Wednesday 5/24/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Boyd
May 24 '17, 3:35 PM in 3h
MLB | Marlins vs A's
Play on: A's -135 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on A's -

I really like the value here with Oakland at this price with their ace Sonny Gray on the mound. Gray will be making his 5th start of 2017 and has got better with each outing. His last start was a gem against the Red Sox, where he allowed just 3 runs on 4 hits over 6 innings. The biggest key there was the 8 strikeouts he racked up, as he had only had 9 strikeouts in his previous 3 starts combined. He's more than equipped to keep this Miami offense in check.

I can't say the same for Marlins starter Edinson Volquez and him cooling off the hot bats of the A's, who have scored 8 or more runs 4 times in their last 7 games. Volquez has struggled all season, as he is 0-6 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.697 WHIP in 8 starts and 0-4 with a 5.26 ERA in 5 road starts (all 5 losses for Miami).

It's also worth noting that the Marlins are a poor interleague team, going just 9-22 against the AL over the last 2 seasons. That's with yesterday's 11-9 win, which also puts them in a bad spot, as they are a mere 8-26 in their last 34 road games after scoring 8 or more runs. Take Oakland!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tony Karpinski
May 24 '17, 12:35 PM in 57m
MLB | Twins vs Orioles
Play on: Twins +106 at GTBets

Jose Berrios has burst onto the scene with two sterling outings, including 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Rockies. He set a career high with 11 strikeouts and has allowed only one run on four hits in 15 1/3 innings. I like the HOT TWINS to get the win here this afternoon and sweep this series.
FREE OPINION in this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Larry Ness
May 24 '17, 7:35 PM in 7h
MLB | Pirates vs Braves
Play on: Braves -119 at BMaker

My Bonus Play is on the Atl Braves at 7:35 ET

Atlanta's Matt Adams (acquired from St Louis just this past Saturday) delivered a walk-off single in Tuesday's 6-5 victory, the Braves' 10th win in their last 13 games. Pittsburgh had taken a one-run lead in the top of the ninth but Tony Watson was unable to close it out, allowing at least three hits for the fourth time in seven appearances, as Pittsburgh fell to 8-17 away from home in a crushing defeat that featured a rain delay of more than three hours. While the 20-23 Braves are inching towards the .500 mark, the 20-26 Pirates are heading in the opposite direction with losses in each of the first two of this four-game series at Atlanta's SunTrust Park.

The pitching matchup features Trevor Williams (2-3, 6.04 ERA) and Julio Teheran (3-4, 5.47 ERA). Williams will make his fourth start after making six appearances out of the bullpen. This could be the most important of the season for Williams, who was rocked for eight runs (six earned) over three innings in his first start (May 8) but has pitched better in his last two, working five innings of one-run ball at Arizona and 5.2 innings of three-run ball vs Philadelphia. Williams could be in danger of losing his role to Jameson Taillon, who has been out after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer. Taillon threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday and moved a step closer to being reactivated.

Atlanta's move to SunTrust Park has not made for an easy tradition for Julio Teheran. He had always pitched well at Turner Field but he's 1-4 with a bloated 10.24 ERA at Atlanta's new stadium, as opposed to a 2-0 mark and minuscule 0.71 ERA in four road starts. He was battered for a season-worst nine runs and served up three HRs in three-plus innings in his last home start this past Thursday against Toronto. That followed a stellar outing at Miami in which he tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball. Teheran is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA vs the Pirates in seven career starts (Braves are 5-2).

