Preview: Giants at Marlins
GAME: San Francisco Giants (64-49) at Miami Marlins (60-53)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton has driven in at least one run in each contest of his five-game hitting streak. The 26-year-old powerhouse looks to continue to come up with the clutch hit on Wednesday afternoon as the host Miami Marlins play the rubber match of their three-game series with the San Francisco Giants.
After combining for 15 runs on 31 hits in the series opener, the teams' offenses fell silent on Tuesday with Stanton's broken-bat RBI double serving as the loudest of the seven hits. The slugger has been rendered powerless versus Wednesday starter Jeff Samardzija, going hitless in three at-bats on April 22 and 3-for-19 with six strikeouts in his career. While Miami has won three of five to keep a tenuous grasp on the second wild-card spot in the National League, San Francisco has dropped 16 of 23 since the All-Star break - including five of eight on its nine-game road trip. Brandon Crawford followed up his historic seven-hit performance in the opener by going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Tuesday.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Marlins RH David Phelps (5-5, 2.45)
Samardzija lost his third straight start on Friday after allowing five runs in seven innings of a 5-1 setback at Washington. The performance is nothing new for the 31-year-old, who has yielded at least four runs in seven of his last eight outings en route to a 1-4 mark. Samardzija looks to rebound versus Miami, against which he improved to 4-1 in his career after permitting one run in 7 2/3 innings of an 8-1 victory on April 22.
Phelps fared well in a spot start on Friday, scattering four hits on 70 pitches over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Colorado. The 29-year-old has turned in scoreless outings in each of his last five trips to the mound, four of which have come in relief. Phelps won his lone career start versus San Francisco after allowing one run on six hits in as many innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco OF Angel Pagan and Miami LF Christian Yelich are riding eight-game hitting streaks.
2. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna, however, is 0-for-18 in his last five contests.
3. Giants OF Hunter Pence is 1-for-11 with six strikeouts in this series.
PREDICTION: Giants 4, Marlins 2
GAME: San Francisco Giants (64-49) at Miami Marlins (60-53)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Giancarlo Stanton has driven in at least one run in each contest of his five-game hitting streak. The 26-year-old powerhouse looks to continue to come up with the clutch hit on Wednesday afternoon as the host Miami Marlins play the rubber match of their three-game series with the San Francisco Giants.
After combining for 15 runs on 31 hits in the series opener, the teams' offenses fell silent on Tuesday with Stanton's broken-bat RBI double serving as the loudest of the seven hits. The slugger has been rendered powerless versus Wednesday starter Jeff Samardzija, going hitless in three at-bats on April 22 and 3-for-19 with six strikeouts in his career. While Miami has won three of five to keep a tenuous grasp on the second wild-card spot in the National League, San Francisco has dropped 16 of 23 since the All-Star break - including five of eight on its nine-game road trip. Brandon Crawford followed up his historic seven-hit performance in the opener by going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Tuesday.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (9-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Marlins RH David Phelps (5-5, 2.45)
Samardzija lost his third straight start on Friday after allowing five runs in seven innings of a 5-1 setback at Washington. The performance is nothing new for the 31-year-old, who has yielded at least four runs in seven of his last eight outings en route to a 1-4 mark. Samardzija looks to rebound versus Miami, against which he improved to 4-1 in his career after permitting one run in 7 2/3 innings of an 8-1 victory on April 22.
Phelps fared well in a spot start on Friday, scattering four hits on 70 pitches over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Colorado. The 29-year-old has turned in scoreless outings in each of his last five trips to the mound, four of which have come in relief. Phelps won his lone career start versus San Francisco after allowing one run on six hits in as many innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco OF Angel Pagan and Miami LF Christian Yelich are riding eight-game hitting streaks.
2. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna, however, is 0-for-18 in his last five contests.
3. Giants OF Hunter Pence is 1-for-11 with six strikeouts in this series.
PREDICTION: Giants 4, Marlins 2
Preview: Phillies at Dodgers
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (52-63) at Los Angeles Dodgers (64-49)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
While San Francisco’s offense has seemingly disappeared, the Los Angeles Dodgers have used a reinvigorated lineup to move into a tie with the Giants atop the National League West. The Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to five games in Wednesday’s series finale against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, who have allowed a total of 18 runs in back-to-back losses.
Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, who was hitting under .200 just a month ago, continued his recent tear with his 18th home run in Tuesday’s 9-3 victory and is 13-for-29 with four homers during his nine-game hitting streak. The Dodgers have hit three home runs in three straight games for the first time since May 2006 and boast one of the league’s most powerful lineups even without right fielder Yasiel Puig, who was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City last week. Josh Reddick was acquired from Oakland to replace the struggling Puig but is 2-for-27 in his first seven games with the club. The Dodgers have won eight of their last 10 meetings against Philadelphia, which is hoping starter Jeremy Hellickson can pitch deep into Wednesday's game and offer a welcome break to the team's overworked bullpen.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Philadelphia, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.72 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (9-5, 4.51)
Hellickson won his third straight decision Friday by holding San Diego to three runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old was the subject of rampant trade rumors at last week’s non-waiver trade deadline, but the Phillies decided to hold onto the lone veteran in their young rotation. Adrian Gonzalez is 4-for-24 with two home runs and eight RBI against Hellickson, who is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers.
Kazmir allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings against Boston on Friday and has lost two straight following a 13-start unbeaten streak. After not issuing a single walk in his previous three starts, the 32-year-old walked four Red Sox batters. Kazmir is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in three career starts against Philadelphia and last pitched against the Phillies on Sept. 21, 2014, as a member of the Athletics, allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers are 28-9 at home since May 17.
2. The Phillies placed RHP Zach Eflin on the disabled list with patellar tendinopathy in both knees and recalled LHP Elvis Araujo from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
3. The Dodgers put OF Scott Van Slyke on the disabled list with right wrist irritation and recalled INF Chris Taylor from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Phillies 4
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (52-63) at Los Angeles Dodgers (64-49)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
While San Francisco’s offense has seemingly disappeared, the Los Angeles Dodgers have used a reinvigorated lineup to move into a tie with the Giants atop the National League West. The Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to five games in Wednesday’s series finale against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, who have allowed a total of 18 runs in back-to-back losses.
Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, who was hitting under .200 just a month ago, continued his recent tear with his 18th home run in Tuesday’s 9-3 victory and is 13-for-29 with four homers during his nine-game hitting streak. The Dodgers have hit three home runs in three straight games for the first time since May 2006 and boast one of the league’s most powerful lineups even without right fielder Yasiel Puig, who was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City last week. Josh Reddick was acquired from Oakland to replace the struggling Puig but is 2-for-27 in his first seven games with the club. The Dodgers have won eight of their last 10 meetings against Philadelphia, which is hoping starter Jeremy Hellickson can pitch deep into Wednesday's game and offer a welcome break to the team's overworked bullpen.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Philadelphia, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.72 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (9-5, 4.51)
Hellickson won his third straight decision Friday by holding San Diego to three runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old was the subject of rampant trade rumors at last week’s non-waiver trade deadline, but the Phillies decided to hold onto the lone veteran in their young rotation. Adrian Gonzalez is 4-for-24 with two home runs and eight RBI against Hellickson, who is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers.
Kazmir allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings against Boston on Friday and has lost two straight following a 13-start unbeaten streak. After not issuing a single walk in his previous three starts, the 32-year-old walked four Red Sox batters. Kazmir is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in three career starts against Philadelphia and last pitched against the Phillies on Sept. 21, 2014, as a member of the Athletics, allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers are 28-9 at home since May 17.
2. The Phillies placed RHP Zach Eflin on the disabled list with patellar tendinopathy in both knees and recalled LHP Elvis Araujo from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
3. The Dodgers put OF Scott Van Slyke on the disabled list with right wrist irritation and recalled INF Chris Taylor from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Phillies 4
Preview: Indians at Nationals
GAME: Cleveland Indians (63-47) at Washington Nationals (66-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians seem to have solved some of the problems that plagued the rotation last week, just in time to hold onto their lead in the American League Central. The Indians will try to put together a fourth straight strong pitching performance and polish off a two-game interleague sweep when they visit the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
Cleveland’s staff allowed an average of 10 runs in dropping four of five coming out of the trade deadline but began to bounce back over the weekend and got enough from Trevor Bauer on Tuesday to earn a 3-1 win over Max Scherzer and the Nationals. The Indians yielded three or fewer runs in four of the last five contests, and the lone run allowed on Tuesday came when trade deadline-acquisition Andrew Miller served up a solo home run to Jayson Werth. Washington is not fighting off much of a challenge in the National League East but is mired in an offensive slump that has seen the team manage three runs in the last three contests. All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy is 0-for-11 in those three contests, dropping his NL-leading batting average to .347.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (11-4, 3.81 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-9, 4.13)
Tomlin has struggled with his consistency over the last month, going 2-3 with a pair of quality starts in his last five outings. The Texas native suffered through one of his worst efforts at the New York Yankees on Friday, when he was ripped for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Tomlin is making his first career appearance against Washington and is 7-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 13 interleague starts.
Gonzalez is enjoying a run of six straight starts allowing three or fewer earned runs and put together the best effort of that stretch on Friday against San Francisco. The 30-year-old surrendered one run and two hits while striking out seven in seven frames, matching his longest outing of the season. Gonzalez is 5-0 with a 1.07 ERA in eight career starts against the Indians, including a 6 1/3-inning stint at Cleveland on July 26 in which he surrendered two earned runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians LF Michael Brantley (shoulder, biceps tendinitis) suffered a setback in his rehab and could require surgery.
