Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Wednesday
TIGERS (Fulmer) at RED SOX (Rodriguez) 1:35 pm
Take: TIGERS +105
There’s a pretty definite starting pitcher edge for the Tigers with star rookie Michael Fulmer going against Boston lefty Eduardo Rodriguez.
Fulmer should be the favorite here based on my work. He’ll still occasionally make a mistake that costs him, but his stuff is good enough so that even when he misses the target, he’s often able to get by regardless.
Rodriguez is showing signs of life after struggling badly returning from his leg injury. I don’t think he was at full strength, as he seemed to be having problems finishing his pitches. The Red Sox need innings from ERod with the status of the bullpen right now, and he has only gone seven innings once. Even that start was a bit misleading as it was one of those games where almost everything that got hit was right at someone.
Day/night splits for the two hurlers are small sample as neither has been around long. But Fulmer is 4-0, 1.85 under the sun while Rodriguez logs in at 3-5, 7.06. The Tigers have won the first two games in this series and while getting a sweep against Boston is obviously no cinch, especially at Fenway, I think the price is right to take the Tigers in this one.
Bonus Play Wednesday
TIGERS (Fulmer) at RED SOX (Rodriguez) 1:35 pm
Take: TIGERS +105
There’s a pretty definite starting pitcher edge for the Tigers with star rookie Michael Fulmer going against Boston lefty Eduardo Rodriguez.
Fulmer should be the favorite here based on my work. He’ll still occasionally make a mistake that costs him, but his stuff is good enough so that even when he misses the target, he’s often able to get by regardless.
Rodriguez is showing signs of life after struggling badly returning from his leg injury. I don’t think he was at full strength, as he seemed to be having problems finishing his pitches. The Red Sox need innings from ERod with the status of the bullpen right now, and he has only gone seven innings once. Even that start was a bit misleading as it was one of those games where almost everything that got hit was right at someone.
Day/night splits for the two hurlers are small sample as neither has been around long. But Fulmer is 4-0, 1.85 under the sun while Rodriguez logs in at 3-5, 7.06. The Tigers have won the first two games in this series and while getting a sweep against Boston is obviously no cinch, especially at Fenway, I think the price is right to take the Tigers in this one.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 8:10 PM ET
(963) NEW YORK YANKEES VS (964) HOUSTON ASTROS
Take: UNDER
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, July 27, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the NY Yankees and the Astros in Houston. The Yankees have a weak offense, on a 12-3-1 run under the total, including 7-0 under against a righty starter. Ace Masahiro Tanaka (7-2, 3.00 ERA) is on a roll, with the team 7-3 under in his last 10 road start. Tanaka induced 11 swinging strikes his last start, and has now given up only four earned runs over the 24.1 innings encompassing his four July starts. Houston is 18-7 under the total against a winning team and 11-1 under when Lance McCullers starters at home. The Under is 16-5 in McCullers' last 21 starts overall and the Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Houston between these teams. Play the Yankees/Astros Under the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 8:10 PM ET
(963) NEW YORK YANKEES VS (964) HOUSTON ASTROS
Take: UNDER
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, July 27, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the NY Yankees and the Astros in Houston. The Yankees have a weak offense, on a 12-3-1 run under the total, including 7-0 under against a righty starter. Ace Masahiro Tanaka (7-2, 3.00 ERA) is on a roll, with the team 7-3 under in his last 10 road start. Tanaka induced 11 swinging strikes his last start, and has now given up only four earned runs over the 24.1 innings encompassing his four July starts. Houston is 18-7 under the total against a winning team and 11-1 under when Lance McCullers starters at home. The Under is 16-5 in McCullers' last 21 starts overall and the Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Houston between these teams. Play the Yankees/Astros Under the total.
Mike Lundin
Cardinals vs Mets
5* MLB Free Pick St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets split a doubleheader on Tuesday after Monday's opener of the three-game set rained out. I like the Cardinals in the rubber match.
Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.09 ERA) takes the ball for St. Louis. He's earned three wins in his last four starts while surrendering just a total of three runs while striking out 27 through 29 innings. He tossed seven scoreless innings against the Mets back in 2014 in the most recent meeting.
The Mets turn to Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.14). who is 1-4 with a 4.97 ERA as a starting pitcher this year and he has struggled to log innings lately. New York could need a lot of innings from the 26 year old after yesterday's demanding doubleheader.
Cardinals are 9-2 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning record and 12-3 in their last 15 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Cardinals vs Mets
5* MLB Free Pick St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets split a doubleheader on Tuesday after Monday's opener of the three-game set rained out. I like the Cardinals in the rubber match.
Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.09 ERA) takes the ball for St. Louis. He's earned three wins in his last four starts while surrendering just a total of three runs while striking out 27 through 29 innings. He tossed seven scoreless innings against the Mets back in 2014 in the most recent meeting.
The Mets turn to Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.14). who is 1-4 with a 4.97 ERA as a starting pitcher this year and he has struggled to log innings lately. New York could need a lot of innings from the 26 year old after yesterday's demanding doubleheader.
