Wednesday 8/26/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (55-72) at Mariners (58-68)

Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: August 26, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

While he insists there's nothing wrong with him physically, Felix Hernandez hasn't pitched much like the Seattle Mariners' ace during his current unkingly stretch.

On pace for his highest ERA since 2007, Hernandez will try to get on track Wednesday night and lead the Mariners to their ninth win in 13 meetings with the visiting Oakland Athletics.

Even Seattle's stars haven't kept the rotation from posting a 9.11 ERA during a 4-7 stretch. Iwakuma allowed a season-high seven runs in an 11-5 loss in the opener and Hernandez (14-8, 3.74 ERA) has gone 2-3 with an 8.48 ERA over his last five starts.

After giving up a career-high 10 earned runs over 2 1-3 innings in a 22-10 loss at Boston on Aug. 15, Hernandez yielded four runs over six in Friday's 11-4 home defeat to the Chicago White Sox.

The right-hander, who hasn't finished with an ERA above 3.50 in eight years, surrendered a two-run double to Carlos Sanchez in the sixth inning on the way to losing consecutive starts for the first time since dropping four in a row late in the 2013 season.

"I feel really good, outside of that one mistake,' said Hernandez, who still has a chance to match Houston's Dallas Keuchel for the AL lead in victories.

The six-time All-Star has gone 20-8 with a 2.63 ERA in 38 starts versus Oakland. He's 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three meetings in 2015 and 3-0 with a 2.48 mark in four at home over the past two seasons.

Stephen Vogt is 6 for 8 when facing Hernandez this season and 9 for 15 with a home run lifetime, while Marcus Semien is 4 for 8 with two homers.

Semien hit his 11th homer and Billy Burns added three hits Tuesday but Oakland went scoreless over the final seven innings in a 6-5 loss that evened this series.

The AL West-worst A's (55-72) are hitting .339 while scoring 8.0 runs per game in their last three, but they'll try to avoid their 13th loss in 15 road games in the finale.

Oakland rallied from a 5-0 deficit in Monday's win but coughed up a 5-0 lead Tuesday.

'We did it to them and they did it to us,' Billy Butler said. 'It's tough to lose a game like that when you get out to a lead like that.'

They haven't provided much scoring for Chris Bassitt (1-5, 2.48), who since getting called up July 25 has made six starts with a 2.18 ERA - the fifth-lowest in the AL during that span.

The right-hander only has one win over that span while getting 11 runs of support. It was a familiar story Friday when he allowed one run over 6 2-3 innings in a 2-1 home loss to Tampa Bay.

In his only career start versus Seattle (58-68), Bassitt yielded two runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 2-1 home defeat July 5.

Bassitt will have to be cautious with Nelson Cruz, who hit his MLB-leading 38th home run Tuesday. Cruz is batting .347 with 17 homers while reaching safely in 35 consecutive games.

Ketel Marte is 6 for 9 with two doubles and a triple in this series, while Robinson Cano has gone 10 for 23 over his last six games. On Tuesday, Cano became the first player to have 11 straight 30-double seasons to begin a career.

'As far position players go, we all strive for that consistency," outfielder Logan Morrison said.

The Mariners have batted .313 while totaling 19 runs in their last three games and have also scored 5.2 per contest in winning four of five versus Oakland at Safeco.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (69-56) at Phillies (50-76)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The New York Mets began their current winning streak by bailing out Bartolo Colon with a big offensive night.

As Colon looks for a more effective outing, the visiting Mets will try to maintain their steady offensive production and their dominance over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.

Colon (10-11, 4.90 ERA) has been plagued by inconsistency while going 1-4 with a 6.08 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break. He's alternated poor and solid efforts during that stretch and might be in good shape to continue that trend after he yielded seven runs and three homers in 3 2-3 innings of Friday's 14-9 win at Colorado.

Beginning with that victory, New York (69-56) has scored 55 runs, clubbed 15 homers and batted .355 during a five-game winning streak. Colon was hit on the hand with a pitch in that contest, but stayed in the game and does not seem to have any lingering issues.

"It did affect me a little bit but it's not an excuse," the right-hander told MLB's official website. "It had nothing to do with my performance. I'm glad the team picked me up."

Colon has posted a 5.25 ERA but is 2-0 this season against the Phillies (50-76), who are 1-10 during the season series and will try to avoid losing eight straight to the Mets in one year for the first time.

It's uncertain if Philadelphia's frustration boiled over Tuesday when the benches emptied in the seventh after Mets reliever Hansel Robles threw a pitch to Darin Ruf before the Phillies batter was ready. The incident was settled and no punches were thrown.

New York, which is 6-1 on a nine-game trip, hasn't won six straight on the road since a seven-game run in June 2010.

Michael Cuddyer hit a go-ahead two-run, pinch-hit single in the sixth and Yoenis Cespedes belted a two-run homer as the Mets won for the 17th time in their last 23 games, 6-5 on Tuesday. Cespedes has seven homers and 20 RBIs in 22 games since joining the Mets.

New York gets its first crack at Jerad Eickhoff, who allowed five hits and struck out five in six scoreless innings of Friday's 7-1 victory at Miami in his major league debut. The right-hander was part of last month's trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas.

"So far it's a real good trade. He came as advertised," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "He told us and we were told that he likes to pound the strike zone with all of his pitches and he showed that he's able to do that."

Eickhoff also delivered a two-run single to add to his special night.

"It's surreal," he said. "You grow up dreaming about this and words can't describe. It's just unbelievable."

Freddy Galvis is batting .375 with five RBIs in the last six contests and .357 against New York this season. He's 3 for 6 with a double while facing Colon.

Ryan Howard has homered in each of the first two games of this set, but is batting .211 with a pair of home runs against Colon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (61-64) at Nationals (63-61)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals don't play the New York Mets for a couple of weeks, but they're already planning ahead for their final two series versus the NL East leaders.

It won't make a difference, though, unless they take care of current business.

After ace Max Scherzer's scheduled start against the San Diego Padres was bumped, Gio Gonzalez will try to lead the Nationals to their fourth straight win Wednesday night.

Washington (63-61) began preparing for a pair of September series against the Mets on Tuesday, announcing that Scherzer would be pushed back to Saturday. The move allows the Nationals to line up Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg for both sets.

Of course, none of that will matter if they can't remain close in the meantime. Washington remains 5 1/2 games back of New York after an 8-3 win Tuesday in the opener of this three-game home series.

Ryan Zimmerman hit a sixth-inning grand slam, Wilson Ramos added a two-run shot and the hot-hitting Nationals won their third in a row for the first time since July 12-17.

"It's too early to be scoreboard watching," Scherzer insisted. "It's still August."