Teheran pitched even strong innings last month (allowed just two unearned runs on April 9th) but again, that was on the road. That said, Teheran's home woes make little sense. He's been Atlanta's ace recently and I expect hime to come around here at SunTrust. As for Williams, he's pitched 13.2 innings as a starter, allowing 12 runs (10 earned) on 15 hits, four walks and six strikeouts. I'll go with Teheran and the Braves

Good luck...Larry

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ray Monohan
May 24 '17, 1:10 PM in 1h
MLB | TOR vs MIL
Play on: UNDER 8½ -105

Brewers vs. Blue Jays Under 8.5

This play just missed out on our premium card. The Blue Jays and the Brewers face off on Wednesday afternoon in Milwaukee and the under has a ton of value in this one. This game features two pitchers who have had nice starts to their season. On the mound for the Brewers is Matt Garza who has looked really good to start the season. He has a 2-0 record on the season with an ERA of 2.43.

He faces a Toronto team who has had trouble scoring runs this season. On the mound for the Blue Jays is Marcus Stroman who has a 3-2 record and an ERA of 3. In his last three starts he has given up a total of two runs. I expect he will be able to mix his pitches and have a really good start in this one. Some trends to note. Under is 8-2 in Stromans last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Garzas last 5 Wednesday starts. This is going to be a pitchers duel.

Back the Under. Good Luck, Razor Ray.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pure Lock
MLB | May 24, 2017
Tigers vs. Astros
Astros -160 at 5DIMES

Pure Lock's FREE MLB play Wednesday 5-24-17

Houston -160

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mikey Sports
MLB | May 24, 2017
White Sox vs. Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks -108 at 5DIMES

Mikey Sports FREE MLB play Wednesday 5-24-17

Arizona -108

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Williams
MLB | May 24, 2017
Royals vs. Yankees
Yankees -190 at 5DIMES

1* on Yankees -190

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Orioles
GAME: Minnesota Twins (24-18) at Baltimore Orioles (25-19)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 12:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

The Minnesota Twins recorded a season high in runs (14) and hits (21) in the series opener before benefiting from a sterling pitching performance to become the first team this season to capture a series at Camden Yards. The American League Central-leading Twins vie for their sixth win in seven outings on Wednesday afternoon when they play the finale of the three-game series against the skidding Baltimore Orioles.

Brian Dozier belted a solo homer in Tuesday's 2-0 triumph to extend his hit streak to five games and his run-scoring stretch to four contests. The 30-year-old has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games for the Twins, who are 10-2 in their last 12 away from Target Field. Baltimore, which has dropped nine of its last 12 overall, boasted the majors' best home mark before dropping the last three contests entering the finale of its six-game homestand. The Orioles were limited to just two hits in a complete-game gem by Ervin Santana on Tuesday and will face a tall task against Wednesday starter Jose Berrios, who has yielded just one run in two starts this season.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (2-0, 0.59 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (1-0, 3.52)

Berrios answered a sterling season debut with an even better performance on Thursday, scattering two hits and striking out a career-high 11 in 7 2/3 innings of a 2-0 triumph over Colorado. The 22-year-old's double-digit strikeout performance was just Minnesota's eighth since 2011. Berrios has permitted just four hits in 15 1/3 frames this season after posting a bloated 8.02 ERA in 14 starts in 2016, becoming the 12th pitcher to make at least that many starts and finish with an ERA north of 8.00.

A 16-game winner in 2016, Tillman received his second straight no-decision on Friday despite recording his first quality start of the season. The 29-year-old overcame a three-run third to work six strong innings against Toronto for his longest stint of the campaign since opening the season on the disabled list with shoulder bursitis. Tillman traditionally hasn't fared well versus Minnesota, posting an 0-4 mark with a 4.50 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in seven career starts with Joe Mauer going 3-for-10 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota DH Kennys Vargas, who is batting .381 in six career games versus Baltimore, is 5-for-11 with one homer and three RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.

2. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop has hit safely in both outings in this series and five of his last seven contests overall.

3. Twins RHP Phil Hughes (right biceps inflammation) is expected to undergo more tests on Wednesday after being placed on the disabled list Monday.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Brewers
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (20-26) at Milwaukee Brewers (25-20)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Toronto Blue Jays attempt to conclude their seven-game road trip with a three-game winning streak when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their two-game interleague series. Toronto lost three of its first four on the trek but avoided a sweep in Baltimore before edging the Brewers 4-3 on Tuesday.

