Wednesday 8/31/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Thistledown - Race #6 - Post: 4:10pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,500 Class Rating: 62

Rating:

#4 COMEDY ZONE (ML=5/2)


COMEDY ZONE - My expertise says this is the lone stalker in the race. Looking at today's class rating, this thoroughbred is up against an easier bunch than last time out at Indiana Downs. Maiden is switching to the dirt, and may not have liked the turf last out. Has a good chance to be a winner for the first-time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 HIGH BELIEVING (ML=3/1), #7 WILD SUNNY (ML=7/2), #3 HIGUEY (ML=5/1),

HIGH BELIEVING - This pony ran a disappointing speed fig last time around the track. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will likely get beat in today's race running that number. WILD SUNNY - Not likely that the speed rating he earned on August 13th will hold up in this race. HIGUEY - Ran somewhat erratically last out on Aug 13th at Thistledown.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Play #4 COMEDY ZONE to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:

4 with [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST

The With Anticipation Stakes

8½ FURLONGS INNER TURF GRADE II TWO YEAR OLDS STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#7 KEEP QUIET
#3 MY BO CHOP
#2 MADE YOU LOOK
#4 ARDMORE BAY

This race for 2-year-olds on the turf, the With Anticipation was inaugurated in 2005 and named in honor of the gelding who won five Grade 1 races and more than $2.6 million for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. A gray son of Relaunch owned by George Strawbridge, With Anticipation made his first start as a 2-year-old in 1997, but didn't hit his best stride until 2001, when he began campaigning primarily on the grass. The following year, at age 7, he won three straight Grade 1 events, the United Nations Handicap, his second straight Sword Dancer Invitational, and his second straight Man o' War. He was retired in 2004. Here in the 12th running of this graded stakes test, #7 KEEP QUIET, a French bred entry, is the speed and pace profile leader in this field, and comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his last start, which was just the 3rd race of his young career to date. #3 MY BO CHOP, who was also bred in France, has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of his respective three career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his 2nd race back. Jockey Javier Castellano and Trainer Todd Pletcher send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 55% of their entries saddled as a team to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 8/31 Analysis + Pick Four Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

1,3,4 / 2,3,4 / 4,5,9 / 1 = $27

Best Bet: OLIVIA V (7th)

Spot Play: THE PRICE YOU PAY (12th)


Race 1

(2) CYRANO JONES has hit the board in all six starts on the year. The pacer finds a weak field and has flashed a decent burst of speed. (5) POR QUE NO owns a win at this level and has been improving. (6) HEART OF GLASS finally got a victory last start against similar; threat.

Race 2

(4) WILD NORDIC has some question marks coming off two straight breaks. The 11-year-old has been competitive against much better on the year. (2) TOES closed up a lot of ground late from a tough spot last start. (9) SPIES AN LIES has been close at this level in two of three.

Race 3

(3) KIRKTONS CREDIT is probably the horse to beat if the pacer minds his manners. (2) ROCKIN TO THE MOON well bred pacer should offer a big price and looks to be in line for a nice trip up close. (6) RADIO LOVER drops back down against weaker; threat.

Race 4

(2) WHITE EARNIE six-year-old trotter has raced really well on the front end; fires early. (4) HEMLOCK BLITZ will offer good value and his been knocking on the door. (8) BLACK DENIM N LACE has dominated in two straight but could be in for a much tougher trip this week.

Race 5

(5) RULER'S BEST will look to make it two straight wins against similar. (3) MCNICE owns a win at this level but needs a smooth trip to score a victory. (6) SHELL BELL raced really well last week just missing to the top choice.

Race 6

In a weak field full of question marks, (4) FLYIN ORION has been improving each week and will offer a decent price. (5) YOUHADMEFROMHELLO filly was finally competitive last week hitting the board for the first time in eight career starts. (1) REBEL ROCK RUSTY sophomore pacer gets the best post and will offer a big price.

Race 7

(2) OLIVIA V was much better for the new barn in victory last out. The 6-year-old can make it two straight with a similar effort. (9) KARMA KWEEN pacing mare was sharp in victory last week. If the driver can work out a smooth trip from the second tier she should be in the mix. (1) HAPPY FEET TOO had no excuse last week off soft fractions; command a price.

Race 8

(3) BOLD DECISION owns a win against tougher on the year and looks to offer the best price of the contenders. (4) BORN TO ROCKN ROLL the pacer has just been racing evenly but picks up a significant driver change. (1) AHEAD OF THE CURVE gets sent out for proven connections with the best post.

Race 9

In a tough race to gauge, (3) SECOND CHANCE raced well for being off over a month last start and has room to improve. (2) FOREVER LOVER shows some competitive lines at this level despite only one win on the year. (4) CALL ME ELIZABETH doesn't win often but has hit the board in two of three against similar.

Race 10

(4) LOVE YOU BAD is very inconsistent from week to week. If the 4-year-old gelding puts forth his best effort he's the horse to beat. (5) DRIVEN TO SUCCEED pacer is 0 for the year but could hit the ticket with a good setup. (9) WELCOME WAGON pacer gets sent out for the top barn and owns wins against better on the year.

Race 11

(1) MS SOLONGBYEBYE mare gets the best post in a field full of question marks. (4) CLASSIC SAKURI mare has hit the board in three straight and picks up a positive driver change. (7) DESPERATE CROWDS will look to make it two straight in a new barn. The pacer will offer a big price and just needs to find a way into the race.

Race 12

(1) THE PRICE YOU PAY will be used aggressively down in class with the best post. (3) FOX VALLEY ARMOR pacer is capable of a good effort when right. (4) BIG BOSSMAN owns an easy win at this level and picks up a top driver.

Race 13

(7) DRINKSONTHEHOUSE has a lot of question marks coming into the race off a scratch, however if the trotting mare is right she can score at a price. (3) B COR THOMAS picks up a huge driver change in an inconsistent field. (9) ZORGWIJK MERCEDES it's tough to believe the trotter is 0 for the year; use underneath.

Race 14

(9) SHIRLEYS DREAM filly is 0 for the year but has been facing much tougher. (1) HULA LU drops in class with the best post. (2) FOREVER LUCKY has just been racing evenly; use underneath.

