Wednesday 6/29/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's six-pack

-- I had two Nathan's hot dogs for lunch yesterday; how does anyone eat 60 of those things in ten minutes, like they do in that hot dog eating contest July 4?

-- Lucas Giolito threw four shutout innings in his MLB debut as Washington shut out the Mets, 5-0. Giolito had his outing shortened by a 5th-inning rain delay.

-- Giolito's grandfather had a recurring role in Seinfeld (Susan's father).

-- Padres' CF Jon Jay has a broken arm, is out 4-6 weeks.

-- Clayton Kershaw is flying back to LA today to get his sore back checked out.

-- Lebron James opted out of his $24M contract for next year, so he will be a free agent again on Friday, though he says he intends to stay in Cleveland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty was waiting on the Cardinals on Tuesday and likes the Astros on Wednesday.

The deficit is 363 sirignanos.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Tigers
A's
Marlins

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: WED Indians w/ Salazar -180

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Wednesday, June 29 is:

Oakland A's (Manaea) over SF Giants (Peavy).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, June 29


Miami @ Detroit

Game 967-968
June 29, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 17.534
Detroit
(Norris) 13.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+105); Under

Toronto @ Colorado

Game 969-970
June 29, 2016 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Sanchez) 17.223
Colorado
(Andrson) 14.355
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 3
15
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-150
12 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-150); Over

Baltimore @ San Diego

Game 971-972
June 29, 2016 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gallardo) 17.526
San Diego
(Friedrch) 15.493
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-145); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 951-952
June 29, 2016 @ 12:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 13.936
Cincinnati
(Reed) 15.804
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 2
11 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-220
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+185); Over

Cleveland @ Atlanta

Game 973-974
June 29, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Salazar) 14.229
Atlanta
(DeLaCruz) 17.302
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+165); Under

Philadelphia @ Arizona

Game 953-954
June 29, 2016 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Eflin) 15.965
Arizona
(Bradley) 13.052
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+155); Under

Kansas City @ St. Louis

Game 975-976
June 29, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 12.776
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 17.391
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 4 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-170); Over

NY Mets @ Washington

Game 955-956
June 29, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Verrett) 13.360
Washington
(Scherzer) 15.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-165); Under

San Francisco @ Oakland

Game 977-978
June 29, 2016 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Peavy) 15.905
Oakland
(Manaea) 13.062
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-115); Under

LA Dodgers @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
June 29, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Stewart) 15.905
Milwaukee
(Guerra) 13.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-120); Over

Pittsburgh @ Seattle

Game 979-980
June 29, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Taillon) 16.062
Seattle
(Miley) 13.517
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+115); Under

Boston @ Tampa Bay

Game 959-960
June 29, 2016 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Price) 16.754
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 15.266
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-170
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-170); Under

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 961-962
June 29, 2016 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 15.607
LA Angels
(Weaver) 12.503
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-150
9
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-150); Over

Texas @ NY Yankees

Game 963-964
June 29, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Mrtinez) 17.299
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 14.391
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+170); Over

Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox

Game 965-966
June 29, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Nolasco) 14.590
Chicago White Sox
(Shields) 13.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-110
10
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-110); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Wednesday, June 29

Trend Report

12:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

12:35 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing Chi Cubs

1:10 PM
MIAMI vs. DETROIT
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Detroit is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home

3:10 PM
TORONTO vs. COLORADO
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Toronto is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,on the road
Colorado7-0-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
Colorado7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

3:35 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of LA Angels's last 17 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Angels's last 10 games at home

3:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 25 games
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games at home

3:40 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore's last 12 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
San Diego is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Mets's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Washington's last 23 games
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 11 games

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Minnesota's last 22 games
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Minnesota

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

8:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. ST. LOUIS
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City

10:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. OAKLAND
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games at home

10:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games
Seattle is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Rays

GAME: Boston Red Sox (42-35) at Tampa Bay Rays (32-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Boston Red Sox have proven they can win whenever they get a solid performance out of the starting rotation and proved as much with an 8-2 win on Tuesday. The Red Sox will look for the same effort from struggling ace David Price when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.

Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez could not make it through three innings in a 13-7 setback in Monday’s opener but Rick Porcello worked into and out of trouble through six innings on Tuesday and managed to limit the damage enough to lead his team to a win. The Red Sox can swing the bats as well as any team and could be getting another hot streak from third baseman Travis Shaw, who homered among three hits and drove in five runs on Tuesday as he tries to emerge from a lengthy slump. The Rays are losers of 12 of their last 13 games and could not come up with the big hits they needed in Tuesday’s loss. Tampa Bay began an 11-game homestand with Boston and will not get a day off until the All-Star break.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (8-4, 4.68 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (3-5, 5.04)

Price had a sting of eight straight quality starts come to an abrupt halt when he was ripped for six runs on 12 hits in 2 1/3 innings at Texas on Friday. The No. 1 overall draft pick of Tampa Bay in 2007 has faced his original franchise four times since first being traded away in 2014 and is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA, including a disastrous start at Fenway Park on April 21 in which he was knocked around for eight runs in 3 2/3 frames. Price is 35-29 with a 2.89 ERA in 87 career games at Tropicana Field.

Moore is struggling to find some consistency and was knocked around for five runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings of a loss at Baltimore on Friday. The 27-year-old yielded a total of two runs and eight hits in 13 innings while striking out 15 in his two previous starts. Moore is facing Boston for the first time this season and is 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in eight games – seven starts – against the Red Sox in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays placed RHP Alex Colome (biceps) on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

2. Boston DH David Ortiz drove in a run in three straight games and is second in the American League with 63 RBIs.

3. Tampa Bay designated OF Jaff Decker for assignment and is expected to activate OF Brandon Guyer off the 15-day DL prior to Wednesday’s contest.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Reds

GAME: Chicago Cubs (50-26) at Cincinnati Reds (29-49)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 12:35 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs needed everyone on the roster to pull extra duty Tuesday night, and they’ll try to make a quick turnaround to finish off a three-game sweep of the host Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon. The Cubs have won eight of nine meetings with the Reds this season following Tuesday’s wild 7-2 victory in 15 innings.



A versatile roster has allowed Chicago manager Joe Maddon to run out some quirky lineups, but nothing like Tuesday’s marathon in which he used six players – including three relief pitchers – in left field. The Cubs finally ended the wackiness with five runs in the 15th on Kris Bryant’s RBI single and Javier Baez’s first career grand slam – Chicago’s 18th home run in six games at Great American Ball Park this season. The big inning spoiled the night for Cincinnati’s beleaguered bullpen, which had combined for eight scoreless innings before the blowup. The Reds have lost eight of their last 10, averaging 3.7 runs over that span.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 2.76 ERA) vs. Reds LH Cody Reed (0-1, 6.75)

Hendricks is coming off an uncharacteristic outing Friday at Miami, where he allowed just one hit – a grand slam – over five innings in a no-decision. The 26-year-old issued four walks for the second time in three starts and has given up a homer in five straight outings. Hendricks is 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts against the Reds.

Reed’s first big-league start turned some heads, as he struck out nine and allowed four runs over seven innings in a no-decision at Houston, but his second outing was lackluster. The 23-year-old surrendered five runs and nine hits in a loss to San Diego on Friday, needing 104 pitches to labor through five innings. Reed was 6-3 with a 3.20 ERA at Triple-A Louisville before being called up.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 15-for-31 during a nine-game hitting streak.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto, who was hitless in six at-bats Tuesday, is 3-for-5 with two homers against Hendricks.

3. Despite allowing the Reds to tie the game in the ninth inning Tuesday, the Cubs improved to 47-0 when leading after eight innings.



PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Reds 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Tigers

GAME: Miami Marlins (41-36) at Detroit Tigers (39-38)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers turned on the power to snap a three-game losing streak and now will look to complete a two-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers bunched all their runs in one inning, all coming via home runs, in Tuesday's 7-5 victory.

Cabrera's three-run blast, his 17th homer of the season, put the Tigers ahead to stay before Nick Castellanos provided insurance with a two-run shot as part of a three-hit game. Castellanos halted a 10-game homerless drought and recorded multiple hits for the sixth time in 11 contests to hike his batting average to .302. The Marlins lost for the second time in six games despite pounding out 16 hits, three by resurgent slugger Giancarlo Stanton. In his last 10 games, Stanton is 16-for-40 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (6-6, 4.07 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-0, 4.50)

Koehler settled down after allowing two homers and four first-inning runs versus the Chicago Cubs last time out and managed to escape with a no-decision to run his unbeaten streak to four games. He won his previous three starts, going six innings in each and permitting a combined four runs on 12 hits. Koehler is 4-3 with a 4.17 ERA in eight starts away from home, but he was won his last three on the road while giving up two earned runs in each.