Kendrys Morales belted a two-run homer to end his eight-game drought while Ryan Goins drove in a run and recorded two hits after going 1-for-26 over his previous eight contests. Milwaukee kicked off a six-game homestand with its second straight loss after winning four in a row. Jonathan Villar followed up a 3-for-4 performance against the Cubs in Chicago on Sunday by delivering a two-run single - one of the Brewers' five hits in the setback. Milwaukee had won three straight and six of its previous seven at home prior to Tuesday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-2, 3.00 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (2-0, 2.43)

Stroman's unbeaten streak reached six starts on Thursday, when he scattered seven hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a victory at Atlanta while also hitting his first major-league homer. The 26-year-old New Yorker has allowed more than two runs just once during the streak and only twice in nine turns this season. Stroman threw a complete game in his only career start against Milwaukee on April 12 but suffered the loss despite giving up only two runs.

Garza has pitched well in his five starts this season, yielding three earned runs once and two or fewer in each of the other four outings. The 33-year-old Californian settled for a no-decision at San Diego last Wednesday after allowing one run and four hits over six innings. Garza owns an impressive 2.14 ERA with two complete games and one shutout in 13 career starts against Toronto but has posted just a 6-6 record.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista made his first start at third base since April 14, 2013 and started a 5-4-3 double play in the second inning.

2. Milwaukee RHP Junior Guerra (calf) likely will be activated and start Friday against Arizona.

3. Toronto LHP Francisco Liriano (shoulder) is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Athletics
GAME: Miami Marlins (16-28) at Oakland Athletics (20-25)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Miami Marlins hope their bats remain awake Wednesday afternoon as they attempt to complete a sweep of their two-game interleague series against the host Oakland Athletics. Miami pounded out 19 hits in Tuesday's 11-9 triumph, with Justin Bour going 4-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to six games.

Bour scored four runs and drove in two more as all nine members of the Marlins' starting lineup recorded at least one hit, with six registering multi-hit performances. Dee Gordon may be swinging the hottest bat for Miami as he enters Wednesday with multi-hit efforts in four straight contests, going 9-for-18 in that span. Oakland hopes to avoid ending its six-game homestand with a three-game losing streak, as it has allowed a total of 23 runs in back-to-back defeats after scoring 19 while winning three in a row. Yonder Alonso's return from a four-game absence due to sore knee lasted six innings as the slugger, who tied Khris Davis for the team lead with his 13th home run in the setback, exited with contusions to his hand and wrist after being hit by a pitch.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Edinson Volquez (0-6, 4.87 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (1-1, 3.97)

Volquez has yet to get into the win column in his first season with Miami and has lost each of his last five starts, including a turn against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Thursday in which he surrendered five runs over six innings. The 33-year-old Dominican has done a good job keeping the ball in the park, however, allowing only three homers over his last six outings and five in eight overall turns. Volquez is 3-3 with a 4.88 ERA in six career starts against Oakland.

Gray is coming off his first victory of the season, a triumph over Boston on Thursday in which he allowed three runs and four hits while striking out eight over six innings. The 27-year-old native of Tennessee has worked six frames and given up fewer than four earned runs in three of his four outings this year. Gray made his only career start against the Marlins in 2014 and escaped with a no-decision after yielding five runs over five innings at Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics RHP Jesse Hahn could be on the shelf for a while after leaving Tuesday's start in the third inning with a strained right triceps.

2. Oakland RHP Chris Bassitt, who is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in May 2016, has experienced soreness between rehab starts but hopes to take the mound again this weekend for Triple-A Nashville.