Cardinals are 9-2 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning record and 12-3 in their last 15 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Marc Lawrence
Yankees vs Astros
Play - NY Yankees w/Tanaka
Edges - Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka 9-2 last 11 team starts during July, including 4-0 the last four; and 4-1 as a dog and 4-1 team starts versus A.L. West this season. Astros: 4-10 as a host in this series; and McCullers just 5-6 last 11 overall home team starts. With the visiting team a perfect 3-0 in Tanaka’s career team starts in this series, and Tanaka sporting a 1.50 ERA away as opposed to a 4.30 ERA at home this season, we recommend a 1* play on the Pinstripes. Thank you and good luck as always.
Yankees vs Astros
Play - NY Yankees w/Tanaka
Edges - Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka 9-2 last 11 team starts during July, including 4-0 the last four; and 4-1 as a dog and 4-1 team starts versus A.L. West this season. Astros: 4-10 as a host in this series; and McCullers just 5-6 last 11 overall home team starts. With the visiting team a perfect 3-0 in Tanaka’s career team starts in this series, and Tanaka sporting a 1.50 ERA away as opposed to a 4.30 ERA at home this season, we recommend a 1* play on the Pinstripes. Thank you and good luck as always.
Preview: Nationals at Indians
GAME: Washington Nationals (58-42) at Cleveland Indians (57-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Stephen Strasburg stumbled out of the blocks and suffered his first defeat since September in his last trip to the mound. With six days to stew on the result, the 28-year-old looks to rid the sour taste from his mouth and extend his perfect road record Wednesday afternoon as the Washington Nationals vie for a split of their abbreviated two-game interleague series versus the Cleveland Indians.
While Strasburg is 6-0 on the road, Washington isn't shabby either with a 27-22 mark away from the nation's capital and a stellar 9-4 mark in interleague play. Wilson Ramos continued his hot hand with a solo homer in Tuesday's 7-6 setback and is 19-for-53 while hitting safely in 12 of his last 13 games. While Washington has dropped two in a row and six of eight to see its advantage over second-place Miami dip to four games, the AL Central-leading Indians snapped a three-game skid in exhilarating fashion. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor capped a three-hit performance with a walk-off RBI single Tuesday to improve to 12-for-33 with five runs driven in during his last eight games.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (13-1, 2.83 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (7-3, 2.31)
Justin Turner belted a pair of two-run homers and Strasburg allowed a season-high six runs to spoil his 10-strikeout performance in a 6-3 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. The six runs permitted was double the combined total of his previous four outings (28 2/3 innings) while the two homers he surrendered equaled the sum of the four-start stretch. Strasburg has split a pair of career outings versus Cleveland, although he suffered the loss in 2013 despite yielding one run on one hit in five innings.
Carrasco improved to 5-1 with a 1.16 ERA in his last six starts last Wednesday after allowing one hit over six scoreless innings in an 11-4 romp versus Kansas City. The 29-year-old Venezuelan boasts a 1.56 ERA in his last eight starts, although he surrendered five homers in that stretch. Carrasco, who will be pitching on six days' rest, makes his 133rd career appearance and first versus Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Bryce Harper is 0-for-13 in his last four contests.
2. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis has five multi-hit performances during his nine-game hitting streak (15-for-36).
3. Indians veteran 3B Juan Uribe is 5-for-42 with 10 strikeouts in July.
PREDICTION: Nationals 2, Indians 1
GAME: Washington Nationals (58-42) at Cleveland Indians (57-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Stephen Strasburg stumbled out of the blocks and suffered his first defeat since September in his last trip to the mound. With six days to stew on the result, the 28-year-old looks to rid the sour taste from his mouth and extend his perfect road record Wednesday afternoon as the Washington Nationals vie for a split of their abbreviated two-game interleague series versus the Cleveland Indians.
While Strasburg is 6-0 on the road, Washington isn't shabby either with a 27-22 mark away from the nation's capital and a stellar 9-4 mark in interleague play. Wilson Ramos continued his hot hand with a solo homer in Tuesday's 7-6 setback and is 19-for-53 while hitting safely in 12 of his last 13 games. While Washington has dropped two in a row and six of eight to see its advantage over second-place Miami dip to four games, the AL Central-leading Indians snapped a three-game skid in exhilarating fashion. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor capped a three-hit performance with a walk-off RBI single Tuesday to improve to 12-for-33 with five runs driven in during his last eight games.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (13-1, 2.83 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (7-3, 2.31)
Justin Turner belted a pair of two-run homers and Strasburg allowed a season-high six runs to spoil his 10-strikeout performance in a 6-3 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. The six runs permitted was double the combined total of his previous four outings (28 2/3 innings) while the two homers he surrendered equaled the sum of the four-start stretch. Strasburg has split a pair of career outings versus Cleveland, although he suffered the loss in 2013 despite yielding one run on one hit in five innings.
Carrasco improved to 5-1 with a 1.16 ERA in his last six starts last Wednesday after allowing one hit over six scoreless innings in an 11-4 romp versus Kansas City. The 29-year-old Venezuelan boasts a 1.56 ERA in his last eight starts, although he surrendered five homers in that stretch. Carrasco, who will be pitching on six days' rest, makes his 133rd career appearance and first versus Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Bryce Harper is 0-for-13 in his last four contests.
2. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis has five multi-hit performances during his nine-game hitting streak (15-for-36).