Norris, who was acquired from Toronto at last year's trade deadline, will be making only his second start and third overall appearance of the season. The 23-year-old Tennessee native is coming off a decent start versus Seattle, giving up three runs on five hits -- although all the runs came on solo homers. Norris went 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in eight starts down the stretch in 2015, although he failed to pitch beyond five innings in his last five turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RF Ichiro Suzuki had two hits Tuesday to move within 14 of reaching 3,000 in the majors.

2. Tigers RHP Anibal Sanchez will be heading back to the bullpen, manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday.

3. Marlins OF Marcell Ozuna returned from a two-game injury absence with a pair of hits to lift his batting average to .321.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Tigers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Rockies

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (42-37) at Colorado Rockies (37-40)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Troy Tulowitzki admitted he was able to drink in "a cool moment" at Coors Field after receiving a standing ovation in his initial at-bat against his former team. After belting a solo homer the following night, Tulowitzki will look to provide an encore for the Toronto Blue Jays in their finale of the three-game interleague set versus the host Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon.

Acquired in a blockbuster deal 11 months ago, Tulowitzki was one of many who helped Toronto overcome Mother Nature in addition to an early three-run deficit and slug its way to a 14-9 victory on Tuesday. The win was the Blue Jays' third in nine outings overall and first in eight tries at Coors Field. Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez continued his torrid stretch by going deep in his third straight contest while driving in five runs on Tuesday to improve to 27-for-57 with five homers and 21 RBIs in his last 13 games. Nolan Arenado has eight RBIs and nine runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak for the Rockies, who are just 5-4 despite erupting for 74 runs during their last nine contests.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (7-1, 3.33 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (0-1, 2.55)

Sanchez owns a 6-0 mark with a 3.33 ERA in his last 11 starts after allowing two runs in six innings of a no-decision versus the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The 23-year-old has fared well on the road, posting a 5-0 mark and 2.48 ERA while permitting just three homers in nine starts. Sanchez will receive his first look at Colorado in his young career.

Anderson permitted two runs and struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings, but the bullpen didn't do him any favors as the 26-year-old settled for a no-decision versus Arizona on Friday. Anderson has kept the ball in the park in all three outings and surrendered only five runs and three walks in 17 2/3 innings. Anderson has pitched well in both outings at Coors Field, but has yet to record a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 2B Devon Travis is 10-for-21 with two homers, five RBIs and as many runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Colorado CF Charlie Blackmon has 17 hits, 12 RBIs and as many runs scored in his last nine contests.

3. Blue Jays RHP Gavin Floyd suffered a torn lat muscle and will miss 8-to-12 weeks, according to MLB.com.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Rockies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Angels

GAME: Houston Astros (41-37) at Los Angeles Angels (32-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Houston Astros look to sweep Los Angeles for the second time in two weeks when they visit the Angels for the finale of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon. Houston took three from Los Angeles from June 20-22 as part of its seven-game winning streak and began another run of success by capturing the first two contests of this set.

Jose Altuve is riding a 10-game hitting streak after going 2-for-4 and scoring twice in Tuesday's triumph. Los Angeles cannot wait for the June portion of its schedule to be completed, as it fell to 8-18 this month with Tuesday's setback. Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with an RBI as the Angels dropped to 1-5 on their seven-game homestand. Mike Trout recorded a single on Tuesday and is 14-for-25 with three home runs and five RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (4-9, 5.35 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jered Weaver (6-6, 5.24)

Keuchel halted his four-start winless streak Friday but not without help, as Houston scored 13 runs at Kansas City while the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner yielded four on 11 hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings. It marked the third time in four outings at least four runs were surrendered by the 28-year-old native of Oklahoma, who finally recorded his fourth win after hitting that mark on May 9 last year. Keuchel has enjoyed plenty of success versus Los Angeles, against which he is 8-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 13 career meetings (12 starts).

