Mike Lundin
May 03 '17, 8:05 PM
MLB | PHI vs CHC
Play on: OVER 7 -125
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Over
Rating: 5/10*
I think we'll see plenty of runs when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Wednesday night. Over is 8-1 in Phillies' last nine road games and 5-0 in Cubs' last five home games.
The Cubs' Jake Arrieta (3-1, 4.66) is 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies while Philadelphia's Jerad Eickhoff (0-2, 3.56 ERA) has posted a 2.70 ERA in three career turns against the Cubs. He did however give up five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss at Dodger Stadium his last time out and the Cubs' bats are heating up after a slow start.
May 03 '17, 8:05 PM
MLB | PHI vs CHC
Play on: OVER 7 -125
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Over
Rating: 5/10*
I think we'll see plenty of runs when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Wednesday night. Over is 8-1 in Phillies' last nine road games and 5-0 in Cubs' last five home games.
The Cubs' Jake Arrieta (3-1, 4.66) is 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies while Philadelphia's Jerad Eickhoff (0-2, 3.56 ERA) has posted a 2.70 ERA in three career turns against the Cubs. He did however give up five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss at Dodger Stadium his last time out and the Cubs' bats are heating up after a slow start.
Larry Wallace
May 03 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Pirates -127 at BMaker
Take the Pirates in this match-up against the Reds. Taillon is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA this year. He also has a 0.47 ERA while taking the mound on the road. Davis for the Reds is 0-1 with a 11.17 ERA this year. While throwing at home he has 12.00 ERA. The Pirates are 6-0 in their last 6 games during game 3 of a series.
May 03 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Pirates -127 at BMaker
Take the Pirates in this match-up against the Reds. Taillon is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA this year. He also has a 0.47 ERA while taking the mound on the road. Davis for the Reds is 0-1 with a 11.17 ERA this year. While throwing at home he has 12.00 ERA. The Pirates are 6-0 in their last 6 games during game 3 of a series.
Handicappers Hub
May 03 '17, 8:10 PM
MLB | OAK vs MIN
Play on: UNDER 9 -110
Two great pitchers coming in to Minnesota tonight as Graveman is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA and Santiago is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA at home. The A's are also struggling to score runs on the road averaging just 3.0 runs per game on the road and I think that this is going to a good old fashioned pitchers duel tonight in Minneapolis staying well under this total.
May 03 '17, 8:10 PM
MLB | OAK vs MIN
Play on: UNDER 9 -110
Two great pitchers coming in to Minnesota tonight as Graveman is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA and Santiago is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA at home. The A's are also struggling to score runs on the road averaging just 3.0 runs per game on the road and I think that this is going to a good old fashioned pitchers duel tonight in Minneapolis staying well under this total.
Jeff Allen
May 03 '17, 8:15 PM
MLB | White Sox vs Royals
Play on: Royals -143 at betonline
Jeff Allen's Bonus Play is on the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City needed a fast start to avert a full scale fire sale and that just hasn't happened with the offense hitting just .211 and averaging barely two runs a game through 25 games. That said, the Royals do have some pieces including Nate Karns who was rock solid in his only home start this year and faces the Pale Hose here on extra rest. Mike Pelfrey will be life and death to give the WSox five innings, something he's failed to accomplish to this point in 2017. Used Jason Vargas two nights ago to snap Royal four-game skid and will back Karns here at 40 cents.
May 03 '17, 8:15 PM
MLB | White Sox vs Royals
Play on: Royals -143 at betonline
Jeff Allen's Bonus Play is on the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City needed a fast start to avert a full scale fire sale and that just hasn't happened with the offense hitting just .211 and averaging barely two runs a game through 25 games. That said, the Royals do have some pieces including Nate Karns who was rock solid in his only home start this year and faces the Pale Hose here on extra rest. Mike Pelfrey will be life and death to give the WSox five innings, something he's failed to accomplish to this point in 2017. Used Jason Vargas two nights ago to snap Royal four-game skid and will back Karns here at 40 cents.
DAVE COKIN
ROCKETS VS. SPURS
PLAY: SPURS 1H -3
Teams in what I would consider to be must-win scenarios have done extremely well early in these games. Must-win is a judgement call to be sure, as I suppose one could make the argument that a Game Two can’t fit that category. Point well taken to at least some extent as one could point to the recently concluded Bulls-Celtics series.
But I feel tonight’s game between the Rockets and Spurs is one San Antonio really needs. They might not be dead down 0-2 and heading to Houston, but let’s just say they’ll be approaching life support status.
My thoughts are that the home team is going to take the court angry and ready to let it all hang out after the humiliating Game One result. So I believe that if the Spurs are going to get the rebound win tonight, they need to get out of the gate quickly.
My official play here will be on the Spurs -3 in the first half, although I also intend to play the first quarter once that become available and will play each option for a half unit.