3. Indians veteran 3B Juan Uribe is 5-for-42 with 10 strikeouts in July.
PREDICTION: Nationals 2, Indians 1
Preview: Phillies at Marlins
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (46-56) at Miami Marlins (54-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton and the Miami Marlins may have awoken from their offensive slumber. After ending his team's pronounced scoring drought at 24 innings, Stanton looks to help the host Marlins claim the rubber match of their three-game series against the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon.
The Phillies kept Stanton under wraps all season, limiting the slugger to a 3-for-33 performance with 14 strikeouts prior to his two-RBI effort in a 5-0 victory on Tuesday. While Miami moved within four games of first-place Washington after evening the season series at six wins apiece, Philadelphia fell to 4-8 since the All-Star break. Cesar Hernandez recorded one of the Phillies' four hits Tuesday to improve to 7-for-17 with four RBIs in his last four games. The 26-year-old has 12 hits in as many games versus Miami this season and is 1-for-5 in his career versus Wednesday starter Adam Conley.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (3-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (6-5, 3.58)
Eflin recorded his second complete game in four outings Friday after scattering three hits in a 4-0 win over Pittsburgh in his eight career start. The 22-year-old rookie did not walk a batter for the fourth time in six trips to the mound en route to improving to 2-1 on the road this season. Eflin rebounded from a disastrous nine-run performance in his major-league debut versus Toronto on June 14 to record a 2.08 ERA in his ensuing seven starts.
Conley settled for his second straight no-decision Friday despite yielding two earned runs for the third consecutive contest. The 26-year-old, who pitched six strong innings against New York, is 2-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 21 strikeouts in four starts (23 innings) this month. Conley showed his worth versus Philadelphia on May 16, allowing one run in six innings of a 5-3 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki singled Tuesday to move within three hits of 3,000 for his major-league career.
2. Philadelphia LF Cody Asche is mired in a 1-for-29 stretch with 12 strikeouts over his last nine games and could be replaced by a returning Aaron Altherr (wrist) as early as Thursday.
3. Marlins 2B Derek Dietrich is 0-for-16 with seven strikeouts in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Phillies 2
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (46-56) at Miami Marlins (54-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton and the Miami Marlins may have awoken from their offensive slumber. After ending his team's pronounced scoring drought at 24 innings, Stanton looks to help the host Marlins claim the rubber match of their three-game series against the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon.
The Phillies kept Stanton under wraps all season, limiting the slugger to a 3-for-33 performance with 14 strikeouts prior to his two-RBI effort in a 5-0 victory on Tuesday. While Miami moved within four games of first-place Washington after evening the season series at six wins apiece, Philadelphia fell to 4-8 since the All-Star break. Cesar Hernandez recorded one of the Phillies' four hits Tuesday to improve to 7-for-17 with four RBIs in his last four games. The 26-year-old has 12 hits in as many games versus Miami this season and is 1-for-5 in his career versus Wednesday starter Adam Conley.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (3-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Adam Conley (6-5, 3.58)
Eflin recorded his second complete game in four outings Friday after scattering three hits in a 4-0 win over Pittsburgh in his eight career start. The 22-year-old rookie did not walk a batter for the fourth time in six trips to the mound en route to improving to 2-1 on the road this season. Eflin rebounded from a disastrous nine-run performance in his major-league debut versus Toronto on June 14 to record a 2.08 ERA in his ensuing seven starts.
Conley settled for his second straight no-decision Friday despite yielding two earned runs for the third consecutive contest. The 26-year-old, who pitched six strong innings against New York, is 2-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 21 strikeouts in four starts (23 innings) this month. Conley showed his worth versus Philadelphia on May 16, allowing one run in six innings of a 5-3 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki singled Tuesday to move within three hits of 3,000 for his major-league career.
2. Philadelphia LF Cody Asche is mired in a 1-for-29 stretch with 12 strikeouts over his last nine games and could be replaced by a returning Aaron Altherr (wrist) as early as Thursday.
3. Marlins 2B Derek Dietrich is 0-for-16 with seven strikeouts in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Phillies 2
Preview: Padres at Blue Jays
GAME: San Diego Padres (43-58) at Toronto Blue Jays (57-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:37 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Melvin Upton Jr. makes his first start with his new club against the team that traded him when the Toronto Blue Jays wrap up a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon. Toronto goes for the sweep after rallying for three runs in the 12th inning capped by a walk-off wild pitch.
Upton, who clubbed 16 homers and drove in 45 runs for San Diego before he was shipped to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, will be in the lineup Wednesday and is expected to play primarily against left-handers. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak homered in Tuesday's 7-6 victory as Toronto moved into second place in the American League East, two games behind Baltimore. Part of San Diego's motivation for dealing Upton is to provide more playing time for young outfielders Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson, who has gone deep in three straight games. The Padres have homered in 24 consecutive contests -- three shy of tying the major-league record of 27 set by the Texas Rangers in 2002.
TV: 12:37 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (4-4, 6.93 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (7-11, 4.44)
Perdomo turned in his best performance since he was elevated to the starting rotation, working a season-high seven innings and limiting Washington to two runs on four hits. Opponents are batting .335 against the 23-year-old Dominican, who yielded 26 hits over 16 2/3 innings in his previous three turns. He is 2-2 with a 5.86 ERA in 14 road appearances (six starts).