Weaver escaped with a no-decision against the Oakland Athletics on Friday after yielding four runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. It was a far cry from the 33-year-old Californian's previous outing on June 19, when he tossed a three-hit shutout at Oakland to stop a two-start skid. Weaver has made 10 career starts against Houston, going 5-4 with two complete games, one shutout and a 3.26 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Altuve has reached safely in a career-high 31 consecutive games - the longest such streak by an Astro since Willy Taveras posted a 31-game run from July 27-Aug. 29, 2006.

2. Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons is 8-for-22 over his last six games.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa finished a triple shy of the cycle Tuesday and has gone 11-for-31 with four homers and 14 RBIs over his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Astros 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Padres

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (46-30) at San Diego Padres (33-45)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Baltimore Orioles are one home run away from matching the most hit during the month of June in major-league history and look to tie or break the record on Wednesday, when they complete their two-game series against the host San Diego Padres. Baltimore belted three shots in Tuesday's 11-7 victory to raise its total for the month to 54, just one shy of the mark set by the 1996 Oakland Athletics.

Hyun Soo Kim hit a two-run shot while Chris Davis and Adam Jones launched solo blasts in the series opener as the Orioles increased their major league-best homer total to 123. Kim recorded three RBIs while Davis, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop each notched three hits and two RBIs as Baltimore racked up 17 hits while registering its sixth consecutive win. San Diego learned Tuesday that it will be without starting center fielder Jon Jay (.296 with 24 doubles, the latter tied for the National League lead) from four to six weeks due to a broken forearm. "He's tough to replace, there's no doubt about that," Padres manager Andy Green told reporters. "He's a tremendous leader, he goes about his business the right way. He was great at the top of the order."

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 6.04 ERA) vs. Padres LH Christian Friedrich (4-2, 3.60)

Gallardo is 1-0 with a 4.35 ERA in two starts since returning from a nearly two-month stint on the disabled list. He has put the shoulder issues behind him and is hoping to again resemble the durable hurler who started 30 or more games in each of the past seven seasons. Gallardo is 4-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 12 career starts against the Padres and has struggled versus Brett Wallace (9-for-21, one homer) and Matt Kemp (9-for-25, two homers).

Friedrich has experienced back-to-back shaky outings even though he defeated Cincinnati in his last turn. The 28-year-old has allowed 10 runs on 15 hits and six walks in 11 innings during the stretch after giving up eight earned runs over his first six outings. Friedrich has struggled at Petco Park this season, going 2-1 with a 5.57 ERA in four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B Wil Myers hit a three-run homer on Tuesday and has 11 blasts in June - the most ever by a San Diego player - as well as 31 RBIs.

2. Davis moved into ninth place in Orioles' history with 180 homers, breaking a tie with Hall-of-Famer Frank Robinson.

3. San Diego recalled OF Alex Dickerson, who was batting .382 at Triple-A El Paso, to fill Jay's roster spot.

PREDICTION: Orioles 8, Padres 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Diamondbacks

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (34-45) at Arizona Diamondbacks (36-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After being unceremoniously swept at home by the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier in the month, the Philadelphia Phillies look to return the favor on Wednesday afternoon when the clubs play the finale of their three-game series at Chase Field. Arizona outscored Philadelphia by a 22-5 margin during a four-game sweep at Citizens Bank Park on June 17-20, but the Phillies improved to 4-2 in their last six contests with a decisive 8-0 rout in the opener and a 4-3 victory on Tuesday.

Maikel Franco launched a solo homer in the most recent encounter to improve to 8-for-21 with four RBIs and five runs scored during his five-game hitting streak. While Philadelphia attempts to secure a winning road trip, Arizona has dropped four in a row overall to fall to 13-27 at home. Jake Lamb and Yasmani Tomas each belted their third homer off Phillies' pitching this season on Tuesday, with the former going 11-for-23 with six RBIs and five runs scored against Philadelphia. Jean Segura collected two singles on Tuesday to improve to 8-for-22 versus the Phillies this season.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (0-2, 6.28 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Archie Bradley (3-3, 4.50)

Eflin answered a disastrous major-league debut by allowing three runs on nine hits in his last two outings (11 2/3 innings). The 22-year-old actually was in line for the win after he permitted one run on five hits in six frames against San Francisco on Friday before the bullpen failed to hold the lead. Run support hasn't been a friend to Eflin, who received just two runs from the Phillies in his last outing and three in his last two.