ROCKETS VS. SPURS
PLAY: SPURS 1H -3
Teams in what I would consider to be must-win scenarios have done extremely well early in these games. Must-win is a judgement call to be sure, as I suppose one could make the argument that a Game Two can’t fit that category. Point well taken to at least some extent as one could point to the recently concluded Bulls-Celtics series.
But I feel tonight’s game between the Rockets and Spurs is one San Antonio really needs. They might not be dead down 0-2 and heading to Houston, but let’s just say they’ll be approaching life support status.
My thoughts are that the home team is going to take the court angry and ready to let it all hang out after the humiliating Game One result. So I believe that if the Spurs are going to get the rebound win tonight, they need to get out of the gate quickly.
My official play here will be on the Spurs -3 in the first half, although I also intend to play the first quarter once that become available and will play each option for a half unit.
Dave Essler
A's / Twins Over 8.5
We've got almost a perfect storm, but of course they're never that easy. Both pitchers are fly ball pitchers. We've got an umpire that's typically an "over" ump, but he's been on an "under" thing this season, so I'm looking for the reverse-regression here. Most of his games this season have involved really good pitchers or been in really bad "over" parks - so, there's that. Both bullpens have been terrible - the Twins have been scoring - I expect Oakland to get plenty off of Santiago - the weather is above average for runs - so that's all I have.
A's / Twins Over 8.5
We've got almost a perfect storm, but of course they're never that easy. Both pitchers are fly ball pitchers. We've got an umpire that's typically an "over" ump, but he's been on an "under" thing this season, so I'm looking for the reverse-regression here. Most of his games this season have involved really good pitchers or been in really bad "over" parks - so, there's that. Both bullpens have been terrible - the Twins have been scoring - I expect Oakland to get plenty off of Santiago - the weather is above average for runs - so that's all I have.
Preview: Diamondbacks at Nationals
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (17-11) at Washington Nationals (17-9)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
The Arizona Diamondbacks hope to keep the high-powered Washington Nationals in check for a second straight night when they visit the nation's capital Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Arizona posted a 6-3 victory in the opener, limiting Washington to seven hits after it pounded out 23 in a 23-5 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday.
Chris Herrmann and Jeremy Hazelbaker homered while Jake Lamb also went deep for the Diamondbacks, giving him at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 games. Washington has lost three of its last four contests, scoring only three runs in each of its last two defeats. The slump comes after three straight wins at Colorado in which a total of 42 runs were produced by the Nationals, who reached double digits six times in April and lead the majors with 173 in 26 games. Ryan Zimmerman is riding a nine-game hitting streak and brings a string of five straight multi-hit performances into Wednesday's contest.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-1, 3.56 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-0, 1.62)
Ray is coming off his first loss of the season, a setback against Colorado on Friday in which he struck out nine while allowing three runs on five hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Tennessee, who has had only 14.3 percent of his pitches put in play, is 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two road starts this season. Ray has not fared well against Washington, losing both of his starts while posting an 8.44 ERA versus the team by whom he was drafted.
Gonzalez looks to remain unbeaten after allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings in a victory at Colorado on Thursday. The 31-year-old Floridian has worked at least six frames and yielded fewer than three earned runs in each of his five outings this season. Gonzalez has made six career starts against Arizona, going 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals 2B Daniel Murphy has recorded 18 of his team-leading 28 RBIs over his last nine games.
2. Arizona will recall RHP Braden Shipley from Triple-A Reno to start the series finale on Thursday.
3. Washington optioned Joe Ross to Triple-A Syracuse and recalled fellow RHP A.J. Cole, who went 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA in eight starts for the Nationals last year.
PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Diamondbacks 2
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (17-11) at Washington Nationals (17-9)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
The Arizona Diamondbacks hope to keep the high-powered Washington Nationals in check for a second straight night when they visit the nation's capital Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Arizona posted a 6-3 victory in the opener, limiting Washington to seven hits after it pounded out 23 in a 23-5 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday.
Chris Herrmann and Jeremy Hazelbaker homered while Jake Lamb also went deep for the Diamondbacks, giving him at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 games. Washington has lost three of its last four contests, scoring only three runs in each of its last two defeats. The slump comes after three straight wins at Colorado in which a total of 42 runs were produced by the Nationals, who reached double digits six times in April and lead the majors with 173 in 26 games. Ryan Zimmerman is riding a nine-game hitting streak and brings a string of five straight multi-hit performances into Wednesday's contest.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-1, 3.56 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-0, 1.62)
Ray is coming off his first loss of the season, a setback against Colorado on Friday in which he struck out nine while allowing three runs on five hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Tennessee, who has had only 14.3 percent of his pitches put in play, is 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two road starts this season. Ray has not fared well against Washington, losing both of his starts while posting an 8.44 ERA versus the team by whom he was drafted.
