Wednesday 9/30/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (65-93) at Angels (83-74)

Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels are now in control of their playoff fate thanks to one of their longest winning streaks of the year.

Before heading into a pivotal series, the Angels try to pad their slim lead with a season-best eighth consecutive victory Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics.

Los Angeles didn't have to sweat too much for its seventh win in a row, taking an early six-run lead Tuesday in an 8-1 victory. With Houston falling 6-4 in Seattle, the Angels (83-74) moved a half-game in front of the Astros for the AL's second wild card.

They also remained just two games back of AL West-leading Texas, a team they'll face four times beginning Thursday in Arlington.

"It's a good feeling. We're in a good spot right now," second baseman Johnny Giavotella said. "We've got five games to play, and we're in control of our destiny. We're going out and playing the best baseball we can, and then we're on the top step with each other - every game, every pitch."

Garrett Richards (15-11, 3.73 ERA) will seek to extend his team's winning streak heading into that series while winning a season-best third consecutive start. The right-hander has a 2.87 ERA in his past two games while receiving a combined 13 runs of support in 15 2-3 innings.

Richards yielded three runs in seven innings in an 8-4 win over Seattle on Friday and fanned eight, giving him 32 strikeouts in his last 28 1-3 innings. He has a 2.37 ERA in his last three matchups with Oakland (65-93) but was outdueled in a 3-2 defeat in his latest one June 21 after winning his previous two.

The A's head into this game having dropped nine of 10 and four in a row away from home.

Barry Zito (0-0, 18.00) will try to end that road skid in what's likely the final start of his career. The 37-year-old left-hander made his major league debut against the then-Anaheim Angels on July 22, 2000, going five innings in a 10-3 win for Oakland.

With Sonny Gray shut down for the year, Zito will pitch on three days' rest, though he didn't pitch too deep in his last one. Making his first major league stars in two years, Zito threw 48 pitches going just two-plus innings in Saturday's 14-10 loss to San Francisco, yielding four runs and six hits.

"I think he couldn't care less about how many pitches he's thrown or going on three days' rest, two days' rest, he's just eager to get another start," manager Bob Melvin told MLB's official website. "To be able to start again, he's going to be a very motivated guy, so you throw rest and pitch counts out the window with a guy like him."

Zito is 12-11 with a 4.14 ERA in 30 starts against the Angels, last facing them in June 2012. The only team he has more wins against is Texas with 18.

Albert Pujols is 8 for 20 with three homers lifetime against Zito. Mike Trout is 3 for 3 with two doubles, and Erick Aybar is 4 for 6.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (80-77) at Braves (63-94)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jordan Zimmermann's final start of this season could also be his last with the Washington Nationals.

He'd love an encore of his 2014 finale.

Zimmermann aims for his 14th win as the Nationals continue a tumultuous final week Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

A free agent at season's end, speculation exists that Zimmermann may be pitching elsewhere in 2016 due to his expected high market value, the Nationals' large existing payroll obligations and a possible set rotation with Tanner Roark joining Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and rookie Joe Ross.

"I don't know that answer," Zimmermann said after being knocked around in Friday's 8-2 home loss to Philadelphia. "We'll see what this offseason brings. I enjoyed my time here."

Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68 ERA) has spent his entire nine-year professional career in the organization and his 70 wins are the most by a National since the franchise's relocation from Montreal in 2005. He made his second straight All-Star team during a 2014 campaign he concluded with the club's first no-hitter since the move, a 10-strikeout gem against Miami in the Sept. 28 finale.

The 29-year-old hasn't been able to duplicate last season's career bests of 182 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA, surrendering a personal-high 24 home runs - 11 more than a year ago. Five have come in Zimmermann's last three starts, during which he's posted a 7.41 ERA.

Zimmermann allowed three homers and six runs over five innings against the Phillies, but he hasn't permitted any in five 2015 meetings with Atlanta (63-94), last in the majors with 96 homers. He improved to 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in those starts after limiting the Braves to a run and two hits through six innings of a 15-1 home win Sept. 3.

The right-hander has a 1.19 ERA in winning his last three starts at Turner Field, throwing 7 2-3 scoreless innings in his last one there June 30.

Washington (80-77) has lost six of eight as it plays out a frustrating season symbolized by Sunday's dugout fight between Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper, which prompted the team to suspend Papelbon four games and bench Harper for Monday's win over Cincinnati.

Harper returned to the lineup for Tuesday's opener of this three-game set, going 0 for 3 with a walk in the Nationals' 2-1 loss.

A.J. Pierzynski's second homer off Roark snapped a 1-all tie in the seventh and backed seven strong innings from Matt Wisler in Atlanta's fourth consecutive home win and fourth in 17 season matchups with Washington. The 38-year-old catcher later started a critical double play by fielding Ian Desmond's bunt with two on and none out in the ninth.

'He's caught over 100 games and hitting .300 (.299),' Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. 'He's doing a heck of a job for us.'

Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04) attempts to follow up Wisler's effort and continue a strong end to a rookie season. The 24-year-old righty is 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA over a four-start stretch and held the New York Mets to two runs in six innings in last Wednesday's 6-3 victory.

Perez, who was 0-4 with an 8.44 ERA in five August starts, recorded just one out while allowing four runs - three on a Harper homer - when making his major league debut in relief May 8 at Nationals Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (77-80) at Yankees (86-71)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Don't call it a tune-up.

Lined up to pitch in next week's AL wild-card game, Masahiro Tanaka is back for his final start of the regular season Wednesday night when the New York Yankees face the Boston Red Sox.

Tanaka (12-7, 3.38 ERA) is returning from a right hamstring strain suffered while running out a bunt in the second inning of a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets on Sept. 18. The right-hander didn't leave until after he allowed two runs in six innings.

"I'm not looking at this as a tune-up," Tanaka told MLB's official website through an interpreter of using this outing to prepare for the postseason. "You know, as I've done for each and every one of my starts, I'm going to go out there and give the best I have."

Manager Joe Girardi isn't too concerned with any lingering effects from the injury.

"It's something that will be in the back of his head, but he's pitched through it the day at Citi Field for four innings and had no issues, and he's had 10 or 11 days off, so we feel pretty good about it," Girardi said.

Tanaka also owns a 6-1 record and 2.78 ERA in seven career starts on six or more days rest. He's won all three starts against Boston this year, but that's due to getting an average of 13.5 runs of support to compensate for his 5.19 ERA.

The offense made Tanaka's job a lot easier Sept. 2. The Yankees had an eight-run second and scored 12 for him while he gave up four runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 13-8 victory at Boston.