Race 15

(5) STEVIE DIAMONDS pacer was heavily bet as the favorite against a much tougher field last start. (2) JUST HENRY pacer has room to improve third start back off a layoff. (9) CMR WINDMACH needs a fast pace to close into for his best chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Del Mar (3rd) Dixie Dame, 7-2
(8th) Fast Magoo, 9-2


Delaware Park (3rd) Amble Along, 8-1
(9th) Hey Let's Salsa, 4-1


Finger Lakes (2nd) Noon, 4-1
(9th) Reaction Rate, 4-1


Indiana Grand (4th) Lucky Giant, 3-1
(6th) Biscuits N Gravy, 5-1


Louisiana Downs (2nd) R J Note, 3-1
(6th) Lukes Bad Boy, 8-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Fire on Fire, 6-1
(6th) Honkeytonk Man, 9-2


Presque Isle Downs (5th) Arctic Joy, 3-1
(6th) A.A. Fratello, 3-1


Remington Park (2nd) Jackie Blu, 7-2
(7th) Miz Oklahoma Blues, 8-1

Saratoga (3rd) Stony Brook, 3-1
(4th) Marriage Fever, 9-2


Thistledown (2nd) Golden Empress, 3-1
(6th) High Believing, 3-1


Woodbine (1st) Phil's Glory, 5-1
(4th) River Maid, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Orioles close gap in AL East
By The Sports Xchange

BALTIMORE -- Matt Wieters hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Baltimore Orioles a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the middle game of a crucial three-game series Tuesday night.
The Orioles (72-60) pulled within three games of first-place Toronto (75-57) in the American League East race. Baltimore snapped the Blue Jays' four-game winning streak with the key victory, as a loss would have left the Orioles five back with only 30 games left.
Jonathan Schoop started the game-winning rally with a two-out walk off Jason Grilli (4-2). Wieters then crushed the first pitch for a two-run homer to right that snapped a 3-3 tie.
Brad Brach (8-2) got the victory thanks to 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Zach Britton came on the ninth and earned his 39th save in 39 chances this season.

Rangers 8, Mariners 7
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rougned Odor was 3-for-5, including a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, in Texas' comeback victory over Seattle.
Odor hit a 2-2 pitch from Edwin Diaz that drove in Adrian Beltre for the Rangers' sixth walk-off win of the season.
Texas has won four consecutive games and remained 7 1/2 games up on Houston in the AL West. Seattle fell to 9 1/2 back.

Indians 5, Twins 4
CLEVELAND -- Jason Kipnis and Rajai Davis homered and the bullpen pitched seven scoreless innings as Cleveland beat Minnesota at Progressive Field.
The loss is the 12th in a row for the Twins, the third-longest losing streak in team history.
Cleveland trailed 4-1 in the second inning as starter Josh Tomlin only recorded five outs before being removed from the game. But the Indians offense clawed its way back into the lead, and the bullpen made it stand up.

Rays 4, Red Sox 3
BOSTON -- Evan Longoria did it to the Boston Red Sox again.
The Tampa Bay third baseman hit his 30th career home run -- his third in the last week -- against Boston to snap a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning, and the Rays came from behind to stun the Red Sox in the second game of a three-game series.
After Luke Maile tied the game with a two-run shot off Boston starter Drew Pomreanz with two outs in the seventh, Clay Buchholz (5-10), relieving for the second consecutive night, served up Longoria's 21st homer of the year. It was the 16th long ball of Longoria's career at Fenway Park.

Braves 7, Padres 3
ATLANTA -- Julio Teheran got some rare run support from his Atlanta teammates and took advantage, winning his first game at home this season and first overall since June 19.
Teheran, the Braves' All-Star Game representative, struck out eight and walked none over seven innings in a victory over San Diego that ended an eight-start winless streak for the right-hander.
In his third start since returning from a stint on the disabled list with a lat strain, Teheran (4-9) allowed a two-run homer by Oswaldo Arcia, but just five other hits while lowering his ERA slightly to 3.12.

Tigers 8, White Sox 4
DETROIT -- JaCoby Jones had two hits and knocked in two runs in his major league debut and Ian Kinsler drove in four runs, powering Detroit to a victory over Chicago at Comerica Park.
Jones, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day, drove in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning double and added an RBI single the following inning.
Kinsler supplied a two-run homer and two-run single, while J.D. Martinez had three extra-base hits, including a solo homer. Bruce Rondon (5-2) got the win with an inning of scoreless relief.

Mets 7, Marlins 4
NEW YORK -- Jose Reyes collected four hits and Curtis Granderson hit two homers -- one as a pinch-hitter and one after remaining in the game as the right fielder -- as New York beat Miami in a battle of National League wild-card contenders at Citi Field.
The Mets have won the first two games of this four-game series and eight of their last 10 overall to move ahead of the Marlins in the NL East for the first time since July 25. The two teams began play Tuesday 2 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second NL wild-card spot.
The Marlins have lost four straight and six of their last eight.

Nationals 3, Phillies 2
PHILADELPHIA --- Trea Turner, a July call-up, collected two more hits Tuesday, and helped back a strong outing from starter Max Scherzer in Washington's win over Philadelphia.
Turner posted his 15 multi-hit game in August alone. He also raised his average for the month to .357 (45-for-126). Turner is two hits from tying the Nationals/Expos franchise record for a month, a mark shared by Daniel Murphy (May 2016), Marquis Grissom (June 1994) and Al Oliver (August 1982).
Coming off one of his most dominant performances of the season, Scherzer (15-7) was near-untouchable early and merely terrific late.

Astros 3, Athletics 1
HOUSTON -- Colby Rasmus made a triumphant return from the disabled list and Evan Gattis blasted a home run in support of Colin McHugh, who pitched six scoreless innings in the Houston's victory over Oakland at Minute Maid Park.
Rasmus, sidelined since Aug. 5 following surgery to remove a cyst in his right ear, smacked his 13th home run and added his 17th outfield assist while Gattis blasted his 22nd home run to carry the Astros to a series victory over Oakland.
McHugh (9-10) outdueled Athletics right-hander Kendall Graveman (10-9), who lost for only the third time in his last 12 decisions. McHugh allowed just five baserunners over his six innings while recording five strikeouts for his second consecutive victory.