2. Washington RF Bryce Harper (stiff neck) sat out Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday.
3. Cleveland manager Terry Francona (illness) missed the series opener and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Nationals 3
GAME: Cleveland Indians (63-47) at Washington Nationals (66-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Cleveland Indians seem to have solved some of the problems that plagued the rotation last week, just in time to hold onto their lead in the American League Central. The Indians will try to put together a fourth straight strong pitching performance and polish off a two-game interleague sweep when they visit the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
Cleveland’s staff allowed an average of 10 runs in dropping four of five coming out of the trade deadline but began to bounce back over the weekend and got enough from Trevor Bauer on Tuesday to earn a 3-1 win over Max Scherzer and the Nationals. The Indians yielded three or fewer runs in four of the last five contests, and the lone run allowed on Tuesday came when trade deadline-acquisition Andrew Miller served up a solo home run to Jayson Werth. Washington is not fighting off much of a challenge in the National League East but is mired in an offensive slump that has seen the team manage three runs in the last three contests. All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy is 0-for-11 in those three contests, dropping his NL-leading batting average to .347.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (11-4, 3.81 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-9, 4.13)
Tomlin has struggled with his consistency over the last month, going 2-3 with a pair of quality starts in his last five outings. The Texas native suffered through one of his worst efforts at the New York Yankees on Friday, when he was ripped for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Tomlin is making his first career appearance against Washington and is 7-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 13 interleague starts.
Gonzalez is enjoying a run of six straight starts allowing three or fewer earned runs and put together the best effort of that stretch on Friday against San Francisco. The 30-year-old surrendered one run and two hits while striking out seven in seven frames, matching his longest outing of the season. Gonzalez is 5-0 with a 1.07 ERA in eight career starts against the Indians, including a 6 1/3-inning stint at Cleveland on July 26 in which he surrendered two earned runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians LF Michael Brantley (shoulder, biceps tendinitis) suffered a setback in his rehab and could require surgery.
2. Washington RF Bryce Harper (stiff neck) sat out Tuesday and is questionable for Wednesday.
3. Cleveland manager Terry Francona (illness) missed the series opener and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Nationals 3
Preview: Padres at Pirates
GAME: San Diego Padres (48-64) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Out of the starting lineup for three games due to a sore shoulder, Gregory Polanco provide a jolt in his return for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Polanco's three-run homer was the decisive blow in Tuesday's 6-4 triumph for Pittsburgh, which looks to make it two straight victories over the visiting San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
Penciled in at the cleanup spot for the first time in his career, Polanco continued his breakout campaign with his 16th homer to keep the Pirates 2 1/2 games behind Miami for the second wild card in the National League. Andrew McCutchen showed signs of breaking out of his funk by reaching base four times, including a season-high three via the walk. Padres rookie Jabari Blash went 2-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday and is 7-for-24 since his recall from the minors after batting .120 during his first stint with the team earlier in the season. San Diego sents Edwin Jackson to the mound to oppose Ryan Vogelsong in a matchup of veteran right-handers.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Edwin Jackson (2-2, 5.00 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 3.25)
In his fourth start since he was released by Miami, Jackson worked a season-high eight innings, permitting three runs and eight hits to pick up the victory against Milwaukee. It was the third quality start for Jackson, who pitched solely out of the bullpen in 2015 and in his eight appearances with the Marlins. Jackson is 9-3 in his career versus the Pirates but was tagged for three runs and five hits in three innings on May 30.
Although he did not factor in the decision, Vogelsong made a triumphant return of sorts at Atlanta on Thursday in his first start since he suffered facial fractures when he was hit by a pitch on May 23. Vogelsong worked six strong innings, permitting one run and three hits in only his third turn of the season. The 39-year-old has made 23 career appearances (12 starts) against the Padres, logging a 6-6 record and 4.54 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Padres 1B Wil Myers has hit safey in seven straight games and scored at least one run in eight in a row.
2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison extended his hitting streak to five games and boosted his batting average to .359 in 21 contests versus San Diego.
3. San Diego 3B Yangervis Solarte has recorded multiple hits in four of his last seven contests, notching eight RBIs in that span.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Padres 3
GAME: San Diego Padres (48-64) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Out of the starting lineup for three games due to a sore shoulder, Gregory Polanco provide a jolt in his return for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Polanco's three-run homer was the decisive blow in Tuesday's 6-4 triumph for Pittsburgh, which looks to make it two straight victories over the visiting San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
Penciled in at the cleanup spot for the first time in his career, Polanco continued his breakout campaign with his 16th homer to keep the Pirates 2 1/2 games behind Miami for the second wild card in the National League. Andrew McCutchen showed signs of breaking out of his funk by reaching base four times, including a season-high three via the walk. Padres rookie Jabari Blash went 2-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday and is 7-for-24 since his recall from the minors after batting .120 during his first stint with the team earlier in the season. San Diego sents Edwin Jackson to the mound to oppose Ryan Vogelsong in a matchup of veteran right-handers.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Edwin Jackson (2-2, 5.00 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 3.25)
In his fourth start since he was released by Miami, Jackson worked a season-high eight innings, permitting three runs and eight hits to pick up the victory against Milwaukee. It was the third quality start for Jackson, who pitched solely out of the bullpen in 2015 and in his eight appearances with the Marlins. Jackson is 9-3 in his career versus the Pirates but was tagged for three runs and five hits in three innings on May 30.
Although he did not factor in the decision, Vogelsong made a triumphant return of sorts at Atlanta on Thursday in his first start since he suffered facial fractures when he was hit by a pitch on May 23. Vogelsong worked six strong innings, permitting one run and three hits in only his third turn of the season. The 39-year-old has made 23 career appearances (12 starts) against the Padres, logging a 6-6 record and 4.54 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Padres 1B Wil Myers has hit safey in seven straight games and scored at least one run in eight in a row.
2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison extended his hitting streak to five games and boosted his batting average to .359 in 21 contests versus San Diego.
3. San Diego 3B Yangervis Solarte has recorded multiple hits in four of his last seven contests, notching eight RBIs in that span.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Padres 3
Preview: Rays at Blue Jays
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (46-66) at Toronto Blue Jays (64-50)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
J.A. Happ has provided quite the return on the Toronto Blue Jays' investment this season. Signed to a three-year, $36 million deal in the offseason, Happ puts his string of a career-high nine straight victorious decisions on the line Wednesday as the host Blue Jays play the rubber match of their three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 33-year-old's 15 wins this season have comfortably surpassed his previous best total in 2009, although none have come at the expense of Tampa Bay. Happ settled for a pair of no-decisions versus the Rays in April before getting shredded for a career high-tying eight runs on seven hits - including two homers - in a 13-2 shellacking on May 16. Evan Longoria, who is batting .385 in his career against Happ, collected three hits and as many RBIs in Tuesday's 9-2 victory over Toronto. The 30-year-old is 6-for-15 with two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored in his last four games.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Sports Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (3-4, 2.95) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (15-3, 3.09)
Happ isn't the only one pitching well, as Snell has yielded just five earned runs on 17 hits en route to a 2-0 mark in his last four outings (23 1/3 innings). Taken a step further, the 23-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in five straight outings and in eight of his 10 career starts overall. Snell has yet to face Toronto in his young career, but has shown a great deal of comfort while pitching on the road - posting a 1.85 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .198 batting average.
Happ won his third straight start in dominating fashion on Thursday after allowing one run on four hits in six innings of a 4-1 triumph at Houston. The veteran left-hander has permitted just two runs on eight hits while striking out 23 during his last three outings. Happ has struggled against Steven Souza Jr., who is 5-for-11 versus the hurler and enters Tuesday's contest on a five-game hitting streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tied with Baltimore atop the AL East, Toronto hasn't done itself any favors by dropping seven of 12 encounters with cellar-dwelling Tampa Bay.
2. Rays 2B Logan Forsythe is 6-for-10 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored in the series.
3. Blue Jays 2B Devon Travis has seven RBIs and six runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Rays 1
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (46-66) at Toronto Blue Jays (64-50)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
J.A. Happ has provided quite the return on the Toronto Blue Jays' investment this season. Signed to a three-year, $36 million deal in the offseason, Happ puts his string of a career-high nine straight victorious decisions on the line Wednesday as the host Blue Jays play the rubber match of their three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 33-year-old's 15 wins this season have comfortably surpassed his previous best total in 2009, although none have come at the expense of Tampa Bay. Happ settled for a pair of no-decisions versus the Rays in April before getting shredded for a career high-tying eight runs on seven hits - including two homers - in a 13-2 shellacking on May 16. Evan Longoria, who is batting .385 in his career against Happ, collected three hits and as many RBIs in Tuesday's 9-2 victory over Toronto. The 30-year-old is 6-for-15 with two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored in his last four games.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Sports Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (3-4, 2.95) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (15-3, 3.09)
Happ isn't the only one pitching well, as Snell has yielded just five earned runs on 17 hits en route to a 2-0 mark in his last four outings (23 1/3 innings). Taken a step further, the 23-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in five straight outings and in eight of his 10 career starts overall. Snell has yet to face Toronto in his young career, but has shown a great deal of comfort while pitching on the road - posting a 1.85 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .198 batting average.
Happ won his third straight start in dominating fashion on Thursday after allowing one run on four hits in six innings of a 4-1 triumph at Houston. The veteran left-hander has permitted just two runs on eight hits while striking out 23 during his last three outings. Happ has struggled against Steven Souza Jr., who is 5-for-11 versus the hurler and enters Tuesday's contest on a five-game hitting streak.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tied with Baltimore atop the AL East, Toronto hasn't done itself any favors by dropping seven of 12 encounters with cellar-dwelling Tampa Bay.