The Yankees (86-71) have lost the first two of this four-game set after falling 10-4 on Tuesday to the Red Sox (77-80), who have won a season-high five in a row.

"There's not alarm. Let's make it clear: That team is playing really good baseball. That's a different team than we saw all spring and summer, so give those guys credit. They're playing hard," third baseman Alex Rodriguez said.

"This is their playoff and they want to make an impact and we would be the same way playing against them," he added.

Rodriguez hasn't homered in 13 games, batting .147 over that stretch after going 1 for 7 in this series.

Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39) gets the ball as he wraps up his first season with the Red Sox, but he's 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the Yankees.

The left-hander is 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA over his last seven starts on the road since a win at Toronto on July 2.

He was charged with a 4-2 home loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday, surrendering two homers and four runs in 6 1-3 innings.

Blake Swihart is looking to build on his best offensive showing of the season. The rookie catcher had a three-run homer and a two-run blast, giving him a season high in RBIs. He's 2 for 4 with a double off Tanaka.

New York remains one win shy of becoming the first AL franchise to reach 10,000 in the regular season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (92-65) at Reds (63-94)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Having managed against him for years, Joe Maddon said he knew the Chicago Cubs would have a promising chance to get to the postseason when Jon Lester put pen to paper on a lucrative contract.

While he's been overtaken by Jake Arrieta as the Cubs' ace this season, Lester has provided enough quality outings to send the club to its first playoff appearance in seven years.

The left-hander will try to provide another in his final scheduled outing of the regular season Wednesday night against the scuffling and potentially depleted Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs (92-65) signaled that their rebuilding was over when they inked Lester (10-12, 3.43 ERA) to a six-year, $155 million deal in December.

"His particular signing indicated to us and to the fanbase, this is definitely possible. You need that kind of presence, particularly in your pitching staff, to get to this kind of moment," Maddon said. "Jonny has definitely elevated us this season."

Lester was the opening day starter but has been supplanted as the Cubs' No. 1 pitcher by Arrieta, a 21-game winner who is set to pitch in the team's wild-card game next Wednesday. That contest appears likely to be played in Pittsburgh but hosting isn't out of the picture just yet as the Cubs trail the Pirates by three games with five remaining.

Lester's ERA is nearly a run higher than last season's career-best 2.46, but he has recorded quality starts in 20 of his 31 outings. He yielded two runs in seven innings Friday against Pittsburgh but was outdueled by Gerrit Cole in a 3-2 loss, his second in a row.

Lester gave up one run in seven innings in his most recent start against Cincinnati (63-94) but Chicago needed 11 innings for a 2-1 victory. He has no record and a 4.74 ERA in three career matchups, all this season, but the Cubs have won each game.

The Reds have dropped 10 in a row after a 4-1 defeat in Tuesday's series opener. Only Ivan De Jesus Jr.'s RBI groundout in the ninth following an Austin Jackson error kept the Cubs from a third consecutive shutout.

Todd Frazier left with a strained right Achilles as the Reds clinched their longest skid since an 11-gamer in June 1998. Manager Bryan Price had no update on the slugger after the game.

Joey Votto has reached base in 46 consecutive games, the longest streak in the majors this season, and two shy of tying Pete Rose's franchise-record from 1978. Price, though, said the first baseman is dealing with a muscular issue around his shoulder.

Votto is 2 for 9 against Lester and is batting .444 with four homers in his last 10 games versus the Cubs.

"He really wants to play. It's not about the streak," Price said. "It's about going out there and grinding it out and finishing out the season. We'll see how he is (Wednesday)."

Anthony DeSclafani will try to help his club avoid another loss by improving on his 1.88 ERA in four matchups with the Chicago this season. The right-hander, though, has just one win in those games, a 3-2 victory April 14.

DeSclafani is 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA in his last two outings and matched a career high by allowing seven runs in 6 1-3 innings Friday in a 12-5 loss to the New York Mets.

Kris Bryant is 4 for 9 against the Reds rookie while Anthony Rizzo is 0 for 14, his most hitless at-bats against any pitcher.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (69-88) at Rays (76-81)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Mikie Mahtook looked overmatched in each of his previous stints with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this year.

Now, he's another reason for optimism in Tampa Bay in 2016.

Mahtook looks to help the Rays clinch their fourth Citrus Series victory in five years Wednesday night against the visiting Miami Marlins.

This is already Mahtook's sixth stint with the club this season. The 25-year-old rookie's previous opportunities served as a rough introduction to the major leagues. Though he flashed power with three home runs in 14 games, he hit just .189 with 13 strikeouts in 37 at-bats.

Since being called up on Sept. 1, though, he owns a 1.104 OPS in 22 games with a .368 batting average. He's homered three times in his last five games, including a solo shot in Tuesday's 4-2 victory. Mahtook complemented a strong showing by Matt Moore, who gave up one run over seven innings for the Rays (76-81).

"A lot of bright spots to look forward to next year," manager Kevin Cash said.

Drew Smyly (4-2, 3.26 ERA) will look to guide Tampa Bay to another victory, but he's been erratic in eight starts since returning last month from a torn labrum. He's pitched at least 5 2-3 scoreless innings four times in that span, but surrendered a combined 17 earned runs over 19 innings in the other four outings.

The lefty was good in his last turn, striking out seven over 6 1-3 scoreless innings in a 6-2 victory at Boston last Wednesday.

Miami (69-88) had its season high-tying five-game winning streak snapped and Justin Bour went 0 for 4 as he failed to become the third rookie since 1914 to homer in four consecutive games.

Jarred Cosart (2-4, 4.15) has recorded a 1.37 ERA over his last four starts, but efficiency continues to be a concern. He has averaged 18.4 pitches per inning in nine games since throwing a career high-matching eight shutout innings against the New York Mets on April 27. The right-hander hasn't completed five innings in four of his last six outings, though his most recent was cut short for other reasons.

He left after four innings Thursday against Philadelphia after taking a line drive off his left forearm. X-rays were negative and he's expected to be OK moving forward.

"They said if it had been a little bit to the left I would have definitely shattered whatever bone that is, but I'm happy that it didn't," he said. "I moved a little bit, but I got smoked pretty good."

Cosart is 3-1 with a 1.24 ERA in four career starts against the Rays, allowing one run over six innings in the lone loss 2-0 on April 11.

He owns a 7.31 ERA in six road starts, though he won the last, a 6-4 victory at Washington on Sept. 17 in which he yielded two runs over six innings.

Logan Forsythe, whose 68 RBIs ranks second for Tampa Bay, is day to day with a bruised right foot after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning.