Gonzalez looks to remain unbeaten after allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings in a victory at Colorado on Thursday. The 31-year-old Floridian has worked at least six frames and yielded fewer than three earned runs in each of his five outings this season. Gonzalez has made six career starts against Arizona, going 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals 2B Daniel Murphy has recorded 18 of his team-leading 28 RBIs over his last nine games.
2. Arizona will recall RHP Braden Shipley from Triple-A Reno to start the series finale on Thursday.
3. Washington optioned Joe Ross to Triple-A Syracuse and recalled fellow RHP A.J. Cole, who went 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA in eight starts for the Nationals last year.
PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Diamondbacks 2
Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (9-18) at New York Yankees (16-9)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Slugger Aaron Judge tied a major league rookie record by slamming 10 home runs in April and joined some lofty company with his first two blasts in May. Judge launched two of five homers on Tuesday for the New York Yankees, who will face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Judge became the third player in franchise history to go deep 12 times in the first 25 games of the season - a feat achieved by Alex Rodriguez and Babe Ruth -and New York improved to 10-0 in games in which the rookie homers. Brett Gardner, a teammate not known for his power, is 8-for-23 with four homers and seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak on the homestand. Toronto's Steve Pearce clubbed his first two homers of the season as part of a 4-for-4 night to lift his batting average above .200 for the first time since April 6. Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman takes a 5-2 record and 2.17 ERA against the Yankees into the series finale.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sportsnet One (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2-1, 4.34)
Stroman bounced back from his one clunker with a pair of exceptional performances, tossing his second complete game of the season in Anaheim before settling for a no-decision despite registering a season-high 10 strikeouts last time out against Tampa Bay. The Duke product allowed two runs or fewer in four of his five starts and walked only seven batters overall. Stroman has held Jacoby Ellsbury to one hit in 20 at-bats.
Sabathia yielded three earned runs and 12 hits over his first three starts but has seen his ERA balloon by nearly three runs while getting rocked in his last two appearances. The 36-year-old lasted five innings in a loss at Pittsburgh on April 21, giving up four runs on seven hits, and was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings by Baltimore in his last turn. Jose Bautista is 5-for-40 with 10 strikeouts against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Judge joined Eric Davis (1987) as the only players age 25 or younger with 12 homers and 25 RBIs in the first 25 games of a season.
2. Blue Jays Devon Travis is 4-for-8 with two doubles and four runs scored in the series.
3. Yankees DH Matt Holliday is 10-for-24 with two homers and seven RBIs in the last six games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 4
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (9-18) at New York Yankees (16-9)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Slugger Aaron Judge tied a major league rookie record by slamming 10 home runs in April and joined some lofty company with his first two blasts in May. Judge launched two of five homers on Tuesday for the New York Yankees, who will face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Judge became the third player in franchise history to go deep 12 times in the first 25 games of the season - a feat achieved by Alex Rodriguez and Babe Ruth -and New York improved to 10-0 in games in which the rookie homers. Brett Gardner, a teammate not known for his power, is 8-for-23 with four homers and seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak on the homestand. Toronto's Steve Pearce clubbed his first two homers of the season as part of a 4-for-4 night to lift his batting average above .200 for the first time since April 6. Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman takes a 5-2 record and 2.17 ERA against the Yankees into the series finale.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sportsnet One (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2-1, 4.34)
Stroman bounced back from his one clunker with a pair of exceptional performances, tossing his second complete game of the season in Anaheim before settling for a no-decision despite registering a season-high 10 strikeouts last time out against Tampa Bay. The Duke product allowed two runs or fewer in four of his five starts and walked only seven batters overall. Stroman has held Jacoby Ellsbury to one hit in 20 at-bats.
Sabathia yielded three earned runs and 12 hits over his first three starts but has seen his ERA balloon by nearly three runs while getting rocked in his last two appearances. The 36-year-old lasted five innings in a loss at Pittsburgh on April 21, giving up four runs on seven hits, and was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings by Baltimore in his last turn. Jose Bautista is 5-for-40 with 10 strikeouts against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Judge joined Eric Davis (1987) as the only players age 25 or younger with 12 homers and 25 RBIs in the first 25 games of a season.
2. Blue Jays Devon Travis is 4-for-8 with two doubles and four runs scored in the series.
3. Yankees DH Matt Holliday is 10-for-24 with two homers and seven RBIs in the last six games.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 4
Preview: Indians at Tigers
GAME: Cleveland Indians (14-12) at Detroit Tigers (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
Miguel Cabrera wasted little time making his presence felt in his return from the disabled list, belting his 450th career homer to send the Detroit Tigers to their third straight victory overall and fourth in five outings this season versus the Cleveland Indians. The two-time American League MVP looks to continue his torrid display against the Indians on Wednesday in the third contest of the four-game series in Detroit.