Bradley saw his pitch count elevate with four walks and was saddled with a no-decision after the bullpen imploded against Colorado on Friday. The 23-year-old dominated Philadelphia in his last encounter, permitting one run on three hits in six innings of a 5-1 triumph on June 19. Like his team, Bradley hasn't received the desired results at Chase Field, posting a 1-2 mark with a 5.79 ERA despite allowing the opposition to bat just .191 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona RHP Brad Ziegler has blown two of his last three save opportunities after converting 43 in a row.

2. Philadelphia RF Peter Bourjos is 15-for-31 with six runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.

3. Diamondbacks OF Michael Bourn is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in this series.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Nationals

GAME: New York Mets (40-36) at Washington Nationals (46-32)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Mets have seen a rash of injuries and a sputtering offense create quite the obstacle in their bid to gain ground in the National League East. The visiting Mets will look to halt their downward slide on Wednesday as they look to salvage the finale of their three-game series versus the first-place Washington Nationals.

Washington's Wilson Ramos hasn't been shy about ratcheting up the offense, ripping a two-run double in Tuesday's 5-0 triumph to increase his RBI total to seven during his 11-game hitting streak. Bryce Harper added a two-run homer to improve to 4-for-7 with three RBIs in the last two contests after going 1-for-17 in the previous six encounters with New York. While the Nationals have answered a season-high seven-game skid with wins in three straight to move five games ahead of the Mets, the latter mustered just five hits en route to being shut out for the eighth time in 2016. New York will turn to Logan Verrett to make a spot start in the series finale before opening a four-game series against the majors-best Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN2, SNY (New York), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Logan Verrett (3-4, 4.14 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (8-5, 3.52)

Verrett receives the nod with Steven Matz pushed back a day as he deals with bone spurs in his elbow. The 26-year-old, who was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas last week, has scattered two hits in 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief versus Washington this season. Verrett will be making just his fifth start and 21st appearance this season with the Mets.

Scherzer has been plagued by the home-run ball of late, with former Met Kirk Nieuwenhuis belting a two-run shot and Keon Broxton also going deep in a 5-3 setback to Milwaukee on Friday. The 31-year-old has surrendered 20 homers this season - including a pair of solo blasts in 6 1/3 innings of a 2-0 loss to New York on May 17. Scherzer has also been striking out batters at an impressive rate, recording double digits in three straight outings and four of his last five.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York is batting just .212 and averaging 2.5 runs per game over its last 11 contests.

2. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 7-for-15 with four RBIs and as many runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

3. Mets RF Brandon Nimmo is 3-for-8 with a run scored in this series.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Yankees

GAME: Texas Rangers (51-27) at New York Yankees (37-39)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Yankees may have squandered their best chance to knock off the American League-best Texas Rangers when a rain delay in the ninth inning on Monday turned the momentum. The Yankees will try to keep their hopes of a split in the four-game set alive when they host the Rangers in Game 3 on Wednesday.

The Yankees took a lead into the ninth inning on Monday before a three-hour, 35-minute rain delay brought things to a screeching halt, and Texas rallied for a 9-6 win after the lengthy pause. The Rangers followed that up with a 7-1 win on Tuesday and are winners of four straight and 12 of the last 14 to take over the major league lead in wins at 51-27. New York dropped two games under .500 with the two losses to Texas and has lost three in a row overall. The Yankees are trying to find a combination in the middle of the order at the designated hitter spot but Alex Rodriguez went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts in his return to the lineup on Tuesday after a two-game benching.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Martinez (1-1, 5.54 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-2, 3.01)

Martinez is filling in while Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis nurse injuries in the rotation but has yet to post a win in two starts. The 25-year-old held the Boston Red Sox to four runs on six hits – two home runs – in six innings on Friday but did not factor in the decision. Martinez will be making his fourth career start against New York and went 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in the first three.

Tanaka earned the win in his last two starts, yielding a total of four runs in 14 innings while facing the MLB-worst Minnesota Twins in each outing. The Japan native allowed three runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts, going 4-2 in that span. Tanaka lost his only previous start against Texas on July 29 last season, yielding four runs and nine hits in six innings on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RF Carlos Beltran (hamstring) left Tuesday’s game in the first inning but had an MRI reveal no damage.