2. Rays 2B Logan Forsythe is 6-for-10 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored in the series.
3. Blue Jays 2B Devon Travis has seven RBIs and six runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Rays 1
Preview: Yankees at Red Sox
GAME: New York Yankees (56-56) at Boston Red Sox (61-50)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox are trying to make sure the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays don’t sneak too far away in the American League East race and need a strong effort on their six-game homestand before heading out on another lengthy trip. The Red Sox will try to make it two straight to start the homestand and clinch a series win when they host the New York Yankees on Wednesday.
Boston will play 30 of its final 46 games on the road, including another west coast swing and trips to Baltimore and Toronto, but has a chance to do some damage at home this week against the Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks after beginning the homestand with a big win on Tuesday. The one downside of the 5-3 triumph was the performance of closer Craig Kimbrel, who walked four batters and had to be replaced by Matt Barnes in the ninth inning. The Yankees are trying to balance moving the youth onto the roster while gracefully shuffling the veterans out the door, and Alex Rodriguez did not get into the game on Tuesday. The 14-time All-Star, who is set to be released by New York after Friday’s game, is expected to at least play on Thursday and could get an at-bat or two on Wednesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (9-8, 4.80 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (8-9, 3.09)
Eovaldi is coming off a pair of losses in which he struggled to keep the ball in the yard, surrendering a pair of home runs in each. The 26-year-old Texan went seven innings against the New York Mets on Thursday but was charged with four runs on five hits and a pair of walks in the loss. Eovaldi tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against Boston on July 15 but was lit up for six runs and 10 hits over five innings in a start at Fenway Park on May 1.
Pomeranz is still looking for his first win since joining the Red Sox and struggled with his control at Seattle on Thursday. The 27-year-old issued six walks in as many innings against the Mariners but limited the damage to two runs without factoring in the decision. Pomeranz is getting his first taste of the longtime rivalry but held the Yankees to one run and five hits over seven innings as a member of the San Diego Padres on July 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox rookie LF Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-3 on Tuesday and is 8-for-16 since joining the team last week.
2. New York 1B Mark Teixeira, who is retiring at the end of the season, is 1-for-13 over the last three games.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts, who is 4-for-28 over his last seven games, got the day off on Tuesday but is expected back in the lineup on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Yankees 5
GAME: New York Yankees (56-56) at Boston Red Sox (61-50)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox are trying to make sure the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays don’t sneak too far away in the American League East race and need a strong effort on their six-game homestand before heading out on another lengthy trip. The Red Sox will try to make it two straight to start the homestand and clinch a series win when they host the New York Yankees on Wednesday.
Boston will play 30 of its final 46 games on the road, including another west coast swing and trips to Baltimore and Toronto, but has a chance to do some damage at home this week against the Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks after beginning the homestand with a big win on Tuesday. The one downside of the 5-3 triumph was the performance of closer Craig Kimbrel, who walked four batters and had to be replaced by Matt Barnes in the ninth inning. The Yankees are trying to balance moving the youth onto the roster while gracefully shuffling the veterans out the door, and Alex Rodriguez did not get into the game on Tuesday. The 14-time All-Star, who is set to be released by New York after Friday’s game, is expected to at least play on Thursday and could get an at-bat or two on Wednesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (9-8, 4.80 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (8-9, 3.09)
Eovaldi is coming off a pair of losses in which he struggled to keep the ball in the yard, surrendering a pair of home runs in each. The 26-year-old Texan went seven innings against the New York Mets on Thursday but was charged with four runs on five hits and a pair of walks in the loss. Eovaldi tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against Boston on July 15 but was lit up for six runs and 10 hits over five innings in a start at Fenway Park on May 1.
Pomeranz is still looking for his first win since joining the Red Sox and struggled with his control at Seattle on Thursday. The 27-year-old issued six walks in as many innings against the Mariners but limited the damage to two runs without factoring in the decision. Pomeranz is getting his first taste of the longtime rivalry but held the Yankees to one run and five hits over seven innings as a member of the San Diego Padres on July 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox rookie LF Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-3 on Tuesday and is 8-for-16 since joining the team last week.
2. New York 1B Mark Teixeira, who is retiring at the end of the season, is 1-for-13 over the last three games.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts, who is 4-for-28 over his last seven games, got the day off on Tuesday but is expected back in the lineup on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Yankees 5
Preview: Diamondbacks at Mets
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (46-66) at New York Mets (57-55)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets can’t afford to drop a series against a last-place team if they hope to stay in the National League wild card race. The Mets will try to bounce back from a tough defeat and keep their chances of a series win alive when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second of a three-game set on Wednesday.
New York held a 3-2 lead in Tuesday’s series opener but allowed three runs in the seventh inning and went on to suffer a 5-3 loss. The setback dropped the Mets 2 1/2 games behind the Miami Marlins in the race for the second NL wild card and once again denied them back-to-back wins for the first time since before the All-Star break. The Diamondbacks are bringing up the rear in the NL West but have a chance to affect the wild card races in both leagues with series against New York and the Boston Red Sox over the next week. Arizona has won three of its last four games and got a boost when Zack Greinke came off the disabled list on Tuesday and posted a quality start.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-11, 4.83 ERA) vs. Mets RH Bartolo Colon (10-6, 3.46)
Ray is battling through a rough stretch with losses in three straight starts and was lit up for six runs – five earned – on eight hits and a pair of walks in six innings against Washington on Aug. 2. The 24-year-old is racking up some big strikeout numbers with 30 k’s in 16 2/3 innings over those three starts, but also surrendered four home runs. Ray made his only previous appearance against New York last season and worked five scoreless innings on June 4 without factoring in the decision.
Colon is looking for some consistency after trading wins and losses in his last five starts. The hefty veteran was ripped for five runs in as many innings on July 30 but bounced back by holding the New York Yankees to one run over 6 2/3 frames in a win on Thursday. Arizona is the only franchise Colon has not earned a win over in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA in two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks LF Yasmany Tomas (neck) was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup and is day-to-day.
2. New York 2B Neil Walker is 13-for-25 with three home runs in the last six games.
3. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock (fractured elbow) could play the field during his rehab assignment on Wednesday or Thursday.
PREDICTION: Mets 6, Diamondbacks 3
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (46-66) at New York Mets (57-55)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Mets can’t afford to drop a series against a last-place team if they hope to stay in the National League wild card race. The Mets will try to bounce back from a tough defeat and keep their chances of a series win alive when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second of a three-game set on Wednesday.
New York held a 3-2 lead in Tuesday’s series opener but allowed three runs in the seventh inning and went on to suffer a 5-3 loss. The setback dropped the Mets 2 1/2 games behind the Miami Marlins in the race for the second NL wild card and once again denied them back-to-back wins for the first time since before the All-Star break. The Diamondbacks are bringing up the rear in the NL West but have a chance to affect the wild card races in both leagues with series against New York and the Boston Red Sox over the next week. Arizona has won three of its last four games and got a boost when Zack Greinke came off the disabled list on Tuesday and posted a quality start.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-11, 4.83 ERA) vs. Mets RH Bartolo Colon (10-6, 3.46)
Ray is battling through a rough stretch with losses in three straight starts and was lit up for six runs – five earned – on eight hits and a pair of walks in six innings against Washington on Aug. 2. The 24-year-old is racking up some big strikeout numbers with 30 k’s in 16 2/3 innings over those three starts, but also surrendered four home runs. Ray made his only previous appearance against New York last season and worked five scoreless innings on June 4 without factoring in the decision.
Colon is looking for some consistency after trading wins and losses in his last five starts. The hefty veteran was ripped for five runs in as many innings on July 30 but bounced back by holding the New York Yankees to one run over 6 2/3 frames in a win on Thursday. Arizona is the only franchise Colon has not earned a win over in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA in two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks LF Yasmany Tomas (neck) was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup and is day-to-day.
2. New York 2B Neil Walker is 13-for-25 with three home runs in the last six games.
3. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock (fractured elbow) could play the field during his rehab assignment on Wednesday or Thursday.
PREDICTION: Mets 6, Diamondbacks 3
Preview: Reds at Cardinals
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (46-66) at St. Louis Cardinals (59-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Billy Hamilton is running wild on the basepaths and looks to increase his major league-leading steals total when the Cincinnati Reds conclude their three-game set against the host St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The speedy center fielder has stolen nine bases over his last three contests, including five in the first two games of this series, to increase his season total to 48.
Hamilton, who is 6-for-11 with four walks and six runs scored during his three-game spree, is an astounding 20-for-22 stealing against Cardinals star Yadier Molina, who is considered one of the top throwing catchers in the game. Hamilton reached base four times and scored three runs to fuel Tuesday's 7-4 win, which occurred one day after St. Louis staged a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to post a 5-4 victory. Molina went 2-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday to improve to 7-for-14 over his last four games and has reached base in each of his last 22 contests. St. Louis has dropped seven of its last 10 games and sits one game behind Miami for the National League's second wild-card spot.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-0, 2.94 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (8-8, 4.04)
DeSclafani is unbeaten in 11 starts this season and has worked at least six innings on nine occasions. He did not receive a decision in either of his last two outings despite giving up just three runs and six hits over 12 frames. DeSclafani is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Cardinals but has struggled with Matt Carpenter (3-for-7, one homer) and Brandon Moss (4-for-12, one homer).
Garcia was stellar in a 1-0 victory over Atlanta in his last outing, when he struck out 11 and gave up three hits in eight innings. The strong performance halted a two-game skid during which he allowed eight earned runs and 12 hits in 8 1/3 frames. Garcia is 10-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 20 career appearances (18 starts) against the Reds but struggled in a no-decision on June 8, when he allowed five runs and a season-worst 13 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 1B Joey Votto reached base three times Tuesday on two hits and a walk, and is batting .436 over the last 23 games to raise his average 38 points to .290.