Cabrera is 5-for-15 with two homers and seven RBIs versus Cleveland this season and owns a .294 batting average in 34 career at-bats versus Wednesday against Carlos Carrasco. Alex Avila, who launched a two-run homer off Carrasco in Detroit's 4-1 victory on April 16, had a two-run single in Monday's 7-1 rout over the Indians and added an RBI single the following day in a 5-2 triumph. Cleveland's Michael Brantley has four hits versus Detroit this season, with a pair of singles in three at-bats against Wednesday starter Matthew Boyd on April 16. The 29-year-old Brantley has tormented the Tigers in his career, batting .334 with nine homers and 56 RBIs.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 2.04 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-1, 3.86)
Carrasco hasn't been done any favors this season by his offense, which has mustered just 12 runs of support during his 35 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old Venezuelan sustained his second loss in his last three trips to the mound on Friday as he was taken deep twice in a 3-1 setback to Seattle to increase his home run allowed total to five. Although Carrasco has struggled against Cabrera, the veteran traditionally has kept Ian Kinsler (.235), Victor Martinez (.226), Andrew Romine (.125), Justin Upton (.167) under wraps in his career.
Boyd got the better of Carrasco in the April 16 outing after yielding just one run in six innings to improve to 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA in two career outings versus Cleveland. The 26-year-old has recorded back-to-back no-decisions in his last two trips to the mound, with two homers spoiling a strong seven-inning outing versus the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Edwin Encarnacion saw his 18-game streak of reaching base safely end with an 0-for-4 mark on Tuesday, but he owns a .300 batting average versus Boyd.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall drove in a run with a triple on Tuesday to improve to 3-for-10 with four RBIs in his last three games.
2. Detroit 3B Nicholas Castellanos is 6-for-12 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored in his last three contests.
3. The Tigers' four wins versus the Indians this season matches their total against the division champions in 2016.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Tigers 2
GAME: Cleveland Indians (14-12) at Detroit Tigers (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
Miguel Cabrera wasted little time making his presence felt in his return from the disabled list, belting his 450th career homer to send the Detroit Tigers to their third straight victory overall and fourth in five outings this season versus the Cleveland Indians. The two-time American League MVP looks to continue his torrid display against the Indians on Wednesday in the third contest of the four-game series in Detroit.
Cabrera is 5-for-15 with two homers and seven RBIs versus Cleveland this season and owns a .294 batting average in 34 career at-bats versus Wednesday against Carlos Carrasco. Alex Avila, who launched a two-run homer off Carrasco in Detroit's 4-1 victory on April 16, had a two-run single in Monday's 7-1 rout over the Indians and added an RBI single the following day in a 5-2 triumph. Cleveland's Michael Brantley has four hits versus Detroit this season, with a pair of singles in three at-bats against Wednesday starter Matthew Boyd on April 16. The 29-year-old Brantley has tormented the Tigers in his career, batting .334 with nine homers and 56 RBIs.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 2.04 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-1, 3.86)
Carrasco hasn't been done any favors this season by his offense, which has mustered just 12 runs of support during his 35 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old Venezuelan sustained his second loss in his last three trips to the mound on Friday as he was taken deep twice in a 3-1 setback to Seattle to increase his home run allowed total to five. Although Carrasco has struggled against Cabrera, the veteran traditionally has kept Ian Kinsler (.235), Victor Martinez (.226), Andrew Romine (.125), Justin Upton (.167) under wraps in his career.
Boyd got the better of Carrasco in the April 16 outing after yielding just one run in six innings to improve to 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA in two career outings versus Cleveland. The 26-year-old has recorded back-to-back no-decisions in his last two trips to the mound, with two homers spoiling a strong seven-inning outing versus the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Edwin Encarnacion saw his 18-game streak of reaching base safely end with an 0-for-4 mark on Tuesday, but he owns a .300 batting average versus Boyd.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall drove in a run with a triple on Tuesday to improve to 3-for-10 with four RBIs in his last three games.
2. Detroit 3B Nicholas Castellanos is 6-for-12 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored in his last three contests.
3. The Tigers' four wins versus the Indians this season matches their total against the division champions in 2016.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Tigers 2
Preview: Orioles at Red Sox
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (16-9) at Boston Red Sox (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Tensions are escalating between the visiting Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, who meet for the eighth time when they continue their four-game series at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was livid Tuesday after a Boston pitcher threw behind him for the second time since his slide injured Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia last month.
"I've lost mad respect for that team and that organization," Machado told reporters after Chris Sale threw behind him in Baltimore's 5-2 setback Tuesday. After Machado homered in the loss, the third time he's gone deep against Boston in five games, he called for league action against Red Sox pitching during an expletive-laced tirade. Hanley Ramirez homered twice for Boston and also went deep on April 23 against Kevin Gausman, who allowed three homers in that game and looks to atone for it in Wednesday's start. On the mound for the Red Sox will be left-hander Drew Pomeranz, who makes his third start against Baltimore this season.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (1-2, 7.50 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (2-1, 4.15)
Gausman is mired in a three-start tailspin that began in Cincinnati, when he was knocked around for eight runs on eight hits in only 2 2/3 innings for his first loss before following that up with the debacle against the Red Sox. The 26-year-old matched his season high with six innings at Yankee Stadium last time out, giving up five runs on eight hits. Mookie Betts is 10-for-23 with three homers off Gausman.