Miami swept four meetings last year, winning the season series for the first time since 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (73-84) at Rangers (85-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 30, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The Texas Rangers managed to extend their slim AL West lead by holding on in a seesaw game with Detroit.

They'll get one more matchup with the Tigers on Wednesday night before a pivotal series to end the regular season.

Texas (85-72) remained two games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels and moved 2 1/2 in front of Houston while snapping a three-game skid with a 7-6 victory Tuesday. Shin-Soo Choo homered in a five-run first inning, but the Rangers still needed Adrian Beltre's tiebreaking double in the fourth and Drew Stubbs' running catch in the ninth.

"(All these games) are intense," manager Jeff Banister said. "There's a lot of energy. You hang on every single pitch. ... You see Stubbs track that ball down. There's a little emotion going on inside of all of us."

Texas will take on the Angels in four games beginning Thursday night, and Yovani Gallardo (12-11, 3.42 ERA) will try to help send his club into that series with some momentum in his final scheduled start.

The right-hander, though, hasn't pitched past the sixth inning in any of his last six games and has gotten out of the fifth in two of his last three outings, going 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA. Gallardo gave up two runs in 4 2-3 innings in a 6-2 win in Houston on Friday and is one loss shy of matching his career high from 2009.

The last time he pitched through the sixth inning was a 5-3 win in Detroit (73-84) on Aug. 22, when he left with no outs in the seventh with the Rangers holding a 4-0 lead. That performance was part of a seven-start stretch in which he went 5-0 with a 2.39 ERA.

Gallardo will be opposed by Matt Boyd (1-5, 6.91), who has often struggled on the road in his rookie season. The left-hander is 0-2 with a 9.87 ERA in four starts away from Detroit and his first in Texas will be his final one this year.

He's faced the Rangers twice, going 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA. Boyd has received two runs of support in those outings and gave up three runs in six innings in his latest Aug. 23, a 4-2 loss.

Boyd gave up one hit but walked four and permitted four runs - two earned - over six innings in a 6-4 win over Minnesota on Friday, his fourth consecutive start without a decision. He's 0-3 with a 6.47 ERA in his last eight starts since a 2-1 victory against Kansas City on Aug. 5.

Miguel Cabrera is 4 for 6 lifetime against Gallardo but might sit out with his fourth AL batting title in five years all but wrapped up. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus indicated he planned to sit Cabrera for one of the final two games against Texas and the slugger was the designated hitter Tuesday with Victor Martinez out due to an ailing left quad.

Cabrera is batting .334, 10 points ahead of Boston's Xander Bogaerts, after going 0 for 3 in the loss. He's 1 for 7 in the series and seen his career average against the Rangers drop to .387.

J.D. Martinez could have a clearer mind after becoming the first Tigers outfielder to reach 100 RBIs since Magglio Ordonez had 103 in 2008. Martinez's 38th homer Tuesday gave him 101.

"I felt like I've might of been trying too hard these last few weeks (to reach the milestone), and it definitely feels good not to think about it anymore and just go out there and play," he said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (90-67) at White Sox (74-83)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Though the Kansas City Royals proved last season they can succeed in the playoffs without home-field advantage, they sure wouldn't mind having it this year.

That's in danger of slipping away, however, due to a September swoon and the Toronto Blue Jays' stellar second half.

The slumping Royals enter Wednesday night's road test with the Chicago White Sox 1 1-2 games behind Toronto for the American League's best record with five remaining. Kansas City (90-67) has lost its grasp on the top spot with a 8-16 record since Sept. 4, a slide that began when the White Sox recorded a three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium.

Chicago (74-83) dealt the Royals another blow with a 4-2 triumph Tuesday to open this three-game set, with Adam Eaton hitting a two-run homer off Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija throwing seven solid innings to halt a seven-start home losing streak.

A lack of offense has been among the Royals' recent problems. They've scored 10 runs over a 1-4 stretch and were shut out for 17 straight innings before Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales hit back-to-back homers off Samardzija in the sixth.

Kansas City had a potential run taken away in the seventh when Trayce Thompson made a diving catch on Ben Zobrist's drive to left. Third baseman Mike Olt robbed Mike Moustakas with a leaping grab an inning later.

"I'm seeing good at-bats, really," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "We had opportunities to win the game, outside of two outstanding plays."

The task may remain difficult against Jose Quintana (9-10, 3.38 ERA), who hurled seven scoreless innings in a 6-1 win at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 5 to begin a string of four excellent outings and end an extended one of frustrating results against Kansas City.

Quintana has allowed one run or less each time in going 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA over his past four starts, the last two no-decisions against Oakland and Detroit in which he yielded one run across seven innings in both games.

The hard-luck left-hander, whose 51 no-decisions since 2012 lead the majors, can reach double-digit victories for the first time after winning nine games in 2013 and '14. Quintana's 24 quality starts are tied for second in the AL.

"That's part of the game," Quintana said after his Sept. 22 effort at Detroit, where the White Sox were no-hit through 8 1-3 innings of a 2-1, 10-inning loss. "Every time when I go out, I try to be focused on what I have control over."

Quintana is 1-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 17 lifetime starts against Kansas City, however, and several Royals have hit him well. Morales is 6 for 15 with a homer, Paulo Orlando 5 for 11 and Alcides Escobar 5 for 14 off him this season. Moustakas (.314, 2 HRs), Alex Rios (5 for 12), Salvador Perez (.366, 2 HRs) and Lorenzo Cain (.349) all have strong career numbers.

The AL Central champion Royals also hope to get Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.65) back on track for the postseason. The veteran righty has surrendered four homers and nine walks while going 0-2 with a 5.29 in his last three starts.

He allowed three runs on a pair of homers over six innings in Friday's 6-0 defeat to Cleveland.

Volquez is 2-2 with a 1.67 ERA in four season meetings with the White Sox and held them to one run and four hits through seven innings in the most recent one, a 3-2 home win Aug. 7. Both losses have come at U.S. Cellular Field, where he's allowed three earned runs in 12 innings and received three runs of support.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (66-91) at Diamondbacks (76-81)

Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: September 30, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

The Arizona Diamondbacks can't salvage anything more than a .500 season, though they'd surely like to treat their fans to a strong home finish after mostly miserable play at Chase Field down the stretch.

They'll look to pick up another victory there Wednesday night against the Colorado Rockies after opening their final homestand in winning fashion.

Arizona (76-81) is 6-12 at home since Aug. 12, the second-worst mark in the majors in that span behind only Cincinnati's 6-19 record. But in the first of six straight home games to conclude the year, the Diamondbacks won 4-3 in 11 innings Tuesday on Phil Gosselin's pinch-hit single after Colorado reliever Brooks Brown walked the bases loaded.