3. Miami placed David Phelps on the bereavement list and recalled fellow RHP Drew Steckenrider from Triple-A New Orleans.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Marlins 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Diamondbacks
GAME: Chicago White Sox (20-24) at Arizona Diamondbacks (28-19)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks look to complete a three-game sweep and win for the seventh time in eight games when they host the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Arizona has won five consecutive contests at Chase Field and owns the best home record in the majors at 20-8.

Jake Lamb and Chris Herrmann homered in Arizona's 5-4 win on Tuesday, and the latter is 5-for-12 with three blasts in his last three games. Lamb has been even hotter with five homers and 12 RBIs over his last seven contests and is tied for third in the National League with 38 RBIs. The White Sox are just 3-6 during their 10-game road trip and have dropped 12 of their last 17 overall games. Jose Abreu belted his 100th career homer on Tuesday and is 9-for-23 with two shots over his last five games.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago, FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-5, 3.92 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Randall Delgado (1-0, 4.05)

Quintana was superb in a no-decision in his last start, when he gave up one run and one hit in eight innings against Seattle. The 28-year-old is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA in four road outings this season. Quintana lost his lone career start versus Arizona in 2014, when he allowed three runs and seven hits over six frames.

Delgado is drawing the start in place of the injured Taijuan Walker, who has a blister on his right index finger. The 27-year-old Delgado is making his first major-league start since Aug. 22, 2015 after making 15 relief appearances for the Diamondbacks this season. Delgado struggled with Todd Frazier (5-for-13, one homer and two doubles) when the latter was with Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia (flu-like symptoms) didn't start Tuesday but was walked intentionally as a pinch-hitter.

2. Arizona is nine games over .500 for the first time since June 7, 2013.

3. Chicago 2B Tyler Saladino (back) returned from a six-game absence on Tuesday and went 1-for-5.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Indians
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (21-24) at Cleveland Indians (24-20)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Indians look to continue their domination of their Buckeye State rivals on Wednesday when the two-city, four-game interleague series shifts to Progressive Field. Edwin Encarnacion recorded his 26th career multi-homer performance in Tuesday's 8-7 triumph, gaining a split between the teams in the Ohio Cup while giving the Indians wins in seven of their last eight versus the Reds.

Signed to a three-year, $60 million deal in the offseason, Encarnacion collected his fourth multi-hit effort in his last seven outings, with four homers, eight RBIs and eight runs scored in that stretch. Francisco Lindor added a solo shot to extend his hitting streak to nine games, during which he has scored six times. While the Indians improved to 16-10 on the road, they're just 8-10 at home and host a Reds team that has lost six in a row on the road and nine of 11 overall. Speedy Billy Hamilton, who had an RBI single on Tuesday, has reached base safely in a career-high 23 consecutive games.


TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Lisalverto Bonilla (0-2, 6.38 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (4-4, 6.65)

Bonilla sustained his second loss in a row after running into trouble in the sixth inning on Friday, allowing four runs - including a three-run homer - as part of Colorado's eventual eight-run frame. The longball has been a familiar sight for the 26-year-old Dominican, who has been taken deep four times in three outings. Bonilla hasn't helped himself with his control either, yielding three walks versus the Rockies and eight free passes total in 18 1/3 innings.

Bauer recorded his second consecutive victory after allowing three runs and striking out a season-high nine in 5 2/3 innings at Houston on Friday. Like Bonilla, the 26-year-old has been victimized by the home run, with two balls leaving the yard against the Astros and seven in his last five trips to the mound. Bauer owns a 1-2 career mark with a 5.52 ERA against the Reds, although Joey Votto belted a solo homer among his two hits off the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley has five doubles during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. Votto has two hits on Tuesday to increase his total to 32 in the last 26 contests, raising his batting average from .229 to .300 in the process.

3. Indians 3B Jose Ramirez is 1-for-12 in his last three contests on the heels of a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Yankees
GAME: Kansas City Royals (19-26) at New York Yankees (26-17)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

The Kansas City Royals own the worst record in the American League but they managed to beat the New York Yankees at their own game with a late power show to even their four-game series at one victory apiece. Kansas City is 2-3 at the midway point of its 10-game road trip entering Wednesday night's matchup against the AL East-leading Yankees.