Dickey takes the ball instead of scheduled starter Marco Estrada, who gets extra rest for his troublesome back. Dickey was shelled for six runs over three innings in a loss to Seattle on Saturday and served up three homers in his previous turn in a 5-4 setback at Oakland. The 41-year-old knuckleballer has been giving up homers in bunches, coughing up 15 in his last nine turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Blue Jays acquired RHP Joaquin Benoit from Seattle in exchange for RHP Drew Storen and cash.
2. Dickerson is 8-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs in his last three games.
3. Donaldson has 10 RBIs in his last eight games.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Padres 4
GAME: San Diego Padres (43-58) at Toronto Blue Jays (57-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 12:37 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Melvin Upton Jr. makes his first start with his new club against the team that traded him when the Toronto Blue Jays wrap up a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon. Toronto goes for the sweep after rallying for three runs in the 12th inning capped by a walk-off wild pitch.
Upton, who clubbed 16 homers and drove in 45 runs for San Diego before he was shipped to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, will be in the lineup Wednesday and is expected to play primarily against left-handers. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak homered in Tuesday's 7-6 victory as Toronto moved into second place in the American League East, two games behind Baltimore. Part of San Diego's motivation for dealing Upton is to provide more playing time for young outfielders Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson, who has gone deep in three straight games. The Padres have homered in 24 consecutive contests -- three shy of tying the major-league record of 27 set by the Texas Rangers in 2002.
TV: 12:37 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (4-4, 6.93 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (7-11, 4.44)
Perdomo turned in his best performance since he was elevated to the starting rotation, working a season-high seven innings and limiting Washington to two runs on four hits. Opponents are batting .335 against the 23-year-old Dominican, who yielded 26 hits over 16 2/3 innings in his previous three turns. He is 2-2 with a 5.86 ERA in 14 road appearances (six starts).
Dickey takes the ball instead of scheduled starter Marco Estrada, who gets extra rest for his troublesome back. Dickey was shelled for six runs over three innings in a loss to Seattle on Saturday and served up three homers in his previous turn in a 5-4 setback at Oakland. The 41-year-old knuckleballer has been giving up homers in bunches, coughing up 15 in his last nine turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Blue Jays acquired RHP Joaquin Benoit from Seattle in exchange for RHP Drew Storen and cash.
2. Dickerson is 8-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs in his last three games.
3. Donaldson has 10 RBIs in his last eight games.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Padres 4
Preview: Tigers at Red Sox
GAME: Detroit Tigers (53-48) at Boston Red Sox (55-43)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox are averaging seven runs and have 34 extra-base hits in the last eight games but are in danger of falling below .500 on their nine-game homestand. The Red Sox will try to get a solid pitching performance to go along with all of that offense and avoid a losing homestand when they host the Detroit Tigers in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday.
Boston is headed out for an 11-game west coast road trip beginning on Thursday and missed an opportunity to gain a game in the American League East race when they dropped a 9-8 decision on Tuesday after coming back from a pair of deficits. The Red Sox already made moves to upgrade the rotation – bringing in Drew Pomeranz – and the bullpen – Brad Ziegler – but have not ruled out further moves prior to the Aug. 1 trade deadline. The Tigers are proving they are still in the race for a playoff spot by taking the first two from Boston and will face another wild card contender with a three-game series against Houston over the weekend. Detroit closer Francisco Rodriguez is working overtime in the series with a four-out save in Monday’s win and a strong frame against the heart of the order in the ninth on Tuesday.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Detroit, NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (9-2, 2.41 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4, 6.70)
Fulmer had a string of 10 straight starts allowing two or fewer runs come to an end at the Chicago White Sox on Friday, when he was reached for five runs – four earned – in five innings without factoring in the decision. The 23-year-old went a season-high eight innings against Kansas City in his previous turn but was held out of the decision then as well. Fulmer is seeing Boston for the first time and is 7-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 11 road starts.
Rodriguez has been a different pitcher in two starts since coming back from a stint in Triple-A, allowing a total of three runs in 12 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old Venezuelan struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings against Minnesota on Friday but could not get enough support to pull out the win in a game the Red Sox went on to lose 2-1. Rodriguez made one start against Detroit in his 2015 rookie campaign and yielded one run on three hits in seven innings to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers CF Cameron Maybin (back) sat out Tuesday and could miss Wednesday as well.
2. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia has reached base safely in 29 consecutive games.
3. Detroit RF J.D. Martinez (elbow) served as a DH in his first rehab game at Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday and went 1-for-5 with an RBI.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Tigers 2
GAME: Detroit Tigers (53-48) at Boston Red Sox (55-43)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox are averaging seven runs and have 34 extra-base hits in the last eight games but are in danger of falling below .500 on their nine-game homestand. The Red Sox will try to get a solid pitching performance to go along with all of that offense and avoid a losing homestand when they host the Detroit Tigers in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday.