Pomeranz earned his first victory in four decisions against Baltimore in his season debut for the Red Sox, permitting one run and four hits over six innings. He was a hard-luck loser at Baltimore 10 days later despite allowing two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings. Pomeranz has surrendered five home runs over his last three turns, but overcame two of them to beat the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles CF Adam Jones, who accused Boston fans of leveling racial slurs Monday, received a standing ovation in his first at-bat Tuesday.
2. Ramirez has hit safely in eight straight games and boasts at least one RBI in five in a row.
3. Orioles C Welington Castillo was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to right shoulder tendinitis.
PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Red Sox 4
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (16-9) at Boston Red Sox (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Tensions are escalating between the visiting Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, who meet for the eighth time when they continue their four-game series at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was livid Tuesday after a Boston pitcher threw behind him for the second time since his slide injured Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia last month.
"I've lost mad respect for that team and that organization," Machado told reporters after Chris Sale threw behind him in Baltimore's 5-2 setback Tuesday. After Machado homered in the loss, the third time he's gone deep against Boston in five games, he called for league action against Red Sox pitching during an expletive-laced tirade. Hanley Ramirez homered twice for Boston and also went deep on April 23 against Kevin Gausman, who allowed three homers in that game and looks to atone for it in Wednesday's start. On the mound for the Red Sox will be left-hander Drew Pomeranz, who makes his third start against Baltimore this season.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (1-2, 7.50 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (2-1, 4.15)
Gausman is mired in a three-start tailspin that began in Cincinnati, when he was knocked around for eight runs on eight hits in only 2 2/3 innings for his first loss before following that up with the debacle against the Red Sox. The 26-year-old matched his season high with six innings at Yankee Stadium last time out, giving up five runs on eight hits. Mookie Betts is 10-for-23 with three homers off Gausman.
Pomeranz earned his first victory in four decisions against Baltimore in his season debut for the Red Sox, permitting one run and four hits over six innings. He was a hard-luck loser at Baltimore 10 days later despite allowing two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings. Pomeranz has surrendered five home runs over his last three turns, but overcame two of them to beat the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles CF Adam Jones, who accused Boston fans of leveling racial slurs Monday, received a standing ovation in his first at-bat Tuesday.
2. Ramirez has hit safely in eight straight games and boasts at least one RBI in five in a row.
3. Orioles C Welington Castillo was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to right shoulder tendinitis.
PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Red Sox 4
Preview: Marlins at Rays
GAME: Miami Marlins (11-14) at Tampa Bay Rays (14-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their success when the Sunshine State series moves north for the final two games, starting Wednesday night when the Miami Marlins pay a visit. The Rays took the first two contests of the home-and-home set after holding on for a 3-1 victory Tuesday as Logan Morrison remained hot against his former team with a solo homer to open the scoring.
Morrison is 11-for-19 with a pair of blasts and five RBIs in six career games against Miami, where he played from 2010-13, and his offense is much needed with Evan Longoria (foot) day-to-day and Kevin Kiermaier slumping (1-for-37, last 10 games). Tampa Bay, which is 9-4 at home in 2017, sends left-hander Blake Snell to the mound against fellow Washington native Adam Conley, who is coming off his worst performance of the season. The Marlins dropped six of their last seven games, allowing 36 runs combined, and managed two or fewer runs in five of the past six while their top hitters Giancarlo Stanton (1-for-14) and Christian Yelich (1-for-15) are scuffling during a four-game stretch. “It’s not working on either side right now,” Miami manager Don Mattingly told reporters. “So, we’re just going to have to regroup and get going.”
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (1-2, 6.86 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (0-2, 3.42)
Conley started the season with three solid starts, but must rebound from his last outing after yielding nine runs on five hits and three walks over 1 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh on Friday. The 26-year-old Washington State product had back-to-back quality starts before that, allowing four runs over 12 innings, and has given up two runs in 11 frames on the road early on. Conley permitted two runs on five hits over six innings without factoring in the decision in his only meeting with the Rays in 2015.
Snell has kept his ERA down while limiting opponents to a .214 batting average, but has walked 18 batters in 26 1/3 innings and does not own a quality start in five outings. The 24-year-old Seattle native threw 96 pitches in five innings last time out against Toronto when he allowed two runs on six hits and three walks in a no-decision. Snell is facing Miami for the first time in his career and is 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two interleague contests, beating both Colorado and San Diego last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami 1B Justin Bour has picked it up of late with seven hits in 13 at-bats with six RBIs over the last four games to lift his average from .178 to .233.
2. Tampa Bay OF Colby Rasmus (hip) was activated Tuesday and walked in his first at-bat with the team while OF Shane Peterson was designated for assignment.