Scherzer will give way to Gonzalez (9-6, 3.98 ERA), who allowed 11 runs and 13 hits in 7 2-3 innings while losing his last two starts. He was 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA in his previous six at home before giving up five runs over five in Friday's 10-3 loss to Milwaukee.

Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts against the Padres, but hasn't faced them since July 2013. Derek Norris has two homers and a walk in three plate appearances against him, while Matt Kemp is 2 for 5 with a homer and Justin Upton 5 for 16 with three.

Kemp went 0 for 3 Tuesday to snap a 15-game hitting streak. Jedd Gyorko was a bright spot with two homers as San Diego (61-64) dropped its second straight after a 9-2 stretch.

Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.32), whose younger brother Joe is now scheduled to start for the Nationals on Thursday, has allowed three earned runs or less in each of his last 12 starts while going 5-2 with a 2.66 ERA.

"It's going to be exciting. I know my parents are going to be excited about it," Tyson Ross told MLB's official website. "How often do you get to see both your boys throw on back-to-back nights?"

Ross gave up one run over six innings last Wednesday but didn't factor into the decision of a 3-2 home win over Atlanta.

The right-hander has been better on the road, going 4-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his last seven starts. He's 1-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two career starts against Washington, though he limited the Nats to two runs over five innings in an 8-3 home win May 14.

Bryce Harper is 2 for 3 with a home run when facing Ross, while Anthony Rendon is 2 for 5 with a homer. Ian Desmond, Yunel Escobar and Zimmerman are a combined 3 for 20.

The Nationals have hit .274 with 10 home runs and averaged 6.7 runs while winning five of seven. They've also won 11 of 15 meetings with San Diego while scoring 6.3 per game.

Washington drew seven more walks Tuesday, giving the club 45 free passes in its last seven. Ross has the second-highest walks-per-nine-innings ratio in the majors at 4.15.

"This lineup we have right now, this is what we wanted all year long," Harper said. "If we play like this, I think we'll be just fine."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (64-61) at Tigers (59-66)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 26, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Hector Santiago is supposed to be the All-Star pitcher for a playoff contender entering the prime of his career. Justin Verlander is supposed to be the fragile veteran declining from seasons of dominance.

Over the last six starts for each, those roles haven't held true.

Santiago will try to get back on track Wednesday night with the Los Angeles Angels looking to send the Detroit Tigers' former ace back to his early summer form and his club to a ninth straight loss in the series.

Santiago (7-7, 2.91 ERA) followed his first All-Star selection up with a third straight win, but he's plummeted since, going 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA in his last six. The latest was the worst for the left-hander, as Santiago gave up four runs - two earned - and three hits with four walks in 3 2-3 innings of Friday's 9-2 home loss to Toronto.

His walks per nine innings is at 3.66 during the struggles after he posted a 2.78 mark in his first 19 games.

"I was trying to hit too many spots, and when you try to make too many good pitches, you start missing," Santiago said. "My mechanics weren't there, and I just wasn't driving the ball the way I've been doing it. ... I just kind of fell apart."

He's traditionally been strong against Detroit, posting a 1.71 ERA in six starts and seven relief efforts, though it's resulted in a 1-3 record. Jose Iglesias (2 for 7) is the only Tigers player with multiple at-bats and an average over .231 against Santiago. Alex Aliva (0 for 8 with five strikeouts), Nick Castellanos (0 for 7), Rajai Davis (1 for 10), J.D. Martinez (1 for 6) and Miguel Cabrera (2 for 11) head up the struggles.

Verlander (1-6, 3.86) has his ERA at its lowest mark since his first start of the season, and his last six have been a 180-degree turn from his first six. The right-hander gave up two runs - one earned - and four hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings of Friday's 2-0 home loss to Texas.

The wins aren't yet coming, but Verlander is 1-3 with a 1.67 ERA in six starts after going 0-3 with a 6.62 mark in his first six since returning from a strained right triceps, which cost him more than two months to start the season.

"I do feel better. I've been throwing the ball better than at any point last year," Verlander said. "Obviously I'm pleased with the results, with all the work that I've put in. But it comes down to winning."

That hasn't happened consistently against the Angels with a 4-6 record and 4.07 ERA in 13 career starts. Albert Pujols is 6 for 12 against Verlander while Shane Victorino is 1 for 9.

Pujols starred in Tuesday's 8-7 win in Detroit with a three-run homer, giving him four home runs and nine RBIs in five games against the Tigers this season. His career .437 average at Comerica Park is his best at any ballpark while his 1.346 OPS is second to only Nationals Park.

The Angels (64-61) ended a four-game losing streak and extended the Tigers' slide to five. Detroit (59-66) can match a season-high five-game home skid Wednesday.

Los Angeles might have to figure something out at second base. Johnny Giavotella (undisclosed illness) landed on the disabled list Tuesday and replacement Grant Green left after three innings with a knee injury.

Cabrera was 3 for 5 with three RBIs and is batting .537 during a 10-game hitting streak. He's inching toward eligibility for his fourth batting title in five years.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (75-49) at Marlins (51-75)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jeff Locke has yet to pitch in the playoffs despite being a member of Pittsburgh's rotation for the majority of the past two seasons, and there's little reason to believe that will change if the Pirates reserve another spot in October.

If he doesn't look better Wednesday night, he might find himself out of a job by September.

Coming off yet another short outing, Locke could be pitching for his rotation spot as the visiting Pirates and Marlins continue this four-game series in Miami.

Locke (6-8, 4.56 ERA) had a 2.40 ERA prior to the All-Star break from 2013-14 that ballooned to 5.29 in the second half, and that downward trend is present again this year.

The left-hander was hardly great in the first half with a 4.03 ERA, but he's been far worse while going 1-2 with a 6.39 ERA in his past six outings. He hasn't completed six innings in any of them, needing 92 pitches to get through five while allowing each run and 11 hits in Friday's 6-4 loss to San Francisco.

"It was poor. Really poor. I just never settled in," Locke said.

Locke has allowed six homers in his last five starts, one fewer than he surrendered in his first 19. With Vance Worley pitching well for Triple-A Indianapolis, another poor start could put Locke's spot in jeopardy with rosters set to expand before his next scheduled outing.

He's 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA in his last three starts against the Marlins (51-75). One of the two homers he's allowed in those outings was hit by Giancarlo Stanton, who said Tuesday that he's about 10 days away from returning from the broken hand that's sidelined him for two months.

Locke's counterpart Wednesday has seen four balls fly over the fence in his last four outings, which wouldn't sound quite so bad if he had been on the mound at the start of any of those.

Chris Narveson (1-0, 3.86) has been in the Marlins' bullpen since arriving from Triple-A New Orleans on Aug. 5, but with rookie Kendry Flores scratched due to shoulder tendinitis, Narveson will make his first start in the majors since April 15, 2012, with Milwaukee.