Boston is headed out for an 11-game west coast road trip beginning on Thursday and missed an opportunity to gain a game in the American League East race when they dropped a 9-8 decision on Tuesday after coming back from a pair of deficits. The Red Sox already made moves to upgrade the rotation – bringing in Drew Pomeranz – and the bullpen – Brad Ziegler – but have not ruled out further moves prior to the Aug. 1 trade deadline. The Tigers are proving they are still in the race for a playoff spot by taking the first two from Boston and will face another wild card contender with a three-game series against Houston over the weekend. Detroit closer Francisco Rodriguez is working overtime in the series with a four-out save in Monday’s win and a strong frame against the heart of the order in the ninth on Tuesday.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Detroit, NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (9-2, 2.41 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4, 6.70)
Fulmer had a string of 10 straight starts allowing two or fewer runs come to an end at the Chicago White Sox on Friday, when he was reached for five runs – four earned – in five innings without factoring in the decision. The 23-year-old went a season-high eight innings against Kansas City in his previous turn but was held out of the decision then as well. Fulmer is seeing Boston for the first time and is 7-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 11 road starts.
Rodriguez has been a different pitcher in two starts since coming back from a stint in Triple-A, allowing a total of three runs in 12 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old Venezuelan struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings against Minnesota on Friday but could not get enough support to pull out the win in a game the Red Sox went on to lose 2-1. Rodriguez made one start against Detroit in his 2015 rookie campaign and yielded one run on three hits in seven innings to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers CF Cameron Maybin (back) sat out Tuesday and could miss Wednesday as well.
2. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia has reached base safely in 29 consecutive games.
3. Detroit RF J.D. Martinez (elbow) served as a DH in his first rehab game at Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday and went 1-for-5 with an RBI.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Tigers 2
Preview: Rays at Dodgers
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (38-61) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively looking to upgrade their roster prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, but Yasmani Grandal’s recent power surge has allowed them to cross at least one position off their shopping list. The veteran catcher looks to continue his offensive resurgence Wednesday as the Dodgers conclude a two-game set against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.
Grandal is batting .309 with seven home runs this month, including a solo blast in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory that kept the Dodgers 2 1/2 games behind first-place San Francisco in the National League West. After a disappointing first half where Grandal struggled to push his average over the .200 mark, the 27-year-old has helped fill the void left by right fielder Yasiel Puig, who has been held out of the starting lineup for the past five games because of a hamstring strain and could require another trip to the disabled list. Los Angeles is 4-0 all-time in Dodger Stadium against the Rays, who have lost four in a row and seven of 11 since the All-Star break. First baseman Logan Morrison returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing the previous six games with a sore wrist and grounded out as a pinch hitter.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (6-7, 4.31 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 1.61)
Moore has increased his trade value in recent weeks with five consecutive quality starts, including seven solid innings in a win against Oakland on Thursday. The 27-year-old saw his ERA peak at 5.56 in early June but has pitched at least six innings in his last nine starts. Moore allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Dodgers on May 3 in Tampa Bay and owns a 2-3 record and 5.37 ERA in 10 career interleague starts.
McCarthy continued to impress by holding St. Louis to two runs (one earned) on one hit over 6 1/3 innings Friday before leaving with a calf injury. The 33-year-old is 5-0 with a 3.77 ERA in eight starts since joining the Dodgers last season. Evan Longoria is 4-for-18 with a home run against McCarthy, who is 5-3 with a 2.88 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against Tampa Bay with 52 strikeouts against 19 walks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager is 17-for-44 during his nine-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay RHP Alex Cobb (elbow) is expected to resume his minor-league rehab assignment Friday.
3. Dodgers LHP Adam Liberatore was unavailable Tuesday with a sore right knee and is listed as day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Rays 3
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (38-61) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-44)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively looking to upgrade their roster prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, but Yasmani Grandal’s recent power surge has allowed them to cross at least one position off their shopping list. The veteran catcher looks to continue his offensive resurgence Wednesday as the Dodgers conclude a two-game set against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.
Grandal is batting .309 with seven home runs this month, including a solo blast in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory that kept the Dodgers 2 1/2 games behind first-place San Francisco in the National League West. After a disappointing first half where Grandal struggled to push his average over the .200 mark, the 27-year-old has helped fill the void left by right fielder Yasiel Puig, who has been held out of the starting lineup for the past five games because of a hamstring strain and could require another trip to the disabled list. Los Angeles is 4-0 all-time in Dodger Stadium against the Rays, who have lost four in a row and seven of 11 since the All-Star break. First baseman Logan Morrison returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing the previous six games with a sore wrist and grounded out as a pinch hitter.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (6-7, 4.31 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 1.61)
Moore has increased his trade value in recent weeks with five consecutive quality starts, including seven solid innings in a win against Oakland on Thursday. The 27-year-old saw his ERA peak at 5.56 in early June but has pitched at least six innings in his last nine starts. Moore allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Dodgers on May 3 in Tampa Bay and owns a 2-3 record and 5.37 ERA in 10 career interleague starts.
McCarthy continued to impress by holding St. Louis to two runs (one earned) on one hit over 6 1/3 innings Friday before leaving with a calf injury. The 33-year-old is 5-0 with a 3.77 ERA in eight starts since joining the Dodgers last season. Evan Longoria is 4-for-18 with a home run against McCarthy, who is 5-3 with a 2.88 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against Tampa Bay with 52 strikeouts against 19 walks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager is 17-for-44 during his nine-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay RHP Alex Cobb (elbow) is expected to resume his minor-league rehab assignment Friday.