Cubs 3, Pirates 0
CHICAGO -- Right-hander Kyle Hendricks scattered three hits over seven shutout innings as Chicago beat Pittsburgh.
Hendricks (13-7) struck out four and walked one while picking up his fourth win and second shutout in August. Carl Edwards blanked Pittsburgh in the eighth, and closer Aroldis Chapman worked a one-two-three ninth for his 31st save of the season and 11th with the Cubs.
The Cubs won for the sixth time in eight games and extended the lead in the National League Central to 14 1/2 games over the second-place St. Louis Cardinals. They also clinched the series entering the Wednesday finale of a three-game set.

Cardinals 2, Brewers 1
MILWAUKEE -- Randal Grichuk's 10th-inning RBI single to shallow right right drove in the go-ahead run as St. Louis beat Milwaukee at Miller Park.
Jhonny Peralta reached three times and Yadier Molina got on twice from St. Louis and kicked off the late rally by opening the 10th with a single and ground-rule double, respectively, off Corey Knebel (0-2), setting the stage for Grichuk's go-ahead hit.
The Brewers loaded the bases in the 10th against Matt Bowman but Zach Duke struck out pinch-hitter Manny Pina for his first save of the season.

Yankees 5, Royals 4 (10 innings)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jacoby Ellsbury's 10th-inning infield single with two out scored pinch runner Aaron Hicks as New York outlasted Kansas City.
The Royals loaded the bases in the 10th with one out, but failed to score. Chasen Shreve got the final two outs for his first career big league save.
Ellsbury's sharp grounder ricocheted off pitcher Joakim Soria to third baseman Christian Colon for his fourth hit. That matched Ellsbury's career high, the 14th time in his career he had four hits.

Angels 4, Reds 2
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- C.J. Cron hit two home runs and drove in three runs to lead Los Angeles to a win over Cincinnati in front of 33,042 at Angel Stadium.
Cron hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning and added a solo drive in the third to increase his season total to 14. Mike Trout and Andrelton Simmons added three hits apiece for the Angels, who have won six of their last seven games.
Right-hander Jered Weaver earned his second consecutive win. Weaver (10-11) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings, issued no walks and collected five strikeouts.

Diamondbacks 4, Giants 3
SAN FRANCISCO -- Zack Greinke remained unbeaten in his career at AT&T Park, pitching six strong innings in Arizona's victory over San Francisco in the opener of a two-game series.
Welington Castillo capped a four-run fifth inning against Giants starter Johnny Cueto with a two-run single, helping the Diamondbacks win for the 13th time in their past 18 games at San Francisco.
Greinke, who helped pitch the Los Angeles Dodgers to National League West titles over the Giants in each of the past three seasons, aided his old mates' cause again, helping them extend their lead atop the division over San Francisco to two games.

Dodgers-Rockies (rained out)
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies had their game rained out at Coors Field in Denver.
The teams will make up the contest as part of a split doubleheader Wednesday, with the games to start at 3:10 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (63-68) at Tigers (71-61)

Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 31, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- JaCoby Jones began the season as a Double-A player serving a lengthy suspension. He heads into the final month as the Detroit Tigers' choice to boost their inconsistent attack.

The 24-year-old Jones had his contract purchased from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday and was immediately inserted into the lineup at third base. He delivered in his first game, rapping out two hits and driving in two runs in an 8-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

He'll likely make his second start in a Wednesday afternoon matinee against White Sox ace Chris Sale.

"I always had it in the back of my mind I was good enough to come up this year," Jones said. "I didn't know, since I got suspended, I'd get the chance this year. When I got the call last night everything came true."

The Tigers acquired the versatile Jones from Pittsburgh during last season's trade deadline in exchange for veteran reliever Joakim Soria.

Jones was handed a 50-game suspension in November for a second violation of the Major League Baseball joint drug prevention and treatment program.

Once he was eligible to return, Jones quickly advanced through Double-A Erie. He hit .312 in 20 games and was promoted to the Mud Hens. He got off to a slow start there but perked up in August, hitting .269 with 14 runs scored in 28 games.

A natural shortstop, Jones mainly played centerfield in Triple A but also saw time at third base. The Tigers are hurting at both positions, with third baseman Nick Castellanos on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured hand and center fielder Cameron Maybin battling a thumb injury that kept him out of Tuesday's game.

"We'll see if he can inject a little bit of life in the offense," manager Brad Ausmus said. "Mac (Toledo manager Lloyd McClendon) said he's been swinging the bat a lot better lately."

The Tigers haven't needed a whole lot of offense with Justin Verlander on the mound. Verlander, who will make his 28th start of the season on Wednesday, has strung together nine consecutive quality starts. He ranks second in the American League with 189 strikeouts and is tied for fifth with 14 wins.

Sale has lost five of his last six decisions spanning eight starts, though he has allowed three or fewer runs in six of those outings. One of those losses came against Detroit, when he gave up a late pinch-hit home run to J.D. Martinez in a 2-1 defeat on Aug. 3.

Sale recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts in his last start against Seattle but the White Sox lost 3-1.

"He had a complete game in the last one," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Sometimes, the offense needs to pick up the pitching. Q's (Jose Quintana) been dealing with it for a few years, not getting a whole lot of support. Whether it's hard luck, if that's what you want to call it, I don't know. But they've been pitching well, I know that."

Verlander will be making his 38th career start against the White Sox but they've only faced him once this season. Verlander collected a win on June 5 while holding them to two runs in seven innings.

"We haven't faced him in awhile but numbers-wise and when you watch him on film, his velocity's back up there and his command is a little better than it's been," Ventura said. "A guy who still has that kind of stuff is always going to be a quality pitcher, an elite pitcher. You better get your runs early when you're facing him because he gets better as he goes along."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (56-75) at Red Sox (73-59)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 31, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

BOSTON -- Drew Smyly has a chance to break a team record Wednesday when he closes the Tampa Bay Rays' three-game series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The left-hander, who faces Steven Wright as he tries to help his team win the three-game series in the rubber game, has thrown 20 1/3 straight scoreless innings -- eight this season -- against the Red Sox. The Rays' record is the 25 1/3 straight spun by Matt Garza against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008.

Smyly, who pitched eight innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts against Boston in April, comes into this start 6-11 on the season. But he is 4-0 with a 2.82 ERA in his last seven, lowering his season ERA from 5.64 to 4.80, and going at least six innings in all seven starts.

Smyly shook off a shaky first inning that saw him throw 34 pitches, and needed only 55 more to get through the next five in his last start, a no-decision against the Houston Astros.