The left-hander tore his left rotator cuff in that outing, spent most of 2013 in the minors and 2014 in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He had a 5.20 ERA in six starts with the Zephyrs this season.

Narveson won't be a complete unknown to the Pirates (75-49). He made five starts against them in 2010 and 2011 while with the Brewers, winning the last four behind a 2.22 ERA. He shouldn't be surprised to find Michael Morse in Pittsburgh's lineup. Morse is 6 for 9 with two homers and three doubles when facing Narveson.

The Pirates didn't have much success against another unimposing left-hander Tuesday. Brad Hand, who had never gone more than 7 1-3 innings in 38 career starts, pitched into the ninth in the Marlins' 5-2 win.

Dee Gordon had two hits and four of Miami's five stolen bases, bumping Pittsburgh's major league-leading total of steals allowed to 114.

"He was the catalyst," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said of Gordon. "He's our spark plug."

Locke hasn't allowed a stolen base in his last four starts, but he could easily find himself dealing with Gordon on the basepaths in this one. The majors' leader with a .333 average, Gordon has been even better (.354) against lefties.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (68-56) at Reds (52-72)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers have maintained their lead atop the NL West despite the fact that they've only been able to beat the Cincinnati Reds over the last week and a half.

Los Angeles reached its low point during its slump the last time Brett Anderson pitched, and he'll take the mound looking to help deliver another win over the Reds on Wednesday night in Cincinnati.

The Dodgers (68-56) took the final three of a four-game series with the Reds (52-72) that ended Aug. 16, then proceeded to drop two in Oakland and three in Houston over the weekend.

Justin Turner went 1 for 22 over his previous six before hitting a two-run homer in Tuesday's 5-1 win over Cincinnati that snapped an eight-game road losing streak. Jimmy Rollins, who was 3 for 22 during the Dodgers' five-game skid, also hit a two-run shot and doubled.

Los Angeles' offense came to life after scoring nine times while hitting .163 during its winless stretch. It has kept a slim division lead despite its recent issues with San Francisco unable to capitalize during its own slump.

'It's a very big win - needed,' Rollins said. 'It was good to get back on track. The marathon part of the season is over. Now, it's a five-week sprint.'

Anderson (7-8, 3.52 ERA) went 4-2 with a 2.43 ERA in nine starts from June 16-Aug. 5 to bring his ERA down to 3.06, but he's gone 1-2 with a 6.88 ERA over his last three. His lone victory in that stretch came when he gave up three runs in six innings of an 8-3 win over the Reds on Aug. 15 in his only career start against them.

The left-hander didn't get any support Friday as Houston's Mike Fiers no-hit the Dodgers.

"The only way we would have had a chance is if we would have (held the Astros) scoreless," Anderson said after the 3-0 defeat. "It doesn't matter if I gave up one, two, three or 10, we were going to lose. You just have to tip your cap to Fiers and move on to the next one."

Anderson again will be matched up against David Holmberg (1-3, 6.57), who allowed a career-high seven runs and five hits - including homers from Kike Hernandez, Adrian Gonzalez and Turner - while walking four over two-plus innings in the shortest of his 11 career starts.

The left-hander wasn't much better Friday, giving up two homers, five runs and a career-worst 11 hits in a 6-3 loss to Arizona.

'It was another night when the command I'm looking for wasn't there,' Holmberg said. 'I need to go deeper in the game.'

Reds starters have gotten an out past the sixth inning just twice while posting a 7.01 ERA over their last 14. The offense didn't provide much help Tuesday, mustering only Todd Frazier's RBI double in the sixth after ending a nine-game losing streak with Monday's 12-5 win over Detroit.

Frazier, Brandon Phillips and Ivan De Jesus Jr. finished with two hits apiece for the Reds, who have dropped nine of 10 at home.

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, once considered to be among the front-runners for NL Rookie of the Year, is expected to be out of the starting lineup for the fourth straight game. He's batting .093 with 24 strikeouts since July 26 and has four hits in his last 41 at-bats against left-handers.

Yasmani Grandal likely won't play until Thursday because of a sore left shoulder.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (50-74) at Braves (54-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

On one hand, Shelby Miller is on pace to join elite company for the traditionally pitching-rich Atlanta Braves. On the other, he's nearing franchise infamy.

Miller is hoping to get some run support as he tries to avoid the single-season club record for consecutive starts without a win Wednesday night against the visiting Colorado Rockies.

The right-hander has been outstanding in his first season with the Braves (54-72), allowing two earned runs or fewer in 19 of 25 starts.

Miller (5-10, 2.50 ERA) is on pace to become only the third Atlanta pitcher to finish with a 2.50 ERA or lower while making at least 25 starts since 1990. Greg Maddux accomplished that five times and Tom Glavine did it once during their illustrious tenures.

The All-Star, though, has dropped nine decisions during a 17-start winless streak in which he's had an MLB-low 1.55 run-support average. It's the franchise's third-longest such stretch since 1966 behind Carl Morton's 22-game streak in '75-76 and Jo-Jo Reyes' 18-gamer in '08-09.

He's also tied with Morton and Huck Betts (1935) for the longest single-season drought since 1914.

"It's tough," right fielder Nick Markakis told MLB's official website. "It's frustrating for him and for us. We just got to keep plugging away."

The Braves provided three runs for Miller on Friday, but hurt him with some shoddy defense in a 5-3 loss at Wrigley Field. He allowed five runs - three earned - and struck out eight over 6 1-3 innings.

The 24-year-old has been particularly good at Turner Field, posting a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. However, he hasn't received any runs there in five of his last seven outings.

Miller gave up a season-high five earned runs and 11 hits over five innings in a 5-3 loss at Coors Field on July 10. But he's 2-0 with an 0.60 ERA in two career home starts versus the Rockies.

Carlos Gonzalez homered off Miller at Coors, but could miss his second straight game after hurting his right knee Monday. Nolan Arenado is just 1 for 9 in the matchup.

Colorado (50-74) batted .158 while totaling eight runs during a five-game road losing streak before DJ LeMahieu went 3 for 4 with three RBIs in Tuesday's 5-1 win that evened this series. Charlie Blackmon extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a first-inning single.

The Rockies are turning to former Atlanta farmhand Yohan Flande (3-1, 3.94) in the finale as they try to win back-to-back games for only the second time since the All-Star break.

The left-hander is 2-0 with a 3.90 ERA in five starts since joining the rotation. He worked a career-high seven innings Thursday, yielding two runs and three hits in a 3-2 win over Washington.

"He's not scared - that's one of the biggest things," manager Walt Weiss said. "He attacks the strike zone, and the ball moves."

Flande will get his first look at an Atlanta team that went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position Tuesday in its eighth loss in nine games. Third baseman Adonis Garcia made three errors.