"I was just trying to see something out over the plate," Gosselin said. "You want to contribute any way you can if you're not starting."

They've had little issue winning in Phoenix against the Rockies lately, taking six of the last seven meetings there while batting .316 with 6.9 runs per game. Paul Goldschmidt, who scored Tuesday's winning run, owns a 1.320 OPS with 19 RBIs and 15 runs scored in his last 17 home games against Colorado.

The Rockies (66-91) had their winning streak snapped at three, though Carlos Gonzalez joined teammate Nolan Arenado in the 40-home run club by going deep for the third time in four games. It's the first time two Colorado players have hit that plateau since Vinny Castilla, Larry Walker and Andres Galarraga did it in 1997. They're also competing with Washington's Bryce Harper for the franchise's first NL home run title since Dante Bichette, Galarraga and Walker each won it from 1995-97.

Jose Reyes was 3 for 5 after missing four games due to an Achilles injury.

Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.40 ERA) struck out a career-high 10 over six innings while giving up only a leadoff home run in Arizona's 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last Wednesday. It was his first start in 15 days after he was temporarily removed from the rotation.

"I thought (Anderson) threw as well as we've seen him, as well as probably early in the year when he was dominating," manager Chip Hale said. "It was really good to see, especially after not being out there in competition for a while."

He baffled Colorado in his first three career matchups last year, winning and limiting the Rockies to one run over six innings in each. He's s 0-3 with a 8.65 ERA in five meetings since, however, including a 9-4 road loss Sept. 2. Arenado has homered against him three times this year, while Charlie Blackmon is 5 for 10 with a home run and two doubles this season.

Colorado's Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.38) is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts, striking out 18 in as many innings. He'll look to overcome a brief yet rough history against Arizona, having surrendered 10 runs in 8 1-3 innings, including four and a career-worst 11 hits over six innings in his club's 5-4 victory Aug. 31.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (67-90) at Padres (73-84)

Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 30, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers decided last week to go with an all-rookie rotation for the remainder of the season, and so far, the kids are all right.

Milwaukee will look to pick up a third straight victory behind a rookie pitcher Wednesday night against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

This plan was more of a matter of circumstance than it was by design for the Brewers. Jimmy Nelson and Wily Peralta were the lone remaining veterans in the starting rotation, but both were shut down last week in light of recent injuries. Nelson was cleared of a concussion after being hit in the head by a liner Sept. 17 against St. Louis, but hasn't pitched since, while Peralta has been bothered by oblique tightness.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee (67-90) has won two in a row and four of six since adjusting its rotation after losing 12 of its previous 15. Rookie starters have combined for a 2.84 ERA over 19 innings in the last four victories, and Jorge Lopez gave up three runs over five innings in his major league debut in Tuesday's 4-3 win.

"It was fun. He did a nice job," manager Craig Counsell said.

The next first-year arm up is Zach Davies (2-2, 4.67 ERA), who comes off perhaps his best showing yet. He limited the Chicago Cubs to two hits over six shutout innings in a 4-1 victory last Wednesday. Davies only walked one after issuing nine free passes in his previous two starts.

"They (rookies) need to prove to themselves that they can have success up here," Counsell said. "I think a night like tonight when he does what he's good at, it works."

San Diego (73-84) has dropped three of four and hasn't been much of a challenge for opposing pitching, hitting .214 with 11 runs scored in that span. Matt Kemp's status is unclear after he left in the fifth inning Tuesday with a sore right hand after hitting the 100 RBI mark earlier in the night for the first time since 2011.

"The other day when I was swinging it started irritating me," Kemp said. "Every time I swing I feel a little pain. I wanted to go on. I'd rather have 80 RBIs and go to the playoffs."

Wil Myers was 1 for 4 after missing Sunday's loss to Arizona due to a sore wrist.

Andrew Cashner (6-15, 4.21) has recorded quality starts in three of his past four outings despite walking batters at a dangerously high rate. He's issued 16 free passes over 23 2-3 innings in that span. Cashner has always been vulnerable to walks, but even his 2.8 walks per nine innings previously pales in comparison to the 6.1 figure in his last four.

He is 1-2 with a 4.43 ERA in four career starts against Milwaukee, including a 4-1 road loss Aug. 4. He allowed two runs over six innings with four walks.

The Brewers rank near the bottom of baseball with a walk every 14.4 plate appearances, though they've drawn nine in their last two games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (83-75) at Mariners (75-83)

Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: September 30, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Houston Astros have spent nearly all of the season in playoff position, but owning the AL's worst road record is a big reason why they're now a pursuer.

The Astros attempt to bounce back from a costly defeat and regain the league's second wild-card spot Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners.

Houston is 30-47 on the road, losing five of its last six to fall one-half game behind the Los Angeles Angels in the wild-card chase. This is the first time the Astros (83-75) have not held a postseason spot since they were 5-6 on April 18.

Overtaking the Angels will require finding success on the road, as their remaining four games - one fewer than Los Angeles - are outside Houston.

The Astros went from hunted to hunters Tuesday, blowing a two-run lead in losing 6-4 at Seattle.

'We're just not getting it done,' pitcher Mike Fiers said. 'We had the game right there, with the lead. I just needed one more out to get out of the inning and keep the momentum going."

Giving the ball to Scott Kazmir (7-11, 2.97 ERA) for his regular-season finale isn't ideal. The left-hander is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA over his last six starts, failing to complete five innings in three.

He's struggled greatly in the last two, surrendering nine runs and 15 hits - three homers - in 7 1-3 innings. Kazmir turned in his worst performance since being acquired from Oakland two months ago, giving up six runs in 3 2-3 innings of Friday's 6-2 loss to Texas.

Manager A.J. Hinch, however, isn't concerned.

"Like anything, the season's late," he told MLB's official website. "It's been a long year and a heavy year for him and all our players. Physically and mentally, our guys are getting after it, but I don't have any concern with him medically."

Kazmir's recent struggles include allowing three runs in 4 1-3 innings while not getting a decision in an 8-3 loss to the Mariners on Sept. 2.

He's 4-2 with a 2.02 ERA in eight starts at Seattle.

The Mariners (75-83) snapped their six-game skid Tuesday after rookie Shawn O'Malley connected for a two-run, bases-loaded single in the eighth.