2. Rangers CF Ian Desmond has hit safely in 10 straight games and scored six runs in the last four contests.

3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre is 8-for-18 with eight RBIs and seven runs scored in the last four games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Yankees 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Braves

GAME: Cleveland Indians (46-30) at Atlanta Braves (26-51)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cleveland Indians have not lost a game since the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals and don’t seem to be getting any closer to the losing column. The Indians will go for their 12th straight win and a three-game interleague sweep when they visit the struggling Atlanta Braves in the series finale on Wednesday.

Cleveland’s staff allowed more than three runs only twice in the last 11 contests and the team is outscoring the opposition 73-25 during the streak. The Indians had been pounding home runs but managed a 5-3 win on Tuesday without the benefit of a blast and instead showed off the versatility of the offense with four stolen bases – including Francisco Lindor’s steal of home. The Braves are 2-5 since a six-game winning streak came to an end and fell to 11-31 at home with Tuesday’s setback. Atlanta is in the midst of a stretch of 20 straight games without a day off and will host a four-game series against Miami starting on Thursday before hitting the road for seven games leading into the All-Star break.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Danny Salazar (9-3, 2.40 ERA) vs. Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (NA)

Salazar is enjoying a five-start winning streak but is coming off the worst outing of the bunch at Detroit on Friday. The Dominican Republic native was charged with three runs on four hits and five walks in 5 2/3 innings but was bailed out by the offense in a game Cleveland ended up winning 7-5. Salazar has struggled in interleague play in his career, building up a 1-5 record with a 4.07 ERA in nine starts against National League opponents.

De La Cruz will make his major-league debut on Wednesday as Atlanta shuffles its rotation due to injuries and ineffectiveness. The 27-year-old recently joined the rotation at Triple-A Gwinnett and is 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA in 21 games – five starts. De La Cruz recorded 44 strikeouts and 24 walks in 57 2/3 total innings at Triple-A this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians OF Michael Brantley (biceps) took swings off a tee on Tuesday but there is still no timetable for his return.

2. Atlanta placed RHP John Gant (oblique), who left Monday’s start, on the 15-day disabled list.

3. Cleveland RF Lonnie Chisenhall is 8-for-13 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in the last three games.

PREDICTION: Indians 9, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at White Sox

GAME: Minnesota Twins (25-51) at Chicago White Sox (38-39)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Minnesota Twins finally found a way to solve the Chicago White Sox, but it took the team's first shutout win of the season to change the momentum in the season series. After getting outscored 30-9 in their first six meetings, the Twins look to make it two straight over the host White Sox on Wednesday night.

Brian Dozier belted one of six homers by Minnesota to salvage Sunday's series finale at Yankee Stadium and accounted for all the scoring in Tuesday's 4-0 victory with two more blasts to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. "It's kind of contagious ... it really is," Dozier told reporters after the game. "Guys heat up around you and you kind of feed off one another." Rookie shortstop Tim Anderson, Chicago's first-round pick in 2013, is 8-for-24 with two homers and six runs scored during a five-game hitting streak. James Shields, winless in four starts since he was acquired from San Diego, looks to even the series for the White Sox when he opposes Ricky Nolasco in the second of the three-game set.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (3-5, 4.95 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (2-9, 6.22)

Nolasco labored in a loss against a weak-hitting Philadelphia lineup in his last outing, permitting four runs on 10 hits and walking a season-high four batters over 6 2/3 innings. Nolasco fell to 1-3 with a 6.25 ERA and .357 batting average against versus the White Sox after giving up a season-worst seven runs (five earned) at Chicago on May 5. Melky Cabrera (11-for-25), Brett Lawrie (5-for-10) and Jose Abreu (4-for-11, 2 HRs) all have roughed up Nolasco.

Shields turned in his best effort since he was acquired by Chicago, although he still allowed three runs and walked four batters in five innings of a no-decision versus Boston. He was punished for 22 runs and 24 hits over 8 2/3 innings in his first three starts with the White Sox and remains winless since May 12. Eduardo Nunez (10-for-23), Joe Mauer (15-for-43) and Brian Dozier (.364) have fared well against Shields, who is 7-6 with a 4.06 ERA versus Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dozier has reached base in 20 straight games, going 30-for-76 with six homers in that span.