"I guess I was just nibbling a little bit in the first couple of innings," Smyly said after that game. "Just missing. Got behind in the count. Made it hard on myself. But I was happy to get out of the first with just two runs. My pitch count was up, so in my head I was just thinking attack, go right at them and see how long you can last."

The last-place Rays lost that game.

Smyly is 3-1 with a 1.48 ERA in nine games -- seven starts -- against the Red Sox lifetime, 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA in four appearances at Fenway.

Only two of Boston's better hitters have done well against Smyly -- David Ortiz 5-for-14 and Mookie Betts 5-for-15. Dustin Pedroia is 2-for-16, Xander Bogaerts 3-for-15, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Travis Shaw both 1-for-9 and Brock Holt 1-for-7.

Wright makes his second start since coming back from a shoulder injury suffered diving back into second base as a pinch runner in Los Angeles, gave up five runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out one, against the Kansas City Royals in his return last Friday night.

He struggled with his delivery early in that game but was, like Smyly, better as the game went on.

"It was fair to say that the first inning or two ... he was trying to establish a release point after some down time," manager John Farrell said before Tuesday night's game. "He really settled in after that and was, I think, very sharp the final four innings, with the normal action and violence to his knuckleball."

Wright, one of the pleasant surprises that have helped the Red Sox back into contention after another last-place finish, is 13-6 with a 3.18 ERA -- 9-2, 3.62 in his last 14 starts.

This will be the first time he's faced the Rays, but comes in 6-3 with a 1.89 ERA in nine career starts against the American League East.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (68-64) at Rangers (79-54)

Game: 3
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 31, 2016 2:05 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers meet in a matinee on Wednesday in a matchup of right-hander Felix Hernandez and lefty Martin Perez.

The Rangers are seeking a sweep and a fifth consecutive victory. Seattle has lost four straight and eight of its last nine games.

Texas, now 25 games over .500 for the first time since the 2012 season, triumphed Tuesday on Rougned Odor's walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth. It marked the Rangers' sixth walk-off victory of the season.

"All I can say is don't ever think there's not heart, passion in this club ... determination," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "Look, I've said it before, they never believe they're out of any single game. No matter the score, no matter the situation, no matter who's on the mound, they continue to amaze me every single night with things they do, how they do it."

At 10-4, Texas has clinched the season series from Seattle and is 5-1 on the current 10-game homestand.

After Tuesday's game, the Rangers are 30-8 in one-run games.

Perez, 1-6 in his last 10 starts, will be looking to extend the pitching staff's streak of consecutive games without a home run to nine. Conversely, Texas out-homered opponents 11-0 in the last eight games. Perez (8-10, 4.45 ERA), making his career-high 28th start, has quality starts in both outings against Seattle this season, both in Arlington. Against the Mariners, he's 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA. He has induced a major league leading 34 double play balls.

"We're in a tough stretch playing really good teams," Seattle manager Scott Servais said.

The Mariners will counter with Hernandez (9-4, 3.14). He is 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA in his last three starts and 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his last seven outings.

The right-hander, though, is 7-10 with a 4.01 ERA in 22 starts at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Kyle Seager (.347), Leonys Martin (.328) and Shawn O'Malley (.314) are all hitting better than .300 against lefties since July 20.

On Tuesday, the Mariners scored four or more runs for only the second time in their last nine.

Also expected back is Nelson Cruz, who sat out Tuesday's game with a nerve issue in his right hand. Cruz suffered the injury on a check swing Sunday. The former Rangers outfielder has 97 home runs in Arlington, seventh-most by any player.

"We had really good at-bats," said Seager, who has reached base safely in 47 of his last 53 games, dating to June 28. "The guys didn't quit even when we were down. I'm really proud of our guys. The line was moving. It was good to see. We did enough offensively."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (57-75) at Astros (70-62)

Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: August 31, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- With right-hander Collin McHugh producing six scoreless innings on the heels of the scoreless start delivered by rookie right-hander Joe Musgrove the evening before, the Astros might be on the brink of creating the momentum with their starting pitching that they'll need entering a rigorous stretch of their schedule.

After completing their three-game series with Oakland on Wednesday, the Astros (70-62) will contest a make-or-break run of 13 games against first-place teams in Texas (away and home), Cleveland (away), and the Chicago Cubs (home). And while the Astros will need help from their inconsistent offense and exceptional bullpen, their rotation will set the pace over the next couple of weeks.

"We're going to need our starting pitching to pitch well to get where we want to get," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We're going to expand rosters in September and bring up a little more velocity and have a couple different options, but the tone has always been set on this team by our starting pitchers. And we've always felt very comfortable with a lead so we all have to work in conjunction. The tone that the starters have been able to set getting into games, we generally win those games."

Right-hander Mike Fiers (9-6, 4.40 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Astros in the series finale with Oakland, against whom he has struggled in two starts this season.

Fiers, whose last scoreless start came on July 1 against the White Sox, is 0-1 with a 6.74 ERA against the Athletics, having allowed eight runs on 12 hits and three walks with 10 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings. Fiers is winless in five career starts against Oakland, going 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA.

Left-hander Ross Detwiler, selected from Triple-A Nashville on Aug. 10, will make his fifth start for Oakland (57-75). Detwiler (1-3, 5.74 ERA) has allowed 14 runs in 14 innings over three starts, all losses, after tossing eight scoreless innings in his first start with the Athletics. He was traded to Oakland from Cleveland on July 17.

Detwiler is 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against Houston. While the Astros are seeking to build momentum through their rotation for a postseason berth, the Athletics are looking toward development, with right-hander Kendall Graveman pitching well yet again despite taking a 3-1 loss Tuesday.

Graveman is 9-3 with a 3.36 ERA over his last 17 starts. Entering Tuesday, his eight wins since June 23 were tied for third most in the American League, and while the Astros bested him with a pair of home runs from Colby Rasmus and Evan Gattis, Graveman showed again that he just might be turning a developmental corner.

"This is a guy that we felt like when we made the trade (with the Blue Jays on Nov. 28, 2014) had a high ceiling," Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. "He's shown spurts similar to the ways he's pitching, maybe not this consistent, but he's really taken ownership of the fact that he's the last of the Mohicans here as far as the starters we have and has really pitched like a guy who wants to pitch in the top of the rotation. His numbers would suggest he has here recently."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (56-76) at Giants (71-60)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 31, 2016 3:45 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO -- No team played a bigger role in Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller getting demoted to the minors this season than the San Francisco Giants.