3. The Marlins pitching staff recorded 26 strikeouts in the last two games but walked 19, including 11 in Tuesday’s setback.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Marlins 4
GAME: Miami Marlins (11-14) at Tampa Bay Rays (14-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their success when the Sunshine State series moves north for the final two games, starting Wednesday night when the Miami Marlins pay a visit. The Rays took the first two contests of the home-and-home set after holding on for a 3-1 victory Tuesday as Logan Morrison remained hot against his former team with a solo homer to open the scoring.
Morrison is 11-for-19 with a pair of blasts and five RBIs in six career games against Miami, where he played from 2010-13, and his offense is much needed with Evan Longoria (foot) day-to-day and Kevin Kiermaier slumping (1-for-37, last 10 games). Tampa Bay, which is 9-4 at home in 2017, sends left-hander Blake Snell to the mound against fellow Washington native Adam Conley, who is coming off his worst performance of the season. The Marlins dropped six of their last seven games, allowing 36 runs combined, and managed two or fewer runs in five of the past six while their top hitters Giancarlo Stanton (1-for-14) and Christian Yelich (1-for-15) are scuffling during a four-game stretch. “It’s not working on either side right now,” Miami manager Don Mattingly told reporters. “So, we’re just going to have to regroup and get going.”
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (1-2, 6.86 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (0-2, 3.42)
Conley started the season with three solid starts, but must rebound from his last outing after yielding nine runs on five hits and three walks over 1 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh on Friday. The 26-year-old Washington State product had back-to-back quality starts before that, allowing four runs over 12 innings, and has given up two runs in 11 frames on the road early on. Conley permitted two runs on five hits over six innings without factoring in the decision in his only meeting with the Rays in 2015.
Snell has kept his ERA down while limiting opponents to a .214 batting average, but has walked 18 batters in 26 1/3 innings and does not own a quality start in five outings. The 24-year-old Seattle native threw 96 pitches in five innings last time out against Toronto when he allowed two runs on six hits and three walks in a no-decision. Snell is facing Miami for the first time in his career and is 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two interleague contests, beating both Colorado and San Diego last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami 1B Justin Bour has picked it up of late with seven hits in 13 at-bats with six RBIs over the last four games to lift his average from .178 to .233.
2. Tampa Bay OF Colby Rasmus (hip) was activated Tuesday and walked in his first at-bat with the team while OF Shane Peterson was designated for assignment.
3. The Marlins pitching staff recorded 26 strikeouts in the last two games but walked 19, including 11 in Tuesday’s setback.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Marlins 4
Preview: Pirates at Reds
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (12-14) at Cincinnati Reds (12-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Josh Harrison has been taking it to his hometown team and the Pittsburgh Pirates finally followed suit to post their first win in five tries against the Cincinnati Reds this season. The Queen City native looks to keep coming up aces on Wednesday when the National League Central rivals play the third contest of their four-game series in Cincinnati.
Harrison, who is 6-for-14 versus Cincinnati this season, recorded his first career multi-homer performance with a pair of solo shots in the series opener before his three-run blast lifted Pittsburgh to a 12-3 triumph on Tuesday. The 29-year-old has hit safely in three straight and eight of his last nine outings overall for the Pirates, who have won four of their last six. Reds slugger Joey Votto is enjoying a power surge of late, highlighted by launching a mammoth three-run homer on Tuesday for his third blast in five outings. The 2010 NL MVP is just 1-for-8 in his career versus Wednesday starter Jameson Taillon, who is off to a strong start in his sophomore season.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-0, 2.08 ERA) vs. Reds RH Rookie Davis (0-1, 11.17)
Taillon recorded his second win in his last three trips to the mound on Friday after allowing one run on five hits in as many innings of a 12-2 victory at Miami. The 25-year-old also pitched well in his previous outing versus Cincinnati but settled for a no-decision on April 11, when he overcame a homer by Adam Duvall to permit two runs on four hits in six frames. Taillon pitched well in pair of outings versus the Reds last season, tossing six strong innings in a no-decision on Aug. 5 before working his way out of a trouble to pick up the win on Sept. 17.
Davis showed promise in his previous outing versus Pittsburgh, allowing one run on two hits while overcoming four walks to notch a no-decision on April 11. The 24-year-old's day came to an end after he was hit by a pitch from Taillon, leading to a stint on the disabled list with a bruised right forearm. Davis' return to the mound wasn't a fond one, however, as he was rocked for eight runs on 11 hits in 2 2/3 innings of a 9-4 setback at Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen has reached base in 21 consecutive contests overall and 32 straight games at Great American Ball Park.
2. Cincinnati RF Scott Schebler is 1-for-8 with four strikeouts in the series after recording 11 hits in his previous six contests.
3. The Pirates have homered in each of their last six games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Reds 2
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (12-14) at Cincinnati Reds (12-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Josh Harrison has been taking it to his hometown team and the Pittsburgh Pirates finally followed suit to post their first win in five tries against the Cincinnati Reds this season. The Queen City native looks to keep coming up aces on Wednesday when the National League Central rivals play the third contest of their four-game series in Cincinnati.
