-year-old entered that contest with a 3-5 mark and 2.39 ERA while striking out 93 in his previous 12 outings (83 innings). Shoemaker has dominated Oakland in both encounters this season, allowing just one hit over six scoreless frames in a 5-1 win on April 13 before yielding one earned run in six innings of a no-decision two months later.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels DH Albert Pujols has 12 hits and nine RBIs in his last seven games overall and 12 and 10, respectively, in 10 meetings with Oakland this season.
2. Oakland OF Khris Davis has followed a six-game hitting streak and five-game RBI stretch by going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in his last two contests.
3. Los Angeles INF Cliff Pennington (right hamstring strain) is expected to be activated for Tuesday's opener against the team that selected him with the 21st overall pick of the 2005 draft.
PREDICTION: Angels 4, Athletics 2
GAME: Oakland Athletics (47-58) at Los Angeles Angels (47-58)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 02 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Oakland Athletic and Los Angeles Angels are tied for last place in the American League West but both teams were busy at the trade deadline in advance of Tuesday's three-game series in Anaheim, Calif. Oakland and Los Angeles sport identical 47-58 marks, although the Angels have scored 57 more runs overall and are 6-4 against the A's this season.
Oakland, which was outscored 19-6 in a three-game sweep over the weekend in Cleveland, traded right fielder Josh Reddick and left-hander Rich Hill to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three minor-league pitching prospects: Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas. "Losing 'Red' and Rich is tough. They were core pieces," Athletics reliever Sean Doolittle said. The Angels were surprisingly active, sending 10-game winner Hector Santiago and right-hander Alan Busenitz to Minnesota for pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer. Los Angeles also dealt right-handed reliever Joe Smith to the Chicago Cubs for Class A right-hander Jesus Castillo.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (3-5, 4.57 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (5-11, 4.17)
Manaea has struck out 35 batters and not issued a walk in his last four games (26 2/3 innings), but has a quartet of no-decisions to show for it. The 24-year-old rookie benefited from a personal-best nine strikeouts to limit the damage despite permitting a career-high 11 hits in 6 2/3 innings at Texas on Wednesday. Manaea has struggled mightily on the road, posting an 0-3 mark with a bloated 6.99 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat .328 against him this season.
Shoemaker's throwing error led to his undoing on Wednesday, as the 29-year-old's miscue opened the door for a five-run performance in six innings of a 7-5 setback to Kansas City. The 29-year-old entered that contest with a 3-5 mark and 2.39 ERA while striking out 93 in his previous 12 outings (83 innings). Shoemaker has dominated Oakland in both encounters this season, allowing just one hit over six scoreless frames in a 5-1 win on April 13 before yielding one earned run in six innings of a no-decision two months later.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels DH Albert Pujols has 12 hits and nine RBIs in his last seven games overall and 12 and 10, respectively, in 10 meetings with Oakland this season.
2. Oakland OF Khris Davis has followed a six-game hitting streak and five-game RBI stretch by going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in his last two contests.
3. Los Angeles INF Cliff Pennington (right hamstring strain) is expected to be activated for Tuesday's opener against the team that selected him with the 21st overall pick of the 2005 draft.
PREDICTION: Angels 4, Athletics 2