So it's fitting then that Miller, in his return to the majors Wednesday, gets to put his new form on display against the Giants.

Miller will be promoted from the minors to start the series finale between the Diamondbacks and Giants, Arizona manager Chip Hale announced before Tuesday's 4-3 win in the series opener.

Miller earned the second chance by responding well to his July 14 demotion. He went 5-1 with a 3.91 ERA with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate in Reno.

After being acquired over the winter from the Atlanta Braves, Miller lasted only 14 starts before losing his job.

Three of those 14 were against the Giants. None went well.

Miller walked five in just two innings on April 21, but was pulled early enough to enable the Diamondbacks to rally for a 6-2 win.

There were no such comebacks the next two times, when he allowed eight runs in 11 2/3 innings, suffering losses in 3-1 and 6-4 defeats.

It was quite a reversal of form for Miller, who entered the season 2-1 against the Giants with a 1.71 ERA.

This season, it's 0-2 with a 6.59.

Miller was 2-9 with a 7.14 ERA at the time of his demotion. His ERA remains the highest in baseball for guys with 14 or more starts.

"We're definitely excited," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale gushed after Tuesday's win. "He's been throwing the ball well. He's excited to be back, and we're excited to have him back."

No doubt, the Giants will be excited to see anybody but Zack Greinke, who remained unbeaten (4-0) at AT&T Park with six strong innings in Tuesday's win.

Miller will be up against a guy at the other end of the success spectrum from him.

Giants left-hander Matt Moore will be making his first start since nearly no-hitting the rival Los Angeles Dodgers last Wednesday.

Moore came within one out of a no-hitter in the 4-0 win, throwing a career-high 133 pitches in the process.

The trade-deadline acquisition from Tampa Bay got a standing ovation from Giants fans for just showing up at the first game of their current homestand Friday.

Suffice it to say, he has yet to earn one with his pitching at AT&T Park. He's gone 0-2 at home since joining the Giants, having allowed eight runs in 11 innings (6.55 ERA) against the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.

He has faced the Diamondbacks only once in his career and took the loss, allowing five runs in seven innings (6.43 ERA).

The Giants were held to three or fewer runs for the fourth time (all losses) in their last eight games in Tuesday's loss, but Giants catcher Buster Posey isn't concerned.

"You just have to play the next game," he noted. "I'm sure you're getting tired of hearing that. But we get tired of hearing those questions, too, sometimes."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (73-58) at Rockies (63-68)

Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: August 31, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies took the field, and left-hander Tyler Anderson was throwing warm-up pitches in heavy rain Tuesday night before the umpires called for the tarp.

Two hours, 32 minutes after the scheduled first pitch, the game between the Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers was officially rained out.

The teams will play a day-night doubleheader Wednesday. The regularly scheduled game is set for 1:10 p.m. MDT, followed by the makeup game at 6:10 p.m. MDT.

Anderson will start the first game Wednesday and be opposed by right-hander Ross Stripling, who was scheduled to start Wednesday for the Dodgers.

In the second game, right-hander Jeff Hoffman, who was scheduled to start Wednesday for the Rockies, will oppose Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill, who was in line to pitch Tuesday.

Both teams can add a 26th player to the roster for the second game.

"It just kept building and building," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said of the storm. "The weather's unpredictable around here. We thought it was going to be a little fly-by at first -- 20- to 30-minute delay. And it just never went away."

Anderson (4-5, 3.69 ERA) rode a bike and played catch intermittently during the delay. Once the break reached two hours, Weiss said Anderson was not going to take the mound if play had started.

The manager said Anderson will have no restrictions in his start Wednesday and likened his warming up in the bullpen and then on the mound before the delay as similar to a side session.

One of Anderson's 14 major league starts came against the Dodgers. He picked up a win Aug. 3 by throwing seven innings of two-run ball during a 12-2 decision at Coors Field.

Hoffman will make his third major league start and his third against a division leader after facing the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals.

"I couldn't ask for it any better," said Hoffman, who is 0-2 with a 8.10 ERA. "I think it lined up perfect for me. It's a great challenge."

In a 9-2 loss against the Cubs at Coors Field on Aug. 20, Hoffman gave up just two hard-hit balls in a pitching line that was deceptively bad -- four innings, seven hits, seven runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

At Washington on Sunday, Hoffman allowed six hits, including two solo homers, and four runs, three earned, in six innings. He walked four and struck out three in Colorado's 8-5 loss.

"The pitches that I've gotten hurt on have been big misses, and that's not something that I've done a lot in my career," Hoffman said. "I think I pride myself on missing my spots small. I learned when I was young -- aim small, miss small.

"But I've been running balls back over the plate. Big league hitters know what to do with balls when you make mistakes. So I think the key is to miss a little bit smaller. When I miss smaller with those pitches, then you keep the ball in the yard. And that's the key, especially pitching here."

His Wednesday night opponent is coming off an impressive debut for his new team. Hill (10-3, 2.09 ERA overall) fired six shutout innings Aug. 24 in a 1-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. The veteran left-hander, who was acquired by the Dodgers from the Oakland Athletics along with Josh Reddick on Aug. 1, was out for a month due to blisters on his left middle finger.

Stripling (3-5, 4.13 ERA) will oppose the Rockies for the first time in his rookie season.

The Rockies will enter the doubleheader with a three-game winning streak and a 11-15 record this month. The Dodgers have won six of their past nine games and are 14-12 this month.

The first-place Dodgers, who entered Tuesday with a 1 1/2-game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West, have allowed just 29 unearned runs and made only 58 errors -- league-best totals in both categories.

"I think the reason we don't beat ourselves is something we talked about from day one in spring training is focusing for three hours," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "In the course of a 162-game season, there's going to be lapses and physical errors. But our guys do a very good job of playing every pitch. And as easy as that sounds, that's very difficult to do over the course of six months."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (77-55) at Phillies (60-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 31, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- With the final month of the season about to get under way, the Washington Nationals have established a commanding lead in the National League East.

Now it's about putting in the finishing touches, with the focus on a deep run in the playoffs.

And that means first getting a little bit of rest.