2. Cabrera is listed as day-to-day after exiting Tuesday's game with soreness in his left wrist.

3. Twins RHP Phil Hughes, already sidelined with a broken bone in his left leg, will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, White Sox 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Brewers

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (43-36) at Milwaukee Brewers (34-42)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Adrian Gonzalez requested a second straight day out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup on Monday, and the mental break appears to have been a success. Gonzalez returned to his starting role and went 3-for-3 with a walk while scoring twice in the series opener and attempts to build on the outing when the Dodgers visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

While Gonzalez may be regaining his swing, the Dodgers are experiencing rotation problems, and the situation could be on the verge of getting worse as three-time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday to have his sore lower back examined. The lack of healthy starting pitchers will prompt the Dodgers to recall Brock Stewart on Wednesday as the virtually unknown rookie will be making his major-league debut. Los Angeles has won eight of its last 11 games after Tuesday's 6-5 victory, while Milwaukee has dropped nine of its last 13 contests. Ryan Braun recorded a two-run double in the opener and is 15-for-37 during his nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Brock Stewart (NR) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (4-1, 3.67 ERA)

Stewart is being promoted due to the severe starter shortage, and manager Dave Roberts admitted he never has met the 24-year-old nor seen him pitch. Stewart is rated as the club's 26th-best prospect and has a combined minor-league record of 8-3 with a 1.47 ERA as he opened the season at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga (two starts) before being moved up to Double-A Tulsa (nine) and Triple-A Oklahoma City (three). "For us, it was the best option we had at this point and time," Roberts told reporters. "He gives us the best chance to win. He's the best of what we have."

Guerra is coming off a strong performance in which he struck out eight while giving up two runs and five hits in seven innings while defeating Oakland on June 22. He received a no-decision against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on June 16, when he was touched for five runs and five hits in 5 1/3 frames. Guerra has performed well at home, where he is 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in five turns this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles CF Joc Pederson (shoulder) departed in the eighth inning on Tuesday after smacking into the fence while making a terrific catch but X-rays were negative.

2. Milwaukee designated OF Alex Presley for assignment and purchased the contract of INF/OF Jake Elmore from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

3. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager is batting .422 with seven doubles, one triple and one homer during his 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Cardinals

GAME: Kansas City Royals (40-36) at St. Louis Cardinals (40-36)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 29 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After earning a split on the road against their intrastate rival, the St. Louis Cardinals return home to host the reigning World Series champion Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night in the back end of the home-and-home four-game series. It's the opener of a nine-game homestand for St. Louis, which has dropped five in a row at Busch Stadium.

Matt Carpenter homered, doubled and drove in a pair of runs in Tuesday's 8-4 victory for St. Louis, which is 15-21 on the season at home. Kansas City has lost five of seven overall and may have suffered a costly injury when center fielder Lorenzo Cain was forced to leave Tuesday's game with a left hamstring strain. “We don’t know what’s wrong with Cain yet. We’re hoping the best," Royals left fielder Alex Gordon said. "If he goes down, we got a guy that can step in with (Jarrod) Dyson." Kansas City sends right-hander Edinson Volquez, who was ejected from Tuesday's contest, to the mound to oppose red-hot Carlos Martinez.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Vólquez (7-7, 5.15 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martínez (7-5, 3.02)

Volquez has nowhere to go but up after a wretched performance versus Houston on Saturday, when he was hammered for 12 runs (11 earned) and failed to retire a batter in the second inning. Volquez managed to come away with a win despite giving up five runs to Detroit in his previous turn following seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball against Cleveland on June 13. Matt Holliday is 11-for-34 with two homers off Volquez, who is 5-6 lifetime against St. Louis.

Martinez has had a season of streaks, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.93 ERA in his first four starts before losing his next five outings and giving up at least four runs in four of them. He has reclaimed his early-season form during a five-start unbeaten streak in which he has yielded a total of five runs and pitched at least seven innings four times. The 24-year-old Martinez has struggled at Busch Stadium, posting a 3-4 record and 4.21 ERA in eight starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are among the worst teams in the majors with a 13-25 road record.

2. Cardinals SS Aledmys Diaz, who was hit in the face by a ball he fouled off at the plate, suffered no structural damage but is dealing with inflammation around his eye.

3. Kansas City has surrendered 48 homers in June, three shy of the club record for one month set in May 2006.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Royals 3