Harrison, who is 6-for-14 versus Cincinnati this season, recorded his first career multi-homer performance with a pair of solo shots in the series opener before his three-run blast lifted Pittsburgh to a 12-3 triumph on Tuesday. The 29-year-old has hit safely in three straight and eight of his last nine outings overall for the Pirates, who have won four of their last six. Reds slugger Joey Votto is enjoying a power surge of late, highlighted by launching a mammoth three-run homer on Tuesday for his third blast in five outings. The 2010 NL MVP is just 1-for-8 in his career versus Wednesday starter Jameson Taillon, who is off to a strong start in his sophomore season.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-0, 2.08 ERA) vs. Reds RH Rookie Davis (0-1, 11.17)
Taillon recorded his second win in his last three trips to the mound on Friday after allowing one run on five hits in as many innings of a 12-2 victory at Miami. The 25-year-old also pitched well in his previous outing versus Cincinnati but settled for a no-decision on April 11, when he overcame a homer by Adam Duvall to permit two runs on four hits in six frames. Taillon pitched well in pair of outings versus the Reds last season, tossing six strong innings in a no-decision on Aug. 5 before working his way out of a trouble to pick up the win on Sept. 17.
Davis showed promise in his previous outing versus Pittsburgh, allowing one run on two hits while overcoming four walks to notch a no-decision on April 11. The 24-year-old's day came to an end after he was hit by a pitch from Taillon, leading to a stint on the disabled list with a bruised right forearm. Davis' return to the mound wasn't a fond one, however, as he was rocked for eight runs on 11 hits in 2 2/3 innings of a 9-4 setback at Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen has reached base in 21 consecutive contests overall and 32 straight games at Great American Ball Park.
2. Cincinnati RF Scott Schebler is 1-for-8 with four strikeouts in the series after recording 11 hits in his previous six contests.
3. The Pirates have homered in each of their last six games.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Reds 2
Preview: Mets at Braves
GAME: New York Mets (11-15) at Atlanta Braves (11-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
The Atlanta Braves look to win for the sixth time in their past eight games when they host the New York Mets on Wednesday, and a productive offense has fueled their recent spurt. The Braves are averaging 7.6 runs and 12 hits in their past seven contests after holding off the Mets for a 9-7 victory Tuesday to even the four-game series, getting another homer from first baseman Freddie Freeman and three hits from center fielder Ender Inciarte.
Freeman, who is hitting .378 on the season, blasted his 10th homer of the season and the Braves finished 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position to improve their average in those situations to .365 in the past seven games. The Mets have dropped 12 of their past 16 games and need Jacob deGrom to provide a good start after Matt Harvey gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings. New York right fielder Jay Bruce slugged two homers, including a ninth-inning grand slam, to finish with six RBIs and raise his average to .313 with five homers and 13 RBIs in his past 12 contests. Left fielder Michael Conforto is hitting .351 in his 15 starts this season after collecting two hits Tuesday.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (1-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. Braves RH Bartolo Colon (1-2, 5.59)
DeGrom enters his sixth start of the season leading the National League in strikeouts (44) and has fanned 35 in his past three outings. He began his season with six shutout innings against the Braves on April 5, striking out six but getting a no-decision. DeGrom has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his first five starts, earning his first victory Friday at Washington with seven innings of three-run, six-hit pitching with 12 strikeouts.
Colon looks to get back on track against his former team after giving up 10 runs on 21 hits in 12 innings across his past two starts. He allowed six runs on 10 hits in five innings in a no-decision Friday at Milwaukee, one week after surrendering four runs on 11 hits in seven innings in a loss at Philadelphia. Colon made his Atlanta debut against New York on April 5, allowing only one run on two hits with six strikeouts in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Freeman is 4-for-22 with seven strikeouts in his career against deGrom, while Bruce is 2-for-7 with two homers and four RBIs against Colon.
2. New York’s bullpen ERA rose to 4.99 on the season after Mets relievers allowed three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings Tuesday.
3. Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera has reached base safely in 22 of his 25 games this season.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Braves 2
GAME: New York Mets (11-15) at Atlanta Braves (11-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
The Atlanta Braves look to win for the sixth time in their past eight games when they host the New York Mets on Wednesday, and a productive offense has fueled their recent spurt. The Braves are averaging 7.6 runs and 12 hits in their past seven contests after holding off the Mets for a 9-7 victory Tuesday to even the four-game series, getting another homer from first baseman Freddie Freeman and three hits from center fielder Ender Inciarte.