Markakis stayed hot with two hits and the only RBI, leaving him with a .433 average and six RBIs over his last seven games. Cameron Maybin, who has four straight two-hit home games, is likely to be back in the lineup after getting Tuesday off.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (64-61) at Rays (62-63)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Chris Archer is coming off perhaps the best performance of his career in time to possibly continue his dominance against the Minnesota Twins.

The Tampa Bay Rays right-hander looks to remain undefeated against the Twins, who will try for their first six-game road winning streak in eight seasons Wednesday night.

Five days after Archer (11-9, 2.77 ERA) allowed eight runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 12-4 loss at Texas, he tossed a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts in Thursday's 1-0 win at Houston.

'He's the real deal," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said.

With 205 strikeouts, the first-time All-Star reached 200 for the first time in his third full season to join Scott Kazmir, David Price and James Shields as the only pitchers in Rays history to fan that many.

'There's really no better feeling than when you accomplish your goals and it happens so infrequently that it's very exhilarating,' he said.

Manager Kevin Cash continues to be impressed with the mental approach Archer brings to each outing.

'He takes a lot of pride in every five days going out there and giving us an opportunity to win," Cash said. "By knowing what he says and what he's about, he was definitely motivated simply because he expects a lot of himself to help this team."

Archer's received only five runs of support while going 0-2 with a 3.24 ERA in his last four home starts. He hasn't, however, needed much offense against Minnesota (64-61), winning all four outings with a 0.74 ERA. He allowed only his second earned run in those starts over six innings in an 11-3 win at Target Field on May 17.

"Archer is nasty, said All-Star second baseman Brian Dozier, who is 0 for 10 against him but homered in Tuesday's 11-7 victory.

Rookie Miguel Sano had a three-run homer for the Twins, who have won five straight after being swept in a three-game set at Yankee Stadium to open this 10-game trip. Sitting one-half game out of the AL's final wild-card spot, Minnesota last won six straight on the road in August 2007 - four years before its most recent six-game overall winning streak.

Sano has homered in back-to-back games and five times while recording 12 RBIs in the last eight.

Teammate Tyler Duffey (2-1, 4.60) allowed six runs on two homers in two innings of a 9-7 loss at Toronto in his major league debut Aug. 5, but has yielded two runs over 13 2-3 innings to win the next two. He gave up both runs and scattered 10 hits in 7 2-3 innings of Thursday's 15-2 rout of Baltimore.

"For the most part, (the curveball) is always my put-away pitch," the right-hander told MLB's official website. "It's just one of those things where if they are swinging at it, I'm going to keep throwing it."

He'll face a Tampa Bay club that overcame an early 3-0 hole to forge a 5-all tie on Tuesday before its four-game home winning streak ended.

Appealing his one-game suspension for making contact with an umpire Saturday, James Loney recorded his second straight three-hit home game and had three RBIs. He's batting .479 with 13 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak against the Twins.

It's uncertain when outfielder Desmond Jennings (knee) and catcher Curt Casali (hamstring) will be available for the Rays after both were injured Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (53-73) at Indians (59-66)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Cody Anderson was supposed to pitch for Single-A Lake County to start the week, but rather than a low-level rehab start, the Cleveland Indians rookie is jumping back to the majors to fill in for Carlos Carrasco.

Anderson has been on the disabled list since Aug. 8 with a left oblique strain, and his return will come at least a few days earlier than expected Wednesday night as the Indians host the Milwaukee Brewers in the conclusion of a two-game series.

Considering how his first four big league starts went and the shift that followed, a new beginning might be appealing for Anderson (2-3, 4.31 ERA). The right-hander was 2-1 with a 0.89 ERA in his first four starts. After the All-Star break, he was 0-2 with a 10.19 mark in his next four.

With Carrasco landing on the DL with a sore shoulder, Anderson is hoping health will send him back toward more favorable numbers, though the depth of his rehab was a bullpen session Friday.

"I was trying to rear back and throw it even harder," Anderson told MLB's official website. "That's when I felt it and just kind of became ineffective after that.

"It's just really hard to pitch with that. It's kind of like the backbone of pitching, your side, driving to the plate. It just wouldn't allow me to get through the ball."

Anderson also needs some improvement at home. He's 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in four starts at Progressive Field compared to a 3.20 ERA in four on the road.

Milwaukee's Jimmy Nelson is further along into discrediting his early season struggles. Nelson (10-9, 3.60) was 3-8 with a season-high 4.64 ERA through his first 14 starts. In 11 since, the right-hander has a 2.39 ERA.

He's been even better since the All-Star break, going 4-0 with a 2.15 mark in seven outings for easily the best stretch of his career.

Cleveland's Abraham Almonte is 2 for 2 with a home run against Nelson, and the center fielder's triple was just a small part of the offense in Tuesday's 11-6 win over Milwaukee.

Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley all went 3 for 4 with Brantley connecting on a pair of two-run homers. The left fielder is batting .385 with a 1.083 OPS in 33 games since the All-Star break, and Lindor is 10 for 16 with two homers and five RBIs in four games.

Kipnis is 12 for 17 in his last four games at Progressive to boost his MLB-leading home average to .383.

The Indians (59-66) weren't able to get on any kind of roll on their preceding 5-6 road trip, but they've won six of eight at home with 8.8 runs per game.

The Brewers (53-73) have lost three straight. Despite Nelson's success, the starting staff has a 9.51 ERA over a 2-5 span. Two errors didn't help Tuesday as Milwaukee's 92 for the season matched Pittsburgh's total for the most in the NL.

"We gave them some runs," manager Craig Counsell said. "We have to play a cleaner game. It's hard enough, but giving the other team runs makes it real hard."

Four home runs, two of which came from Jonathan Lucroy, weren't enough for Milwaukee to keep up with Cleveland. Lucroy has three homers in his last two games after totaling four in his first 81 contests of the season. The catcher is a career .322 hitter with a .908 OPS against AL teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (70-55) at Rangers (64-60)

Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 26, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Ending a 21-year playoff drought appears inevitable for the Toronto Blue Jays, who should credit general manager Alex Anthopoulos for being aggressive in the trade market.

A night after Troy Tulowitzki's late hit helped put Toronto alone atop the AL East, David Price looks to guide the Blue Jays to a fifth straight victory when he faces the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night in Arlington.

Toronto (70-55) has won 20 of 24 since Anthopoulos traded for Tulowitzki on July 28, and the club moved a game ahead of the New York Yankees with Tuesday's 6-5 victory in the opener of this three-game series.

Tulowitzki's two-out RBI single in the ninth tied it before Josh Donaldson, a front-runner for the AL MVP after being acquired from Oakland in the offseason, hit a high chopper to Adrian Beltre. The Rangers' third baseman made a wide throw to first, and his error allowed Ben Revere to score the go-ahead run.

"(Tulowitzki is) one of the best players in baseball, has been for a number of years," manager John Gibbons said. "Right guy, right time."