2. St. Louis placed RHP Michael Wacha (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, recalled RHP Alex Reyes from Triple-A Memphis and transferred C Brayan Pena (knee) to the 60-day DL.
3. Cincinnati All-Star LF Adam Duvall recorded a two-run single during Tuesday's game, his lone hit in 21 at-bats over the last six contests.
PREDICTION: Reds 4, Cardinals 2
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (46-66) at St. Louis Cardinals (59-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Billy Hamilton is running wild on the basepaths and looks to increase his major league-leading steals total when the Cincinnati Reds conclude their three-game set against the host St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The speedy center fielder has stolen nine bases over his last three contests, including five in the first two games of this series, to increase his season total to 48.
Hamilton, who is 6-for-11 with four walks and six runs scored during his three-game spree, is an astounding 20-for-22 stealing against Cardinals star Yadier Molina, who is considered one of the top throwing catchers in the game. Hamilton reached base four times and scored three runs to fuel Tuesday's 7-4 win, which occurred one day after St. Louis staged a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to post a 5-4 victory. Molina went 2-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday to improve to 7-for-14 over his last four games and has reached base in each of his last 22 contests. St. Louis has dropped seven of its last 10 games and sits one game behind Miami for the National League's second wild-card spot.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-0, 2.94 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (8-8, 4.04)
DeSclafani is unbeaten in 11 starts this season and has worked at least six innings on nine occasions. He did not receive a decision in either of his last two outings despite giving up just three runs and six hits over 12 frames. DeSclafani is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Cardinals but has struggled with Matt Carpenter (3-for-7, one homer) and Brandon Moss (4-for-12, one homer).
Garcia was stellar in a 1-0 victory over Atlanta in his last outing, when he struck out 11 and gave up three hits in eight innings. The strong performance halted a two-game skid during which he allowed eight earned runs and 12 hits in 8 1/3 frames. Garcia is 10-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 20 career appearances (18 starts) against the Reds but struggled in a no-decision on June 8, when he allowed five runs and a season-worst 13 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 1B Joey Votto reached base three times Tuesday on two hits and a walk, and is batting .436 over the last 23 games to raise his average 38 points to .290.
2. St. Louis placed RHP Michael Wacha (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, recalled RHP Alex Reyes from Triple-A Memphis and transferred C Brayan Pena (knee) to the 60-day DL.
3. Cincinnati All-Star LF Adam Duvall recorded a two-run single during Tuesday's game, his lone hit in 21 at-bats over the last six contests.
PREDICTION: Reds 4, Cardinals 2
Preview: Angels at Cubs
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-63) at Chicago Cubs (70-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs have matched a season-high with eight straight wins and have shown no sign of letting up. The Cubs look to wrap up a season sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Angels and improve upon the majors' best record when the teams complete their two-game set Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Chicago breezed to a 5-1 victory Tuesday behind eight strong innings from former Angels ace John Lackey, continuing a trend of dominant starting pitching for the Cubs since the All-Star break. The Cubs have allowed two or fewer runs in nine of their last 12 games, going 11-1 over that stretch. Things are trending in the opposite direction for the Angels, who have dropped five straight, allowing 30 runs during the skid. Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel will be activated from the bereavement list to make the start and looks to improve upon his 6-1 record and 2.24 ERA at home.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), CSN Chicago-Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (4-8, 5.23 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (11-5, 3.07)
Nolasco’s Angels' debut was a rough one, as he allowed five runs over six innings in a no-decision against Oakland on Thursday. The 33-year-old surrendered three homers among six hits and has given up at least one long ball in five straight starts. Nolasco is 7-2 with a 2.81 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) against the Cubs, but he hasn’t faced them since 2013.
Hammel has won four straight starts to set a career-high for wins after tossing six shutout innings against Miami on Aug. 2. The 33-year-old has allowed four runs and 16 hits in 24 innings during the winning streak and hasn’t given up more than two runs in a start since July 1. Hammel is 1-3 with a 6.59 ERA in six games (five starts) against the Angels, with the last meeting in 2013.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels DH/1B Albert Pujols has hit 56 home runs against the Cubs – his most against any team – but is 0-for-10 against Chicago this season.
2. Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant belted his 28th home run Tuesday and has homered in consecutive games for the first time since July 4-5.
3. Chicago is 12-4 in interleague play and has posted a 1.86 team ERA against American League opponents.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Angels 3
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-63) at Chicago Cubs (70-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs have matched a season-high with eight straight wins and have shown no sign of letting up. The Cubs look to wrap up a season sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Angels and improve upon the majors' best record when the teams complete their two-game set Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Chicago breezed to a 5-1 victory Tuesday behind eight strong innings from former Angels ace John Lackey, continuing a trend of dominant starting pitching for the Cubs since the All-Star break. The Cubs have allowed two or fewer runs in nine of their last 12 games, going 11-1 over that stretch. Things are trending in the opposite direction for the Angels, who have dropped five straight, allowing 30 runs during the skid. Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel will be activated from the bereavement list to make the start and looks to improve upon his 6-1 record and 2.24 ERA at home.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), CSN Chicago-Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (4-8, 5.23 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (11-5, 3.07)
Nolasco’s Angels' debut was a rough one, as he allowed five runs over six innings in a no-decision against Oakland on Thursday. The 33-year-old surrendered three homers among six hits and has given up at least one long ball in five straight starts. Nolasco is 7-2 with a 2.81 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) against the Cubs, but he hasn’t faced them since 2013.
Hammel has won four straight starts to set a career-high for wins after tossing six shutout innings against Miami on Aug. 2. The 33-year-old has allowed four runs and 16 hits in 24 innings during the winning streak and hasn’t given up more than two runs in a start since July 1. Hammel is 1-3 with a 6.59 ERA in six games (five starts) against the Angels, with the last meeting in 2013.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels DH/1B Albert Pujols has hit 56 home runs against the Cubs – his most against any team – but is 0-for-10 against Chicago this season.
2. Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant belted his 28th home run Tuesday and has homered in consecutive games for the first time since July 4-5.
3. Chicago is 12-4 in interleague play and has posted a 1.86 team ERA against American League opponents.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Angels 3
Preview: Rockies at Rangers
GAME: Colorado Rockies (55-58) at Texas Rangers (67-47)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers are on a roll as they prepare to host the second leg of a home-and-home series against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Still, the return to Globe Life Park following an eight-game road trip will start on a somber note for Texas with slugger Prince Fielder expected to announce that his playing days after over.
Fielder, in his third season with the Rangers, is walking away from the game after undergoing neck surgery on July 29 -- the second surgical procedure on his neck in a 26-month span. "If he's going to be pushed out of baseball it's going to be sad," Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre told reporters. "But health and family are before baseball." The American League-best Rangers are riding a four-game winning streak, rallying for six runs over the final three innings in Tuesday's 7-5 victory after jolting Colorado with three ninth-inning runs in Monday's 4-3 win. The Rockies, who were without right fielder Carlos Gonzalez for the past two games, have lost five of six to drop into sixth place in the chase for the two National League wild cards.
TV: 8:05 p.m., ROOT (Colorado), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.24 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martín Pérez (7-8, 4.33)
De La Rosa had to settle for a no-decision despite limiting Miami to one run on four hits over six innings last time out. It was the eighth quality start in nine outings for the 35-year-old, who has not allowed a home run in his last five turns and has yielded four earned runs over his last three starts. De La Rosa is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA in three starts versus Texas, holding Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Carlos Beltran to a collective 1-for-20.
Perez is coming off another rocky outing, surrendering five runs over seven innings to take the loss at Houston and fall to 0-4 with an unsightly 7.07 ERA in his last six starts. Four of those starts have come on the road for the 25-year-old Venezuelan, who has been markedly better at home with a 6-1 record and 2.54 ERA in 11 outings. Perez has made a pair of starts against the Rockies, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over 11 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon is 9-for-18 with two homers, seven RBIs and five runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
2. Andrus had a game-tying two-run single and a go-ahead RBI single in the past two wins over Colorado.
3. Rockies rookie LF David Dahl has hit safely in all 15 games, the third-longest streak for a player to start his career.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Rockies 3
GAME: Colorado Rockies (55-58) at Texas Rangers (67-47)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers are on a roll as they prepare to host the second leg of a home-and-home series against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Still, the return to Globe Life Park following an eight-game road trip will start on a somber note for Texas with slugger Prince Fielder expected to announce that his playing days after over.
Fielder, in his third season with the Rangers, is walking away from the game after undergoing neck surgery on July 29 -- the second surgical procedure on his neck in a 26-month span. "If he's going to be pushed out of baseball it's going to be sad," Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre told reporters. "But health and family are before baseball." The American League-best Rangers are riding a four-game winning streak, rallying for six runs over the final three innings in Tuesday's 7-5 victory after jolting Colorado with three ninth-inning runs in Monday's 4-3 win. The Rockies, who were without right fielder Carlos Gonzalez for the past two games, have lost five of six to drop into sixth place in the chase for the two National League wild cards.
TV: 8:05 p.m., ROOT (Colorado), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.24 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martín Pérez (7-8, 4.33)
De La Rosa had to settle for a no-decision despite limiting Miami to one run on four hits over six innings last time out. It was the eighth quality start in nine outings for the 35-year-old, who has not allowed a home run in his last five turns and has yielded four earned runs over his last three starts. De La Rosa is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA in three starts versus Texas, holding Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Carlos Beltran to a collective 1-for-20.