3. Dodgers LHP Adam Liberatore was unavailable Tuesday with a sore right knee and is listed as day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Rays 3
Preview: Reds at Giants
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (39-61) at San Francisco Giants (59-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants have struggled since the All-Star break but have a chance to win the three-game series with the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday when ace Madison Bumgarner takes the mound. The teams split the first two games with San Francisco's 9-7 victory on Tuesday representing only the club's second victory in the past 10 games.
The Giants have seen their National League West lead decrease to 2 1/2 games over the Los Angeles Dodgers because of their recent swoon. All-Star first baseman Brandon Belt reached base four times Tuesday and is 4-for-6 with a homer in the series after scuffling through a 3-for-34 stretch. Cincinnati All-Star right fielder Jay Bruce has three homers in the series and five in the last four games, while All-Star left fielder Adam Duvall homered twice Tuesday to halt a 10-game homerless stretch. Despite the defeat, Cincinnati is 7-4 over its last 11 contests and has scored 52 runs in the past eight games.
TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Dan Straily (5-6, 4.01 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (10-5, 2.14)
Straily halted a six-start winless stretch in his last turn when he allowed two runs and five hits in six innings against Arizona. He struck out eight batters, his second most of the season behind the career-best-tying 11 Los Angeles Dodgers he fanned May 25. Straily is 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA in two career starts against the Giants.
Bumgarner is winless in his past two starts after concluding play before the All-Star break by matching his career best of 14 strikeouts during a one-hit shutout of the Diamondbacks. He received a no-decision against the New York Yankees in his last turn when he gave up two runs and seven hits in seven innings. Bumgarner is 3-3 with a 4.33 ERA in seven career starts against Cincinnati and has struggled with Joey Votto (5-for-14, one homer) while shutting down Bruce (2-for-15).
WALK-OFFS
1. Votto went 2-for-3 with a home run Tuesday and is 18-for-36 with four homers and 10 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.
2. San Francisco C Buster Posey is 5-for-12 over the past three games after enduring a 2-for-17 stretch.
3. Cincinnati RHP Homer Bailey, who underwent Tommy John surgery 14 months ago, is the likely starter Sunday against the San Diego Padres.
PREDICTION: Giants 5, Reds 2
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (39-61) at San Francisco Giants (59-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Francisco Giants have struggled since the All-Star break but have a chance to win the three-game series with the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday when ace Madison Bumgarner takes the mound. The teams split the first two games with San Francisco's 9-7 victory on Tuesday representing only the club's second victory in the past 10 games.
The Giants have seen their National League West lead decrease to 2 1/2 games over the Los Angeles Dodgers because of their recent swoon. All-Star first baseman Brandon Belt reached base four times Tuesday and is 4-for-6 with a homer in the series after scuffling through a 3-for-34 stretch. Cincinnati All-Star right fielder Jay Bruce has three homers in the series and five in the last four games, while All-Star left fielder Adam Duvall homered twice Tuesday to halt a 10-game homerless stretch. Despite the defeat, Cincinnati is 7-4 over its last 11 contests and has scored 52 runs in the past eight games.
TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Dan Straily (5-6, 4.01 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (10-5, 2.14)
Straily halted a six-start winless stretch in his last turn when he allowed two runs and five hits in six innings against Arizona. He struck out eight batters, his second most of the season behind the career-best-tying 11 Los Angeles Dodgers he fanned May 25. Straily is 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA in two career starts against the Giants.
Bumgarner is winless in his past two starts after concluding play before the All-Star break by matching his career best of 14 strikeouts during a one-hit shutout of the Diamondbacks. He received a no-decision against the New York Yankees in his last turn when he gave up two runs and seven hits in seven innings. Bumgarner is 3-3 with a 4.33 ERA in seven career starts against Cincinnati and has struggled with Joey Votto (5-for-14, one homer) while shutting down Bruce (2-for-15).
WALK-OFFS
1. Votto went 2-for-3 with a home run Tuesday and is 18-for-36 with four homers and 10 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.
2. San Francisco C Buster Posey is 5-for-12 over the past three games after enduring a 2-for-17 stretch.
3. Cincinnati RHP Homer Bailey, who underwent Tommy John surgery 14 months ago, is the likely starter Sunday against the San Diego Padres.
PREDICTION: Giants 5, Reds 2
Preview: Rockies at Orioles
GAME: Colorado Rockies (48-52) at Baltimore Orioles (58-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Adam Jones has come to play this week against the Colorado Rockies, but the rest of the Baltimore Orioles offense is having a harder time finding the way. The Orioles will try to get some production from somewhere other than the leadoff spot in the lineup when they host the Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game interleague series on Wednesday.
Jones drove in two runs and scored the game-winner in the 10th inning of Monday’s 3-2 triumph and followed it up with a two-run homer and two runs scored on Tuesday. The rest of the team managed four hits in each of the two contests and the Baltimore lineup is 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the series as the club clings to a slim lead in the American League East. The Rockies showed off the explosive middle of their order in Tuesday’s 6-3 victory, with Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story combining for five RBIs. Colorado has won five of its last six games and has a chance to impact races in both leagues in front of the trade deadline with a series at the New York Mets coming up this weekend.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (6-4, 4.12 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (3-2, 3.30)
Gray dominated in his last two starts, both against the major league-worst Atlanta Braves, allowing a total of one run in 14 innings while striking out 16. The 24-year-old turned in a quality start in each of his last four outings with 28 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings in that span. Gray is seeing Baltimore for the first time in his career and struggled a bit in his last two starts against AL East clubs with a total of eight runs allowed in 11 innings against New York and Toronto in June.