Chris Colabello, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion homered for the Blue Jays, who are poised to make their first postseason appearance since winning the second of back-to-back World Series titles in 1993.

Price (12-4, 2.40 ERA) has been doing his part, going 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA in four starts since coming over from Detroit at the non-waiver deadline. He gave up two runs and struck out nine in eight innings of Friday's 9-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

The left-hander received three runs of support combined in his final three starts with the Tigers, the same amount he got before he even took the mound against the Angels. The majors' top offense has provided him with an average of 6.82 runs per nine innings.

"When you have your go-to guy on the mound and you get three early runs, he was in cruise mode from there," said Revere, who was acquired from Philadelphia at the trade deadline. "(Price) gets that edge. You look in his eyes, and he's all about his game."

Price is 2-2 with a 7.36 ERA in five career starts in Arlington, but he pitched a complete game the last time he was there to lead Tampa Bay over the Rangers 5-2 on Sept. 30, 2013, in a wild-card tiebreaker.

Elvis Andrus is 10 for 23 lifetime against Price and went 2 for 4 on Tuesday. Rougned Odor homered and had an RBI double, but he left with a finger injury suffered warming up before the start of the seventh inning.

The Rangers (64-60) had their three-game winning streak snapped and their lead for the second wild card trimmed to one-half game over the Angels and Minnesota.

"It's not fun to lose, and it's not fun to lose like this," said closer Shawn Tolleson, who blew his second save in 27 chances.

Texas has lost seven of the last eight home meetings with the Blue Jays and sends Colby Lewis (14-5, 4.29) to the hill looking to get back on track.

Lewis' 6.95 run-support average - ranked fourth in baseball - is part of the reason he's looking to become the AL's second 15-game winner after Houston's Dallas Keuchel beat the Yankees on Tuesday.

The right-hander hasn't needed much offense lately, though. He gave up one run in a 12-4 win over Tampa Bay on Aug. 15 before giving up six hits over seven innings of a 2-0 win over Detroit in his first scoreless outing since May 1.

Lewis, though, has a 7.12 ERA in nine career starts against Toronto.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (57-69) at White Sox (59-65)

Game: 3
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 26, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Chris Sale has mentioned throughout his successful career that there's a time to enjoy personal accomplishments. With the Chicago White Sox trying to remain a relevant postseason contender, this is not one of them.

The left-hander can help that cause while trying to win a season-high fourth straight start Wednesday night against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Sale (12-7, 3.34 ERA) has a 2.11 ERA in his last three starts, and struck out a two-game club record 29 in the last two. He leads the AL with 222 strikeouts - four shy of his career high set in 2013.

Sale's 12.16 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest in baseball since Randy Johnson's 13.41 in 2001. His swing-and-miss percentage of 33.8 also is the highest since Pedro Martinez's 35.8 in 1999. However, with Chicago (59-65) struggling to remain a serious playoff contender, he doesn't have time to really consume that personal success.

'It's something I'll look back on at the end of the season and probably appreciate it a little more then," Sale said.

If Sale's to win a fourth consecutive start for the first time since 2012, he'll need to be better than July 30 when he allowed seven runs and a career-high 12 hits in five-plus innings of an 8-2 loss at Boston (57-69).

That defeat ended a season-high seven-game winning streak for Chicago, and also began its current 10-15 stretch. However, the White Sox evened this three-game series with a comeback 5-4 victory Tuesday.

"You continue to play hard and be optimistic," said Chicago manager Robin Ventura, whose club is five games out of the final wild-card spot but has four teams ahead of it.

Trayce Thompson delivered a go-ahead two-run double and had one other RBI as Chicago scored three times in the seventh inning to keep from wasting a 15-hit performance Tuesday. Thompson is 12 for 23 with five RBIs in his first 11 major league games.

'He belongs here and he knows that,' Ventura said. 'The way he's taking at-bats, he's going up there being aggressive and confidence is high with him right now.'

Though Thompson has not faced Rick Porcello (5-11, 5.81), plenty of his teammates have fared well against the right-hander.

Melky Cabrera is batting .545 in 22 at-bats and Avisail Garcia .467 in 15 against him. Meanwhile, Adam LaRoche, Geovany Soto, Carlos Sanchez and Adam Eaton are a combined 15 for 28 against Porcello, who has a 7.90 ERA while losing his last three starts against Chicago.

He'll come off the disabled list from a strained triceps to pitch for the first time since giving up six runs and 10 hits in two-plus innings of a 9-2 loss to the White Sox on July 29.

"He's worked hard to get back to this point," interim manager Torey Lovullo told MLB's official website. "He's had a couple of real good rehab outings. I'm anxious to see what it looks like (Wednesday)."

With two hits Tuesday, Boston's Mookie Betts is batting .327 with nine RBIs in his last 11 games. He's 2 for 3 with a pair of doubles against Sale.

David Ortiz is batting .385 against Sale and Xander Bogaerts is 4 for 8 with a home run.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (62-63) at Royals (77-48)

Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 26, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

It's all but assured that the Kansas City Royals will be AL Central champions and part of the playoffs for a second straight season. It's also becoming apparent that they won't be seeing the Baltimore Orioles there again.

The Royals seek their ninth straight win over the spiraling Orioles on Wednesday night as Johnny Cueto looks to rebound from a dismal performance.

With a 13-game lead in the Central and the best record in the league, it's looking very likely that Kansas City (77-48) will be a division winner for the first time since 1985. The Royals made their first playoff appearance since that year last season and swept the Orioles in the ALCS en route to the World Series.

After scoring seven runs in the sixth inning to take Monday's opener 8-3, Kansas City had no need for a comeback Tuesday in a 3-2 victory. Kendrys Morales homered and three relievers worked 3 1-3 scoreless innings to lift the Royals to their 14th win in 18 games and 12th in 14 at home.

'They did an awesome job,' Royals manager Ned Yost said of his bullpen. 'It's what they do.'

Mike Moustakas added a run-scoring single and is batting .375 with three homers and eight RBIs during a six-game hit streak.

A slumping offense continues to plague Baltimore (62-63), which has scored 15 runs and batted .225 during a season-high six-game skid to fall below .500 for the first time since July 26. The Orioles last dropped seven in row as part of a nine-game slide July 4-15, 2011.

'We've just got to figure out a way to score more runs,' manager Buck Showalter said. 'That's one of the reasons why they're sitting where they are, is they don't give up many."

Several of their best hitters are slumping at the worst time. Chris Davis is 0 for his last 16 with nine strikeouts, while Manny Machado is batting .154 in the losing streak.

Both will get their first look at what should be a very motivated Cueto (2-2, 3.00 ERA), who was roughed up for seven runs and a career-high 13 hits over six innings in a 7-2 loss at Boston on Friday.