Perez is coming off another rocky outing, surrendering five runs over seven innings to take the loss at Houston and fall to 0-4 with an unsightly 7.07 ERA in his last six starts. Four of those starts have come on the road for the 25-year-old Venezuelan, who has been markedly better at home with a 6-1 record and 2.54 ERA in 11 outings. Perez has made a pair of starts against the Rockies, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over 11 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon is 9-for-18 with two homers, seven RBIs and five runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
2. Andrus had a game-tying two-run single and a go-ahead RBI single in the past two wins over Colorado.
3. Rockies rookie LF David Dahl has hit safely in all 15 games, the third-longest streak for a player to start his career.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Rockies 3
Preview: Astros at Twins
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Dallas Keuchel tossed his first shutout of the season in his last turn and looks to post a second consecutive strong outing when the Houston Astros conclude their three-game series against the host Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner gave up just three hits in a 5-0 victory over the Texas Rangers while recording his fourth career shutout.
Keuchel has experienced a bumpy campaign and was rocked for seven runs in five innings by Detroit in his previous turn. Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve went 4-for-4 in Tuesday's 7-5 victory over the Twins after being rested Monday to end his consecutive games streak to 202. Houston's victory was just its fourth in 15 games, and the club sits four games behind Boston for the AL's second wild card. Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games behind the red-hot Brian Dozier, whose solo shot and two RBIs on Tuesday gave him six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62)
Keuchel has looked more like last year's 20-game winner in recent outings as he has given up two or fewer earned runs in six of his last seven starts. Still, his 1.30 WHIP is much higher than last season's superb 1.02 and opposing batters are hitting .259 against him - 42 points higher than in 2015. Keuchel is 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Minnesota, including a loss on May 2 in which he allowed five runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings.
Santana has excelled in four career starts against Houston, compiling a 3-0 record, 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. He has won each of his last two overall turns, allowing three earned runs and 12 hits in 12 1/3 innings. Santana is just 3-6 at home this season with a 3.76 ERA in 12 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros SS Carlos Correa homered and matched his career best of four RBIs in Tuesday's contest.
2. Minnesota CF Eddie Rosario struck out in all four at-bats on Tuesday after going 14-for-28 during a seven-game hitting streak.
3. Houston CF Carlos Gomez was held out of the starting lineup Tuesday after making two defensive miscues in Monday's 3-1 loss but figures to be back in the lineup on Wednesday due to being 7-for-21 with one homer against Santana.
PREDICTION: Twins 5, Astros 4
GAME: Houston Astros (58-55) at Minnesota Twins (46-67)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Dallas Keuchel tossed his first shutout of the season in his last turn and looks to post a second consecutive strong outing when the Houston Astros conclude their three-game series against the host Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner gave up just three hits in a 5-0 victory over the Texas Rangers while recording his fourth career shutout.
Keuchel has experienced a bumpy campaign and was rocked for seven runs in five innings by Detroit in his previous turn. Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve went 4-for-4 in Tuesday's 7-5 victory over the Twins after being rested Monday to end his consecutive games streak to 202. Houston's victory was just its fourth in 15 games, and the club sits four games behind Boston for the AL's second wild card. Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 games behind the red-hot Brian Dozier, whose solo shot and two RBIs on Tuesday gave him six homers and 13 RBIs during the stretch.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62)
Keuchel has looked more like last year's 20-game winner in recent outings as he has given up two or fewer earned runs in six of his last seven starts. Still, his 1.30 WHIP is much higher than last season's superb 1.02 and opposing batters are hitting .259 against him - 42 points higher than in 2015. Keuchel is 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Minnesota, including a loss on May 2 in which he allowed five runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings.
Santana has excelled in four career starts against Houston, compiling a 3-0 record, 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. He has won each of his last two overall turns, allowing three earned runs and 12 hits in 12 1/3 innings. Santana is just 3-6 at home this season with a 3.76 ERA in 12 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros SS Carlos Correa homered and matched his career best of four RBIs in Tuesday's contest.
2. Minnesota CF Eddie Rosario struck out in all four at-bats on Tuesday after going 14-for-28 during a seven-game hitting streak.
3. Houston CF Carlos Gomez was held out of the starting lineup Tuesday after making two defensive miscues in Monday's 3-1 loss but figures to be back in the lineup on Wednesday due to being 7-for-21 with one homer against Santana.
PREDICTION: Twins 5, Astros 4
Preview: Braves at Brewers
GAME: Atlanta Braves (43-70) at Milwaukee Brewers (49-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
While the Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations have long been deflated, Erick Aybar has provided a breath of fresh air for the cellar-dwelling club. Aybar carries a 14-game hitting streak into Wednesday's third contest of a four-game series with the host Milwaukee Brewers.
Aybar collected two singles in Tuesday's 2-1 victory for Atlanta, which has won four in a row and six of seven overall. The 32-year-old Dominican traditionally has struggled versus the Brewers, going 8-for-36 in nine career encounters and 0-for-3 versus Wednesday starter Chase Anderson. Ryan Braun went deep on Tuesday for the fourth time in seven outings, during which he has recorded 11 RBIs. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, Braun's performance has come during a 2-5 stretch as the club's primary challenge is fending off Cincinnati in the race for the basement of the National League Central.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-4, 3.41 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-10, 5.01)
Control issues reared their ugly head for De La Cruz, who issued a career-high five walks to drive up his pitch count against St. Louis on Friday. Although the 27-year-old Dominican limited the damage, the one run he allowed on two hits proved to be the difference in a hard-luck 1-0 setback to the Cardinals. De La Cruz, who will be facing Milwaukee for the first time, will be making his fifth start and 12th appearance this season.
Anderson yielded a pair of solo homers over six innings to settle for a no-decision against his former team (Arizona) on Friday. The 28-year-old struggled with the home-run ball earlier in the season prior to surrendering just two in his previous six starts before Yasmany Tomas went deep on two occasions. While pitching for the Diamondbacks, Anderson handcuffed Atlanta in his lone encounter by allowing two runs and striking out eight over seven innings to pick up the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta OF Nick Markakis is 8-for-17 with one homer, five RBIs and three runs scored in his four-game hitting streak.
2. Milwaukee OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis is hitless in 12 at-bats in his last four games and just 3-for-26 in his last eight.
3. Braves OF Matt Kemp is 6-for-17 with one homer, four RBIs and as many runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Brewers 2
GAME: Atlanta Braves (43-70) at Milwaukee Brewers (49-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
While the Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations have long been deflated, Erick Aybar has provided a breath of fresh air for the cellar-dwelling club. Aybar carries a 14-game hitting streak into Wednesday's third contest of a four-game series with the host Milwaukee Brewers.
Aybar collected two singles in Tuesday's 2-1 victory for Atlanta, which has won four in a row and six of seven overall. The 32-year-old Dominican traditionally has struggled versus the Brewers, going 8-for-36 in nine career encounters and 0-for-3 versus Wednesday starter Chase Anderson. Ryan Braun went deep on Tuesday for the fourth time in seven outings, during which he has recorded 11 RBIs. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, Braun's performance has come during a 2-5 stretch as the club's primary challenge is fending off Cincinnati in the race for the basement of the National League Central.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-4, 3.41 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-10, 5.01)
Control issues reared their ugly head for De La Cruz, who issued a career-high five walks to drive up his pitch count against St. Louis on Friday. Although the 27-year-old Dominican limited the damage, the one run he allowed on two hits proved to be the difference in a hard-luck 1-0 setback to the Cardinals. De La Cruz, who will be facing Milwaukee for the first time, will be making his fifth start and 12th appearance this season.
Anderson yielded a pair of solo homers over six innings to settle for a no-decision against his former team (Arizona) on Friday. The 28-year-old struggled with the home-run ball earlier in the season prior to surrendering just two in his previous six starts before Yasmany Tomas went deep on two occasions. While pitching for the Diamondbacks, Anderson handcuffed Atlanta in his lone encounter by allowing two runs and striking out eight over seven innings to pick up the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta OF Nick Markakis is 8-for-17 with one homer, five RBIs and three runs scored in his four-game hitting streak.
2. Milwaukee OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis is hitless in 12 at-bats in his last four games and just 3-for-26 in his last eight.
3. Braves OF Matt Kemp is 6-for-17 with one homer, four RBIs and as many runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Braves 5, Brewers 2
Preview: White Sox at Royals
GAME: Chicago White Sox (54-58) at Kansas City Royals (53-59)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jose Quintana has won nine games in each of the last three seasons and will look to reach double-digit victories for the first time when the Chicago White Sox continue their three-game set against the host Kansas City Royals. The White Sox won the series opener 7-5 behind Todd Frazier's tiebreaking three-run homer in the 10th inning.
Quintana lost six consecutive starts while receiving a total of eight runs of support earlier this season, but he is 4-0 since July 3 thanks to some increased offensive support. "It’s unfortunate we don’t score more runs when he’s out there because he could easily be 14-and-whatever the way he’s throwing the ball," Chicago's Justin Morneau said. The Royals owned the best home record in the majors at 25-8 on June 19, but they have gone 9-13 at Kauffman Stadium since that high-water mark. Losers of 12 of its last 17 overall, Kansas City sends Ian Kennedy to the mound to face Quintana.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.93 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.03)
Quintana stretched his unbeaten string to six starts -- a span in which he is 4-0 -- by allowing three runs over 7 1/3 innings to pick up the victory at Detroit on Thursday. Since tossing a scoreless frame in his first All-Star Game appearance, Quintana is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA over his last four turns. Quintana notched a season high-tying 10 strikeouts versus the Royals on June 11 but gave up three runs in eight innings to fall to 1-8 against them.
Kennedy has been unable to buy a victory, watching his winless drought reach seven starts despite a superb performance in a no-decision at Tampa Bay last time out. He struck out nine and allowed one hit over six scoreless frames, which followed seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at Texas in his previous turn. Kennedy fell to 1-1 with a 6.17 ERA against the White Sox when he was rocked for four homers and seven runs at Chicago on June 10.