Bundy will make his third straight start after tossing a career-high 87 pitches in a win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday. The 23-year-old struck out five in as many innings without walking a batter and allowed one unearned run in the 5-1 final. Bundy last faced an National League club when he worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief at the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6, notching all seven outs via strikeout.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 0-for-24 with 11 strikeouts in his last seven games.
2. Colorado OF Gerardo Parra (ankle) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Hartford on Friday.
3. Baltimore C Matt Wieters (foot) is 0-for-8 in two games since returning from a six-game absence.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rockies 3
GAME: Colorado Rockies (48-52) at Baltimore Orioles (58-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Adam Jones has come to play this week against the Colorado Rockies, but the rest of the Baltimore Orioles offense is having a harder time finding the way. The Orioles will try to get some production from somewhere other than the leadoff spot in the lineup when they host the Rockies in the rubber match of a three-game interleague series on Wednesday.
Jones drove in two runs and scored the game-winner in the 10th inning of Monday’s 3-2 triumph and followed it up with a two-run homer and two runs scored on Tuesday. The rest of the team managed four hits in each of the two contests and the Baltimore lineup is 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position in the series as the club clings to a slim lead in the American League East. The Rockies showed off the explosive middle of their order in Tuesday’s 6-3 victory, with Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story combining for five RBIs. Colorado has won five of its last six games and has a chance to impact races in both leagues in front of the trade deadline with a series at the New York Mets coming up this weekend.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (6-4, 4.12 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (3-2, 3.30)
Gray dominated in his last two starts, both against the major league-worst Atlanta Braves, allowing a total of one run in 14 innings while striking out 16. The 24-year-old turned in a quality start in each of his last four outings with 28 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings in that span. Gray is seeing Baltimore for the first time in his career and struggled a bit in his last two starts against AL East clubs with a total of eight runs allowed in 11 innings against New York and Toronto in June.
Bundy will make his third straight start after tossing a career-high 87 pitches in a win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday. The 23-year-old struck out five in as many innings without walking a batter and allowed one unearned run in the 5-1 final. Bundy last faced an National League club when he worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief at the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6, notching all seven outs via strikeout.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 0-for-24 with 11 strikeouts in his last seven games.
2. Colorado OF Gerardo Parra (ankle) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Hartford on Friday.
3. Baltimore C Matt Wieters (foot) is 0-for-8 in two games since returning from a six-game absence.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rockies 3
Preview: Mariners at Pirates
GAME: Seattle Mariners (51-48) at Pittsburgh Pirates (51-48)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Seattle Mariners have had their way with interleague play this season, boasting a majors-best 10-3 mark when facing off against representatives from the National League. The Mariners look to continue their good fortune Wednesday as they vie for a sweep of their abbreviated two-game interleague series with the host Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kyle Seager belted his second homer in three games during Tuesday's 7-4 victory over Pittsburgh and is 7-for-19 with four RBIs and as many runs scored in his last five contests. While Seattle has won five of seven to move within earshot of American League West-leading Texas, Pittsburgh failed to chip into Chicago's sizable advantage in the NL Central after suffering its third loss in eight outings. Gregory Polanco homered among his season-high four hits Tuesday to improve to 9-for-24 with four RBIs and as many runs scored in his last six games. Fellow Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is riding on the other end of the spectrum as the 2013 NL MVP is 4-for-29 with eight strikeouts in his last seven contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle, Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (3-4, 4.18 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (5-6, 2.99)
After striking out five batters in his previous three outings, Paxton fanned nine on Friday and improved to 2-1 in that stretch with a dominating performance at Toronto. The 27-year-old native of British Columbia allowed a solo homer among three hits in seven innings of a 2-1 triumph. Paxton has pitched well on the road, posting a 2-2 mark while his ERA (3.62) away from home is a bit more than a half-run better than his season average.
Cole rebounded from a dismal return from the disabled list to fluster the Phillies on Friday, allowing one run on six hits in as many innings en route to a hard-luck 4-0 setback. The 25-year-old hasn't tasted victory since May 20 and is 0-3 with a 3.96 ERA in his last five starts. Cole, who will be making his 88th career start and first versus Seattle, is 1-3 despite posting a 2.89 ERA at home this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh LF Starling Marte has five hits and crossed the plate four times in his last three games overall while going 12-for-29 with 10 runs scored in his career versus Seattle.
2. Mariners RHP Taijuan Walker (right foot tendinitis) is slated to throw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday.