Robinson Cano had a homer and three RBIs, becoming the eighth second baseman to hit 20 or more in at least six seasons, joining Jeff Kent (12), Dan Uggla (7), Craig Biggio (7), Joe Gordon (7), Rogers Hornsby (7), Bret Boone (6) and Ryne Sandberg (6).

Cano also has the AL's longest active hitting streak at 12 games.

Seattle hasn't announced who will get the start with manager Lloyd McClendon deciding between rookies Mayckol Guaipe (0-3, 5.32) or David Rollins (0-2, 7.88). Neither has a major league start in 37 appearances between them.

Guaipe has allowed one unearned run in one inning over two appearances against Houston, while Rollins has yet to face the AL West rival.

Rollins has struggled at home, compiling an 11.57 ERA in 10 games compared to Guaipe's 4.05 in nine.

Whoever is on the mound will try to slow down George Springer, who is batting .343 with six RBIs in eight games. He's 5 for 8 with a homer, two doubles and two RBIs through the first two of this three-game set, giving him a .441 average in his past nine meetings with the Mariners.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (88-69) at Giants (82-75)

Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 30, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

After finally putting away the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers can turn their attention towards a bigger goal.

The newly crowned NL West champion Dodgers now try to gain home-field advantage in the upcoming Division Series as the rivals continue a four-game set Wednesday night at AT&T Park.

Los Angeles (88-69) clinched a third straight division title and eliminated the defending World Series champion Giants 8-0 on Tuesday as Clayton Kershaw outdueled Madison Bumgarner, striking out 13 while throwing a brilliant one-hitter. The reigning NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner retired the final 19 batters, yielding only a single by Kevin Frandsen and a walk to Angel Pagan in the third.

Kike Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano and A.J. Ellis backed Kershaw with solo homers off Bumgarner, who was reached for four runs in 5 2-3 innings.

The Dodgers halted a four-game losing streak and closed within one game of the New York Mets, their NLDS opponent, with five remaining. The Mets, who lost 4-3 to Philadelphia Tuesday, own the tiebreaker in the event both finish with identical records by virtue of winning the season series 4-3.

'We've still got something to play for. We're still trying to fight the Mets for home-field advantage," Kershaw said. "It's kind of a sigh of relief. We weren't playing that well.'

Los Angeles also earned its first road win in eight tries this season against San Francisco (82-75), which has now missed the playoffs the year following its last three titles in 2010, '12 and '14.

'You take that, and you remember that feeling going into the offseason. It's not a good feeling,' Bumgarner said. "You want to be the one celebrating. You let it give you a little bit of fuel for next year.'

With the stakes now reduced, Wednesday's tilt will pit two struggling hurlers in the Giants' Mike Leake and Los Angeles' Mike Bolsinger.

Leake (10-10, 3.89 ERA) is 1-4 with a 5.82 ERA over a six-start stretch and has allowed seven runs in nine innings in losing his past two. The trade deadline pickup surrendered four runs in six innings in Friday's 5-4 defeat at Oakland.

He did pitch well in a Sept. 2 outing at Dodger Stadium, working seven innings of a 2-1 loss to Kershaw, who threw a six-hitter and had a career high-tying 15 strikeouts in.

Andre Ethier, 8 for 17 with six RBIs over a six-game hitting streak, is 7 for 18 with two homers off Leake, who's 2-4 with a 4.89 ERA in six career meetings with Los Angeles. Justin Turner is 6 for 12 in the matchup.

Bolsinger (6-5, 3.48) appears to have hit a wall after providing a lift to the Dodgers' injury-plagued rotation most of the season. After posting a 2.97 ERA through his first 17 starts, he hasn't lasted beyond 4 1-3 innings while going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in his last three.

The right-hander gave up three homers and four earned runs over four innings in Friday's 7-4 defeat at Colorado, five days after allowing two homers and three earned runs in 4 1-3 innings of a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

Bolsinger is 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA in four previous starts against the Giants but did hold them to one run in 5 2-3 innings at AT&T Park in his April 23 season debut.

Buster Posey, expected to be used exclusively at first base over the remaining five games, is 3 for 6 with a homer versus Bolsinger this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ace Assessment: Breaking down the week's top elite pitching options

With less than a week remaining in Major League Baseball's regular season, few teams have anything left to play for - but the same can't be said for daily fantasy players.

The final six days of the campaign represent six more chances at DFS glory - but only for those savvy enough to spend their salary wisely, beginning with those all-important pitching options.

Here are the strongest high-salary plays for the remainder of the week:

Wednesday: Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees (vs. Red Sox)

Tanaka is the best option on an otherwise hum-drum schedule. The Japanese ace has allowed more than three runs just one in his previous nine starts while showing impeccable control, walking only eight batters in that span. The Yankees are still looking to stay in the division race and will field their best lineup for this one, while the Red Sox have long been eliminated - and have struggled at the plate for most of the season.

Thursday: Jose Fernandez, Marlins (at Rays)

Ah, the final Jose Day of the season - and it feels like it's here all too soon, thanks to Fernandez spending a good chunk of the season on the disabled list. But previous start aside, Fernandez has been on fire since returning for his most recent DL stint, and is in good position to end the year on a positive note against a Rays team that struggles against right-handers. Expect six solid innings and a whole pile of strikeouts.

Friday: Felix Hernandez, Mariners (vs. Athletics)

This slate is full of great pitching options, but Hernandez edges out the field despite having what he would consider a down year. Hernandez has been sensational at Safeco Field throughout his career, and winds down his year versus an Oakland lineup that shouldn't provide much of a challenge. Hernandez is not without risk, but represents great potential at a price that should come in lower than the top options.

Saturday: Zack Greinke, Dodgers (vs. Padres)

Sometimes, the best option is just too easy to identify. This is one of those times, with Greinke and his sub-1.50 home ERA facing a San Diego team that ranks among the league's worst at the plate. Greinke may not pitch as deep into the game as he usually does, but even a six-inning effort against an underwhelming Padres offense should yield enough fantasy points to return value despite his big price tag.

Sunday: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (vs. Padres)

See above - Kershaw facing the Padres at Dodger Stadium in the regular-season finale presents the same mismatch as Greinke the day before. DFS players should, however, be wary of two potential pratfalls: Kershaw either being placed on a strict pitch limit in order to keep him fresh for the playoffs, or being scratched altogether in favor of a bullpen arm. Players should keep a close eye on the probable pitchers before committing to Kershaw.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League

Cardinals @ Pirates
Wacha is 2-2, 6.58 in his last five starts (over 6-0 last six). Lyons is making his first start since Sept 2; he is 2-1, 4.78 in last four starts (over 3-0 last three).