WALK-OFFS
1. Frazier clubbed his 31st homer Tuesday, the most by a White Sox 3B since current manager Robin Ventura hit 34 in 1996.
2. Royals rookie 3B Cheslor Cuthbert recorded three hits Tuesday and is 8-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak.
3. The White Sox placed RF Avisail Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee.
PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Royals 3
GAME: Chicago White Sox (54-58) at Kansas City Royals (53-59)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Jose Quintana has won nine games in each of the last three seasons and will look to reach double-digit victories for the first time when the Chicago White Sox continue their three-game set against the host Kansas City Royals. The White Sox won the series opener 7-5 behind Todd Frazier's tiebreaking three-run homer in the 10th inning.
Quintana lost six consecutive starts while receiving a total of eight runs of support earlier this season, but he is 4-0 since July 3 thanks to some increased offensive support. "It’s unfortunate we don’t score more runs when he’s out there because he could easily be 14-and-whatever the way he’s throwing the ball," Chicago's Justin Morneau said. The Royals owned the best home record in the majors at 25-8 on June 19, but they have gone 9-13 at Kauffman Stadium since that high-water mark. Losers of 12 of its last 17 overall, Kansas City sends Ian Kennedy to the mound to face Quintana.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.93 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.03)
Quintana stretched his unbeaten string to six starts -- a span in which he is 4-0 -- by allowing three runs over 7 1/3 innings to pick up the victory at Detroit on Thursday. Since tossing a scoreless frame in his first All-Star Game appearance, Quintana is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA over his last four turns. Quintana notched a season high-tying 10 strikeouts versus the Royals on June 11 but gave up three runs in eight innings to fall to 1-8 against them.
Kennedy has been unable to buy a victory, watching his winless drought reach seven starts despite a superb performance in a no-decision at Tampa Bay last time out. He struck out nine and allowed one hit over six scoreless frames, which followed seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at Texas in his previous turn. Kennedy fell to 1-1 with a 6.17 ERA against the White Sox when he was rocked for four homers and seven runs at Chicago on June 10.
WALK-OFFS
1. Frazier clubbed his 31st homer Tuesday, the most by a White Sox 3B since current manager Robin Ventura hit 34 in 1996.
2. Royals rookie 3B Cheslor Cuthbert recorded three hits Tuesday and is 8-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak.
3. The White Sox placed RF Avisail Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee.
PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Royals 3
Preview: Orioles at Athletics
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-49) at Oakland Athletics (50-63)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles have scored just three runs in the first two games of a series with Oakland and have dropped nine of their past 14 games. The Orioles, who are in a virtual tie for first place in the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, will try to get the bats moving when they visit the Athletics on Wednesday in the third contest of a four-game set.
Baltimore had just three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 loss with the run coming on a homer by center fielder Adam Jones, who has five hits in the series and is 11-for-22 during a five-game hitting streak. Orioles All-Star right fielder Mark Trumbo, who is tied for the major-league lead with 31 homers, is just 7-for-57 with one blast over his past 15 contests. The Athletics are long removed from the playoff race and had dropped eight of nine games before producing the back-to-back wins over Baltimore. Oakland has scored just eight runs in the first five contests of a 10-game homestand.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (4-3, 5.47 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Ross Detwiler (0-0, 5.79)
Gallardo halted a six-start winless stretch by beating the Chicago White Sox in his last turn when he gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. He has traditionally struggled against Oakland, going 0-4 with a 6.11 ERA in five career matchups and has experienced difficulties when facing Yonder Alonso (8-for-22, one homer, three doubles). Gallardo has been roughed up on the road as he is 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA in nine starts.
Detailer will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make his Oakland debut. The 30-year-old was acquired from the Cleveland Indians in mid-July and had a 5.79 ERA in seven April relief appearances for the Indians. Detwiler is 21-37 with a 4.21 ERA in 180 major-league appearances (76 starts) and is 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against Baltimore.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics OF Jake Smolinski reached base four times on two hits and two walks Tuesday for his first multi-hit outing since July 24.
2. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and is just 7-for-66 with 28 strikeouts since the All-Star break.
3. Oakland RHP Sonny Gray underwent an MRI exam that displayed no structural damage in his injured forearm but there is no timetable for his return.
PREDICTION: Orioles 9, Athletics 7
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-49) at Oakland Athletics (50-63)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles have scored just three runs in the first two games of a series with Oakland and have dropped nine of their past 14 games. The Orioles, who are in a virtual tie for first place in the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, will try to get the bats moving when they visit the Athletics on Wednesday in the third contest of a four-game set.
Baltimore had just three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 loss with the run coming on a homer by center fielder Adam Jones, who has five hits in the series and is 11-for-22 during a five-game hitting streak. Orioles All-Star right fielder Mark Trumbo, who is tied for the major-league lead with 31 homers, is just 7-for-57 with one blast over his past 15 contests. The Athletics are long removed from the playoff race and had dropped eight of nine games before producing the back-to-back wins over Baltimore. Oakland has scored just eight runs in the first five contests of a 10-game homestand.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (4-3, 5.47 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Ross Detwiler (0-0, 5.79)
Gallardo halted a six-start winless stretch by beating the Chicago White Sox in his last turn when he gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. He has traditionally struggled against Oakland, going 0-4 with a 6.11 ERA in five career matchups and has experienced difficulties when facing Yonder Alonso (8-for-22, one homer, three doubles). Gallardo has been roughed up on the road as he is 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA in nine starts.
Detailer will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make his Oakland debut. The 30-year-old was acquired from the Cleveland Indians in mid-July and had a 5.79 ERA in seven April relief appearances for the Indians. Detwiler is 21-37 with a 4.21 ERA in 180 major-league appearances (76 starts) and is 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against Baltimore.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics OF Jake Smolinski reached base four times on two hits and two walks Tuesday for his first multi-hit outing since July 24.
2. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and is just 7-for-66 with 28 strikeouts since the All-Star break.
3. Oakland RHP Sonny Gray underwent an MRI exam that displayed no structural damage in his injured forearm but there is no timetable for his return.
PREDICTION: Orioles 9, Athletics 7
Preview: Tigers at Mariners
GAME: Detroit Tigers (61-52) at Seattle Mariners (59-53)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two former American League Cy Young Award winners square off Wednesday as the streaking Seattle Mariners attempt to complete a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers. Detroit sends 2011 winner Justin Verlander, who also was the AL MVP that season, to the mound against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez, who captured the Cy Young the previous year.
Verlander has won each of his last five decisions and recorded at least nine strikeouts in four of his last five outings overall, while Hernandez is 2-0 in four turns since returning from a calf injury that landed him on the disabled list. After posting a 3-0 victory in the series opener, the Mariners outlasted the Tigers 6-5 in 15 innings Tuesday for their fifth consecutive win. Victor Martinez belted a solo home run in the top of the 15th to put Detroit ahead, but Kyle Seager delivered an RBI single and Mike Zunino lifted a sacrifice fly in the bottom half to help Seattle improve to 7-2 on its 10-game homestand. Both teams rank second in their respective divisions but are closer to the second AL wild card, as Detroit trails Boston for the spot by one game while Seattle is 2 1/2 games behind.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.52 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (6-4, 3.55)
Verlander extended his unbeaten streak to seven starts Friday when he limited the New York Mets to two runs and four hits over six innings. The 33-year-old Virginian has allowed fewer than three runs in each outing during the streak after being tagged for eight by Cleveland in his most recent loss June 26. Verlander remained at 10-8 in 19 career starts versus Seattle when he settled for a no-decision June 21 when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings.
Hernandez overcame a rough first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in which he yielded three runs to give up just one over the next seven frames en route to victory. The 30-year-old Venezuelan has surrendered at least four runs in three of his four outings following his stint on the DL after giving up six in a loss to Minnesota on May 27 prior to the injury. Hernandez has had plenty of success against Detroit in his career, going 9-3 with a 2.57 ERA in 14 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler is riding an eight-game hitting streak after going 1-for-5 on Tuesday.
2. Seattle activated SS Ketel Marte (mononucleosis) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned INF Mike Freeman to Triple-A Tacoma.
3. Detroit CF Cameron Maybin will be placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with a Grade 2 sprain of his left thumb.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Mariners 1
GAME: Detroit Tigers (61-52) at Seattle Mariners (59-53)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 10 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Two former American League Cy Young Award winners square off Wednesday as the streaking Seattle Mariners attempt to complete a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers. Detroit sends 2011 winner Justin Verlander, who also was the AL MVP that season, to the mound against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez, who captured the Cy Young the previous year.
Verlander has won each of his last five decisions and recorded at least nine strikeouts in four of his last five outings overall, while Hernandez is 2-0 in four turns since returning from a calf injury that landed him on the disabled list. After posting a 3-0 victory in the series opener, the Mariners outlasted the Tigers 6-5 in 15 innings Tuesday for their fifth consecutive win. Victor Martinez belted a solo home run in the top of the 15th to put Detroit ahead, but Kyle Seager delivered an RBI single and Mike Zunino lifted a sacrifice fly in the bottom half to help Seattle improve to 7-2 on its 10-game homestand. Both teams rank second in their respective divisions but are closer to the second AL wild card, as Detroit trails Boston for the spot by one game while Seattle is 2 1/2 games behind.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.52 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (6-4, 3.55)
Verlander extended his unbeaten streak to seven starts Friday when he limited the New York Mets to two runs and four hits over six innings. The 33-year-old Virginian has allowed fewer than three runs in each outing during the streak after being tagged for eight by Cleveland in his most recent loss June 26. Verlander remained at 10-8 in 19 career starts versus Seattle when he settled for a no-decision June 21 when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings.