3. Pirates 1B John Jaso is hitless in six of his last eight games, including 0-for-9 in his last three.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Mariners 2
GAME: Seattle Mariners (51-48) at Pittsburgh Pirates (51-48)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Seattle Mariners have had their way with interleague play this season, boasting a majors-best 10-3 mark when facing off against representatives from the National League. The Mariners look to continue their good fortune Wednesday as they vie for a sweep of their abbreviated two-game interleague series with the host Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kyle Seager belted his second homer in three games during Tuesday's 7-4 victory over Pittsburgh and is 7-for-19 with four RBIs and as many runs scored in his last five contests. While Seattle has won five of seven to move within earshot of American League West-leading Texas, Pittsburgh failed to chip into Chicago's sizable advantage in the NL Central after suffering its third loss in eight outings. Gregory Polanco homered among his season-high four hits Tuesday to improve to 9-for-24 with four RBIs and as many runs scored in his last six games. Fellow Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is riding on the other end of the spectrum as the 2013 NL MVP is 4-for-29 with eight strikeouts in his last seven contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle, Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (3-4, 4.18 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (5-6, 2.99)
After striking out five batters in his previous three outings, Paxton fanned nine on Friday and improved to 2-1 in that stretch with a dominating performance at Toronto. The 27-year-old native of British Columbia allowed a solo homer among three hits in seven innings of a 2-1 triumph. Paxton has pitched well on the road, posting a 2-2 mark while his ERA (3.62) away from home is a bit more than a half-run better than his season average.
Cole rebounded from a dismal return from the disabled list to fluster the Phillies on Friday, allowing one run on six hits in as many innings en route to a hard-luck 4-0 setback. The 25-year-old hasn't tasted victory since May 20 and is 0-3 with a 3.96 ERA in his last five starts. Cole, who will be making his 88th career start and first versus Seattle, is 1-3 despite posting a 2.89 ERA at home this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh LF Starling Marte has five hits and crossed the plate four times in his last three games overall while going 12-for-29 with 10 runs scored in his career versus Seattle.
2. Mariners RHP Taijuan Walker (right foot tendinitis) is slated to throw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday.
3. Pirates 1B John Jaso is hitless in six of his last eight games, including 0-for-9 in his last three.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Mariners 2
Preview: Cardinals at Mets
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (53-47) at New York Mets (53-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals are both battling for postseason spots in the National League while trying to decide where they stand in the days before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. The teams did not show much separation while splitting a doubleheader on Tuesday, and the Mets will host the rubber match of the three-game series on Wednesday.
New York totaled five runs in the doubleheader, including a 3-1 win in the nightcap, and is still trying to coax more offense out of the team with David Wright not in the lineup and Neil Walker slumping. The Mets made one of the biggest moves of the 2015 deadline to improve their offense by bringing in Yoenis Cespedes from Detroit but are not expected to make a similar move over the next few days. The Cardinals have also been quiet on the trade rumor front, though a spare arm or two for the bullpen could find a way into the clubhouse soon. St. Louis and New York are trailing the Miami Marlins for the second wild card and would both miss the playoffs if the season ended today, though the Cardinals travel to Miami for a four-game series starting Thursday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.09 ERA) vs. Mets RH Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.14)
Wainwright is looking like an ace again with four straight strong performances. The Georgia native surrendered a total of three runs while striking out 27 in 29 innings in that span and earned three wins, with the lone no decision coming last time out against San Diego. Wainwright has not seen the Mets since April 22, 2014, when he scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings.
Verrett is making his fourth start since rejoining the rotation and seeking his first win since April 26. The 26-year-old surrendered two runs in each of his last two starts but could not get out of the sixth inning at Miami on Friday and was held out of the decision. Verrett is seeing St. Louis for the first time in his career and is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 15 home games – two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cardinals placed RHP Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list.
2. Walker is 2-for-39 with 10 strikeouts in his last 11 games.
3. St. Louis 2B Jedd Gyorko homered in both ends of the doubleheader on Tuesday and has seven blasts in his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Mets 3
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (53-47) at New York Mets (53-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 27 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals are both battling for postseason spots in the National League while trying to decide where they stand in the days before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. The teams did not show much separation while splitting a doubleheader on Tuesday, and the Mets will host the rubber match of the three-game series on Wednesday.
New York totaled five runs in the doubleheader, including a 3-1 win in the nightcap, and is still trying to coax more offense out of the team with David Wright not in the lineup and Neil Walker slumping. The Mets made one of the biggest moves of the 2015 deadline to improve their offense by bringing in Yoenis Cespedes from Detroit but are not expected to make a similar move over the next few days. The Cardinals have also been quiet on the trade rumor front, though a spare arm or two for the bullpen could find a way into the clubhouse soon. St. Louis and New York are trailing the Miami Marlins for the second wild card and would both miss the playoffs if the season ended today, though the Cardinals travel to Miami for a four-game series starting Thursday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.09 ERA) vs. Mets RH Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.14)
Wainwright is looking like an ace again with four straight strong performances. The Georgia native surrendered a total of three runs while striking out 27 in 29 innings in that span and earned three wins, with the lone no decision coming last time out against San Diego. Wainwright has not seen the Mets since April 22, 2014, when he scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings.
Verrett is making his fourth start since rejoining the rotation and seeking his first win since April 26. The 26-year-old surrendered two runs in each of his last two starts but could not get out of the sixth inning at Miami on Friday and was held out of the decision. Verrett is seeing St. Louis for the first time in his career and is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 15 home games – two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cardinals placed RHP Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list.
2. Walker is 2-for-39 with 10 strikeouts in his last 11 games.
3. St. Louis 2B Jedd Gyorko homered in both ends of the doubleheader on Tuesday and has seven blasts in his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Mets 3