The Royals pounded out four home runs -- all coming over the final three innings -- and have 13 blasts on in the first five games of their trek, including four from rookie Jorge Bonifacio, who has gone deep in both games at Yankee Stadium. Jason Hammel, who is having a rough time in his return to the American League after spending the past 2 1/2 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, will face New York for the second time in a week after getting rocked by the Yankees in Kansas City. He'll be opposed by right-hander Luis Severino, who is winless over since April 26. Chris Carter has gone deep in back-to-back games for New York, which is 5-8 since its 21-9 start to the season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Kansas City, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (1-5, 6.20 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (2-2, 3.64)

Severino went five innings last time out, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven in a no-decision at Tampa Bay -- the third straight road start he's given up one run or less. He lasted only 2 1/3 innings in his previous turn versus Houston, permitting three runs on six hits in another no-decision. Severino's ERA at home (5.09) is more than double his road mark (2.25).

Hammel was victimized by the long ball in his last outing, giving up a three-run homer to the Yankees' Aaron Judge and a two-run blast to Carter in his six-inning stint. He was knocked around in his previous turn at Tampa Bay at well, giving up seven runs (six earned) on 13 hits over seven innings. New York's Starlin Castro is 5-for-9 against Hammel, a former teammate with the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas has three homers and 10 RBIs over the past seven games.

2. Yankees OF Aaron Hicks hit his eighth homer Tuesday, matching his total from 123 games in 2016.

3. Royals C Salvador Perez is 8-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Phillies
GAME: Colorado Rockies (30-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (15-28)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jeremy Hellickson has been the one constant in the beleaguered rotation of the Philadelphia Phillies but he'll have a tough challenge slowing the potent offense of the National League-leading Colorado Rockies. Hellickson goes for his sixth victory of the season on Wednesday as Philadelphia resumes its four-game series versus Colorado.

The Rockies rolled to an 8-2 victory Tuesday, their third win in a row and seventh in nine games behind a pair of two-run homers by Charlie Blackmon, who is 4-for-9 with seven RBIs in the first two games of the series. Colorado is 17-7 away from home and has collected at least 10 hits in five straight road games for only the fourth time in franchise history. Outfielder Aaron Altherr had his second straight two-hit performance for the reeling Phillies, who are 4-19 over their last 23 games. Philadelphia has managed six runs during its current four-game skid and has been outscored 16-3 in the first two games of the series.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (3-6, 5.09 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (5-1, 3.44)

Chatwood lost for the fourth time in five starts last time out at Minnesota, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings. He struggled with his control again, walking a season-high five batters to continue a trend that has seen him permit at least three free passes in six consecutive starts. He has made five starts against the Phillies, posting a 2-2 record and 4.15 ERA.

Hellickson got back in the win column at Pittsburgh on Friday, tossing six strong innings while yielding two runs (one earned) on only two hits. More importantly, he kept the ball in the park after surrendering seven home runs during his previous three turns, in which he failed to pitch beyond five innings. He has limited the current Rockies to a collective .179 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blackmon is 11-for-20 with seven homers and 12 RBIs over his last five games in Philadelphia.

2. Slumping Phillies 3B Maikel Franco and RF Michael Saunders were held out of the starting lineup Tuesday.

3. Rockies SS Trevor Story was activated after a Triple-A rehab stint but was not in the starting lineup Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Nationals
GAME: Seattle Mariners (20-26) at Washington Nationals (27-17)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

A roster shuffle that included Robinson Cano's return from the disabled list did little to help the Seattle Mariners' struggling offense. They will try to snap a four-game slide that has featured four straight one-run performances when they continue a three-game interleague series at the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