Morton is 1-4, 7.39 in his last six starts (over 3-0 last three). Cole is 3-0, 2.60 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Pirates got shut out the last two games after winning eight in row before that (under 8-2 last ten); they won three of last five games with St Louis-- over is 6-3-1 in last eight games. Cardinals won seven of last ten games (over 4-2-1 last seven games).

Mets @ Phillies
Verrett is 1-1, 3.00 in his three starts (under 2-0-1).

Asher is 0-5, 7.52 in his five starts (over 4-1).

Mets won nine of last 11 games with Phillies (over 8-3); New York won four of last five games, scoring 39 runs- six of last seven went over total. Philly lost seven of last eleven games (under 7-3 last ten).

Nationals @ Braves
Zimmerman is 1-1, 5.96 in his last four starts (over 4-1 last five).

Perez is 2-0, 2.92 in his last four starts (over 7-1 in last eight).

Washington lost six of last eight games. Braves lost three of last four games (over 5-1 last six), but they won last four at home, all by 2-1 scores. Nats won four of last five games with Atlanta (over 3-2).

Cubs @ Reds
Lester is 2-3, 3.38 in his last six starts (under 3-0 last three).

DeSclafani is 0-2, 10.12 in his last two starts (under is 7-4 in his last 11).

Cubs are 6-5 in last eleven games with Cincinnati; five of last seven got over. Chicago is 8-4 in its last twelve games; last seven stayed under. Cincinnati lost its last nine games, with five of last six going over the total.

Brewers @ Padres
Davies is 2-2, 4.67 in his five starts (over 3-2).

Cashner is 1-3, 4.98 in his last six starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Padres lost three of last four games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten. Milwaukee won last four games with San Diego (over 3-1-1 last five); Brewers are 4-2 in last six games (over 5-4-1 last ten).

Dodgers @ Giants
Bolsinger is 0-2, 10.50 in his last three starts (over 3-1-1 in last five).

Leake is 1-4, 5.86 in his last five starts (under 5-3 in SF starts).

Dodgers clinched NL West last night; they won five of last six games with the Giants; over is 6-4-1 in last 11 series games. LA lost eight of last eleven games overall (over 6-3 last nine). Giants are 5-4 in last eight games, with six of last seven going over total.

Rockies @ Diamondbacks
Bettis is 2-0, 1.50 in his last three starts (under 5-1 last six).

Anderson is 0-1, 5.21 in his last four starts (over 3-2 last five home).

Arizona is 6-3 in its last nine games with Colorado; four of last five in series stayed under the total. Rockies won three of last four, scoring 30 runs (over is 7-4 in last eleven). D'backs are 7-4 in their last eleven gmes (under 7-4).


American League

Blue Jays @ Orioles
Stroman is 3-0, 1.89 in his three starts (under 2-1) this season. Dickey is 2-1, 2.78 in his last five starts (under 5-1 last six).

Gonzalez is 0-3, 8.59 in his last three starts (under 3-1 last four). Gausman is 1-2, 5.26 in his last six starts (under 5-2 last seven).

Toronto is 5-4 in last nine games with Baltimore (over 3-2 last five). Blue Jays won six of last seven games (under 6-3-2 last 11). Orioles lost last four games, scoring a total of three runs; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

Red Sox @ Bronx
Miley is 0-1, 4.05 in his last three starts (over 5-1 last six).

Tanaka is 1-1, 1.29 in his last three starts (under 3-0 last three); he missed his last start (hamstring).

Boston lost seven of last 12 games with New York; five of last seven stayed under the total. Red Sox won five games in row, allowing five runs; seven of their last eight stayed under the total. Bronx is 6-5 in its last eleven games (under 5-2 last seven).

Twins @ Indians
Gibson is 1-2, 4.74 in his last four starts (under 5-2 last seven). Pelfrey is 0-2, 6.50 in his last four starts (under 3-1-1 last five).

Anderson is 4-0, 1.38 in his last four starts (over 5-2 last seven). Carrasco is 2-1, 1.80 in his last three starts (over 10-5 in his last 15).

Twins won five of last six games with Cleveland (under 6-1 last seven); Twins won six of last eight games overall (under 7-3 last ten). Indians won three of last five; five of their last seven games stayed under the total.

Royals @ White Sox
Volquez is 0-2, 5.29 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four on road).

Quintana is 2-0, 1.33 in his last four starts (under 3-1 last four).

Royals lost last four games with Chicago; four of last six series games went over the total. KC lost four of last five games (under 4-1). White Sox lost five of last seven games (under 8-1 in last nine).

Tigers @ Rangers
Boyd is 0-2, 6.90 in his last six starts (over 4-0 last four).

Gallardo is 0-2, 6.43 in his last three starts (under 8-1-1 in his last ten).

Detroit lost four of last five games with Texas; five of last seven series games went under the total. Tigers are 4-6 in last ten games (under 5-4 last nine). Texas won five of last eight games (over 8-1-1 last ten).

A's @ Angels
Zito allowed four rins in two IP (48 PT) in his first MLB start in two years; this is his last MLB start.

Richards is 3-1, 3.41 in his last five starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Angels trail Houston by half-game for last Wild Card spot; they're 7-4 in last 11 vs Oakland (over 7-3-1). Halos won last six games overall. A's lost eight of last nine games, with last seven going over the total.

Astros @ Mariners
Kazmir is 0-3, 6.25 in his last six starts (under 4-0-1 last five on road).

Seattle's bullpen will pitch this whole game; they haven't announced which reliever will start.

Astros won three of last four games; over is 8-4-1 in their last thirteen; they trail the Angels by half-game for last Wild Card slot. Houston lost five of last eight against Seattle (over 10-1-1 last twelve). Mariners lost six of their last seven games (over 6-4 last ten games).


Interleague

Marlins @ Rays
Cosart is 1-0, 1.37 in his last four starts (under 3-1 last four).

Smyly is 3-0, 2.70 in his last five starts (under 6-3-1 in last ten).

Marlins won five of last eight games with Tampa Bay; four of last six series games went over total. Miami won five of last six games (over 5-3 last eight). Rays lost three of last four games (under 4-1-2 last seven).


Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 21-8 Lyons 3-4; Morton 14-8 Cole 22-9
NY-Phil-- Verrett 2-1; Asher 0-5
Wsh-Atl-- Zimmerman 19-13; Perez 8-11
Chi-Cin-- Lester 16-15; DeSclafani 13-17
Col-Az-- Bettis 12-7; Anderson 10-16
LA-SF-- Bolsinger 11-9; Leake 2-6
Mil-SD-- Davies 3-2; Cashner 12-18

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 3-0 Dickey 18-14; Gonzalez 12-13 (1-6 last 7) Gausman 6-10
Bos-NY-- Miley 14-17; Tanaka 15-8
Min-Cle-- Gibson 15-16 Pelfrey 14-14; Anderson 9-5 Carrasco 17-12
Det-Tex-- Boyd 4-5 (3-0 last 3); Gallardo 18-14
KC-Chi-- Volquez 21-11 (0-3 last 3); Quintana 14-17
A's-LAA-- Zito 0-1; Richards 18-12
Hst-Sea-- Kazmir 12-18/4-8; ; bullpen x-x

Mia-TB-- Cosart 6-6 (4-0 last 4); Smyly 7-4


Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 7-29 (3 of last 4); Lyons 2-7; Morton 8-22 Cole 11-31
NY-Phil-- Verrett 0-3; Asher 2-5
Wsh-Atl-- Zimmerman 10-32; Perez 7-19
Chi-Cin-- Lester 9-31; DeSclafani 7-30
Col-Az-- Bettis 4-19; Anderson 10-26
LA-SF-- Bolsinger 6-20; Leake 2-8
Mil-SD-- Davies 1-5; Cashner 14-31 (6 of last 9)

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 0-3 Dickey 7-32 ; Gonzalez 7-25 Gausman 6-16
Bos-NY-- Miley 8-31; Tanaka 6-23
Min-Cle-- Gibson 9-31 Pelfrey 4-28; Anderson 4-14 Carrasco 12-29
Det-Tex-- Boyd 3-9; Gallardo 9-32
KC-Chi-- Volquez 9-32; Quintana 16-31
A's-LAA-- Zito 1-1; Richards 7-30
Hst-Sea-- Kazmir 5-30; bullpen x-x

Mia-TB-- Cosart 2-12; Smyly 1-11


Umpires
StL-Pitt-- Six of last eight Cederstrom games went over.
NY-Phil-- Eight of last eleven Davidson games went over.
Wsh-Atl-- Underdogs are 6-4 in last ten Wegner games.
Chi-Cin-- Three of last four Johnson games went over.
Col-Az-- Underdogs won 13 of last 18 Iassogna games.
Mil-SD-- Three of last four Blaser games went over.
LA-SF-- Five of last six Estabrook games went over.

Bos-NY-- Six of last seven TWelke games went over.
Tor-Balt-- Six of last seven Reyburn games stayed under. Four of last six Danley games went over.
Min-Clev-- Underdogs are 10-8 in last 18 Kellogg games. Underdogs won five of last eight Porter games.
KC-Chi-- Seven of last ten Hernandez games went over total.
Det-Tex-- Three of last four Hallion games stayed under.
A's-LAA-- Six of last eight Guccione games went over total.
Hst-Sea-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Fletcher games.

Mia-TB-- Underdogs are 7-6 in last thirteen Davis games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Great news for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday as shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who has been out since Sept. 12 with a small crack in his left scapula, took batting practice for the first time since suffering the injury and says he will "absolutely" be ready for the playoffs. Tulo is batting only .232 since coming over from Colorado in that stunning July trade, but the team is 30-8 with him in the starting lineup. No doubt the Jays would like to shake the rust off him a bit, so you will probably see him play a couple of games later this week barring some sort of setback. The Jays lead the majors by far in homers. Since 2000, just one team, the 2009 New York Yankees, has led the league in home runs and gone on to win the World Series.


Cardinals at Pirates (TBA)

This is your first ESPN game and thus will have live betting at the books. While the Cards have ruled out catcher Yadier Molina for the rest of the regular season, it's possible that ace pitcher Adam Wainwright could pitch out of the bullpen as early as this game. He has been out since late April with an Achilles' injury. The team isn't expected to use him as a starter in the playoffs. Lefty Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96) starts for the Cardinals. He is taking the spot formerly of Carlos Martinez, who has been ruled out the rest of the season, including playoffs. In Lyons' only start against the Pirates this year, he allowed two earned runs over five innings. It's ace Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60) for Pittsburgh. His next start will be in the wild-card game against the Cubs. Cole is 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts this year against the Cardinals. Matt Carpenter is 6-for-19 with two homers career off him.

Key trends: The Cardinals are 1-7 in Lyons' past eight on the road. The Pirates are 12-1 in Cole's past 13 at home vs. teams with a winning record. The "over/under" has gone under in eight straight Pirates games vs. a lefty. The under is 9-4 in Cole's past 13.

Early lean: This is TBA because the Cards could clinch Wednesday night. I like Pittsburgh and the under regardless of if they do.


Red Sox at Yankees (TBA)

Masahiro Tanaka will return to the Yankees' rotation for this one. Tanaka was skipped on his last turn through the rotation with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He made it through a couple of bullpen sessions over the weekend without issue. Then presumably Tanaka (12-7, 3.38) would start the wild-card game against an opponent TBA. Tanaka is 3-0 against Boston this season in three starts despite a 5.19 ERA. David Ortiz is 3-for-14 off him with a homer. Sox lefty Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39) had a streak of three straight quality starts end last time out, allowing four runs in 6.1 innings vs. the Rays. He is 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA this year against the Yankees. Brian McCann is 5-for-10 with a dinger off him.

Key trends: The Red Sox are 1-6 in Miley's past seven on the road. The Yanks are 8-2 in Tanaka's past 10 vs. the AL East. The over is 5-1 in Miley's past six. The over is 4-0 in Tanaka's past four vs. Boston.

Early lean: Another TBA because Yanks could be eliminated from the AL East on Tuesday and/or clinch the top wild-card spot.


Nationals at Braves (+144, 8)

This almost surely will be the final start for Jordan Zimmermann in a Nationals uniform as he will be a free agent this offseason and not expected to return to Washington -- you hear a lot of rumors about the Wisconsin native perhaps signing with the Cubs. Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68) was knocked around last time out, allowing six runs in five innings to the Phillies. He is 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts this season against Atlanta. Freddie Freeman is 9-for-25 with three doubles off him. Nick Markakis is 9-for-7 with a homer. It's rookie Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04) for Atlanta. The Braves have won his past two and he has allowed three combined runs over that stretch. Only a couple of Nationals have ever faced him.

Key trends: The Braves are 1-4 in Perez's past five at home. The over is 4-1 in Zimmermann's past five. The Nats are 6-0 in his past six vs. Atlanta.

Early lean: Nationals and under.