That performance came after the right-hander allowed six runs in his first four starts with Kansas City.

"Just a bad outing. I'm going to keep my head up and get them next time," Cueto told MLB's official website through an interpreter.

Cueto has quickly taken a liking to pitching at Kauffman Stadium, going 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA in two starts there since joining the Royals.

He has never faced the Orioles but is plenty familiar with Gerardo Parra, who is 7 for 23 with two home runs in their matchups.

Baltimore hopes Wei-Yin Chen (7-6, 3.13) can continue his string of solid outings. The left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA in his last three starts and was in line to win his fourth straight decision Friday against Minnesota. He allowed one run in six innings but the bullpen faltered in a 4-3 loss.

He'll oppose the Royals for the first time since a 2-1 loss in Game 3 of the ALCS. Chen is 1-2 with a 4.07 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City but has a 2.55 ERA in the past three.

This has been a very favorable matchup for Eric Hosmer, who is 9 for 20 with two homers and a double against Chen. Lorenzo Cain (.400) and Ben Zobrist (.371) have also hit him well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (80-45) at Diamondbacks (62-63)

Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 26, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

It's not all that uncommon for the St. Louis Cardinals to reach 35 games over .500 in a season. It's less common for them to do it this early in the year, but when they do, a trip to the World Series has almost always followed.

The next step is ensuring themselves at least a .500 season, and that foregone conclusion can come as early as Wednesday night in Arizona while marking their fastest pace to 81 wins since 2004.

After Tuesday's 9-1 win over the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals (80-45) are 35 over in 125 games or fewer for the 13th time in franchise history.

Of the previous seven times they've done it in the World Series era, they've reached the Fall Classic six times. The only exception came in 1941 when they missed out on the NL pennant by 2 1/2 games to the Brooklyn Dodgers despite finishing 41 games over.

This team also remains in a competitive division race with Pittsburgh sitting 4 1/2 games back and Chicago 6 1/2, giving the Central the top three teams in the NL - though St. Louis hasn't given up any ground on a three-game winning streak.

"We keep track of (the record) but we're right in the middle of a dogfight in our division," manager Mike Matheny said. "I think it's good for us, to be honest with you, just keep pressing and make sure we're not backing off. There's no time for that."

Yadier Molina had two RBIs for a third straight game and Tommy Pham went 3 for 5 to improve his average to .400 in the last six after batting .160 in his first 15.

"They seem to be pretty energized," Arizona manager Chip Hale said. "I don't know if it is hitting in our ballpark. Some teams have come in here and done that but they are really playing well."

Arizona (62-63), which has topped out at 81 wins over the past three seasons, is in danger of matching a season-worst four-game home skid.

Paul Goldschmidt was 2 for 2 but is batting .247 in 23 games this month.

The Cardinals have won 11 of the last 12 in the series, but road wins haven't come easily with John Lackey on the mound.

The Cardinals are 10-3 when Lackey (10-8, 2.99 ERA) starts at home and 3-9 on the road - despite being eight games over .500 as a team. He's been given better run support on the road (4.52), so it falls back on his 4.40 away ERA opposed to a 1.91 home mark.

The trend continued in Friday's 9-3 loss in San Diego as the right-hander gave up five runs - four earned - and nine hits in six innings. While it ended a string of 12 straight quality starts, plenty of blame landed on the three errors made behind him in a five-run fifth.

"First couple of innings I felt as good as I have felt all year," Lackey said. "It came down to that fifth inning. I struck out the side that inning. I felt pretty good."

Lackey is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts against the Diamondbacks, but he hasn't seen them since 2010.

He'll face Patrick Corbin (3-3, 4.09), who hasn't lost in his last five starts but deserved to his last time out. The left-hander gave up four runs and eight hits in two innings of Thursday's 5-4 win in Cincinnati for his worst start of the season, regressing after going 2-1 with a 2.67 ERA in his previous five starts.

The 26-year-old is making his 10th start back from Tommy John surgery.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (73-51) at Giants (66-59)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 26, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

Spending 19 consecutive days in your home city is a rarity during the season, and the Chicago Cubs took full advantage while adding to their lead for the final NL playoff spot.

They seem to be just as comfortable now that they're back on the road.

Chicago can put more distance between itself and the San Francisco Giants in the wild-card race by winning a seventh straight game Wednesday night.

The Cubs (73-51) began their extended Windy City stay by sweeping a four-game series against the Giants (66-59) from Aug. 6-9. They played three road games on the South Side against the White Sox in that stretch as they became the first team since Pittsburgh and Montreal in 2001 to play at least 17 straight in its home city.

Chicago went 14-3 during that run, capped by Kris Bryant's walkoff homer to beat Cleveland on Monday, then matched its 2014 win total with an 8-5 victory over San Francisco on Tuesday to open a six-game trip.

Kyle Schwarber hit a three-run homer and is batting .342 in 21 road games since making his major league debut June 17. He's the first Cub since 1900 to hit 12 homers in the first 42 games of his career.

The rookie went 1 for 19 over his previous five.

'I've been struggling lately but I felt good in the box,' Schwarber said. 'I still have to learn to put yesterday behind and move on. We're just trying to maintain our focus throughout the game.'

Miguel Montero had a two-run shot and Starlin Castro also homered while finishing with three hits for Chicago, which has won 21 of 25 and leads the Giants by 7 1/2 games for the NL's last postseason slot. It also pulled to within two games of wild card-leading Pittsburgh, which fell to Miami earlier Tuesday.

San Francisco has dropped six of eight to fall further back of the second wild card, which it held by one-half game over the Cubs prior to their series at Wrigley Field. The Giants' best shot of returning to the postseason appears to be winning the NL West, in which they trail Los Angeles by 2 1/2 games.

They had won 13 of their previous 15 at AT&T Park.

Jake Peavy (3-6, 4.35 ERA) pitched the finale of the last series with the Cubs, throwing five innings of a 2-0 loss. He's allowed nine runs and 16 hits in 11 2-3 innings over two starts since, falling 4-0 to Pittsburgh on Thursday.

The right-hander had posted a 1.59 ERA over his previous three starts prior to facing Chicago.

Peavy is 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts against the Cubs since joining the Giants, and he'll oppose Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 4.03) in this contest.

The Cubs have won Hendricks' last five starts, but his ERA has jumped more than a quarter of a run while he's posted a 7.24 mark over his last three. The only time the right-hander went beyond the fifth in that stretch was when he got one out in the sixth of an 8-6 win over San Francisco on Aug. 8.

Hendricks is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in his last three on the road.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

These MLB clubs are runaway money makers when betting the runline
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

The bulk of our season-long MLB betting analysis focuses on specific trends as they pertain to wagering on the moneyline, since it’s the most popular selection for baseball bettors. However, we’re going to shift gears for a bit to talk about the runline, which is essentially baseball’s way of incorporating a pointspread.