Cano was 0-for-3 and Seattle managed just five hits - including a solo homer by Mike Zunino - in the 10-1 loss to begin the series, which left the Mariners with an ugly 36-4 deficit during the losing streak. Anthony Rendon homered twice and drove in five while Bryce Harper went deep for the 14th time for the Nationals, who have won back-to-back contests following a four-game slide of their own. Rookie Sam Gaviglio will try to give Seattle a boost on the mound after tossing five scoreless innings in his first career start last week against the Chicago White Sox. Washington counters with fellow right-hander Tanner Roark as it looks to build upon a 12-1 all-time advantage over the Mariners.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Sam Gaviglio (0-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-2, 4.73)

Gaviglio allowed three hits and a walk while striking out two in his no-decision versus the White Sox. His only other appearance in the big leagues came a week earlier at Toronto, where he struck out four and gave up one run in two innings of relief. The 27-year-old was 2-3 with a 3.31 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Tacoma.

Since allowing zero earned runs in six frames at Philadelphia earlier this month, Roark has been tagged for 11 runs in 9 2/3 innings over two starts. He surrendered season highs of seven runs and eight hits in a loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday while serving up two home runs for the third time this year. Jean Segura is 5-for-11 with a home run and a double against the 30-year-old Roark, who lost his only prior start against Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington is 7-0 all-time at home against Seattle.

2. Nationals C Matt Wieters has hit safely in 10 straight, tied for the longest run of his career.

3. The Mariners are 7-17 on the road.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Red Sox
GAME: Texas Rangers (24-22) at Boston Red Sox (23-21)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Chris Sale will continue his pursuit of history when he leads the Boston Red Sox into the second of three games against the visiting Texas Rangers on Wednesday. The dominant left-hander has struck out at least 10 batters in eight straight starts, tied for the second-longest such run since 1900 behind only former Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez, who did it 10 times between 1999 and 2000.

Sale has not had much run support during his outstanding start but Boston has had the bats going in back-to-back wins over Oakland (12-3) and in Tuesday's series opener (11-6). Xander Bogaerts led a 12-hit attack with three of his own while driving in three runs and scoring four as the Red Sox improved to 22-6 at home against American League West teams over the past year. Texas has lost two of three following its 10-game winning streak and is 8-14 on the road. Joey Gallo slugged his team-leading 14th homer in the 11-6 defeat while Nomar Mazara had a pair of singles to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-5, 3.71 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (4-2, 2.19)

Perez has limited opponents to two earned runs in each of his three May starts, winning for the first time in over a month last week against Philadelphia. He struck out a season-high eight while holding the Phillies to two runs in seven frames, issuing zero walks for the second time this month. A native of Venezuela, Perez has been rocked for 15 runs (11 earned) in 10 1/3 innings in his career at Fenway Park.

While he continues to pile up the strikeouts, Sale has been a bit more human in allowing at least two runs over five consecutive outings. He had won three starts in a row before taking a no-decision in a 3-2 loss at Oakland on Friday. The 28-year-old Florida native is 4-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 11 career appearances (seven starts) versus Texas and has particularly dominated Elvis Andrus (2-for-23, seven strikeouts), Shin-Soo Choo (1-for-19, 10 strikeouts) and Mike Napoli (3-for-18, seven strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 1B Mitch Moreland is 7-for-23 with three homers and seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Rangers C Jonathan Lucroy has hit safely in 10 consecutive contests.

3. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia has not committed an error 77 straight games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rangers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Rays
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (25-23) at Tampa Bay Rays (23-25)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Tampa Bay Rays’ offense has deserted them over the last three days and they will try to get the bats going again when the red-hot Los Angeles Angels pay a visit for the third of a four-game set Wednesday. The Rays had totaled 53 runs while going 6-2 in an eight-game stretch to move over .500, but managed just four in the last three contests - none in the past 17 innings - after falling 4-0 on Tuesday night.