Cubs at Reds (+139, 7.5)

This could be Jon Lester's final start of the season for Chicago. Well, it should be his regular-season finale, but Lester would then only pitch in Game 1 of the NLDS -- and obviously the Cubs would have to win the wild-card game (with Jake Arrieta on the mound) for that to happen. The lefty Lester (10-12, 3.43) has lost back-to-back starts, both at home. Lester has struck out 198, second-most by a Cubs lefty in a season behind Ken Holtzman, who fanned 202 in 1970. The Reds' Joey Votto is 2-for-9 off him with two extra-base hits. It's Anthony DeSclafani (9-12, 3.91) for the Reds. He is 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA this year against the Cubs. Kris Bryant is 4-for-9 off him with two RBIs. Anthony Rizzo is 0-for-14.

Key trends: The Cubs are 4-1 in Lester's past five vs. teams with a losing record. The Reds are 5-2 in DeSclafani's past nine vs. the NL Central. The under is 6-0-1 in Lester's past seven on the road.

Early lean: Cubs and under.


Dodgers at Giants (TBA)

This is the ESPN nightcap and will also have live betting at sportsbooks. The Dodgers had another shot to clinch the NL West on Tuesday night behind Clayton Kershaw, so you will want to hold off before betting this one because certainly L.A. will be resting regulars on Wednesday if it does clinch. It's Mike Bolsinger (6-5, 3.48) for Los Angeles. He has an 8.66 ERA in his past four starts. He is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts this year against the Giants. San Francisco goes with Mike Leake (10-10, 3.89), likely making his final start in a Giants uniform. He is 1-5 in eight starts with them since coming over from the Reds.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 1-4 in Bolsinger's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The Giants are 1-4 in Leake's past five. The over is 4-1 in Bolsinger's past five vs. the NL West.

Early lean: Wait on Tuesday's result.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers September 30, 8:05 EST

When Texas Rangers are at home with Yovani Gallardo on the mound 'Under' has been the right choice. In his fifteen home starts the 'Under' has hit 12 times with 2 'Over' and 1 'Push'. The 'Under' has also been the right choice in Gallardo's last 16 vs a team with a losing record (3-12-1 O/U). Gallardo is scheduled to get the ball in the final of a three game set vs Detroit on Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's six-pack

-- Derrick Rose is hurt (again); broke an orbital bone in practice. Am guessing he'll be just fine by the time tryouts for the Olympic team start.

-- Angels passed Houston for the second Wild Card slot; they're a half-game up and there are five days left to go.

-- Cleveland Browns fired their offensive line coach after his off-field problems; not a good thing to have to replace a coach during the season.

-- Speaking of distractions, Missouri suspended its starting QB, who is pretty good player. This is very bad news for the Tigers if it lasts more than a game.

-- I'm curious if any NL teams will bat their pitcher 8th next week.

-- SMU basketball goes on probation; how does Larry Brown still have a job?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Wednesday

DODGERS (Bolsinger) @ GIANTS (Leake) 10:15 PM

Take: GIANTS

The Giants won’t be successfully defending their title as last night’s result means the Dodgers are the NL West kings. The Giants are toast as far as the wild cards are concerned, so we won’t be seeing a rerun of Madison Bumgarner’s 2014 post-season heroics.

I’m sure Mike Leake has to be disappointed. Leake was moved from Cincinnati to San Francisco at the trade deadline and the Giants were hoping he’d fill a pitching void well enough to help the team get to October.

That move didn’t pay off for Leake or the Giants. He had injury issues upon his arrival on the west coast, and the fact is Leake hasn’t pitched especially well for his new team. But I like his chances of at least closing out his campaign on a high note with a win tonight.

This is a hangover special for the Dodgers. They finally snapped their losing streak on Tuesday evening and then popped the champagne corks in a boisterous celebration after the division clinching win.

I’ll be surprised to see many of the regulars in the lineup for LA tonight. It’s customary for the shock troops to get the bulk of the action the day after a clinching clubhouse party. With at least a few of the Dodgers battling injury issues, I would be stunned if several don’t get a night off here.

Mike Bolsinger gets the start for the visitors. While he certainly qualifies as a pleasant surprise this season for the Dodgers, Bolsinger has not been sharp lately and I would have to list him the in the go against column right now.

From the Giants perspective, there’s nothing much at stake here. But this remains a rivalry for San Francisco and you can be sure they didn’t enjoy the specter of the hated Dodgers celebrating on their turf last night. I think that’s incentive enough to lean the Giants way tonight.

Note that there is no betting line on this game as I’m writing this. Follow me on Twitter (@davecokin) as I’ll update at some point as to whether this play makes my personal ticket tonight. But assuming the price is not unreasonable, I’ll be playing the Giants.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Wednesday, Sept. 30 7:15 PM

(963) LOS ANGELES DODGERS VS (964) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Take: UNDER THE TOTAL

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Dodgers and the Giants in San Francisco. No DH in this one in a big park, plus both can play strong defense. LA is on a 13-4 run under the total against a team with a winning record. Mike Bolsinger (3.48 ERA) has good stuff and excellent control, with the team 4-2 his last six starts. The under is 21-8 on the road against a team with a winning record. San Francisco has veteran Mike Leake going, who also knows how to throw strikes and has a 2.57 ERA against the Dodgers this season. The under is 21-8-2 in the Giants last 31 home games vs. a team with a winning record. And the Under is 18-7-4 in the last 29 meetings in San Francisco. Play the Dodgers/Giants under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play WED Cubs w/Lester -165

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

8* Free Pick Over

Both the Colorado Rockis and the Arizona Diamondbacks are among the top eight teams in baseball for runs scored on the year and I expect to see plenty of action over the plate when the teams clash tonight. Chad Bettis will take the ball for the Rockies coming off three solid starts. He struggled immensely against the D'backs on Aug. 31 though surrendering four runs on 11 hits through six innings of a 5-4 win. Paul Goldschmidt is 2-for-4 with a double in previous meetings with Bettis and has recorded an RBI in six of his last eight games overall.

Chase Anderson will take the ball for the D'backs coming off six innings of one-run ball at Dodger Stadium. He did however give up five runs on five hits with a pair of homers in just two innings of a 6-2 loss to the Giants his last home start. He has a 4.80 ERA over 12 home starts on the season and has posted an 8.14 ERA over 21 innings of work against the Rockies this season. Charlie Blackmon is 5-for-10 with a home run and two doubles off Anderson this season and Nolan Arenado has three homers against him.

Note that:
- Over is 4-1 in Colorado's last five games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Over is 4-1 in Anderson's last five starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
- Over is 5-1-1 in Anderson's last seven starts vs. Colorado and 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in Arizona.