Wednesday is the last day of 20 straight days with a game for the Nationals (77-55), as they'll close out a series with the Phillies.

"We've got one more game to go now," manager Dusty Baker said on Tuesday night after his Nationals topped the Phillies, 3-2. "It's 20 in a row, and we're assured of .500 during this time. We really wanted this one tonight because now we're 10-9, and after tomorrow hopefully we're 11-9 and take a break in New York."

The long stretch of games might cost one Nationals player a chance at a club record -- rookie shortstop Trea Turner, whose 45 hits in the month of August are the most ever by a Washington rookie and just two back of several players for the most ever in a month by any player in the Nationals/Expos franchise, regardless of experience.

But Turner has played in all 19 of those consecutive games, and even with an off day looming on Thursday, Baker doesn't want to wear out his newest sensation before the playoff run.

"He hasn't played much in September in his career, and he definitely hasn't played any in October. I've got to preserve him and I'll probably give him tomorrow off, because I'm certainly not going to give him off in New York, in that big series."

"Who knows," Baker added, "He might get in the game and get two anyways."

The Phillies (60-72) are in a bit of a skid, having lost six of eight. It's a crucial time for a still-young squad to flip the script and approach .500 by the end of the year, but they'll have to do it against familiar competition.

They're in the middle of 16 consecutive games against NL East opponents (Aug. 26-Sept. 11), and they are 1-5 start to start that span. Up next are three games against the Braves, followed by series at Miami (Sept. 5-7) and Washington (Sept. 8-11). Still remaining are six games against the Mets and three at Atlanta to close out the year.

Things will have to get started with an offense that's managed just 2.3 runs per game during the last eight.

"We have to get hits to score runs if we want to win games and we're just not doing it," manager Pete Mackanin said. "We're just not scoring."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (75-57) at Orioles (72-60)

Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 31, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles scored a big victory over the first-place Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night. Now, the question is, can Baltimore come up with one more in Wednesday's finale of this crucial series.

Matt Wieters hit a tie-breaking eighth-inning homer, giving the Orioles a 5-3 victory on Tuesday. That brought Baltimore (72-60) to within three games of the Jays (75-57) and one behind Boston (73-59), who also lost Tuesday.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said there is no doubt that was a big win but the Orioles also need another Wednesday and more after that.

"If you look at who you're playing and who you're chasing, and how many games are left, I'm not going to deny that storyline," Showalter said. "But it's still another ... it's part of the journey and a part of the challenge that you face trying to do what we're trying to do."

Wieters put it very simply when asked about the importance of the series finale. He said that they've got to put the dramatic Tuesday victory away.

"We've got to come back and win another one tomorrow," Wieters said.

Toronto manager John Gibbons said his team is very much aware of what is coming in the final weeks -- American League East baseball.

In fact, 24 of the Jays' last 31 games will be in the division. So he said it's about continuing to play good baseball at the right time. The Jays got hot late last year and ran to the division title -- and it's looking like they're starting to do something like that again.

"We know what we're up against, some good teams, teams that we always have battles against," Gibbons said. "So you never feel great. You've still got to play them. Really, anybody gets hot at the right time, or cools off...a lot of teams, that's all it takes sometimes. There's not a lot of games left but there is a lot of games left."

The Jays will send right-hander Aaron Sanchez (12-2, 2.99 ERA) to the mound versus Baltimore right-hander Yovani Gallardo (4-6, 5.69 ERA) on Wednesday.

Toronto has been watching Sanchez's innings count carefully as he was mostly a reliever before this season and hadn't pitched more than 92 1/3 innings in a season.

But Sanchez already is at 156 1/3 innings over 24 starts, and the Jays last started him on Aug. 20. He had been sent down to Class A Dunedin to do some work since then, and this will be his first major-league appearance since that start.

Gallardo has struggled off and on all season. He pitched better in four straight starts before giving up eight runs in 1 1/3 innings in the Aug. 26 loss against the Yankees in New York.

Adam Jones has missed four straight games for Baltimore with a strained hamstring but Showalter said he is close to returning.

Toronto will need to open a spot for Sanchez, and Gibbons said Tuesday night that Darwin Barney is going home to take care of some personal business. Ryan Goins will join the team and take his spot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (55-76) at Angels (58-74)

Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 31, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Two years ago, Brandon Finnegan introduced himself to major-league baseball as a reliever during the Kansas City Royals' run to the World Series. On Wednesday, Finnegan will seek to build on his recent success as a starter when his Cincinnati Reds face the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

Opposing him will be right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who has yet to win a game since the Minnesota Twins sent him to the Angels at the trading deadline.

Finnegan enters the game following two stellar performances. Against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 20, the left-hander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before finishing with eight strikeouts while permitting just two walks and one hit in an 11-1 rout.

Reds manager Bryan Price told MLB.com that Finnegan was "as sharp as I've seen him this year."

Then on Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Finnegan amassed a career-high 12 strikeouts in six innings while conceding just two runs, two walks and three hits for his fifth quality start in six appearances. In three of those starts, the left-hander pitched shutout baseball.

Friday night's performance provided a distinct contrast from Finnegan's last start against Arizona on July 24, when he allowed six runs on seven hits in five innings of a 9-8 loss.

"Last time I faced these guys, I didn't have a change-up," he told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "They were definitely gearing for a fastball matchup. That's why they were missing the change-up so much."

But since that loss, Finnegan won three of four decisions.

Finnegan made seven relief appearances in the playoffs for Kansas City after being recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas in September 2014. He became first player in major-league history to pitch in a World Series and a College World Series in the same year, when he played for TCU. The Reds acquired Finnegan in a four-player trade for right-hander Johnny Cueto five days before last year's trading deadline.

"This kid has got all the guts in the world, and he throws strikes," Art Stewart, the Royals' long-time scouting director, told the New York Times in 2014.

Nolasco, on the other hand, lost his last four starts, five successive decisions overall and eight of his past nine since June 13. The right-hander has not earned a victory since July 9. Three weeks later, the Angels acquired him from the Twins in a four-player trade for left-hander Hector Santiago.

Yet in his past two starts, Nolasco showed signs of ending his funk. On Aug. 20, the right-hander did not issue a walk and retired 12 consecutive New York Yankees between the second and sixth innings of a 5-1 loss.

Then on Friday night, Nolasco pitched five shutout innings before the Detroit Tigers scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for a 4-2 win. J.D. Martinez had a run-scoring double and Justin Upton hit a two-run home run.