Tampa Bay’s Corey Dickerson saw his six-game hitting streak come to an end as he went 0-for-4 and the Rays squandered a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity in the seventh inning Tuesday with two straight strikeouts. Erasmo Ramirez gets the start on the mound Wednesday for Tampa Bay, which will try to cure its offensive woes against veteran right-hander Ricky Nolasco. The Angels, winners of five straight against the Rays, have won three in a row overall and are 7-2 over the last nine contests after Cameron Maybin homered for the second time in the series and Mike Trout went deep for the eighth time in 15 games this month. Maybin is 21-for-44 with 13 RBIs in 13 career games against Tampa Bay.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 4.01 ERA) vs. Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 3.00)

Nolasco has strung together three consecutive quality starts, allowing seven runs (six earned) over 19 innings, but could not earn a victory in that stretch. The 34-year-old Californian held the New York Mets without a homer in his last start, but surrendered two each in his previous three outings and 13 in 51 2/3 innings overall. Rickie Weeks is 11-for-24 with a pair of homers versus Nolasco, who is 3-6 with a 6.57 ERA in nine career starts against the Rays.

Ramirez held the New York Yankees to two runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings last time out in a no-decision after taking the place of demoted Blake Snell in the rotation. The 27-year-old from Nicaragua won his only other start this season on April 20 while limiting Detroit to one run on two hits over five frames. Maybin is 4-for-7 and Trout 6-for-17 with a homer against Ramirez, who is 3-2 with a 2.41 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) versus the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons had three hits Tuesday and is 10-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Tampa Bay RF Steven Souza Jr. batted .331 in April, but has slumped to 6-for-56 with 26 strikeouts in May.

3. Los Angeles INF Luis Valbuena went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Tuesday after going 0-for-23 in his previous eight games.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Angels 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Mets
GAME: San Diego Padres (16-31) at New York Mets (19-24)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York

Michael Conforto has put his best foot forward in the first inning throughout the season, and the San Diego Padres got the message on two occasions in the series opener. After belting his fourth leadoff homer and adding a two-run single in a seven-run first, Conforto and the New York Mets look to keep the offense going on Wednesday when they play the second contest of a three-game series.

The 24-year-old Conforto went deep again leading off the fourth to record a career-high four RBIs in Tuesday's 9-3 win, improving to 8-for-18 with four homers, seven RBIs and nine runs scored during his five-game hitting streak. Wednesday starter Jarred Cosart would be wise to keep an eye on Conforto, who is batting 12-for-24 with six homers, 11 RBIs and 14 runs scored in the first inning and has a pair of doubles in three career at-bats versus the hurler. While the Mets have answered a seven-game losing skid with wins in three of their last four, the free-falling Padres have lost 15 of 19 to take ownership of the majors' worst record. Ryan Schimpf homered for the second straight contest to give him three RBIs and as many runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Jarred Cosart (0-1, 2.70 ERA) vs. Mets RH Robert Gsellman (2-3, 6.75)

Cosart enjoyed a strong start on Thursday in his return from a one month absence due to a right hamstring strain, allowing one run on five hits in as many innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee. "Feels like it's been a long time. It's good to be back out there in a major league game," said the 26-year-old, who is seeking his first victory since 2015. Cosart has yet to record a decision despite making six career starts versus the Mets, but has flustered Curtis Granderson (0-for-17) and the team in general (.208 batting average).

Gsellman will make the start on the heels of a strong relief appearance on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out two over two scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Los Angeles Angels. The 23-year-old is in need of a confidence boost after his last start in which he permitted six runs and nine hits in four-plus innings in an 11-4 setback to Milwaukee on May 13. Gsellman, who will be making his first career start against San Diego, has fared better against left-handed batters (.262) than right-handed hitters (.360) this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego 1B Wil Myers is 0-for-16 with nine strikeouts in his last five games.

2. New York 3B Wilmer Flores is 10-for-22 with one homer, four RBIs and four runs scored in his last seven contests.

3. The Padres plan to call up Dinelson Lamet to make his major league debut Thursday in place of fellow RHP Jered Weaver (left hip inflammation).