Hernandez overcame a rough first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in which he yielded three runs to give up just one over the next seven frames en route to victory. The 30-year-old Venezuelan has surrendered at least four runs in three of his four outings following his stint on the DL after giving up six in a loss to Minnesota on May 27 prior to the injury. Hernandez has had plenty of success against Detroit in his career, going 9-3 with a 2.57 ERA in 14 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler is riding an eight-game hitting streak after going 1-for-5 on Tuesday.
2. Seattle activated SS Ketel Marte (mononucleosis) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned INF Mike Freeman to Triple-A Tacoma.
3. Detroit CF Cameron Maybin will be placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with a Grade 2 sprain of his left thumb.
PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Mariners 1
Trends - San Francisco at Miami
W/L Trends
San Francisco
•Giants are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Giants are 17-7 in their last 24 during game 3 of a series.
• Giants are 16-7 in their last 23 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 17-36 in their last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 overall.
• Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 games on grass.
• Giants are 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Giants are 4-10 in their last 14 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 5-14 in their last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 4-12 in their last 16 road games.
• Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 0-6 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 1-4 in Samardzijas last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Giants are 1-5 in Samardzijas last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 road starts.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 starts.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 starts on grass.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Miami
•Marlins are 17-6 in their last 23 vs. National League West.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Marlins are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 starts vs. National League West.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 home starts.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Marlins are 2-6 in Phelps' last 8 starts.
• Marlins are 2-6 in Phelps' last 8 starts on grass.
• Marlins are 1-4 in Phelps' last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 1-4 in Phelps' last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 1-5 in Phelps' last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Marlins are 1-5 in Phelps' last 6 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
OU Trends
San Francisco
•Under is 8-0 in Giants last 8 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 7-1 in Giants last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Giants last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 14-3-1 in Giants last 18 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 overall.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 road games.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 on grass.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 vs. National League East.
• Under is 7-2 in Giants last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Giants last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Giants last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 12-4-1 in Giants last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-1 in Samardzijas last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 8-3-1 in Samardzijas last 12 starts on grass.
• Under is 9-4-1 in Samardzijas last 14 road starts.
Miami
•Over is 5-0 in Marlins last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 9-1 in Marlins last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 6-1 in Marlins last 7 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Marlins last 6 games following a win.
• Over is 5-1 in Marlins last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-3 in Marlins last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 overall.
• Over is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 on grass.
• Under is 11-5 in Marlins last 16 Wednesday games.
• Under is 4-0 in Phelps' last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Phelps' last 5 starts vs. National League West.
• Under is 5-2 in Phelps' last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
Head to Head
•Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
• Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Miami.
• Giants are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Miami.
Umpire Trends - Cory Blaser
•Home team is 6-1 in Blasers last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Giants are 5-1 in their last 6 games with Blaser behind home plate.
• Under is 22-8 in Blasers last 30 games behind home plate.
• Under is 5-2 in Blasers last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Under is 7-3 in Blasers last 10 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Marlins are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Blaser behind home plate.
W/L Trends
San Francisco
•Giants are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Giants are 17-7 in their last 24 during game 3 of a series.
• Giants are 16-7 in their last 23 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 17-36 in their last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 overall.
• Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 games on grass.
• Giants are 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Giants are 4-10 in their last 14 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 5-14 in their last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 4-12 in their last 16 road games.
• Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 0-6 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 1-4 in Samardzijas last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Giants are 1-5 in Samardzijas last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 road starts.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 starts.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 starts on grass.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Miami
•Marlins are 17-6 in their last 23 vs. National League West.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Marlins are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 starts vs. National League West.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 home starts.
• Marlins are 2-5 in Phelps' last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Marlins are 2-6 in Phelps' last 8 starts.
• Marlins are 2-6 in Phelps' last 8 starts on grass.
• Marlins are 1-4 in Phelps' last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 1-4 in Phelps' last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Marlins are 1-5 in Phelps' last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Marlins are 1-5 in Phelps' last 6 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
OU Trends
San Francisco
•Under is 8-0 in Giants last 8 during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 7-1 in Giants last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Giants last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 14-3-1 in Giants last 18 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 overall.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 road games.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 on grass.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 vs. National League East.
• Under is 7-2 in Giants last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Giants last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Giants last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 12-4-1 in Giants last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-1 in Samardzijas last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 8-3-1 in Samardzijas last 12 starts on grass.
• Under is 9-4-1 in Samardzijas last 14 road starts.
Miami
•Over is 5-0 in Marlins last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 9-1 in Marlins last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 6-1 in Marlins last 7 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Marlins last 6 games following a win.
• Over is 5-1 in Marlins last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-3 in Marlins last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 overall.
• Over is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 on grass.
• Under is 11-5 in Marlins last 16 Wednesday games.
• Under is 4-0 in Phelps' last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Phelps' last 5 starts vs. National League West.
• Under is 5-2 in Phelps' last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
Head to Head
•Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
• Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Miami.
• Giants are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Miami.
Umpire Trends - Cory Blaser
•Home team is 6-1 in Blasers last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Giants are 5-1 in their last 6 games with Blaser behind home plate.
• Under is 22-8 in Blasers last 30 games behind home plate.
• Under is 5-2 in Blasers last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Under is 7-3 in Blasers last 10 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Marlins are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Blaser behind home plate.
Trends - Philadelphia at LA Dodgers
W/L Trends
Philadelphia
•Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss.
• Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Phillies are 18-47 in their last 65 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Phillies are 11-29 in their last 40 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 road starts.
• Phillies are 5-0 in Hellicksons last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts on grass.
• Phillies are 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Phillies are 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 Wednesday starts.
• Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 6-2 in Hellicksons last 8 starts during game 3 of a series.
LA Dodgers
•Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Dodgers are 14-3 in their last 17 vs. National League East.
• Dodgers are 20-6 in their last 26 home games.
• Dodgers are 38-16 in their last 54 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Dodgers are 7-3 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 68-30 in their last 98 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 46-21 in their last 67 during game 3 of a series.
• Dodgers are 74-34 in their last 108 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 0-5 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in Kazmirs last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 6-1 in Kazmirs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Dodgers are 5-1 in Kazmirs last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Kazmirs last 8 starts.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Kazmirs last 8 starts on grass.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in Kazmirs last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in Kazmirs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Philadelphia
•Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 overall.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 road games.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 on grass.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 7-0 in Phillies last 7 games following a loss.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 vs. National League West.
• Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 8-2 in Phillies last 10 Wednesday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 Wednesday starts.
• Under is 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-2 in Hellicksons last 9 starts on grass.
• Under is 7-2 in Hellicksons last 9 starts overall.
• Under is 5-2 in Hellicksons last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
LA Dodgers
•Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 games following a win.
• Over is 5-0 in Dodgers last 5 vs. National League East.
• Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 41-15 in Dodgers last 56 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 21-8-2 in Dodgers last 31 Wednesday games.
• Under is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 22-9 in Dodgers last 31 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Phillies are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Phillies are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.
Umpire Trends - John Tumpane
•Under is 4-0-1 in Tumpanes last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 4-0 in Tumpanes last 4 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
• Home team is 6-1 in Tumpanes last 7 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Under is 5-1 in Tumpanes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
W/L Trends
Philadelphia
•Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss.
• Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Phillies are 18-47 in their last 65 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Phillies are 11-29 in their last 40 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 road starts.
• Phillies are 5-0 in Hellicksons last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts.
• Phillies are 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts on grass.
• Phillies are 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Phillies are 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 Wednesday starts.
• Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Phillies are 6-2 in Hellicksons last 8 starts during game 3 of a series.
LA Dodgers
•Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games on grass.
• Dodgers are 14-3 in their last 17 vs. National League East.
• Dodgers are 20-6 in their last 26 home games.
• Dodgers are 38-16 in their last 54 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Dodgers are 7-3 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 68-30 in their last 98 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 46-21 in their last 67 during game 3 of a series.
• Dodgers are 74-34 in their last 108 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 0-5 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in Kazmirs last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 6-1 in Kazmirs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Dodgers are 5-1 in Kazmirs last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Kazmirs last 8 starts.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Kazmirs last 8 starts on grass.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in Kazmirs last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 5-2 in Kazmirs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Philadelphia
•Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 overall.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 road games.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 on grass.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 7-0 in Phillies last 7 games following a loss.
• Over is 5-0 in Phillies last 5 vs. National League West.
• Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 8-2 in Phillies last 10 Wednesday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-0 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Hellicksons last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 5-1 in Hellicksons last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 Wednesday starts.
• Under is 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 7-2 in Hellicksons last 9 starts on grass.
• Under is 7-2 in Hellicksons last 9 starts overall.
• Under is 5-2 in Hellicksons last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
LA Dodgers
•Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 games following a win.
• Over is 5-0 in Dodgers last 5 vs. National League East.
• Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 41-15 in Dodgers last 56 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 21-8-2 in Dodgers last 31 Wednesday games.
• Under is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 22-9 in Dodgers last 31 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Kazmirs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Phillies are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Phillies are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.
Umpire Trends - John Tumpane
•Under is 4-0-1 in Tumpanes last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 4-0 in Tumpanes last 4 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
• Home team is 6-1 in Tumpanes last 7 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Under is 5-1 in Tumpanes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Trends - Cleveland at Washington
W/L Trends
Cleveland
•Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 interleague road games.
• Indians are 9-1 in their last 10 interleague games.
• Indians are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League East.
• Indians are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 20-7 in their last 27 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 10-4 in their last 14 during game 2 of a series.
• Indians are 15-36 in their last 51 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
• Indians are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Indians are 3-9 in their last 12 games following a win.