"I was able to make pitches and get out of those few innings before," Nolasco told the Orange County Register. "But it the sixth it was two hanging sliders that were the difference in the game. It came down to two pitches, and they didn't miss them."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (67-65) at Mets (68-64)

Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: August 31, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- The Miami Marlins will only have to look across the field to find inspiration Wednesday night, when they make their latest attempt at snapping out of an extended offensive slump in the third game of a four-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The Mets hit three homers Monday as they beat the Marlins, 7-4, for their second straight win and their eighth victory in the last 10 games overall dating back to Aug. 20. New York has scored 60 runs in those 10 games after scoring 60 runs in 15 games from Aug. 4 through Aug. 19.

The surge -- which has vaulted the Mets (68-64) past the Marlins (67-65) in the National League East and drawn New York within 2 1/2 games of the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the second NL wild card spot -- has been fueled by the return of Jose Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes, all of whom were on the disabled list earlier this month.

Reyes went 4-for-5 with two runs scored Tuesday while Cabrera had two hits, including a two-run homer. It was his fourth homer in his last 11 games. Cespedes was 0-for-5 Tuesday but hit the game-winning homer in the bottom of the 10th inning of Monday's 2-1 win.

"You see the value of having those guys back in the lineup," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We've got a lot of ways to strike."

The Marlins, meanwhile, continue to look for a spark with their two best power hitters, Giancarlo Stanton and Justin Bour, out indefinitely due to groin and ankle injuries, respectively.

Manager Don Mattingly juggled his lineup Tuesday, when Christian Yelich made his first career start in the cleanup spot. Yelich responded by hitting a two-run homer in the first inning, but Miami didn't score again until J.T. Realmuto homered and Dee Gordon delivered an RBI single in the ninth inning.

Mattingly, one of the most accomplished hitters in the game during his playing career, continued to preach patience Tuesday afternoon.

"There's not going to be a magic formula," Mattingly said. "It's going to be part of what we've been doing all year long. You continue to work, compete, prepare. And hitting, for me, has always been contagious one way or the other. You get a couple guys going, get a couple guys hot, the next thing you know, everybody's feeling like we're going to score runs. When it goes the other direction, (players put a) little too much pressure on themselves, then all of a sudden we're trying to do something, be somebody, that we're not."

Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon is scheduled to oppose Marlins right-hander David Phelps.

Colon earned the win in his most recent start last Friday, when he gave up four runs over seven innings and added two hits and two runs scored in the Mets' 9-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Phelps didn't factor into the decision last Friday, when he allowed four runs (three earned) over 3 2/3 innings in the Marlins' 7-6 win over the San Diego Padres.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (49-83) at Indians (75-56)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 31, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians attempt to complete a three-game sweep of Minnesota on Wednesday while handing the Twins their 13th straigth loss.

The first two contests were one-run games with Cleveland winning 1-0 in 10 innings on Monday and 5-4 on Tuesday.

The Indians are expected to have a new player Wednesday as the club, according to multiple reports, has reached an agreement with the Oakland Athletics on a trade for outfielder Coco Crisp. The official announcement will be made Wednesday. It's not known whether Crisp will be in uniform for Wednesday's game, or Friday for the start of a three-game series with Miami at Progressive Field.

In winning the first two games of the Minnesota series, the Indians received good work from their bullpen, particularly Tuesday. Struggling starter Josh Tomlin was removed in the second inning, but five relievers combined to pitch 7 1/3 scoreless innings on three hits.

"That's a lot to ask of your bullpen, but we found a way to win," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Although the acquisition of Andrew Miller in a trade with the Yankees a month ago still gets most of the attention, right-hander Dan Otero has been an equally important member of the bullpen. Otero got the win Tuesday, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings, with three strikeouts and no walks. In 50 appearances this year, he is 4-1 with a 1.25 ERA.

"He's like a wildcard for us out there," Francona said. "He can pitch anywhere, and all he does is gets outs. That's really valuable."

The Twins, meanwhile, would just like to win a game in order to avoid making some unwanted history. The Twins' 12-game losing streak is the third-longest in team history. The team record is 14 set in 1982.

Not even a sensational season by Brian Dozier is enough to make Twins manager Paul Molitor forget about the fact that the team has gone two weeks without a win.

Dozier homered on the first pitch Tuesday, giving him 12 home runs in August. That's the most home runs in a month by a Twins player since Harmon Killebrew hit 12 in July 1969.

"That's nice, but now is not the time to consider what individuals have done. Not when we're trying to get out of this (losing) streak," Molitor said.

The pitching matchup Wednesday features Cleveland's Corey Kluber versus Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24).

Kluber (14-8, 3.07 ERA) hasn't lost a game since July 3. In nine starts since, he is 7-0 with a 1.75 ERA. In 16 career starts versus the Twins, he is 6-5 with a 3.76 ERA after a 6-3 loss in mid-May when he gave up four runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Dean (1-4, 6.24) makes his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester. In his last start Aug. 26 at Toronto, he was the losing pitcher in a 15-8 loss to the Blue Jays. He gave up six runs on eight hits, including two home runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (55-76) at Braves (49-83)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 31, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- When the Atlanta Braves sent Matt Wisler back to the minors in early August, they made it clear to the young right-hander that they wanted to see more aggression and mental toughness on the mound.

Wisler showed just that on his return last Thursday in Arizona, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning and then continuing to battle after the Diamondbacks got their first hit.

"From the get-go, he just looked really focused," Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. "He was locked in and it was just like he was on a mission."

The Braves (49-83) hope to see the same mindset Wednesday night when Wisler faces the San Diego Padres (55-76) in the middle game of a three-game set at Turner Field.

"There were some things I needed to fix," said Wisler, who is 5-11 with a 4.92 ERA. "Me going down (to Triple-A Gwinnet) just allowed me to pitch without having to worry about a lot of things."

Wisler worked eight innings in the 3-1 victory at Arizona and showed that he has the stuff to get major league hitters out when he sets his mind to it.

The 23-year-old right-hander, acquired from San Diego before last season, began the season well and then went into a tailspin.

Wisler had a 3.21 ERA in his first 10 starts, limiting the New York Mets to one hit over eight innings in early May. Then he had a 7.71 ERA in the 10 starts that preceded his demotion to Triple-A.