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Padres 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Braves
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (20-26) at Atlanta Braves (20-23)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia

This year's move to SunTrust Park has not made for an easy tradition for Atlanta Braves right-hander Julio Teheran, who has endured a string of nightmarish starts at home. Teheran was given an extra day of rest in preparation for his latest home start in the third of a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.

Teheran has put up jekyll-and-hyde numbers, posting a 1-4 record and a wretched 10.24 ERA at Atlanta's new stadium as opposed to a 2-0 mark and minuscule 0.71 ERA in four road starts. While Teheran is struggling at SunTrust, new acquisition Matt Adams is feeling right at home with homers in back-to-back games along with a walk-off single in Tuesday's 6-5 victory, the Braves' 10th win in 13 games. Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer, who exited the series opener due to discomfort in his right hand, was back in the lineup Tuesday and delivered a solo homer and go-ahead two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning. Tony Watson was unable to close it out, allowing at least three hits for the fourth time in seven appearances as Pittsburgh fell to 8-17 away from home in a crushing defeat that featured a rain delay of more than three hours.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2-3, 6.04 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (3-4, 5.47)

Williams will make his fourth start after making six appearances out of the bullpen. He was blasted for eight runs (six earned) over three innings in his first start but has pitched better in his last two, working five innings of one-run ball at Arizona and 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball versus Philadelphia. He fanned three in two scoreless innings versus Atlanta on April 9.

Teheran's SunTrust woes hit a nadir in his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays, when he was battered for a season-worst nine runs and served up three homers in three-plus innings. That followed a stellar outing at Miami in which he tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball. Teheran is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA versus the Pirates after beating them with seven strong innings last month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves CF Ender Inciarte is 8-for-9 in the series.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen is 1-for-20 over the last five games, dropping his batting average to .200.

3. Adams, acquired from St. Louis on Saturday, has four career walk-off hits -- and three are against Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Cubs
GAME: San Francisco Giants (20-27) at Chicago Cubs (23-21)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Cubs have shown off their power lately, and they hope to continue the home run derby in the third of a four-game series against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. The Cubs have hammered nine home runs in their past three games - including three in a 4-1 win that evened the series Tuesday night.



Kyle Schwarber, Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo all went deep for the Cubs on Tuesday, but Chicago didn’t need much run support as Jon Lester twirled a four-hitter. Thanks to Lester, who struck out 10 in the Cubs’ first complete game of the season, the hardest work the Cubs’ bullpen did all night was a dance-off during a rain delay prior to the start of the game. It was just the third loss in 11 games for the Giants, who are trying to dig out after a terrible start to the season. San Francisco ranks near the bottom of the National League in numerous offensive categories and have not hit a home run with a runner on base since May 8.


TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco), CSN Chicago



PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Matt Moore (2-4, 5.37 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (3-2, 3.35)


Moore threw eight strong innings against the Cubs in Game 4 of last year’s National League Division Series, but this will be his first meeting with them in the regular season. The 27-year-old has been inconsistent in his first nine starts of the season, but he has put together back-to-back quality starts and went six innings Friday at St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits in a no-decision. Moore has struggled in five road starts, going 0-3 with an 8.63 ERA.


Hendricks has been locked in following a rocky start to the season, pitching to a 1.82 ERA over his last five outings. The 27-year-old limited Cincinnati to two runs over six innings last time out despite a brisk wind blowing out at Wrigley Field. Hendricks is 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA in three regular-season starts against the Giants.



WALK-OFFS


1. Giants 3B/OF Eduardo Nunez is 14-for-40 during a career-best 10-game hitting streak.


2. Chicago 2B/OF Ben Zobrist has reached base in 21 consecutive games.


3. San Francisco OF Denard Span has missed the first two games of the series with a sprained left thumb.



PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Giants 3