How it works is quite simple, as the favorite is listed at -1.5 runs while the underdog is posted at +1.5 runs. Betting the favorite means you have to win by two or more runs, while supporting the dog requires a worst-case-scenario loss of no greater than one run.

Many bettors prefer to take advantage of the runline as opposed to the moneyline because it offers up the opportunity to bet on favorites with less risk. For example, starting pitcher Jacob deGrom and the Mets were posted as -250 moneyline favorites for their showdown with Philadelphia (+210) Monday night. But the runline offered the opportunity to play New York -1.5 at the more reasonable price of -130, with the Phillies available to purchase at +1.5, +120.

As it relates to the 2015 MLB season, let’s commence our analysis by examining which clubs have performed at the most profitable of levels in regards to the runline:

Stats and record as of August 15, 2015.

Top-5 MLB runline teams (PLAY ON)

1. Texas Rangers: 75-48 (.610)
2. Minnesota Twins: 73-51 (.589)
3. Kansas City Royals: 69-54 (.561)
T4. Tampa Bay Rays: 69-55 (.556)
T4. Toronto Blue Jays: 69-55 (.556)
T4. San Francisco Giants: 69-55 (.556)

It comes as no surprise to see Kansas City and Toronto on this list, as both clubs not only sit atop their respective divisions at the moment, but are a combined 42 games over .500 entering Tuesday’s slate of action.

In addition, the defending champion San Francisco Giants may find themselves 1.5 games out in the National League West, but the Orange & Black currently rank seventh in run differential.

What bettors should be paying particular attention to is the fact that big profits have been there for the taking when it comes to Texas, Minnesota and Tampa Bay, who are a combined six games over .500 through approximately 124 games of action. That’s the type of runline production that pads a bankroll.

Bottom-5 MLB runline teams (PLAY AGAINST)

1. Seattle Mariners: 52-72 (.419)
T2. Washington Nationals: 52-70 (.431)
T2. Los Angeles Dodgers: 53-70 (.431)
4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 54-70 (.435)
5. Boston Red Sox: 55-69 (.444)

At 12 games under .500 despite a Top-5 payroll, the Red Sox have been an absolute dumpster fire this season. Similar sentiments can be echoed regarding the Mariners, who were a very popular World Series pick prior to the start of the 2015 campaign.

Where the real money has been available for the taking has been in fading current playoff contenders the Nationals, Dodgers and Angels. Despite owning a collective mark of 14 games above .500, those clubs combine for a staggering 51 games under .500 in regards to the runline.

To put that in perspective, it’s been just as lucrative this season betting on the Minnesota runline as it has been wagering against the Washington runline.

Top-5 MLB runline teams coming off a win (PLAY ON)

1. San Francisco Giants: 42-24 (.636)
2. Minnesota Twins: 39-23 (.629)
3. Texas Rangers: 39-24 (.619)
4. Houston Astros: 41-28 (.594)
5. Tampa Bay Rays: 36-26 (.581)

Four repeat offenders appear on this list just as they did the Top-5 list above, but the important note to take away from this information is as follows: Not only are these five clubs producing significant profits as it relates to runline bets following a win, but three of them (San Francisco, Minnesota and Texas) are cashing at the highly lucrative rate of more than 60 percent. When these organizations win, they tend to do so in bunches.

Bottom-5 MLB runline teams coming off a win (PLAY AGAINST)

1. Seattle Mariners: 19-37 (.339)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: 26-41 (.388)
3. Boston Red Sox: 22-34 (.393)
4. Cleveland Indians: 23-35 (.397)
5. Oakland A’s: 22-31 (.415)

Eliminate the Oakland A’s and you’re left with four teams who are providing returns of 60 percent of higher when it comes to fading a club on the runline following a win. That’s the type of profitability that puts one in excellent position for the start of football season in September.

Top-5 MLB runline teams when playing on the road (PLAY ON)

1. Texas Rangers: 48-17 (.738)
2. Tampa Bay Rays: 39-23 (.629)
3. Minnesota Twins: 38-24 (.613)
4. Arizona Diamondbacks: 38-26 (.594)
5. New York Mets: 36-25 (.590)

A warm welcome to the Diamondbacks and Mets for making an appearance in this column, but don’t lose sight of what’s really important here: In this wagering subset, the Texas Rangers are winning at the astronomical rate of 73.8 percent. Not only that, but once again, Tampa Bay and Minnesota are producing returns north of 60 percent. These are certainly three teams worth monitoring very closely over the rest of the regular season.

Bottom-5 MLB runline teams when playing on the road (PLAY AGAINST)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: 21-40 (.344)
2. Washington Nationals: 29-37 (.439)
3. Philadelphia Phillies: 30-36 (.455)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates: 28-31 (.475)
5. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 28-30 (.483)

We’ve already discussed how surprising it is to see playoff contenders like the Nationals and the Dodgers on this list, and it’s as equally unsurprising to observe a bottom-dweller like Philadelphia make an appearance on a bottom-5 gambling rundown. But how about the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Andrew McCutchen & Co. currently rank third in MLB in total wins and fifth in run differential while owning an ultra-impressive 44-20 mark when playing within the friendly confines of PNC Park. Despite all the success the Pirates have enjoyed this season, the Bucs are still three games under .500 when it comes to runline road wagers. Be sure to keep this in mind as the playoff push heats up in September.

Stay patient, pick your spots and best of luck this week!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rays 1B Loney suspended one game
The Sports Xchange

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman James Loney was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount on Tuesday for bumping an umpire during Saturday's game against the Oakland Athletics.

The suspension and fine was announced by Joe Garagiola Jr., senior vice president of standdards and on-field operations for Major League Baseball. Loney made contact with home-plate umpire Paul Nauert after a called third strike.

Loney was to serve the suspension on Tuesday night when the Rays play the Minnesota Twins, but he appealed the ruling and the penalty will be delayed until he receives a hearing.

In 71 games this season, Loney is hitting .260 with four homers and 24 RBIs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Angels 2B Giavotella goes on DL
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Los Angeles Angels placed second baseman Johnny Giavotella on the disabled list Tuesday with a "personal medical condition" and recalled right-hander Drew Rucinski to fill the vacant roster spot.

Giavotella is expected to miss at least two weeks because of the undisclosed problem. He has started 114 of 124 games at second base for the Angels this season.

Grant Green, a Triple-A call-up, is expected to fill in at second until Giavotella returns.

Giavotella is batting .265 with three homers and 40 RBIs in 119 games this year.

Green, a former first-round draft pick, has spent most of this season in the minor leagues, batting .306 with five home runs and 43 RBIs in Triple-A. He also has appeared in 15 games for the Angels and has a .214 average with no homers and two RBIs.