• Indians are 2-6 in their last 8 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 2-7 in their last 9 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Indians are 1-8 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 0-8 in their last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 14-3 in Tomlins last 17 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Indians are 13-3 in Tomlins last 16 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Indians are 12-3 in Tomlins last 15 road starts.
• Indians are 23-6 in Tomlins last 29 starts.
• Indians are 22-6 in Tomlins last 28 starts on grass.
• Indians are 7-2 in Tomlins last 9 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 9-3 in Tomlins last 12 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 8-3 in Tomlins last 11 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 5-2 in Tomlins last 7 interleague starts.
• Indians are 9-4 in Tomlins last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Washington
•Nationals are 7-1 in their last 8 during game 2 of a series.
• Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Nationals are 6-2 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 overall.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 interleague home games.
• Nationals are 50-22 in their last 72 Wednesday games.
• Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Nationals are 16-4 in Gonzalezs last 20 Wednesday starts.
• Nationals are 12-4 in Gonzalezs last 16 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Nationals are 4-10 in Gonzalezs last 14 starts.
• Nationals are 4-10 in Gonzalezs last 14 starts on grass.
• Nationals are 2-5 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Nationals are 2-5 in Gonzalezs last 7 interleague starts.
• Nationals are 2-6 in Gonzalezs last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
OU Trends
Cleveland
•Under is 5-0 in Indians last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Indians last 4 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 road games.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Indians last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Indians last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 4-1 in Indians last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 21-7-1 in Indians last 29 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 25-9-3 in Indians last 37 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2-2 in Indians last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 7-3 in Indians last 10 interleague games.
• Under is 35-16-1 in Indians last 52 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Tomlins last 4 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Tomlins last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Over is 7-1 in Tomlins last 8 Wednesday starts.
• Over is 10-2-2 in Tomlins last 14 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 5-1 in Tomlins last 6 interleague starts.
• Over is 8-2-1 in Tomlins last 11 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Tomlins last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 19-6-2 in Tomlins last 27 starts on grass.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Tomlins last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Tomlins last 28 starts overall.
Washington
•Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 on grass.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Nationals last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 home games.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 overall.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Nationals last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Nationals last 11 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Nationals last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 9-3 in Nationals last 12 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 8-3 in Nationals last 11 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 18-7-1 in Nationals last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 games following a loss.
• Over is 13-6 in Nationals last 19 vs. American League Central.
• Over is 23-11-2 in Nationals last 36 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Gonzalezs last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 10-1 in Gonzalezs last 11 Wednesday starts.
• Over is 5-1 in Gonzalezs last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Washington.
• Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Ryan Blakney
•Road team is 4-0 in Blakneys last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-1 in Blakneys last 6 interleague games behind home plate.
• Road team is 10-3 in Blakneys last 13 games behind home plate.
• Under is 10-4-1 in Blakneys last 15 games behind home plate.
W/L Trends
Cleveland
•Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 interleague road games.
• Indians are 9-1 in their last 10 interleague games.
• Indians are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League East.
• Indians are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 20-7 in their last 27 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 10-4 in their last 14 during game 2 of a series.
• Indians are 15-36 in their last 51 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
• Indians are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Indians are 3-9 in their last 12 games following a win.
• Indians are 2-6 in their last 8 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Indians are 2-7 in their last 9 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Indians are 1-8 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 0-8 in their last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 14-3 in Tomlins last 17 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Indians are 13-3 in Tomlins last 16 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Indians are 12-3 in Tomlins last 15 road starts.
• Indians are 23-6 in Tomlins last 29 starts.
• Indians are 22-6 in Tomlins last 28 starts on grass.
• Indians are 7-2 in Tomlins last 9 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Indians are 9-3 in Tomlins last 12 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 8-3 in Tomlins last 11 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Indians are 5-2 in Tomlins last 7 interleague starts.
• Indians are 9-4 in Tomlins last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Washington
•Nationals are 7-1 in their last 8 during game 2 of a series.
• Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Nationals are 6-2 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 overall.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 interleague home games.
• Nationals are 50-22 in their last 72 Wednesday games.
• Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Nationals are 16-4 in Gonzalezs last 20 Wednesday starts.
• Nationals are 12-4 in Gonzalezs last 16 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Nationals are 4-10 in Gonzalezs last 14 starts.
• Nationals are 4-10 in Gonzalezs last 14 starts on grass.
• Nationals are 2-5 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Nationals are 2-5 in Gonzalezs last 7 interleague starts.
• Nationals are 2-6 in Gonzalezs last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
OU Trends
Cleveland
•Under is 5-0 in Indians last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Indians last 4 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 road games.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Indians last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1 in Indians last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Indians last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 4-1 in Indians last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 21-7-1 in Indians last 29 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 25-9-3 in Indians last 37 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Over is 5-2-2 in Indians last 9 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 7-3 in Indians last 10 interleague games.
• Under is 35-16-1 in Indians last 52 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Tomlins last 4 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Tomlins last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Over is 7-1 in Tomlins last 8 Wednesday starts.
• Over is 10-2-2 in Tomlins last 14 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 5-1 in Tomlins last 6 interleague starts.
• Over is 8-2-1 in Tomlins last 11 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Tomlins last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 19-6-2 in Tomlins last 27 starts on grass.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Tomlins last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 19-7-2 in Tomlins last 28 starts overall.
Washington
•Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 on grass.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Nationals last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 home games.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Nationals last 4 overall.
• Under is 5-0-1 in Nationals last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Nationals last 11 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 19-6-1 in Nationals last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 9-3 in Nationals last 12 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 8-3 in Nationals last 11 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 18-7-1 in Nationals last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 games following a loss.
• Over is 13-6 in Nationals last 19 vs. American League Central.
• Over is 23-11-2 in Nationals last 36 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Gonzalezs last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 10-1 in Gonzalezs last 11 Wednesday starts.
• Over is 5-1 in Gonzalezs last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Washington.
• Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Umpire Trends - Ryan Blakney
•Road team is 4-0 in Blakneys last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-1 in Blakneys last 6 interleague games behind home plate.
• Road team is 10-3 in Blakneys last 13 games behind home plate.
• Under is 10-4-1 in Blakneys last 15 games behind home plate.
Trends - San Diego at Pittsburgh
W/L Trends
San Diego
•Padres are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss.
• Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Padres are 17-36 in their last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 18-39 in their last 57 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Padres are 5-11 in their last 16 during game 2 of a series.
• Padres are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. National League Central.
• Padres are 7-21 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Padres are 3-11 in their last 14 road games.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Pirates are 38-13 in their last 51 vs. National League West.
• Pirates are 52-20 in their last 72 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Pirates are 36-15 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Pirates are 4-10 in Vogelsongs last 14 home starts.
• Pirates are 2-6 in Vogelsongs last 8 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 2-6 in Vogelsongs last 8 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts on grass.
OU Trends
San Diego
•Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 overall.
• Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 on grass.
• Over is 4-0 in Padres last 4 games following a loss.
• Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 13-3 in Padres last 16 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Pittsburgh
•Over is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 vs. National League West.
• Over is 19-6-1 in Pirates last 26 Wednesday games.
• Over is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 11-5 in Pirates last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 36-17 in Pirates last 53 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Under is 5-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3 in Vogelsongs last 11 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Vogelsongs last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 5-2 in Vogelsongs last 7 home starts.
• Under is 7-3 in Vogelsongs last 10 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Padres are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
• Padres are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Umpire Trends - Tom Hallion
•Under is 4-0 in Hallions last 4 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Under is 12-2 in Hallions last 14 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 5-1 in Hallions last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Road team is 4-1 in Hallions last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Under is 4-1 in Hallions last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Road team is 7-2 in Hallions last 9 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Road team is 12-4 in Hallions last 16 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 8-20 in their last 28 games with Hallion behind home plate.
• Padres are 3-11 in their last 14 games with Hallion behind home plate.
• Pirates are 0-5 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Hallion behind home plate.
W/L Trends
San Diego
•Padres are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss.
• Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Padres are 17-36 in their last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 18-39 in their last 57 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Padres are 5-11 in their last 16 during game 2 of a series.
• Padres are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. National League Central.
• Padres are 7-21 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Padres are 3-11 in their last 14 road games.
Pittsburgh
•Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Pirates are 38-13 in their last 51 vs. National League West.
• Pirates are 52-20 in their last 72 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Pirates are 36-15 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Pirates are 4-10 in Vogelsongs last 14 home starts.
• Pirates are 2-6 in Vogelsongs last 8 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Pirates are 2-6 in Vogelsongs last 8 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts.
• Pirates are 1-4 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts on grass.
OU Trends
San Diego
•Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 overall.
• Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 on grass.
• Over is 4-0 in Padres last 4 games following a loss.
• Over is 5-0 in Padres last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 13-3 in Padres last 16 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Pittsburgh
•Over is 4-0 in Pirates last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 vs. National League West.
• Over is 19-6-1 in Pirates last 26 Wednesday games.
• Over is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 11-5 in Pirates last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 36-17 in Pirates last 53 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Under is 5-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts on grass.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Vogelsongs last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Vogelsongs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3 in Vogelsongs last 11 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Vogelsongs last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 5-2 in Vogelsongs last 7 home starts.
• Under is 7-3 in Vogelsongs last 10 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
•Over is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Padres are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
• Padres are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Umpire Trends - Tom Hallion
•Under is 4-0 in Hallions last 4 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Under is 12-2 in Hallions last 14 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 5-1 in Hallions last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Road team is 4-1 in Hallions last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Under is 4-1 in Hallions last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Road team is 7-2 in Hallions last 9 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Road team is 12-4 in Hallions last 16 games behind home plate.
• Pirates are 8-20 in their last 28 games with Hallion behind home plate.
• Padres are 3-11 in their last 14 games with Hallion behind home plate.
• Pirates are 0-5 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Hallion behind home plate.