Freeman, who is hitting .378 on the season, blasted his 10th homer of the season and the Braves finished 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position to improve their average in those situations to .365 in the past seven games. The Mets have dropped 12 of their past 16 games and need Jacob deGrom to provide a good start after Matt Harvey gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings. New York right fielder Jay Bruce slugged two homers, including a ninth-inning grand slam, to finish with six RBIs and raise his average to .313 with five homers and 13 RBIs in his past 12 contests. Left fielder Michael Conforto is hitting .351 in his 15 starts this season after collecting two hits Tuesday.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (1-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. Braves RH Bartolo Colon (1-2, 5.59)
DeGrom enters his sixth start of the season leading the National League in strikeouts (44) and has fanned 35 in his past three outings. He began his season with six shutout innings against the Braves on April 5, striking out six but getting a no-decision. DeGrom has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his first five starts, earning his first victory Friday at Washington with seven innings of three-run, six-hit pitching with 12 strikeouts.
Colon looks to get back on track against his former team after giving up 10 runs on 21 hits in 12 innings across his past two starts. He allowed six runs on 10 hits in five innings in a no-decision Friday at Milwaukee, one week after surrendering four runs on 11 hits in seven innings in a loss at Philadelphia. Colon made his Atlanta debut against New York on April 5, allowing only one run on two hits with six strikeouts in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Freeman is 4-for-22 with seven strikeouts in his career against deGrom, while Bruce is 2-for-7 with two homers and four RBIs against Colon.
2. New York’s bullpen ERA rose to 4.99 on the season after Mets relievers allowed three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings Tuesday.
3. Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera has reached base safely in 22 of his 25 games this season.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Braves 2
Preview: Phillies at Cubs
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (12-13) at Chicago Cubs (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Many of the Chicago Cubs’ biggest stars have gotten off to somewhat slow starts at the plate, but the lineup is showing signs of heating up. The Cubs hope to continue their power surge when they host the Philadelphia Phillies for the third contest of their four-game series on Wednesday.
Young stars Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez are among the Cubs who have struggled out of the gate, but both homered - along with reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant - in an 8-3 win on Tuesday to even the series at a game apiece. It was just the second triumph in six games for Chicago, which had three relievers combine for four perfect innings. The Phillies have dropped four of their last five, as they were unable to sustain the offensive success enjoyed in Monday’s 10-2 series-opening victory. One bright spot for Philadelphia in the series has been Tommy Joseph, who recorded an RBI double on Tuesday after hitting a three-run homer in the opener for his first two extra-base hits since April 14.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (0-2, 3.56 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (3-1, 4.66)
Eickhoff is coming off his worst start of the season, a road loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday in which he allowed five runs over 5 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old still is seeking his first win despite recording three quality starts in his first five outings. Eickhoff is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career turns against the Cubs and took the loss in his only previous start at Wrigley Field.
Arrieta allowed five runs and 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings of a loss at Boston on Friday, snapping a streak of 72 straight starts of at least five frames dating to August 2014. The first inning has been an issue for the 31-year-old, who has surrendered eight runs in the opening frame over his last two outings. Arrieta is 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Phillies SS Freddy Galvis went 0-for-4 Tuesday to snap his career-best 13-game hitting streak and is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts against Arrieta.
2. Rizzo is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts versus Eickhoff.
3. Bryant has reached base in 12 straight games against the Phillies and is batting .333 with five homers in 15 career meetings.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 4
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (12-13) at Chicago Cubs (14-12)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 03 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Many of the Chicago Cubs’ biggest stars have gotten off to somewhat slow starts at the plate, but the lineup is showing signs of heating up. The Cubs hope to continue their power surge when they host the Philadelphia Phillies for the third contest of their four-game series on Wednesday.
Young stars Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez are among the Cubs who have struggled out of the gate, but both homered - along with reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant - in an 8-3 win on Tuesday to even the series at a game apiece. It was just the second triumph in six games for Chicago, which had three relievers combine for four perfect innings. The Phillies have dropped four of their last five, as they were unable to sustain the offensive success enjoyed in Monday’s 10-2 series-opening victory. One bright spot for Philadelphia in the series has been Tommy Joseph, who recorded an RBI double on Tuesday after hitting a three-run homer in the opener for his first two extra-base hits since April 14.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (0-2, 3.56 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (3-1, 4.66)
Eickhoff is coming off his worst start of the season, a road loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday in which he allowed five runs over 5 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old still is seeking his first win despite recording three quality starts in his first five outings. Eickhoff is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career turns against the Cubs and took the loss in his only previous start at Wrigley Field.
Arrieta allowed five runs and 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings of a loss at Boston on Friday, snapping a streak of 72 straight starts of at least five frames dating to August 2014. The first inning has been an issue for the 31-year-old, who has surrendered eight runs in the opening frame over his last two outings. Arrieta is 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Phillies SS Freddy Galvis went 0-for-4 Tuesday to snap his career-best 13-game hitting streak and is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts against Arrieta.
2. Rizzo is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts versus Eickhoff.
3. Bryant has reached base in 12 straight games against the Phillies and is batting .333 with five homers in 15 career meetings.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 4