In the past two seasons, Green is batting .259 with one homer and 30 RBIs in 88 major league appearances

Rucinski has started 20 games for Triple-A Salt Lake this year and has a 5-6 record with a 5.68 ERA. In three games and one start for the Angels, he is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

McHugh dealing, but Astros supplying no run support
Justin Hartling

Through four starts in August, Collin McHugh has been lights out, but the Houston Astros are just 1-3 in those games. McHugh has a stellar 1.67 ERA with a 28/8 strikeout-to-walk ratio so far this month.

However those four games have seen the 'Stros score a combined seven runs, including just three in the three losses.

McHugh and the Astros face off against the Yankees Wednesday in New York.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hernandez is struggling mightly this month
Justin Hartling

In case you somehow missed it, Felix Hernandez has looked rather pedestrian in his recent outings. In August so far, Hernandez has posted an 8.18 ERA while allowing 20 earned runs over 22.0 innings pitched.

The Mariners have managed to go 2-2 in those four starts despite Hernandez' struggles. The former Cy Young winner entered the month with a 3.02 ERA and has since jumped to 3.74.

The M' will host the Oakland A's Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

CC Sabathia used to be one of the best pitchers in baseball, but there was always a fear that his weight would end up shortening his career. And that might be the case as the Yankees have placed the big lefty on the DL with a troublesome knee injury that not only might end Sabathia's season but potentially his career. He had to leave Sunday's game against the Indians with "stabbing" pain in his right knee. That right knee has taken a lot of punishment with Sabathia, who is north of 300 pounds, having thrown more than 3,300 pro innings. He had knee surgery in 2010 and more issues there limited him to eight starts in 2014. He basically has no cartilage left in there. Do I think Sabathia retires? No, as he's due $25 million next year and with a $25 million vesting option in 2017. But maybe he and the team work on a buyout.


Astros at Yankees (-148, 7.5)

Sabathia's loss isn't really much of an issue with the Bombers as he was just 4-9 with a 5.27 ERA. Plus, New York gets back one of its best starters on Wednesday in Michael Pineda (9-7, 3.97). He hasn't pitched in the majors since July 24 due to a forearm injury. Pineda allowed one run on three hits while striking out three and walking zero in 4.2 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday. He lost in Houston on June 28, allowing three runs over eight innings. Carlos Correa is 2-for-3 with two doubles off him. Chris Carter is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts. Houston has lost three straight starts by Collin McHugh (13-7, 3.96) even though he has allowed only four earned runs in that stretch. Alex Rodriguez is 1-for-3 off him.

Key trends: The Astros are 9-1 in McHugh's past 10 vs. teams with a winning record. The Yankees are 5-1 in Pineda's past six vs. teams with a winning record. The "over/under" has gone under in four straight McHugh starts. The under is 4-1 in Pineda's past five.

Early lean: Yankees and under.


A's at Mariners (-166, 6.5)

You could see Seattle make a trade here soon as center fielder Austin Jackson, who will become a free agent after this season, has cleared waivers. Jackson, who was part of that three-way David Price trade with Detroit and Tampa last summer, is hitting .259 with 34 RBIs in 101 games this season entering Tuesday. I'm definitely interested to see how Seattle ace Felix Hernandez (14-8, 3.74) looks here as the former Cy Young winner is just 2-3 with an 8.48 ERA in his past five starts. He is 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts vs. Oakland in 2015. Josh Reddick is just a .149 hitter off him in 47 at-bats. Stephen Vogt is 9-for-15 with a homer off Hernandez. Oakland's Chris Bassitt (1-5, 2.48) continues to get little run support. He is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in two appearances (once start) vs. the M's this year. Nelson Cruz is 1-for-3 off him with a double.

Key trends: The A's are 1-4 in Bassitt's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The Mariners are 1-4 in Hernandez's past five vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 5-1 in Bassitt's past six. The under is 4-1-1 in Hernandez's past six vs. Oakland.

Early lean: Mariners and under.


Padres at Nationals (-191, 6.5)

Washington is running out of time to catch the Mets in the NL East, but perhaps the Tuesday return of outfielder and leadoff man Denard Span from a long stay on the disabled list will spur the club. I don't think there's any argument that the Nats' Max Scherzer (11-10, 2.79) is one of the best pitchers in MLB, but somehow he hasn't won a game at home since no-hitting Pittsburgh on June 20. Scherzer hasn't lasted longer than six innings in his past four outings overall. Perhaps Matt Kemp gets this game off as he's just 1-for-24 career off Scherzer with seven strikeouts. Justin Upton is 0-for-5 with three punchouts. It's Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.32) for Washington. San Diego's Petco Park is maybe the most pitcher-friendly park in MLB yet Ross has a much better 2.71 ERA away from there this season. Span is 4-for-12 off him. Bryce Harper is 2-for-3 with a solo homer.

Key trends: The Padres are 4-0 in Ross' past four on the road. Washington is 1-5 in Scherzer's past six following a quality start in his last appearance. The under is 9-1 in Ross' past 10 on Wednesday. The over is 5-2 in Scherzer's past seven at home vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: Nationals and under.


Rockies at Braves (-136, 7.5)

Monitor the status of Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez for a few days as he left Monday's game with a knee injury and is being called day-today. He has been killing the ball since the All-Star break with 17 homers and 36 RBIs. So it might be a bit easier lineup to face for Atlanta's Shelby Miller (5-10, 2.50), who brings a 17-start winless streak into this one. One of those came July 10 in Colorado where Miller allowed five runs and 11 hits over five innings. Gonzalez is 1-for-6 career off him with a homer. Colorado lefty Yohan Flande (3-1, 3.94) beat Washington last time out, giving up two runs and three hits over seven. He has never faced Atlanta.

Key trends: The Rockies are 2-5 in Flande's past seven on the road. The under is 8-1 in Miller's past nine.

Early lean: Braves and under.


Cubs at Giants (-112, 7)

This is your ESPN Wednesday night game and thus will have live betting at sportsbooks. The Cubs go with Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 4.03). They have won his past five outings. That includes Aug. 8 vs. the Giants where Hendricks allowed three runs and five hits over 5.1 innings. Brandon Belt is 1-for-2 with a homer and two RBIs off him. Buster Posey is 1-for-3 with a strikeout. The Giants' Jake Peavy (3-6, 4.35) lost on Aug. 9 in Chicago, allowing two runs over five innings. He is 2-2 with a 4.13 ERA in five home starts in 2015. Chris Coghlan is a .308 hitter off him in 13 at-bats. Miguel Montero is 6-for-24 with two doubles and a homer.

Key trends: The Cubs are 1-4 in Hendricks' past five on Wednesday. The Giants are 8-1 in Peavy's past nine on five days of rest. The over is 8-1 in Hendricks' past nine road starts against teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Cubs and over.