After the outing in Arizona, it looks like he might be ready to finish strong.

"The kid has stuff," Snitker said. "We knew that when we sent him out. It wasn't about stuff, it was about the whole package. It doesn't hurt these guys to take step back to take a step forward."

Padres right-hander Paul Clemens, who will start against Wisler, also wants to finish strong as he pushes for a spot in 2017.

Clemens, who was drafted by the Braves in 2008, is 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA in 10 games (six starts) for San Diego since being claimed off waivers from Miami on June 28.

"He has the potential to pitch in the rotation for a long time," manager Andy Green said. "He just has to remain focused on what he has to do, block out what happens on the periphery. If he does that, he has enough stuff to compete and win,"

Clemens went a season-best 5 1/3 innings last Wednesday in a 6-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

"Paul has grown in just the brief time he's been with us," Green said. "He's commanding his fastball better and he's shown a little bit better control of the running game.

"He's got a great feel for his curveball and he has a changeup that he hasn't thrown as much as we'd like to see him throw. He's got really good off-speed pitches."

The Padres took two of three games from Atlanta at San Diego in early June, but the Braves won the series opener at Turner Field 7-3 on Tuesday night.

It was the first victory at home this season for Julio Teheran, who is 4-9 despite a 3.12 ERA.

The Padres also suffered an injury, with catcher Christian Bethancourt leaving with a left intercostal strain suffered on a swing.

"He's not feeling that great right now," Green said.

A trip to the disabled list appears likely, but rosters can expand on Thursday anyway.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (67-63) at Cubs (84-47)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 31, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- After giving up three runs on five hits in throwing only 39 pitches Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs are moving Jason Hammel up one day in the rotation to start Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I didn't even pitch today in my mind," Hammel told the Chicago Sun-Times after the game Saturday. "I barely threw 40 pitches. It was a side day for me pretty much."

Now Hammel, who is 3-2 in August with two straight losses, will get a chance to make amends.

The Cubs made the last-minute rotation switch Tuesday, moving originally scheduled starter Mike Montgomery to Thursday.

Montgomery, 27, acquired on July 20 from Seattle, was to make his third start with the Cubs and first against an NL Central foe. He allowed only three runs despite walking four and giving up six hits in a no-decision outing Friday at the Dodgers, a 6-4 Cubs win in extra innings, but threw a season-high 90 pitches.

"We want to get 'Hammer' back out there a little sooner, and Montgomery, coming off 90 1/8pitches 3/8 in his last outing, gives him an extra day," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday, via MLB.com. "It makes all the sense in the world to do it."

Hammel will face 39-year-old right-hander Ryan Vogelsong in a series finale at Wrigley Field.

"He's performed very well," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle of Vogelsong. "(He's) given us a chance to win every game he's pitched. He's been pitch-efficient.

"He reminds me of the generation that I kind of grew up with and played with. He's still got the core values. He's done what he need to do to improve himself and get better and he's had a very consistent and strong system in his own skill set."

Vogelsong (3-3, 3.02 ERA) makes his 18th appearance and eight start of the season in the finale of Pittsburgh's seven-game road trip.

Wednesday's appearance would be Vogelsong's sixth this month. He's 2-2 with a 2.48 ERA in that span, including a 5 1/3 inning outing and win against the Brewers last Friday in Milwaukee.

Vogelsong rejoined the Pirates in 2016 after five seasons with the San Francisco Giants and three seasons prior to that in Japan.

He suffered a left eye injury when he was hit by a pitch from Rockies starter Jordan Lyles on May 23. Vogelsong had surgery in early June to repair damage from facial fractures and was on the disabled list until Aug. 4.

"I don't think he's the same guy," Hurdle said. "There's probably a little bit of a velocity gap from what he was able to do. However the experience, the makeup on the mound, awareness of the league, knowledge of hitters, belief in himself and his skill set plays up very well."

The Cubs remain home following Wednesday's game, hosting another series with a NL Wild card contender. The San Francisco Giants, currently leading the wild card standings, visit Wrigley Fielder a four-game series.

The Pirates return home for a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers starting Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (70-61) at Brewers (56-76)

Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 31, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- Craig Counsell knows the Milwaukee Brewers are close to snapping out of their recent funk but when you're playing some of the better teams in the league, close is hardly enough.

Each loss during Milwaukee's current six-game losing streak has come by three runs or less with three of them settled by a one-run margin, including the last two to St. Louis.

"We were a play away a bunch of these games during the losing streak," said Counsell, the Brewers' manager. "But you have to make those plays."

Starting pitching has been a strong suit for Milwaukee during its skid and the Brewers will hope Matt Garza will be able to keep things going Wednesday night when he takes the mound in series finale with the Cardinals at Miller Park.

Garza was the victim of bad luck his last time out. He cruised through five scoreless innings before a pair of Jonathan Villar errors led to a five-run outburst by the Pirates, capped off by a grand slam from Jody Mercer.

He allowed five hits and three walks in that contest, but struck out a season-high nine batters.

"The first time thought the lineup was as good as I've seen since I've been in the dugout," Counsell said. "He was really crisp, his off-speed stuff was outstanding. It was swing-and-miss stuff."

The Cardinals have been anything but kind to Garza during his 11-year career. He's made 13 starts against St. Louis, going 4-5 with a 4.25 ERA.

He's faced them once this season, allowing seven runs (only four earned) over 5 2/3 innings of a 7-1 loss July 1 at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis, which improved to 31-13 against the Brewers in Milwaukee under manager Mike Matheny, will try to polish off a sweep behind right-hander Luke Weaver.

Weaver earned his first major league victory in his last start, holding the A's to a run on four hits.

The key to Weaver's success against Oakland was drawing contact.

He got eight outs on the ground with just two fly balls -- one of them a home run by Yonder Alonso.

"If you're not going to strike them out, obviously try and get the ground ball," said Weaver, who struck out seven Oakland batters and has 16 in 15 innings of work since being called up. "The fly balls sometimes will keep going like you saw tonight. I know they stress it in the minor leagues and it's a big part of getting those double plays and eliminating the sac flies and all those types of things."

He'll be facing Milwaukee for the first time in his career.

"He's asking all the right questions still," Matheny said. "He's learning and he's improving and he's got a great repertoire to work with, very creative. With all the ground balls he got, that's a good sign that he's trusting his stuff."